The ITB World Travel Trends Report has shown a record number of trips taken by European travellers this year with further growth expected in 2015.
According to the report, which was conducted by IPK International, compared with last year there has been a 3% rise in foreign trips, which on average were shorter but spending per overnight grew by 4%. 
Despite Europe’s weak economic growth and risks such as the crisis in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, Europeans travelled longer distances and more often. 
Among Europeans the Internet became an increasingly popular tool for making reservations. Bookings via this medium rose by 7%, while travel agency figures stagnated. During the first eight months of 2014 holiday trips grew by 5%, with city breaks registering a major increase (10%). By contrast, holidays in the snow and the countryside registered declines. Business travel increased by a mere 1%. However, a new trend has emerged: MICE travel has become increasingly popular, whereas conventional business trips fell by 3% due to budget constraints.
During the first eight months of this year the number of trips to Africa increased slightly. However, further developments must be awaited due to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. 
Europeans are confident regarding their travel plans for 2015. Overall, foreign trips undertaken by Europeans are expected to rise by 3%, which could herald another year of solid growth. At plus 7%, the UK would appear to be among the fastest-growing source markets, along with those of Switzerland, Poland and Russia at an estimated 4% each. Foreign trips undertaken by the German market are forecast to rise by 2%. 
All the findings are based on information from papers held at the World Travel Monitor Forum in Pisa, which is sponsored by ITB Berlin. Every year the consultancy IPK International invites more than 50 tourism experts and researchers from around the world to present the latest statistics and trends in international tourism.