Partner Article

We're All Going on a Winter Holiday!

WINTER HOLIDAY TRAVEL TO INCREASE THIS YEAR

It’s Christmas in the Canaries for over 50 per cent of holidaymakers. 22 per cent increase in bookings for getaways of up to six days duration. People who commit to taking holidays are happier, healthier and have better relationships than those who don’t.

While an annual summer holiday was once a treasured tradition for Brits, more and more holidaymakers are now choosing to enjoy several shorter holidays with a majority planning getaways during winter.

According to data released by Diamond Resorts International®, Brits are planning to escape from the harsh winter weather this Christmas and the Canary Islands are the favourite destination for winter sun seekers, owing to the average temperature being a balmy 21ºC in December.

Diamond Resorts reports that 53 per cent of its members, owners and guests are heading to the Canaries this December, while 25 per cent have decided to visit UK resorts for the festive period.

Other industry research reveals an increasing popularity of shorter holidays – there was a 22 per cent increase in bookings for getaways of up to six days duration[1]. Furthermore, in 2014, people took an average of three holidays per year, per person[2] - a trend that is set to continue in 2015 and beyond.

David Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer for Diamond Resorts International®, commented: “A study conducted by Nielsen on behalf of Diamond Resorts International® found that holidays have positive health effects on people. Our research found that people who commit to taking holidays on a regular basis are generally happier, healthier and have better relationships than those who don’t[3].”

“Whether it’s a short getaway abroad, or a staycation, it’s encouraging to see that British holidaymakers are recognising how important it is to take a holiday regularly throughout the year. Our resorts in the Canary Islands are popular year round, however as a favourite European destination with warm winter weather, the Canary Islands prove to be especially popular during the colder seasons”

Diamond Resort International® offers nine resorts in The Canaries; from sunny coastal beach spots to stunning hillside country clubs, there are a variety of locations to choose from, offering the perfect escape during the Christmas school holidays.

Located off the north-west coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands is an archipelago officially made up of seven islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Each island offers winter sun, sea, sand and Spanish culture.

An eighth island, La Graciosa, sits just in front of Lanzarote, and has a population of only 700 inhabitants. A 35 minute ferry crossing from Orzola on Lanzarote to a harbour gives tourists access to the island and motor vehicles are prohibited. Visitors flock to La Graciosa every year to enjoy the sandy volcanic coasts and several isolated mountains.

For more information about Diamond Resort International® visit https://www.diamondresorts.com/deals or call 0845 3590052.

[1] http://www.djsresearch.co.uk/SportLeisureAndTourismMarketResearchInsightsAndFindings/article/Market-Research-Uncovers-Current-Holiday-Trends-01150

[2] http://abta.com/news-and-views/press-zone/abtas-travel-trends-report-2015-reveals-destinations-to-watch

[3] 2013 DRI Nielson Study

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rebecca Ore .