Italy is never boring for travelers. For the second year in a row, a Globus and Cosmos survey of more than 31,000 past travelers has revealed that Italy tops people’s bucket list for 2024. Ta. The country is just one percentage point below last year’s demand, dropping to 21% from 22% last year.
“I’m in awe of Italy,” said Steve Vaughn, chief marketing officer of Globus Family Brands. “From the art of Michelangelo to the artistic cuisine of the entire country, Italy invites travelers to enjoy La Dolce Vita in every way possible.”
Greece and Turkey came in second place, again for the second year in a row, but they dropped 3 points from 21% last year to 18% this year.
England, Ireland and Scotland each increased by 1 percentage point. Her 14% of respondents last year listed all of these as their top places to go. This year each received her 15% of respondents.
Fifth on the list is Portugal, with 11% of respondents saying it is a must-visit country in 2024.
Missing from the top five list is France, where 15% of respondents curtailed their desire to travel last year. This year, I couldn’t finish in the top five.
Culture, history, and “must-see” landmarks are the biggest motivators for travelers when choosing a package tour. Moreover, nearly 45% of travelers are interested in going to off-the-beaten-path places during their trip.
“There’s an outdated idea that tour travelers are only interested in classic locations in cities they absolutely want to visit,” Vaughn says. “Instead, our travelers want to walk along the cobblestones less traveled and are using tours as a way to reach new, exciting and off-the-beaten-path destinations.”
He added: “Our research shows that travelers want a combination of must-see attractions and the opportunity to personalize their vacation. 74% of guests value sightseeing with an expert guide. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want that opportunity too.” Most tour travelers (92%) believe it is important to have the opportunity to customize their vacation. ”
The survey also found that interest in solo travel is increasing. More than a quarter (27%) of travelers say they plan to travel solo on their next trip, twice as many as last year.
“People who are driven by wanderlust don’t want to wait for the perfect traveler to go on vacation,” Vaughn added. “On tour, this happens naturally, providing a ‘noro’ experience where you are never alone, even if you are alone.”