It seems that these two trends are not mutually exclusive and can coexist.
A striking trend has recently been observed in the travel industry. Consumers are starting to book their holidays earlier and earlier. But despite this apparent shift in consumer behavior, experts believe it doesn't necessarily mean the end for last-minute deals. Consumers are looking for security, flexibility and the opportunity to look forward to it.
The holidaymaker wants to be sure of the preferred accommodation, the best flight times and enough space to cope with any changes. According to data from the travel companies, early bookings have seen a significant increase in recent years. This is confirmed by several travel agencies and online booking sites reporting a similar increase in early bookings.
Still, experts like TUI say this trend doesn't necessarily mean the end of last-minute travel deals. In fact, they predict there will always be room for last minute deals in the travel market.
Because the school holidays in the French-speaking part of Belgium do not start until July 7 this year, the first week of July offers attractively priced options especially for the Flemish.
This is not a zero-sum game because the rise in early bookings does not mean there is no room for spontaneous travellers. There are always unforeseen circumstances that hotels, airlines and travel agencies have to respond to, leading to last minute deals. Last-minute bookings are often influenced by unexpected events such as a sudden day off, unpredictable weather, or attractive discounts. These factors will always be present.
Travelers take out travel insurance much more often than before the corona pandemic. This is evident from figures from mobility organization VAB.
In addition, technological innovations can keep the last-minute market alive. Smartphone apps make it easier than ever to book accommodation or flights at short notice.
next to each other
“The combination of technological progress and changing consumer needs keeps the market dynamic,” says Klaas de Bakker, director of an online travel agency. “We see an increase in early bookings, but also a stable demand for last-minute deals. Both trends can coexist.”
While the trend towards early booking continues to grow, the appeal of spontaneous, last-minute adventures still seems to be there. It seems that these two trends are not mutually exclusive, but rather different segments of the travel industry. There are still plenty of travelers who prefer spontaneity and flexibility over planning and certainty. For these travelers, last-minute deals are an excellent way to take advantage of lower prices and unexpected opportunities. This question is not going away any time soon.
