MADRID – Holiday bookings to Spain have soared until the summer of 2022, according to the latest figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Furthermore, Omicron only seems to be causing a temporary delay in the bookings that are now pouring in massively.
According to the latest figures from the international WTTC, Spain is head and shoulders above the rest of Europe. The bookings during Semana Santa have provided a powerful boost to national and international tourism.
Spain head and shoulders above the rest of bookings in Europe
In fact, tourist bookings for Spain increased by 320% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. In the rest of Europe, that percentage is 200% more bookings. With regard to the summer, bookings are 80% higher than during the summer of 2021.
Omicron just a temporary rebound according to Spanish travel industry
WTTC Chair Julia Simpson tells Hosteltur.com about these encouraging numbers. The emergence of the Omicron variant only seems to cause a temporary delay in booking travel. After more and more scientists declare Omicron is a variant with a higher infection rate but that hospital and death rates are much lower, the aviation sector is also convinced that Omicron is “just a temporary revival”.
Tourism fair Fitur starts with a hopeful message
Simpson attended the Fitur 2022 international tourism fair in Madrid, which kicked off this week with a message of hope. All Simpson hopes is that the Spanish government will not come up with stricter measures such as border controls. “It is now clear that closing borders are unnecessary to stop the virus and to be able to travel safely,” said Julia Simpson.
For Spain, the tourism sector is of great importance to the economy. In Europe, tourism represents 9.5% of European GDP, for Spain, it is no less than 14%. Simpson: “Being able to travel is not only crucial for travellers, but also for the Spanish economy.”
