World Travel Market unveils industry report
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Headlines from WTM’s annual Industry Report
Industry prefer Heathrow R3 or Boris Island to regionals
Members of the travel industry would prefer to see an extra runway at Heathrow or a ‘Boris Island’ development over regional expansion, according to a new report. World Travel Market’s annual Industry Report from two surveys found one in three of the industry supported Heathrow expansion, while a quarter were in favour of the east-based hub dubbed Boris Island. In comparison only 21% agreed with regional expansion or further runways at other London airports, while 34% of consumers backed the east hub. Around 53% of those in the industry recognised the need for expansion in the south-east compared to 18% which said no and 29% ‘not sure/don’t know’.
Meanwhile the report also showed 36% of the industry believes holidaymakers will shun long-haul holidays due to Air Passenger Duty. Half of the industry and consumers said they have been impacted by the tax, with around a third believing fewer long-haul holidays have been taken.
Brits taking more holidays
Britons are taking more holidays than pre-recession levels, according to World Travel Market’s 2012 Industry Report. A consumer survey by the show found 53% had taken more than one holiday this year, compared to 41% last year and 24% in 2010. In addition 34% had been on more than two holidays, compared to 28% in 2011.