Looking into search engine data, Gala Spins has revealed the up and coming destinations that have seen the highest growth in volume of Google searches over the last 12 months.
Party spot Malaga tops the list with a huge 875 percent spike in searches, while the Amalfi Coast takes second place (600 percent increase) and Kefalonia and the Canary Islands share third both seeing a 436 percent increase in Google searches.
This was followed by The Seychelles; Antigua; Bulgaria; Mallorca; Jersey and Salou.
Commenting on the research, Karina Adrian, Head of Brand Marketing at Gala Spins, said: “It can get gloomy in the depths of winter when it feels like you haven’t seen the sun in months, so we’re not surprised that so many people look ahead to a nice break.”
Laura Dean, founder of The Travel Design Company, gave some insight into just why the top five locations are becoming so popular.
“Once considered a party haven, Malaga has recently become rather chic and trendy,” said Dean.
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As for the Canary Islands, she said: “The Canaries are a great, close to home winter sun destination, often with highly competitive last-minute deals.
“It’s one of only a few destinations in Europe that offers all-inclusive packages and, as the likes of Sharm el Sheikh have suffered in recent years, the Canaries has come into its own, especially in the winter months.”
“And the Seychelles is great and is firmly in the luxury end of the honeymoon market. The Seychelles with its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts has retained its exclusivity factor.
Dean added that activity and eco-tourism feature strongly in the Seychelles, with a large proportion of the land given over to conservation areas and nature reserves.
Along with the top up and coming destinations to visit during the winter, Gala Spins research revealed the current top five most searched-for winter break destinations, alongside estimated prices for a week’s trip for two (flights included):
1. Dubai – £1,789 average
2. Caribbean – £2,230 average
3. Maldives – £4906 average
4. Thailand – £1,859 average
5. Mexico – Around £2,261
While travelling to far off lands remains important to Britons, there has been a surge in staycations, with British holidaymakers visiting various beautiful spots in the UK.
According to research conducted by the UK hospitality job board Caterer.com, 70 percent of Britons are planning a break in the UK for 2020, marking an increase in the predicted number of staycations compared to the previous year.
The study added that the average Briton is planning UK holidays at least twice in the next 12 months, meaning a huge boost for the local economy – specifically hospitality jobs.
Neil Pattison, Director at Caterer.com, said: “Whilst domestic trips are on the rise, there is also positive news for the sector in terms of international tourism, with a new tourism sector deal released last year committing to 130,000 new hotel rooms catering for the millions of additional tourists predicted in the UK over the next five years.
“For both employers and employees within the sector this is welcome news, demonstrating ample opportunity for growth and development.”
The holiday locations with the highest increase of searches in the last 12 months:
Malaga – 875 percent
Amalfi coast – 600 percent
Kefalonia – 436 percent
The Canary Islands – 436 percent
The Seychelles – 420 percent
Antigua – 321 percent
Bulgaria – 271 percent
Mallorca – 267 percent
Jersey – 267 percent
Salou – 255 percent
