Winter sun remains top priority for British holidaymakers, reveals latest research
· 40% of Brits looking for winter sun on their holidays (ABTA)
· 150% increase in winter sports holidays
· 44% of 16-24 year olds looking test their skiing and snowboarding skills
As autumn showers, wind and clouds begin to erode the memory of summer from much of the UK, many people are combatting the cold by planning their winter holidays. Research published this month by ABTA, the UK’s leading travel association, shows that winter sun remains the most popular reason for booking a break as the festive season approaches, with 40% of respondents citing this as their motivation.
The ABTA research discovered that 19% of Brits are planning to take a holiday this winter, while a further 21% are still considering doing so. In addition to winter sun, winter sports holidays are becoming increasingly popular: 15% of those planning a winter holiday this year are intending to base it around winter sports, an impressive 150% increase on the 2012 figure. Skiing and snowboarding are leading the demand for this type of activity.
While winter sun holidays are most popular with older age groups, with 59% of 55-64 year olds planning their break based on this criterion, it is the youngsters who will be hitting the slopes in their droves – nearly half (44%) of 16-24 year olds are planning to test their winter sporting skills during their break.
France, Italy and Austria remain the most popular winter break destinations for skiers and snowboarders. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of Appassionata, which manages two luxury, fractional ownership holiday homes in Italy’s Le Marche region, was unsurprised by Italy’s continuing popularity, commenting,
“Italy has always been a top choice for both winter sun and winter sports holidays. Here in Le Marche we are just a stone’s throw from the Sibillini Mountains, where skiing, snowboarding and sledging are all extremely popular during the winter months. Many of our owners are keen to have these activities so nearby, and of course they love the bright, sunny days that Italian winters provide in such abundance.”
Indeed The Telegraph recently highlighted the popularity of hiking in Le Marche, emphasising the clear trails and reliable maps that make this such a pleasurable activity. The trails range from family strolls to serious backpacking, meaning that everyone can choose the perfect route for their level of fitness. For those who want on find treasure while out walking, truffle hunting is another way to enjoy winter in Italy at its best, with Le Marche boasting some of the finest – and priciest – truffles on the planet.
Winter is also a popular time for cycle tours. Cycling is big business in Le Marche, where both road racing and mountain rides are popular. The winter months offer relief from the intensity of the summer sun, which can be gruelling for some of the more intense tours, where daily distances can be in excess of 75 miles.
Appassionata’s Dawn was keen to point out, however, that home comforts are just as important in Italy during the winter as they are elsewhere. She explains,
“When we designed Casa Leopardi, the second of our two holiday homes, we wanted to ensure that owners could enjoy relaxing, indulgent days throughout the winter, as well as in the summer. We’ve included plenty of features to make the most out of the house, whatever the season. In one of the bathrooms, for example, as well as the free standing bath we have included a cast iron wood burning stove, making the room perfect for long, lazy bubble baths in the winter months. We’ve even added a little antique table by the bath, which is the perfect height for holding a glass of wine produced from our own vineyard onsite.”
Owners of the five bedroom/five bathroom Casa Leopardi, who enjoy five weeks’ exclusive use of the house and its private pool each year, range from winter sports enthusiasts to those looking to simply escape the world by curling up with a book in front of one of several log fires.
Those looking to enjoy winter holidays at their best can still snap up a fraction of Casa Leopardi for just £195,000, though with only three shares remaining they will need to move fast to avoid being left out in the cold!
For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi.