The Characteristics of European Passenger Travel Demand

This paper reviews available evidence to provide an account of historical trends and existing travel characteristics in the European long distance travel market of which international travel is of particular importance. A number of sources of information are used, particularly with regard to the extent of international trip making and its modal and journey purpose features, with the aim of obtaining the most appropriate figures with which to represent European international travel in general. The purpose of the research was to provide information for other aspects of a study examining the social and economic impacts of a European High Speed Rail Network. It is evident that a distinction needs to be made between the characteristics of inter-regional and international travel and that detailed evidence concerning international short stay personal and business trips is lacking. An accompanying paper draws upon the information provided in this paper, along with evidence regarding the determinants of changes in demand, to identify 'niches' in the European international travel market for High Speed Rail.