“Record numbers” to travel overseas at Easter
A record 2.2 million British holidaymakers are due to leave the country over the Easter weekend, ABTA estimates.
With the Easter break falling early this year, people will be ravelling to winter destinations, with most ski resorts sold out.
The Canary Islands is the most popular sun destination in the short haul market, while North Africa, particularly, Egypt followed by Morocco and Tunisia, are performing “exceptionally well” for medium haul, ABTA says. The Caribbean and United Arab Emirates are the popular long haul destinations.
ABTA predicts that 1.6 million passengers are due to depart from UK airports over the weekend, with one million leaving the country through the seven BAA airports, 50,000 from Luton, 110,000 from Manchester airport, 45,000 from Birmingham and 25,000 from East Midlands.
More than 500,000 are expected to travel under or over the English Channel to France, Holland and Spain including 80,000 by Eurostar. Many travellers are taking the train or car to France visiting holiday homes.
Top city break destinations are New York, Paris and Rome.
Report by Phil Davies
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