ABTA – The Travel Association estimates that two million British holidaymakers are set to go overseas this weekend for the primary weekend of the summer holidays for almost all of faculties in England (26-29 July). Spain remains the #1 destination for British holidaymakers with the Balearic and Canary Islands selling especially well, other Mediterranean destinations especially Greece, Turkey and Tunisia also are high at the list.
The best July weather within the UK for years has also boosted domestic bookings, with tour operators reporting strong demand and a rise in last minute bookings. Holidaymakers are flocking to the Channel Islands, Lake District and the standard seaside resorts of Blackpool, Bournemouth and Brighton.
For those heading further afield the long haul destinations of Mexico and Cuba have all sold well with Florida remaining the #1 long haul choice for families.
Airports within the South East expect a really busy weekend with 480,000 passengers departing from Heathrow, 276,000 from Gatwick, 125,000 from Stansted and 70,000 from Luton.
Over 100,000 shall be leaving from Scottish airports with 50,000 from Glasgow alone.
160,000 are by using depart from Manchester, 66,000 from Birmingham, 70,000 from Newcastle, 50,000 from Bristol and 30,000 from Leeds Bradford International.
Other regional airports, ports and the channel tunnel can also be extremely busy over the weekend with thousands leaving the rustic. Eurostar is reporting a rise in passenger numbers on last year with 70,000 warding off to Paris and the South of France over the weekend.
Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: “This weekend sees the beginning of the major summer holiday getaway and it’s among the many busiest of the year. Millions of holidaymakers can be keeping off overseas with the Mediterranean countries attracting the lion’s share of tourists. The new amazing weather at home has also given a very good boost to domestic tourism and plenty of ABTA members are reporting a surge in last minute bookings for holidays through the UK. ”
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