Thomson, First Choice Predict Top Trends for 2010

Last year the buzzwords around holiday trends were staycations and glamping. However after another washout summer, despite the Met Offices predictions of a BBQ summer, for 2010 we’ll be heading to the sun. Thomson and First Choice predict that the biggest concern for British holidaymakers this year will be getting good value for money.

This doesn’t mean that people will be heading off on bargain basement trips, in fact more people are booking 4 and 5* holidays than ever before as many luxury hotels lower their prices. Instead, holidaymakers in 2010 will be careful about choosing their holidays and will look closely at what is included and what they will be getting for their hard earned cash. Here we have put together a list of what we think will be shaping the way we go on holiday for 2010.

All-inclusives have increased in popularity massively in the last few years and now make up 42 percent of Thomson and First Choice holidays, with bookings having grown by 32 percent*in the last five years. Their success has a lot to do with the decline in value of the pound against the euro, making self catering in short haul destinations relatively expensive.

However it is also due to the fact that all-inclusive resorts in short and mid haul destinations have become a lot more sophisticated in the last few years, offering high quality accommodation, a wide choice of restaurants, childcare and activities included.

Both Thomson’s flagship properties the Sensatori resorts, and First Choice’s Holiday Villages appeal to couples and families looking for these types of holidays. Sensatori offers great value 5* holidays with a huge choice of restaurants and the Holiday Villages offers inclusive childcare in their Kid’s Academy for kids from 3 up to 15. For Summer 2010 Thomson will open its third Sensatori property in Tenerife, while First Choice will open its first 5 Sun Holiday Village in Rhodes.