summary
- Transport capacity in Mediterranean countries, with the exception of Slovenia, returned to pre-pandemic levels in summer 2023 as borders reopened and people became more willing to travel.
- Spain, France and Italy remain the largest markets in terms of international production capacity in the Mediterranean region.
- The fastest growing destinations in the Mediterranean are located in the southeast, with seven of the top 15 destinations in Greece. The Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos have significantly increased their capacity and attracted more international travelers.
The Mediterranean region is one of Europe’s most popular leisure destinations. Diverse landscapes, warm summer temperatures, sandy beaches, and famous historic buildings attract millions of tourists each year.
As of summer 2023, production capacity in all Mediterranean countries except Slovenia has returned to pre-pandemic levels. This is due to a number of factors, including the reopening of borders post-pandemic, people’s increased desire to travel, and the resource and aircraft availability challenges facing airlines and airports in 2022.
summer international capacity
The Mediterranean region consists of approximately 22 countries in Europe, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. All regions are seeing a range of post-pandemic activity. While Turkey continues its upward trajectory, Spain, France and Italy remain the largest markets in terms of international capacity.
Graph: simple flight
Spain will have approximately 144.4 million seats in summer 2023, an increase of 45.6% compared to the same period in 2013. France came in second with approximately 109.4 million seats, an increase of 32.1% since summer 2013. Italy came in third with nearly 105.3 million seats. However, Albania had the largest increase in seats, increasing by 277% from summer 2013 to 5.82 million seats. Greece was next with an increase of 147%, followed by Turkey with an increase of 114% and Croatia with an increase of 104%.
Fastest growing destination
To find out more, OAG looked at Mediterranean holiday destinations with more than 1 million international seats. It found that the top 15 fastest-growing Mediterranean destinations are increasing their international transport capacity by more than 100% and are all located in the southeast region. Additionally, seven of these destinations are in Greece.
In the Greek Republic, production capacity has increased by 366% in Santorini (JTR) and 250% in Mykonos (JMK) over the past 10 years. Earlier this year, the European Travel Council acknowledged that American vacationers are most likely to travel to Greece in 2023, ahead of Italy and Spain. Greece’s natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere continue to attract more and more international travelers.
Graph: simple flight
In the Balkans, Albania and Croatia are becoming increasingly popular as potential alternative warm destinations. The number of international seats to Albania’s capital Tirana (TIA) increased by 273% in summer 2013 compared to the same period 10 years ago. Meanwhile, Croatia’s Zarda (ZAD) grew by 171%. Approximately 93% of transportation capacity is provided by LCCs. Another Croatian city, Split (SPU), increased by 155%.
slowest growing mediterranean destination
The top 15% of destinations all grew more than 100%, while the bottom 15 grew less than 62%. Among the bottom 15, Spain’s Gran Canaria (LPA) had the highest growth rate at 62%, followed by Portugal’s Faro (FAO) at 60% and France’s Marseille (MRS) at 59%. . Conversely, Girona (GRO) has declined by 45% in his 10 years. These all represent more traditional and mature destinations in the Mediterranean region.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
According to OAG, the fastest-growing destination in the Southeast is growing in popularity due to its combination of white sand beaches, ancient landmarks and great cuisine. The beaches of the southeast are said to rival the iconic coastlines of the Caribbean. Recent trends suggest that travelers to the Mediterranean increasingly prefer memorable and authentic escapes to affordable, mainstream holidays.
What do you think about this story? Have you visited the Mediterranean recently? Share your experience in the comments!
sauce: OAG