Most Popular European Cities with High Reservations for the Initial Half of June
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, has risen to the top of the list of most reserved European cities in June 2020. According to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council and ForwardKeys, this surge in popularity can be attributed to Lisbon's rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, good weather, and comparatively more affordable costs, making it an attractive and safe destination during these uncertain times [1][4][5].
Lisbon's appeal, coupled with the Portuguese government's commitment to implementing comprehensive health and safety measures, has helped the city rebound quickly from the initial pandemic downturn. These measures include adapting the tourism infrastructure to guarantee hygiene, enforcing social distancing, and monitoring crowd density to ensure visitor safety [1]. The city's reputation for safety, along with its walkability, has further reassured tourists during their visits [4].
The Portuguese government's efforts to restore confidence in travel have been successful, making Lisbon a leading choice in Europe as restrictions eased. The city's quick tourism rebound reflects travelers' trust in these safety measures and their desire for quality travel experiences [1].
The city's rise in popularity is not a one-off occurrence. Lisbon has significantly moved up in the rankings compared to its 2019 position, where it was in ninth place [6]. This is a stark contrast to cities like London, which has dropped to 10th place, a significant fall from its first position in 2019 [7]. Barcelona has also seen a decline, moving down to ninth place from its fifth position in 2019 [6].
The data also shows that new flight bookings for all international future departures from the EU slumped by 80.2% in the first half of June 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. However, this represents a recovery from a 92.3% decline in May, suggesting a gradual return to normalcy [8]. Paris and Amsterdam follow Lisbon in the list of most reserved European cities [1].
Portugal's success in managing the pandemic is evident in its high testing rate among European countries, a crucial factor in controlling transmission [9]. The country has established enhanced hygiene and safety protocols to welcome tourists, further boosting its appeal [10].
In summary, Lisbon's unique blend of cultural richness, historic sites, scenic views, affordable luxury, and a reputation for safety have made it the most sought-after European city during the pandemic. The Portuguese government's commitment to implementing health and safety measures has played a significant role in restoring confidence in travel to Lisbon and the country, making it a leading choice in Europe as restrictions ease.
[1] World Travel & Tourism Council [2] ForwardKeys [3] Data not available [4] Lonely Planet [5] The Guardian [6] European Best Destinations [7] Visit Britain [8] International Air Transport Association [9] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control [10] Portugal Tourism Board
- The surge in Lisbon's bookings can be attributed to its eco-tourism destinations, rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, good weather, and comparatively more affordable costs, making it an attractive and safe destination for tourists during these uncertain times.
- Lisbon's quick tourism rebound reflects travelers' trust in the city's health and safety measures, enforcing social distancing, adapting tourism infrastructure for hygiene, and monitoring crowd density to ensure visitor safety.
- The data shows that Lisbon has significantly moved up in the rankings, with other popular European destinations like London and Barcelona seeing a decline, highlighting the city's unique appeal for a lifestyle that balances culture, history, scenic views, and affordable luxury.
- In a gradual return to normalcy, Portugal's success in managing the pandemic is evident in its high testing rate among European countries, establishing enhanced hygiene and safety protocols to welcome tourists, further boosting its appeal as a leading choice in Europe for eco-tourism and travel.
