New findings from ABTA reveal 28% of people plan to spend more on their holiday this year, and that outbound travel provides a boost to local economies in the UK. 

The research also shows that people’s spending holiday habits vary across the region including:

• The Welsh are planning to spend more on their holidays this year than people from any other part of the UK. Almost a third (32%) of people in Wales are planning to spend more than they did in 2018, 4% more than the average (28%). People in the South East (30%), East Midlands (30%), Yorkshire and the Humber (29%) and London (29%) are all above average.
• Those from Scotland are the most likely to spend much more on their holidays in 2019 (13% vs 10% average). London (12%), East Midlands (12%) and Welsh people (12%) are also above average. 
• Londoner’s strong commitment to taking holidays abroad also provides the biggest boost to the local economy – spending over £12 billion million in 2017 and supporting almost 120,000 jobs. This is from the direct spend on travel services and holidays, as well as a range of associated products and services such as duty free, cameras and sun tan lotion. The South East is second largest – spending over £6 billion in 2017 and supporting almost 100,000 jobs.
• On average, 13% of people are willing to cut back on holidays in order to save money – those based in the North East, East Midlands and London are the least likely to do so.
• Europe is the destination of choice this year for those in the South East, North West, South West, North East, West Midlands, East of England and London.
• The UK is the preferred destination of choice in 2019 for people in Yorkshire and the Humber, Scotland and Wales. Those in the East Midlands equally like Europe and the UK. 
• People in Scotland are most likely to take a city break (56%) – followed by those in the North West (54%), North East (49%), South East (48%), East of England (47%) and London (47%).
• Those in the West Midlands most prefer a beach holiday (50%) – followed by people in Yorkshire and the Humber (49%), London (48%) and South West (38%).

Victoria Bacon, ABTA’s Director of Brand and Business Development, said:

“The UK has always been a nation of people who enjoy taking holidays and holidays are clearly a spending priority for a lot of people. 

“Many people now regard a holiday as a necessity rather than a luxury, and holidays not only provide a great experience for the holidaymaker, they also have a really positive impact on the local economy.

“For those still looking to book their holiday this year, it’s worth having a look at the deals and offers available at the moment. Some travel companies have holidays available with free-child places or money off for summer breaks.”
Booking with an ABTA approved travel company gives holidaymakers support, protection and expertise so people can travel with confidence. You can find an ABTA Member by visiting abta.com/findamember.

The press releases are available for each region on request. Please contact press@abta.co.uk.