Brits turn to books on holiday
A new survey from leading tour operator, Thomson, has revealed we’re a nation of bookworms especially when we’re on our holidays.
Despite the rise in popularity of gadgets and gizmos to entertain us, while stretching out on the sunlounger, it seems that books are still a staple suitcase item.
A massive 86% of those surveyed pack at least one book in their case, with a further 10% purchasing books in the airport before departure. While on holidays, 56% admitted to reading three or more books over the course of a week, with seven percent cramming in five to six novels! All of that reading tots up to an average of three to four hours a day spent with a head in a book.
Reading topped other popular activities on holidays, such as exploring the destination and sampling the local cuisine, with only eight per cent more of the respondents saying that they preferred to spend time with their partner on holiday than read.
When it comes to what genre of books we prefer on holidays, the survey found that crime tops the list, with 42% of respondents preferring a detective drama. Biographies and romance novels also proved popular, both polling 23% of votes. And it seems that men aren’t adverse to a spot of chick-lit when their partner’s aren’t looking, with a quarter admitting to picking up their other half’s book if they’re bored at the beach.
The survey was commissioned by Thomson Holidays to celebrate this summer’s partnership with Headline Publishers. Some of the biggest names in popular fiction, including Victoria Hislop, Sheila O’Flanagan, Penny Vincenzi and Lyn Andrews, have jetted out to Thomson Gold hotels in various European destinations to hold ‘An Audience with…’ events and meet customers to talk about their novels.
And it’s not over yet, as The Sunday Times top five selling author Simon Scarrow, renowned for bringing history to life in his best-selling Roman novels, will be appearing at the 5T Grand Hotel President in Sorrento on 4th September. The following day, he’ll also be delivering an ‘Insight Talk’ on Pompeii, Herculaneum and Roman Life. And to round off the tour, chick-lit favourite Jill Mansell, will be appearing for three dates in Majorca at the 4T Hotel Picafort Park on 14th September, the 4T Hotel Levante Park on 15th September and the 4T Grupotel Playa Camp de Mar on 16th September.
These exclusive Thomson Gold ‘An Audience with…’ events provide a unique setting for customers to meet best-selling novelists fact to face, ask questions and buy signed copies of the books in resort.
Due to popular demand, Thomson is working with Headline to bring even more top authors to holiday resorts for summer 2011.
Thomson Gold hotels are holidays that are exclusively for adults and are handpicked for their superb locations, fine dining and fantastic range of activities.
Thomson currently offers 20 Gold properties across a range of destinations, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Portugal, Madeira, Spain, Balearics, Italy, Rhodes, and Cyprus.
For further information visit: thomson.co.uk
*Results based on 1,406 respondents to an online survey commissioned by Thomson Holidays.