Luxury experiences and sustainable practices highlighted as holiday priorities amongst UK travellers.
A study[1] conducted by Sun Siyam Resorts (SunSiyam.com) has revealed that household holidays expenditure is on the rise, despite the current economic uncertainty.
The survey into the travel plans and preferences of over 2,000 holidaymakers showed that 80% of Brits are planning to spend more on holidays in 2023 than in previous years, with 1 in 4 respondents saying they would increase their travel budget from previous years to allow them to travel to a new destination (25%) or spend more time away (24%).
Indicating an ongoing shift in holiday habits, the survey also found that – of those planning to travel abroad this year – nearly half (48%) will reduce the number of short-haul trips to allow them to focus their funds into one longer luxurious holiday.
However, with 40% of UK travellers saying they are more likely to book an all-inclusive holiday in 2023 compared to previous years, it is also clear that the high-end trend is part of a wider move to manage their travel budgets wisely whilst investing in a memorable travel experience.
The ongoing trend towards more mindful travel choices was also reflected in the research, with 90% of respondents expressing the importance of luxury travel brands paying attention to sustainability and responsible practices. It was also clear from the data that guests are increasingly interested in the opportunity to give back to local communities, with beach and community clean-ups (42%), wildlife conservation (41%), tree planting (31%) plus coral planting and regrowth schemes (28%) topping the list of ways travellers would be interested in making a difference.
Whilst The Maldives ranked as the top bucket-list destination for nearly a third of Brits (29%), it also seems the destination’s honeymoon reputation is evolving to attract different groups seeking a luxury escape. A significant percentage (42%) of people recognised that the idyllic islands are well-suited to multi-generational travel, while around a quarter felt the archipelago was well suited to adventure seekers (29%) or nature enthusiasts (23%) – a significant shift from the long-held reputation as purely a honeymooners’ paradise.
Speaking of the survey’s findings, Sun Siyam Resorts’ CEO, Deepak Booneady, said: “With the UK continuing to be the number one market for Sun Siyam Resorts, we were keen to understand how attitudes to travel are changing after the uncertainty of the last few years. These findings will help us ensure our private-island properties continue to meet the evolving needs of modern-day travellers.
“We have long understood how embracing responsible tourism practices across our resorts and encouraging guests to be involved in sustainable activities – from beach clean-ups to community visits – can enhance their overall holiday experience. More emphasis is being placed on this through our program Sun Siyam Cares which prioritises sustainability through initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, supporting community development and investing in renewable energy.
It’s really positive to see the survey reflect a wider desire from UK travellers to make a difference through more sustainable travel choices, and we look forward to helping more holidaymakers make lifelong memories whilst giving back to local communities on their next well-deserved break.
To find our more about Sun Siyam Resorts and its wide range of holidays and experiences, visit www.sunsiyam.com.
[1] 2,002 UK adults surveyed in April 2023, with research conducted by ISDN
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