But new figures show slide in favour of other destinations

An ABTA survey commissioned by the UK based newspaper The Daily Mail has found that changing economic circumstances are forcing Britons to reconsider their holiday choices. Although Spain still comes out top of the list of destinations with over 14 million trips booked by Britons last year, other countries, notably Egypt and Turkey have seen increases in bookings of package holidays.

One of the prime reasons cited for the shift is the sliding value of Sterling, which has devalued significantly against the Euro. Many people who previously booked holidays in Europe now find that they can still have a Mediterranean holiday outside the Eorozone and make a significant saving. Another holiday destination that has seen an increase in bookings is the United States due to the low cost of living and the so-called ‘Obama effect’.

But research shows that those who think they may be making a saving may in fact be losing out due to inflated prices. In the face of increased demand some tour agents and hoteliers in Turkey have decided to cash in and have inflated their prices by 27%, according to research. By contrast, prices in Mallorca have held steady.

And tour companies in the Balearics needn’t overly worry about the shift yet – Mallorca, Ibiza and Minorca still appear in the top 10 travel destinations for Britons.

Top destinations for UK holidaymakers 2009

1. Mallorca
2. Lycian Coast (Turkey)
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Larnaca (Cyprus)
5. Costa Dorada
6. Ibiza
7. Minorca
8. Bodrum Peninsular (Turkey)
9. Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt)
10. Bourgas (Black Sea coast, Bulgaria)