Long-haul flights 'to become more popular'

More travellers are set to book long-haul flights over the course of 2007, according to one expert.

Faith Wootton of Thomas Cook said that destinations such as Australia are tipped to prove more popular than before during 2007 as flights to the country become cheaper.

She also noted that flights to destinations closer to home will also see a boom as tourists seek to absorb more culture than before.

"We are expecting big growth in Australia. It is absolutely people's number one top destination on their wish list," she commented.

She added: "We are also seeing a growth in interest in places that are closer to home and just a little different, such as Croatia and Bulgaria and Tunisia, where you are offered a new cultural experience but still within reachable distance."

However, traditional favourites such as Spain will remain popular with British holidaymakers, despite these changing trends, Ms Wootton said.

Last month, research by the Association of British Travel Agents revealed that bookings for certain long-haul destinations soared by up to 560 per cent during the summer.

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