Barclays Travel Insurance: More Britons choosing long-haul holidays

Tue, 20 Feb 2007

Long-haul destinations have experienced the largest increases in British visitor numbers, according to the results of a travel insurance broker's survey.

Barclays Travel Insurance, which offers both annual and single trip insurance, investigated which countries recorded the biggest percentage rises in British travellers in a month-long period beginning mid-December 2006, compared to the same month of 2005.

And top of the list was Melbourne, which experienced a 140 per cent year-on-year rise in visitors - probably reflecting the fact that one of the Ashes tests was held there on Boxing Day.

Also benefitting from the Ashes effect was Sydney (25 per cent), followed by the Thai resort of Phuket (24 per cent), Hong Kong (21 per cent) and Dubai (15 per cent).

Mark Till, marketing director for Barclays Insurance, commented: "Long-haul breaks seem to be becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers over the Christmas and new year period.

"Flights are getting cheaper and Brits are prepared to trek further for the chance of some proper winter sunshine."

Meanwhile, today saw Barclays announce a 35 per cent increase in pre-tax profits for 2006 to £7.1 billion.

The big four bank is the first of many high street financial services providers planning to release trading figures over the next few weeks.

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