ABTA Reports Over Two Million UK Holidaymakers Opt for European Destinations Amid Middle East Conflict
ABTA, The Travel Association, has forecasted that over two million UK residents will travel abroad during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. This surge in outbound tourism is largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, prompting travelers to choose European destinations such as mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Portugal, and Greece. City-break destinations like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, and Dublin are also popular. The introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at European borders is expected to affect travel times, requiring travelers to register their details, including facial scans and fingerprints. ABTA advises travelers to allow extra time for passport control and follow travel provider advice.