After a year marked by social movements, inflation or even riots, the French need a breather. At least the ones that can. According to most of the intent surveys published on the subject, tourists may be a little less numerous starting this year.
According to a survey carried out by the CSA institute for the Cofidis company, 60% plan to leave this summer compared to 63% last year. A slightly lower proportion but of a comparable order of magnitude.
Average budget up to 23%
On the other hand, what changes strongly is the budget that they intend to dedicate to it this year. Still according to this survey, the average amount is 1,986 euros per household, 23% more in one year (1,614 euros in 2022). An increase of more than 300 euros that breaks all records.
On the one hand, the French have integrated price increases linked to inflation into their budget forecasts. Above all, after a year of deprivation that resulted in a contraction in consumption and an unprecedented increase in the level of savings, they seem ready to dive into their woolen stockings to indulge themselves.
200,000 train tickets at half price
As for the modes of transport, it is the train that is winning the hearts of vacationers a little more this year. The SNCF has announced that it has already sold 500,000 more tickets for the summer than last year, 10% more. Compared to before Covid, growth was even as high as 15%, despite a significant price increase in the last two years.
To allow more French people to travel at low prices, Transport Minister Clément Beaune also announced on Friday that the company will sell 200,000 tickets at 19 euros for intercity travel, that is, the main lines without TGV. Tickets that can be purchased until July 15 for trips until August 31.
Enthusiasm for Brittany
The especially busy lines will have the west of the country as their destination this year. According to the booking site PAP Vacances, the craze for Brittany is particularly strong, to the detriment of Mediterranean destinations.
The company, which analyzed nearly 208,000 reservation requests in 2023, even notes a notable drop on the Côte d’Azur (-21%) and a very clear decline in Languedoc (-9.4%). On the other hand, the Brittany departments are full: +21.6% for Côtes d’Armor, +17.7% for Finistère or even +10% for Morbihan.
Too hot (30° on average in summer), too expensive (1400 euros per week on average), too frequented by an international clientele, the Côte d’Azur is less and less popular in the hearts of the French. With temperatures from 3 to 9°C lower, specifies PAP Vacances, and prices 40% lower, Brittany is an increasingly attractive alternative.
The “all inclusive” is popular
The last great trend of the summer that is developing strongly this year: the “all inclusive”. Once synonymous with luxury and associated with Club Med villages, the “all-inclusive” stay continues to be more popular. This year, Lidl Voyages recorded a 10% increase in its all-inclusive bookings, which now account for two-thirds of stays purchased on its platform.
At Promovacances/Fram, this “already very popular” formula has registered a growth of +8% this year,” says the tour operator.
If the average budget for this type of service is quite high (2,900 euros on average for a family stay according to Lidl Voyages), customers see it as a good way to control their expenses and limit extras.
Source: BFM TV
