Almost a third (32%) of Travel Republic bookings over the last seven days have been for October half term holidays – reflecting an industry late booking trend since Covid travel curbs were lifted.
Almost 40% of the OTA’s bookings for this month’s school holidays are for all-inclusive breaks, a 10% increase over the same period in pre-pandemic 2019 amid cost of living concerns.
As many as 46% of families travelling during the half term break are booking all-inclusive holidays, compared to 38% of couples.
The top selling destinations for all in-inclusive breaks are Turkey, Egypt, Majorca, Benidorm, Canary Islands, including Tenerife and Lanzarote, and Greek islands, including Rhodes and Crete.
Most popular long-haul destinations are the Maldives, Dubai, Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Travel Republic managing director Antonio Fellino said: “The cost-of-living crisis, coupled with the economic challenges being felt in the UK, are seeing Brits gravitate to all-inclusive packages for their breaks, which is totally understandable.
“Our data tells us that on average it can be around 15% cheaper to book all-inclusive, rather than a holiday on a bed and breakfast or half board basis – and that’s before you factor in the cost of the additional meals and drinks which would have to be paid for.”
While people may take fewer holidays this year given the rise in cost of living, the firm is seeing customers spending more, with average booking values 46% higher than the same period in 2019.
Fellino added that 5-star hotels are taking a higher share of the company’s bookings at 33%.