News
More than 2m to escape UK this weekend
17 July 2008
As the school summer holiday period dawns, there is set to be a mass exodus of holidaymakers from the UK, according to the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta).
With the majority of schools breaking up on 18 July, the days up to 21 July are expected to see more than 2m Brits heading overseas.
Despite the strength of the euro, perennial favourite Spain is expected to remain popular, along with France, Malta and the Caribbean.
The biggest growth of all, however, has been recorded in bookings for Egypt. The African country has seen a 28% year-on-year increase in reservations, while Turkey (20%) and the USA (8%) have also been strong.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: 'With a changing economic climate, many existing trends have become more pronounced. Spain for example, is still the top destination this year, but as a mature destination, and with the strong euro, greater growth is being experienced in the mid- to long-haul destinations outside of the eurozone.'
He added: 'Conversely, there is no surprise that with the weak dollar, the US is doing well and forward bookings for the US look strong.'
Heathrow is set to be the busiest airport this weekend, with 460,000 passengers departing, followed by Gatwick with 260,000.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
With the majority of schools breaking up on 18 July, the days up to 21 July are expected to see more than 2m Brits heading overseas.
Despite the strength of the euro, perennial favourite Spain is expected to remain popular, along with France, Malta and the Caribbean.
The biggest growth of all, however, has been recorded in bookings for Egypt. The African country has seen a 28% year-on-year increase in reservations, while Turkey (20%) and the USA (8%) have also been strong.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: 'With a changing economic climate, many existing trends have become more pronounced. Spain for example, is still the top destination this year, but as a mature destination, and with the strong euro, greater growth is being experienced in the mid- to long-haul destinations outside of the eurozone.'
He added: 'Conversely, there is no surprise that with the weak dollar, the US is doing well and forward bookings for the US look strong.'
Heathrow is set to be the busiest airport this weekend, with 460,000 passengers departing, followed by Gatwick with 260,000.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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