Latest news with #MattCallaghan
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Daily Record
Mediterranean gem that's a 'dupe' of Amalfi coast tops 2025 alternative destinations list
It also has 300 days of sunshine every year. A tiny Mediterranean gem known for its 300 days of sunshine and stunning sea caves has topped a list of alternative destinations for 2025. Situated halfway between Italy and Northern Africa, Malta ranked number one in a list of alternative destinations for British tourists to travel to in 2025. The island's sea caves and striking architecture make it a perfect 'dupe' for the Amalfi Coast. According to easyJet holidays, 39% Brits are looking to try somewhere new with searches for Malta increasing over 120% in 2025, and searches for Sardinia up almost 200%. And while destinations such as Barcelona and Rome still remain favourites with British tourists, searches for 'hidden gems' have spiked over the last 10 years. Marrakesh in Morocco, Budapest in Hungary and Oslo in Norway are all among the best alternative destinations for 2025, while Djerba in Tunisia and Bourgas in Bulgaria appear in the best holiday 'dupes'. Malta, Malta (38%) Sardinia, Italy (34%) Seville, Spain (34%) Budapest, Hungary (30%) Oslo, Norway (29%) Munich, Germany (28%) Gibraltar, Gibraltar (26%) Bordeaux, France (26%) Zurich, Switzerland (25%) Marrakesh, Morocco (23%) When looking to spice up their holiday itineraries, 73% of Brits admit to being influenced by AI to book a holiday somewhere they haven't considered before, and 41% believe AI is a good way to find 'dupe destinations'. Around 26% say they are inspired by package holiday options, and 27% prefer reviews from family and friends. If you usually go to Try Greek Islands Izmir, Turkey The Bahamas Djerba, Tunisia Cornwall, UK Zadar, Croatia Marbella, Spain Costa De La Luz, Spain South of France Corsica, France Florence , Italy Bilbao, Spain Venice, Italy Ljubljana, Slovenia Algarve, Portugal Bourgas, Bulgaria Paris, France Bordeaux, France Barcelona, Spain Seville, Spain Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays said: 'As a nation, we love to travel abroad, and our research shows that many Brits are keen to try something new this summer. "In fact, 63% said they'd be more likely to book a holiday to a lesser-known destination if more information were available—highlighting a real appetite for something a little different." EasyJet holidays recently launched their new 'Somewhere Different' range to help Brits discover alternative destinations for their next trip. Matt added: "We're proud to launch our 'Different Destinations' range—a platform designed to inform and inspire, offering travel tips, local insights, and thoughtful recommendations that benefit both our customers and the communities they visit. We believe tourism should enrich everyone it touches, and this initiative reflects our commitment to more inclusive and considerate travel across Europe and Northern Africa.'
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The stunning Mediterranean island that's just like the Bahamas but much cheaper... and closer
A beautiful Mediterranean island that's under four hours away from the UK has been described as the ideal swap for a break in the Bahamas. Experts at easyJet holidays have suggested Djerba, an island off the coast of Tunisia, as the perfect alternative to a Caribbean break. Djerba was described by the Greek poet Homer as the 'Land of the Lotus Eaters' as it was so seductively beautiful that travellers who visited would find it difficult to leave. Tourists can unwind at Sidi Mahrez Beach, a sun-kissed shore with crystal-clear water, white sand and palm trees. Away from the beach, visitors can explore the island's main town, Houmt Souk. The town is best-known for its traditional souk market where tourists can browse handicrafts and local produce. Djerbahood is another of the island's top destinations. The quirky neighbourhood's white-washed buildings are decorated with street art by artists from around the globe. While Djerba is hot all-year round, temperatures can rise as high as 35 degrees during August. Direct flights are available from London and Manchester while Brits won't need to worry about jet lag as there is no time difference with the UK during summer. Djerba was described by the Greek poet Homer as the 'Land of the Lotus Eaters' as it was so seductively beautiful that travellers who visited would find it difficult to leave According to easyJet holidays, around two in five Britons are looking to holiday somewhere new this year. Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet holidays, says: 'As a nation, we love to travel abroad, and our research shows that many Brits are keen to try something new this summer. 'In fact, 63 per cent said they'd be more likely to book a holiday to a lesser-known destination if more information were available - highlighting a real appetite for something a little bit different.' The airline suggests swapping a trip to Marbella with a holiday to Spain's Costa de la Luz. It might not be as well known as the Costa del Sol, but the Costa de la Luz has incredibly beautiful golden beaches with fewer crowds than more touristy hotspots. easyJet also recommends switching Florence in Italy for Bilbao in Spain. Culture vultures can while away the hours at Bilbao's incredible Guggenheim art gallery. Meanwhile Venice could be swapped for Ljubljana, the pretty capital of Slovenia. Ljubliana is known for its riverside bars and green spaces. And if Cornwall's crowds are offputting, the airline recommends travelling to Zadar in Croatia instead. Djerbahood is another of the island's top destinations. The quirky neighbourhood's white-washed buildings are decorated with street art by artists from around the globe The city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast is known for its pretty old town and Roman and Venetian ruins. Matt says: 'By spotlighting lesser-known destinations, we aim to support local economies, celebrate diverse cultures, and encourage responsible tourism that respects the people and places at the heart of every trip.' ' That's why we're proud to launch our 'Different Destinations' range —a platform designed to inform and inspire, offering travel tips, local insights, and thoughtful recommendations that benefit both our customers and the communities they visit. 'We believe tourism should enrich everyone it touches, and this initiative reflects our commitment to more inclusive and considerate travel across Europe and Northern Africa.'
