A study by Advantage Travel Partnership and Silver Travel Advisor found 77% of over-50s would travel again within the next six months after being vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Even more encouraging for the trade is that nearly half (46%) planned to travel “as much as possible” once they are allowed to.
Another positive is that 60% of respondents said their budget for holidays would remain the same while 26% planned to spend more to make up for the breaks they have missed during the pandemic.
Kelly Cookes, leisure director at Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We know that consumer confidence has been severely affected throughout the pandemic, so it’s reassuring that the vaccine is giving three-quarters of mature travellers the hope that they can and will travel again.”
Around half of consumers (49%) said they booked with an agent because of the advice and expertise they offered. While 42% wanted the reassurance of booking with somebody who could help them if necessary, and 38% said financial security was a key factor in booking with the trade.
Independent agencies were the most popular type of agent for the over-50s with 46% preferring to use this type of agency.
Debbie Marshall, managing director at Silver Travel Advisor, added: “We are really pleased to see from the survey that the Covid-19 vaccine is creating confidence among 50-plus market to plan and book future travel, both in the UK and abroad.
“As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, even the savviest silver traveller may be more hesitant when it comes to travel and now more than ever, it’s clear that the advice and reassurance a travel agent can bring is invaluable.”
