Advance travel bookings have increased by an average of 21 days at the start of 2023, reaching a range of 90-96 days and thus returning to the levels seen in 2019, according to data from the Travel Trends Observatory of InterMundial, which covers a 55% share of the tourism distribution market in Spain.
The data reveals a gradual return to pre-pandemic normality in traveler behavior, although there is still room for recovery compared to the more than 100 days of average advance booking that were recorded four years ago.
In any case, the trend is that the perception of uncertainty is decreasing, travelers feel more comfortable, and consequently, they are once again planning their trips several months in advance, which is a tremendously positive element that influences the optimistic forecasts held by the tourism sector as a whole.
Naturally, longer advance booking times most clearly affect long-haul travel, followed by trips within Europe and the Mediterranean. However, domestic travel still has room for recovery in terms of advance bookings.
The InterMundial Travel Trends Observatory (OTVI) warns that pre-pandemic levels of tourism activity and profitability have not yet been fully recovered, so it is advisable to remain cautious and maintain flexible policies so as not to undermine traveler confidence or sales.
“At this moment, restoring strict cancellation policies for providers—hotels, flights, trains, and in general, for any tourism service—would be inconsistent with the goal of consolidating the path to recovery. We must give travelers the confidence and peace of mind they need. We must be bold and strategically commit to maintaining flexibility, which results in higher occupancy and more bookings,” says Carlos Uceda, Business Development Director at InterMundial.
.png)
