The tides are shifting for British holidaymakers, and Spain is no longer the default winter escape.
Quietly but steadily, travelers pack their bags for destinations offering sun, sand, and savings—without the crowds or hefty price tags.
Egypt and Tunisia are emerging as surprising favorites, drawing Brits away from Spain’s once-unshakable grip. The reason? Affordable luxury, rising costs in Spain, new travel rules, and a growing desire to explore beyond the usual hotspots.
As Spain grapples with rising costs, overcrowding, and anti-tourism protests, these emerging hotspots are capturing the attention of price-conscious holidaymakers looking for winter sun without the hefty price tag.
TUI, one of Europe’s leading tour operators, reports a noticeable drop in British visitors to Spain, with Egypt seeing a significant uptick. According to TUI Group’s managing director, Sébastien Ebel, “What we’re seeing is more people going to Egypt in the winter rather than the Canary Islands.” This trend is particularly evident among families and travelers on tighter budgets, seeking holidays that fit within a limited spending range.
Ebel highlights that affordability is driving this shift. With many travelers operating on budgets of €1,000 or £800, destinations like Spain are increasingly being bypassed in favor of more economical alternatives. “If they don’t see it in Spain, they look for alternatives and find them,” Ebel notes.
This price-sensitive market is reshaping the traditional winter holiday landscape, leading Brits to explore lesser-known but rapidly developing regions.
In addition to Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco are rising stars in the holiday scene. EasyJet Holidays has also reported growing interest in these destinations. Chief executive Garry Wilson points to improvements in infrastructure and accommodations as key factors. “Significant improvements in hotels and infrastructure are making previously neglected areas much more attractive to international visitors,” Wilson explains.
For years, Spain has been the go-to choice for British tourists seeking warm weather and familiar comforts. However, as airfare and accommodation prices climb, travelers are re-evaluating their options. Egypt’s blend of affordable luxury resorts, historic sites, and year-round sunshine offers an appealing alternative. Likewise, Tunisia’s picturesque beaches and Morocco’s vibrant cities provide budget-friendly escapes without sacrificing experience.
The shift is most noticeable in the family travel sector, where the cost of holidays plays a pivotal role in destination choice. With more travelers exploring new frontiers, tour operators expect this trend to continue, reshaping popular travel routes across Europe and North Africa.
While Spain remains a beloved destination, it faces growing competition from regions eager to attract international visitors with lower prices and upgraded offerings. For British travelers, the changing tides present new opportunities to discover exciting locations beyond the well-trodden paths of the Canary Islands or Costa del Sol.
