ABTA predicts strong demand for luxury holidays
ABTA has released its Travel Trends Report for 2013, predicting that consumers will continue to look for good value in breaks in 2013 rather than cut back on their holidays.
While the mid-market is expected to continue to feel the squeeze, tailor-made packages, luxury holidays and all-inclusive breaks, are expected to be popular, it said.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "The early indications are that forward bookings for 2013 are looking positive despite a continued squeeze on household budgets.
" In particular, we are seeing strong forward bookings for the luxury and all-inclusive sectors, which have both done well in recent years.
"We are also seeing an increase in demand for tailor-made holidays as consumers look for greater flexibility but with all the security of a package."
Some key trends ABTA has identified:
- Demand expected to be up for tailor-made packages.
- With the mid-market coming under the greatest pressure from reductions in household spending, strongest demand is expected to come from the all-inclusive and luxury markets in 2013
- Following the success of the Jubilee and Olympics in 2012, domestic tourism looks in strong shape but after two wet summers in the UK, overseas destinations offering guaranteed sunshine stand to benefit
- ABTA research shows that younger travellers are taking more frequent holidays. Those aged 15-24 took on average almost five breaks in the UK or overseas in the past 12 months compared to an average of four holidays during the same period a year ago
- Tried and tested destinations likely to be popular. In times of economic uncertainty many people put their faith in where they know best. Early booking figures for summer 2013 suggest that destinations such as France, Greece, Italy, Spain and the USA will continue to prove popular next year.
ABTA says "destinations to watch" in 2013 include Ecuador, Ethiopia, New Zealand, and Tunisia.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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