According to the latest data published by the Travel Enterprises Union (EdV) at the end of October, overall demand showed an average drop of 4.9% in the number of reservations for the Christmas period. This gloom extends the already muted mood of the summer season.
Long-haul travel now accounts for only 11%
It is probably more a matter of purchasing power than an eco-conscious choice: long-haul trips are bearing the sharpest decline, with a steep 21% drop in bookings versus the previous year. Almost all destinations traditionally favored in winter are in the red: the United States down 22%, the Dominican Republic down 20%, and Martinique plunging 31%. Only Mexico manages to pull ahead with a modest 2% gain. Long-haul now represents just 11% of total reservation volume, reflecting travelers postponing or giving up on wide-angle departures.
Conversely, holidaymakers are prioritizing geographic proximity or more affordable alternatives. France remains at the top of the choices, albeit with a 5% decline. Spain declines significantly (-14%), while other countries benefit from this shift. Tunisia edges up slightly (+2%), Germany records a dramatic 157% increase, while the European short- to mid-haul market as a whole remains essentially stable (+0.6%). These trade-offs also reflect different stay preferences: standalone accommodations sales plunge by 18.6%, while bookings for organized tours manage to rise by 1%.
The Hope for a Last-Minute Rebound
This dip in activity as Christmas approaches confirms a trend observed throughout the year. From June to October, the overall number of bookings had already fallen by 5.8%, driving a 4.7% drop in business volume. Keeping the average basket nearly stable was not enough to offset the loss of customers, itself fueled by a global context that remains highly complex. The return of inflation and ongoing global geopolitical tensions continue to erode the disposable income available for leisure.
The national social climate further enhances this caution. Social movements and events in the second half of October directly weighed on the morale and confidence of both the French public and businesses. While activity remains stalled, industry professionals are now pinning their hopes on a late surge of last-minute bookings. “Let us hope that the desire to reconnect with family, to share special moments, and to change the scenery will prompt the French to book trips for Christmas and for the months ahead,” commented Valérie Boned, president of the Travel Enterprises (Entreprises du Voyage).
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