Several tour operators report a transformation in the holiday pattern of British citizens. Instead of the usual destinations in southern Europe, such as Portugal and Spain, there is now a growing demand for alternatives outside the community space.
According to The Independent newspaper, North Africa countries have been attracting the attention of this audience, which seems to value, above all, the balance between cost and quality of tourist supply.
More flights, new routes
Cirium, a company that specializes in aviation data, estimates that by 2025 the number of flights between the United Kingdom and North African destinations exceed 19 thousand, more than double the records prior to the pandemic. The same is not true for the Iberian Peninsula, where increases will be more committed: 10% in the case of Spain and 9% in Portugal.
These data seem to indicate a structural deviation in tourist preferences. The trend is reinforced by travel operators themselves, which point to a significant change in the distribution of reserves.
Tui, one of the largest British tourism agencies, reports a 30% growth in Egyptian reserves compared to the previous year. Tunisia and Morocco, in turn, also record two digits.
Cost as a decisive factor
Among the main arguments pointed out is accessibility. Destinations outside the European Union offer, according to operators, quality hotel units equivalent to lower prices.
The choice does not seem to be fought by factors such as the duration of flights or the limitations of low -cost airlines, whose most basic services, such as fixed seats and absence of entertainment continue to be acceptable to many travelers, provided they are compensated for conditions at destination.
“Fantastic cost-benefit ratio”
Chris Logan, Tui’s commercial director in the United Kingdom, considers that North Africa offers “a fantastic cost-benefit ratio”, which, in his opinion, puts increased pressure on European destinations. “Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, which makes them a perfect choice for travel all year round,” he said, quoted by The Independent.
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Portugal may feel impact on the medium term
There are no data that confirms a break in the arrival of British tourists to Portugal, but signs of change are being monitored.
Regions such as the Algarve, strongly dependent on external tourism, may be particularly sensitive to changes in market preferences.
The sector acknowledges that factors such as inflation, energy cost and increase in accommodation tariffs in Europe may be contributing to this travel traffic.
Conjunctural change or new reality?
Some analysts suggest that this dynamic may be passing, influenced by specific economic conjunctures. Others, however, see evidence of a deeper and more lasting change in consumer behavior.
The reinforcement of air connectivity, as well as investment in tourist infrastructure in North Africa, supports the attractiveness of these emerging destinations, making them competitive on a scale that was previously dominated by Mediterranean countries.
Operators’ reaction will be decisive
The way European destinations adjust their offer may dictate the response to this new competition.
Prices, accommodation conditions and promotions outside the high season are among the factors most mentioned by the experts cited by the.
Although Portugal maintains a solid image in the British market, the growth of viable alternatives requires extra attention and eventual strategic repositioning.
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