Substantial Increase in All-Inclusive Bookings Reflects Desire for Cost Control
Key Insights
The latest data from travel booking platform Lastminute.com reveals that UK travelers are undeterred by the rising cost of living and flight disruptions, showing a 27% increase in summer bookings compared to the same period last year. Additionally, there was a 35% surge in all-inclusive holiday bookings, suggesting that consumers are seeking greater control over their in-destination expenses.
Popular Destinations
Spain continued to reign as the favored destination this summer, particularly the cities of Majorca and Barcelona. They were followed closely by Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Notably, Malta and Turkey showed remarkable year-on-year growth. Bookings for Malta soared by 78%, while the Turkish cities of Dalaman and Antalya saw increases of 125% and 56%, respectively.
Expert Commentary
Reigo Eljas, Lastminute.com’s Country Director for Northern Europe, stated, “We’re delighted to see that nothing dampens the British spirit for a summer getaway. This year, travelers have even booked earlier to secure the best deals in their preferred destinations.”
Eljas continued, “Despite a 5% year-over-year increase in the cost of holidays, the average length of stays for this summer remained consistent with last year. This indicates that Britons are determined to preserve their summer vacations.”
Changing Preferences
What has shifted, however, is how people are choosing to spend their money while on holiday. Eljas notes, “There’s been a significant move toward all-inclusive bookings, which is likely a response to travelers wanting more control over their expenses while at their destination.”
Moreover, Lastminute.com observed a sharp uptick in bookings to destinations where the British pound has strong purchasing power, such as the Turkish Riviera. “The considerable increases in bookings to the Algarve (+73%) and Malta (+78%) suggest that these might be the hotspots for 2024,” Eljas added.
Conclusion
As consumers adapt to changing economic conditions, travel preferences are shifting in favor of cost-effective options that offer more control over in-destination spending. With the travel industry continually evolving, Lastminute.com’s data provides valuable insights for both travelers and industry stakeholders looking to understand current trends and plan for the future.
