A recent survey by Audley Travel has revealed that holidaymakers in the premium travel sector are spending nearly £5,000 per person on average for a two-week vacation, despite the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. The inaugural Premium Travel Report also underscored consumers' preferences for expert guidance when booking, sustainable travel options, and exploring new destinations
GLOA recent survey by Audley Travel has revealed that holidaymakers in the premium travel sector are spending nearly £5,000 per person on average for a two-week vacation, despite the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. The inaugural Premium Travel Report also underscored consumers’ preferences for expert guidance when booking, sustainable travel options, and exploring new destinations.
The findings from Audley Travel’s first Premium Travel Report, based on a survey of 2,000 individuals across the UK of all age groups conducted in March this year, have just been released. On average, the reported expenditure for a two-week trip, encompassing travel, accommodations, and activities, was £4,977.21. Notably, 41% of respondents expected to spend more on their trips compared to the past, and 10% anticipated spending more than twice the amount they did five years ago.
Among those surveyed, 75% emphasized the importance of seeking advice from destination specialists, and 57% expressed a desire for sustainable travel options. In terms of priorities, 53% indicated a preference for exploring destinations they haven’t visited before, 54% wished to minimize interactions with other tourist groups, 49% wanted to spend time exclusively with their travel companions, and 54% sought the company of local guides to gain authentic insights into their destinations.
Western Europe emerged as the most popular destination for UK travelers in the last five years and remains a top choice for upcoming trips over the next two years. Looking ahead, 63% of respondents anticipated embarking on long-haul journeys in the coming year, and 56% planned their trips months or even years in advance.
Regarding flight preferences, 55% of respondents chose economy class for their last trip, 30% opted for premium economy, 9% selected business class, and 6% traveled in first class. In terms of accommodations, 44% of those surveyed reported staying in four-star hotels during their last trip, while 31% stayed in five-star hotels.
Audley Travel’s CEO, Nick Longman, commented on the findings, saying, “In our quest to continue our pursuit of excellence in this domain, we were intrigued to conduct a comprehensive study of the premium travel industry to gain a better understanding of the landscape and anticipate what lies ahead. The results are indeed encouraging for the industry as a whole, demonstrating that investing in a trip remains a priority for travelers, with a significant portion (41%) still expecting to increase their travel spending compared to the past. Moreover, the desire to explore new destinations remains strong, with over half of respondents eager to visit places they haven’t experienced before.”
The research was a collaborative effort between Audley Travel and PA Consulting. It targeted respondents aged 18 and above who had taken a foreign holiday in the last five years and planned to do so within the next 12 months, with a willingness to spend at least £2,000 per person on a two-week international vacation.
Source: Audley
