The warm sun and the snowy Alps were a hit for the winter holidays
Austria and the Canary Islands were the Nordic citizens’ favourite destinations for the 2022 winter holidays. At least judging by the number of calls to SOS International’s travel assistance alarm centre during weeks 7-11.
From mid-February to mid-March, when the Nordic countries typically have their winter holidays, many people chose to travel abroad this year. Compared to 2019, SOS International had a case volume of 50%. Looking at ski injuries in isolation, the level in 2022 was 64% compared to 2019.
“Unfortunately, we experienced another round of COVID-19 in the first months of the year, which has clearly affected travel patterns,” says Karin Tranberg, EVP, Travelcare, SOS International.
Rising infection rates in January and February led to, among other things, tighter restrictions in Austria, the favourite ski holiday destination of many Nordic travellers.
Austria and Spain are the countries in top
However, that has not stopped Austria from taking first place as the ski destination where most travellers need help. As many as 40% of winter holiday ski injuries occurred on the Austrian slopes.
During the warmer winter holidays, Spain is the country that has generated the most calls to the emergency assistance hotline during the winter holiday weeks. Traditionally, the Canary Islands, such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife, attract travellers with sun and warmth in the winter months.
Contact us
Are you travelling and in need of acute assistance?
Contact SOS International's alarm centre on +45 7010 5050.