Posted on Monday, 16 October 2017

It is, perhaps, not the most likely time for people to be taking more holidays than ever, but the number of annual breaks taken per-person has risen to the highest level since 2011.

Given the uncertainty over Brexit, a less valuable pound and the threat of terrorism, it might not seem like the best time to be taking a break.

Yet nearly 9 in 10 UK residents enjoyed a home or overseas break in the year to August 2017, while the overall number of getaways taken per person increased by 0.4 – to 3.8 per year.

According to new data released by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), families and older people were among the most prolific holidaymakers.

The Holiday Habits Report revealed that families with children over age 5 booked the most getaways, at 4.5 annually. Most of these were taken within the UK.

Meanwhile, over-65s took two overseas breaks per year, on average, reflecting the increasing expendable incomes enjoyed by retired people. The Office for National Statistics says the incomes of retired people "have soared" in recent times and the tourism industry is one of the beneficiaries of this new income.

The holiday fortunes of younger people were not so impressive, however, with 18-25-year-olds taking fewer holidays than in years gone by.

In the 12 months to August 2015 this group took 4.5 holidays annually, but this figure has dropped to only 3.6 breaks in 2017.

Pressure on wages and high rents are suggested as key reasons why younger people are taking fewer breaks.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, commented: “Our findings generally show a positive picture of holiday-taking. We know that there are notable variations in household income across different groups, so while the retired are enjoying more holidays thanks to greater spending power, it suggests that the youngest age group, in particular, is feeling the pinch.”

Brexit not dampening European-bound travel

While Brexit negotiations may be worrying UK plc, it does not appear to be troubling holidaymakers. 63 per cent of respondents said they planned to visit an EU country next year.

But the looming EU exit is focussing minds in some ways, with one in three believing that getaway prices will cost them more very soon. This reflects worries over a weak sterling and increasing prices for holidays in countries such as Greece and Spain.

Interest in the Western Mediterranean has surged as formerly popular destinations including Turkey and Egypt have seen visitor numbers plunge following political turmoil and terrorist attacks.

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