Welcome to Your Summer Vacation in Unequal Europe

European tourism is expected to fully recover from the ravages caused by the pandemic this year, a year earlier than expected. European and US holidaymakers flocking to southern Mediterranean, this land of crystalline sea, cultural richness and endless Instagrammable dining experiences, will spur the return to form, according to projections by the European Travel Commission.

So far, so much good news. But peer beneath the surface of the glittering waters and citrus groves and post-Covid-19 European tourism is shaping up to be a mash-up of 1960s mass-package holidays and the Grand Tour of your great-great-great-great grandparents. Inflation and economic uncertainty means “the emergence of the spend-savvy traveller looks unlikely to dwindle and package holidays and popularity of shoulder season breaks look likely to increase,” the commission said in a November report. Yet, at the same time, “luxury travel has fared significantly better than total travel recovery,” and a key source of growth for the region is catering to the bespoke demands of the world’s super rich.