The climate emergency is making domestic breaks more appealing, according to new research from Mintel.
56% of UK holidaymakers say they are likely to choose staycations above holidays abroad for climate-related reasons.
Around three in 10 (28%) UK holidaymakers say warmer UK temperatures are encouraging them to take domestic holidays.
Nearly a fifth (19%) of them say extreme weather events abroad, such as heatwaves or flooding, are encouraging them to holiday at home.
Overall, four in 10 (39%) holidaymakers say unpredictable UK weather (such as flooding and heatwaves) means they are more likely to book a UK break at the last minute.
There remains a ‘positive Covid’ legacy for the home market as nearly half (47%) of domestic holidaymakers have taken more staycations than trips abroad since Covid-19.
‘While the holiday sector is benefiting from the continued increase in consumers’ financial confidence and wellbeing, holidays have become more expensive and prices are likely to remain relatively high for some time to come. As such, extra overseas ‘top-up’ breaks will be sacrificed by many, as Brits continue to prioritise their main summer holiday.
‘Away from the UK, rising temperatures have also led travellers to seek out cooler climates such as Scandinavia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Brits remain eager to explore overseas destinations, but instead will be tempted to visit during cooler months, plan their trips last-minute or choose destinations which tend to not be as impacted by extreme temperatures. We’re also likely to see a spike in demand again for last-minute bookings in 2024 should the UK experience poor weather.’
PAUL DAVIES
Category direLonely Planet Flight-Free EuropeLonely Planet Flight-Free Europector, Travel and Leisure at Mintel
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