BULLETINS

The comprehensive ABTA Consumer Trends Survey sets out the reasons why the travel industry should be optimistic for 2013.

Feedback from the recently launched ABTA Consumer Trends Survey shows that holidays are the item consumers would be most unwilling to cut back on. The continued squeeze on household finances is, however, expected to see holidaymakers continue to look for good value holidays in 2013, with 7 in 10 (70%) consumers saying good value is essential or important when booking a holiday.

1. Tailor-Made Experience

While tailor-made tours used to be just for the luxury end of the market there are now many tour operators offering more affordable options due to the growth in popularity of this kind of holiday.

2. In Search of Adventure

According to ABTA research 5% of consumers are expected to take an adventure or challenge holiday in 2013. Whether it's hot air ballooning in Turkey or white water rafting in Northern Spain, tour operators are offering more options to cater for holidaymaker's growing sense of adventure.

3. Value

One trend expected in 2013 is for consumers to book earlier to secure good value deals for their holidays. ABTA research shows that a third (34%) of consumers booked their holiday further in advance in 2012 compared to the prior year. The top reason cited for booking further in advance was to secure better deals/cheaper prices (68%).

4. Package vs DIY

The trend is likely to be fuelled by consumers valuing the security and cost effectiveness that package holidays provide, particularly in the current economic climate.

5. Luxury - return of the big holiday

The luxury market has performed remarkably well in recent years. 2013 is expected to be a particularly good year for luxury tour operators with some tour operators predicting that those who have held back on a big, long-haul holiday in recent years will take that trip in 2013.

6. Train, Coach and Cruise

It's expected that in 2012 more UK passengers than ever before will have taken an ocean cruise holiday, with the figure rising to 1.72 million - 20,000 passengers more than 2011.

7. Age group trends

Younger travellers are taking more holidays. Those aged 15-24 took on average almost five breaks in the UK or overseas in the past 12 months compared to an average of four holidays during the same period a year ago. In total those aged 15-34 take more holidays abroad than any other age group.

8. Space Tourism

2013 will be a historic year for space tourism with the first consumer flight into space being launched by Virgin Galactic. Cost is likely to prohibit this becoming anything but a travel trend for the mega-rich in the immediate future but it is certainly a landmark event for the travel industry.

More info: http://www.abta.com