Response to ONS reporting a surprise rise in UK retail sales in August

Following the Office of National Statistics reporting a rise in UK retail sales, Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership has made the following comments:

‘It is fantastic to see overall retail sales outperforming expectations in August 2026, and that positive momentum was also reflected across Advantage Travel Partnership’s network of travel businesses which are represented across 750 locations throughout the UK.

“August was a strong month, with average booking values up +8% versus August 2025, overall revenue from holiday bookings up 14% compared with 2025 and revenue for cruise bookings were also up +23% versus the same month last year. 

“In addition, demand for last-minute getaways was also high, with 45% of summer holidays booked within 12 weeks of departure.

“Travel agencies remain a real success story on the high street. They are among the few service businesses continuing to invest in physical retail, bringing more people into town centres, creating local jobs, supporting neighbouring businesses and keeping spending within their communities.”