The Scotsman

Madeira, Malta and Costa Brava – ‘retro’ breaks make return

- By STEPHANIE GRAY

‘Retro’ holiday destinatio­ns are set to make a comeback in 2018, leading tour operator Thomas Cook has claimed.

Beach resorts such as Madeira, the Costa Brava and Malta are expected to attract a new generation of holidaymak­ers.

After reporting a fall in profits last week thanks to rising hotel prices, the weak pound, and intense competitio­n, Thomas Cook is now promoting resorts that had fallen out of favour in recent years.

The Costa Brava in Spain was dropped by Thomas Cook in 2009, and Madeira in Portugal was dropped in 2015, but both are due to be reinstated.

Chris Mottershea­d, managing director at Thomas Cook UK, said: “We’ve seen destinatio­ns move up and down the popularity stakes and next year we’re predicting that Malta, Madeira and Costa Brava will catch the attention of holidaymak­ers who perhaps didn’t think they ticked the right box for their needs.

“From Michelin star restaurant­s in Costa Brava to music festivals in Malta and outstandin­g natural beauty in Madeira, these retro destinatio­ns really will challenge holidaymak­ers’ misconcept­ions.”

The Costa Brava was a firm favourite with UK holidaymak­ers in the 1980s but its popularity dropped as accommodat­ion became dated.

Thomas Cook believes the high number of top-class restaurant­s and Gaudi-inspired architectu­re will attract tourists to its new and refurbishe­d hotels.

Madeira is returning to Thomas Cook brochures after inventing itself as a hotspot for younger visitors enjoying lively nightlife, while thrillseek­ers can take part in activities such as mountain climbing and tobogganin­g.

Football fans are also going to Madeira as it is the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo and they can visit the Real Madrid star’s museum or stay at his CR7 hotel.

UK holidaymak­ers have been travelling to Malta for more than 40 years and it is becoming a destinatio­n for music lovers due to two annual festivals, I Love MTV and Annie Mac Presents.

It has also been used as a filming location for Game Of Thrones, which is expected to attract fans of the popular show.

Thomas Cook last week reported underlying earnings of £52 million for the UK division in the year to September 30, down from £86 million the previous year.

0 Costa Brava holidays are being reinstated by Thomas Cook

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