According to figures from Statec*, 52% of leisure trips were made by private car by residents in Luxembourg. Air travel comes in second place with 35%, an increase in absolute terms: 1 million air journeys were recorded, compared with 940,000 in 2022 and 840,000 in 2019.
Public land transport (train and bus) accounts for only 10% of journeys, down from a peak of 14% in 2009. For short trips, cars remain overwhelmingly dominant (78%), far ahead of trains (13%) and buses (5%).
In terms of destinations, residents have a clear preference for European destinations. No less than 92% of leisure trips and 87% of business trips by Luxembourg residents were to Europe. This predominance can be explained by geographical proximity, the diversity of tourist attractions and ease of access.
The three neighbouring countries remain the most popular destinations:
- France: 20% of leisure trips, 16% of business trips
- Germany: 12% (leisure), 15% (business)
- Belgium: 9% (leisure), 11% (business)
Behind this trio are the highly popular destinations of southern Europe:
- Spain, Italy, Portugal: between 7% and 9% of leisure trips each
- United Kingdom: also in the top 7 business destinations
The big comeback of long-haul destinations
After a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021, travel outside Europe has not only returned to its pre-crisis level, but has even exceeded it.
In 2023:
- 8% of leisure trips took place outside Europe
- 6% of business trips took place in America (including 4% in the United States)
- 6% in Asia, with destinations such as China, India and the United Arab Emirates
City, sea or countryside?
In terms of the types of places visited, Luxembourg residents show a clear preference for city breaks:
- 55% of leisure trips are to cities
- 30% to the seaside
- 25% to the countryside
- 12% to the mountains
This hierarchy reflects a tendency to combine culture, gastronomy and accessibility, while maintaining an attraction for natural landscapes and seaside holidays.
Why do we go on holiday?
According to a Statec study, residents go on holiday to rest and spend time with their loved ones. More specifically, 68% of residents use their holidays or visits to family and friends to rest, 45% to spend time with the people they are travelling with, and 41% to spend time with people they meet at their holiday destination. Residents also take advantage of their leisure trips to visit cultural attractions (31%), play sports (28%), go shopping (28%), attend a show or festival (15%), or visit an amusement park (13%).
*Source: Statec, Tourism in Figures – 2024 Edition
