EasyJet holidays CEO Garry Wilson predicted North Africa will continue to grow in popularity, thanks to its value for money, while demand for Spain could ease.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the ABTA Convention in Madeira, Garry said: “I think Spain is a bit overheated in terms of capacity at the moment and we will see that slow down a little bit.”
ABTA’s latest Holiday Habits report, which surveyed 2,000 British travellers, found that 36% visited Spain – the most popular overseas destination – from August 2025 to July 2026, while there was a one percentage point increase in travel to Egypt, up from 2% to 3% of travellers. ABTA attributed the increase in demand to ‘good deals and good availability’.
Also taking part in the ABTA debate called Leading Through Adversity, Barrhead Travel President Jacqueline Dobson said cruising now accounts for a third of its business, which she expects to rise to 45% in 2027. She said there was ‘huge opportunity’ due to extra capacity coming through, especially on the rivers.
Garry, meanwhile, said easyJet holidays still has no plans to launch cruise itineraries. Instead, the operator is focussing on luxury after the ‘really successful’ rollout of its Luxury Collection, which had performed beyond expectation, he said.
Launched in October 2025, the Luxury Collection offers stays in five-star properties including the Fairmont and Four Seasons hotel chains, combined with added extras such as premium transfers.
Garry said the average price of an easyJet holidays beach package is £800, while a luxury beach package sits at £2,800.
“There has been a lot of demand; tens of thousands of customers have already booked the Luxury Collection, so that is an area we will continue to focus on,” he added.
