Viva Espana! Costa Brava is back in fashion with British youngsters
POPULAR with Britons since the 1960s, they fell out of fashion when they became associated with older holidaymakers and tacky souvenirs such as straw donkeys.
But now travel agents say the Costa Brava, Madeira and Malta are back in favour as ‘retro destinations’ for younger tourists.
Thomas Cook is selling holidays to Costa Brava for the first time since 2009 as the Spanish region has developed a reputation for fine wine and dining.
Its earlier popularity faded as accommodation ran to seed but the firm believes refurbished hotels will help to attract visitors to enjoy top-class restaurants and Gaudi-inspired architecture.
The firm stopped selling holidays to Madeira in 2015 when it developed a reputation as a destination for older travellers. But the Portuguese archipelago is back in brochures after reinventing itself as a hotspot for younger visitors with lively nightlife and activities such as mountain climbing.
Football fans are also being attracted to Madeira as the birthplace of the Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a luxury hotel and museum there.
Malta, meanwhile, is becoming popular with music lovers thanks to its Love MTV and Annie Mac Presents festivals. It has also been used as a location for Game Of Thrones, which is expected to attract fans of the TV series.
Thomas Cook reported a 40 per cent fall in UK earnings last week. They were down to £52million in the year to September 30, from £86million the previous year.