High-street travel agencies remain the most popular place to book a honeymoon, according to new consumer research by MSC Cruises.
The research, exclusive to Travel Weekly, polled 1,033 married couples to get an insight into the booking habits of the 250,000 Brits who get hitched every year.
Key findings revealed agents remain the most popular way to book a honeymoon, that nearly half of couples spend more than £1,000 on their first trip as Mr and Mrs and that Brits consider the holiday integral to their marriage.
More than a third of those questioned, 38%, said they booked their honeymoon through a high-street travel agency. This compared with 25% who booked online, 23% who booked over the phone, and 14% who left it to someone else to book it for them.
The results suggest honeymooners value the personal contact of a travel agent when booking their first trip as a married couple.
MSC Cruises UK managing director Claudia Baino, who said the company planned to conduct further research to understand its customers’ needs, said: “This research shows there is a great opportunity for travel agents to take advantage of this niche market and to go after business.
“Many customers are looking for personal advice, something professional travel agents can offer in abundance.”
However, the survey suggested the youngest age group, 18 to 24-year-olds, were most likely to spurn travel agents and the telephone in favour of booking on the Internet (48%).
In contrast, those aged 35-44 years old and the over-65s were the most likely to turn to a travel agent for advice and support.