Industry figures show that overall bookings for overseas summer holidays have risen by 6% this year with Spain and Portugal seeing the biggest increases of 27% and 32% respectively compared to this time last year.

Abta pointed out that the shift in demand towards the western Med, at the expense of destinations such as Tunisia and Egypt, was also being reflected in other northern European outbound markets including the Netherlands and Nordic countries which is putting further pressure on supply.

Other destinations to post double-digit rises include Cyprus (+14%) and Malta (+15%) while bookings to Greece and the US have been similar to last year.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The significant increase in summer holiday bookings to western Mediterranean destinations is also being mirrored in other northern European markets so it makes it more important than ever that customers book early to obtain the best value and ensure they get the holiday of their choice.