Spain and Portugal holidays in demand as UK tourists avoid Egypt and Tunisia over terror fears

UK tourists are steering clear of Tunisia and Egypt following terrorist attacks and heading instead to destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Cyrus.

Travel agents have warned those planning a summer holiday not to leave booking to some areas until the last minute as they may find it more difficult than usual.

Bookings to Spain, Portugal and Cyprus have increased by 26%, 29% and 18% respectively,

Mark Tanzer, chief executive the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), said: “We are seeing a significant increase in summer holiday bookings to western Mediterranean destinations, so I would urge holidaymakers who are looking to travel not to delay in making their booking.

“My advice to those who have left it late is to be flexible when making their booking and seek the advice of a travel professional who will be able to advise them on the best options and destinations still available, as well as recommending less well-known and less crowded areas.”

Of the 1,600 people took part in the survey, 65% of those planning a summer holiday this year said they had already booked. Of those yet to book their summer break, personal finances and personal circumstances - such as family illness – were the top cited reasons.

Last June, 30 Britons were killed by a gunman on a beach in Sousse, Tunisia. The country's ambassador to the UK has urged the Foreign Office to relax its travel advice, which warns against all but essential travel.

Flights between the UK and the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh have been suspended since November after a plane operated by Russian airline Metrojet blew up over the Sinai Peninsula, killing 224 people.

However, although the Foreign Office recommends only essential flights to or from Sharm el Sheik, their general travel warnings for Egypt do not extend to the tourist areas along the Nile river, or the Red Sea resorts.