Holiday bookings to Portugal up 46 per cent due to post-Brexit BOOM
HOLIDAY bookings to Portugal are up 46 per cent due to a post-Brexit boom as well as confidence in the pound.
Brexit-boom surge in holiday bookers, including Portugal
The travel industry is seeing a boom post-Brexit, according to new research.
Leading luxury holiday firm Sun-hat Villas & Resorts found a 46 per cent increase in bookings since the Brexit process was officially started.
The firm also had the busiest April to date, as well as a 34 per cent increase in March.
Peter Jenkins, managing director of Sun-hat Villas & Resorts, said: “January has always been the busiest month for holiday bookings, with things quietening down significantly by March and April. However, things have been very different this year.”
The triggering of Article 50 also meant a rise in bookings, as Peter Jenkins confirmed it gave “people the confidence to make travel plans.”
The strengthening of the pound helped to reassure any travellers who were holding back on booking a holiday.
It isn't just Sun-hat who have found a surge in summer bookings; The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have also reported a seven per cent increase in bookings year-on-year.
It's great news for the travel industry and for holidaymakers looking to organise their summer plans.
Portugal has seen a rise in holiday bookings post Brexit
Despite this, Brits are still seeking out to save costs with a rise in bookings to cheaper designations such as The Algarve.
Post Office Travel Money found that it comes in cheapest in Europe, with over half of the cost of Ibiza.
For example, a three-course dinner for two comes in at a thrifty £26.21 in The Algarve, compared to £65.52 in Ibiza.
This huge saving certainly makes a difference when it comes to travelling on a shoestring.
Travel guide to Portugal highlights beautiful landscapes
Holiday goers looking for a bargain should head to Portugal after Brexit boom
We’ve seen a lot of people who traditionally visit Spain each year switching to Portugal
The popularity of Portugal has changed in recent months, according to Peter.
He said: “We’ve seen a lot of people who traditionally visit Spain each year switching to Portugal. So, confidence is certainly increasing post Article 50, but customers are still erring on the side of caution when it comes to budgets.”
Portugal has increased on holidaymakers radar since the country won Eurovision earlier this year.
Ex-Ground Force star Charlie Dimmock also expressed that it was her favourite country to travel to.