Brits are ditching the UK for some festive fun in the sun, according to figures from the UK’s largest independent travel agent.
Increasing numbers of people are booking trips to Cyprus, Egypt and India said the Co-operative Travel, with some destinations seeing an increase in bookings by as much as 40%. Overall, 11% more people will be travelling abroad for the festive season this year, the agent predicts.
The agent has also revealed that while Spain remains the most popular destination for a Christmas getaway, longer haul holidays are on the rise, with the US and Egypt ranking as the second and third most popular locations this year.
Mike Greenacre, managing director at the Co-operative Travel said: “The feedback from our customers is that, having missed out on a hot summer, they are desperate to get some sun over the winter.
“Christmas in the US is huge, even more commercial than at home and for kids, this can be very exciting. In Spain, everything’s much more traditional and the feast of the epiphany on the January 6 is actually a much bigger celebration, with the three kings bringing presents for all the children.”
Fastest Growing Christmas Sun Holiday Destinations*
1. Cyprus – 40%
2. Egypt – 31%
3. India – 23%
4. Portugal – 21%
5. Spain – 19%
= Tunisia – 19%
7. Barbados – 9%
8. USA – 6%
*Growth Christmas 07/08 compared to Christmas 06/07 – based on holidays with all
major UK holiday operators.
Most Popular destinations for Christmas 2007/08
Spain
USA
Egypt
France
India
Portugal
Finland
Tunisia
Austria
Italy