High street enjoys bookings revival
The percentage of Brits booking with a high street travel agent has risen from 17% to 25% in the last 12 months.
The eight percentage point rise was revealed today in the 2011 ABTA Consumer Trends Survey.
The survey of over 2,000 holidaymakers found that younger people were more likely to book through a high street travel agent, with 32% of 16-24 year olds using them compared with 15% of 45-54 year olds.
It also found that women are significantly more likely to book with a high street travel agent than men, with 31% booking through this route in the last 12 months compared to 19% of men.
The survey, which was carried out last month, found another 28% of Brits booked their overseas holiday with a tour operator, compared to 24% in last year’s survey.
One in four had also booked through a holiday booking website, while 43% had booked direct with airlines and accommodation providers.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “There are a wealth of booking options available to holidaymakers and I am pleased to see that over half are looking for the reassurance and professionalism offered by travel agents and tour operators when going overseas.
“It is also encouraging that so many of the internet generation choose to book through high street travel agents and that so many people use their services when holidaying in the UK.
“Many ABTA members also provide bespoke booking options on the internet which is an important booking option with one in four customers doing so.”
By Bev Fearis
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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