More than half of the Dutch people want to take a sun/sea/beach holiday by plane in the next three years. Spain is the most popular destination. Among the faraway sun destinations, Curaçao is the most popular. This is evident from a large-scale consumer survey conducted by research agency Trends & Tourism in May into the market for flying/sun holidays. Remarkably, despite the greater chance of extreme weather (heat wave and the like), the vast majority of flying/sun holidaymakers want to continue to undertake this type of holiday. More than half (56%) of the Dutch population is considering taking a fly/sun holiday in the next three years. Young people and higher educated people in particular want to go on a sun/sea/beach holiday by plane. Among the Mediterranean destinations, Spain (63%) and Greece (57%) are the most considered. Italy and Portugal follow with 45% and 42% respectively. Spain is not only the most considered, it is also the most preferred (34%). When it comes to distant sun destinations, Curaçao is considered most often, followed by Bali, Thailand, Bonaire and Aruba (26%). In terms of preference, Curaçao scores highest (24%). A pleasant climate and beautiful beaches are the most important aspects of choice when it comes to flying holidays to the sun. Four out of ten fly/sun holidaymakers also think it is important that there is more to do than sun/sea/beach. Popular (side) activities are eating out (tasting the local cuisine) and sightseeing. Half of the travellers prefer to stay in a somewhat large-scale accommodation, with many amenities, close to shops and restaurants. Four out of ten prefer small-scale accommodation, a bit away from the hustle and bustle. The vast majority of sun holidaymakers want to continue to make sun/sea/beach holidays in the Mediterranean despite a greater chance of extreme weather. However, half of them expect to go more often in the pre- and post-season. Less than 5 percent expect to stop sun/sea/beach holidays in the Mediterranean due to the increased chance of extreme weather. The study also examines the booking behaviour of potential fly/sun holidaymakers. Among other things, the degree of organization (package holiday vs self-arrangement) are discussed, providers that are considered, which providers are preferred, reasons for choosing a provider, travel costs, period between booking and departure, etcetera. More information can be found at www.trends-tourism.nl(Photo: Shutterstock).
