SPAIN has long reigned as the most popular holiday destination for Brits – but a cheaper alternative is set to rival it, according to easyJet.
Destinations across North Africa are seeing a huge boom in bookings, as holidaymakers look for better value holidays.
North African holiday destinations include Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia – which all offer great winter sun options as well.
EasyJet holidays CEO Garry Wilson said at the recent ABTA convention in Madeira: “When we look at demand for next year, places like North Africa, we will see that continue to grow in popularity.
“Spain has been a bit overheated and we will see capacity demand slow down a bit.”
Luxury five star hotels are much cheaper across North Africa compared to mainland Europe.
For example, a five-star, all-inclusive week in Egypt can be found for under £450 each in November with loveholidays – the same in Spain is over £1,000.
Tunisia is even cheaper, with five star, all inclusive breaks just £249pp each in November for seven nights, while Morocco is around £509pp.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained further: “Holidaymakers looking for the best value this winter and into next summer should be honing in on the emerging – and wallet-friendly – North African destinations of Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.
“With the number of flights from the UK more than doubling since 2019, they have become a serious contender to our traditional Spanish favourites.
“Now tour operators are joining the fray with easyJet Holidays, TUI and the UK’s largest tour operator Jet2 all offering even greater choice – at very competitive prices.”
She added that Brits are “recognising the value they offer as the cost of living crisis continues to hit family budgets,” which is despite the conflict in the Middle East.
Lisa continued: “I saw for myself the premium offering in Marsa Alam on a trip in February and holiday prices for this winter to the Red Sea resort are lower than before the escalating tensions.”
Egypt recently announced they had welcomed a record 14.4million international tourists in 2026, an increase of four per cent compared to last year.
With a target of 30million by 2030, hotel capacity is set to double, with plans for 35,000 extra hotel rooms.
When it comes to Morocco, not only was Fez named a trending destination for 2027 by Skyscanner, but Rabat was named a top place to go next year by Lonely Planet.
EasyJet, Ryanair and TUI have all launched new flights to Morocco this year too.
And a new study by TravelSupermarket found that Tunisia holidays have dropped in price compared to last year.
Jet2 is launching more holiday packages to Tunisia next year, after restarting routes from the UK this summer.