Luxury travel operators were also riding out the recession because their clientele refused to give up their main holiday.

According to a survey of 7,000 holidaymakers who take luxury breaks, just 18% said they would cut back on their holidays if they had to give something up during the recession. This was ninth behind designer labels, electronics such as TVs, computers and MP3 players, and restaurant meals

The results are in contrast to a similar survey, which polled all demographics. With this sample, 41% said they would cut back on holidays and weekends away first during the recession – twice as many as in the luxury group.

“The high-spending individuals are not moving to packaging or changing length of stay, but they are using the internet to look for the right deal and right location at the right price,” said Gillon.

“While some of these changes may be temporary, the ‘buying clever’ trend is here to stay,” he added.

Other major trends highlighted by Gillon include the fact that as a result of the recession, more than 50% of luxury consumers now search for the best price on the internet, while just under half will ask the supplier for a discount. Only a fifth will downgrade to a cheaper destination.

Gillon said luxury travel business need to improve and develop their websites, and increase their portfolio of products in 2010 in order to survive.