Travel Trends 2019

Travel Trends Report 2019
Travel Trends Report 2019

Travel Trends brings together news and insights from ABTA Members, market information and ABTA research, offering a review of the last 12 months and looking ahead to 2019.

2018 has been a year of uncertainty, both politically and economically. It has been a particularly tough year for the high-street; with well-known retail brands such as Maplin and Toys’R’Us closing down, and House of Fraser and Mothercare reducing the number of stores. In spite of this, ABTA research shows holidays remain a spending priority, although a continued weak Pound means the desire to get a value-for-money break has strengthened and is reflected in people’s choices.

The political uncertainty around Brexit has dominated news headlines in the past year and, while the early indications are that forward bookings for package holidays in summer 2019 are positive, ABTA’s research shows that there are concerns and confusion among the public about what Brexit means for travel.

The value holidaymakers place on the personal touch and expertise of travel professionals shines through and is reflected in the fact that many ABTA Members are investing in sales people as well as technology. Innovation is changing people’s holiday experiences, the introduction of the new Package Travel Regulations means more travel arrangements become packages – a boost in protection for consumers – and once-niche issues like sustainability are becoming mainstream. All of which, and more, are captured in our key trends.

The report also includes our 12 destinations to watch for 2019. These are places we think will be on people’s wish list to visit in the year ahead and attract visitors for a whole host of reasons.

The destinations have been independently selected by ABTA’s experts and their inclusion is based on a range of factors including new flight routes, major events and celebrations or areas experiencing a revival. We also lift the lid on familiar destinations and discover some of their hidden gems as well as good value holidays.

I hope you find this report useful. If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact our PR team at press@abta.co.uk.

Mark Tanzer
Chief Executive