Are Brits falling out of love with the Costas? Half of holidaymakers actively avoided Spain this summer
Spain has long been the go-to destination among Brits for sun, sea and sangria - but it seems the UK's love affair with the European hotspot could be wearing off.
A new survey has found that more than half of British holidaymakers actively avoided Spain this summer, as anti-tourist protests across popular regions appear to be pushing travellers away.
The research, from eSIM phone network Slice Mobile, polled over 2,000 travellers from across the UK, and nearly eight out of 10 said these demonstrations had made Spain a less appealing option - despite 70 per cent admitting it had traditionally been their go-to getaway.
Younger generations are leading the charge in booking alternative destinations, with 68 per cent of Gen Z and 62 per cent of millennials the most likely to have ditched Spain this year - including a whopping 78 per cent of 18 to 19-year-olds.
While boomers are swapping the Costas for the Amalfi Coast, young Brits are opting for far-flung destinations such as Dubai, which emerged as the top choice for 27 per cent of Gen Z travellers, compared to just 2 per cent of boomers.
The United States also proved popular with the younger crowd (23 per cent of Gen Z versus 6 per cent of boomers) - highlighting a generational shift toward more adventurous, long-haul destinations outside of the EU.
But claiming the crown as Britain's ultimate alternative to Spain this summer is Italy, which drew in almost a fifth of those surveyed.
Other Mediterranean favourites, like Greece (16 per cent), France (12 per cent), and Portugal (11 per cent) also made the top 20, while long-haul destinations like America (15 per cent), Dubai (13 per cent), and Canada (10 per cent) climbed the ranks.
A new survey by Slice Mobile has found that more than half of British holidaymakers actively avoided Spain this summer, as anti-tourist protests across popular regions appear to be pushing travellers away (Pictured: Playa del Bajondillo in Malaga)
Young Brits are opting for far-flung destinations such as Dubai (pictured), which emerged as the top choice for 27 per cent of Gen Z travellers
With the average Brit spending up to 11 months saving up for a holiday, it's no wonder attitudes have shifted to seeking more fulfilling experiences in new destinations across the globe.
According to those surveyed, some of the main factors when choosing the perfect holiday spot include affordability (49 per cent), sightseeing (48 per cent), experiencing new cultures (41 per cent) and eating delicious food (40 per cent).
In true Brit fashion, a beach to lie on is a priority (31 per cent), along with meeting different people (31 per cent) and 'Instagrammable' surroundings (8 per cent).
Jenna Banks, spokesperson for Slice Mobile, said: 'We may not have said adios to Marbella completely, but it's clear from the research that Britain’s love of Spain has been put to the test.'
Meanwhile, in the UK, middle class families are turning their backs on Center Parcs, a PR expert has claimed, because the activity holiday brand once adored by well-heeled travellers can now feel like 'a Wetherspoons experience at Mayfair prices'.
Back in the early 90s, it was a very different story, with the emerging holiday company, a Dutch import, gifting instant bragging rights to those who divulged they were whisking their brood off for a week of fresh-air fun.
Booking up at the first village in Sherwood Forest, which opened in 1987, suggested one subscribed to an active, wholesome lifestyle.
And, crucially, it told people you could afford the not-inexpensive price tag - a Center Parcs holiday was once a status symbol to be flaunted in the way that a big TV or an expensive car might be.
The United States (pictured, New York City) also proved popular with the younger crowd (23 per cent of Gen Z versus 6 per cent of boomers) - highlighting a generational shift toward more adventurous, long-haul destinations
Those heading off on more modest traditional English getaways - a caravan in Great Yarmouth, or a camping trip to Devon - dreamed of escaping to this man-made nirvana in a woodland setting, with its futuristic domed swimming pool and dizzying array of activities.
Nearly 40 years on, four more UK villages in picturesque settings have been added, at Elveden, Longleat, Whinfell and Woburn forests, with a Scottish Borders village set to open in 2029.
For many, the quintet of parks remains Britain's go-to for a family getaway.
Some two million people holiday at Center Parcs every year and TikTok is awash with videos celebrating the brand, with many praising the company for entertaining every generation of the family with its diverse attractions.
