The UK economy may be slowly coming out of recession according to the hospitality industry, as more travellers are ready to invest in a holiday.
A similar positive outlook has been proposed by a report submitted at the World Travel Market, currently being held in London.
The World Travel Market 2012 Industry Report has highlighted that around 52 percent, of the 1,001 UK holidaymakers polled have taken more than one holiday in 2012. This is the best result for a poll since the downturn in the economy, and compares favourably to 2010, when only 24 percent of British citizens polled admitted to having taken more than one holiday in the year. In 2011, around 41 percent of Brits admitted to taking more than one holiday.
Fiona Jeffery, the chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions, the company that has organised the 2012 World Travel Market, said, ‘While it’s certainly too early to claim we’re fully out of the woods economically, these results are encouraging. This is certainly a sign that people are increasingly optimistic about the future and should be welcomed both in the trade and across the country.’
The survey has shown that 34 percent of respondents have taken two holidays this year, compared to 28 percent in 2011. Around 13 percent have taken three trips in 2012, compared to the 10 percent who did so during 2011. In 2012, 5 percent of respondents have taken four or more holidays, compared to 4 percent in 2011.
The World Travel Market 2012 is being held in London until November 8. The event is being attended by tourist boards, technology companies, hotel chains, representatives of attractions and tour operators, with many exhibitors promoting their exhibits for the first time as Main Stand Holders.