Holidaymakers cutting back on costs

Holidaymakers will be cutting back on their holiday spending this year, a new poll has found.

So-called “Tupperware Tourists” will be taking a packed lunch on trips out, foregoing a hotel for a tent and leaving souvenirs in the shops, research by Experian found.

One in four said they would be eating a packed lunch rather than eating out, while 12% said they would be snuggling up in a sleeping bag rather than a hotel bed.

Meanwhile two in five said they were going to cut down on excursions and 29% said they would not be buying trinkets for friends and relatives.

The survey was based on responses from 2,000 people in a category described by Experian as Middle Britain.

This group is made up of three types – those with “suburban mindsets”, career people with children and new homemakers.

Experian said there would be “Tupperware tourists, memento misers and tented travellers” this year.

Those going abroad plan to spend just under £1,250 on average on flights and accommodation, almost £900 less than last year.

Spain and France are the top two overseas destinations this year for Middle Britons, who will no doubt be flying from airports such as Stansted,  Luton or Gatwick.  But as many as 45% are planning a British beach break, with Devon, Brighton and Blackpool the top spots.

Two in three of those polled said they would be demanding better customer service and better value for money this year, with 82% reckoning value for money was the most important consideration when making holiday decisions.

Experian’s UK and Ireland marketing information services managing director Nigel Wilson said: “Our latest analysis sends a clear message to the travel industry, and brands as a whole, that Middle Britain’s modern consumers will be more demanding than ever before and want more for their hard-earned cash.”

:: According to Experian, Middle Britain represents around 13.1 million people with the term being based on various measures including income, age, car ownership, type of house, number of holidays, attitudes and behaviours.

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