Australians are changing the way they travel to Europe, with more and more tourists opting to explore the continent during the “shoulder seasons” to avoid overtourism and the impacts of climate change. Exclusive data obtained by news.com.au from online travel giant Webjet shows a significant increase in flights booked for May and June compared to the peak season in July and August.
Industry experts attribute this shift to Aussies “wising up to mass tourism” and seeking a more authentic travel experience. Brett Mitchell, the Australian managing director for Intrepid Travel, highlighted the negative effects of overtourism on local communities, such as inflation and the loss of cultural heritage.
In addition to avoiding crowds, travelers are also adjusting their itineraries to visit iconic attractions early in the day. Cities like Venice and Amsterdam have implemented measures to combat overtourism, such as entry fees for day trippers and bans on new hotels.
Climate change is also influencing travel patterns, with Southern Europe experiencing extreme heat that is expected to worsen in the coming years. Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton predicts that within the next decade, Aussies will prefer to visit Europe during Easter and September school holidays instead of the popular summer months.
The trend towards shoulder season travel is evident in Italy, where Australian visitor numbers in September and October have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Emanuele Attanasio from the Italian National Tourist Board noted that Aussies are exploring lesser-known regions and undiscovered gems, seeking a more authentic and sustainable travel experience.
Overall, travelers are becoming more conscious of their impact and are choosing to support local communities by staying in locally owned accommodation and engaging in local experiences. The shift towards shoulder season travel reflects a growing awareness of the importance of responsible tourism in preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of popular destinations.