As many as 82% of InteleTravel agents’ clients are spending the same or more than they did last year, a new survey shows.
Data from 1,000 of the home working firm’s advisors found 36% of clients were spending the same as last year, 24% were spending up to 25% more, 16% were paying 25-50% more and 6% were even spending over 50% more.
Although customers are spending more, 91% of advisors reported that customers were more concerned about higher prices than any other issue.
The general cost-of-living crisis, flight cancellations and crowded destinations also featured among the concerns.
Beach holidays account for 65% of the trips taken, while all-inclusives were particularly popular because of the value they offer, accounting for 64% of trips.
People are opting for shorter trips, with five to seven nights being the most popular duration, accounting for 51% of holidays.
Some 36% of trips were for eight to 13 nights, 10% for 14 nights or more and just 3% for one to four nights.
Multi-generational holidays have not grown in popularity this year, with 70% of advisors saying they have sold about the same number as last year.
Short-haul trips to the Mediterranean are the most popular holidays, accounting for 53% of bookings this year.
Long-haul travel accounts for 27% of bookings, while medium-haul and domestic destinations were also popular.
The majority of InteleTravel advisors (67%) expect their business to grow in 2023, compared with last year.
More than a quarter expect their business to grow by up to 25%, 24% expect to grow between 25%-50% and 18% expect growth of more than 50%.
Business may remain unchanged, according to 22% of advisors, but only 10% expect their business to contract.
InteleTravel agents are generally optimistic about next year and beyond, despite the current economic situation.
Some 29% of advisors are very optimistic about the future. A further 29% are quietly confident about the future while 27% felt less sure about the future, while only 12% expect the future to be a struggle and 3% did not express a strong opinion.
The company recently reported a 58% increase in sales with a 14% rise in average booking values in May 2023, compared with the same period last year. Cruise sales have increased to 8% of the total revenues.