Rain, rain, go away…. Or we’ll book a sunny break!
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gwilkinson@abt… Mon, 07/22/2024 - 22:36
New research from ABTA reveals that the UK’s dismal weather so far this year is prompting many to consider a last-minute holiday overseas this summer.
More than a quarter of those interviewed (27%) say they would be tempted to book if they can get a good deal to somewhere hot and sunny, while one in five (19%) say they would book purely to escape from poor weather in the UK.
Across the nations, the Scots are the keenest to swap the rain for sunnier shores, with 31% saying they might book if they can find a good deal to somewhere hot and sunny and 27% might book to escape the poor weather2.
This comes after Met Office figures show that the UK has just had its wettest spring since 1986 and, despite the odd day of better weather here and there, the UK forecast into August suggests domestic sunseekers have little to look forward to.
Conversely, many of the UK’s most popular destinations in Europe are set for daily sunshine over the next week, including the aptly named Costa del Sol, the Algarve, the Istrian coast, Greek islands such as Rhodes and Crete, and resorts across Turkey’s southern coast.
ABTA says whatever the motivation, there is still time for travellers to snap up a late deal this summer, particularly if they can be flexible on where they go and the date they depart. The association is encouraging people to speak to their local travel agent or tour operator to see what’s still available.
ABTA Director of Communications, Graeme Buck, said:
“While many people will already have a summer holiday to look forward to, our data suggests that a significant proportion might book a late deal – particularly if the UK’s washout summer continues and they can find a well-priced break delivering some much-needed vitamin D!
“Whether looking for a quick weekend away or a couple of weeks in the sun, we’d encourage anyone who is thinking of booking a last-minute holiday this summer to speak to their local ABTA travel agent or tour operator. They can let them know which destinations still have good availability over the summer and help them find the best break for their budget.”
ABTA’s top tips for booking a late break this summer
1. Be as flexible as possible
Flexibility is key when it comes to getting the best late deal, whether that’s choosing to depart mid-week rather than over the weekend, at a less popular time of day, or from a less in-demand departure point.
2. Be open to new destinations
Having an open mind about where you could go on your next break will help you to secure the best late deal and could offer a new or unique experience. A different resort, region or country to the one you had in mind may deliver the style of trip you’re looking for.
3. Book with an ABTA travel agent or tour operator
Travel agents and tour operators have a huge range of holidays at their fingertips – including ones that can’t be booked independently. So they should be your first port of call if you are looking to get a late break, as they are adept at finding you the best break available. You can check the company you’re booking with is an ABTA member here.
4. Book a package holiday
Booking a package holiday is often cheaper than booking all the elements of your trip separately, as travel companies have access to discounts that are then passed on to you. It also takes the stress out of holiday planning – someone else does all of the hard work for you, and it provides the best form of protection for your travel plans, as your holiday will be protected under the Package Travel Regulations.
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 Twitter: @ABTAtravel
Notes to editors
1All statistics in this release are from consumer sentiment research conducted between 27-28 June 2024 by YouGov with a nationally representative sample of 2,060 UK adults. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults.
2 Further regional breakdowns are available on request.
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 4,600 travel brands in membership who have a combined pre-pandemic annual UK turnover of £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.
ABTA also offers services to help you on your travels – ABTA Travel Insurance and ABTA Travel Money.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
Full Page image
gwilkinson@abt… Mon, 07/22/2024 - 22:36
New research from ABTA reveals that the UK’s dismal weather so far this year is prompting many to consider a last-minute holiday overseas this summer.
More than a quarter of those interviewed (27%) say they would be tempted to book if they can get a good deal to somewhere hot and sunny, while one in five (19%) say they would book purely to escape from poor weather in the UK.
Across the nations, the Scots are the keenest to swap the rain for sunnier shores, with 31% saying they might book if they can find a good deal to somewhere hot and sunny and 27% might book to escape the poor weather2.
This comes after Met Office figures show that the UK has just had its wettest spring since 1986 and, despite the odd day of better weather here and there, the UK forecast into August suggests domestic sunseekers have little to look forward to.
Conversely, many of the UK’s most popular destinations in Europe are set for daily sunshine over the next week, including the aptly named Costa del Sol, the Algarve, the Istrian coast, Greek islands such as Rhodes and Crete, and resorts across Turkey’s southern coast.
ABTA says whatever the motivation, there is still time for travellers to snap up a late deal this summer, particularly if they can be flexible on where they go and the date they depart. The association is encouraging people to speak to their local travel agent or tour operator to see what’s still available.
ABTA Director of Communications, Graeme Buck, said:
“While many people will already have a summer holiday to look forward to, our data suggests that a significant proportion might book a late deal – particularly if the UK’s washout summer continues and they can find a well-priced break delivering some much-needed vitamin D!
“Whether looking for a quick weekend away or a couple of weeks in the sun, we’d encourage anyone who is thinking of booking a last-minute holiday this summer to speak to their local ABTA travel agent or tour operator. They can let them know which destinations still have good availability over the summer and help them find the best break for their budget.”
ABTA’s top tips for booking a late break this summer
1. Be as flexible as possible
Flexibility is key when it comes to getting the best late deal, whether that’s choosing to depart mid-week rather than over the weekend, at a less popular time of day, or from a less in-demand departure point.
2. Be open to new destinations
Having an open mind about where you could go on your next break will help you to secure the best late deal and could offer a new or unique experience. A different resort, region or country to the one you had in mind may deliver the style of trip you’re looking for.
3. Book with an ABTA travel agent or tour operator
Travel agents and tour operators have a huge range of holidays at their fingertips – including ones that can’t be booked independently. So they should be your first port of call if you are looking to get a late break, as they are adept at finding you the best break available. You can check the company you’re booking with is an ABTA member here.
4. Book a package holiday
Booking a package holiday is often cheaper than booking all the elements of your trip separately, as travel companies have access to discounts that are then passed on to you. It also takes the stress out of holiday planning – someone else does all of the hard work for you, and it provides the best form of protection for your travel plans, as your holiday will be protected under the Package Travel Regulations.
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 Twitter: @ABTAtravel
Notes to editors
1All statistics in this release are from consumer sentiment research conducted between 27-28 June 2024 by YouGov with a nationally representative sample of 2,060 UK adults. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults.
2 Further regional breakdowns are available on request.
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 4,600 travel brands in membership who have a combined pre-pandemic annual UK turnover of £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.
ABTA also offers services to help you on your travels – ABTA Travel Insurance and ABTA Travel Money.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
