Last minute bookings to Greece for the end of summer have soared by around 55% compared to this time last year, according to online agent On the Beach.
Santorini has seen the highest year-on-year rise, with bookings more than doubling. The islands of Zante and Kefalonia have also seen sales surge by 84% and 74% respectively.
The findings come shortly after Travel Weeklyreported a bounce-back in Greek tourism, and just a week after the launch of a new marketing organisation designed to boost visitor numbers to the country.
Despite the strong performance from Greece, Spain continues to reign as the leading holiday destination this year, according to the company, with Majorca most popular for those looking for last minute sun, closely followed by Tenerife and Lanzarote.
Other destinations witnessing a significant increase in last minute bookings include Madeira, up 108%; Croatia, up by more than a quarter, and Turkey, up 20% on last year.
On the Beach chief marketing officer Alistair Daly said: “Greece and its islands have always been popular for Brits and this surge in last minute bookings is no doubt welcome news for its economy.
“Our booking data shows that many holidaymakers are looking for alternative destinations this summer and although Spain remains popular as ever, it’s interesting to see more of us heading to largely undiscovered destinations such as Croatia.”