Brits choosing more adventurous holiday destinations
Brits are expected to be more adventurous in their choice of destination next year, based on ABTA research.
The association’s Holiday Habits Report found almost one in five (18%) say they will travel to a country they have never been to before next year, compared to 9% who said this last year.
"In recent years, people have put their faith in tried and tested destinations but next year may see holidaymakers in a more exploratory mood," said ABTA.
"Furthermore, nearly a quarter (23%) say they will try a new resort or city, even if they have visited the country before, compared to 10% who said this last year."
Almost a quarter (23%) of the population is expecting to spend more on holidays in 2016, compared to 20% who said the same a year ago.
ABTA members are reporting strong forward bookings for Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta.
They also say bookings to Cuba, Cape Verde, Kenya and Thailand are looking positive for 2016, while demand for Jamaica, Barbados and the UAE is also strong for this winter and next year.
Despite its economic problems and the migration crisis, bookings to Greece remain healthy, while Turkey and Egypt were the main destinations seeing a drop in business.
"This may partly have been due to the public reaction to the terrorist attack in Tunisia at the end of June. In addition, bookings in non-Eurozone Mediterranean countries often suffer when the pound is strong against the Euro, with many customers choosing to holiday in the Eurozone instead," said ABTA.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia