Although southern Europe remains a top travel destination for South Africans, northern Europe is steadily gaining ground in terms of popularity.
A recent Travel News poll revealed that nearly 30 of travel agents noticed an increasing number of travellers choosing northern European destinations over southern Europe this summer.
We havent seen travellerschoosingnorthern Europeoversouthern Europe as such, but there has definitely been steady growth in travel to the northern region. Interest in destinations like Scandinavia and the UK is growing year on year, said Darsha Soobramoney , Marketing and Events Manager of The Travel Corporation South Africa.
In the cruise industry, NCL has noticed the same trend. While the Mediterranean remains our number-one cruise destination for South Africans, were seeing pleasing growth in northern Europe bookings particularly to the Nordic countries and Baltic states, said Nirosha Sidat, NCL Country Manager, Africa.
Although Thompsons Holidays says demand for southern Europe far outweighs the north, destinations such as the UK remain consistently popular, along with Finland for its Lapland experiences, said Celeste Muir , Marketing Manager Thompsons Holidays.