ETC data also show that in the last four months of the year, travel sentiment in Europe has seen the most notable year-on-year growth in China (+21 points) and Brazil (+13 points), SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
As for Japan, 27 per cent of respondents said they are enthusiastic about long trips in 2023 as a whole, and 13 per cent between January and April.
A significant development that will surely have a major impact on travel to Europe in the coming year is China’s reopening.
The removal of China’s zero Covid-19 policy has reinstated travel confidence among Chinese travellers, and China’s sentiment index for travelling to Europe is now at values close to pre-pandemic times, ETC’s President Luís Araújo pointed out in this regard.
The survey also reveals that when respondents were asked what would provide comfort for planning long trips this year, 41 per cent of them mentioned an improved financial situation.
At the same time, 35 per cent said that bargains and attractive offers for the trip and location at the destination would be influencing factors.
Further ETC data also show that after two difficult years due to COVID-19, the sentiment to travel in Europe between January and April this year, which is 115 points, shows a significant improvement compared to the same period last year, which was 94 points, and in 2021 which was 103 points.
Moreover, a total of 63 per cent of the Chinese respondents have in mind a European destination for their vacation this year.
Meanwhile, 40 per cent of American respondents intend to travel outside North America by April this year, and 33 per cent consider the EU a destination.
Such a figure shows a significant change because in 2022, only 28 per cent of Americans planned to travel abroad and 23 per cent to the EU.
In the United States, female travellers say 55 per cent of those earning $75,000 look forward to travelling, compared to just 20 per cent of respondents in other income groups.
On the contrary, 20 per cent of US travellers are open to solo travel.
The Canadian market is also showing gradual recovery as the share of Canadians planning to visit Europe between January and April increased from 15 per cent in 2022 to 29 per cent this year, with the sentiment index value remaining at 108 points as well.
However, 62 per cent of Canadian respondents said they would refrain from overseas travel in early 2023, with the main deterrent for 39 per cent being their available budget.
As a result, Canadians aim to visit France, Italy, Great Britain and Germany this year.
