August 5 - The latest analysis of Flight Search data by ForwardKeys reveals that not all of Europe has the same attitude towards travel and airfares. This highlights the important role of flight restrictions, seat capacity and governments policies on quarantine have on the travelling consumer but also on the overall economic impact on the travel and tourism sector.

 

When looking at the Flight Search data provided by Skyscanner regarding airfares for peak summer months, July and August, there are two trends taking shape.

 

The first is that it appears that out of the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands – key source markets for Southern Europe; the UK has the most heavily discounted airfares, down by approximately 30%. The Netherlands is next in line with discounted airfares to Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.

 

 

Meanwhile, in Germany and France, the airfares to Italy have increased. “Simply put, when there are fewer seats and flights available, fares go up,” says Luis Millan, Senior Researcher at ForwardKeys.

 

Digging deeper into the data by examining the week by week developments since January through to now, one notices the average fares evolution pending on the government decisions taken. Fares from EU countries started to gradually recover price levels of 2019 as demand was stimulated when respective nations announced they would be open for EU travellers versus the restrictive measures in the UK deterring demand.

 

 

This is point two – how the government manages its take on COVID-19 safety and the travel agreements it makes, impacts on the consumer demand which then influences the fluctuation of the airfares and bookings.

 

Top Flight Searches: Catania & Palma de Mallorca

July and August in Italy this year will be different. Different from the typical holiday destinations of Rome, Florence and Milan will not be swamped with tourists from Germany.

 

According to the latest Flight Search data, Catania in Sicily has captured the attention of holidaymakers from Berlin and Frankfurt. Could this be due to the aggressive marketing campaign the regional tourism board has been promoting?

 

 

Meanwhile, when searching for a summer holiday in Spain, Palma de Mallorca tops the charts for Germans. A tradition that continues and thrives, despite an international pandemic and is greatly assisted by unilateral travel corridors by regional ministries such as the Balearic Islands and airline companies.

 

With the latest news fresh out of the UK regarding quarantine for all travellers returning from Spain, let’s see how the travel patterns will shift.

 

 

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