Those late bookings and value-for-money holidays sold throughout the summer look set to seep into this upcoming season as clients book their European winter-sun breaks.
According to industry sources, many of the discounts and half-board upgrades that were introduced this year will be carried through to stimulate the winter-break market. In the current tough economic climate, consumers are still showing a degree of caution.
Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides says: “The special offers introduced by hoteliers are expected to continue. People don’t want to forgo their winter holiday, but are prepared to scale back on long haul, and destinations such as Cyprus will benefit.”
New products are still in the offing, even though sales for sunny breaks look to be a slow starter this winter.
Air Europa is launching three daily flights to Lisbon for its winter schedule, while Explore is rolling out new adventure tours to Malta and Gozo in the new year.
Here are four popular products for those now looking for a winter sun destination in Europe.
Village life
Where? Gran Canaria
Who is it good for? This destination is ideal for groups, couples, fans of history, and older travellers looking for a temperate but not especially hot climate.
Why is it special? Incredible views, spectacular wild flowers, varied walking, surprisingly good accommodation, and fresh food. It has dramatic landscapes, due to the fact that it is a volcanic plateau.
Don’t miss: Gran Canaria’s forgotten whitewashed villages overlook the blue lakes of the Barranco de Meca, and contrast with the blood-red cliffs. Then there are the vast array of fruits, plants and wildlife on the island.
Sample product: Headwater has an eight-day, twin-centre holiday starting at £629, staying in four-star hotels with breakfasts and evening meals included, flying from Gatwick to Las Palmas with Thomson Airways. headwater.com, 01606 720199
Adrenaline adventure
Where? Malta
Who is it good for? Many agents still see Malta as a destination for older travellers, but in recent years it has been promoting adventure holidays (as well as festivals and parties, as featured in TW earlier this month). You can hike, climb or cycle in its rugged interior, or sail and kitesurf along its craggy coastline.
Why is it special? Malta gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, comparable to more far-flung destinations such as Egypt, and it is only a three-hour flight from the UK One of the official languages is English, so it’s effortless for Brits.
Don’t miss: Few European countries have such a concentrated history in so compact an area, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are well worth a visit.
Sample product: Belleair Holidays offers seven nights at the four-star Qawara Palace from £439, based on two people sharing. This includes flights from Gatwick, transfers, and is on an all-inclusive basis, departing November 11. belleair.co.uk, 0845 365 3400
A golfing break
Where? Belek in Turkey
Who is it good for? Ideal for those who are looking to improve their golf this winter and want to get on the course quickly – it is 30 minutes from Antalya airport. Turkey is outside the eurozone and offers good value for money.
Why is it special? It is one of the best new golfing destinations in Europe; more than a dozen championship courses are within a 10-mile radius. There is also a good selection of five-star hotels and resorts.
Don’t miss: A trip to the historic city of Antalya. Also include the well-preserved, Greco-Roman city of Perge, which has an original amphitheatre that is still capable of seating 15,000 people.
Sample product: Your Golf Travel offers seven nights in Belek from £619, including all-inclusive accommodation and four rounds of golf at the Antalya Golf Club. Return flights are from Stansted with Cyprus Turkish Airlines. yourgolftravel.com, 0800 043 6644
Walking breaks
Where? Madeira
Who is it good for? Works well for walking enthusiasts, couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Why is it special? Madeira is famous for its geographical diversity, including coastal cliffs in the north to hidden valleys in the interior and high moors. Walking along the network of levadas or irrigation channels is particularly memorable. The mild climate in winter is also ideal for hiking.
Sample product: The Adventure Company has an eight-day hiking trip that includes a variety of different walks across the islands. The lead-in price of £529 includes flights, accommodation, transport, guided walks and some meals. adventurecompany.co.uk, 0845 609 0889
