Dec 19, 2011 (PRN): When all the turkey has been eaten, the last Christmas cracker pulled and 2011 starts to draw to a close, as well as New Year resolutions, people will start thinking about where to jet off to on their summer holidays. So where will the Great British public be heading in 2012 and what trends will we see in the travel market? Thomson and First Choice have put together their predictions of what the year ahead will have in store.

Booking trends

Although money will continue to be tight for many households, people will not be willing to forgo their annual break in the sun and would prefer to save in other areas. While still escaping to the sun, customers will be looking for quality breaks away in 2012, which are unique and offer great value for money.

First Choice expects more holidaymakers to select All Inclusive hotels next summer as people will be looking to have more control of their holiday budget. First Choice will become the Home of All Inclusive in 2012 as it becomes the first large tour operator to sell 100% All Inclusive holidays, so it should be the first port of call for anyone looking for this type of holiday.

The trend for flexibility will continue, as more holidaymakers will be looking for more 10 and 11 night holidays, as one week is too short or they are concerned about leaving their job for a full two weeks.

Thomson and First Choice also expect to see an increase in demand for their unique holiday concepts such as Sensatori, Couples, Families, Holiday Villages and SplashWorld, as Brits look to spend their hard earned cash on a holiday that can’t be found anywhere else.

Destinations

Traditional Mediterranean getaways are also tipped to be the top hot spots for Summer 2012. Brits will be flocking to book holidays to the Balearics and mainland Spain, which they know and trust. However, Thomson and First Choice also expect to see a surge in popularity for up and coming destinations like Cape Verde, Jamaica and Croatia. Mexico is also set to be a top choice for 2012, as it offers real luxury in a stunning location at good prices.

Cruising

There has also been a lot of speculation in the media about Libya having the potential to be a hot tourist spot in the future. Thomson Cruises agrees and it has already been scoping out itineraries that will include ports of call in Libya as well as Algeria and the Black Sea for Winter 2012/13.

Thomson Cruises also expects to see a very strong demand for cruises departing from the UK next year, particularly with “new to cruise” customers that prefer not to fly and from existing cruisers who live within close proximity to Harwich and Newcastle. It also predicts there will be a trend for more adventurous and unusual cruises as new and traditional cruisers want to visit some of the least discovered destinations in Europe and North Africa.

Where to go to in 2012

The Balearic Islands: Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza

Traditional Mediterranean destinations such as Menorca, Majorca, and Ibiza have always been a favourite holiday hotspot amongst Brits, and are continuing to become more popular as market volume continues to grow. Menorca is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a beach holiday, as the island has more beaches than any other island in the Balearics, so there’s a huge emphasis on relaxation. Majorca has a great variety of things to do, whether it’s partying in Magaluf, or enjoying gorgeous tapas food in Palma, there’s something for everyone. Ibiza to some may evoke images of wild nights out, however the island has a lot more to offer, such as white sand beaches, a beautiful countryside, and delicious fresh seafood. Thomson has introduced Thomson Family units in each of the Balearic Islands which are proving to be popular with customers with families. Thomson Family resorts are designed to keep the whole family happy, and every hotel in the collection has a 4T or 5T rating.

Thomson offers seven night family holidays to Menorca staying at the 4T Victoria Playa on an all inclusive basis, from £780 per person, with the first child from £465, and second child from £570. Price is based on a family of four sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 22 August 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5595.

Thomson offers seven night family holidays to Majorca staying at the 4T Aparthotel Alcudia Pins on an all inclusive basis, from £899 per person, with the first child from £570, and second child from £655. Price is based on a family of four sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 13 August 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5595.

Thomson offers seven night family holidays to Ibiza staying at the 4T Hotel Presidente on a half board basis, from £690 per person, with the first child from £465, and second child from £570. Price is based on a family of four sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 22 August 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5595.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a particularly new tourist destination but it’s already proving popular as Brits seek to discover these exotic islands. Cape Verde is made up of ten tiny islands, but the islands of Sal and Boa Vista are the most popular amongst holidaymakers. The islands are just off the west coast of Africa and comprise of an exotic mix of African, Brazilian, and Portuguese cultures. The secluded islands are natural, un-built upon and beautiful, and you’re guaranteed untouched white beaches.

RIU hotels are popular with customers travelling to Cape Verde, especially the 5T RIU Touareg.

New for the First Choice Summer 2012 programme is the 4Sun Oasis Salinas Seas, which is part of the First Choice Premier collection.

Thomson offers seven night holidays to Cape Verde staying at the 5T RIU Touareg on an all inclusive basis, from £819 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 03 May 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5595.

First Choice offers seven night holidays to Cape Verde, staying at the 4T Oasis Salinas Seas, on an all inclusive basis from £839 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 11 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit www.firstchoice.co.uk or call 0871 200 7799.

Croatia

Croatia is an up and coming destination for holidaymakers. Croatia is all about the cafe-lined cobble streets, boats bobbing in harbours and the beautiful countryside. There are traditional towns, modern holiday resorts, pebbly beaches and charming fishing villages. Croatia is a fabulous destination for anyone who is looking for culture, and there’s something to suit everyone with a great choice of all inclusive hotels, private villas, or self catering apartments.

Thomson offers seven night holidays to Croatia staying at the 3T Hotel Park on a half board basis, from £595 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 05 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5595.

Mexico

Holidays in Mexico look set to be a big destination for 2012. Mexico has it all – delicious food, great weather, plenty of excursions day and night, and beautiful beaches. Mexico is known for its sleek all inclusive beach resorts, so it’s the perfect destination for anyone who wants to relax in luxury. An extremely popular hotel is the 5T Sensatori Mexico which is the ultimate luxury escape, situated on a beautiful beach it has a lagoon like swimming pool and six gourmet restaurants. Sensatori hotels, which are exclusive to Thomson, are all about the senses and are not only prefect for couples but also have separate child areas and clubs to cater for families.

Thomson offers 14 night holidays to Mexico staying at the 5T Sensatori Mexico on an all inclusive basis, from £1519 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 07 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit www.thomson.co.uk/sensatori or call 0871 231 5595.

Jamaica

Jamaica looks set to be another big destination for 2012 as the Jamaicans get set to takeover London for the Olympics. The Jamaicans are going to be the team to watch during the Olympics thanks to the big personalities on their team and due to the carnival atmosphere they bring to the events. Thomson thinks that travelers will want to carry on the party after the Olympics by heading over to Jamaica to see where stars like Usain Bolt grew up and train. The atmosphere is sure to be electric in the lead up to the Olympics too, as the island gears up to watch their nation shine! For Winter 2012 Thomson has new 10 and 11 night duration holidays in Jamaica. A hotel in Jamaica that’s set to be popular for this summer is the 5T Secrets St. James Montego Bay, which is part of the Thomson Couples collection.

Thomson offers seven night holidays to Jamaica staying at the 5T Secrets St. James Montego Bay on an all inclusive basis, from £1479 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 19 June 2012 and transfers. To find out more or to book this holiday visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5595.

Programme changes for 2012

As part of the long haul programme for Winter 2012, Thomson has introduced new 10 and 11 night durations in Jamaica and the Maldives. It extends Thomson’s collection of 10 and 11 night long haul holidays that already includes Florida, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Excitingly the first Thomson’s Couples hotel is also being introduced in Aruba for summer 2012, in the form of the 4T Bucuti Beach Resort. Prices starting from £1399, this is a romantic retreat set on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches. Thomson offers the only direct flight to Aruba from the UK.

Thomson Cruises Ex-UK Cruises

For Summer 2012 Thomson Cruises has reintroduced cruises from the UK on Thomson Spirit. Based in Newcastle from May to July 2012 and Harwich in August and September 2012, customers can simply drive to the port, climb aboard and start enjoying their Thomson cruise without having to fly from the UK. Thomson Spirit will sail 16 different ex-UK itineraries, taking in 39 destinations and providing a great selection of 3-14 night cruises. Prices start from just £629 per person based on 2 adults travelling on the 6 night ‘Magic of the Fjords’ cruise from Harwich on 26th August 2012.

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