The nation’s love affair with package holidays abroad has shown no signs of changing, as research from the ABTA has revealed an upsurge in bookings for the all-in-one holiday (see Cheapflights’ holiday search), while DIY breaks appear to be falling out of favour.
The ABTA figures show that almost half of travellers (48 per cent) booked an overseas package holiday this year, a figure that is up from the number recorded in 2011 (42 per cent) and 2010 (37 per cent).
An overseas package holiday proved to be particularly popular among travellers aged between 35 and 44, with 51 per cent saying that they had taken this option in 2012.
An increasing number of holidaymakers are also choosing a package for their “staycation”, with nearly a quarter (23 per cent) booking a UK package holiday. This is up from 12 per cent in 2011 and 14 per cent in 2010.
In contrast, Do-It-Yourself holidays have declined in popularity among Brits for both domestic and foreign holidays.
Nearly 40 per cent of those surveyed said they had booked an overseas DIY holiday in 2012, compared to 43 per cent in 2011.
DIY bookings were also down for those who stayed on UK shores for their annual break, with 34 per cent booking one this year compared to 36 per cent last year.
“In recent years consumers have come to value the security and cost effectiveness that package holidays provide. At the same time the market has also evolved to offer greater choice to holidaymakers,” said Victoria Bacon, Head of Communications at ABTA.
“Many people are also realising that there are a huge variety of package holidays now available. The market has evolved massively and is now very sophisticated, with packages to cater for every taste and budget – whether you want two weeks all-inclusive in the sun, a cruise around Asia or an adventure holiday in South America.”
(Image: AilenP)
