L'Agence Savoie Mont Blanc conducts barometer surveySummer 2022: what is the travel behaviour of Dutch tourists to the French regions this summer?

19 May 2022 - Like every holiday season, L'Agence Savoie Mont Blanc conducted a barometer survey from 21 to 29 April also for this summer. The survey focuses on the travel and booking behaviour of the four main markets for tourism within and to France. These markets are France, the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. A total of 3,565 people were surveyed, including 720 Dutch people.

Few suffer from corona fear and inflation

For the past two years, tourists have been limited in planning and booking their holidays due to the corona pandemic. Currently, this seems to be behind them but many tourists are more concerned about the economic problem. Yet tourists do not want to let these two problems get in the way of holiday plans that are finally possible again.

As a result, the percentage of French tourists who have already booked has risen sharply. 4 in 10 French people will definitely go on holiday, this is an increase of 7 points compared to the same period last year. This is also true for the Dutch. 4.2 out of 10 are already sure, 3 out of 10 are still in doubt (this was still a figure of 45% last year) and 2.8 out of 10 say they will not go. These figures indicate that departure intentions are even slightly higher than before the pandemic. However, we are still cautious. People are opting for certainty and research shows that this year Dutch tourists are opting more for scheduled package holidays and less for private bookings.

Dutch are most positive

Despite the French, British and Belgians being concerned about rising prices and recurrent infections of corona, the Dutch remain mostly positive. We are determined to go on holiday again after two years of obstacles. We are so excited that we even want to go on holiday for longer. More than half (59%) of those surveyed said they plan to go on holiday for 9 days or more (some even more than 15 days). As a result, 30% of the Dutch say they will allocate more budget for the summer holidays. In addition, the percentage still hesitating to book is easily persuaded with offers and a range of ''short-stay'' holidays to keep costs down.

Savoie Mont Blanc mountains increasingly popular

In winter, the French mountains are popular among Dutch tourists. In summer, the attraction is also growing. Summer mountain holidays currently rank in third place, behind holidays at the coast and in the countryside but above city trips. Tourists travelling to the French sun are mainly couples and families travelling in the high season.

The mountains are seen as a haven for peace, space and freedom. Not surprisingly, they are just now becoming more popular in the summer months. The mountain and lake region of Savoie Mont Blanc, which covers two-thirds of the French Alps, is up about 12% in popularity. This is almost a doubling compared to last year. In the mountains, we love hiking, cycling, swimming, soaking up culture and enjoying gastronomy.
All in all, it is a positive outlook for the summer season. Tourism to French areas is increasing, we are looking for peace, space and freedom but also want to be active and want to enjoy longer, well-earned holidays that were not a given for two years.

Over Savoie Mont Blanc

Savoie Mont Blanc covers as much as two-thirds of the French Alps. It is the umbrella name of the French departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The area is home to 112 of the best and most renowned resorts in the world. That means a mountain paradise with majestic peaks and stunning views. Savoie Mont Blanc is thus very attractive in the summer season, between the four great lakes and mountains. It is a paradise for mountain lovers, with vast protected areas, a national park (La Vanoise), two regional parks (Bauges and Chartreuse) and many nature reserves. For more information, visit https://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/en