Recession has had little effect on travel demand, survey shows

The recession has had a negligible effect on consumers' desire to travel, according to the annual British Travel Awards (BTA) survey of some 15,000 people.

Releasing the results of its most recent poll, the awards organisation said that attitudes towards holidays have remained "surprisingly static" in recent times despite the economic downturn.

The research found that regular breaks are seen as an essential aspect of the work-life balance and take priority over other financial commitments.

BTA chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: "It would appear that for 2010 the main annual holiday will not be sacrificed, as 27 per cent said they would reduce costs elsewhere rather than forego their main annual holiday, with others suggesting they would reduce holiday budgets."

She added: "Only seven per cent of consumers said they would not travel in 2010 if budgets got too tight."

The survey also revealed a three per cent rise in plans to take short breaks as well as a main holiday, while UK holiday plans are up five per cent.

Posted by Teddie, 10 March 2010 17:15

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