According to LFT’s latest quarterly report, the leisure tourism sector saw further increases in visits and overnight stays in 2021, but not back to pre-pandemic levels.
Luxembourg for Tourism has published its first 2022 quarterly report. The 44-page document provides an overview of tourism activity in 2021 and an analysis of the first quarter of 2022. It also presents initial economic forecasts and travel trends for the current year.
In 2021, the hotel sector recorded about 970,000 overnight stays, up 16% compared to 2020. However, the figures remain 41% lower than those of 2019. Campsites reported about 522,000 overnight stays over the period, down 1% compared to 2020 (-45% compared to 2019)*.
Last year, the biggest increase in visitors was in rentals (106,000 nights, +18% compared to 2020) and youth hostels (83,000 nights, +42% compared to 2020)*.
RevPar (Revenue Per Available Room) in the hotel sector was €42, up 29% compared to 2020. However, it remains 60% lower than in 2019**.
41,825 overnight stay vouchers were used by residents and cross-border commuters between January and September 2021, of which 89% in hotels and 10% in campsites.
Over the same period, the occupancy rate in hotels was 39%, up 36.5% compared to 2020, but 50% lower than in 2019. Accommodation in private homes (Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, etc.) rose to 55% – up 39.3% compared to 2020, but identical to 2019 figures – for a RevPar of €50***.
Tourist visits on the rise
In 2021, the number of visitors to tourist sites increased compared to 2020: in castles (+13%), museums (+52%), leisure sights (+43%), and for guided tours (+35%).
Last year, the number of international arrivals in Europe increased by 19% compared to 2020,
Growth was fuelled by intra-European proximity tourism and picked up during the second half of 2021. In this respect, Luxembourg performed better than the European average.
“Overseas travel expenses outperformed arrivals in terms of growth, reflecting travellers’ desire to experience better quality travel experiences,” concludes the report.
The activity report also includes initial estimates for business and leisure travel for 2022 and 2023, which forecast an upturn in both tourism segments.
UPWARD TRENDS IN 2022
- Online requests relating to Luxembourg increased considerably in 2022, particularly from French and Belgian tourists, followed by their Dutch, German or even Spanish counterparts (for flights).
- On Google, the interest in searches for accommodation in youth hostels, hikes and city stays has particularly increased.
- Online bookings for hotel stays and flights to Luxembourg have also increased considerably since the beginning of the year, especially after 21 February.
- 2022 campsite reservations exceeded those of 2020 by 55%, in particular thanks to increased demand from Belgian and German tourists.
* According to Statec’s provisional figures
** Source: MKG
*** Source: Transparent
Contact:
Alain Krier
Head of Research & Media Management