UK Travel Confidence Reaches New High as ABTA Index Shows Strong Growth Across All Age Groups

Published on October 4, 2025

The latest findings from ABTA’s annual Travel Confidence Index reveal that UK travellers are growing increasingly optimistic about venturing overseas. Now in its third year, the index reports a robust overall score of +53, marking a six-point increase compared to last year and a remarkable twelve-point rise since the index was first introduced in 2023.

Booking habits and recent travel experiences play a key role in shaping confidence levels. Travellers who book through professional travel agents reported the highest assurance, with a score of +78, up six points from the previous year’s +72. Those who opted for package holidays also recorded strong confidence, achieving a score of +80, rising from +74. These figures underscore the continued trust in guided and structured travel arrangements.

Younger generations are driving much of the upward trend. Among 18–24-year-olds, confidence has risen nine points to +57, while 25–34-year-olds show a dramatic 19-point jump, reaching +79. These age groups, along with 35–44-year-olds at +64, are now the most assured travellers, far exceeding the overall national index. Families are also reporting elevated confidence, with a score of +71, reflecting growing enthusiasm for group and multi-generational travel. Meanwhile, older travellers aged 65 and above, although less confident than younger groups, still hold a positive score of +33, up from +26 in 2024, indicating a cautious but improving outlook.

ABTA’s survey also highlights key factors that influence travellers’ sense of security. Obtaining the correct travel documents, such as valid passports or visas, remains paramount, with 68% of respondents rating it as essential. Equally significant is the ability to return home safely if a travel company fails, a concern for 56% of participants. Transparency in pricing is also crucial, with 54% of travellers wanting full clarity on total costs before booking. Travel insurance and financial protection in case of company insolvency are equally important, with 53% and 50% of respondents rating these factors as essential, respectively.

These insights provide valuable guidance for travel companies looking to nurture customer confidence. By addressing these critical concerns—from ensuring proper documentation and clear pricing to offering robust financial safeguards—businesses can better reassure clients and encourage overseas travel. The data suggests that well-informed, secure, and professionally supported travel experiences are key to maintaining the upward momentum in UK travel confidence.

With confidence on the rise across multiple demographics, the UK travel sector is positioned for growth. As travellers increasingly seek reliable guidance, clear information, and secure options, operators who prioritize these aspects are likely to see stronger engagement and bookings in the coming months.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA – The Travel Association, said:

“A core purpose of ABTA is to help people travel with confidence. We introduced the Travel Confidence Index both to help our understanding of consumer sentiment in travel and to identify the most effective actions that the industry can take collectively to build consumer confidence – so, it’s really encouraging to see that the UK’s overall confidence to travel overseas continues its upwards trend.

“It’s also reassuring to see that booking with an ABTA member continues to be rated essential or important by 75% of people to give them confidence to travel.  This is testament to the work of ABTA members in making sure their customers are advised, informed and prepared to have an amazing holiday.”

The steady rise in the ABTA Travel Confidence Index reflects a renewed enthusiasm among UK travellers to explore destinations abroad. With growing trust in professional travel services, package holidays, and clear communication from travel providers, more people are feeling secure and optimistic about their journeys. Younger generations and families are leading this positive shift, while even older travellers are showing greater assurance compared to previous years. By continuing to prioritize transparency, proper documentation, and financial protection, travel companies can further strengthen customer confidence and support the ongoing recovery and growth of the UK travel industry.