Travel boost as Brits book up holidays in January

The predicted post Christmas gloom in the travel industry did not materialise as Brits chose to give themselves something to look forward to by booking up their holidays last month.

Research from IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index says that there was a 31 per cent increase in holiday bookings in January in comparison with figures from 2010.

The study also found that the average basket value of holidays booked was £886, which is the highest figure since the survey began in 2008.

The Stag Company has also seen a positive start to the year with bookings for stag dos up considerably from 2010.

IMRG information director Tina Spooner said: “Sales of travel were strong during January, particularly after the severe winter weather in December. Clearly, Britons are not tightening their belts where holidays are concerned, with the Index recording the highest average spend in this sector in over two years.”

Predictions for a disappointing year had been made as the financial cuts begin to take their toll on our ability to spend, but it seems holidaying is one luxury we do not want to give up, and rightly so!