Holiday bookings to the Greek islands and Turkey are surging ahead with massive increases in visitors despite travel issues facing UK tourists, according to new data.
Santorini and Mykonos in Greece and Antalya and Dalaman in Turkey as being among destinations in most demand, research into 1.8 million trips by UK tourists in the first half of summer. The increased activity has coincided with massive investment from hotel chains and tour operators.
Hilton has made its debut on the beautiful island of Santorini, with the opening of Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. Located on the island’s south coast, the development is inspired by white-washed Cycladic architecture and features direct access to the beach, with three swimming pools, two restaurants and an indulgent spa.
Alexandros Koutsodontis, general manager, Sea Breeze Santorini Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, said: “We know that guests will love the simplicity and elegance of our hotel. From thoughtfully designed gastronomy and highly sought-after direct beach access, to some of the finest guest rooms on the island, we anticipate Sea Breeze Beach Resort will be a hit with visitors to Santorini.”
David Kelly, senior vice president, Continental Europe, Hilton, added: “We are thrilled to expand Hilton’s presence in Greece with our second Curio Collection by Hilton hotel on the nation’s idyllic islands. Marking Hilton’s debut in Santorini, this is one of a growing number of outstanding Hilton resort properties across Europe. We are thrilled to be welcoming guests to experience true Hilton hospitality in this fantastic one-of-a-kind hotel on the shores of Santorini.”
Low-cost European locations such as Tirana in Albania and Zadar in Croatia are also on the list of the top 20 fastest rising destinations the research from Holiday Extras reveals. Other resorts growing in popularity include the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh.
Simon Hagger, of Holiday Extras, said: “With all the changes to travel over the last three years it’s inevitable that travel habits have gone through some changes too. People who flew in 2020 and 2021 found themselves exploring new places because their old favourites were closed, and this year they’re going back again – hence the incredible rise in popularity of Greece and Turkey as destinations, both of which stayed open almost all the way through the travel lockdowns.
“And, of course, for many people the cost of living crunch means finding cheaper options, so some of the new top picks – like Turkey and Albania – are amongst the cheapest destinations for a budget summer holiday this year.”
