Leading holiday company Thomson and Mindlab International discover the perfect circumstances for creating memories, proving people and location are most important
25% of all memories described were associated with a holiday
Family members are the most significant people to make memories with
Under 25s are 31% more likely to make treasured memories abroad than the over 55s
16 December 2016 – Christmas is a time when childhood and family memories are made, but a recent experiment by Mindlab International and Thomson has discovered that there are other key elements that turn a moment into a memory. The results formed the basis of a mathematical formula describing the perfect circumstances to create a memory as Thomson launches their ultimate ‘moments’ campaign.
The study shows that Brits are a sentimental bunch, identifying family (70%) as the predominant influence for their memories, proving that good company is the difference between a memorable moment and a forgettable one. Summer time also came out overwhelmingly as the most significant time of year (45%) for the under 35s compared with autumn for the older generations. Holidays were chosen the most as the significant occasion that was memorable.
Family proved important for men and women, with women valuing family as an important part of their memories at 75% – 11% more than men. The significance of family in our memories steadily increases as we get older, the study showed 72% of memories for the over 55s were with family, while younger generations have fonder memories of time spent with friends. Millennials have the most memories abroad compared to the older generations who tend to have more memories at home.
Brummies prove the most family orientated as they have 13% more memories with family than the UK average with 11% having fond memories in their own homes. Whilst people from London and Manchester have identified more memories away from home, people from Sheffield and Cardiff were more likely to recall memories relating to senses and nature.
Surprisingly senses such as sight, sound and smell have less of an impact on the memorability of a moment, instead focus is on more sentimental factors like the occasion and the company. The most common words used by people in the study were often associated with ‘doing something’ for the first time but there was common reference to holidays and family over other topics.
Psychologist and founder of Mindlab, Dr David Lewis commented: “It is clear from our study that people value time spent with their family and remember these moments over others. The difference between memories with and without people is striking. Specific occasions, holidays in particular, also play a strong role in creating memories. This was the second most defining factor after the people we spend moments with. Vivid memories are also strongly linked with the act of doing something for the first time; events such as passing a driving test and marriage are strongly linked to powerful memories.”
Jeremy Ellis, Marketing and Customer Experience Director for Thomson, said: “We believe spending time with loved ones is incredibly important and as the leading UK holiday company we want to give people amazing experiences when they’re on holiday, as it’s the moment when time stands still and memories that last a lifetime are made.”
Thomson’s ultimate advertising campaign, ahead of rebranding later next year to TUI, signifies the importance of enjoying those important holiday moments with your loved ones. The new ad aired on 16th December and shows a little girl’s heartfelt journey from beach to pool with classic holiday ‘moments’ frozen around her, before finally jumping into her father’s arms at the end.
Formula factors studied:
Location – Where the memory took place
Time of year – When the memory took place
Occasion – Whether there was an associated occasion (e.g. wedding, holiday, etc.)
Smells – The smells associated with the memory
Sounds – The sounds they could recall
Tastes – Any relevant tastes
People – The company associated with the memory
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
Research conducted by Mindlab International November 2016 to 2,036 of the UKs general population
*Each factor is given a value between 0 – 10. A value of 10 would mean that this factor is an important part of that memory.The most memorable moments occur when all of these factors are satisfied (with a value of 10). Higher values for occasion and location have a greater effect on the final score, which is also on a scale from 0 -10.
‘Moments’ Campaign – https://www.youtube.com/user/ThomsonHols
If you require any specific data please email amy.mcevoy@thomson.co.uk
TUI UK & IRELAND
TUI UK and Ireland is the UK’s largest tour operator with key brands including Thomson, First Choice, and Thomson Cruises. Sub brands include Sensatori, Sensimar, and Family Life, as well as First Choice Holiday Villages and SplashWorld Resorts.
TUI UK and Ireland’s airline, Thomson Airways is the UK’s third largest airline with 62 aircraft operating to over 88 destinations in 30 countries. Thomson Airways was the first airline in the UK to take delivery of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
TUI UK and Ireland has a team of more than 10,000 employees and serves over 5.5 million customers each year.
TUI UK and Ireland is a member of TUI Group.
THOMSON
Thomson, part of TUI UK & Ireland, is one of the UK’s most well-known holiday brands, delivering unique and modern holiday experiences for its customers every year.
Its flagship hotels fall under Sensatori – luxury holiday experience featuring world class spas and gourmet dining; Sensimar – offering stylish hotels in beach front locations exclusively for adults; and Family Life, which have been designed for families with younger children, featuring excellent kids’ clubs giving parents a care-free, relaxing holiday.
Thomson is the sister company of First Choice, both using Thomson Airways to take over 5.5 million people on holiday each year.
TUI UK and Ireland is a member of TUI Group.
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