“Holiday Habits 2024/25” by ABTA report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest travel trends among UK consumers, demonstrating resilience in the sector despite economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainties. The report reveals that travel remains a priority, with 84% of people who traveled this year taking more holidays than before, especially young families who continue to lead in frequency. This increase in travel activity highlights a growing consumer confidence that runs counter to broader economic concerns. Factors like inflation and rising costs have not significantly deterred people from planning and taking more trips, a positive indicator for the organized travel sector.

One of the most significant findings is the rise in bookings through travel agents. The new research conducted by ABTA in 2024, surveying 2,000 UK adults, reveals that nearly two in five (38%) individuals booked their holiday with a travel professional this year, an increase from just over a third (34%) in 2023. This growing trend underscores the importance of ease and security in travel planning, as “ease of booking” was cited as the top reason for using a travel agent. Additionally, the reassurance that someone would be available to help if something goes wrong saw a notable jump, rising from 34% to 43% compared to the previous year.

The rise in reliance on travel professionals is attributed to the varied challenges that travelers faced over the past year, including issues like wildfires in popular destinations and disruptions caused by the UK air traffic control outage in 2023. These incidents have highlighted the value of having expert support during unexpected events. Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s Chief Executive, emphasized that more customers now appreciate the benefits of having a professional advocate who can navigate complications on their behalf.

According to ABTA survey, the trend toward booking with travel agents is particularly strong among young people and families. For example, in 2019, 36% of families with young children and 36% of 18-24-year-olds used travel professionals for their holiday bookings. This figure has now risen dramatically to 55% for young families and 48% for the 18-24 age group in 2024. This shift suggests a generational preference for expert assistance in managing their travel plans, which aligns with the overall increase in demand for personalized and reliable travel experiences.

Package holidays continue to be the most popular type of travel for many, with 44% of respondents indicating that these options offer the best value for money. The structured nature of package holidays appeals to travelers seeking not only cost savings but also convenience and peace of mind, particularly in uncertain times. Europe remains the favored destination for UK travelers, with Spain, France, and Italy topping the list of most-visited countries. This preference for well-known destinations further reflects a desire for reliable, familiar experiences in travel planning.

These findings from ABTA’s “Holiday Habits 2024/25” report indicate a shifting landscape in travel preferences, where the demand for personalized, professional assistance is growing. Consumers are increasingly turning to travel agents for their expertise, ease of booking, and the confidence that comes with having a trusted partner in unpredictable travel scenarios.