The rise of ‘slow travel’ and electric aviation are among the top travel trends for 2020.
The overall environmental impact of taking a holiday, adopting digital customer service methods and personalised touring were also highlighted by Abta as key trends identified for next year.
The association’s 2020 Travel Trends report is the ninth of its type based on market information and consumer highlights.
Sustainability issues dominated, with consumers increasingly aware of the environmental and social impacts of their holidays.
Abta says slow travel, the concept of reducing the pace of travel and cutting the journey footprint, and more personalised touring options will be at the top of holidaymakers’ agendas.
The report outlines aviation shifting towards electric-powered aircraft over the next decade – an initiative being developed by easyJet.
Customers will also seek ways to get support in the online booking process, so adopting a multi-channel customer service approach is being seen as a key movement over the next 12 months.
Travel remains a spending priority for consumers in the year ahead with 27% of people planning to spend more on their holiday in 2020, up from 25% last year.
Package holidays will also maintain their appeal with value for money as a main reason for choosing this type of break.
Europe is top of the list of places people intend to travel to over the next 12 months with 57% planning to visit the region.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Sustainability issues are now firmly in the minds of holidaymakers and are a continued thread throughout the report – from cruise industry initiatives to influencing three of our five trends.
More: Abta 2019: Full coverage from The Travel Convention
Industry must act on sustainability or be seen as ‘dirty’
Industry must ‘encourage customers to fly less’ to slow global warming
“The travel industry continues to develop plans and initiatives which support local communities, their economies and the environment, so that tourism is a benefit to everyone.”
Tanzer added: “With so many political uncertainties ahead, such as the shape of the new government and the outcome of the Brexit process, it is difficult to predict with certainty what 2020 will bring – however, we do know that travel is still a spending priority for the year ahead.”
Abta also outlined 12 destinations to watch for 2020 as Basilicata in southern Italy, Chicago and Lake Michigan, Georgia, Grenada, Madrid, Morocco, Namibia, South Korea, Singapore, The Netherlands, Uruguay and Vienna.
Brand and business development director Victoria Bacon said: “Historic cities, idyllic beaches, rugged landscapes, welcoming people and delicious cuisines feature in our choices and we hope they will provide some inspiration for holidaymakers looking to travel somewhere a little different, but also very special in 2020.”
