More than three years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry can just about (touch wood) safely say it is finally back doing what it does best – sending people on holiday.
Recent data from Barclays and Nationwide showed spending on holidays and travel continues to see year-on-year growth as customers continue to prioritise trips abroad despite financial pressures caused by the cost of living.
"We are amazingly busy at the moment – it’s crazy," founder and director of Newport’s La Vida Travel Karen Marin Reyes told TTG. "Consumers are very confident with their travel spending – which is great."
Reyes’ comments were echoed by 2023 TTG Top 50 UK & Ireland No.1 agency Beverley Travel, with director and co-owner Kelly Cheesman describing how customers are "making sure they have something to look forward to" after years of Covid upheaval.
So ahead of the summer, TTG has spoken to five agents, who identified six key trends likely to characterise both trading and people’s travel plans during peak season.
