Desire for vacation

The most important finding of the study shows that despite the still prevailing uncertainties in everyday life, at work and also in holiday planning, the desire to travel has not disappeared. The fact that many people have not taken a vacation in a year increases their desire for variety. According to the survey, 79 percent of Austrians are planning or considering a summer vacation this year. Among Germans, this figure is 71 percent.

Austria should benefit

As in the previous year, many people are planning a holiday at home this summer. Just over half of Austrians who are considering a holiday would like to spend it at home. Just over half of Germans are also planning a holiday in their own country. 13 percent of Germans for whom a holiday is an option want to come to Austria. This also puts Austria in the top 3 foreign destinations for Germans in the summer of 2021, behind Italy and Spain. According to the study, domestic tourism could expect a potential of 2.8 million guests from within Austria and 5.6 million guests from Germany this summer.

Concerns remain

However, people are not completely relaxed about the summer holiday. Most of them are worried that they won't be able to go on the trip as planned. This is the worry of 65 percent of Austrians and 66 percent of Germans. But many people are also concerned about the uncertainty that the conditions in the respective country or in their own country may change during the trip. The view of the entry regulations also unsettles. The fear of contracting Covid-19 at the holiday destination is far less pronounced in comparison and even lower among Austrians (35 percent) than Germans (47 percent).

At the resort itself, people worry about whether the restaurants and other attractions are open without restrictions. The different Corona regulations are also causing uncertainty for some. "Communication of the measures and framework conditions is particularly important this year. Guests need to have a clear picture of what to expect at the resort," says Petra Stolba, Managing Director of Österreich Werbung, adding: "Of course, it is just as important that the communicated measures are also adhered to on site."

Austria can score with this

The study also surveyed what people expect from a summer holiday. At the top of the list are rest, relaxation, distance from everyday life and nature experiences. People finally want to enjoy their well-deserved time off and do so together with family or friends. "Exercise in nature, especially hiking and walking is gaining even more importance. Among Germans, cycling and e-biking are also becoming increasingly important. For Austrians, swimming in the lake is also very popular this year. It is obvious that culinary delights are gaining in importance for guests from Austria. This means that regular guests can be addressed. At the same time, we see enormous potential for awakening interest in holidays in Austria among new guests as well," says Andreas Winkelhofer, Managing Director of Upper Austria Tourism and current spokesman for the regional tourism organisations.

Short term bookings

Due to the current situation, however, many holidaymakers decide to book at short notice. The study shows that the majority of Austrians and Germans decide on a destination only one to three months before departure, sometimes even more spontaneously. This year, holiday trips with a duration of 5 days or longer are being planned. The survey also asked what Austrian holidaymakers pay particular attention to when booking. According to the survey, the most important criteria to be met are a money-back guarantee in case the trip cannot be taken and suitable cancellation conditions. Also important to guests are a low incidence of infection at the holiday destination and appropriate hygiene measures in the accommodation.

"Tourism businesses and destinations have further sharpened their security concepts in recent months in coordination with the authorities. They are excellently prepared and now also need consistent planning security for the summer," Winkelhofer demands.

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