The Personal Travel Consultants in Partnership with Blue Bay Travel (PTCs) has reported a surge in late bookings along with a shift towards more regional airport departures.
The homeworking group said late bookings were up by 30% in April and May compared to February and March 2023.
It said the increase may be due to holidaymakers waiting for funds to become available before committing to a trip – and a post-pandemic “mentality” with travellers being “more spontaneous and confident” about last-minute travel decisions.
Abbie Heaton, sales manager for Blue Bay Travel’s Personal Travel Consultants, said: “We’re not sure whether the bank holidays have played a role in the recent peak in bookings, but we feel confident that the cost-of-living crisis is causing a surge in the late booking market.
“Late bookers often require a more personalised service, and our consultants are perfectly placed to meet the needs of these clients.
“As people become more comfortable with long-haul travel again and, as flight prices decrease, we are also seeing an uptick in demand for further afield destinations.
“Additionally, with the inclement weather we’ve all experienced during May some travellers may simply have given up on waiting for the UK sun to come out and decided to get away instead.
“Bookings continue to endure in June despite forecast heatwaves so perhaps the changeable weather of the UK combined with our customers’ desire to experience new cultures is creating an increased motivation to book.”
Commenting demand for regional airports, she said 40% of the bookings taken in April and May are for Birmingham and Manchester departures. Heathrow and Gatwick make up most of the rest.
“The reduction in flight routes has meant holidaymakers are naturally considering alternative options but regional airports often offer a more convenient and fluid experience with shorter wait times, easier parking, and less congestion. Notwithstanding the fact the pricing is really competitive,” she added.
Some consumers, however, are booking well ahead with sales being made for 2024 and even 2025 to Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
“The trends we became so familiar with pre-pandemic now no longer exist. Being able to pivot to changing consumer demand is vital for success,” she added.