The homeworking group on Wednesday (14 June) revealed last-minute summer reservations have increased by 7%, with 36% of all late bookings coming from middle-aged couples and empty nesters.
The figures also highlight how nearly 50% of Travel Counsellors’ package holidays bookings came form partners (47%) while 41% of young couples have booked a multi-destination holiday.
“The increasing popularity of last-minute multi-destination trips and experiential travel shows a shift in consumer preferences,” said global sales director Jim Eastwood.
"It’s not just about booking last-minute holidays to save money but about people waiting longer before securing premium leisure breaks that offer them unique travel experiences.”
Italy and Spain, along with the UAE, Bali and Mauritius, were among the most sought-after destinations, while higher numbers of people have opted for a cruise trip, with sales going up 32% in May.
The data comes on the heels of a research published last week by the Personal Travel Consultants in partnership with Blue Bay Travel (PTCs), which showed that bookings in April and May have gone up 30% as more Brits leave it late to book for the summer amid the cost of living squeeze.