UK travellers booking for summer ‘earlier than other Europeans’

European OTA eDreams Odigeo has reported record profits for the past financial year as it revealed that UK travellers are booking holidays earlier than in any other European country.

 

Analysis of the company’s summer bookings data revealed that 86% of UK holidaymakers are committing more than 90 days before departure compared to 61% in Italy, the lowest among the countries analysed. 

 

The findings point to a growing sense of certainty and enthusiasm around future travel plans, with UK consumers emerging as the most forward-planning in Europe.

 

The data confirms that UK travellers are treating holidays as a non-negotiable part of life, even in the face of inflation and cost-of-living concerns, according to the company.

 

The rise in long-lead bookings also reflects growing consumer confidence in the travel sector, fuelled by new industry initiatives around flexible bookings and cancellation protection. 

 

Together, these factors are encouraging more travellers to plan ahead, safe in the knowledge that they can adjust plans if needed.

 

More than a quarter (27%) of summer bookings for were for two weeks or more, the firm added.

 

The data was revealed as eDreams Odigeo (eDO) disclosed that profitability grew by 49% year-on-year to €180.4 million as membership of its Prime subscription service rose by 25% to 7.26 million.

 

The figures for the year to March 31 saw a 6% rise in revenues to €717.9 million. Net profit was up by 39% to €45.1 million.

 

The Prime service now drives 71% of revenues, according to the company.

 

However, Prime’s overall household penetration in Europe stands at just 3.7%, “demonstrating significant potential for growth”.

 

Prime only operates in 10 out of 44 markets covered by the group, “offering considerable geographic expansion opportunities”. 

 

As a result, the firm has set new targets for the current year including  an additional one million Prime members and earnings [ebitda] of  between €215-€220 million.

 

Chief executive Dana Dunne said: ”This extraordinary year culminates a 3.5-year journey where eDO turned ambitious 2025 vision into a powerful reality. 

 

“We have delivered on every commitment, achieving this despite persistent global headwinds that saw most industry peers revise their outlooks downwards. 

 

“eDO, however, not only stood strong but thrived, a direct result of our differentiated business model. Its inherent strength and adaptability are what set us apart from conventional transactional businesses, especially in changing market conditions. 

 

“Our record results across profitability, revenue, and margins demonstrate undoubtedly that we’ve engineered a stronger, more profitable, and uniquely flexible model.”

 

He added: “As powerful as our subscription model has demonstrated itself to be, we are just scratching the surface of its potential. 

 

“Significant headroom remains in our current markets, complemented by substantial opportunities in new geographies and customer segments. 

 

“We have the dedicated team, the industry-leading technology, and the strategic clarity to systematically unlock this growth potential. 

 

“Our focus remains absolute - to continuously elevate the experience for our millions of Prime members and deliver exceptional, lasting value to our shareholders. We are primed for our next phase of growth.”