Large numbers of British travellers are planning summer holidays abroad this year, mostly to Spain’s sunnier destinations, according to a travel research report released by Asda Money, a UK-based financial company that provides travel currency.
Despite the UK government having recently increased its Air passenger duties, much to the dismay of travellers, Spain still remains a favourite travel destination for British holidaymakers.
Spain, which is within easy reach of all UK airports and is served by flights from almost all airlines operating out of Britain, is also known for its warm waters, sandy beaches and good cuisine.
Recently, the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, announced an increase in general VAT (Value Added Tax) on all items, including clothing and cigarettes, from 18 percent to 21 percent, in response to the country’s increasing economic problems.
For tourists travelling to the country, this will represent an 8 to 10 percent increase in expenditure on accommodation, food and drink at restaurants, hotels and bars, as well as processed food bought in Spain.
Official records have shown that there has been a significant increase in the number of overseas visitors to Spain in the first five months of 2012, compared to the same period a year ago. Around 19 million foreign holidaymakers visited Spain between January and May 2012, a 2.4 percent increase on the preceding year.
The Spanish Institute of Tourism Studies (Instituto de Estudios Turisticos) has reported that British travellers make around 12 million visits to Spain each year, making it one of the most visited countries by British residents.
