On the Beach: Brits Escape to the Beach for Easter and the Royal Wedding

MANCHESTER, England, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Research conducted by leading online travel agent On the Beach reveals that thousands of Brits will be heading on budget holidays (http://www.onthebeach.co.uk/l/budget-holidays) to sunnier climes this Easter with many more sun worshipers jetting off for the Royal Wedding.

The Portuguese Algarve coast is proving to be one of the most popular destinations amongst holidaymakers, with bookings over the Easter period up more than 90% on the same time last year. Malta is also a popular destination this Easter with sales up 22% on the previous year.

Malaga, Turkey and the Greek Island of Rhodes make up the top five most popular destinations this holiday period.

Uncertainty surrounding Portugal's economy has seen many airlines and hoteliers offering discounted deals in order to attract British holidaymakers to its resorts. Keen to take advantage of the deals, On the Beach has witnessed a huge rise in bookings with customers snapping up deals with prices up to 28% cheaper than Easter 2010.

During Easter and the Royal Wedding weekend, discounted holidays to Turkey (http://www.onthebeach.co.uk/destinations/turkey) are also being snapped up with the average price of a holiday up to 40% cheaper than last year.

Alistair Daly, Marketing Director at On the Beach said, "There are many great deals to be had with Portugal offering the greatest savings over the Easter holiday and Royal Wedding period. Our latest sales figures show that British holidaymakers are keen to take advantage of the extra bank holidays (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_073741) given this year and many will be watching the happy couple tie the knot while relaxing in a sunny beach destination."

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About On the Beach:

Founded in 1995, On the Beach is one of the UK's leading online travel agencies carrying over 500,000 passengers every year (ABTA K0813). On the Beach provides value for money flights and hotels in the world's most popular beach holiday destinations. On the Beach provides consumers with a huge selection of travel products, from 50 million available seats, more than 30,000 hotels around the world, insurance and in-resort transfer partners. Customers can book online at http://www.onthebeach.co.uk or by calling the UK call centre on 0870-606-07-08.

As the expert provider of DIY beach holidays to the UK market, On the Beach is so confident of its industry leading position, it offers a market leading price match guarantee for its customers. On the Beach (http://www.onthebeach.co.uk/) will refund the difference if a lower price is found for the same product on any UK website*.

*Offer applies to exact product match