Travelsmart
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All-inclusive and package holidays are rising in popularity amongst Britons for 2019, with beach holiday experts On the Beach seeing all-inclusive breaks account for half (50%) of all bookings so far this year (up from a 46% share in January.2018).
With the forthcoming Brexit day now less than two months away, the increased demand for all-inclusive breaks may indicate that British holidaymakers are looking to safeguard themselves against fluctuations in exchange rates and maintain greater control over their holiday budget and in-resort spend.
On the Beach, which sends 1.5 million passengers on holiday each year, saw close to two thirds (62%) of all family bookings made during January 2019 for all-inclusive holidays (up from 58% for the same period last year), whilst 44% of couples’ holiday bookings and 39% of group getaways were booked on an all-inclusive basis.
On the Beach has also seen a rise in the proportion of ‘package holidays’ booked (which combine flight and hotel) which provide consumers with increased holiday security under the Package Travel Regulations which were introduced in summer 2018.
During the month of January, the busiest booking period of the year, package holidays accounted for 91% of all On the Beach bookings, vs 87% last year.
What’s hot for 2019
Latest sales reveal Spain and its islands as the most popular holiday destination amongst sun-starved Brits this year, with the Canary Island of Tenerife overtaking Majorca as the most popular hot spot for 2019 holiday bookings to date.
According to booking data, Greece is the second most popular summer sun destination, with resorts on the mainland and the sun-kissed islands, proving all too tempting for British holidaymakers.
Crete, which was recently named Europe’s most family friendly destination in the online travel agent’s Family Beach Index, has leapfrogged Corfu to become the most popular Greek island for 2019.
Booking data also shows that British holidaymakers are getting a real taste for Turkey this year, with the destination named the third most popular holiday hot spot, overtaking the Portuguese Algarve region, which drops to fourth position.
Cyprus, which has been a popular year-round destination amongst Brits for many years, is one of the biggest winners of 2019, jumping two places from last year, into fifth position.
Dubai and the UAE, the online travel agent’s newest destination, is already proving a big hit amongst holidaymakers, jumping straight into the top 10 (9th), overtaking Croatia, Italy and Bulgaria, suggesting a growing number of British holidaymakers are looking to head long-haul for their week in the sun.
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Top 10 most popular hot spots for 2019 |
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1. |
Spain |
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2. |
Greece |
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3. |
Turkey |
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4. |
Portugal |
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5. |
Cyprus |
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6. |
Egypt |
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7. |
Malta |
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8. |
Morocco |
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9. |
UAE (Dubai) |
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10. |
Tunisia |
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Cheaper in summer 2019
For holidaymakers looking for a great value holiday this summer, On the Beach can reveal those destinations which are cheaper this year compared to last, with popular resorts in the Dalaman region of Turkey, showing the biggest savings.
Menorca, the most laid-back and traditional island of the Balearics, also offers great value for money this year, along with resorts across the Costa Del Sol and the ever-popular Costa Brava.
Other destinations which are cheaper this year compared to last, include the Greek islands of Rhodes, Kos and Corfu.
Cheaper for families over February Half Term
For those looking to save this February Half Term, holidays to many of our favourite family-friendly destinations are cheaper this year in comparison to last, with the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura offering the biggest savings.
Research by On the Beach also revealed holidays to Hurghada, Egypt’s famous Red Sea resort, were also cheaper than at the same time last year – great news for those looking to holiday outside of the Eurozone.
Booking data reveals Spain as the most popular hot spot this February Half Term, with Egypt also proving popular amongst families, grabbing second place.
The Mediterranean island of Malta is the third most popular choice this Half Term, followed by the Algarve in Portugal and Cyprus.
Alan Harding, Marketing Director at On the Beach comments: “All-inclusive holidays are not only great for relaxing, but also give greater control over your holiday budget and in-resort spending. Whilst we have seen little evidence that Brits are holding back on booking their holidays, it seems that more holidaymakers are looking to book money saving all-inclusive breaks this year.”
“As expected, Spain will dominate in popularity this year, but our booking data shows that destinations such as Greece, Portugal and Cyprus will all be very popular. Turkey is back on the map, now our third most popular destination, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see it push for second place over the coming years.”
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