The travel association revealed the increase in holidaymakers’ likelihood of booking through the travel trade in its new report, Travel in 2022, which predicts a range of trends for next year.
The main reasons to use travel professionals were for guidance on Covid travel requirements (47%) and the security of booking a package holiday (46%).
This change was particularly pronounced among younger age groups, with two-thirds of 18- to 24-year-olds now more likely to book through the trade than they were pre-Covid.
Abta’s research also found package holidays were set to “perform well” in 2022, with people 27% more likely to book this type of holiday than they were pre-pandemic – mainly because of financial protection and “having everything taken care of”.
Another key trend that should drive bookings next year are “catch-up” consumers keen to make up for trips and experiences they have missed out on since March 2020. They are also prepared to spend extra on upgrading accommodation, booking longer stays or travelling to more expensive destinations.
Almost half (49%) of consumers said holidays were now “more important” to them, while 46% expected to spend more on their breaks in 2022 – up from just 29% in 2020.
Popular destinations for 2022 include Spain, France, Italy, Greece and the US, with long-haul beach options such as the Caribbean and the Maldives also becoming more popular.
The report highlighted how “seacation” cruises around the UK this summer could spark a “new-to-cruise craze”, with the sector likely to reach new levels of popularity in 2022.
Abta’s chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Given the hugely challenging trading conditions over the past couple of years, I’m delighted to see people becoming ever more likely to turn to travel professionals to book their long-awaited holidays.
“Our members have worked tirelessly to provide their customers with expert advice and outstanding service, so it’s wonderful to see this hard work being recognised and rewarded.
“There is still a way to go but, with 61% of people saying that they plan to travel abroad in the next year, we seem to be at the first stage of a meaningful recovery for the sector.”
