TomTom: Spain is the Number One Summer Destination for 2012

Most people will travel to their holiday destination by car this year

Summer Journey (Graphic: Business Wire)

AMSTERDAM--()--As millions of families prepare to pack up and set off on summer holidays, TomTom reveals the travel plans of over 10,000 people from around the world. The independent study found that 81% of people will embark on a summer holiday this year, Spain will be the number one holiday hot spot and the primary goal for travelers will be to “relax” (39%). Most people (53%) will travel by car, either their own (48%) or using a rented car (5%). The average holiday will last 12 days*.

The study found that 24% of global respondents are planning to spend more on their summer holiday in 2012 than in 2011. If money were no obstacle, people’s dream holiday destination (39%) would be a “tropical island”. The survey found that July is the month when most people will travel in 2012 and “good weather” is the most important ingredient for a perfect summer holiday (74%).

“The summer holiday is a precious time for people all over the world. It’s a chance to relax, spend time with family and friends and discover new places,” says Corinne Vigreux, managing director at TomTom. “This global research reveals that the majority of people will start their summer holiday in the car this year. Our aim at TomTom is to make holiday journeys easy and stress-free. From avoiding the jams to exploring new places, we believe that great summer journeys start with TomTom.”

Travelers looking for a tropical paradise getaway can apply for TomTom’s Map Paradise Project, a once in a lifetime opportunity for five families or groups of friends to spend two weeks on a tropical island and “earn” 10,000 euros for mapping it. The Map Paradise Project will help create five new navigable maps for Fiji, St. Lucia, Mauritius, Cape Verde and the Seychelles. To apply, applicants simply need to fill in a form at www.tomtom.com/summer.

The study was conducted by YouGov Plc in partnership with TomTom. The total sample was 10,794 adults from 21 countries. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th April and 16th May 2012, and the survey was conducted online.

Notes for editors

TomTom Summer Holidays Research 2012

The research, in partnership with YouGov Plc, was conducted in 21 countries: Denmark, Norway, UK, France, Finland, Sweden, US, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Italy, New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, Austria, South Africa, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

*Calculations made by TomTom

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About TomTom

Founded in 1991, TomTom (AEX:TOM2) is the world’s leading supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services focused on providing all drivers with the world’s best navigation experience. Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has over 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries.

Our products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including the award winning TomTom HD Traffic.

For the world’s most up-to-date route planner, including live traffic information go to www.tomtom.com/livetraffic

For further information, please visit www.tomtom.com

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50319035&lang=en

Contacts

For full information about the Summer Holidays 2012 Research contact:
Yann Lafargue
Global Communications Manager
(0)20 850 0902
yann.lafargue@tomtom.com

Release Summary

As millions of families prepare to pack up and set off on summer holidays, TomTom reveals the travel plans of over 10,000 people from around the world.

Contacts

For full information about the Summer Holidays 2012 Research contact:
Yann Lafargue
Global Communications Manager
(0)20 850 0902
yann.lafargue@tomtom.com