Mighty Spain reigns supreme as the most popular holiday destination with 29.05% of bookings according to the latest research
Its good news for European tourism as a survey conducted by Eurobarometer highlights that an increasing number of tourists are continuing to enjoy holidays on the continent with 68% of EU citizens travelling last year compared to 65% in 2009.
Further stats from Eurobarometer indicate that while 28% of the 30,000 individuals asked would like to discover emerging destinations, 58% are still attracted to more traditional travel destinations signalling good news for existing and potential property owners in countries such as Spain.
Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President for industry and entrepreneurship comments,
"The fact that 58% of EU residents are opting to enjoy their holidays in [traditional destinations within] Europe highlights that, generally, the tourism industry is on its way to recovery and becoming a growth industry once again."
In addition to these latest findings, a survey conducted by The Co-operative Travel that examined 8.9 million holiday bookings discovered that 61% of bookings were shared between the UK, Greece, Spain, Turkey and the USA.
Travis Davis, director of retail distribution at The Co-operative Travel explains,
“People want to be sure that their holiday will be a success and the easiest way to ensure that is to stick to familiar destinations.”
Main reasons for not travelling further afield are thought to be due to cost and convenience with travellers choosing to purchase cheaper accommodation and low cost flights in easy to reach countries such as Spain. The land of sun, sea, sand and sangria continues to reign supreme as the most popular holiday destination with 29.05% of bookings, according to The Co-operative Travel survey with Greece in second place at 9.94%, Turkey at 8% and the USA at 5.99%.
A long favoured holiday destination amongst many European holiday makers, Spain received 9 million international tourists between January and March this year; an increase of 2.9% over the same three month period last year according to research from The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
One Spanish destination that has seen noticeable improvement in visitor numbers is Benidorm on the sun drenched coast line of the Costa Blanca where hotels have reported a recovery in the British holiday market. Based on the last two weeks, bookings are 16% higher than this time last year and the town’s hotels have reserved 2% more beds over the month with a 74.6% occupancy rate. The British, Benidorm’s most loyal fans, represents 44.6% of visitors followed by 3.1% of Dutch visitors and to an even lesser extent French, German and Eastern Europeans at only 0.2%.
Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, Spain’s leading house builder, comments,
“We are delighted that Spain is the most popular holiday destination and that more and more international tourists are deciding to pay us a visit. Since reducing prices in a bid to win back holidaymakers and property investors, Spain is now seen as not only an easily accessible sunshine destination but as a place that offers excellent value for money, now being 36% cheaper than in 2007 with everyday items such as food and beer costing around half those found in other European destinations.”
Meeting the demand from British and indeed European buyers taking advantage of Spain’s tourist magnetism this summer, Taylor Wimpey de España has two stunning developments on offer in Calpe, just 25 minutes from Benidorm on the Costa Blanca.
The brand new Calpesol residential complex consists of large 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes with landscape gardens and a communal swimming pool costing from just €155,000. The properties include terraces, private gardens and outdoor parking all finished to a high standard; perfect for full time living or potential holiday rentals.
The Montesol residential complex, now in its second phase provides 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments with a garden, sun terrace, air conditioning and hydro massage bath costing from just €251,000; a superb investment for potential property buyers looking to take advantage of Spain’s undeniable tourist attraction.
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.