Considering the continuing uncertainties of the pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine, a leading trend survey concludes there remains a keen demand for holidays over the coming months. The latest ITB Berlin IPK International’s World Travel Monitor survey on worldwide outbound travel trends in 2021 and travel intentions for 2022 revealed this.

In 2021, despite lockdowns and tight travel restrictions, outbound travel increased worldwide, while solid growth in travel in the second half of the year delivered an upturn in international tourism. However, around the world and in the individual travel segments, trends varied. Outbound travel for Americans and Europeans saw double-digit growth last year, but in Asia, outbound travel continued to decline.

Travel prospects in 2022

Even when taking into account the continuing uncertainties presented by the Covid-19 pandemic now in its third year and the war in Ukraine, current survey results reflect keen demand for holidays and points to strong growth and clear recovery over the coming months.

The latest surveys conducted by IPK around the world show an ongoing strong interest (80%) in outbound travel this year, despite Omicron. In Europe, outbound travel intentions have remained stable, at almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels, while in America, they have reached now almost 75% and in Asia 66%. Globally, source markets with a high potential for outbound travel are mainly Germany, the UK, the USA, France and the Netherlands.