Egypt More Popular Than Majorca At Half Term
October half term is traditionally a time when UK holidaymakers head for the sun and this year, Egypt is the destination of choice. The country has knocked Majorca off the top spot as being the most preferred bargain break during the half term week.
One of the reasons for the switch from the Balearics to the Red Sea is the weakness of the pound against the euro, according to The Co-operative Travel. Based on 1,000 bookings, holidays during this period to the sun in Sharm El Sheikh have risen by 142 per cent.
This has been helped by a fall in prices, which on average have dropped by 20.7 per cent, costing a family holiday £1,898 instead of £2,394. Whilst prices to eurozone countries have increased, such as holidays to the Canary Island of Tenerife, many families still prefer the closeness of a destination which does not require the complications of a long-haul flight.
Retail distribution director for The Co-operative Travel, Trevor Davis said: “Holiday destinations like Tenerife will always be popular in October as they offer good weather with relatively short flight times. However, there has been a shortage of late deals this year and with the euro still high, families are looking further afield for value for money.”
The all inclusive packages that such resorts as Sharm El Sheikh offer have also helped to boost the popularity as people see these as being value for money with no added extras on top. Holidays to resorts in Spain such as the Costa Blanca fell in popularity according to the research.
Travel Industry news posted by Marilyn on 23 October 2009
Destinations:
Balearics |
Canary Islands |
Egypt |
Red Sea |
Greece |
Majorca |
Spain |
Turkey |
Ibiza |
Tenerife
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