Europ Assistance holiday barometer
How Switzerland spends its holidays
What does a successful vacation look like from the point of view of the Swiss? How much do they budget for their trip, which destinations are the most popular, and what's on their minds when planning their summer? The answers to these questions are provided by the Europ Assistance Holiday Barometer, which has been published annually for 22 years now.
Holiday barometer 2023 edition
76% of Swiss people have concrete vacation plans for 2023 and will be going away at least once in the summer - this is the result of the 22nd Europ Assistance Holiday Barometer.
About the Europ Assistance 2023 Holiday Barometer survey
For the past 21 years, the Europ Assistance Holiday Barometer has been studying the travel habits of people around the world. This study, carried out in collaboration with Ipsos Public Affairs, involved a representative sample of the population in each country, made up of people aged 18 and over, using the quota method (gender, age, profession) after stratification by region and urban area.
The fieldwork was carried out between March 20 and April 7, 2023 on a total of 15,000 people.
Travel habits unchanged after covid
Overall, the impact of Covid has diminished considerably among holidaymakers intending to travel this summer. Inflation, personal reasons and ecology remain the main factors holding back their enthusiasm. As for the Swiss, a majority (76%) intend to go on vacation this summer, a figure stable compared to last year and much higher than in the pre-Covid period (62% in 2019).
Travel budgets increase year on year
Unsurprisingly, the Swiss have the highest budget for their summer vacations (ahead of the Germans and Austrians). While the European average is around €1,918, the Swiss plan to spend no less than CHF 3,443 on vacation indulgences. This represents a 25% increase over last year.
The impact of inflation on Swiss vacation plans
Generally speaking in Europe, it's the accommodation budget that will be adjusted in line with inflation. In Switzerland, however, travel plans will not necessarily be modified or adapted in this inflationary context.
The Swiss travel the longest
The average European summer vacation lasts 1.8 weeks, with the Swiss planning the longest at 2.1 weeks. This duration changes very little from year to year, with a single drop during the Covid period.
A preference for destinations outside Switzerland
Only 22% of Swiss people plan to stay in Switzerland this summer. This is lower than in 2021 and 2022, but still higher than before the Covid period. The majority of holidaymakers are therefore planning to travel abroad this summer, preferring nearby destinations such as Italy (27%), France (16%) and Spain (12%).
The Swiss prefer to escape to the sea
It's the seaside that mainly attracts Swiss holidaymakers, just like their neighbors. Over the past 2 years, cities have become the 2nd most popular destination in all European countries, ahead of the countryside and mountains. The choice of a destination is mainly guided by the fact of having already visited it and, of course, the weather.
The Swiss book their vacations a few months in advance
Overall, in April, almost 2 out of 3 people had still not booked their summer holiday. Last-minute plans are less common this year, and the Swiss, in particular, tend to plan their stay between 2 and 4 months before departure.
Air travel still the preferred means of transport for the Swiss
While Europeans still prefer to use their own vehicles to go on vacation, this habit is fading somewhat in favor of air travel. In all cases, practicality in reaching the destination is the first criterion of choice. In Switzerland, in particular, air travel is the preferred mode of transport, followed by the private car.
Accommodation preferences remain unchanged
Swiss holidaymakers still prefer to stay in hotels during their vacations (even more than in 2022), far ahead of renting a house or staying with friends/family.
More sustainable travel habits
The majority of Swiss say they are ready to adopt new travel habits by supporting the local economy, reducing waste in the destination country, or behaving responsibly so as not to waste local resources. These considerations are becoming increasingly important every year.
Working where others take their vacations
While telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular, the number of people intending to work at their vacation destination is on the rise this year, with 34% of working people in Switzerland doing so. The majority of these people intend to work from abroad.
This is seen as a way of extending vacations by arriving earlier at the destination and leaving later.
Unlike in other countries, in Switzerland it is more common to change initial plans and replace vacations completely with work.
Preparing for the summer season with peace of mind
Going on vacation with peace of mind means going with peace of mind. Whether you're staying at home or abroad, our travel insurances offer you essential guarantees for a peaceful summer: reimbursement of cancellation costs, 24-hour assistance and repatriation, medical expenses abroad, baggage cover... Discover all our options here.
