Mass summer exodus starts this weekend
A record two million holidaymakers will leave the country this weekend in what is due to be the busiest weekend for travel this year, according to ABTA.
From tomorrow, the busiest day all schools, universities and most colleges will have finished their academic year and Parliament will have adjourned.
Despite dramatic growth in the non-EU destinations of Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey, 75% of Brits holiday in Europe with 70% of those still favouring Spain, France and Greece, ABTA says
Spain and its islands are still the favourite destination for summer holidays with the Balearics the top choice. Mainland Spain and the Canaries follow close behind.
The long haul market has done well this summer and the weak dollar has seen a return to growth for the US, which is currently ahead of last year by 16%.
The Caribbean has also performed strongly with the Dominican Republic and Mexico becoming popular mainstream destinations, while Cuba will see a 27% growth in the number of UK tourists for this season. Further afield the more adventurous are heading to Asia in greater numbers than ever before.
About 950,000 will leave from BAA airports with Heathrow the busiest hub seeing roughly 500,000 departures, Gatwick will have approximately 300,000 departures and 175,000 will leave from Stansted. Luton will add 50,000 to those flying out of the South East, while 80,000 leave Birmingham Airport. 170,000 will be leaving from Manchester and 35,000 will leave from East Midlands Airport.
An approximate 100,000 more passengers will leave from regional airports such as Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter, and Leeds Bradford.
About 100,000 will travel by Eurostar and Eurotunnel while potentially 600,000 will journey to France, Spain and the Benelux countries by ferry.
ABTA admits this year has been “a very late booking market” for members, but the awful British summer weather, which has compared unfavourably to hot temperatures in mainland Europe, has boosted sales in July.
*Top 10 package holiday and accommodation only destinations this summer.
1. Spain (1.Balearics 2. Mainland Spain 3. the Canaries)
2. France
3. Greece
4. Turkey
5. Cyprus
6. US
7. Caribbean (1. Dominican Republic 2. Mexico 3. Cuba)
8. Portugal
9. Italy
10. Bulgaria
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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