Overview
- ABTA published survey findings on Thursday showing 30% of UK adults plan to book two to four weeks before departure and 10% expect to book less than two weeks out.
- Around 31% of people said they are now more likely to use a travel professional because agents offer knowledge, expertise and the protections of package holidays.
- Short‑haul Europe dominates near‑term demand, with 84% of those planning travel naming the region and Spain, Italy and France the top three destinations.
- Many routes through the Middle East remain cancelled, prompting airlines and tour operators to seek alternative routings or offer different destinations to keep holidays viable.
- ABTA urges travellers to plan early despite late‑booking trends and flags that recent FCDO easing for some Gulf states may lift demand for travel through the region in the coming months.