London.—Over 12 million people are set to take a winter holiday during the coming months according to research by ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, with similar numbers still considering their holiday plans, but it appears that the Balearics do not figure in them.
As temperatures drop, winter sun is the most popular option with 43% of people planning a winter break heading to sunnier climes.
Whilst city breaks have overtaken beach holidays to be the most popular type of holiday throughout the year, they take the second spot for winter holidays.
A further 18% are planning a winter sports holiday, with an increase in numbers since 2012 due in part to so-called ‘lapsed skiers’ planning a return to the slopes as the economy recovers.
People aged 25-34 are the most likely to take a winter holiday with over a quarter (27%) stating that they will take one, they are followed by people over 65 (24%) suggesting that winter breaks are most popular with people who are more likely to be able to holiday off-peak.
For winter sun, popular destinations including The Canary Islands where temperatures will be around 23C this weekend and North African countries including Tunisia and Morocco. Antigua, The Maldives, Mexico and Thailand are among the most popular long haul winter sun destinations.
Palma missing out on UK winter market
Teresa Ayuga