Tourists Seek Authentic Holiday Experiences

London, United Kingdom, June 10, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Holidays today are no longer simply a 'suntan mission' and are now more about ‘doing rather than seeing’ as the niche holiday segment expands fast. As more of us continue to travel and the world ‘shrinks’, British travellers are becoming more discerning about their holidays.

A report from the Centre of Future Studies, confirmed that people are spending more money than ever on life-enriching experiences, and travel trends are reflecting this. More confident travelers want authentic holidays that offer a more culturally rewarding experience rather than tired, ‘hamburgerised’ Mediterranean resorts. Matthew Flint, Director of directline-holidays.co.uk says of the market:

“While holidays to resorts like the Costa del Sol, the Algarve and the Greek Islands remain popular, there is a noticeable rise in interest to destinations that promise authenticity and a slice of traditional culture.”

As the travel industry expands, low-key resorts where the English language is not routinely spoken, where authentic cuisine is served and outstanding scenery is widely accessible are capitalising. Research by Mintel British Lifestyles puts this boost down to a shift in perceptions about holidays. A survey found holidays were seen as the number one necessity rather than a luxury for British adults, with 23% planning to go on a major foreign holiday and almost as many (22%) planning a short break. This is reaffirmed by looking at the success of leading tour operators. Thomson holidays states that 10% more package holidays have been sold in 2007, whilst Cosmos holidays recently announced that its holiday sales are up 4% on 2006. Directline-holidays.co.uk have also profited, doubling internet traffic year on year and experiencing its most successful year to date in 2007.

The growth is set to continue as the average British person is expected to take up to four holidays a year, made up of a main summer holiday, a winter holiday and a couple of weekend breaks. A point echoed by directline-holidays.co.uk Director Matthew Flint:

“As a result of the growth of low cost airlines, thousands of holidaymakers feel more encouraged to travel to places they’ve never heard of for as little as £20. Whilst, closer to home, the UK’s favourite destination Spain, has done much to promote its cultural and historical side, so much so that a growing number of people are turning their backs on sun, sea and sangria for a taste of the real Spain.”

The Costa de la Luz offers an authentic Spain and is growing in popularity, having the advantage of remaining a somewhat unspoilt resort whilst still retaining links to some of the livelier towns nearby like Seville, Cadiz and Tarifa. In Portugal, the Costa Verde offers visitors a peaceful and historically rich place to visit. With unspoilt beaches, charming hillside towns and inspiring landscapes, the Costa Verde shows visitors a taste of the real Portugal. Canary Island holidays have always been popular but the lesser-developed Fuerteventura has not always drawn as many tourists. However, Figures released by the Canarian government reveal in 2006, the number of visitors to Fuerteventura increased by 8% compared to 3.39% for Tenerife and 1.68% for Gran Canaria. The island boasts some of the best beaches in the Canaries, with over 150 spread out over its’ 340km of coastline.

Directline-holidays.co.uk offer Fuerteventura self-catering deals from £ 109 p/p.
About directline-holidays.co.uk: directline-holidays.co.uk specialises in selling cheap package holidays, flights and hotels.

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