Domestic destinations set the tone for travelers' vacation preferences
Spanish people will travel more and will prioritize domestic destinations over Europe and the rest of the world for the summer vacations, a period in which the average expenditure will be 2,034 euros on average, according to the latest study by American Express Spain. There is a promising future for Spanish tourism among the Z generation, which is showing that travel is one of its priorities.
According to the study, 42% of those surveyed say they will spend between 1,000 and 2,500 euros, 33% will spend less than 1,000 euros, and 20% of the Spaniards surveyed confirm that they will increase their vacation budget this year. As a curious fact highlights the difference in spending between Madrilleños and Barcelona, since the first spend 50% more than the latter during these months.
In general, the study by American Express confirms that 58% of Spaniardsñoles will spend between one and two weeks to their vacations, i.e. the same figure as last year, while 33% of Spaniards will allocate three weeks to one month. In 2018 the percentage was 29. But this year, those who chooseán a vacation longer than a month decrease from 5% to 3%.
The study reveals that the average duration of the vacation rises to 15.8 days, marking a slight rise compared to last year. However, the Generation Z and Spaniards over 50 exceed this figure with an average of 17 days of vacation.
Domestic tourism is still the most demanded, but the interest in inland destinations in summer is decreasing. The coasts Spanish waves are still the most popular, an option chosen by 51% of the cases. However, interest in inland tourism is down 7 points compared to 2018, standing at 28%.
The accommodation and transportation are still the categories where more budget is allocated, with 36% and 21% respectively, although this year the percentage dedicated to leisure activities is up by two points (13%).
Although the hotel is still the preferred accommodation option for 50% of those surveyed, more and more people are opting for the practical vacation rental, which is the most popular choice;stico, which is up 3 points this year and now stands at 34%, although it is an uncommon option among the older or higher income segment.
The survey shows that among the youngest segment of the population, the most popular option is to look for alternative accommodation options, such as holiday rentals. Price and flexibility are the main advantages that users attribute to this type of accommodation, although younger people also choose this option for its location, privacy and better equipment options.
25% of travelers will use their loyalty program this vacation, either to accumulate points or to use the points to pay for part of the vacation. In addition, 34% of respondents say they would take out additional insurance, with health and cancellation coverage being the most in demand.
The use of cards is increasing, although the use of debit cards is decreasing and the installation of mobile payment apps is on the rise.Credit cards and payment at the end of the month (47%) and debit (44%) are the payment systems most used by Spaniards on vacation, although the use of the latter is down three points compared to last year.
By age, while younger people prefer cash and credit cards, older people prefer payment or credit cards. The general increase in the use of cards with deferred payment is noteworthy, with Spaniards between 38 and 50 years of age choosing this method the most (9%).
Among those who still do not have any mobile payment app installed, 21% express their intention to install it soon, which is 2 points more than in 2018. When using them, the main advantages cited are convenience (84%) and speed of payment (53%).
Travelers are increasingly forward-thinking, booking their summer vacations well in advance. Some 66% book three months or more in advance, and 71% of those surveyed book online with end suppliers. There is a significant increase in the use of mobile compared to 2018.