ABTA Reveals Numbers for the Great Festive Getaway

ABTA also know as Association of British Travel Agents, estimates that 4.25 million Britons will be heading overseas this Christmas and New Year period (16 December – 3 January), compared to just under 4 million twelve months ago, with the peak travel days predicted to be 22 and 23 December.

Christmas and New Year is traditionally one of the peak getaway periods but this year sees an increase in the number of people looking to get away to relax and have fun with loved ones. Many are looking for a traditional white Christmas experience and despite a dry start to the season, much welcome snow has begun to fall in Europe. Ski resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy have all sold well with the week around the New Year traditionally the busiest of the season.

Millions of people will be leaving the country through the major airports, which include Heathrow where 1.7 million will be leaving, Stansted 425,000, Gatwick 750,000, Luton 210,000 and Glasgow 120,000. In addition 340,000 will leave from Manchester, 165,000 from Birmingham.