A recent survey by Abta highlights a significant trend toward using travel professionals for holiday bookings.
- The survey indicates a 4% increase in the number of holidaymakers using travel agents, reaching 38%.
- Young families and the younger demographic are particularly driving this trend, with many seeking professional reassurance.
- Consumers cite ease of booking, time-saving, and value for money as primary reasons for choosing professionals.
- The data suggests a robust commitment to holiday-taking despite economic challenges.
The latest report from Abta shows a marked shift towards booking holidays through travel experts, as the percentage of holidaymakers using these services has risen from 34% to 43% this year. This increase is especially notable among young families and younger travellers, who are increasingly valuing the reassurance provided by professionals in the planning process. Such preferences underscore a growing confidence in professional travel services.
Among the 2,000 consumers surveyed, over half (54%) identified ease of booking as a key advantage of using a travel professional, with this percentage having slightly increased from the previous year. Other benefits cited include saving time (43%), obtaining value for money (39%), gaining confidence (36%), and accessing expert advice (35%). These figures reflect a wider trend of travellers seeking reliable and efficient holiday planning solutions.
The trend towards using travel professionals is most pronounced among young families and younger individuals. The data reveals a significant increase from 36% in 2019 to 55% among families with young children booking through professionals in 2024. Similarly, the proportion of 18 to 24-year-olds using professional services rose to nearly 50%. These statistics illustrate a notable shift in consumer behaviour, with younger demographics placing higher trust in expert guidance.
Package holidays remain the preferred choice for international travel. Abta reports that holiday frequency has increased, with individuals taking an average of 3.94 holidays annually, up from 3.42 in the previous year. This uptick in travel is mirrored in the rise of outbound trips, climbing to an average of 1.7 per person compared to 1.45 the year before. These patterns suggest a strong commitment to travel, even amidst ongoing economic pressures.
Families with young children under five are reportedly the most frequent travellers, averaging 6.49 holidays in the past year, which highlights a growing trend of making the most of a narrow window before children start school. As Mark Tanzer, Abta’s chief executive, observed, travel demand remains strong despite challenges, with many people valuing the security of having a travel expert “in their corner.”
Travel professionals are increasingly integral to holiday planning, reflecting growing consumer trust and the enduring value of expert support.
