According to recent figures from travel agency TUI, Flemish travelers in 2024 are experiencing both shorter and more expensive summer holidays compared to the previous year. The findings, which cover the period from Friday, June 28, to Sunday, September 1, highlight significant shifts in travel behavior and preferences.
This summer, Flemish holidaymakers spent an average of 7.8 nights on vacation, a reduction from the 8.3 nights recorded in the summer of 2023.
Despite this decrease in duration, the average cost per person for a flying holiday has risen by 3%, reaching €1,431. In contrast, the cost for car holidays has remained relatively stable, with travelers spending around €531 each, similar to last year’s figures.
TUI’s data reveals a 5% increase in Flemish travelers this summer compared to the previous year. The rise is attributed to a trend towards more frequent but shorter holidays. TUI notes that the high volume of early bookings during a rainy spring and a surge in demand for sunny destinations made last-minute arrangements more difficult.
“Families appear to be opting for shorter, more frequent breaks rather than longer vacations,” said a spokesperson from TUI. “The trend towards booking earlier has made last-minute planning increasingly challenging, especially during peak travel times.”
The report also indicates that Flemish travelers show a strong preference for familiar destinations. For flight holidays, the top five destinations remained consistent. Spain continued to be the most popular choice, attracting one-third of the travelers, followed by Greece with 22%, Turkey with 18%, and Tunisia and Egypt, each with 4%.
Notably, Egypt, traditionally considered a winter destination, saw a 30% increase in visitors from Flanders this summer. Meanwhile, Albania experienced the most significant growth, with a 40% increase in travelers. Cape Verde also saw a 22% rise in Flemish tourists.
In terms of car holidays, Austria emerged as the favorite route, with 30% of travelers heading there. France followed with 26%, and Italy with 15%. Slovenia saw a notable increase in popularity, with a 22% rise in Flemish visitors.
City trips also saw varied trends. Rome, Barcelona, and London remained popular choices, while New York experienced a dramatic increase, with three times the number of Flemish visitors compared to the previous summer.
TUI’s figures provide a comprehensive overview of evolving travel preferences among Flemish holidaymakers. The trend towards shorter, more frequent holidays, coupled with rising costs, reflects broader changes in vacation habits and economic factors influencing travel decisions.
