ABTA: UK Travelers Show Growing Confidence in Overseas Trips

Photo source: ABTA

UK citizens are currently more confident about traveling overseas than they were at this time last year, according to the latest Travel Confidence Index by ABTA, the trade association for UK travel agents and tour operators.

Now in its second year, the Travel Confidence Index will be included in ABTA’s Holiday Habits 2024-25 report, set to be released during ABTA’s 2024 Travel Convention in Greece from October 7-9.

Source: ABTA

The index reveals an overall confidence score of +47 points for the UK population, an increase of 6 points compared to 2023.

“It’s encouraging to see that the nation’s overall confidence in travel has risen—especially among certain groups,” said Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association.

According to the index, booking methods significantly influence travelers’ confidence. Those who booked through a travel professional reported a confidence score of +72 points, while individuals who took a package holiday in the past year achieved an even higher score of +74, up from +70 last year.

“It’s also brilliant to see that booking with a travel professional continues to foster such high levels of confidence too,” Buck said.

More into the index, families demonstrated a confidence score of +62, while those aged 25-34 scored +60. Notably, all age groups up to 64 years old reported more positive scores this year, with the most significant year-on-year increase observed among individuals aged 45-54, rising from +34 points in 2023 to +50 this year.

Source: ABTA

Travel confidence declines among travelers aged 65 and over

The only age group to experience a decline in travel confidence is those aged 65 and over, with a score of +26 points, down from +33 last year.

“It is concerning to see confidence dropping among the over 65s, who have traditionally shown a strong interest in travel and represent a significant customer base for our members,” said Buck. “Our research indicates that this group has become increasingly risk-averse and is significantly reassured by travel insurance and protections against company insolvency.” He added that businesses targeting this age group should prioritize raising awareness of these aspects in their interactions with customers.

To enhance consumer confidence in travel, key areas for travel companies to focus on include assisting customers in obtaining the correct travel documents (such as valid passports or visas), which is rated “essential” by 71 percent of respondents.

The areas with the largest year-on-year increases in importance include ensuring customers can return home if their travel company goes bust, rated essential by 58 percent; maintaining good health and safety standards at accommodations, rated essential by 48 percent; and providing a welcoming and safe environment on holiday, rated essential by 46 percent.