Spain and Portugal holidays in demand as UK tourists avoid Egypt and Tunisia over terror fears
Recent events in Egypt and Tunisia have had a significant impact on the tourism industry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UK tourists are steering clear of Tunisia and Egypt following terrorist attacks and heading instead to destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Cyrus.
Travel agents have warned those planning a summer holiday not to leave booking to some areas until the last minute as they may find it more difficult than usual.
Bookings to Spain, Portugal and Cyprus have increased by 26%, 29% and 18% respectively,
Mark Tanzer, chief executive the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), said: “We are seeing a significant increase in summer holiday bookings to western Mediterranean destinations, so I would urge holidaymakers who are looking to travel not to delay in making their booking.
“My advice to those who have left it late is to be flexible when making their booking and seek the advice of a travel professional who will be able to advise them on the best options and destinations still available, as well as recommending less well-known and less crowded areas.”
Of the 1,600 people took part in the survey, 65% of those planning a summer holiday this year said they had already booked. Of those yet to book their summer break, personal finances and personal circumstances - such as family illness – were the top cited reasons.
Last June, 30 Britons were killed by a gunman on a beach in Sousse, Tunisia. The country's ambassador to the UK has urged the Foreign Office to relax its travel advice, which warns against all but essential travel.
Flights between the UK and the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh have been suspended since November after a plane operated by Russian airline Metrojet blew up over the Sinai Peninsula, killing 224 people.
However, although the Foreign Office recommends only essential flights to or from Sharm el Sheik, their general travel warnings for Egypt do not extend to the tourist areas along the Nile river, or the Red Sea resorts.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments