Cost of living to not deter brits from holiday stays, says Clermont

Whilst just over a quarter (26%) of Brits don’t expect to go on holiday this year, the majority are still planning to take a trip in 2023, according to a study by Clermont Hotel Group. The research also found expected continued opportunity for domestic travel, as over half (52%) of consumers are likely to avoid overseas due to airport disruption, whilst 55% cited the value of the pound as a factor to holiday within the UK. As well as revealing insights to help predict consumer travel behaviour for the year ahead, the survey of 1,500 British consumers also explored the expectations and preferences of travellers in the wake of the tremulous climate. It found that whilst technology has revolutionised travel: from researching destinations and accommodation, through to booking, checking in, travelling, the holiday experience itself and returning home to leave a review – it is evident that Brits still place the “importance of the human touch in high regard”. Holidaymakers admit that they like to take control with tech when it comes to booking and researching their holidays, with 52% choosing this method over any other, however only 8% of people would prefer zero human interaction and to interact with a chatbot/AI at the point of check in. Centrally and conveniently located accommodation was also revealed to be important to most people and influences the decision of 88% of holidaymakers. In fact, Clermont said this goes up to 90% for those who prefer hotels. Specifically, people are keen on being based near to bars and restaurants and places of cultural interest - influencing more than seven out of 10 guests. Jon Scott, CEO at Clermont Hotel Group, said: “We are in a period of uncertainty for so many, and whilst we all continue to evolve and adapt to challenges that arise, we remain positive to the future of travel and leisure in the UK. The industry is still in recovery following the past few years, and naturally we’ll remain conscious of what is to come. “Arguably some positive outcomes of lockdown saw people exploring the best that the UK had to offer in terms of staycations and domestic travel. This was eye opening for many in terms of what is available in the UK, and we can see this continuing. We also cannot underestimate the importance of human touch in hospitality, and this is why we are putting people first more than ever before.”