Holidaymakers cautious about 2016 bookings
Holidaymakers are being cautious about booking for 2016, with research suggesting challenging times ahead for the travel industry.
The Winter 2015 Holiday Confidence Index (HCI) produced by First Rate Exchange Services found that almost one-in-five of the 5,319 people surveyed have not made up their minds whether to travel abroad on holiday in the next year, a 3% rise since the summer.
The most resilient age group are the 25-34 year olds with 62% intent on travelling abroad.
Doubts about the economy and their own finances seem to be accounting for consumer caution. Compared with the summer, fewer people expect the economy to recover and their finances to improve.
Alistair Rennie, First Rate Exchange Services head of strategy & innovation said: "The real challenge for the travel industry in the months ahead will be to convince the growing numbers of people who are unsure whether or not to holiday abroad to make those bookings."
"Disappointingly for travel companies, who would obviously like to see the amount spent on booking holidays moving upwards, there is nothing to suggest that this is happening.
"Commitment-free 25-34 year-olds are the encouraging exception to the rule and must be a big target."
Diane
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