ABTA data shows one in four winter travellers are planning a Christmas market break
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gwilkinson@abt… Thu, 12/05/2024 - 12:08
Trips to see the Northern Lights also rising in popularity
With Christmas fast approaching, ABTA’s latest data shows that 27% of people who are planning to go on holiday this winter are heading off on a Christmas market break.
While many may choose to visit their local Christmas market in the UK, there are plenty to choose from in Europe and further afield – from Dresden's Striezelmarkt (thought to be one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world) to Union Square Holiday Market in New York or even locations in Asia such as Christmas Wonderland in Singapore.
As revealed in ABTA’s new report, Travel Trends for 20251, Christmas market breaks are so in demand that they are the third most popular type of trip at this time of year2, only behind city breaks and winter sun holidays.
In fourth – and rising in popularity year-on-year – are trips to see the Northern Lights. Although the phenomena have been seen over the UK in recent years, this seems to have whet people’s appetite to see them ‘in situ’, with almost one in five people (18%, up from 16% last year) looking to take this type of trip this winter.
Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association, said:
“One of the biggest travel trends we’re seeing is a desire for unique experiences on holiday, and in particular the magical atmosphere of Christmas market breaks and the natural wonder of the Northern Lights are proving incredibly popular.
“If you’re heading to a Christmas market break this winter, make sure you take enough travel money with you. Many food stalls and vendors will prefer – or only accept – payment in cash and this will help you save on potentially costly ATM and bank charges when away.
“If you haven’t booked a winter break yet it’s not too late, just speak to an ABTA travel agent or tour operator for the latest prices and availability.”
For further information, contact:
press@abta.co.uk or 0203 117 0596
Out of Hours: contact the duty press officer 020 3693 0183
Web: www.abta.com
X: @ABTAtravel
Notes to editors
1 The Travel Trends for 2025 report features research from ABTA’s annual Holiday Habits survey which asks how people travelled in the 12 months prior and what their travel plans are for the year ahead. The research is carried out each summer with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults by The Nursery Research and Planning (www.the-nursery.net) on behalf of ABTA. The 2024 survey was carried out from 24 July to 2 August 2024.
2 ‘At this time of year’ refers to November to March.
About ABTA
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 4,300 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
Full Page image
gwilkinson@abt… Thu, 12/05/2024 - 12:08
Trips to see the Northern Lights also rising in popularity
With Christmas fast approaching, ABTA’s latest data shows that 27% of people who are planning to go on holiday this winter are heading off on a Christmas market break.
While many may choose to visit their local Christmas market in the UK, there are plenty to choose from in Europe and further afield – from Dresden's Striezelmarkt (thought to be one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world) to Union Square Holiday Market in New York or even locations in Asia such as Christmas Wonderland in Singapore.
As revealed in ABTA’s new report, Travel Trends for 20251, Christmas market breaks are so in demand that they are the third most popular type of trip at this time of year2, only behind city breaks and winter sun holidays.
In fourth – and rising in popularity year-on-year – are trips to see the Northern Lights. Although the phenomena have been seen over the UK in recent years, this seems to have whet people’s appetite to see them ‘in situ’, with almost one in five people (18%, up from 16% last year) looking to take this type of trip this winter.
Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association, said:
“One of the biggest travel trends we’re seeing is a desire for unique experiences on holiday, and in particular the magical atmosphere of Christmas market breaks and the natural wonder of the Northern Lights are proving incredibly popular.
“If you’re heading to a Christmas market break this winter, make sure you take enough travel money with you. Many food stalls and vendors will prefer – or only accept – payment in cash and this will help you save on potentially costly ATM and bank charges when away.
“If you haven’t booked a winter break yet it’s not too late, just speak to an ABTA travel agent or tour operator for the latest prices and availability.”
For further information, contact:
press@abta.co.uk or 0203 117 0596
Out of Hours: contact the duty press officer 020 3693 0183
Web: www.abta.com
X: @ABTAtravel
Notes to editors
1 The Travel Trends for 2025 report features research from ABTA’s annual Holiday Habits survey which asks how people travelled in the 12 months prior and what their travel plans are for the year ahead. The research is carried out each summer with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults by The Nursery Research and Planning (www.the-nursery.net) on behalf of ABTA. The 2024 survey was carried out from 24 July to 2 August 2024.
2 ‘At this time of year’ refers to November to March.
About ABTA
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 4,300 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
