New research from ABTA shows demand for foreign holidays is back to pre-pandemic levels

Monday, March 20, 2023

New figures from ABTA – The Travel Association show that 62% of people have been on a foreign holiday since the lifting of the UK’s COVID travel restrictions1.

Today marks 12 months since the UK Government lifted the UK’s remaining travel restrictions on 18 March 2022. The change on this date meant that all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, no longer needed to take any tests or complete any forms on their return to the UK – making it easier and cheaper for UK holidaymakers returning from an overseas break.

The new data also show that the demand for travel is now back in line with pre-pandemic levels and is a huge bounce back from the lows of 16% in 2021 when travel was at its most restricted because of measures to control the pandemic2.

Many of ABTA’s tour operator and travel agent members are reporting record-breaking sales since the start of the year. ABTA’s latest data, which show two-thirds (65%) of people are planning to go on holiday abroad in the next 12 months, indicate that this buoyant demand is set to edge further upward, with more than a third (37%) of people having already booked a break3.

ABTA says there has been a ‘freedom factor’ driving the return of travel which perhaps explains why, despite the cost-of-living challenges, people are still keen to book a foreign trip. ABTA’s new survey suggests that, for the majority of people, holidays are the ‘non-essential’ item they want to prioritise this year, with 54% saying they’ll cut back on other non-essential costs so they can still afford to go on holiday4.

A strong travel and tourism sector is highly beneficial to the wider UK economy. ABTA research finds that international travel has the potential to lead the UK’s economic recovery, with the outbound sector expected to grow 15% by 2027, outperforming the wider UK economy5.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said:

“What a difference a year makes. One of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic is now back, and in a big way, with demand for travel reaching pre-pandemic levels.

“Both our research and reports of strong booking levels from our members show that holidays remain a spending priority for the year ahead, despite the current squeeze on finances. On the whole, people are preferring to adapt their travel plans rather than scrap them entirely, primarily by going all-inclusive, booking early, or holidaying outside of busy periods.

“A clear focus for the sector will be to continue the recovery by building a more sustainable industry, ensuring people and communities gain the economic and social positives it brings while addressing environmental challenges. Government support in this area will be critical in helping with hard to tackle issues such as decarbonising aviation.”

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