BLUE MONDAY’ COULD SPARK TRAVEL RECOVERY

Demand for Travel Looks Set to Recover as Travel Restrictions Ease in Time for Blue Monday

The onset of new Covid-19 variants, coupled with uncertainty around restrictions, has increased consumer scepticism around travel. New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals a 68% fall in Brits looking to travel in 2021 compared to the same period in 2019.

While demand for travel started to increase in 2021, the closure of hospitality venues in many holiday destinations, the spread of new variants, and increased restrictions both at home and abroad has meant that it hasn’t bounced back as many would have hoped. Some even argue that pre-pandemic demands for travel won’t return to normal for years.*

However, the upcoming ‘Blue Monday’ – coined by psychologist Cliff Arnall as the most depressing day of the year – shows people struggling with the cold weather, post-Christmas blues and the dreaded arrival of January bills, are keen to cheer themselves up with a holiday.

Google Trends data, analysed by Quotezone.co.uk, showed 2021 witnessed a sharp spike in searches for ‘travel insurance’ the week after Blue Monday. Combined with travel restrictions easing across Europe, this ‘Blue Monday’ could mean that consumer scepticism around travel is nearly at an end. 

On top of this, the recent announcement that France is lifting its travel restrictions, and rumours that many EU countries are to follow suit, will likely result in a rush of bookings as consumer confidence recovers.

Greg Wilson, Founder of travel insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “Over the past few months concerns around the highly infectious Omicron variant has shaken consumers’ confidence in travelling once again, with many cancelling Christmas holiday plans.

“However, it is likely that things are about to change with the reduction in the number of days people have to isolate and also reduced testing. And as borders to holiday hot spots are opening and vaccination rates are at an all-time high, it’s likely the week after Blue Monday could be the beginning of the end of disappointments for the UK travel industry.

“Despite the travel restrictions being eased, these uncertain times mean that getting the right travel insurance has never been more important – ensuring your money is safeguarded in case of a cancellation.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products – visit here for guidance on travel insurance.