Croatia as the new hot spot for British holidaymakers, with holidays to the destination showing the biggest year on year increase in bookings during the big January sales month. The Neapolitan Riviera in Italy is the third fastest growing destination (up 194%), whilst Tunisia (up 183%) and Cyprus (up 64%) make up the top five.
Research conducted by leading beach holiday specialists On the Beach has revealed Croatia as the new hot spot for British holidaymakers, with holidays to the destination showing the biggest year on year increase in bookings during the big January sales month.
Holiday bookings to Croatia are up a massive 250% on the previous year with the Portuguese Island of Madeira showing the second biggest increase, up 228%.
The Neapolitan Riviera in Italy is the third fastest growing destination (up 194%), whilst Tunisia (up 183%) and Cyprus (up 64%) make up the top five.
Top five destinations showing the biggest increase in bookings:
1. Croatia
2. Madeira
3. Neapolitan Riviera
4. Tunisia
5. Cyprus
Overall, bookings made during January suggest the Spanish Canary Islands are set to be the most popular destination this year, closely followed by Mainland Spain. The ever-popular Balearic Islands are the third most popular choice, followed by the Greek Islands and Egypt.
Top five most popular destinations:
1. Canary Islands
2. Mainland Spain
3. Balearic Islands
4. Greek Islands
5. Egypt
The research also shows self-catering holidays in luxury five star resorts are on average 33% cheaper than last year, whilst those looking for a three star holiday on a full board basis will find these holidays, on average, 15% cheaper.
All-inclusive holidays are by far the most popular choice this year, making up 50% of all bookings, however self-catering holidays remain a popular choice amongst British holidaymakers (24%). More than one in 10 (12%) are choosing half board holidays, whilst 10% of holidaymakers are opting for bed and breakfast board basis holidays.
Alistair Daly, Chief Marketing Officer at On the Beach comments: “January is always a busy month for bookings but this year was busier than ever. Our January bookings suggests that Spain will once again reign this year but it is good to see Croatia becoming more popular. With an increase in flights from the UK to Madeira, we expect more people than ever before will be heading to this beautiful island this year.”
Photo caption: Dubrovnik.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.