23/08/2012

Millions Of Brits To Head Overseas This Weekend

The Travel Association estimates that 1.8 million British holidaymakers are set to head overseas during the August Bank Holiday (24-27 August).

Spain continues to be the UK's favourite foreign holiday destination for Brits heading overseas during this period, with the Balearic Islands being the most popular area. Turkey and the Greek Islands are also popular along with Egypt and Tunisia for those catching the last bank holiday of the summer and wanting guaranteed sunshine.

A number of factors are helping to drive Brits to the Eurozone this summer. Many travel businesses have reported that the British weather this summer has encouraged holidaymakers abroad.

The Pound is at a four year high against the Euro which means holidaymakers are receiving over 10% more spending power in Eurozone countries compared to last year. In addition it is reported that prices in restaurants and bars in destinations have fallen.

Domestic tour operators are reporting good demand, with traditional UK holiday destinations along the South Coast and South West proving popular as are the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. Traditional seaside resorts of Blackpool and Brighton are also expected to be busy.

Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin are also proving popular for City breaks.

Airports are reporting that: 250,000 passengers will leave from Gatwick, 124,000 from Stansted and 68,500 from Luton this weekend. It is expected that 150,000 will leave from Manchester, 62,500 from Birmingham, 45,000 from Bristol, 10,000 from Cardiff and 25,500 from Leeds Bradford.

ABTA also estimates more than 400,000 passengers will leave from Heathrow and over 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports.

(CD)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 July 2003
Childcare charges rise over summer holidays
Families face a huge rise in the cost of summer holiday childcare, according to a new survey published today by the national childcare charity, Daycare Trust. The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer holiday play scheme is set to rise by 16%, according to the report. Currently, the typical cost for childcare is £67.
15 August 2008
Gatwick Staff To Strike In Pay Row
British holidaymakers hoping to escape dismal climes on Bank Holiday Monday could have their plans put in disarray as Gatwick staff prepare a walkout. Baggage handlers and check-in staff at Gatwick Airport are to strike on Bank Holiday Monday in a row over pay.
15 May 2015
Rail Workers To Strike On Bank Holiday Monday
Network Rail workers are to strike over bank holiday Monday, it has been announced. The strike will be held on 25 May and last for 24 hours. The UK-wide action will see signallers, maintenance staff and station workers strike in a row over pay. The action follows a vote for industrial action by members of the union RMT.
28 May 2014
Inmate Wayne McLeod Caught After Absconding From Prison
Police have caught 36-year-old prisoner Wayne McLeod, the third prisoner to abscond from jail over the bank holiday weekend. He went on the run from Springhill open prison in Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, between 5.15pm and 8.15pm on Sunday, according to Thames Valley Police.
02 August 2010
Pre-Notting Hill Carnival Operation Underway
A four-week crackdown on troublemakers begins today as the Met Police get ready for trouble-makers ahead of this year's Notting Hill Carnival. They said that the eyes of the world turn to west London over the August bank holiday weekend and the Met works hard throughout the year to ensure carnival is not marred by crime.