A new study claims that 27% of British holidaymakers expect to spend more on holidays over the next year – up from 22% who said the same in 2017.
However, 43% say that Brexit uncertainties have made them more cautious about booking holidays, according to the figures from market research specialist Mintel.
Marloes De Vries, travel analyst at Mintel, said: “While taking a holiday remains a clear priority for Brits, Brexit and economic uncertainties are bringing unwanted storm clouds over the holiday market.
“As a result, more travellers will consider staycations and all-inclusive holidays in 2019, while lower-cost destinations, such as Turkey and Tunisia, are likely to be the industry winners.
“That said, the Brexit delay could boost summer holiday bookings, given that consumers will be more reluctant to commit to trips later in the year.”
The survey of 2,000 holidaymakers found 28% expect to take more holidays of a minimum of four nights in the next 12 months, compared to 23% in 2017.
Meanwhile, 30% say uncertainty around the exchange rate means they are more likely to book an all-inclusive holiday in 2019.
The research also uncovered increased interest in multigenerational holidays, especially among young parents, and rising demand for activity and hobby holidays.
De Vries said: “The growing number of healthy and active over-55s is a driving factor in the high interest in multigenerational travel.”
She added: “Special interest breaks are in sync with underlying trends towards more active styles of holidaymaking, ‘travel with a purpose’ and a wider consumer agenda of wellness which embraces physical fitness, stress relief and self-improvement.”
• Meanwhile, a report by Advantage Travel Partnership found that Brexit does not seem to have deterred business travellers, as hotel room nights booked last year rose 8% year-on-year.
The consortium’s Hotels Market Report shows that the UK’s regional capitals are performing strongly.
London remains the business travellers’ favourite for work trips with 663,000 room nights booked in 2018 – 5% up year-on-year.
But Edinburgh experienced the highest level of growth in 2018 with room nights booked increasing by 16%, while Belfast was up 13% and Cardiff up 5%.
The 2018 Hotels Market Report analyses data from corporate hotel bookings made in 2018 by Advantage’s TMC members, who represent around 40% of the UK business travel sector.
Neil Armorgie, global product director at Advantage, said: “It is clear that the corporate hotel sector continues to grow, with another significant increase in bookings year-on-year, made by independent TMCs.
“Despite continued uncertainty in both the global and UK economies including Brexit, hotel room night demand is at record levels in many destinations, providing a welcome boost for our members.”