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📅 In the first half of 2024, AirPlus International recorded a 1.7% increase in business travel spending by European companies compared to the same period in 2023, with a 1.6% rise in the number of tickets booked. Although UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany had minimal impact on business travel, there was a notable shift towards earlier bookings, with flights booked 28.8 days in advance on average, up from 26.3 days in 2023. Female travelers booked 32 days ahead versus 27.2 days for males. Average trip duration slightly decreased from 5.9 to 5.8 days, and one-day trip percentage dipped from 6.8% to 6.7%. Weekend business travel starts rose to 16%. Business class flight bookings increased from 10.8% to 11.1%, and premium economy from 1.8% to 2%, while economy bookings dropped from 87.2% to 86.8%. Long-haul travel assumedly rose, as intra-European travel slightly fell from 52.7% to 52.2%, and flights from Europe to other continents grew from 15.6% to 16.1%. Average economy fare went up by 1.5% to €526, whereas business class average fare decreased by 2.1% to €3,784.

🏨 Occupancy rates for Italian hotels peaked during Ferragosto on August 15 at 85%, and 86% on August 16, 2024. RoomRaccoon analyzed over 1,000 rooms nationwide, revealing a 66% increase compared to the seasonal average from June 1 to August 18. Average Daily Rate (ADR) was €200, €26 above the summer average of €174, while Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) rose by 37% to €159.

💸 Nearly 40 million people in the EU couldn't afford a holiday in 2022, according to a study by the European Trade Union Confederation (Ces). In Italy, over 6 million skipped vacations, especially families with at least one child. Due to inflation, cost of living increases, and low wages, this trend may rise in 2023-2024. Nearly half of Italians (49%) won't vacation this season, with 64% aged 25-34 or over 64. Vacation villages, campsites, and hostels saw prices rise by 18.8% in June 2024, with a 14.5% increase in national holiday packages within a month, maritime transport up by 11.4%, and beach resorts and pools by 10%.