Thomas Cook reveal bookings for Turkey and Tunisia are surging – but Spain is still number one for Brits
THOMAS Cook have released their latest holiday report and it seems that Brits are increasingly looking beyond Europe for their summer holidays.
While Spain remains the number one destination for the nation, countries like Turkey and Tunisia are coming back into favour as well.
In fact, thanks to a huge surge in bookings this year, Turkey is now the second most popular destination for Thomas Cook customers.
It’s overtaken Greece, which is now number three.
The tour operator saw 27 per cent increase in flight-only bookings to Turkey this year compared to the same time last year.
Tunisia has also seen a huge surge in bookings following changes in FCO’s advice.
The destination was the third most popular holiday spot for Thomas Cook before the devastating 2014 Sousse attacks.
It’s made a steady move up the rankings since February this year, and is now the seventh most popular destination for Thomas Cook customers.
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The tour operator credits the uncertainty around Brexit for the changes.
Forty seven per cent of Thomas Cook bookings this year were to countries that didn’t have the Euro, which is huge jump compared to 38 per cent last year.
However, the favourable exchange rates in destinations like Turkey and Tunisia have also helped to attract Brits back.
And Brits are looking to travel more than before – they’re just being more careful about the destinations that they’re booking.
Some things never change though – Spain remains the number one destination for sun-loving Brits.
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The popularity of Turkey isn’t surprising given that the pound has been very strong against the Turkish Lira.
Earlier this year, Sun Online Travel revealed how Brits were ditching Benidorm in favour of Turkey and Egypt because they were offering cheaper holidays.
Brits visiting Turkey should make sure they print out their e-visas or they could risk being turned away at the airport.