Tourism : 20% of overseas bookings this summer, compared to 66% usually

The operating loss for the sector of travel agencies and tour operators "will be in the range for the year 2020 is complete, between 600 million and 1 billion euros".

travel agencies more than ever in the face of uncertainty. Only 20% of the bookings for the summer relate to foreign countries, compared to 66% usually stays in the Hex being widely preferred in the wake of the pandemic Covid-19, said on Monday the profession.

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"It is very late in terms of bookings," said Jean-Pierre Mas, president of the Business of the Trip, at a press briefing. "Last week, the bulk of the bookings, that is, 80% were in France, and 20% abroad, mainly to Greece and the Spanish island", he detailed.

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A ratio is normally reversed

"This ratio is completely reversed. Usually, the sales by travel agents, by number of passengers, are 33% for France, including overseas territories, and 66% for overseas," summed up Jean-Pierre Mas. "It is intuitive, but the French have want of proximity, speak the same language, and also, even if they do not say so, a hospital system reassuring", according to him.

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In the travel agencies online, "the activity level is currently between 25% and 30% compared to the same period last year", while for the agencies physical "this level is between 10% and 15%. It is little, but it leaves more than two months of total inactivity", highlighted Jean-Pierre Mas.

An operating loss between $ 600 million and one billion euros

It is estimated that the operating loss for the sector of travel agencies and tour operators "will be in the range for the year 2020 is complete, between 600 million and 1 billion euros," after taking into account measures of aid from the government. "The sector is affected in the medium term, and perhaps even in the long term," said Jean-Pierre Mas.

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According to a poll BVA-Business Travel unveiled Monday, a total of 59% of French people intend to go on holiday this summer, and "four-fifths" will opt for the Hexagon, "which is higher than usual, there is a form of centering," says Christelle Craplet, director of customer PVA, present at the press briefing.

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Christelle Craplet states that 56% of those planning to leave have not yet booked their holidays : "it is quite unheard of, the context of uncertainty and waiting has delayed the projects," she said. This survey BVA-Business Travel was conducted by internet between June 2 and 4 on a sample of 1 055 people representative of the French population aged 18 years and over.