Press Release: Tourism’s robust and resilient performance expected to continue in 2013

The tourism sector is one of the few sectors that have continued to grow and create jobs, despite the crisis. Seven out of ten Europeans travelled in 2012 (the same proportion as in 2011). And of EU holiday makers, as many as 88% spent their vacations somewhere within the EU, either in their own country or in another Member State.

The industry's robust and resilient performance is expected to continue in 2013: three quarters of respondents to a recent EU survey (75%) are planning to go on holiday this year, although 34% will adapt their holiday plans to take the economic situation into account. Holiday plans for 2013 closely resembled the destinations chosen in 2012. Spain (12%), Italy (8%) and France (7%) are still the most preferred destinations, and 51% plan to take a holiday in their own country.

ESO: Background Information: Travelling in Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/travel-in-the-eu-travelling-in-europe/

ESO: Background Information: Statistics: Tourism http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-statistics-tourism/

ESO: Background Information: Tourism http://www.europeansources.info/showDoc?ID=1141040&SI=230583&SS=D&PN=1&CI=0&PS=25&FT=B&searchTerm=tourism

European Commission: Rapid: MEMO/13/175: Last year 88% of holidaymakers stayed in the EU. Where will they go in 2013? http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-175_en.htm

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