The confirmation on the lifting of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions on 19 July is clearly making an immediate impact on Britons’ summer plans, as many have swapped the UK for traditional European destinations for their summer holidays.
Spain has now toppled the UK staycation from its top spot with 29% of bookings, the UK is 12% of bookings and Greece remains at 8% of all summer holiday bookings made by Travel Counsellors.
Holiday bookings were already up by 10% and are expected to rise further. The latest booking figures from leading independent travel agency, Travel Counsellors, show that 50% of all new holiday bookings and re-bookings made last week (w/c 28 June) are for summer 2021.
For bookings further down the line, USA, Spain and the Maldives are very popular for winter 2021/22; while Greece, USA and Spain are leading the bookings for summer 2022.
Kirsten Hughes, UK Managing Director at Travel Counsellors, says: “We welcome today’s announcement, which removes the quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers returning from an amber list country. This is a positive step in the right direction for both the travel industry and consumers looking to get a much-needed break away. We have been waiting for this clarity, which will certainly give Britons more confidence in booking late summer holidays to popular European destinations once again.
However, travel remains more complex than ever at the moment, with the traffic light system and latest FCDO advice to navigate. Placing travel plans in the hands of an experienced travel professional has never felt so important – a sentiment that is clearly reflected in our latest consumer survey report”, Kirsten concludes.
The release of these stats from Travel Counsellors coincide with the publication of the company’s latest consumer survey report of 1,000 customer responses in June 2021. Insights highlight there is still an appetite to travel in the current climate, with over 40% citing the fact they ‘just want to get away’ as the main reason for booking a holiday. Booking with a trusted advisor is still very important in these uncertain times, with 60% of consumers saying that ‘booking with someone you can trust’ is the most important factor when considering travel plans. Whilst some 22% are planning to travel in the autumn, clear guidelines are also needed, with 61% of respondents saying they require more clarification on individual country requirements to boost confidence.
Travel Counsellors has almost 1,500 experts across the UK who offer support, local expertise and reassurance from ‘inspiration to destination’. For more inspiration on the next destination, take a look at Travel Counsellors postcard film, written and performed by incredible poet, Tony Walsh.
