Travel execs say one thing - survey says another

Now it's in the best interests of travel bosses to play down any talk of an economic downturn impacting on the travel sector.

To paraphrase many a conversation over the last few months:

"The most likely area feel a squeeze first - if at all - will be luxury long haul. But the annual European holiday is pretty sacred to most people."

So their will be a fair amount of dismay today following the publication of a report by research giant Mintel, which asked a panel of 2,000 UK adults what products would be the first to get the heave-ho if the economy starts to bite.

The survey found 20% would they would delay booking a holiday, while 16% would be put off carrying out house improvements.

Kevin May, editor, Travolution