As UK Weather Turns and Kids Go Back to School Thomson and First Choice See Surge in Last Minute Adult-Only Bookings

With unpredictable weather expected to continue into September and the end of the school summer holidays now upon us, the UK's leading holiday brands, Thomson and First Choice, have seen a range of destinations growing in popularity as adults look to escape abroad to spend some last-minute, child-free fun in the sun.

With highs of 32 degrees in the Caribbean, 35 degrees in Cyprus and even 30 degrees in Spain in early September compared to lows of 8 degrees in the UK, it's easy to see why Brits are heading off to warmer climates.

The holiday companies have seen an increase in bookings to short haul destinations in the past week* with bookings to the Costa del Sol, Spain increasing by 20% and a 72% increase in holidays to Costa Brava compared to this time last year. Europe's rising star, Croatia remains a popular choice for those looking for a new experience before summer ends, with bookings up by 84% in the last week compared to this time last year. The islands of Menorca and Majorca are also proving popular with holiday makers not wanting to venture too far for their last minute break.

Mid haul getaways are also on the rise as UK weather turns colder with Mediterranean hotspot Cyprus proving to be popular with a 43% rise. Holiday makers looking to venture further afield have set their sights on sunny Jamaica which has seen a 39% rise in bookings in the past week compared to 2014.

With the end of the summer season approaching, the holiday companies are anticipating a strong winter 2015 with an extensive range of direct flights to exotic destinations like Thailand and Mexico on board the Thomson 787 Dreamliner, as well as the introduction of a new six week programme to picturesque winter beauty spot, Iceland for January to March 2016. November 2015 will also see tropical paradise, Costa Rica added to the long haul programme, served by the first direct flight from the UK, connecting adventurers with Central America's famous rainforests and wildlife.

Top five last minute getaways and average temperatures for early September

Costa Del Sol – 30 degrees
Thomson offers seven night holidays to Costa Del Sol staying at the 4T Hotel Riviera Couples Resort on a half board basis from £871 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing and includes flights departing from Manchester airport on the 22nd September 2015. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit your local Thomson travel shop, thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.

Majorca – 30 degrees
First Choice offers 10 nights night holidays to Majorca staying at the 4Sun Hotel Platja d'Or on an all-inclusive basis from £861 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 21st September 2015 and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit your local Thomson featuring First Choice travel shop, firstchoice.co.uk or call 0871 200 7799.

Croatia – 30 degrees
Thomson offers seven night holidays to Croatia staying at the 4T Adriatic Beach by Karisma Couples Resort on an all-inclusive basis from £746 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 18th September 2015 and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit your local Thomson travel shop, thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.

Cyprus – 35 degrees
Thomson offers seven night holidays to Cyprus staying at the 4T Hotel Atlantica Bay Couples Resort on an all-inclusive basis from £683 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 16th September 2015 and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit your local Thomson travel shop, thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.

Jamaica – 33 degrees
First Choice offers 14 night holidays to Jamaica staying at First Choice's 4Sun+ Premier Riu Montego Bay on an all-inclusive basis from £1,011 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 28th September 2015 and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit your local Thomson featuring First Choice travel shop, firstchoice.co.uk or call 0871 200 7799.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

*Based on figures from week commencing 31 August 2015.

For more information please contact pressoffice@thomson.co.uk or call 01582 644 626.

TUI UK & IRELAND

TUI UK and Ireland is the UK's largest tour operator with key brands including Thomson, First Choice, and Thomson Cruises. Sub brands include Thomson Sensatori, Thomson Couples (Thomson Sensimar from summer 2016), Thomson Family Resorts, First Choice Holiday Villages and SplashWorld Resorts.

TUI UK and Ireland's airline, Thomson Airways is the UK's third largest airline with 60 aircraft operating to over 73 destinations in 20 countries. Thomson Airways was the first airline in the UK to take delivery of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

TUI UK and Ireland has a team of 13,300 employees and serves over 5.2 million customers each year.

TUI UK & Ireland is a member of TUI Group.