The return of the package holiday

Economic uncertainty has helped package holidays to make a significant comeback against ‘DIY’ holiday bookings according to research by Mintel and The Co-operative Travel
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Mintel’s research shows that independent bookings fell last year, while the market for package holidays grew by 14%.

According to The Co-operative Travel this growth is being fuelled by a growth in half-board and all-inclusive holidays, where people are able to better control their expenditure.

Research of over 110,000 bookings shows that All Inclusive holidays have risen by 22.4% and Half Board by 53.6% compared to the same period last year. This suggest Brits are returning to the high street to book traditional package holidays, attracted by the ability to fix costs ahead of travel, rather than organising DIY bookings online.

Trevor Davis, Director of Retail Distribution at The Co-operative Travel added: “People are making a return to booking their holidays on the high street after the travel chaos of last year. The Co-operative Travel is a name that people know and trust and all of our travel agents have the financial protection of ABTA and ATOL bonding, ensuring that people’s bookings are safe in this uncertain climate.”

Sean Tipton, Communications Office for ABTA said: “Over the last two years ABTA members have seen a considerable increase in All Inclusive bookings. All Inclusives are particularly attractive to families as they make budgeting straightforward and worry free. The strength of the Euro has undoubtedly increased the popularity of All Inclusives and other options such as Half Board as they help avoid the problems caused by a weak pound.”