British tourists appear to be losing their love for Spain – and are looking at booking holidays in other destinations, according to one study. And one country – which is often even hotter than Spain and is on the other side of the Mediterranean – has come out on top.
Research by a travel platform analysed internet data to find out which holiday destinations Brits were searching for.
It discovered that Turkey was the most searched-for destination – with Spain coming way down the list, in 10th place. Albania and Cape Verde both ranked higher than Spain – which has long been the favourite destination abroad for many Brits.
It would appear budget – and value for money – is a big factor for Brits wanting to book a getaway. Jorge has some sound advice for bargain-hunting sun-seekers.
He said: “While there’s no single ‘cheapest time’ to book, you should generally try to book your holiday as far ahead as possible. For those wanting to book excursions, tour operators often offer discounts for early bookings.
“Therefore, try to book your holiday several months in advance to take advantage of these early-bird rates. A top tip is to join any loyalty programmes of airlines, hotels, and tour operators to accumulate points and receive member-exclusive discounts.”
When it comes to Turkey, tourists have been getting mixed messages about its value. Some visitors have voiced concerns about soaring prices at some resorts.
In Marmaris, many people have been talking about the unusually quiet holiday season – and they think it’s due to skyrocketing prices. One man said he feared Turkey would have ‘no tourists left’ after being charged £15 for a vodka and coke.
But bargains can still be found. Earlier this summer, hotels in Turkey were slashing prices by as much as 50 percent as they battle to win back tourists who are choosing a different destination this summer
However, Istanbul appears to have the opposite problem. The city is one of a growing number where overtourism is an issue and residents are calling for stricter rules to regulate tourism accommodation – and new tourist taxes.
