Abta: Culture and sports driving long-haul destinations

Choice of holiday destinations is being increasingly influenced by popular culture - and 2008 will see people heading ever further away to enjoy the holiday of their dreams.

That is the belief of the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), which expects film, literature and sporting events all to have a bearing on where holidaymakers choose to take their breaks.

For example, the release of Love in the Time of Cholera - the big screen adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's celebrated novel - could result in a surge of interest in Cartagena in Colombia, the picturesque city in which the story is set.

More people are expected to be headed down under, inspired by Nicole Kidman's movie Australia and The Cup featuring Pierce Brosnan, while formula 1 lovers may be tempted to take the trip to Singapore to watch the grand prix.

In contrast, fewer people are expected to make the short trip over to the Alps, with all home nations failing to qualify for next year's European football championships in Austria and Switzerland.

Commenting on the predicted trend, Abta president Justin Fleming said: "Travelling is always an inspiring way of spending our free time.

"With so many exciting events and enticing destinations, our enthusiasm for overseas holidays in 2008 remains high."

Heathrow Airport operator BAA recently revealed New York to be the most popular holiday destination at the hub this Christmas.