The demand for holidays is set to remain strong in 2018 according to a new report from ABTA ? The Travel Association.
Factors such as squeezed budgets, responsible travel and the desire to try new destinations are expected to impact travel trends over the next 12 months.
ABTA Travel Trends 2018, which is based on market information and consumer insights, features the trends set to influence holidaymakers? habits in the year ahead and reveals the 12 ?Destinations to watch? for 2018. The report highlights that despite wider economic issues, holidays are still a spending priority for UK consumers.
New industry figures reveal that bookings for next summer are tracking 5% above last year, reflecting a growing trend for early booking as people look to take advantage of discounts and ensure they get their choice of destination or resort at the right price. Research also shows that three in ten people (31%) plan to spend an increased amount on travel next year, up 6% from last year.
Other industry reports confirm that people are prioritising travel, while cutting back on eating out and entertainment. The stretched household budget is expected to see the package holiday secure its place as the most popular option for foreign breaks, as people seek to protect their holiday budget from a volatile pound.
All-inclusive packages, ranging from active river cruises to beach resorts in the Eastern Mediterranean, are expected to do particularly well. The report also highlights that there will be an increase in low-cost long-haul flights on offer in 2018, allowing people to go further afield in fuel efficient aircraft without the extra cost and make the most of more competitive currencies.
Money matters aside, responsible tourism - making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit - is set to be firmly on people?s radar when making choices around travel and destinations. Seven in ten people believe that travel companies should ensure their holidays help the local people and economy.
Furthermore, holidaymakers are seeking new experiences, with almost a third (32%) expecting to visit a new resort or city in 2018.
