The results of the latest Eurobarometer show that the 72% of EU citizens travelled in 2011, and more than 80% said that they would do so in 2012. Over 30,000 randomly selected citizens aged 15 and over responded to this survey in which shows that the European Tourism sector has performed well, and it even grew in 2011. The European Commission assures tha the sector will further improve in 2012.

The European Commission presented its latest results of the Eurobarometer survey in which it shows that the 72% of EU citizens travelled in 2011. The proportion of EU citizens who went away last year (72%) remained substantially unchanged compared to previous year’s survey. In 2010, the number of Europeans that enjoyed their holidays increased more than in 2009. European travellers preferred their own country (Greece 80%, Italy 74%, Croatia 73%), or another country in the EU. Spain was the most visited country in 2011 (11%), followed by Italy (9%), France (8%), Germany (5%), Austria (5%) and Greece (4%).

In addition, the majority of EU-residents are confident travellers, who prefer arranging their holidays by themselves: 53% of Europeans booked their holidays via internet. The survey also shows that travelling is done mostly by car and motorbike. Those who travelled in 2011 preferred to travel by these means of transport (78%), much more than in 2010 (44%). However, 2011 also recorded a slight increase in the use of aeroplanes compared to 2010 (46% compared to 39%).

The European citizens have been also asked by their plans to travel in 2012. Thus, and despite the crisis, 73% of the respondents will not give up to their holidays despite the crisis, although 33% have had to change their original plans. 41% of respondents who will travel in 2012 are planning longer holidays (between 4 and 13 nights), rather than short–stay trips (27%). Preference will be given again to their own country (52%) or to another country in the EU (37%). Preferred destinations in 2012 will be Spain (10%), Italy (7%), France (6%), Greece (4%), Austria, United Kingdom and Germany (3%).