Posted on July 08, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

Turkey has overtaken Spain as the most popular destination for British holidaymakers looking for a sunny escape, according to a new report by The Cooperative Travel. 

The report shows that Turkey is up 30% this summer, compared to the same period last year, while bookings to Majorca-previously the British holidaymaker’s favourite are down by 13% this year. 

Spain has been number one with British package holidaymakers since the 1960s.

There are also signs that the mergers of Thomas Cook and MyTravel and First Choice have prompted rationalisation with operators reducing supply to short haul Mediterranean resorts. 

Director of Retail Distribution at The Cooperative Travel, Trevor Davis said:

“Bookings from people looking for cheap summer sun have traditionally ensured that Spain was the leading holiday destination.  This year they are finding the high euro and a shortage of availability means the normal late deals aren’t available.”
“Turkey has benefited most from this trend and we’re seeing 30% growth in bookings for holidays across all parts of the country.”

The company says the average selling price of a holiday to Turkey is up to £108 (€135) cheaper than to Majorca, £357 (€449) compared to £465 (€584)