Escorted tour specialist Newmarket Holidays has noted a significant spike in demand for short-haul holidays across Europe and the UK.
It says booking cycles are getting shorter.
Based on guest volumes, short-haul destinations are dominating the operator’s top 10 products.
Italy is top with 9% growth in customer numbers and three Italian tours – to Portofino, Florence & Tuscany; Puglia & the South, and Capri, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast all rank among Newmarket Holidays’ current escorted tour best sellers.
Other group tours consistently popular since the start of the year include Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmatian Coast; Seville, Granada & Classic Spain, Krakow and Lapland’s one day Santa experience.
The Scottish Highlands tour by rail has also been a big seller.
Newmarket Holidays says booking cycles for European escorted tours are getting shorter in 2024, in contrast to long haul bookings that are being made further in advance than previous years.
Richard Forde, Head of Trade Sales says: “Our booking data since the start of this year shows that travellers are continuing to book short haul holidays but they are booking later than previous years.”
“We’re continuing to support agents with new tours that enhance and expand out Italian tour collection and offer fresh experiences.”
