'Palin effect' drives exotic holiday boom

Britain is in the midst of a boom in exotic holidays, according to figures published today.

Cheaper long-haul flights have brought previously undreamed-of destinations within reach, while the recent strength of the euro has made countries close to home more expensive for British visitors.

Industry analysts also point to a "Michael Palin effect" as Britons aspire to a more rewarding holiday, mixing with local people as the presenter did in his acclaimed TV travel show, rather than holing up in a purpose-built resort.

Keith Betton, spokesman for the Association of British Travel Agents, said: "The days when you could impress your friends by saying you are going to Spain have long gone. People want to go further afield for something more exciting." Figures from market analysts AC Nielson show that bookings to Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey are soaring while the traditional Mediterranean destinations struggle to compete.

Among long-haul destinations, only the Far East remains well down on last year as the tsunami effect continues to deter travel to Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Bookings to Africa - the Egyptian resorts on the Red Sea, Kenya and Morocco - were 36 per cent up on 2004 in January and February.

Sharm El Sheikh, the Egyptian diving resort favoured by Tony Blair, is now in the top division.

Other destinations doing well are Turkey (up 39per cent), the United Arab Emirates (57per cent) and the Bahamas (67per cent)

There has also been an explosion of interest in East European countries such as Hungary (up 124 per cent) and Nordic countries.

But bookings to France are down 18per cent and Spain is 10 per cent down on last year.

Overall the number of summer trips booked has now overtaken last year after a 20 per cent slump following the tsunami disaster. Latest industry figures show 4.4 million summer foreign holidays had been booked by the end of February, marginally ahead of last year.

It comes as consumers rein in spending on the high street. Commentators say holidays have become almost "recession-proof" and are now regarded as a necessity.

Silvia Bartels of market researcher Mintel said: " Consumers feel they need to have holidays for a good quality of life. They see holidays as much more rewarding than almost anything else they can spend money on.

"Britons have come to expect holidays, no matter what the economy is doing. It has become their number one priority for the perception of their quality of life."