Outbound Travel Industry Analysis in the United Kingdom

Analytical Study of Outbound Travel in the United Kingdom from 2024 to 2034

The United Kingdom's outbound travel industry is projected to hit a value of USD 90.46 billion by 2024. This momentum is expected to be sustained as it is rising at a CAGR of 8.60%, leading to an estimated valuation of USD 206.43 billion by 2034.

A number of factors contribute to this positive outlook. The elevation in household incomes has resulted in increased disposable income. This allows individuals to allocate more funds towards leisure trips such as overseas holidays. In addition, the strong British pound sterling has further boosted the affordability of international traveling for United Kingdom residents through favorable exchange rates with weaker currency countries.

Attributes	Details
Industry Size of the United Kingdom in 2024	USD 90.46 billion
Expected Industry Size of United Kingdom by 2034	USD 206.43 billion
Forecasted CAGR between 2024 to 2034	8.60%

Key Highlights in the United Kingdom Outbound Travel Industry

• Adventure travel experiences are increasingly becoming popular among individuals in this country. Hence a significant increase in demand from their adventurous population. This, therefore, creates an opportunity for hiking companies, cycling agencies, and other outdoor activity firms to target this expanding section of tourists.
• Increasing focus on well-being has led to a demand for wellness travel experiences across various locations within the country, including spa retreats, yoga getaways, and highly reputed places.
• Despite outbound travel remaining buoyant, there has also been a rise in the “staycations” trend that promotes domestic tourism in the country.

Key Trends Influencing Demand for Outbound Travel in the United Kingdom

Work vacations for the Nomadic Workforce

The increase in remote work culture in the United Kingdom has boosted the workcation trend, where professionals mix both working and traveling. Travel companies can target this section by providing co-working spaces, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, and extended stay packages in attractive destinations. Therefore, these professionals can combine work and tourism.

Luxury Travel Evolution

Luxury travel is moving on from traditional luxury to more authentic experiences throughout the United Kingdom. These include private tours with local guides, access to exclusive cultural events, or bespoke itineraries that uncover hidden gems. To meet this demand, travel companies can provide personalized itineraries that mirror the unique interests and tastes of luxury tourists.

Festival Tourism Takes Flight

Music festivals, food fairs, and cultural fetes have become popular tourist highlights. Hence, British travelers are incorporating these events into their sojourns, thus fueling travel needs for festival-oriented packages and logistics around main occasions. They may also collaborate with festival organizers to offer all-inclusive deals, including ticketing, transport, or lodging services.

Wellness and Spa Retreats

Individuals in the United Kingdom are looking after their health, visiting places with famous Spas, wellness resorts, and natural healing therapies. Yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and healthy food are included in a travel package. The traveler can unwind and rejuvenate while trying to focus on his or her physical as well as mental well-being.

Culinary Experiences

Food tours, cooking classes, and local market visits have gained immense popularity among travelers over the past few years. These include dining experiences like eating at local establishments, learning how to cook from top chefs, and tasting traditional meals and ingredients.

Category wise insights

The section offers an analysis of the dominant segments influencing the demand outlook for outbound travel in the United Kingdom. Notably, the day trips and local gateways segment takes the lead with a 44.70% share in 2024. Following this, the online booking channel is estimated to secure a share of 29.60% in 2024.

Day Trips & Local Getaways Predicted to Dominate the Industry

Dominant Segment by Type	Day Trips & Local Gateways
Share held by the Segment in 2024	44.70%

Day trips and local getaways are likely to take 44.70% of the industry in 2024.

• Short getaways cater to busy lives so that there is no need to give up precious time for traveling purposes.
• Day trips and local adventures present a low-cost alternative compared with extended vacations.
• Travelers are moving away from seeing typical tourist attractions towards feeling part of them, which is often obtained on neighboring routes.
• The remote work trend allows professionals to explore nearby destinations while maintaining work commitments.

Online Booking Platforms to Secure a Share of 29.60% in 2024

Dominant Segment by Booking Channel	Online Booking
Share held by the Segment in 2024	29.60%

Online booking platforms are likely to have 29.60% of the industry in 2024.

• The online booking channel enables travelers to study, make comparisons, and place orders for travel arrangements through one single platform, hence reducing time wastage.
• These online platforms give travelers access to a wide pool of options from different travel providers, thereby encouraging competition and, perhaps, lower prices.
• This gives people the ability to know about available review ratings, as well as real-time information that would assist them while making choices on holiday destinations or when deciding where to stay during their trips.
• Many such platforms offer perks like discounts and exclusive offers along with mobile app-based facilities that customers can use when they are on the move.

Competitive Analysis of Outbound Travel in the United Kingdom

The outbound travel industry in the United Kingdom is a vibrant one, with many established players and new entrants competing against each other. Traditional travel agencies still have a strong presence, especially when it comes to complex itineraries or luxurious holidays.

They use their knowledge and relationships with customers to offer bespoke services and expert advice. Nevertheless, they are expected to embrace the online world and provide competitive rates as well.

Online travel agents (OTAs), such as Expedia and Booking.com, have emerged as key forces grabbing an increasing percentage of the industry. Their user-friendly portals, combined with a wide range of choices, including flights, hotels, and attractions, make them appealing to budget-conscious travelers who prefer convenience.

Specialized travel companies catering to specific interests like adventure travel, eco-tourism, or cultural immersion trips are gaining traction. These companies cater to a growing segment of travelers seeking unique and authentic experiences. Additionally, travel bloggers and social media influencers are emerging as powerful voices, influencing travel trends and potentially disrupting traditional marketing strategies.

Recent Developments Observed in the United Kingdom Outbound Travel Business

• In 2020, Trailfinders won several awards for its customer service, quality, and value, such as the Which? Travel Brand of the Year, the British Travel Awards, and the Travel Weekly Globe Awards. It also launched a new loyalty scheme, Trailfinders Rewards, to offer benefits and discounts to its customers.
• Saga Plc introduced new health and safety measures, such as mandatory vaccinations, testing, and insurance, for its travel customers. It had also launched a new river cruise ship, Spirit of the Rhine, in March 2021.
• Lotus Group expanded its business by acquiring the online travel agency Travelbag from dnata, a subsidiary of Emirates Group. It also launched a new brand, Lotus Journeys, to offer luxury and experiential holidays to destinations such as Japan, India, and Vietnam.

Key Players Offering Outbound Travel Services in United Kingdom include

• Expedia
• Booking.com
• Thomas Cook Group Plc
• Trailfinders Group Limited
• Saga Plc
• Hogg Robinson Group Plc
• Hays Travel Limited
• The Globespan Group Plc
• Lotus Group Ltd.

5 Strategies for United Kingdom’s Outbound Travel Companies to Thrive

Embrace Digital Shift

Online portals are becoming increasingly popular among customers making travel bookings. Businesses need websites that are easy to navigate and mobile apps that offer seamless booking experiences at competitive rates. Moreover, AI-powered chatbots for customer support and personalized recommendations can improve the digital experience even more.

Tailor Experiences, Cater to Niches

The introduction of new niche travel segments creates opportunities for companies. Firms can specialize in adventure tours, eco-tourism outings, and cultural immersion trips or target certain demographics, such as families, singles, or digital nomads. Creating unique local experiences with curated itineraries and partnerships with niche providers is likely to cultivate customer loyalty.

Become a Content Hub, Build Trust

Before booking, travelers often look for inspiration and information. This can be achieved by producing engaging online content - blogs, social media posts, travel guides - about destinations, local attractions, and cultural differences. Moreover, making practices involved in sustainable tourism more visible may draw more conscious tourists into the fold.

Offer Flexibility and Value

Flexible travel options reign dominance. Offering customizable itineraries, last-minute deals, and cancellation policies that cater to changing plans can attract a wider audience. Consider incorporating travel insurance and activity bookings within your packages for additional value and convenience.

Prioritize Customer Experience

Building strong customer relationships is key to success. Personalized service goes beyond just booking. Offer pre-departure support, in-destination assistance, and post-trip follow-ups to ensure a seamless travel experience. Leveraging technology like chatbots and live chat support can enhance responsiveness and address customer concerns efficiently. By focusing on building trust and exceeding expectations, companies can cultivate loyal customers who will return for future trips.

Key Coverage in the United Kingdom Outbound Travel Industry Report

• United Kingdom Tourism Source Industry Key Destinations
• Outbound Tourism by United Kingdom Residents
• Outbound Travel Sector in the United Kingdom
• Overseas Tourism Market in the United Kingdom
• Travel & Tourism Sector in the United Kingdom

Table of Content

• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Market Overview
• 3. Market Background
• 4. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast, 2024 to 2034
• 5. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Type
  • 5.1. Day Trips & Local Gateways
  • 5.2. Museums
  • 5.3. Pilgrimages
  • 5.4. Religious and Heritage Tours
  • 5.5. Others
• 6. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Traveler Type
  • 6.1. Independent Traveler
  • 6.2. Tour Group
  • 6.3. Package Traveller
• 7. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Booking Channel
  • 7.1. Online Booking
  • 7.2. Offline Booking
• 8. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Age Group
  • 8.1. 0 to 20 Years
  • 8.2. 21 to 40 Years
  • 8.3. 41 to 60 Years
  • 8.4. 60 Above
• 9. Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Region
  • 9.1. England
  • 9.2. Scotland
  • 9.3. Wales
  • 9.4. Northern Ireland
• 10. England Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
• 11. Scotland Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
• 12. Wales Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
• 13. Northern Ireland Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
• 14. Market Structure Analysis
• 15. Competition Analysis
  • 15.1. Thomas Cook Group Plc
  • 15.2. Trailfinders Group Limited
  • 15.3. Saga Plc
  • 15.4. Hogg Robinson Group Plc
  • 15.5. Hays Travel Limited
  • 15.6. The Globespan Group Plc
  • 15.7. Lotus Group Ltd.
• 16. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
• 17. Research Methodology

List of Tables

Table 1: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Region, 2019 to 2034

Table 2: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 3: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 4: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Table 5: Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Table 6: England Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 7: England Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 8: England Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Table 9: England Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Table 10: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 11: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 12: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Table 13: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Table 14: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 15: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 16: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Table 17: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Table 18: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 19: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Table 20: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Table 21: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Forecast by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

List of Figures

Figure 1: Market Value (US$ Million) by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 2: Market Value (US$ Million) by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 3: Market Value (US$ Million) by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 4: Market Value (US$ Million) by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 5: Market Value (US$ Million) by Region, 2024 to 2034

Figure 6: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Region, 2019 to 2034

Figure 7: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Region, 2024 to 2034

Figure 8: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Region, 2024 to 2034

Figure 9: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 10: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 11: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 12: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 13: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 14: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 15: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Figure 16: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 17: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 18: Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Figure 19: Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 20: Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 21: Market Attractiveness by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 22: Market Attractiveness by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 23: Market Attractiveness by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 24: Market Attractiveness by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 25: Market Attractiveness by Region, 2024 to 2034

Figure 26: England Market Value (US$ Million) by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 27: England Market Value (US$ Million) by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 28: England Market Value (US$ Million) by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 29: England Market Value (US$ Million) by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 30: England Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 31: England Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 32: England Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 33: England Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 34: England Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 35: England Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 36: England Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Figure 37: England Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 38: England Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 39: England Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Figure 40: England Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 41: England Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 42: England Market Attractiveness by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 43: England Market Attractiveness by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 44: England Market Attractiveness by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 45: England Market Attractiveness by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 46: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 47: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 48: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 49: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 50: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 51: Scotland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 52: Scotland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 53: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 54: Scotland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 55: Scotland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 56: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Figure 57: Scotland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 58: Scotland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 59: Scotland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Figure 60: Scotland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 61: Scotland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 62: Scotland Market Attractiveness by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 63: Scotland Market Attractiveness by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 64: Scotland Market Attractiveness by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 65: Scotland Market Attractiveness by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 66: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 67: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 68: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 69: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 70: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 71: Wales Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 72: Wales Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 73: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 74: Wales Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 75: Wales Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 76: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Figure 77: Wales Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 78: Wales Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 79: Wales Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Figure 80: Wales Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 81: Wales Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 82: Wales Market Attractiveness by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 83: Wales Market Attractiveness by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 84: Wales Market Attractiveness by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 85: Wales Market Attractiveness by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 86: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 87: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 88: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 89: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 90: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 91: Northern Ireland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 92: Northern Ireland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 93: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Traveler Type, 2019 to 2034

Figure 94: Northern Ireland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 95: Northern Ireland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 96: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Booking Channel, 2019 to 2034

Figure 97: Northern Ireland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 98: Northern Ireland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 99: Northern Ireland Market Value (US$ Million) Analysis by Age Group, 2019 to 2034

Figure 100: Northern Ireland Market Value Share (%) and BPS Analysis by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 101: Northern Ireland Market Y-o-Y Growth (%) Projections by Age Group, 2024 to 2034

Figure 102: Northern Ireland Market Attractiveness by Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 103: Northern Ireland Market Attractiveness by Traveler Type, 2024 to 2034

Figure 104: Northern Ireland Market Attractiveness by Booking Channel, 2024 to 2034

Figure 105: Northern Ireland Market Attractiveness by Age Group, 2024 to 2034