Millennial Brits Plan To Opt For Package Holiday
New research by WTM London reveals that twice as many under 25s surveyed will opt for a package holiday (55%) compared to those who are 55 and over (26%), according to the stats, proving that older is not necessarily wiser when it comes to being prepared for the unexpected in a COVID-19 world.
Nearly 38% of people are planning to book a 2021 overseas holiday this year with the Global Travel Taskforce report being announced on April 12.
The WTM London research shows 25% of respondents are only interested in taking a holiday abroad, while 13% plan to take both an overseas vacation and a staycation after months of being stuck at home.
Of the remainder, 40% are planning a UK-based holiday, with 21% not planning a holiday at all.
The age groups that is most holding out a holiday abroad, and therefore the most likely to book, are the:
- 16-24s (32% of whom can’t wait to go abroad this year);
- Followed by the 25-34s (29%);
- The 35-44s (28%) and
- The 45-54s (25%)
By contrast, the number of people in the 55+ age group who are holding out for an overseas holiday is just one in five (21%).
The package holiday seems to be making a resurgence among the under 45s, with younger people being more cautious, perhaps because of concerns over losing money or finding it difficult to rebook if COVID-19 forces travel plans to change.
In fact, the under 25s surveyed are more than twice as likely to choose a package than those aged 55 and over.
Over half (55%) of 16–24-year-olds, 26–34-year-olds (52%) and 35-44-year-olds (51%) are most likely to book a package holiday. This compares to just 25% of those aged 55+ who would book a package. Two-thirds of those aged 55+ (66%) are more inclined to take a risk and book each element separately.
This compares to 41% of the Brits who say they are more likely to choose the package holiday option if they travel this year. However, 57% say they will still book each element independently.
The research also shows that more women are likely to book a package holiday than men (46% to 35%).
Simon Press, Exhibition Director at WTM London said: “Last summer’s ‘stop-start’ holiday headlines highlighted the struggle many people had when it came to rebooking or fighting for a refund, while others were cushioned by the protection of a package holiday and it’s encouraging to see younger people heeding the advice to opt for ATOL or ABTA protection (or both), rather than doing it themselves.”
Press continued: “There definitely seems to be an upsurge in demand, and perhaps some nostalgia, for the package holiday, which brings security and comfort to millions of Brits desperate for a safe change of scenery.”
He pointed out that: “Cyprus, Portugal and the Seychelles are some of the latest destinations to say they will welcome British tourists this summer, but the list is ever-growing, and my advice would be to book a package holiday through a trusted travel agent, who will be on top of the shifting entry protocols and testing requirements.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO at Advantage Travel Partnership, said her travel agency group is responding to an increasing number of travellers that are seeking advice and has seen a reassuring increase in enquiries and bookings since the Government’s roadmap announcement – specially for departures from September and into 2022.
She highlighted the advantages of booking through a trusted agent, which include booking flexibility and transparency about cancellation and refund policies, advice on trip insurance and rebooking options.
The research was conducted by Opinion Matters of 2,006 nationally representative respondents between 03.03.21 – 05.03.21. Opinion Matters abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
