2014 forecast from ABTA shows travel trends
UK-based travel association ABTA has predicted ‘cautious optimism’ in the holiday market for this year, with consumers continuing to go on holiday and planning to spend more on their holidays than they did in 2013. The organisation’s latest Travel Trends Report reveals that value for money will remain a priority for many, and that package holidays will again perform well this year.
UK-based travel association ABTA has predicted ‘cautious optimism’ in the holiday market for this year, with consumers continuing to go on holiday and planning to spend more on their holidays than they did in 2013. The organisation’s latest Travel Trends Report reveals that value for money will remain a priority for many, and that package holidays will again perform well this year.
Several key trends were picked out for particular recognition by ABTA, which include the fact that consumers are expected to choose to holiday in different resorts or destinations, but in favourite countries that they already know well, allowing them to enjoy a mixture of familiar and new holiday experiences. The report also noted that while five-star luxury will continue to appeal to those who can afford it, holidays that are perceived as more simple and authentic, which remove people from their hectic daily lives, are also set to be popular in the coming year. Domestic tourism was also noted as being a strong part of the industry in 2014. ABTA further identified several ‘destinations to watch’ in 2014, which include Brazil, Antigua, Costa Rica, Greece, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Oman, Portugal, Slovenia, Sicily and the US.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, commented on the report’s findings: “We know that Brits hate to cut back on their holidays and after several years of tough market conditions, we are seeing the early signs of more optimism amongst British consumers. However, with the squeeze on household budgets continuing, we are expecting that tried and tested destinations and package holidays will continue to perform well [in 2014].” ABTA worked with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to publish the report, which includes country-specific advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help Britons travel more safely. John Heppenstall of the FCO commented: “ABTA’s report suggests that British nationals will be travelling more in 2014. While the vast majority of these holidays are likely to be trouble-free, we continue to urge British travellers to prepare properly before they pack their bags – through simple steps such as investing in comprehensive travel insurance, taking the necessary health precautions and researching the local laws and customs of their destination.”