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Recession Means Holidays a 'Luxury' Rather Than a 'Right' for Brits

As Brits throughout the country look forward to the extra bank holiday, a new survey has found that even in the difficult economic climate – nearly half of the UK population are saving for a holiday
Finance, Leisure, Lifestyle - 8 March 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

In these difficult economic times, a new survey has revealed the UK public have been saving up for retirement (42%), potential redundancy (30%) or for a big family holiday abroad (41%). According to the figures, rather than opting for cheap package holidays or city breaks, Brits have been saving for the ‘holiday of a lifetime’.

Almost half of all adults now see holidays as a ‘luxury’, up 10% from three years ago. Fewer than one-in-five adults now see holidays as a ‘right’ or as a ‘necessary spend’ while just over one fifth of adults say that they would cut back on travel if it became more expensive. Value for money has become the rallying call of travellers, with nearly three quarters (74%) plumping for value for money as most important when booking a holiday. However, according to a new report, the over-50’s are most likely to spend their disposable leisure income on travel – rather than the so-called ‘social spending’ of younger generations.

As the country gears up for the Royal Wedding, many will be looking forward to the additional bank holiday that allows Brits to acquire 11 consecutive days off – using just three days holiday. Some are choosing to take advantage of the extra long Easter Break by booking a trip abroad next month in April as opposed to the stereotypical summer holiday - citing cheaper flights, accommodation and increased availability.

. Introduction:

A new survey has revealed that even after years of belt tightening – equal numbers of us are saving for a dream holiday as those counting the pennies ahead of retirement or potential redundancy in the recession. The so-called ‘third agers’ are those most likely to spend their disposable income on travel, while one-in-five adults said they would cut back on holidays if they became more expensive.

So, with the potential for a long break this Easter – do we see holidays as a ‘right’ rather than a ‘luxury’?

Joining us to discuss this further is Leona Reed, a travel and tourism expert from California Tourism.

. Suggested Questions:

What can you tell us about attitudes towards holidaying in our area?

Why do you think people are still considering taking the ‘holiday of a lifetime’, in such tough economic times?

Do we see holidays as a ‘right’ in today’s modern society?

With the Royal Wedding coming up, how can people make the most of a potential long break from work?

Why should people visit California?

Where can we find out more information?