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THE rise of bargain airlines and DIY internet getaways have failed to dent
our love of the traditional package holiday.
The lure of sunny Spain
and the hassle-free, family-friendly nature of the package deal makes it a
firm favourite among Welsh holidaymakers, especially those with children,
according to a survey published today.
Research from the Jamaica Tourist Board reveals 58% of Britons continue
to opt for a traditional package holiday, an increase from 56% in October
2004.
As many as 59% of families will go on an all-inclusive package deal in
2005, compared with just 38% of Britons who will take their children on a
DIY break.
The findings also show a marginal decline in the number of DIY breaks.
More than a third of British holidaymakers (38%) are happy to "go it
alone", a slight decline since October 2004 (41%).
Package holidays remain popular among the younger generation, as many as
61% of 20-somethings will opt for an all-inclusive deal.
It is the older generation (60+) that will look to create their own
bespoke break. Nearly one in two (45%) would rather travel independently.
There was an increase in women who prefer to travel independently - 43%
compared to 40% in October 2004 - while to 34% of men who prefer
all-inclusive deals.
The sandy beaches and dramatic scenery of Spain, together with its
popular cities, its flamenco dancing, tapas food and sangria, make it Wales'
number one holiday destination.
Tourists are also being lured to
France and
Greece by bargains offering
free child places, hotels with swimming pools and jacuzzis, all you can eat
and drink offers and the chance to learn wind surfing, sailing and horse
riding.
Frances Tuke, of the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), said
the original idea of the package holiday - that originated in Spain in the
1970s with large hotels built near beaches - still holds true today as they
were devised with families in mind.
She said, "Spain was the birthplace of package holidays in terms of real
volumes of tourists heading to the
Costa Del
Sol for the food, culture and good weather, it presses all the right
buttons.
"City breaks are very popular in
Barcelona,
Madrid and
Bilbao and
lots of Welsh people have holiday homes in Spain so there's widespread
travel there.
"Package holidays make budgeting a lot easier and the whole family's
needs are catered for, with kids clubs and holiday representatives to look
after you at your destination.
"We've seen a big increase in all-inclusives and now families can afford
to go to the Caribbean and Florida in the United States."
Rhys Evans, Wales Consumer Council head of communications, said, "These
figures make sense in Wales, where household income is lower than in other
parts of the UK and where some people can only afford to go on holiday once
a year or every couple of years.
"People spend a large amount of their earnings on their annual holiday
and they don't want to take any risks.
"Our research shows that only 51% of households in Wales have internet
access which can limit their options.
"But we find that families prefer to take away brochures and to seek
reassurance about their choice, before making a face-to-face booking with a
travel agent.
"After watching television shows like Holidays from Hell and seeing large
queues at airports on the news, they want to know for sure that it's going
to be OK."
Elizabeth Fox, spokeswoman for the Jamaica Tourist Board, said, "Despite
the growing popularity of independent travel amongst adventurous
holidaymakers, the traditional package holiday should remain a firm
favourite for some time yet, especially as traditional providers are now
making additions to the services they offer." |
