Summer holidays: the French’s good plan in 2023!

IN SHORT

Increased competition between travel agencies and online platforms.
Price drop air and rail transport.
Promotional offers to stimulate bookings.
Growing popularity lesser known destinations.
Increased flexibility travel dates for families.
Increase in purchasing power for certain categories of travelers.
Government initiatives to support local tourism.

French summer holidays are experiencing unprecedented accessibility this year, sparking growing interest among travelers. Several factors combine to make these summer stays more affordable, ranging from economic adjustments to initiatives from tourism stakeholders. In a context of post-pandemic recovery, promotional offers are increasing, while competition between destinations is increasing. Thus, many vacationers can enjoy a summer dedicated to escapism, without sacrificing their budget. Let’s analyze together the reasons for this encouraging trend.

A downward trend in budgets #

This year, the French are showing a desire to reduce their vacation budget. According to the latest figures, average spending for this summer fell by 14%, from 1,656 to 1,428 euros. This movement can be explained by an uncertain economic context, where many households are seeking to act more prudently.
Nearly four out of ten vacationers plan to limit themselves to a budget of 1,000 euros, showing a real change compared to previous years. The once-common trend of higher spending appears to have given way to more realistic and moderate vacation management.

The need to adapt to economic challenges #

The economic situation of the country plays a crucial role in this accessibility of summer stays. Price increases and persistent inflation have forced the French to rethink their spending. Among those who decided to continue their vacation, more than half of them announced a reduction in their budget dedicated to food and going out to restaurants.
Retirees, by contrast, remain the biggest spenders, with an average budget of 1,722 euros, thus highlighting generational differences in the approach to summer vacations.

An evolving tourist offer #

The tourism sector has also adapted to this new dynamic. To attract more budget-conscious customers, many service providers have developed attractive offers. On the one hand, discounts on accommodation, activities and catering are increasingly common, making vacations more accessible.
On the other hand, the diversity of destinations has also contributed to this increased accessibility. Vacationers now have a wide range of options to suit all budgets, making it easier to choose stays that match their financial capabilities.

Consumer behavior #

This year, the changes in consumer behavior are remarkable. The French began to look more actively for promotions and great offers to maximize their savings.
Here are some strategies adopted by vacationers:

Compare prices online before booking.
Use booking platforms offering discounts.
Plan your vacation in the off-season to benefit from lower rates.

These behaviors demonstrate a new approach to managing summer expenses, favoring more altruistic and informed decisions.

A need for rejuvenation #

Finally, despite budgetary constraints, the need to escape and recharge one’s batteries remains strong among the French. The importance of summer vacations in French culture is recognized, and even in times of financial restrictions, many people consider these times essential to their well-being.
Thus, the search for a balance between budget And escape becomes a major issue for vacationers. The French favor shorter but nonetheless enriching stays, seeking to make the most of their summer without compromising their financial situation.
In short, the current context of summer vacations in France demonstrates a desire to adapt in the face of economic obstacles, by offering appropriate solutions accessible to all.