Spain: Spain set to sizzle in 2012

A recent survey by TravelSupermarket has shown that more than one in ten Brits plan to travel to Spain for their main holiday in 2012. And this isn’t a new trend as 13% of the 5,187 UK adults we asked visited Spain in 2011.

Spanish breaks were most popular with those in northern and Scottish cities this year with 20% of those surveyed in Edinburgh visiting the country for their main holiday, 19% in Glasgow and 19% in Newcastle. However, it looks like the country is set to be a hit with Nottingham’s inhabitants in 2012 as 19% of the adults asked hoped to go on holiday there next year.

So, where else is set to sizzle in 2012?

The flying PIIGS

Last year, TravelSupermarket predicted that the PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain) would be popular destinations among British holidaymakers and we were correct. Not only did 13% of the survey respondents visit Spain but a further 6% travelled to Portugal or Italy.

Our travel expert, Bob Atkinson, thinks that the PIIGS’ popularity will continue in 2012 as, despite their economies suffering from the Euro debt issues, the countries are offering great-value breaks. He said: “In tough economic times Brits often return to known quantities, so this will drive an interest in these destinations. Once Brits see the great offers available, they’ll be flocking to these ever-popular countries.”

A tough time for the METTs 

The METT destinations (Morocco, Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia) have had a tough year and our survey results show this. Despite 3% of those surveyed travelling to Turkey to take advantage of cheap all-inclusive packages in 2011, only 2% plan to travel there in 2012.
And, due to the Arab Spring, both Egypt and Morocco have seen a decline in visitor numbers. Just 1% of Brits plan to travel to Egypt in 2012 compared to 2% who took a trip there in 2011.

TravelSupermarket predict that 2012 will continue to be a slow year for these countries. Our travel expert Bob Atkinson said: “There has been some damage to the reputation of these countries but given a lot of the tourist destinations remained untouched, it is well worth keeping a look out for bargains in Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia throughout 2012.”

SLIMMAs to shine

The SLIMMAs (Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia and Argentina) are set to be next year’s dark horse and a World Travel Market report tipped these nations to do well. Bob Atkinson agrees and said: “Our poll has shown that none of these destinations received more than 1% of British tourists last year – but I’d keep an eye on them as these could be the surprise winners if 2012 as they look to attract more and more UK tourists.”

Staycations: there’s no place like home

With so many exciting events such as the Olympics taking place in the UK in 2012, many Brits are likely to take their big break closer to home. And, although only 30% of our survey respondents have said that they plan to stay in the UK next year, this number may well rise as households tighten their belts even more. In 2011, 40% of Brits took their main holiday in the UK.

The 2012 top 10

The results of our survey show that the top destinations for holidaying Brits will be:
1. UK – 30% of people plan to holiday closer to home.
2.  Spain – 11% expect to enjoy the Spanish sun, sea and sand.
3. Europe (other) – 9% hope to take a break in a European destination other than in the UK, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Turkey.
4. USA – 6% want to enjoy an all-American experience.
5. France – 5% plan to hop over the English Channel to France.
6. Asia – 3% want to go to a longer-haul destination in Asia.
7. Caribbean/Mexico – 3% hope to enjoy the Caribbean and Mexican weather.
8. Italy – 3% plan to experience la dolce vita in Italy.
9. Portugal – 2% want to sip port and enjoy the Portuguese laid back way of life.
10. Turkey – 2% hope to visit the crossroad between Europe and Asia.

TravelSupermarket’s additional hot picks for 2012

• Poland and Ukraine – both countries will be appearing on our TVs when they take part in the European Football Championship over the summer. We predict that Poland will prove to be particularly popular with Brits looking to take short city breaks.
• Iceland – both easyJet and WOW will add more air links to Iceland next year. This coupled with cheap prices will make the country a popular destination for travellers wanting to experience the Northern Lights and those looking for an activity-filled short break.
• Vietnam – the country will no longer just be a destination for backpackers as the first direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will begin on December 8 from Gatwick.
• Brazil – in the lead up to Rio’s Olympic Games in 2016, the country is set to increase in popularity.

Source Travel supermarket

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