Travellers are regaining pre-pandemic confidence and the tourism sector is benefiting. This is what emerges from the study of Spanish traveller trends in 2023 by Marriott Bonvoy, which shows that holidays focused on wellness will be the predominant choice for Spanish tourists this year (72%). Travellers, who have become aware of their wellbeing (54%), no longer want to return from their holidays more tired (38%).

Authenticity in travel is also gaining momentum. Nearly 60% are keen to discover new destinations and cultures, while four out of ten confess that they love to discover the gastronomy of the places they visit.

More travel and spending

Similarly, Spaniards plan to resume their pre-pandemic travel habits. Four out of ten intend to take more trips than in 2022, in an attempt to make up for lost time.

Despite inflation and the rising cost of living, 44% of travellers plan to spend more than they did in 2022 on their holidays. Eighty-six percent of respondents plan to take a trip this year and most are looking to protect their holiday budget. Only 13% say they will travel less for financial reasons.

Planning becomes essential (38%) to ensure they can travel to the destination they are most interested in and manage their savings wisely. Thus, the data show that Spaniards are once again booking more in advance (24% more bookings between 61 and 180 days in advance).

Price, cleanliness and sustainability, priority factors

House rentals (9%), all-inclusive resorts (9%) and flats (9%) continue to be the most demanded options among Spaniards. As a consequence of the pandemic, cleanliness is a priority for Spanish consumers (62%), second only to price (74%). Location (56%) and tranquillity (36%) are other priority factors for nationals, according to Marriott Bonvoy’s Spanish Traveller Trends 2023 report.

Sustainability has become a key factor to consider. Sixty-nine percent say that environmental issues influence their travel arrangements and 30% are influenced by them in their travel plans (they only spend money with environmentally conscious companies). Almost four out of ten are aware of the impact of their holidays on the environment.

Where they will travel to

Almost seven out of ten Spaniards will spend their holidays in Spain, although short-haul trips are also planned: Italy (18%), France (17%), Portugal (13%) and the UK (9%).