For immediate release on 23 March 2022 – British travellers are planning to go away for longer and spend more than usual on their summer holidays this year to make up for a lack of breaks abroad over the past two years.

The new data, released today by Marriott Bonvoy, the travel loyalty programme, show that amongst the four in ten (40%) Brits who already know they will be heading abroad this summer (June-September), 81% say they will be spending more than they usually would - on average by £1,195 per person. This is compared to their typical spend on summer holidays pre-Covid.

This increase in spend is being spearheaded by younger ‘Gen Z’ holidaymakers aged under 25, two thirds of whom (65%) say they are planning on going away. Despite likely earning the least, they plan to spend an average of £1,481 more than they usually would - more than any other age group.

Return of the Two-Week Summer Holiday

It’s not just more money British travellers plan to spend on their summer holidays this year - they also plan to spend more time away than usual. Amongst those heading abroad, over half (54%) say they plan to go away for longer than normal, rising to 7 in 10 (69%) for Gen Z travellers aged 18-24 and 65% for those aged 25-34.

One notable trend this has led to is the return of the two-week holiday. The once-popular two-week break has been in decline in recent years, with cheap flights leading many holidaymakers to favour more frequent, shorter breaks. In fact, nearly a third of Brits (30%) have not been on a two-week holiday in a decade or more.

But that looks set to change this year, with 39% of those going away planning to do at least one holiday of a fortnight or more. Figures from Marriott Bonvoy’s own data strongly back-up this trend, showing that in Europe and the Middle East, the proportion of holidaymakers booking longer 8-14 day stays for this summer is double the 2019 figure.

Meanwhile, many will be looking forward to multiple holidays this summer. Nearly half (45%) say they will be going away on more holidays than usual between June and September this year - again rising to 61% for adults under 25.  

First break in three years for many

The increase in spend and time away is a direct result of the pandemic, with many making up for a lack of breaks in the past couple of years. In fact, just 15% of Brits say they have been on holiday abroad since the pandemic started. Meanwhile 52% have not been abroad since summer 2019 - almost three years ago by this summer.

As such, over a third (36%) say they are determined to go away this summer, with 31% saying they felt holidays abroad were simply too risky during the past two years.

Relaxation and ease the priority

Likely a result of the pandemic, British holidaymakers are seeking relaxing, stress-free breaks this summer. A third (33%) say their priority for their summer holiday is that it is ‘as relaxing as possible’ whilst 28% say they are looking for a ‘hassle-free break with everything we need in the resort’. Meanwhile one in six of those going away (17%) are using this summer for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list holiday, possibly contributing to the overall increase in spend.

Brit’s top summer destinations

Marriott Bonvoy’s own data is able to reveal where Brits will be most likely to head for their extended breaks this summer. It shows that traditionally popular destinations Spain, Greece and Italy will be the top three summer destinations of choice for British travellers.

Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International - Europe, Middle East & Africa: “We are seeing that British travellers are determined to get a proper escape this summer with the return of the two week summer holiday.  Many are planning to spend significantly more, and go away for longer than pre-covid, to make up for two years of lost travel. This is very positive news for the travel industry after two tough years through the pandemic.

“Our customers are prioritising hassle-free breaks where they can relax and be looked after this year. I would encourage anyone who is looking to get away this summer who has not yet booked, to consider doing so soon, so they can look forward to a much needed summer break whether at home or abroad.”

The research is taken from Marriott Bonvoy’s Joy of Travel report, conducted amongst 14,000 consumers in Europe and the Middle East. Marriott Bonvoy is encouraging travellers to remember the joy, re-connection and appreciation of the world that travel brings – whether they want to explore new destinations or return to old favourites as the world opens up again.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

*Research conducted amongst 2,000 UK adults between 23 Feb and 1 March 2022. Nationally representative.

The figures are from new research from Marriott Bonvoy, the all-encompassing travel programme where members earn and redeem points seamlessly around the world at nearly 8000 hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and home rentals through Homes & Villas by Marriott International, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards such as American Express and Mastercard in the UK. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.