Independent travel agent reports record summer bookings despite zero growth in UK economy
Amid the news the UK economy saw zero growth in July, a Staffordshire travel business owner has reported enjoying her busiest month of the year so far.
Award-winning independent travel agent Gilly Bachelor, who operates under the umbrella of Hays Travel - the UK’s largest independent travel agency - has told of her very successful July and says the year is already "tracking well ahead of expectations".
Meanwhile Hays itself is on track to report double-digit profit growth in its next set of annual results, according to Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel.
“Holidays are no longer seen as a luxury — they’re essential,” said Gilly, who is based in Brewood, South Staffordshire.
“Even with financial pressures, people are ringfencing their holiday spend. What we’re also seeing is that travellers want reassurance. A holiday is one of the biggest discretionary investments of the year, and clients are coming to me for advice and support to make sure they get the very best value and protection for their money.”
A recent survey, commissioned by Travel Counsellors, found nearly half (46 per cent) of people surveyed voted holidays a top spending priority, ahead of spending on clothes, shoes and accessories (35 per cent), eating and drinking out (33 per cent), home and garden renovations (32 per cent) and leisure activities (25 per cent).
Gilly says there's also been a significant rise in bookings from the over-55 age group, particularly solo female travellers.
She said: “We’re seeing more women in their 50s, 60s and beyond travelling solo — whether newly retired, post-family, or simply embracing independence.
“It’s a really positive movement. That’s why I co-founded No Stopping Her, a business dedicated to supporting and inspiring solo female travellers with curated trips and a supportive community.
The continued rise in travel spending is in sharp contrast to flat economic growth figures, but for Gilly it underlines a simple truth.
She said: “Travel isn’t just about going on holiday — it’s about living well. People are choosing experiences over possessions, and despite wider uncertainty, they see travel as vital to their wellbeing, happiness and connection with the world.”
