United Airlines is preparing for its busiest holiday travel season yet, offering more nonstop flights to Europe than any other U.S. airline. With travel demand surging, this presents a key opportunity for travel agents to promote unique holiday experiences in Europe, leveraging United’s extensive network and seamless connections.
Recent trends indicate a significant shift in consumer holiday spending, with more travellers opting for experiences over physical gifts. According to United, bookings to European destinations have surged by nearly 30% compared to 2019, driven by the allure of Europe’s festive Christmas markets. Deloitte’s survey further underscores this trend, projecting a 16% rise in spending on holiday experiences this year. The renowned Christmas markets in cities like Dresden, Strasbourg, Vienna, and Cologne offer enchanting experiences, from mulled wine and artisan crafts to live music and stunning scenery.
For New Zealand-based travellers connecting via United’s extensive U.S. hubs, the airline offers almost 60 daily nonstop flights to Europe throughout November and December. Travel agents can highlight easy connections to over 130 European cities with United’s partners, including the Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn rail services. This allows clients to explore even more markets and destinations through seamless air and rail travel.
By showcasing United’s strong European connections, travel agents can offer their clients unforgettable holiday experiences, blending traditional market visits with convenient travel options. This season is an ideal time to capture the growing demand for memorable, festive travel.