The recession is still biting, but it seems that we just can’t resist a holiday. Not only that, but research has found that we’re spending hundreds of pounds before we even leave the country.
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has found that Brits are keen to get into the holiday spirit the moment their trips are booked.
Far from saving our spending splurges until the moment we touch down abroad, UK holidaymakers spend an average of £532 per person, on holiday products and services, before the flights have taken off.
Collectively, holidaymakers spend £31.2 billion in the UK – a figure that nearly matches Brits’ total spend on holiday of £31.6 billion.
Clothes and shoes make up the largest share of this expenditure, as we look to expand our summer wardrobe. Spending on clothes was found to be £1.8 billion, which was closely followed by duty-free spending at £1.77 billion.
Capturing holiday memories is also a priority for UK travellers, with spending on cameras and other electrical accessories totalling £759 million.
Spending on sun-tan lotion, toiletries and pharmaceuticals totalled £529 million, while sunglasses and other holiday accessories cost us £301 million.
“Part of the excitement of going away on holiday is about the preparation,” said Victoria Bacon, Head of Communications at ABTA.
“For many holidaymakers, splashing out some of their budget on a new summer wardrobe, buying a few new books and magazines and getting their duty free at the airport are all part of the experience.”
Research conducted by Visa Europe in March showed that consumers plan to spend an average £3,890 each on overseas breaks in 2012, up by £300 on 2011’s figures.
The analysis rated Spain as the most popular destination in 2011, with £1.8 billion spent on trips to the Mediterranean country by UK holidaymakers, followed by France (£1.5 billion), the US (£1 billion).
(Image: Rob Hayes)
