August holidays: Paduans' booking habits are changing: the survey

Longing for a vacation, Paduans are preparing to leave. According to data collected by the Confesercenti Economic Observatory of Central Veneto in early July, the majority of Paduan respondents (61.1%) have yet to go on vacation.

Nicola Rossi, president of Confesercenti Central Veneto, comments: "Summer is finally in full swing. The data collected by our Economic Observatory confirms that, even for summer 2025, Paduans maintain a strong propensity for travel, with August remaining the preferred month for vacation. The choice of predominantly Italian destinations, particularly seaside and mountain destinations, highlights a continuity with established habits, but also a growing focus on quality leisure time." The data on the use of digital channels—with over 50% of respondents choosing online booking—highlights, on the one hand, growing autonomy and flexibility on the part of tourists, but also raises some concerns. "Relying exclusively on the web," Rossi continues, "can mean sacrificing the professionalism of industry professionals: professionals capable of guiding informed choices, suggesting alternative destinations, personalizing travel options, and offering authentic experiences of discovery and culture. Furthermore, agencies guarantee protection and safety, especially given the complex and constantly evolving regulations governing international travel, as well as adequate insurance coverage. It is therefore essential not to lose the added value that only human contact and the expertise of operators can offer. Finally, it is interesting to note how new needs are emerging for ancillary services, such as dog sitting or shared mobility, which open up opportunities for developing increasingly personalized tourism offerings that meet the real needs of travelers. Tourism therefore remains a key sector for the local and national economy, and these data encourage us to continue investing in quality, innovation, and hospitality.

August remains the most popular month, with 62.4% of respondents choosing a seaside destination. The most common destination is in Italy, particularly in central and northern Italy (43.1%). 26.2% chose Veneto, while the remainder opted for the south and the islands. 28.4% chose a European destination. Regarding bookings, 57.8% of the sample has already booked accommodation, while the others will likely opt for last-minute options. The most popular booking channel is online, preferred by 50.6% of respondents, signaling a growing trust in digital platforms for vacation planning. Approximately 13.6% will be staying with friends, 6.2% organized their trip with the help of an agency, while 18% have yet to book. Finally, others rely on recommendations from acquaintances, homeowners, or have not yet booked. On average, Paduans going on vacation will spend €2,000 per household. The majority are made up of two people (36%), followed by a family of four (29.1%). Although August remains the most popular month, the days when cities were completely empty are long gone. Trips abroad are fairly uniform, while for Italian destinations, Paduans have preferred destinations outside the Veneto region, both for the seaside and the mountains.

Regarding accommodation, 21.4% of respondents prefer hotels, followed by bed & breakfasts (16.7%), and camping (10%). Compared to last year, the choice of apartments decreased by 6%, compared to 10% last year. The choice of agritourism also decreased (from 4% to 2%). 53.1% of respondents chose the seaside as their main destination, followed by the mountains at 36.7%. Art cities accounted for less than 16% of preferences, and other types of trips, such as experiential trips, accounted for 8%. Among the additional services desired by vacationers, dog-sitting services ranked first, followed by car sharing, bike storage, bike sharing, and children's activities. Vacations have a positive effect on well-being, resulting in increased energy and productivity upon return. According to the survey, the main desire for vacations is a desire for knowledge, followed by relaxation and a break from work.