New research by Centtrip has revealed UK citizens took more than 60 million trips abroad in 2014, an increase of 8.1% (4.5 million trips) compared to 2010.
The research, which is based on Office of National Statistics (ONS) data, shows that Spain topped the table as the number one overseas destination for UK citizens, while Romania has seen the biggest percentage increase in visits.
It also revealed UK citizens made 12.2 million trips to Spain in 2014 and nearly nine million trips to France. The USA was third with more than three million visits.
Centtrip’s analysis also reveals that Romania saw a 113% increase in the number of UK citizens visiting it between 2010 and 2014. Finland was second with an increase of 87% while Lithuania, Russia and Morocco saw increases of 76%, 51% and 49% respectively.
The analysis also reveals that UK overseas travellers spent more than £35 billion whilst abroad last year.
Brian Jamieson, co-founder and managing director, Centtrip said: “Our appetite for travelling abroad – whether on holiday or business – is growing and the strength of Sterling against many other currencies means our money is going further. However, people need to pay more attention to the FX spreads and charges they pay when using their money abroad.”
Top 10 visited countries | 2013 visits by UK residents |
Spain | 12.24 million |
France | 8.78 million |
USA | 3.26 million |
Irish Republic | 3.10 million |
Italy | 2.95 million |
Germany | 2.32 million |
Portugal | 2.19 million |
Netherlands | 2.11 million |
Greece | 1.93 million |
Belgium | 1.74 million |
Source: Centtrip analysis of ONS data (May 2015)
Top 10 countries for increase in visits | 2010 visits UK residents | 2014 visits by UK residents | Percentage change |
Romania | 160,127 | 340,041 | 112.4% |
Finland | 100,840 | 188,724 | 87.2% |
Lithuania | 130,699 | 230,833 | 76.6% |
Russia | 90,388 | 136,023 | 50.5% |
Morocco | 307,907 | 460,124 | 49.4% |
United Arab Emirates | 499,146 | 726,823 | 45.6% |
Bulgaria | 228,842 | 326,600 | 42.7% |
Denmark | 252,180 | 358,214 | 42.0% |
Mexico | 313,802 | 434,098 | 38.3% |
Hungary | 267,902 | 369,812 | 38.0% |
Source: Centtrip analysis of ONS data (May 2015)
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