Three quarters of older travellers say that receiving the Covid-19 vaccine will give them confidence to book and travel again within the next six months.
And almost half plan to make the most of their re-established freedom and travel as much as possible once they have been vaccinated.
Advantage Travel Partnership and Silver Travel Advisor, who conducted the poll, say the results demonstrate that this demographic will lead travel recovery in 2021.
The research, completed by 477 over-50s across the UK, found that 94% of people planned to have the Covid-19 vaccine once they have been contacted by the NHS for their appointment.
The survey also examined spending habits for future trips, to see what impact the pandemic may have had on travellers’ budgets.
More than half (60%) said their budget for travel would remain unchanged, while 26% intend to spend more to make up for holidays missed due to travel restrictions.
Almost half (49%) said they booked with a travel agent because of the advice and expertise offered.
Another contributing factor to booking with an agent was having the reassurance of someone who could help if needed (42%), while 38% said financial security was another key reason.
When asked what type of agent they were more likely to book with, 46% would opt for an independent.
More than a third (36%) would choose an agency that specialises in the type of travel they are interested in, such as cruise, and 20% would select a Silver Travel Advisor recommended agent.
Full analysis of the survey will be issued on February 9.
Silver Travel Advisor managing director Debbie Marshall said: “We are really pleased to see from the survey that the Covid-19 vaccine is creating confidence among 50-plus market to plan and book future travel, both in the UK and abroad.
“As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, even the savviest silver traveller may be more hesitant when it comes to travel and now more than ever, it’s clear that the advice and reassurance a travel agent can bring is invaluable.
“Through our partnership with Advantage, their members have exclusive access to the Silver Travel Advisor accreditation training which will help agents understand the mature market and the different segments.
“Upon completion of the course, accredited agents will be featured on the Silver Travel Advisor website, which is a great opportunity for agents to promote their services and grow its customer base.”
Advantage leisure director Kelly Cookes added: “We know that consumer confidence has been severely affected throughout the pandemic, so it’s reassuring that the vaccine is giving three-quarters of mature travellers the hope that they can and will travel again.
“To ensure our members have all the tools available to convert enquiries from into bookings, our agent members also have access to our own digital version of the customer magazine ‘The Silver Traveller’ to help them market effectively to the over 50s.”