Yesterday, the Bulletin reported that tourist spending in the Balearics was up by six per cent by November last year in comparison with the a same period in 2014. And it appears that the upturn, especially in the UK market which drove last year's increase in spending, is set to continue this year.
Research from TravelSupermarket reveals the average Briton will spend £1,243 on their main holiday next year - 8% more than in 2015 and 12% more than was predicted in 2011, when the travel comparison site’s Travel Trends Tracker first began. The annual report into the top holiday trends also found that British tourists will spend seven per cent more on flights and accommodation in 2016 and will take an extra £41 in spending money with them.
Spain remains a firm favourite for British tourists and is set to be the number one holiday destination abroad next year, with planned visits by 11% of holidaymakers. Meanwhile, the British staycation trend is in decline, falling 25% since the report began in 2011 to an all-time low of 30% of holidaymakers staying in the UK for next year’s break.
Despite its financial crisis, Greece (to be visited by 4% of Britons) has risen in popularity, overtaking Italy (3%) to claim the fourth spot of Britons’ preferred holiday destinations. The USA (6%), countries in Asia (3%), Cyprus (2%) and the Caribbean (3%) have all crept up the list too, as the report shows holidaymakers can afford to travel further afield. Meanwhile, for the first time in five years, Turkey has dropped out of the top ten list altogether to eleventh place and Portugal has also decreased in popularity by one percentage point.
While most holidaymakers (39%) will be going on one main holiday with occasional shorter breaks, the average Brit on will go on 2.7 holidays in 2016 (an increase from 2.6 last year). Their main break will be a 9.71 day holiday, departing in June to a Spanish beach resort with their partner. They will spend £730 per person on transport (getting there) and accommodation and will each allocate £513 towards spending money. Most will opt for self-catering accommodation (27%), with 15% choosing all-inclusive deals, 14% bed and breakfast, and 13% half board. While beach holidays and city breaks remain Britons’ trip of choice (27% and 13% respectively) they’re set to see a decline in popularity next year (beach breaks are down 10% and city breaks are down seventeen per cent compared to last year).
By contrast, ‘action holidays’ (e.g. mountain biking, canoeing and skiing) will see a 50% increase as ‘the year of sport’ approaches with the Olympics and Euro 2016 championships.
Exploring holiday motivations, over half (59%) will be searching for the ideal destination to relax and unwind, while a further 39% will be looking to spend much needed quality time with their family. The desire to experience different cultures, seeking out galleries and monuments, has increased by 15% compared to this time last year (up to 23%). However, despite an increase in spending money, Britons will be 20% less likely to lap it up in the land of luxury (13% v. 15% in 2015).
Although 55% of Britons will be going on holiday with their husband or wife next year, the report also reflects a growing trend for solo travel, finding that almost a quarter of travellers (24%) would be happy to break the mould and embark on a trip on their own. Nearly a quarter (24%) of Brits also admitted there is no stigma associated with going on holiday alone anymore, as more than seven per cent of British holidaymakers plan to travel solo this year.