Spain and Curacao most favourite destinations

Dutch holiday research shows: Taking a plane to the sun remains popular

More than half of the Dutch population is considering taking a sun/sea/beach holiday by plane in the next three years. Spain is the most popular destination in the Mediterranean; amongst the long-haul sun destinations the Caribbean Island of Curaçao is most popular. Despite the bigger chance of extreme weather (heat waves, etc.), most fly/sun holidaymakers want to continue to undertake this type of holiday. This is evident from a large-scale consumer survey in Holland conducted by Dutch research agency Trends & Tourism in May into the market for flying/sun holidays.

More than half (56%) of the Dutch population is considering a fly/sun holiday in the next three years. Young people and higher educated people in particular want to go on a sun/sea/beach holiday by plane. Of the Mediterranean destinations, Spain (63%) and Greece (57%) are the most considered by fly/sun holidaymakers. Italy and Portugal follow with 45% and 42% respectively. Not only is Spain the most considered, but it is also preferred by most Dutch tourists (34%).

When it comes to distant sun destinations, Curaçao is considered most often (4

Taking a plane to the sun remains popular

Dutch tourists continue to go on sun holidays despite chance of extreme heat

9%), followed by Bali (35%), Thailand (30%), Bonaire (30%) and Aruba (26%). In terms of preference, Curaçao scores highest (24%).  A pleasant climate and beautiful beaches are the most important aspects when it comes to flying holidays to the sun. Four out of ten fly/sun holidaymakers also think it is important that there is more to do than merely sun/sea/beach. Popular (side) activities among fly/sun holidaymakers are eating out (tasting the local cuisine) and sightseeing..

Half of the holidaymakers prefer to stay in a somewhat large-scale accommodation, with many amenities, close to shops, restaurants, etc. About 40% prefer small-scale accommodation, a little away from the hustle and bustle and one in ten has no preference.

Most fly/sun holidaymakers want to continue to make sun/sea/beach holidays in the Mediterranean despite a greater chance of extreme weather. However, half of them expect to go more often in the pre- and post-season. Less than 5% expect to stop making sun/sea/beach holidays in the Mediterranean due to the increased chance of extreme weather.