Britons set to increase holiday spend

Britons are planning to increase their holiday spending this year, according to a survey.

They intend to fork out an average of £3,890 on overseas breaks in 2012, an increase of more than £300 on the figure for 2011, the poll from Visa Europe shows.

Accommodation is set to be the biggest expense, followed by travel to and from the destination.

Analysis of cardholder spending shows that UK tourists spent £12.4 billion on their foreign holidays last year, a rise of 2 per cent on the figure for 2010.

Spain was the most popular getaway for Britons in 2011, with £1.8bn spent there.

France (where £1.5bn was spent) and the US (£1bn) were the next most-popular holiday destinations based on UK expenditure.

The survey, involving 2,050 adults, shows that a number of Britons are planning September visits abroad in order to enjoy the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations and the London Olympics earlier in the summer.