European football is littered with stereotypes: the pessimistic British, the well organised Germans, the hot blooded Spanish and many more. These jokes are just the result of rivalry between close neighbours, but some do have a little bit of truth behind them. As the Euro 2016 Tournament kicks off in France, we use our booking statistics to take a look at the travel habits of the fans making their way to the cities of France from all over Europe to enjoy some world class football and a lively atmosphere.
Spain: The Passionate Defending Champions
Spain, defending champions for the second time running, is one of the favorite teams to win the tournament. Although La Roja will arrive in France with a young team, after the departure of some of its champions, Spanish fans are amongst the most enthusiastic in the continental competition. 72.4% of total bookings by Spanish users in the French cities hosting the event are in Paris, where the final will be held on 10th July. This figure reveals a certain optimism among Spanish fans hoping to see their team go all the way. Nice has 9.4%, Bordeaux 8.1% and Toulouse 5.2%, Spain will play their group games in all 3 of these cities. Spanish fans are also distinguished by their propensity to travel in groups. 16% have booked accommodation for groups of at least 4 people. Spaniards are also the most likely to drive outside their own national borders, 16.7% opted for an apartment with parking.
Book an apartment in Bordeaux to see the Spain vs. Croatia match
England: Ever the Pessimists
The inventors of football have a habit of giving great performances in qualifying sessions, only to disappoint in the later stages. The fault is often linked to the great pressure England players are subjected to, and of course, to those damned penalties. Despite fielding an enthusiastic team of young and talented players, British fans are among the most pessimistic of the major European football powers. Only 36.5% booked an apartment in Paris with the hope of seeing their heroes in the final match. The cities below are Marseille and Toulouse with 16.9% with 13.5% respectively. Brits are also known for traveling with pets, 18.2% opted for a pet-friendly apartment.
Book an apartment in Marseilles to see the England vs Russia Match
Italy: Leaving it to the Last Minute
Many say that the Italian team which will travel to the 2016 European Championship in France is the country’s worst ever, and that it will be a miracle if they make it through the group stages. Historically, Italy has always been the best team when playing as underdogs, but Italians appear as the most optimistic or at least as the most passionate supporters at the event. 73.9% booked an apartment in Paris during the event, in particular for the dates of the final . Will we see another Italian miracle this year? Italy will play their first 2 games in Lyon (13.9%) and Toulouse (6.1%). Italians are the ones with the greatest trend to travel in couples (40.1%), as well as being the most budget-conscious supporters among European fans, having paid an average of €29.9 per person per night. Furthermore, Italians are also the best “late bookers”, most of them having booked their accommodation last March 2016.
Book an apartment in Lyon to see the Italy vs. Belgium match
Germany: The Clinical World Champions
While Italians are seen as latecomers, Germans are often noted for their punctuality and organisation. There appears to be some truth to this stereotype, because most Germans booked their apartments to watch the European Championship in France in November 2015, four months earlier than the Italians. Germans are also the most likely to be present at the European Championships with their families, as 57.1% chose a family-friendly apartment. Among others, German fans emerge from our analysis as the most avid smokers, as 28.6% opted for an accommodation where smoking is allowed . Could it be because of the pressure to repeat the triumph of the 2014 World Cup?
Book an apartment in Paris to see the Germany vs. Poland match
Switzerland: The Big Spenders?
Switzerland is definitely a team not to be underestimated, relying on different elements within its internationally experienced staff. And what about the fans? Another stereotype says the Swiss are all Scrooges, careful with their money. Their purchasing power is undoubtedly higher than the European average, but Swiss football fans paid an average of €50.7 per person per night, by far the highest average among all other fans. Another interesting fact is that Swiss fans are more likely to travel alone than other populations (3.2%).
Book an apartment in Lille to see the Switzerland VS France match
Sweden: Easy to Please?
Sweden hopes for its star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to shine brightly in this tournament. He could create problems for the biggest teams. Like the Spain supporters, Swedish fans tend to travel in groups; 20.4% decided to leave for France in groups of more than 4 people. Another curiosity? Swedes are notably less demanding than supporters from other nations. Only 86.1% of them opted for an apartment including Internet access. Their intention seems to be to travel to France and support their heroes, whilst enjoying the magical atmosphere of Euro 2016 without falling into petty distractions.
Book an apartment in Nice to see the Sweden VS Belgium match
Netherlands: Making Their Own Plans
The biggest shock of this Euro Tournament is undoubtedly the absence of the Dutch. The orange team, despite its incredible football tradition and plethora of world class players, failed to qualify for the tournament in France, finishing their group in a miserable fourth place. The question now is: What will Dutch fans do to try to temper the disappointment of not seeing the exploits of Robben and co.? Berlin, Barcelona and Rome are the most booked city destinations in the months of June and July, although most will opt for a sunny holiday by the sea. Spain; Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia are the most booked destinations. It could have been worse, after all..
Cities
Eiffel Tower landmark, view from Arc de Triomphe. Paris cityscape. France, Europe.
A look over the cities that will host the Euro 2016 ranks Paris as the most booked, but also the most expensive. The French capital has received 60% of the total booking amount; with visitors spending on average €38.4 per night on their accommodation. Bordeaux is next, with €38.2, followed by €37.5 in Nice, then Marseille and Lyon with €33.4 and €32.4 respectively. The cheapest is Toulouse with an average of just €24.6 spent per night per person.
