Travel spending drops for first time in five years – here’s why

WorldTravel
15 Apr 2026 • 2:32 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • UK consumer spending on travel declined by 3.3 per cent in March, marking the first drop in five years since Covid border restrictions were lifted.
  • The decrease is primarily due to rising holiday costs, cited by 70 per cent of consumers, and concerns over disruption from Middle East tensions.
  • Approximately 57 per cent of consumers surveyed expressed worries about travel disruption, with 11 per cent cancelling their intended travel plans.
  • Holidaymakers spent 4.6 per cent less at travel agents, 4.1 per cent less with airlines, and 2.9 per cent less on public transport year-on-year in March.
  • While overall consumer card spending increased by 0.9 per cent, non-essential spending growth slowed to 1.1 per cent during the same period.

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