Turkey Surpasses Spain in Summer Travel Destinations

This summer witnessed a notable shift in travel preferences as Turkey emerged as the leading package holiday destination. On the Beach, a prominent online travel agency, reports significant upward trends.

• Turkey saw an 18% increase in bookings, surpassing Spain as the top choice for summer package holidays.
• The Canary Islands remained popular despite overtourism concerns, registering a 10% increase in bookings.
• Emerging destinations such as Morocco and Egypt are gaining traction among travellers, with Morocco notably entering the top ten for the first time.
• Economic factors like inflation and the cost of living influenced a surge in last-minute holiday bookings.

In an unexpected twist this summer, Turkey has overtaken Spain as the leading destination for package holidays. This shift, reported by On the Beach, marks a crucial change in consumer behaviour, with Turkey experiencing an 18% year-on-year increase in bookings. Traditionally favoured destinations like mainland Spain and the Canary Islands have been outpaced by Turkey’s allure, which appeals to those seeking cost-effective and enjoyable vacation experiences.

Remarkably, the Canary Islands have managed to sustain their appeal, achieving a 10% increase in bookings despite ongoing issues related to overtourism, particularly in areas such as Tenerife. The demand for these islands remains strong, indicating a balance between challenges and enduring popularity.

Morocco and Egypt have emerged as noteworthy contenders in the travel sector. Morocco, in particular, saw an impressive 81% increase in bookings, with Agadir being a key attraction. This growth places Morocco among the top ten holiday destinations for the first time, a milestone attributed to its growing reputation for offering value and diverse attractions.

Travellers are increasingly opting for long-haul destinations, with places like Las Vegas, New York, Thailand, Mexico, and Dubai seeing an uptick in popularity. This trend signifies a broader interest in diverse experiential travel, extending beyond the traditional European vacation spots.

According to Zoe Harris, the Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, the observed “seismic shift” in travel preferences underscores a growing inclination towards destinations like Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, and Marmaris. She notes a significant increase in last-minute bookings, a likely consequence of the prevailing cost of living crisis prompting consumers to delay their holiday decisions in search of better deals.

Turkey’s emergence as the preferred summer destination highlights shifting travel trends driven by economic and experiential factors.