Survey Shows 40% Of Over 55’s Intend To Take Two Holidays In 2012
An online survey conducted to coincide with the Over 55’s Holiday Show, part of The Holiday World Show Dublin 2012, taking place next weekend at the RDS in Dublin, has shown that over 40% of respondents intend to take two holidays this year, with over 26% intending to take three holidays. Home holidaying was the most popular choice, with over 53% of respondents saying that they plan on holidaying in Ireland this year. The survey was conducted solely among over 55 year olds to determine this demographics holidaying plans – over 55% of those who took part are retired. There were over 1,500 respondents to the online survey. The results of the survey hold some hope for those in the tourism industry, as it shows that 47% of people in this age bracket plan on taking a hotel-based holiday when they embark on their Irish holiday this year.
The most popular holidaying destinations for 2012, in order of preference, of those surveyed, are:
– Home Holiday, 53%
– Other European country, 45%
– Spain, 35%
The figures show that while the economic climate is continuing to prove challenging, and with budget cuts continuing to take hold, that people still view holidaying as a necessity. These figures will be borne out by attendance at next weekend’s Holiday World Show in Dublin, which is expected to top the previous highest figure of 50,000. The Show this year is focusing on value for money, and includes a new show, The Over 55’s Holiday Show. With this survey showing such a huge percentage of this demographic intending to holiday at home, Irish home holidaying providers may see their business increase after some difficult trading years. Self catering holidays also proved a popular option in the survey, with 27% saying that this would be their preferred holiday type.
The Holiday World Show will be offering huge discounts on holidays across the world, with one-off offers available being more affordable than even the best internet deals. Over 2,000 travel and tourism professionals will be on hand at the show to give one-to-one advice and guidance on the best holiday options for all budgets. This year sees new exhibitors from The Americas including Argentina and Florida. Tour America is exhibiting with their full brochure available. The Middle East will be represented for the first time by Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Syria. The format of the show gives visitors the opportunity to explore nine different “worlds” or pavilions under one roof – Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, The Americas, Home Holidays, Cruise Lines and Ferries, Adventure Travel, the Caravan and Motorhome Show and the NEW Over 55’s Holiday Show.
There will be a series of “Eoghan Corry Expert Travel Clinics” over the course of the three day show. Clinic topics include “Where to go in 2012,” “Home Holidays 2012” and “Over 55’s: Travel more, pay less.”
Commenting on the availability of lower cost holidays, Pat Dawson, Chief Executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association said “The Irish holiday market is on a very sound footing. We in the ITAA see recession as an opportunity. Prices right now are cheaper than ever before.” He continued, “the exhibitors at Holiday World Show 2012 reflect what is happening in the industry, and you will get extraordinarily good value at the show. There are some particularly sweet deals at The Over 55’s Holiday Show particularly in the ever popular Spain and Portugal, and in the cruise holiday sector.”
Taking place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin, The Holiday World Show will offer great deals, expert advice, ideas on new destinations, and of course, a fun family day out.
