THE GREAT FESTIVE GETAWAY
Date published: 18 December 2008ABTA - The Travel Association estimates that well over 3 million will be heading overseas over the Christmas and New Year period [20 December – 1 January] for some well-deserved sunshine or snow.
Christmas and New Year is traditionally one of the peak getaway periods of the year, and despite the economic downturn, this year will be no different, as people look to getaway from the stresses and strains of work, as well as spending quality time with their families and loved ones.
Early snow in Europe has meant that the ski season opened early and snow has also been falling across many resorts this week. Geneva is the main gateway to the Alps and the top destination for many skiers flying out of the UK.
For the majority, however, sun is the priority, and with recent freezing temperatures in the UK, many will be looking for some welcome warm respite in destinations such as Tenerife, Egypt, Turkey and the Caribbean. Extra flights from Manchester to Dubai and the Middle East are also proving popular.
The busiest days before Christmas will be Friday 19th and Saturday 20th December, but airports will be even busier on Saturday 27th December, when many will also be looking to take short New Year breaks to cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Dublin, Athens and New York. Others will be looking at slightly more adventurous destinations outside the Eurozone, such as Budapest and Warsaw.
Over two million people will be leaving the country through BAA airports, which include Heathrow where 1.1 million will be leaving, Gatwick 500,000, Stansted 250,000, Southampton 24,000 and the main Scottish airports, Glasgow 200,000, Edinburgh 105,000 and Aberdeen 44,500. In addition 290,00 will fly from Manchester, 250,000 from Luton and 28,000 from Leeds Bradford.
Over 200,000 will travel away over or under the English Channel with a further 210,000 travelling away by Eurostar.
Justin Fleming, ABTA’s President said: “Holidays – especially at this time of year – are considered to be so much more than a luxury. They provide a valuable time to unwind and spend quality time with family.”
For further information
Sean Tipton, Communications Officer, tel: 020 7307 1902/1900, Frances Tuke, Public Relations Manager, tel: 020 7307 1903/1900, Casia Zajac, Head of Communications, tel: 020 7307 1987, Mobile: 07912 248 904Out of Hours: Contact the Duty Press Officer via pager: 07659 190987
E-mail: press@abta.co.uk
Web: www.abta.com
Notes to editors
Figures for Birmingham Airport and Eurostar are not yet added.ABTA was founded in 1950 and currently has 1,600 members with 6,300 outlets. Members include travel agents, tour operators and support services right across the spectrum from small family-owned businesses to the largest tour operators.
ABTA is the largest travel association in the UK and its members provide 90% of the foreign package holidays in the UK as well as selling millions of independent travel arrangements.
