- Spain is no1 destination for post-lockdown holidays, but 9 in 10 have been before
- Fewer than a fifth will visit new destination for post-lockdown holiday
- 3 in 10 have visited the same place for a holiday more than ten times
- Marriott Bonvoy investigates how open travellers are trying new destinations post-lockdown
7th October 2021 – British travellers are favouring the same holiday destinations year after year, with the pandemic leading many to being less adventurous than usual, according to new research from Marriott Bonvoy, the travel loyalty programme that encompasses hotels, resorts, home rentals and experiences across 30 brands in 133 countries.
British Travellers seek the familiar post-lockdown
The figures show that fewer than one in five (19%) plan to visit somewhere new for their post-lockdown holiday. Spain will be Brits’ number one destination for their next getaway, with over a quarter (26%) of those planning a holiday abroad intending to visit the country.
However, nine in ten (87%) say they have gone on holiday to Spain previously. Meanwhile four in ten (41%) have been there five or more times, and a fifth (21%) have been more than ten times.
Greece will be the second most popular destination for post-pandemic breaks amongst Brits travelling abroad (14%), followed by France (13%), Italy (11%) and Cyprus (10%). In total, 65% say they will be going on holiday in the next 12 months. Twenty-one per cent plan not to, whilst 14% remain unsure.
It appears that lockdown has had an impact on where Brits are choosing to go for their post-lockdown holidays. Four in ten (39%) say the pandemic has led to them being less confident in visiting new places. Amongst those who do not plan to go away 59% say that this is specifically due to a lack of confidence in travel post-Covid.
The aim of the research is to look into how open UK travellers are to trying new holiday destinations in the next year, and will take the opportunity to explore and discover somewhere new as travel becomes easier once again.
Many have always favoured repeat trips and home comforts
Whilst the pandemic has had a key impact on people’s travel plans, according to the figures many Brits habitually favour returning to the same destinations year after year rather than trying new places. Twenty-seven per cent say they have been back on holiday to the same country ten times or more, whilst 13% have visited the same country 20 times or more, rising to 21% for those over 55.
Why do so many people keep returning to the same place on holiday when presented with a world of options? The research found that for many, home comforts are key, with one in five (19%) saying it is important that they can get familiar food. One in ten (8%) like to go somewhere where they will be able to meet other people from their home country and 7% say that it’s important that they can find sports from the UK on television.
Over a third (35%) like the comfort of knowing exactly what to expect whilst one in ten (9%) admit they are simply ‘not very adventurous’. This is despite two thirds (63%) acknowledging that they feel they lose some of the benefit of a holiday by returning to previously visited destinations.
Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International – Europe, Middle East & Africa: “We know there is pent-up demand for travel and this research demonstrates the impact the pandemic is continuing to have on global travel trends. The figures suggest that post-pandemic, British holiday makers are seeking out tried and trusted destinations where they know exactly what to expect – to be able to make the most out of a long-awaited holiday abroad and to avoid any surprises after 18 months of turmoil and uncertainty.
“Whilst we love welcoming back repeat guests into our hotels and resorts, travel also offers us all the opportunity to expand our horizons and immerse ourselves in new cultures and experiences. Visiting new countries while staying in hotels and resorts that are part of a trusted portfolio of brands gives travellers the opportunity to try something new, but with the confidence and reassurance of staying with an established travel programme like Marriott Bonvoy.”
The research is taken from Marriott Bonvoy’s Joy of Travel report, conducted amongst 14,000 consumers in Europe and the Middle East.
