This market report provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis of the UK Short Break market, including the behaviours, preferences and habits of the UK consumer.
The cost of living crisis led to many consumers prioritising main summer holidays and being forced to sacrifice overseas short breaks. In 2024, overseas short breaks are firmly back on the cards with the ‘revenge travel’ phenomenon fading away, and travellers returning to more normal booking patterns seen before the pandemic.
Despite the return of overseas short breaks, domestic short breaks will continue to appeal, particularly for those with tighter budgets. Budget brands such as Butlin’s and Haven are doing well to promote initiatives such as low deposits, monthly payment plans, along with dining packages to help consumers manage costs whilst on holiday.
Travellers are increasingly interested in prioritising their health and wellbeing, and this has transcended into the short break market. Short breaks centred around physical activities hold broad appeal across various demographics, whether this be for those seeking an adrenaline thrill or for those looking to relax and unwind whilst away on a short break.
Purchase the full report for a complete analysis of the UK short break market, including market dynamics, consumer insights and marketing and innovation trends. Readers of this report may also be interested in Mintel’s UK Holiday Review Market Report.
Short breaks refer to overnight trips of one to three nights made for leisure purposes. Short breaks for the purpose of visiting friends and family, business or other purposes are excluded.
Data on the size of the domestic market is for Great Britain rather than the United Kingdom (i.e. Northern Ireland is not included), sourced from GBTS (Great Britain Tourism Survey). Data for the overseas market is for the United Kingdom, sourced from IPS (International Passenger Survey).
This report, written by Jennie Bryans, a leading travel and leisure analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends in the UK short break market and add expert context to the numbers.
Overseas short breaks are back on the cards for travellers, but the domestic market will continue to appeal to those on a budget.
Jennie Bryans
Senior Travel & Leisure Analyst
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