According to recent research carried out by 'Club Med' the travel and hospitality industry is actually in better shape than we first may have thought since the credit crunch hit. The present doom & gloom doesn't particularly look like it is here to stay and reports show that bookings for holidays abroad during 2009 will be better than expected.

Over 2000 people who frequently travel were asked what their plans were for the 2009 holiday season, to try and get an insight into a pattern for the year ahead during the economic slowdown we're having, and out of those people asked and replied, more than 80% of people said that they consider their holiday as either quite important or the most important 'treat' during 2009. So it looks like people are still planning on having their well earned break after all, with around 50% expecting to have more than one holiday during the year. The type of holiday that British travellers are booking though is changing as the downturn grips, people are also spending more time and taking more care to bag a bargain and find a better deal.

Mr DeChorivit, Head of Club Med UK said: "2009 will see people looking for better deals and better value for money in the holiday that they are purchasing. This year though will be different as people are under more pressure during daily life and will be looking for that extra pampering and relaxation from a holiday. Club Med have more than 80 resorts worldwide and are in a good position to offer no compromise on luxury as this is included in the price. People taking a trip with Club Med can also feel rest assured as their holiday is ATOL protected which insures that all flights and accommodation are guaranteed."

The survey also said:

• Europe is the most likely place for Brits to travel to in '09 with the beach being the most popular choice during winter and summertime
• 30% plan to travel short haul and 34% long haul
• 45% are planning on extensively researching the best deal available to them
• 35% of people are planning on spending the same amount of money on their'09 holiday as they did in '08