Southampton prepares for bank holiday rush

Southampton Airport is preparing for a busy bank holiday weekend, with 23,000 travellers expected to depart from the south coast over the next few days.

In addition to travellers visiting such popular destinations as Alicante, Amsterdam and Paris, the presence in port of cruise ships including Queen Mary 2, Grand Princess and Black Watch means that travel figures will increase to include those embarking on a cruise.

Jan Halliday, director of marketing and communications at Southampton Airport, said: "This weekend is set to be busy for travellers, who will be jetting off to one of 45 destinations from Southampton Airport.

"We are also likely to see many visitors to this region, especially from France, Germany and Holland, who are taking advantage of the euro exchange rate and holidaying in the south. The presence of nine cruise ships in the port will also [see] many cruise passengers using the airport as a really easy way to start their holiday."

ABTA chairman John McEwan said: "Many families see the bank holiday as their last-ditch attempt to get a holiday abroad to get some guaranteed sunshine. This is more true this year than ever. Obviously people have been holding onto their money until they are sure they have enough to go away with and as a result we have seen a surge in late bookings."

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August 27, 2009