Cautious Americans favour Mexico over UK

Mexico is becoming far more popular than the UK for Americans taking winter holidays abroad according to a new survey. The American Society of Travel Agents’ /Fodor’s Winter Hot Spots Survey asked ASTA members which destinations they were booking. Mexico retained its places the most popular country for winter travel abroad, but increased its lead significantly. Mexico received 27% of responses, with the UK following with 16.3%; compared to 25.1% and 19.3% respectively for the year before. London retained its number one position as top international city for the winter season with 16.2% of responses. However in line with the trend which has seen Mexico outstripping the UK in popularity, Cancun was the second most popular city with 16% of responses. This is much closer to London than in the past. Last year London received 19.3% of responses and Cancun 16.1%. ASTA president and chief executive Richard Copland commented: “We saw last year that Americans were choosing to stay closer to home when they travel, and this year that trend is more evident. Although Cancun is still in second place following London, the gap between the two cities has decreased significantly this season.”