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Britons eager for winter sun are flocking to book holidays in more affordable upcoming destinations, opting to pay for their trips in installments. This trend is giving a boost to travel agents and airlines during what is typically a quieter time of year.
Leading airlines and travel companies have seen a significant increase in bookings, with a particular surge in demand for vacations to north Africa and the United Arab Emirates, as well as a continued interest in Mediterranean countries.
As the cost of living continues to rise, more Britons are choosing to spread out the cost of their holidays over a longer period, booking either well in advance or last minute to secure the best deals, according to travel industry executives.
Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet holidays, shared that bookings for the upcoming year are expected to be up by approximately 25% compared to the previous year, with Egypt and Tunisia driving growth in winter travel.
While traditional favorites like Malta, Cyprus, and Majorca remain popular, there is a growing number of customers seeking out new destinations for better value. Wilson noted that the option to pay in monthly installments is gaining popularity among travelers.
Online travel agent On the Beach reported record-level winter bookings, up 25% year on year, with a significant increase in bookings for Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt compared to the previous winter season.
Shaun Morton, CEO of On the Beach, highlighted the appeal of all-inclusive packages in north Africa, which offer guaranteed sunshine, attracting British travelers. The use of monthly installments for bookings has never been more popular, with a current uptake rate of 80%.
The search for affordable winter sun comes as holiday demand remains strong post-pandemic. Consumer card spending on travel in November saw a 6% year-on-year increase, with Brits seeking getaways to combat the winter blues.
In November, the UK’s average mean temperature was 6.6C, while destinations like Marrakech, Morocco and Cairo, Egypt boasted average temperatures of 22C and 24.9C, respectively.
Donat Rétif, CEO of loveholidays, mentioned that warm weather in north Africa has been a driving force behind the surge in bookings for Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt.
The UAE has also seen increased interest, with Virgin Atlantic increasing flights to Dubai and online travel agents reporting higher demand.
Chinese online travel agent Trip.com noted a 170% surge in Christmas bookings by UK travelers to the UAE, drawn by milder winter temperatures and the country’s early reopening post-Covid.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, highlighted Britons’ attraction to the UAE’s safety, security, and infrastructure, making them the second-largest market after Indian travelers.