Majority of consumers plan to book summer holiday before end of spring – survey

Financial protection scheme Atol commissioned the research to mark its 50th anniversary.

Neil Lancefield
Tuesday 19 December 2023 10:03 EST
Most consumers plan to book a 2024 summer holiday before the end of spring, a new survey suggests (Nicholas Ansell/PA)
Most consumers plan to book a 2024 summer holiday before the end of spring, a new survey suggests (Nicholas Ansell/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Most consumers plan to book a 2024 summer holiday before the end of spring, a new survey suggests.

Some 51% of respondents to a poll commissioned by financial protection scheme Atol said they would book a summer break over the coming months.

Among those planning to go on an overseas summer holiday next year, only 17% said they intend to book from June onwards.

This year has seen growth in bookings, driving holiday reservations back to pre-pandemic levels

Andrew McConnell, Civil Aviation Authority

Holiday bookings surge in the days immediately after Christmas, with many travel companies experiencing their busiest period of the year.

Atol commissioned the research to mark its 50th anniversary.

It is launching a campaign this week to remind consumers to ensure their holiday bookings are financially protected.

Andrew McConnell, spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority, which runs Atol, said: “This year has seen growth in bookings, driving holiday reservations back to pre-pandemic levels.

“While unfortunately we have seen several smaller organisations go out of business this year, Atol financial protection has provided reassurance by assisting people to get home if they are already abroad or allowing them to make a claim for a refund if they are yet to travel.

“We know from our research that people are already planning their next overseas trip, so before consumers take the holiday plunge, they should use our ‘check for Atol’ tool to see if their holiday provider holds an Atol licence.

“By booking an Atol-protected holiday, they know they can then relax, knowing they won’t be left out of pocket should anything happen to their travel firm.”

The survey of 2,295 UK adults was conducted by research company Savanta between December 9 and 10.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in