Now, amidst fears that Spain could be sold out by the end of this month, ABTA today tried to ease people’s fears and calm the stampede for holidays. The association is advising holidaymakers to book their summer holidays early this year after new figures show a 6% year-on-year increase in bookings for overseas summer holidays, with substantial increases for Spain (27%) and Portugal (32%) and also with Cyprus (14%) and Malta (15%) selling well. Bookings to Greece are at similar levels to 2015 as are those to the USA. Similar booking patterns are being reported by travel trade associations in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, which will result in increased demand and competition for accommodation, emphasising just how important it is to book early this year.
The growth in popularity of the western Mediterranean is being driven partly by a drop in business to traditionally popular destinations like Tunisia and Egypt, following terrorist incidents and changes to Foreign Office travel advice. More customers also appear to be looking for the wider choice and good value on offer to early bookers. Mediterranean Eurozone countries have responded to local economic problems by lowering prices in bars and restaurants and the pound is still at a relatively high level, meaning that these destinations offer extremely good value for money.
Another factor behind this growth is the continuing readjustment in the overseas holiday market following the significant falls seen in 2008 and 2009 after the financial crisis and credit crunch, when overall UK passenger numbers fell by 15%. In 2015, UK airlines reported that passenger numbers had returned to pre-credit crunch levels.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA's chief executive said: “The significant increase in summer holiday bookings to western Mediterranean destinations is also being mirrored in other northern European markets so it makes it more important than ever that customers book early to obtain the best value and ensure they get the holiday of their choice.”
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Try the Internet & save on agents booking fee,s southern costa blanca with it,s stunning beaches value for money restaurants & bars with great drinks promotions. Last July & August was very busy so try & book soon due to demand.
Hi 14 of us managed to book up for palma nova to go September last Saturday
Hi 14 of us managed to book up for palma nova to go September last Saturday
Interesting
And yet, People are still not being advised about the tourist tax. Surely the British travel agents know by now.
Great! Just another reason for them to hoik the air fare prices up - especially during school holidays.
Not at all surprised by this, we just managed to book 2 weeks in Puerto Pollensa in July. 2 operators said our hotel was full, Thomas Cook got us in, and we come every year. A lot of people not trusting the situation in Turkey. Tunisia and Egypt out of bounds, so people will look for somewhere 'safe' and Spain and the Balearics fit the bill.