January 2024


www.nitravelnews.com


Page 24-25: From Fukushima to Kagoshima and Everywhere in Between!


Page 31-42: Focus


on... Spain (including 8-page Spain by rail supplement)


Page 44-51: 8-pages of Canada, USA and a Mexico special with Robin Nowacki


Page 60-65: The latest local tourism news and updates


NI HOLIDAY SPEND SET TO TOP RECORDS


EastJet announced that they would be offering direct flights to Hurghada, Egypt while Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced that they would be expanding capacity to Dalaman, Bodrum and Antalya in Turkey from Belfast in 2024. A survey conducted by easyJet of 2000 UK consumers last month has shown that over two thirds (67%) have said they are more likely to travel abroad in 2024 than in 2023. Protecting holiday spend remains a priority for most with over three quarters (77%) saying they will prioritise


spending


money on a holiday over anything else in their


yearly budget – up from 70% last year. The majority of people


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(70%) have said they are more likely to put money aside for a holiday in 2024 than 2023 and 73% plan to spend the same or more on their holidays, while over three quarters (76%) of respondents said they still plan to go on the same number of holidays or more than usual. To prioritise their holiday, people will be cutting back on other discretionary spend, with over half reducing their spend on eating out (54%), 40% cutting back on new clothes and shoes and 38% opting not to pay for a new car or home upgrades to be able to get away.


Consumers are also looking at the way they


travel to prioritise their holiday, with around 70% of people saying they are more likely to book with a low-cost carrier (up from 66% in 2022) and holiday in closer to home destinations in Europe (72%), in order to protect their holidays, compared with just 10% planning a trip to North America and 9% to Asia. Almost


all


surveyed (91%) agreed that going away on holiday is crucial to their wellbeing (up from 83% in 2022). 55% saying holidays are important to them because of the quality time


it


...continued from Page 1 age children who want to travel during half- term. As spring and autumn holidays are generally cheaper than the busy summer season, it’s a great option if you want to save money while still enjoying the sunshine! Unlike a trend from previous years, people


are becoming more and more likely to try somewhere new when it comes to going on holiday. So instead of going to the same place each year, why not branch out and try a new resort, city or country? People are also more likely to make their travel plans and decisions around sustainable particularly


indulgent adventures that result in lifelong memories. Research revealed almost a fifth (17%)


of us look to travel to off-the-beaten-track destinations. American Express Travel recently published its 2024 Trending Destinations highlighting 10 must-visit and off the beaten path global holiday spots including the sparkling seas of St. Kitts and Nevis and the uber-romantic Indian city, Udaipur.


Meanwhile, cruise company MSC has shed


choices, young


people and families. Those aged between 18-24 are more likely to take actions in line with sustainability and environmental concerns. But it seems old habits


die hard for 15% of UK globetrotters, as Spain retains its crown as UK jet- setters’ top destination (for current 2024 summer holiday


bookings). Meanwhile, Italy holds onto second place (12%), followed by France (11%) and Greece (10%). Compared to 2023, the only newcomer to the UK’s top five foreign destinations is the USA, which comes in joint fifth with the Canary Islands (both 8%). Long-haul favourites Thailand, Bali and South Africa also making the cut.


allows them to


spend with friends and family and the opportunity it provides to recharge (48%). Meanwhile, The travel experts over at


ABTA have been doing their research to predict what plans holidaymakers have on the cards for next year in their 2024 report. According to ABTA, holidaymakers aged


18-24 will be travelling the most next year. They’re said to be up for a wide range of travel experiences, with almost three quarters planning to travel overseas in the next 12 months! City breaks come out on top for preferred trips, closely followed by beach holidays. Some of the destinations on their wish list are Italy, France and Spain. Spring and autumn holidays are said to be a


huge hit for next year, particularly for people aged 55 and over, and families with school-


It might come as no surprise that next to value-for- money, relaxation is what most people are looking for when booking a holiday with 63% of of UK adults highlighting it as something they look for in a holiday. Beach trips remain the most popular type of holiday UK adults are planning, with just under half (46%) planning on booking a sun, sea and sand


resort.


Other top ‘wants’ on our holiday lists include great local food (43%) or culture (41%). Meanwhile Millennials are the most adventurous travellers, with 31% looking for a thrill. The new year sees a heightened eagerness


among travellers to explore diverse cultures and experience new destinations. Travellers are no longer content with just visiting well- known tourist attractions; instead, they seek to experience destinations in a way that reflects the local lifestyle. Globally, travellers are also increasingly seeking more exclusive and luxurious experiences, aiming to transform their annual holiday into truly unforgettable and


some light on five important travel trends that are driving guest holiday decisions for 2024 and beyond. Cruise travellers are increasingly expressing a desire for more time in their destinations, and itineraries with extended or overnight port calls are gaining popularity. This extra time ensures guests can truly explore their destinations in an authentic and leisurely way, allowing enough time to soak up unique cultures, savour local flavours and explore everything a destination has to offer. Travellers are more enthusiastic than


ever to delve into the vibrant cities of Europe. These urban destinations offer a well-rounded appeal, featuring an abundance of historic sights, culinary experiences, diverse shopping options, renowned attractions, and immersive opportunities to engage with local culture.


Cruising popularity is


gaining among


those who have never sailed before, with more Gen-X and Millennials considering taking a cruise holiday for the first time.


More and more individuals are recognising the inherent value of a cruise holiday compared


to alternative land-based options. Couples, families or groups of friends can choose itineraries containing multiple must-see destinations.


RYANAIR REVEALS IRISH TRAVELLERS TOP 2023 DESTINATIONS


AS another year comes to a close, Ryanair has revealed its Irish customers’ top 3 destinations in 2023 AND they are all closer to home than you might think! What better way to kick start your 2024 travel bucket list than with some inspiration from the Ryanair destinations that stole the podium as Ireland’s top 2023 destinations.


London: There are countless things to


see when you fly to London, from iconic landmarks to niche attractions. Manchester: Discover the beautiful gothic architecture


at John Ryland’s


Library and Manchester Cathedral. Edinburgh: Enjoy breath-taking views from Calton Hill. Check out the spectacular Edinburgh Castle or for a mosey through the alleys and cobblestone streets of The Royal Mile.


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