Spanish 'activity holidays' expected to increase

Thrill-seeking expatriates looking for an activity holiday have plenty of choice no matter where they go, according to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).

AITO spokesperson Ian Bradley commented that more people have been wanting to get more out of their travels over the last decade.

"People just want to do more on their holidays; they feel like it's wasted if they just sit on the beach for two weeks" he noted.

Mr Bradley's comments follow research from cottages4you, which found that holidaymakers and expats are increasingly looking for activity, experience and a chance to learn new skills.

Some 44 per cent of respondents said they get restless after sitting on the beach for a few days while over a third (37 per cent) said they are keen to try an activity break.

Mr Bradley noted that European countries such as France and Spain are likely to see increased interest from people wanting activity holidays, while Greece and Croatia will get a tourism boost from those looking to try out boating trips.