Travel agents back in fashion
Travel agents are coming back into fashion with more customers recognising their value according to an industry report.
The number of people valuing the service of agents has risen from 30% to 40% in ABTA’s Travel Trends Report 2013.
The survey, published in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office also saw the number of holidaymakers booking through a high street agent slightly grow in 2012 to 27%, up from 25% in 2011.
It says the outlook for the high street looks positive for 2013, with many companies continuing last year’s trend of opening flagship and "experience" stores.
The report found that ATOL failures were lower than in previous years during 2012 but reported that a dozen airlines had failed including Spanair and Malev.
It says the failures highlight the need for ATOL Reform to be further extended to include holidays sold by airlines.
Mid-market operators are expected to feel the squeeze in 2013 as cash-strapped customers move to tailormade packages, luxury and all inclusive holidays.
The report predicts holidaymakers will not give up holidays but are expected to look for greater flexibility and value.
Mark Tanzer ABTA chief executive said: "The early indications are that forward bookings for 2013 are looking positive despite a continued squeeze on household budgets.
"The majority of British holidaymakers are reluctant to give up their annual holiday even in tougher economic times. 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."
ABTA research shows younger travellers are taking more holidays with those aged 15-24 taking an average of five breaks in the UK or overseas in the past 12 months
This compares to an average of four holidays during the same period a year ago.
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.
Destinations to watch in 2013 include Ecuador, Ethiopia, New Zealand, and Tunisia.
By Diane Evans
Diane
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt