76% of Europeans Plan Winter Trips for October 2026‑March 2027
The European Travel Commission reports that 76% of surveyed Europeans intend to take an overnight trip between October 2026 and March 2027, marking a three‑percentage‑point increase over the previous year and highlighting strong demand across major tourism markets.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Travel intentions rise to 76% for the October 2026‑March 2027 period
- Timing
- Findings published in November 2026 covering the six‑month winter season
- Who is affected
- European residents planning autumn and winter holidays
The details
- Announced by
- European Travel Commission
- Takes effect
- November 2026
Survey Overview
The European Travel Commission released its latest monitoring report in November 2026. The study surveyed residents of ten European countries about their travel intentions for the upcoming winter season.
- 76% intend to take an overnight trip between October 2026 and March 2027
- This is a three‑percentage‑point increase from the previous year’s survey
Key Destination Preferences
France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom emerged as the most popular foreign destinations. Poland recorded the highest intention rate among surveyed nations at 87%.
- France leads for Belgian, Italian and Spanish respondents
- Spain is top for British and Dutch respondents
- Italy ranks first for French and Polish respondents
Implications for the Tourism Sector
The strong intent signals potential demand for airlines, hotels and regional transport operators, though intentions do not guarantee actual bookings. Businesses can use the data to plan capacity and marketing for the winter period.
- Cross‑border connectivity may benefit from higher demand
- Accommodation providers can anticipate increased interest in cultural and coastal destinations
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travel agents can highlight the high intent rates when promoting autumn‑winter packages
- Airlines may consider adjusting winter schedules to match expected demand
- Hotels in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the UK might see higher booking inquiries
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced by the survey findings
- Travel insurance providers may see increased interest as travellers plan winter trips
What you need to do
- Monitor airline and hotel availability as the October‑March window approaches
- Review travel‑restriction updates for each destination before finalising bookings
- Consider early booking to secure preferred dates given the strong intent levels
Who this affects
-
European residents planning winter holidays
Survey shows 76% intend to travel overnight between October 2026 and March 2027
-
Tourism operators in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom
These countries rank among the top preferred foreign destinations
-
Airlines serving intra‑European routes
Cross‑border travel intentions are high for the winter season
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of Europeans plan winter trips for 2026‑2027?
Seventy‑six percent of surveyed Europeans intend to take an overnight trip between October 2026 and March 2027, according to the European Travel Commission’s November 2026 report.
Which European countries are most popular for winter travel intentions?
France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom are the leading foreign destinations, with Poland showing the highest overall intention rate at 87%.
When does the winter travel intention period run?
The surveyed period covers six months from October 2026 through March 2027.
Does the survey indicate actual bookings will increase?
The report notes that travel intentions do not automatically translate into confirmed bookings, but they suggest potential demand for airlines, hotels and transport operators.
How can tourism businesses use this data?
Businesses can plan capacity, marketing and pricing strategies for the winter season based on the strong intent levels, especially in the highlighted destination markets.
