More Brits taking overseas holidays than since 2011
The number of Brits taking an overseas holiday is the highest since 2011, according to the latest research by ABTA.
Releasing its annual Holiday Habits report at the Travel Convention in Seville today, ABTA said 60% of Brits took a foreign holiday in the 12 months to August 2018, up from 57% the previous year.
Spain and Portugal continue to be a popular choice for package holidays but Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean had a particularly good summer, with Greece up 10%, Turkey up 65% and Bulgaria up 21%.
But while more Brits are going abroad, they are spending less. The survey of 2,0001 British adults showed the average spend is down from £586 to £562 for longer holidays abroad.
Meanwhile, value for money has increased as a priority when choosing a package holiday, up to 60% from 57% last year.
"Despite pressures on household incomes, Britons are clearly wedded to their holidays, with travel a spending priority," said Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive.
"Holidaymakers are becoming increasingly cost-conscious, seeking value for money and budgeting more wisely in their holiday choices."
Looking ahead, 51% of Brits plan to spend the same on holidays next year.
While the number of people who plan to spend more is down on last year – 25% compared to 31% – there is no change in the number of people who say they will spend less, which stands at 14% for both 2017 and 2018.
Over half (54%) said they are concerned about the impact Brexit will have on the cost of their holiday, up from 51% last year.
"We’re at a unique juncture in the UK’s history as the nation counts down to leaving the EU, so naturally more people’s thoughts turn to what Brexit means for travel," said Tanzer.
"People understandably have questions and concerns about what impact Brexit may have on the cost of travel but it is very encouraging that Europe tops the bill as the place they wish to visit next year, and holiday bookings more widely are looking positive for the year ahead."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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