Agents feel the benefit in post-Covid world Turkey next for ABTA

More people are booking with a travel agent than in 2019, with a rise among younger travellers, according to a Holiday Habits 2022 Report published at the ABTA Travel Convention. The report, based on the booking habits of 2,000 people in the 12 months to August 2022, found 36% of British holidaymakers booked with a travel professional compared with 34% before the pandemic. More than half of those with young families (54%) booked through an agent compared to only 36% in 2019, while among 25–34-year-olds the figure was 55% compared to 38% previously. The main reasons cited for using an agent were ease of booking, expertise and having someone to help if needed. Packages were the most popular way to travel on an overseas holiday, with 63% of holidaymakers taking this type of trip. There was no change in the most popular destinations with Spain (31%), France (20%) the U.S. (12%), Italy (12%) in the top four. Looking ahead, 61% said they are planning to go abroad in the next year. Despite the increasing pressures on household finances, holidays remain a spending priority, with people more likely to cut back on non-essential spending elsewhere, such as eating out (55%), leisure activities (48%) and clothes, shoes and accessories (40%), before they’ll cut back on their holidays (35%). “We now face an uncertain year ahead given the cost of living challenges, but ABTA’s research suggests that we should continue to see an increase in foreign holidays next year and, encouragingly, many of our members have also been reporting a high level of demand for bookings.” said Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive. ABTA will hold its 2023 Travel Convention in Bodrum, Turkey, between October 30 and November 1 2023. Delegates will stay at the Lujo Hotel in Bodrum, a luxury all-inclusive resort with an in-house Convention Centre where the business sessions will be held. The host partner for 2023 is the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.