Price hikes in non-Eurozone countries could result in a return to favour for traditional summer sun destinations in 2011, according to The Co-operative Travel.
Spain and Greece could be the main beneficiaries as hoteliers in countries such as Egypt and Turkey try to make the most of a recent upturn in fortunes by bumping up their prices.
The Co-operative Travel conducted a survey of 200,000 2011 holiday prices, and found that Turkey prices were up an average of £94 on last year, while Egypt holidays cost £54 more.
Holidays to the US and Mexico have also increased in cost – a rise the Co-op puts down to the hike in Air Passenger Duty – but average prices in Spain and Portugal are actually less expensive.
The Co-operative Travel managing director Mike Greenacre said: “Resorts in Turkey and Egypt have seen a massive influx of UK holidaymakers in recent years, tempted by the exceptional value for money, all inclusive concept and guaranteed sunshine.
“However, it’s clear from our research that these resorts are now looking to maximise on this recent popularity, with the average price per person up significantly. We have implored the Turkish tourist authorities to persuade hotels and resorts to think twice about such increases in these challenging times.”
He added: “The Western Mediterranean offers the best value in 2011 and this is reflected in early bookings for resorts like Majorca (up 18%) and the Algarve (up 9%).”
The increase in prices outside the Eurozone could undermine the Co-op’s own prediction, made in July, that the so-called Mett countries of Morocco, Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia were on track to outstrip traditional Med favourites as Brits’ favourite package destinations by the end of 2011.