The summer holiday season witnessed a significant shift in destination preferences according to an online travel agent.
- Turkey emerged as the top beach vacation choice, surpassing traditional favourites like Spain and the Canary Islands.
- An 18% increase in bookings for Turkey highlighted a trend towards more cost-effective holiday options.
- Greece and Spain experienced price reductions, making Mediterranean holidays more affordable.
- Economic factors, such as inflation and a cool summer, influenced last-minute holiday decisions.
In a dramatic change observed during the summer holiday season, Turkey claimed the top spot as the favourite beach destination among customers of a prominent online travel agency. An increase of 18% year-on-year in bookings to Turkey indicates a growing preference for Eastern Mediterranean locales. This trend saw Turkey surpassing established holiday hotspots such as mainland Spain and the Canary Islands, although these destinations, when combined with the Balearics, still constituted a significant 52% of overall bookings.
The report also highlighted cost considerations as pivotal in shaping travellers’ decisions. Turkey was rated the most economical option for four and five-star holidays, with an average price of £520 per person for a seven-night, all-inclusive stay. Following Turkey, Greece and Spain’s price reductions by 18% and 13% respectively further stimulated interest in Mediterranean vacations.
Despite losing its leading position, the Canary Islands witnessed a 10% rise in bookings, withstanding the challenges posed by overtourism on islands like Tenerife. Morocco’s popularity surged by 81%, propelled by a notable increase in visitors to Agadir, marking its entry into the top 10 holiday destinations for the first time.
Long-distance travel also saw a rise, with destinations like Las Vegas, New York, Thailand, Mexico, and Dubai experiencing increased sales. Factors such as inflation, escalating living costs, and a historically cool summer in the UK nudged travellers towards impromptu holiday plans, hoping for last-minute deals amidst economic uncertainty.
According to the agency’s chief customer officer, this year marked a ‘seismic shift’ in preferred vacation spots among UK residents. Places like Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, and Marmaris in Turkey have seen growing prominence. Meanwhile, Egypt’s consistent growth and Morocco’s newfound status are set to be future travel highlights, offering exceptional value and nearly guaranteed sunshine.
The shifting dynamics of travel preferences signal a broader trend towards economically viable and sun-rich destinations.
