New research from Travel Association, ABTA, shows an increasingly growing trend for holidaymakers seeking the security and reassurance of booking a package holiday with a travel professional this year.
As consumers wait to hear from the Prime Minister on 5th April about plans for restarting international travel, ABTA’s data finds that people are 31% more likely to book a package holiday now than before the pandemic, primarily to be looked after in case something goes wrong (51%) and for financial protection (49%).
Package holidays provide the greatest level of protection for holidaymakers, including the right to a replacement holiday or a refund if the holiday is significantly altered by a change in the situation at their destination. By booking a package holiday, travellers also get great value for money and have a single point of contact for their travel arrangements, so if they require any advice and assistance before they go on holiday or while they are there, the travel company is there to help.
Holidaymakers are also placing a great deal of value on the services provided by a travel professional such as a travel agent. ABTA’s figures show that people are also 28% more likely to use a travel professional now than before the pandemic.
Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association said:
“Travel professionals and package holidays have an important role to play in helping people feel reassured and confident to book and travel this year, and we’re seeing more and more people turning to them as they plan their holidays.”
“On top of the usual protections of a package holiday, many ABTA Members are also offering additional flexible cancellation and rebooking policies to help holidaymakers have the confidence to book and enjoy having something to look forward to after a difficult 12 months.”
“We’d encourage anyone who is planning their next overseas holiday to speak to an ABTA Member about their holiday plans – they’ll be able to provide them with unrivalled advice and expertise.”
