Spain has emerged as the standout destination for September travel, accounting for close to 28 percent of bookings tracked by one major platform and outpacing rivals such as Greece, Italy and Turkey. The figures point to a growing appetite for shoulder season trips that avoid peak summer crowds and prices.
Overall September bookings across Europe rose sharply compared with a year earlier, as travellers spread their holidays across a longer season. Warmer autumns, more flexible working patterns and a search for value have all encouraged the shift away from the traditional July and August peak.
Elsewhere, the travel map is changing. Thailand is trimming its visa free stay for some visitors, while new airline routes are opening fresh connections between the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Europe. New Zealand, meanwhile, reported strong annual visitor growth as long haul demand recovered.
For the industry, the trend toward shoulder season travel offers a chance to smooth demand and ease pressure on crowded destinations. For travellers, it promises milder weather and lower costs, provided popular spots such as Spain do not simply shift their congestion into the autumn.
