Holidays 'vital' to Britons this year

A new report from the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has suggested that holidays will be "vital" for many people this year.

Two thirds (66 per cent) of the respondents to a survey said their summer holiday gives them a big emotional boost.

British people see a holiday as three times more important than a pay rise, according to the research, and nearly half see a break from their routine as an important way to escape the pressure of the credit crunch.

Psychotherapist Christine Webber, who was involved in the study, said that holidays have a "feel-good" factor that makes them more significant than simply two weeks away from home.

Abta head of communications Casia Zajac said: "Holidays are important to people in different ways but the research is clear that holidays are a vital part of people's year and still will be this year despite the economic downturn.

"Planning and anticipating a holiday can sustain people through the winter months and the bleak financial times that are upon us."

The travel association reported that many companies have seen high demand for holiday bookings this month, with destinations including Egypt, Turkey and Orlando proving popular and cruises also selling well.

Posted by Merv, 12 January 2009 15:02

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