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Peaks ‘off to promising start’, says Abta

More than one in four consumers will spend more on their holidays this year, according to new figures from Abta.

The association said a YouGov survey of more than 2,000 people showed that 27% will increase their holiday budget for 2019.

Meanwhile, 38% said they will spend the same; and 22% said they will cut back and spend less on holidays this year.

Furthermore, consumers are increasingly turning to travel agents, as they want advice from an expert and the confidence of booking with a person rather than just online, said the association.

Abta said that favourite destinations such as Spain and Portugal continue to be very popular, while countries such as Bulgaria, Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt are continuing to see more bookings.

Victoria Bacon (pictured), Abta’s director of brand and business development, said: “The Brits are firmly committed to their holidays and many people see taking a break, either abroad or at home, as an essential spending priority.

“Despite political and economic uncertainty, people are continuing to book their summer holiday.

“Bookings are currently tracking slightly above where they were this time last year, although it’s worth recognising that we are just halfway through the main booking period so it will be a few months yet before we understand the full picture.

“However, it is off to a promising start.”

She added: “A lot of people are also turning to a trusted travel expert to make sure they get their perfect holiday experience.

“They want to use the insight and knowledge travel agents have to find the right holiday that fits their requirements and budget, while also saving themselves lots of time and energy knowing someone else is doing the hard work for them.”

Last year, 40% of people booked an overseas holiday through a travel agent.

The number of homeworking agents across Abta’s membership has risen by more than 10% each year over the past six years.

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