Big Apple in top spot for short breaks

TWO years on from the 11 September tragedy, New York has shot back up to become the most sought-after short-holiday destination for Britons.

Data from leading holiday website cheapflights.co.uk reveals that New York is back at the top of the rankings for internet-surfing, bargain-seeking travellers.

Cheapflights chief executive David Soskin said the resurgent UK holiday market is being punctuated by a sharp rise in short breaks, and New York is the number one destination for long-haul short breaks.

'It takes a lot to stop the British tourist going abroad and 11 September is regarded as history,' he said.

A spokesman for Abta, the travel agents' trade body, said: 'New York clearly suffered as a destination after 9.11. It is coming back, especially with the number of very good flight offers around.'

It is also likely New York's gain is at the expense of Europe, and France in particular, where the British holidaymaker's pound is suffering against the appreciating euro.

Paris, historically the No 1 shortbreak holiday for Brits, is languishing behind New York, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Prague, according to cheapflights.

The figures are backed up by recent statistics which showed that airlines such as British Airways and United Airlines have had their best weeks on the North Atlantic routes for some time.