When choosing their holidays, excursions are the most valued service for Spaniards on board (67%), according to the "III Snapshot of Today's Traveler: Preferences and Their Relationship with Cruises," prepared by MSC Cruises. This underscores travelers' desire to make the most of each port of call to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the places visited. Cabin comfort (62%) and gastronomy (62%) follow closely behind, but exploring destinations remains the top priority.
Among excursions, guided tours are the most popular, with 71% of travelers choosing them. Spaniards value the opportunity to discover the history and culture of a place with an expert. Excursions focused on unique features and hidden gems are also very popular (66%), demonstrating an interest in authentic and less conventional experiences. Gastronomic options (39%) and cultural experiences (35%) also have their fans, but to a lesser extent.
Average expenditure by scale: differences by Autonomous Community
During layovers, Spanish tourists' spending in local shops and restaurants has a significant impact on the destination's economy. 41% of travelers spend between €50 and €100, while another 22% spend between €100 and €500, demonstrating a clear willingness to support local businesses. Even the lowest spending brackets, such as the 28% who spend between €10 and €50, represent a steady flow of income for small local businesses. Only a tiny minority (5%) spends less than €10 or makes no expenditure at all, highlighting that the vast majority of tourists make some kind of purchase that benefits the local economy.
The impact of cruises on the choice of future trips
Cruises not only offer a travel experience in themselves, but also act as a window to future destinations. A significant 69% of Spaniards who have taken a cruise have considered or revisited a city they discovered during their voyage. Of this group, 42% have considered it but haven't yet, while 27% have already returned to that city. This demonstrates the power of cruises to inspire future trips and awaken the desire to rediscover each destination.
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