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Brits going further as Spain loses out in winter exodus
Spanish destinations are losing out as Brits are escaping the winter in greater numbers and travelling further afield, according to new research.
While traditionally popular destinations such the Canary Islands and Costa Del Sol have seen a sales slump by up to 28%, long haul sunspots are soaring.
The research, by Co-op Travel and Travelcare, revealed Cuba as the fastest growing destination with sales through all major tour operators up 80% on last year followed by Sharm El Sheikh with 55% growth, Las Vegas and Mexico 35% and Jamaica 30%.
Sunseekers are also staying away longer, according to the study, with breaks of three weeks up by 18% while 15% more people are taking five-week holidays. More than a third flee the UK for two weeks or longer.
Head of The Co-operative Travel Trading Group Mike Greenacre said: “It’s possible that mild winters in recent years have slowed the trend but with the expectations of colder than normal weather, numbers have rocketed this year.
“Other factors, such as an ageing population who aren’t tied down by the restrictions of work, the fact that over two million Brits now own properties abroad and the good deals that are available for long haul destinations this winter, all seem to have influenced this year’s seasonal exodus.”
While short haul remains the most popular winter sun destination, the sales decline is likely to benefit last minute bargain hunters in the new year.
Greenacre said: “Unlike the summer season, where late deals are in short supply, this winter we may see real bargains in December and January.”
Report by Steve Jones
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