MORE British holidaymakers are going to Spain to spend their holidays than ever before.
Despite the the introduction of the European Entry/Exit System (EES), wildfires and extreme heat, and inflation driven by conflict in the Middle East, the Brits just can’t keep away.
According to ABTA’s annual Holiday Habits survey, the number of Brits who visited Spain was up 4% over the past 12 months.
This strengthens Spain’s lead as the most popular destination for UK travellers.
ABTA says that the increase is down to the impact of the Middle East conflict causing people not to be able to transit through the region for some time and seeking a short trip alternative.
The report also shows that Brits are still eager to take their holidays abroad, even more than last year. The percentage went up from 59% to 62%.
The research reveals 88% of people went on holiday over the past 12 months, in line with the year before (87%).
The findings suggest that at times of uncertainty and disruption, more people book with a travel agent or tour operator. 38% booked an overseas holiday with a travel professional in the past 12 months, up from 34%.
Another interesting stats is that now younger people are more eager to travel as now 18–24-year-olds form 35% of travellers, 6% more than last year.
Value for money has been an increasing factor for why people booked with a travel professional and was the top reason why people chose a package holiday (48%, up from 43% last year).
All in all, over 88% of UK adults said they went on holiday over the past 12 months. These numbers match the pre-covid statistics, unprecedented in almost one decade.
ABTA’s also finds demand for holidays remained resilient despite the impact of conflict in the Middle East, new border processes and climate-related events.
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