Most people 'need a holiday'

The number of people looking to book UK flights in 2012 in order to escape to sunnier climes is likely to remain high, as most people will feel they need a holiday at some point during the year.

Speaking as part of the BBC On The Money podcast, Andrew Dunn, founder of luxury getaway provider Scott Dunn - which has been operating in the industry since 1986 - said most holidaymakers view vacations as a necessity.

The industry figure explained individuals need something they can get excited about, adding: "There is that sense that you need to get away, you need to look forward to something and January is a time when people get a little bit down."

He observed the recent cruise liner disaster in Italy is unlikely to deter most people from heading off on a trip abroad, noting booking patterns should return to normal about one month down the line.