Customers continue to defy cost-of-living pressures as the autumn market looks set to exceed pre pandemic levels, with buoyant bookings for the October half-term and winter-sun escapes, skiing trips and early 2024 sales.
A recent study by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Atol division found more than four in 10 UK consumers are likely to book an overseas trip before Christmas.
The Advantage Travel Partnership reported that 32% of all its forward bookings are due to depart in October and November, with average booking values up 10% year on year.
Chief commercial officer Kelly Cookes said: “Customers want to take advantage of the unseasonal warm weather across the Med.
“We are seeing the shoulder season extended in some traditional summer destinations.”
Ski Solutions’ forward bookings for this winter are 13% up on 2022, with December 96% sold against its forecast.
Chief executive Craig Burton said: “For earlier‑season departures, we have seen a more pronounced bias towards higher‑altitude and snow‑sure Alpine resorts as well as our Norwegian resorts.”
Travel Counsellors’ forward bookings are more than 20% up on last year and “significantly” above pre‑pandemic levels.
Global sales director Jim Eastwood said: “Looking ahead to winter, customers are enquiring for New York, Dubai, Mauritius, Barbados and southeast Asia. Our outlook remains optimistic.”
Spires Travel owner Paul Knapper said autumn/winter bookings at his Worcester agency had risen by 25% compared with last year, when the company had a record 12 months.
“The most popular season is next summer, but about 25%‑30% of our bookings are for this winter,” he said.
Dawson & Sanderson managing director Annelene Hutton said: “The autumn and winter lates market is looking healthy, with strong demand.
“There is positive demand for the family holiday market with the approaching October half‑term.”
The buoyant market is reflected in consumer research.
A Travel Counsellors poll of 2,000 Brits found that 45% said holidays were their top spending priority over the next year; 76% plan to spend at least as much on travel in 2024 as they have in the past 12 months; and 75% plan an overseas trip in the next six months.
Mintel’s British Lifestyles report indicated that the holiday market is set to exceed pre‑Covid values, with 2023 spending up 13% year on year to £63 billion. Airlines reported contrasting views on demand.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary warned of a dip in consumer confidence, saying: “We expect to have to stimulate demand [this winter].”
But easyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren last week hailed a “record financial performance” and “best‑ever” summer, adding: “You always need to stimulate pricing in winter outside the peaks. This winter won’t be different. The indications are demand remains strong.
“Booking patterns have moved back to what they were in 2019.”