00:00With many people already booking or planning trips this year, new research suggests the travel landscape is shifting in favour of British holidaymakers.
00:09After months of headlines about tourist crackdowns, the reality appears far more positive, especially for those watching their budgets and looking for destinations that actively welcome visitors.
00:19Last year, lots of protests in places like the Balearics and the Canary Islands. We saw Amsterdam coming up with its stay away advertising campaign.
00:30The idea being that there are certain places that are just over tourism and that really we're not welcome. But actually, this research found that that just very much isn't the case.
00:39Last year, places like Amsterdam and Venice dominated the conversation with warnings about overcrowding and restrictions on tourists.
00:46But new data shows those messages didn't always match people's experiences, with only a small proportion of travellers saying they felt unwelcome when they actually visited.
00:56Only one in 10 said that they felt slightly uncomfortable in Amsterdam.
01:01And when it comes to the likes of Tenerife and Sue Mallorca, it's down to just 3 percent, so a very small amount.
01:08And I think that's because, although they're very vocal and very visible, these demonstrations, they don't really reflect what's happening on the ground.
01:17And that is the fact, particularly in the case of the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, GDP, tourism is a huge part of that.
01:24It's a huge part of their economy. And they need us to keep coming back.
01:28Instead, attention is now turning to countries keen to attract more visitors across Eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia.
01:36Governments and tourism boards are easing visa rules, improving flight connections and promoting affordable packages aimed at budget conscious travellers.
01:44They're incentivizing the low cost airlines to set up new routes.
01:49They're investing in that tourism product so that they can actually provide better value holidays.
01:54I think we saw it at the end of last year towards the middle to the end of last year.
02:01And I think even more so this year, the North African destinations that we're really rediscovering in big numbers.
02:07So I'm talking about the likes of Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.
02:11All of them are really encouraging Brits to come along.
02:14We've got new flights, low cost flights that's driving down the prices.
02:18But the product there is very good. You've got decent five star, all inclusive product.
02:22And of course, the fact that the sunshine is there for so much longer in these destinations.
02:28You've got a long season. Even now, the temperatures are really quite lovely and balmy.
02:33Destinations like Tunisia, Bulgaria and Croatia's Istria region are being marketed as great value alternatives to more expensive hotspots.
02:41Further afield, countries including Egypt, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are expanding access and capacity to appeal to mass market holidaymakers.
02:49Yes. Albania and Bulgaria as well, always been on the list.
02:53But another one I think is going to be one to look out for in terms of long haul.
02:57And there's lots of interesting things going on.
02:59I think Vietnam is going to be another one that really is going to start to challenge Thailand.
03:03It's got the same fabulous beaches, the same fascinating cities.
03:07But again, much easier to get to, more choice in how to get there.
03:11So I think prices are going to start to come down.
03:13Travel experts say this shift reflects changing priorities for UK travellers, with value for money now playing a bigger role in where people choose to go.
03:22Rather than cutting back on travel altogether, many are simply looking further afield for better deals and fewer crowds.
03:28And as well as that, Sri Lanka, a big favourite of mine.
03:32I love Sri Lanka, but obviously it's had its troubles over the last few years.
03:37Things are on the up now.
03:38Things are looking safe and good.
03:40And I think it's another one that's going to be a really good one.
03:4230-day visas now for free if you want to travel as a tourist.
03:46And so much different choice of things to do.
03:48So some amazing safari type product.
03:51But then you've got those beaches in the south and all of the historic stuff that you can see in the centre with Kirigea and candy.
03:56And with more countries competing for British visitors, experts believe this year could offer more choice, better value and a warmer welcome than many expected.
04:06For travellers planning ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a promising year to explore somewhere new.
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