LONDON: Holiday travel is starting to pick up despite a British economy that continues to suffer. According to a report from the National Statistics Travel and Trade Report, Scotland and Morocco have become the top destination for UK travelers. The same report said that traditional travel destinations such as South America, North America, Australia and Southeast Asia have declined as a result of the economic struggles, but looking closer to home with Scotland and North Africa has made travel possible. “UK travelers are finding new ways to get their dose of adventure, with trekking and glamping staycations booming and adventurous destinations in North Africa benefiting from new low cost airline routes outside of Europe,” the report said in a statement. The report pointed to Egypt, Morocco and the Middle East as seeing a 10 percent rise in visitors from the UK in the past year. “Easily reached on a shorter break with low cost airlines, travelers are appreciating the varied attractions of the desert, the Atlas Mountains and the Pyramids,” said the report. Jason White, a tourism agent in London, told Bikya Masr that people still want to get out and see the world despite the economic shortcomings. “Our business has declined slightly in the past few years, but not as poorly as had originally been thought because there are a number of cheaper destinations that can be gotten to through the new flights,” he said. In a separate anecdotal survey of adventure tour operators in UK and France carried out by Tourdust, no frills activity holidays in the UK and France grew whilst more expensive food and culture oriented activity holidays have suffered in 2010. “I expect British travel to continue to search out cheaper places, or stay close to home in Scotland, because it offers travelers what they are looking for; a break from the daily work routine,” added White. BM
