UK travel industry sees shift to quieter and longer-haul destinations in January 2026 bookings
UK travel firms are forecasting a 5% rise in package-holiday bookings for January 2026, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) projecting an increase of 200,000 holidaymakers compared to last year, from 4.3 million to 4.5 million. There is a noticeable shift in bookings towards quieter destinations such as Gozo and an increase in longer-haul trips. Gozo is the fastest-rising destination for 2026, with a 1,900% increase in search interest year on year, followed by Sri Lanka with a 605% rise. Tenerife remains the top destination by search volume for 2026, while Malta, Egypt, Dubai, and Fuerteventura have also seen sharp increases in interest. Conversely, destinations such as Menorca, Lake Como, Sicily, some parts of Italy, and parts of the Caribbean have experienced the steepest declines in search interest. The average flight time for searched destinations has increased by more than 20 minutes year on year, indicating a trend towards more mid-haul and long-haul travel. Additionally, many travellers are booking further ahead, securing holidays for summer 2026 and into 2027. Dorset Cottage Holidays reports a 60% increase in bookings in the first weekend after Christmas compared to the previous year.
