Research for a new consumer report - the Holiday Confidence Index ? has revealed that consumers are now feeling less negative about planning trips abroad in the coming 12 months as their confidence about the economy and personal financial circumstances grows.

Travel agents and tour operators are at serious risk of losing business by leaving customers hanging on the telephone for almost 30 seconds at a time, new research has revealed.

A recent survey, carried out by Hotwire.com, looked at the shift in Brits? attitudes towards spending and saving on travel and everyday objects and the impact that this has had on the travel industry, and hoteliers in particular.

A recent study of more than 650 agents from 34 countries found that travel agents are using Global Distribution Systems (GDS) more than ever before.

We?re an optimistic nation, according to cottages4you, with holiday bookings for next summer already showing the most popular trends, and many families deciding to secure their 2014 holiday in advance with coastal destinations proving the most popular.

The dream honeymoon involves four days lying in the sun, temperatures of 27 degrees, two books ? and three adrenaline fuelled activities according to new research from Kuoni.