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18 VIRTUAL HOLIDAY SHOW


January 2021 Travel News NEW VIRTUAL HOLIDAY SHOWS SUPPORT


STRONG DESIRE FOR TRAVEL IN 2021... H


ALF of adults think their next holiday will be ‘the most important of their lives’ – with millions having spent lockdown planning the perfect getaway, according to a study.


New research revealed that most people are planning their next holiday to last a fortnight and offer at least nine hours of sunshine a day – with 28 degree temperatures.


The dream holiday will also feature white sandy


beaches, a luxury hotel with a huge pool, cocktails and friendly staff.


The perfect break would also involve dining out, trips to all the local attractions and landmarks – plus lots of time to enjoy their chosen holiday reading. Commissioned by Jet2holidays, the research identified the dream locations, which include Greece and Italy. But wherever they stay, there will be clear blue seas and plenty of opportunity to get a tan.


A spokesperson for Jet2holidays, said: “It’s fascinating to find out what holidaymakers want for their perfect break, particularly after such an imperfect year.


“It’s clear from the research that holidaymakers still


have very specific things they want from a getaway – lots of sun, the beach, blue seas, and friendly faces to look after them.


“And why wouldn’t they – they have busy lives and have been through a lot recently, so understandably they want their break to tick all the boxes.” The research also found that holidaymakers want direct access to the beach from their hotel, a big screen TV, a games room, gym and a hot tub.


The customer service will be on point too – in fact,


80 per cent said friendly staff would be ‘crucial’ in ensuring their holiday was spot on.


Cocktails will be enjoyed, while the cuisine of choice among those polled would be Italian.


Carried out through OnePoll, the Jet2holidays


study also identified the main reasons for wanting to get away next year.


These include ‘desperately’ needing a break (47 per cent), wanting to feel the sun on their skin (41 per cent) and to switch-off (40 per cent).


A spokesperson for Jet2holidays added: “It has of course been a very unusual year but 2021 is shaping up to be a fantastic year. “The thought of getting away is so exciting and it’s likely we’ll never have appreciated holidays as much we will with our next one. That next holiday is going to be really special.”


To support the strong desire for travel in 2021 and


beyond, the Northern Ireland Travel News events team are planning a series of virtual holiday shows that will offer holidaymakers expert advice and EXCLUSIVE show offers from top travel brands. Starting from January 18, 2021, there will be numerous shows covering the likes of Family Holidays, Cruise, Luxury holidays, Ski and an insight into what to expect from some of the most popular hotel brands in Spain.


With today’s ever-changing travel restrictions and the cancellation of popular live holiday shows we want you to sit back, relax, in the comfort of your own home and let us bring you the offers and invaluable expert advice!


There will also be a cheeky competition for each


show – think money-off holiday vouchers and 7 night stays in the sun!


More to be revealed VERY soon.


You will be able to access these shows via our weekly E-zine and ON DEMAND through our website and social media platforms at a time that suits you! So to make sure you don’t miss out on further updates, follow us facebook, twitter, linkedin and instagram. Meanwhile, new research by ABTA also found that holidaymakers are more likely to use a travel agent now than before the coronavirus pandemic.


The research showed that people are 20% more likely to use a travel professional now with 41% of respondents citing the security of a package holiday and 40% citing the travel professional’s up-to-date advice as the main reasons.


ABTA says the results are ‘testament to the many agents and operators who went the extra mile to help their customers this year’.


ABTA’s data also reveals a recent rise in the number of people looking to book a holiday over the coming year, with 62% of people saying they hope to book a holiday abroad in the next six months. The report finds that there are two distinct types of traveller starting to emerge for 2021 – those keen to return to familiar favourites, and those looking for adventure and to tick off their ‘bucket list’ trips. Just 32% of people said they would be likely to visit a country they had never been to before in 2021 with


New research by Jet2holidays and ABTA shows that people have a strong desire to travel in 2021 and NI Travel News’ virtual holiday shows will offer exciting destination insights and offers to you in the comfort of your own home


Spain, France, the USA, Italy and Greece making up the top five choices.


Booking trends from ABTA members point to a similar trend with Turkey, the Balearics, the Canary Islands, Greece, the Algarve and Florida among the most popular holiday spots for next summer. ABTA members are


also expecting bucket list


trips such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, trekking the Inca Trail and searching for the Northern Lights to be popular in 2021 with the younger generation in particular keen to get out and explore.


Figures reveal 62% of 18-24-year-olds said they plan to spend as much or more on their holidays next year, with


22% saying they would be spending their money on a trip of a lifetime.


Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA, said: “The


severe restrictions that have been placed on international travel this year have clearly led to pent up demand, with many people hoping to get away in the coming year. “I’m delighted to see that an increasing number of holidaymakers plan to turn to travel professionals to help them book their much-deserved trips, which is testament to the immense efforts of our members to help their customers through this crisis, often in exceptionally difficult circumstances. “There is no question that things are still


really


difficult for the travel industry. We are continuing to lobby hard on the need for the Government to support the industry and the steps that need to be taken to open up travel.


“Members are reporting increases in enquiries and bookings for holidays next year, particularly following the positive developments around a vaccine, although these levels of bookings are far below where they would be normally.


“Through our report ‘Six trends for travel in 2021’ we want to inspire holidaymakers to think about their travel plans for the next year and encourage them to book with confidence with an ABTA member.”


Begin an Epic Journey of Culture and Sunshine on the Portuguese Coast


IT was here that, in the 15th century, the Portuguese set off on the epic journey that led them to discover other peoples and cultures… and it is in the Algarve that the Portuguese cheerfully welcome many visitors. Even the climate is mild and sunny all year round! There’s no shortage of high quality beaches either. Sandy stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, virtually deserted islands marking the boundary between Ria Formosa and the sea, and small coves sheltered by the rocks. The ocean, in every shade


of blue and mostly calm and warm, invites you for long swims and to indulge in water sports.


And there are also the mountains, where people live in harmony with nature and maintain traditions that they love to share. And the cities. Silves preserves traces of its Arab past and Lagos from the time of the Discoveries. More cosmopolitan Portimão and Albufeira are bustling towns by night and day. Tavira is a showcase for traditional architecture and Faro, the gateway to the region, deserves a long stop to discover its beautiful historic centre.


To relax, you can have various treatments in the spas and thalassotherapy centres and in the Monchique Thermal Baths. There are also many internationally acclaimed golf courses where you can enjoy a spot of exercise. And hotels, tourist villages, resorts, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. In short, a varied array sharing a genuine love for hospitality.


You can use footpaths and cycle trails to get to know the region, such as the Algarve Way inland or the Vicentine Route along one of the best preserved coastal stretches. And boat rides are another ecological way to observe the flora and fauna.


At the table, you will be delighted with the fresh


fish and seafood, either grilled or in a casserole. These are divine flavours which you can enjoy on a simple beach terrace or in the most refined Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs turn out new versions of traditional cuisine. They are further experiences not to be missed on a visit to the region. The climate - with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and a low annual average rainfall, the Algarve enjoys mild weather throughout the year, which is certainly a big attraction for visitors, both in the summer for a few days on the beach and in winter to relax or engage in a variety of activities. The sea in every shade of blue, almost always calm


The Algarve is the perfect place to find some rest and relaxation while soaking up that all important vitamin D!


and warm, and the beaches of fine white sand are the hallmark of the region. The beaches, stretching as far as the eye can see, bound by golden cliffs in small bays nestling between rocks, provide many stunning backdrops for unforgettable holidays. There are around 200 km of coastline that are perfect for all kinds of water sports, including sailing, surfing and windsurfing. Yachting enthusiasts are guaranteed to find great


support infrastructures in the modern marinas spread along the Algarve coast. Golf has brought the Algarve many international prizes and awards, and the region has more than once been voted the best golfing destination in the world. The Algarve has about forty courses with excellent conditions for both experienced players and those taking up the sport for the first time. Nature is at its best in three protected areas: the Vicentina Coast which is the best preserved stretch of coast in Europe, the Ria Formosa, a maze of channels separated from the sea by a strip of sand, and the Marshland of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, rich in fauna and flora. But there are also the hills you can discover by bike or on foot, following the footpaths of the Via Algarviana, which connect the eastern end of the region to the westernmost point via the interior, ending at the Rota Vincentina - another set of trails not to be missed for those who like walking. For those seeking a bigger adrenaline rush, there is parasailing, scuba diving, hang gliding or abseiling. Heritage offers many treasures to discover. For example in Silves, formerly the capital of the Arab Kingdom, in Sagres and Lagos, very important during the 15th-century Discoveries, in Tavira, a showcase of traditional architecture or in the historical centre of Faro with its beautiful cathedral. Entertainment is red hot every summer in the many bars and clubs, especially in the most cosmopolitan areas like Albufeira, Portimão and Vilamoura. And throughout the year there are various events that bring colour and fun to the region, such as Carnival, music or food festivals, historical re-enactments and the traditional fairs and festivals which are held all over the region. Food where the spotlight is naturally on fresh fish and


seafood, either grilled or in a stew. But there are meat dishes, more common inland, and almond and fig cakes such as morgados or Dom Rodrigos, which go perfectly with the local almond liqueur or arbutus aguardente. Resorts and Spas where you can enjoy some serious relaxation or health and well-being cures which are also available at the thalassotherapy centres and Spa at Monchique. But rest is within everyone’s reach at a variety of resorts and hotels. From the simplest to the most sophisticated, what they all have in common is a genuine pleasure in offering hospitality.


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