According to a new study by MMGY Travel Intelligence, 61% of American travelers with plans to visit Europe this year intend to follow through despite the war in Ukraine.
Last week, MMGY Global’s research and insights brand surveyed more than 400 leisure travelers who had planned or were considering a trip to Europe this year. Capturing American sentiment on the evolving conflict and how it may impact European visitation and perceived travel safety worldwide, this study is the company’s second survey of American travelers on the topic since March. Below are other key findings.
- While a majority of those with plans to visit Europe intend to stay the course, one in three say the war will affect which countries they visit.
- 23% of those with plans intend to wait and see how the situation evolves before finalizing their plans, whereas 10% are likely to delay/reschedule and 7% are likely to cancel.
- Since the first wave of the study, traveler concerns about the conflict spreading to other parts of Europe have declined (62% to 54%), while concerns about the rising cost of travel have increased (32% to 38%).
- Of all respondents, four out of 10 (37%) attribute the rising cost of domestic air travel to the war in Ukraine.
- The war has also increased Americans’ concerns about travel safety in Europe (58% either agree or strongly agree). For many, it is also increasing their travel safety concerns in regard to travel to international destinations other than Europe (45%) and even travel within the U.S. (27%).
- Americans are more likely to consider Eastern European countries less safe than countries in Western Europe. Among those who have a trip planned, Poland, Germany and Austria are the countries outside of Ukraine and Russia perceived to be less safe as a result of the war.
Chris Davidson, EVP, MMGY Travel Intelligence, offered his insights on the findings as Europe’s tourism industry continues its gradual recovery from COVID-19 amid the ongoing conflict, “While the war in Ukraine is clearly a top-of-mind concern for many travelers, it does not appear that it will ultimately deter a majority of Americans from visiting Europe,” he said. “This is especially true of travel to Western European destinations that are perceived to be a bit more geographically removed from the conflict.”
