Overview
- The Civil Aviation Authority expects about 200,000 more package bookings this January than last year, a rise of roughly 5%.
- Airlines and tour firms rolled out New Year promotions, with discounted offers from British Airways, EasyJet, Tui, Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Marella and Loveholidays across short- and long-haul trips.
- Search data point to shifting demand toward quieter and longer-haul destinations, with Gozo up 1,900% year on year and growing interest in Egypt’s Red Sea resorts.
- Consumer groups urge travellers to verify ATOL protection and scrutinise terms, while Which? advises taking time to compare options rather than booking in haste.
- Experts recommend savings tactics such as pre-booking luggage, flying mid-week and setting price alerts, and warn that some hotels reduce services in January, making recent winter reviews vital.