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UK comes top as travellers holiday at home
The UK has been the most popular destination for holidaymakers in 2011 with a 7% increase in domestic bookings since last year.
And despite the recession, Britons are still using their full holiday allowance which is one of the highest in the world, according to an Expedia.co.uk survey.
Spain and Turkey have become top holiday destinations as tourists turned away from North Africa.
Andy Washington, managing director of Expedia in the UK and Ireland, said: "2011 has highlighted the mixed approach to holidaying taken by Brits in troubled times.
“As some are drawn to holidaying at home, others simply look for alternative destinations – with Spain and Turkey particularly growing in popularity during the Arab Spring.
“The other notable trend was deal hunting – with savvy travellers taking advantage of the great deals to be had in destinations like Egypt and Japan as they start to recover.
“Yet what's absolutely clear is our determination to keep our holidays."
In a bid to avoid disruption overseas and increasing flight taxes such as Air Passenger Duty, the UK became the most popular option, claims the travel website.
The south coast of the UK and London came first and second in the top ten holiday destinations for 2011.
New York was next followed by Paris, Las Vegas, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, northern France and Edinburgh in the 10th spot.
By Diane Evans
Diane
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