Travel Counsellors poll shows 76% not changing 2023 holiday plans

Three quarters of Travel Counsellors’ customers are looking to book a holiday in 2023, despite widespread concerns about the cost-of-living crisis.

A poll of more than 2,500 clients by the homeworking agency found that 76% said their holidays are so important to them that they still intend to travel as planned in 2023.

Carried out in September, the survey also found that nearly 60% of respondents are planning to book their 2023 holiday when they usually do, while 24% wanted to make the most of best deals by booking early and 18% will book last-minute, within two months of their departure date.

More than 60% of customers were interested in low deposit or flexible payment terms.

Nearly half said destination was more important, whatever the price, while 30% would be more inclined to book an all-inclusive trip so that they do not pay extra abroad.

Recent sales figures show Mediterranean destinations, the US, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean are doing well, showing double-digit growth compared to the same time in 2019.

Dave Callan, customer director at Travel Counsellors, said: “We are all feeling the effects of the credit crunch at the minute – some 64% of our clients have said the cost-of-living crisis is affecting their lives, but holidays are still a priority for many.

“It is interesting to see that so many travellers see destination over budget as their main priority as many re-evaluate their bucket lists.

“Whatever their budget, customers are still looking for trusted travel advice and want to know they are in safe hands should anything go wrong during their travels.”