The European Travel Commission (ETC) has released the 21st edition of its report assessing short-term travel intentions among European travellers across 10 source markets within Europe. According to the Monitoring Sentiment for Domestic and Intra-European Travel survey, 72% of Europeans plan to travel within the next six months, with Portugal remaining among the top 10 preferred destinations.
Among those intending to visit Portugal in the coming months, approximately 30.4% have already visited the country before — a clear indication of high satisfaction and a strong intention to return. Other top destinations include France, visited previously by 46.3% of respondents, and Spain, by 42.9%.
When choosing a destination, personal safety emerges as the most important criterion, selected by more than half of the respondents. This reflects growing concerns among tourists about choosing locations that ensure peace of mind and a sense of security during their stay.
Favourable weather conditions were the second most important factor, highlighted by 39.1% of respondents. This underscores the appeal of destinations offering sunshine, mild temperatures and a lack of extreme weather — all contributing to a more enjoyable travel experience.
In third place, 34.8% of respondents cited the availability of promotions and attractive offers, confirming that price and perceived value continue to play a major role in travel decision-making.
These findings reveal key trends for the tourism and hospitality sectors, reinforcing the need for an offer that combines safety, climate comfort and competitive pricing.