Summer sun forecast for UK holidaymakers

Just seven per cent of holidaymakers will give up their summer holiday this year, although many will not book until after the traditionally popular early-January booking period, according to the UK’s largest independent travel retailer.

The Co-operative Travel surveyed 850 of its customers that booked a holiday in January last year, and found that 89 per cent of respondents had not yet finalised their 2009 getaway. 65 per cent of holidaymakers, however, were still going to take a summer holiday, with a further 28 per cent undecided.

Although 31 per cent of customers planned to book in January and February, 57 per cent were expected to make their booking between March and June.

“Like a lot of people in the UK at the moment, many of our customers have concerns over the economy and job security, and this is making it difficult for them to plan holidays in the short term,” said The Co-operative Travel Head of Retail Distribution Trevor Davis.

“However, ABTA has reported this week that 37 per cent of holidaymakers view their summer holiday as their most prized annual purchase, and this will be reflected in increases in bookings as the year goes on.

“At The Co-operative Travel we are trying to ease the burden in certain areas by offering low deposit offers, and seven-night summer holidays from £199, and we remain confident that the vast majority of holidaymakers will enjoy a summer getaway,” continued Davis.

However, Davis also voiced concerns about booking later in the year: “Many of the larger tour operators have reduced their capacity for 2009 – on top of massive reductions last season - which means there are less holidays available.

“If you are planning your summer holiday – and have a specific destination or resort in mind – we would recommend booking early, as the holidays simply won’t be available nearer to the summer. Early booking also means that you can take advantage of special offers such as free child places, which aren’t available later in the year,” concluded Davis.