Demand for short-haul holidays across the UK and Europe is on the rise and booking cycles are getting shorter as travellers are looking for those last minute deals.
Newmarket Holidays has reported that short-haul destinations are dominating its top 10 product rankings, with Italy leading the charge with a 9% growth in customer numbers and three of its Italian itineraries – Portofino, Florence & Tuscany; Puglia & the South, and Capri, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast – continuously ranking among the operator’s best sellers.
Other tours that have remain consistently popular include the Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmatian Coast; Seville, Granada & Classic Spain; Krakow; Lapland's one day Santa experience, and a Scottish Highlands tour by rail.
Newmarket has also reported that booking cycles are becoming shorter for European tours in 2024, proving a stark contrast to the operator’s long-haul destinations which are seeing bookings made further in advance than ever before.
Richard Forde, head of trade sales for Newmarket Holidays, stated that the increased popularity and demand is led by short-haul holidays offering customers “a mix of convenience, culture and unparalleled experiences” and that they are attracted to “prices that are more affordable, the convenience of flying from regional airports and the comfort of short flight times.”
