Cyprus is high on the wishes of British tourists at the beginning of the new year

In tenth place among the countries to which British tourists say they intend to travel this year is Cyprus, according to a survey by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

In total the survey named 23 countries as the most desirable destinations for Britons this year.

Spain, USA, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Australia and Turkey complete the top ten in order.

ABTA's survey was carried out last week ahead of the so-called 'Sunshine Saturday', the first Saturday of the year when there is usually a surge in summer bookings due to the post-Christmas gloom.

According to travel agents, a particularly large increase in bookings was expected this year as Britons face a climate of discontent at home, with strikes and constant reports of punctuality difficulties.

As they say, despite financial problems anyone who can pay for a holiday abroad will do so as a priority over other expenses for psychological reasons.

In addition, it is the first year since the pandemic that began without any restrictions for the British.

ABTA research has shown that three out of five Britons intend to go on holiday to another country this year. Almost one in three say they will book tickets and packages earlier than usual in an attempt to secure better prices.

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said "the public's appetite for holidays has remained remarkably resilient despite ongoing pressures on its finances, although there is undoubtedly a strong focus on securing the best possible deals".