Abta today predicts “cautious optimism” in the holiday market for 2014 with consumers planning to spend more than this year.
However, value for money will remain a priority for many and package holidays will perform well again next year.
Consumers are expected to choose a different resort or destination in favourite countries they know well, offering them a mixture of familiar and new holiday experiences, according to the association’s annual Travel Trends Report developed in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Package holidays will continue to be popular, driven by consumer demand for value and the ease of having arrangements taken care of, as well as the greater choice and flexibility offered by operators.
While five-star luxury will continue to appeal to many who can afford it, holidays that are perceived as more simple and authentic, which remove people from their hectic daily lives, are also set to be popular in the coming year.
Domestic tourism is expected to remain in strong shape in 2014 with the feel-good-factor created by the success of the Jubilee and Olympics in 2012 further bolstered by 2013’s sunny summer.
Baby boomers (those aged 55-64) look set for another strong year in 2014, after notable growth this year.
Tried and tested destinations close to home will continue to do well in 2014 as consumers seek well known, good value holidays. Short-haul favourites including Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey and France are likely to benefit from this trend.
Destinations to watch in 2014 include a mixture of favourites and emerging destinations which are expected to capture the public’s imagination.
The destinations are:
- Brazil
- The Caribbean (Antigua)
- Costa Rica
- Greece
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Mexico, The Pacific Coast and Baja
- Oman
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Sicily, Italy
- US (Texas/New Mexico/Alaska)
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “We know that Brits hate to cut back on their holidays, and after several years of tough market conditions we are seeing early signs of more optimism amongst British consumers.
“However, with the squeeze on household budgets continuing, we are expecting that tried and tested destinations and package holidays will continue to perform well in the coming year.
“We are also expecting a range of other overseas destinations to prove popular in 2014, as well as another good year for domestic tourism after the heatwave in the UK in summer 2013.”
Country-specific travel advice has been provided by the FCO in the report to ensure Britons travelling abroad next year remain safe.
John Heppenstall, from the FCO, said: “Abta’s report suggests that British nationals will be travelling more in 2014.
“While the vast majority of these holidays are likely to be trouble-free, we continue to urge British travellers to prepare properly before they pack their bags – through simple steps such as investing in comprehensive travel insurance, taking the necessary health precautions and researching the local laws and customs of their destination.
“For those British nationals who do run into difficulties, the FCO will do all it can to help. For example, we can issue replacement travel documents and provide help to those who have been a victim of crime or are in hospital.
“However, we cannot pay people’s medical bills, lend money or influence another country’s legal system.
“Most people have rewarding and painless trips abroad but things can and do go wrong and taking time to prepare before you go can help ensure you have a holiday to remember for the right reasons.”