Travel intent ‘defies’ economic and geopolitical pressures, poll finds

More than three-quarters of Brits plan to take a holiday this summer as travel intent remains resilient, according to a new survey.

 

A global poll covering 10 key countries found that travel intent remains “robust” at 74%, with the figure rising to 77% in the British market.

 

The Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index said the findings show that travel “defies” economic and geopolitical pressures but show how the sector is being “increasingly reshaped” by them.

 

Domestic travel is leading the way for many travellers this summer, with 42% of global citizens planning to holiday within their own country.

 

In Britain, 36% of respondents said they planned a domestic holiday, while 42% reported they wanted to travel overseas.

 

Globally, more than four in five (82%) say they “desperately need a holiday” this year, “underscoring that travel is seen as a way to escape from the world’s ‘permacrisis’ state”, said the report.

 

Three in five (61%) are cutting non-essential spending elsewhere, while nearly half (47%) are scaling back their holiday plans to afford to travel.

 

Anticipated spending per trip also varies significantly across markets with a global average of €1,572 per person. For Great Britain, the average was €1,489.

 

More than half (54%) of global travellers will attend concerts, festivals or performing arts events during their trips, while 41% plan to attend sporting events.

 

Over a third globally (36%) are booking cruises, riverboats or expedition-style holidays, “reinforcing a broader shift toward immersive, activity-rich travel rather than passive relaxation”.

 

Geopolitical instability is cited as a concern by 72% of respondents, while 66% express anxiety around personal safety, including crime, scams and terrorism.

 

Operational risks also remain top of mind, including delays and cancellations (59%), illness abroad (57%), lost luggage (52%) and missing travel documents (50%).

 

Two in five (42%) summer travellers purchase their insurance concurrently with their trip booking.

 

However, one in five (20%) travellers still say they will not purchase cover this summer, while 13% remain unsure.

 

Anna Kofoed, chief officer global strategic partnerships at Allianz Partners said: “What we are seeing is not a decline in travel demand, but a clear evolution in how people travel.

 

“This is a more conscious traveller, but also a more resilient one, that is reshaping the entire travel landscape.

 

“Even in the face of economic pressure and global uncertainty, as travellers face rising costs, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and the very real prospect of disruption, from higher fuel prices to potential air traffic control strikes, holidays remain a non-negotiable lifeline to wellbeing and personal renewal.

 

“Rather than stepping back, consumers are adapting. They are choosing destinations closer to home, managing their budgets more carefully, and prioritising meaningful, experience-led trips that justify the investment – because the memories and wellbeing benefits are priceless.

 

“At the same time, this more complex and potentially ‘bumpy’ travel environment is driving a greater focus on protection.”

 

The findings come from an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of Allianz Partners between March 20-April 14. There were 1,001 respondents in the UK and 11,010 in total.

 

As well as Great Britain, respondents came from China, France, Germany, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the US.