Couples driving last-minute holiday...

Sales up 7% from 2022 and the UAE is proving popular for beach destination bookings

Couples are driving last-minute, multi-destination bookings for this summer, according to Travel Counsellors, with 36% of late bookings in May having been made by couples, mostly empty nesters and middle-aged adults.

Summer bookings made in May were 7% up on the same period last year, with almost 300 made in the last week for departures in June.

Data from the company shows that 41% of young couples who have booked so far this year have done so for a premium leisure holiday, ranging from trips across the whole of south-east Asia to shorter trips to Iceland that include multiple tours.

Other data showed that the UAE, along with Bali and Mauritius, were the most popular choices for beach holiday bookings made from the UK.

Cruise has also been in demand with 14% of sales in May coming from a booking including a cruise component.

Sales of cruise were up 32% during May compared to last year, and 27% are set to depart this summer.

Global sales director Jim Eastwood said: “The increasing popularity of last-minute, multi-destination trips and experiential travel shows a shift in consumer preferences. It’s not just about booking last-minute holidays to save money but about people waiting longer before securing premium leisure breaks that offer them unique travel experiences.

“With our personal digital platform and the expertise of our community, holidaymakers can secure bespoke, tailor-made journeys and trust that they will be cared for on their journey by booking with us.”