Jump in winter sun breaks as wealthy Brits prioritise wellness
Heathrow Airport is gearing up for its busiest December on record, with up to 250,000 passengers expected daily. This follows a strong November, which saw over 6.6 million travellers pass through its terminals. Meanwhile, demand for winter getaways—especially wellness-focused trips—has surged across the UK.
The push for winter travel comes as more Britons seek warmer climates and relaxation. Over a third plan to escape the UK’s cold this season, with nearly half swapping their usual summer break for a winter sun holiday. Travel operators like TUI UK, Jet2holidays, and British Airways Holidays have responded by heavily promoting wellness packages in destinations such as the Canary Islands, Dubai, and the Maldives.
Wellness bookings have soared at luxury resorts worldwide. Four Seasons properties report a spike in festive-season reservations, with travellers securing sessions weeks ahead. The Sharm El Sheikh resort is fully booked for Christmas Day, while Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, and Marrakech have seen bookings rise by over 20% compared to last year. Airline capacity is also expanding to meet demand. Jet2 has increased its winter seat availability by 7.7%, adding 5.5 million more seats than last year. The company will further boost operations in 2025 by launching a new base at London Gatwick in March. To handle winter conditions, Heathrow has stockpiled one million litres of de-icing products, ensuring smooth take-offs and landings despite potential icy weather.
The travel industry is bracing for a record-breaking winter season. Heathrow’s preparations and Jet2’s expanded capacity reflect growing demand for both festive getaways and wellness escapes. With bookings already high, operators expect one of the busiest holiday periods in years.
