With the passing of the UK’s wettest June since 1910, but still no sign of the deluge abating, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), a UK-based travel agent association, has reported a 20 percent increase in outbound travel searches in the UK, as British travellers desperately search for sunnier options.
ABTA has reported that an estimated 13 million UK holidaymakers have plans to go abroad in July and August, 2012, with 90 percent of them heading for destinations in the Mediterranean. With a strong pound, having increased in value by 10 percent against the Euro in last year, and cheaper prices due to the Eurozone crisis, countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy remain the favourite destinations for UK travellers.
Victoria Bacon, the head of communications at ABTA, said, ‘The UK is a beautiful country with exceptional holiday appeal but the weather this year has been setting records for all the wrong reasons and it is no surprise that millions of us are looking to head off overseas for more reliable weather and high temperatures.
British holidaymakers will also get a pleasant surprise in their favourite Eurozone destinations with the pound 10 percent stronger than last year. It’s important that people book sooner rather than later as late offers are proving popular.’
Lydia Dearden, the director of destination at Thomas Cook, said, ‘We Brits are known for being preoccupied with the weather, but 2012 has been dismal and with it showing no signs of improving we’re seeing a lot of interest from people looking to escape to sunnier shores.
We have less holidays available than we did this time last year, which we believe is partly down to the poor weather, and with many of us still hankering for some heat, our advice to those holding out for a last minute deal is to book sooner rather than later to ensure they have the widest choice and can secure the right holiday.’
