2023-12-19 05:00:00
When it comes to their vacations, the French are no exception. Earlier in December, an Ifop study carried out for the real estate broker Ymanci revealed that six out of ten French people plan to reduce their spending linked to end-of-year festivities, whether family meals, outings and gifts. If this budget restriction is more marked within poor and modest socio-professional categories, it does not spare financially more comfortable households: 79% of middle-class French people also say they are in this situation this year, but also more half (56%) of people considered well-off (more than 2,500 euros net monthly income).
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Ski departures on the rise this winter
However, according to the Opinion Way-Orisha barometer, published at the end of October, 26% of French people plan to go skiing during the 2023-2024 winter season, compared to 19% just a year ago. As a reminder, this same initial intention was only 20% in October 2021 and 11% in October 2020, a year marked by successive confinements. “ Reservations for the Christmas holidays are up compared to last year » recently confirmed Jean-Luc Bloch, president of the National Association of Mountain Stations. The Alliance France Tourisme, which specifies that the reservation rate for the first week of vacation (between Christmas and New Year) is higher than for the second week, emphasizes for its part that, in certain areas such as Chamonix-Mont- White or Paradiski, this rate “ reached » or even “ exceeded » already 80% in mid-November.
But, and this can partly explain this contradiction, faced with rising prices, 85% of respondents to the Opinion Way -Orishan survey planning to go skiing plan to change their consumption habits and more than 1 out of 2 (52%) consider the rental price as a key criterion in 2023.
Budgets under control thanks to rentals with services included
As for Belambra, which manages more than 50 clubs throughout France, Alexis Gardy, its president, confirms “ a promising start to the season “. To explain it, he highlights “ the advantage of the club offer which allows you to control your budget ».
Within the 5B sites, the operator’s premium offer, customers will even be able to benefit from an all-inclusive offer, including in the two residences that Belambra has just opened, in Deux Alpes and Flaines: “ The price includes all services: accommodation, sports and recreational activities, children’s clubs, catering, bar, ski return, afternoon tea, explains the boss. Then, depending on whether the customer is an experienced or occasional skier, they can add their equipment, package and lessons to suit their needs. Customers appreciate knowing exactly what they will have to pay, without unpleasant surprises ».
Another reason given to explain this beautiful winter holiday season which is coming: “ the desire to find yourself “in real life” », Says Pascal Recorbet, president of Nemea, a group which manages 95 to 100 residences depending on the season for a turnover of one hundred million euros.
Nemea notes a 17% increase in the occupancy rate in its mountain establishments for the next school holidays and also highlights budget control. “ Our apartments are fully equipped and therefore you do not have to go to the restaurant. Guests benefit from included services including an indoor swimming pool. Everything is included: the budget is controlled from the start ».
Great breakthrough for Brittany
Beyond skiing, Pascal Recorbet points to a great breakthrough in Brittany this winter with an occupancy rate of 65% in its residences, an increase of 9% compared to last year. According to him, the implementation of included services also explains this enthusiasm: “ we had the idea of managing a residence in Brittany like in the mountains. Going for a walk, even in a little rain, before freely enjoying the hammam, sauna or indoor swimming pool, it’s an option that pleases ».
Furthermore, both in the mountains and in coastal areas, Nemea notes that “ the French are looking for authentic experiences such as accompanying a snow groomer on the slopes “. Finally, for winter holidays in France, the France Tourisme Alliance highlights “ the undeniable success of the Christmas markets ».
Japan, the winter surprise
Despite international news, the desire to go on vacation abroad also seems intact. According to the latest figures from the tour operating companies union (Seto), compiled at the end of October, reservations even show an increase of 19% for this winter season (November-March).
But like every year, there are winning destinations and losers. Sales to Jordan and Egypt, “ even if they are not at a standstill », explains Frédéric Pilloud, digital director of Misterfly, collapsed due to the war between Israel and Hamas. For this online travel agency, the winter bestseller is undoubtedly New York: “ the ban on Airbnb for rentals of less than thirty days benefits tour operators who package flight + hotel offers “. Other positive surprises this winter 2023-2024: “ the renewed interest in Morocco, which offers sunshine in winter and which can pose itself as an alternative to Egypt”, but also the Canaries and the United Kingdom “which is experiencing an influx of visitors to London, mainly for Harry Potter related trips “. Misterfly also notes that Thailand is becoming a popular destination again “ thanks to better air service “. Finally, ” despite its high cost, Japan is growing strongly. Asia specialists are successful ».
In search of distant winter suns
For Eva Fouquet, Senior Vice-President of the Kayak comparator: “ Their travel budget remains a priority for the French ». « Many are looking for sun. Tunis and Cancun, which are not usually part of our “top”, are in high demand this winter, as is Mauritius. Zanzibar is also trendy “. Reunion particularly stands out, it is even the most popular destination for Kayak users. Furthermore, specifies Eva Fouquet, “ the French seem to want a more luxurious experience, whether on the plane or in their choice of hotels “. To help them save money, the comparator – which links to partner sites – gives some tips: to benefit from the best prices for a flight to Asia, it is best to book your flight 24 weeks in advance. For flights to North America, the Caribbean or the South Pacific Islands, it is 26 weeks.
Emergence of ecological choice criteria
For these 2023 Christmas holidays, London, Lisbon and Prague make up the podium of the European destinations most sought after by Kayak users. A success which should continue at the start of 2024 since the search for flights for these cities records a sharp increase compared to 2023: respectively, more than double for London, 36% for Lisbon and 76% for Prague.
Finally, even if many French people do not seem ready to give up their winter vacations, ecological concerns are becoming more important in their choice. Kayak thus notes “ a 9% increase in searches for electric or hybrid cars “. For his part, Alexis Gardy, the boss of Belambra, believes that vacationers are now willing to make efforts: “ Last year, in the context of colossal inflation in energy prices, our customers understood our decision not to heat certain common areas when they were empty. We all take responsibility together ».
The environmental action of mountain operators appears all the more crucial for their future as the Opinion Way study highlights a growing reflection among French people in favor of the eco-responsibility of their ski holidays: 12% of respondents having planned leaving will choose “an ecological, responsible and sustainable resort”. This choice criterion even rises to 26% for 18-24 year olds.
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