Impact of crises on holiday taking behaviour: archive
Find out how national and global crises affect consumer holiday trends – particularly the popularity of staycations.
Introduction
National or global crises often have a profound effect on holiday trends and patterns, and trigger a rise in staycations. These reports measured the effects of the 2008 economic downtown, the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, and examined how they have – or will – affect consumer behaviour.
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Are staycations here to stay? (2022)
This report explored how various factors may influence the post-pandemic staycations trend over the coming years, including the cost of living crisis and pent-up demand for overseas travel.
Report highlights
- The report predicted a staycations momentum similar to the staycations trend post-recession in 2008.
- The cost of living crisis will continue to affect UK consumers’ choices and decisions, and they will likely prioritise staycations.
- Domestic holidaymakers will look for cheaper accommodation, and will reduce their spend while away.
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Are staycations here to stay (2022).pdf
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Post-recession holiday behaviour (2015)
As the UK emerged from its economic downturn, this report examined how holiday trends would fare in the post-recession environment. It was based on a quantitative tracking survey, with 1,008 nationally representative interviews.
Report highlights
- Holiday trends changed during the economic downturn, driven by convenience, ease and cost. Short breaks and domestic trips were increasingly part of the mix for those with the freedom to choose.
- Post-recession, polarisation was evident in financial experiences and expectations for future trips: while some were able to plan big, others were cutting back due to financial pressures.
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Beyond staycation (2015).pdf
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Beyond staycation (2014)
This report addressed the extended impact of the 2008 recession on domestic travel behaviour. It was based on qualitative research, with four 90-minute focus groups conducted in Sheffield and London, with a wide range of ages and lifestages.
Report highlights
- There was a wide variation and polarisation in consumers’ experience of the economic downturn.
- The report found that flexibility was key to short breaks – both in booking conditions and how they fitted into the consumer’s life.
- Deal-hunting behaviour was continuing, motivated by both a need and a desire to save.
- For younger groups, including families, short breaks met a fundamental need to get away.
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Beyond staycation (2014).pdf
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The staycation: state of play 2013 and beyond (2013)
This report explored the recession’s effects on the staycation trend and consumer behaviour, and its impact on future intentions. It was based on a qualitative study. A summary of the report is also available to download (PDF, 126KB).
Report highlights
- The increase in domestic trips and decline in overseas travel were initially driven by cost, but many other factors contributed to the continuation of the trends – including a preference for multiple short breaks over the year, risk aversion, last-minute planning and the desire for quality at the right price.
- As the economy emerged from recession, it was therefore vital to continue to provide inspiration and ideas for trips of good quality and value, to encourage consumers to maintain and build on the habits formed in previous years.
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The staycation - state of play 2013 & beyond (2013).pdf
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The staycation – 2010 and beyond? (2010)
The economic downturn had provoked a rise in domestic travel, and this report examined whether the trend would continue and whether consumers could be encouraged to holiday more in England. It was based on a quantitative tracking survey, comprising over 1,000 online interviews.
Report highlights
- The staycation was as strong in 2010 as it was in 2009. This was partly driven by continued economic concern prompting consumers to switch trips from abroad, and partly by a rise in people choosing to take additional holidays in England.
- Plans for 2011 were slightly up on 2010 behaviour – but plans for 2010 had proved slightly optimistic.
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The staycation – 2010 & beyond (2010).pdf
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Impact of economic downturn on attitudes and behaviour of international tourists to Britain (2009)
This report was based on a quantitative and qualitative research study across six markets: the US, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland and Netherlands. It aimed to explore the effects of the economic downturn on tourism attitudes and behaviours.
Report highlights
- 64% of respondents said they would spend less on holidays across several areas – by reducing trip duration, searching for discounts, travelling in off-peak times and reducing outlay on shopping or eating out.
- Key barriers against travelling to the UK included the cost of travelling here, cost of accommodation and cost of food and drink.
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Impact of economic downturn on attitudes & behaviour of international tourists to Britain (2009).pdf
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