England, Scotland and Wales are key markets for European holiday resorts in countries like Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Portugal, but new figures have shown that flights are down 11 per cent this year so far and things could get worse for the travel industry if the recession bites deeper.

And with a declining market, the only way for Britain’s big travel companies to stop their own holiday sales dropping is to take a bigger share of what market their is - and Thomson Holidays have been doing just that according to leading independent travel analysts.

The three dominant companies in the British market for overseas holidays are Thomson, Thomas Cook, and Expedia, with Expedia having led the pack in recent years. But now Thomson have overtaken Expedia as Britain’s favourite travel site, and with hundreds of travel agents selling their products up and down the country they are one of the few companies who have been successful in both the traditional retail and modern technology sectors in reaching the buying public.

Playa de Muro in Majorca, one of several beautiful beaches awaiting holidaymakers this summer.

Attracting holidaymakers to Thomson Holidays internet site has been videos of destinations, allowing people who haven’t visited a place they are considering to get some idea of what to expect, and giving them the confidence to make a holidays booking. Add to that that they have been offering accommodation only - expedia’s strength - and perhaps it’s no surprise that they have become Britain’s top travel site.

Typical of the areas that Thomson cover and is popular with holidaymakers is Majorca. Usually when people think of holidays in Majorca, they think about beautiful white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and a tropical drink in one hand. While the ideal ‘perfect holiday’ is great for those who daydream about it, families with children often look for theme parks and excitement. Majorca doesn’t disappoint families with children either, and perhaps explains why Majorca is the number one holiday island for British tourists.

However, there is far more to Majorca than the sea, the sand and the sun. Atmosphere is conducive to everything else in life, surroundings, weather, healthy diet and lifestyle and especially state of mind. Tourists and home buyers alike are attracted to Mallorca’s unique subtropical climate offering peace of mind year around.

Soft breezes rolling in from the Mediterranean sea adds to the simple charms and personalities of wonderful lifestyle. Healthy diets of fresh vegetables, fruit, fishes and olive oil constitute a better quality of life. European chefs and sommeliers present culinary delights, cooking savoury meals with natural juices and fresh herbs. Discover Gothic architecture treasures, beautiful almond and olive groves, small sun bleached hilltop villages and white beaches galore. Take a stroll along the quiet city and find yourself surrounded by chic shops full of treasures. Hike along ancient mountain paths.

 Majorca has been a major summer holiday destination for several years. Many people don’t realize the magnificent deals to be taken advantage of during the winter months as well. Winter visitors can stay at the same beautiful, award winning hotels and resorts for a fraction of the price. Winter time is also the season when you can enjoy newly ripened citrus fruit from the local groves. Wintertime holiday packages can be booked for as little as 325 euros. Many people prefer the slower paced winter holidays to the hustle and bustle of the busy summer holiday season. Temperatures in the winter season range from 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) to 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). These mild temperatures help make Majorca the perfect wintertime destination for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and mild winter weather.

 In recent months, three hotels in Majorca have received Excellence and Leisure Nominations and Awards, further proving that Majorca is the perfect holiday destination year round. Winter holidays in Majorca are more peaceful and relaxing than their summertime counterparts and available via holiday companies like Thomson Holidays With winter temperatures often 15 degrees Celsius (nearly 60 degrees Fahrenheit), even wintertime walks on Majorca’s white sand beaches can be amazing.

The Hotel Aimia in Puerto Soller on the northwest coast of Majorca received a nomination as one of four contenders in the Most Excellent European Value for Money Award. Many of the Aimia Hotel rooms face the Puerto de Soller and offer breathtaking views of Majorca’s white sand beaches. Nearby Port De Soller is the only commercial seaport in the Serra De Tramuntana. Porto Petro Beach Resort Hotel, opened in 2005, is neatly tucked into two beautiful, sandy coves along a half mile stretch of Mediterranean coastline in Porto Petro. This 300 room waterfront resort was nominated for the Most Excellent European Value for Money Award two years ago. Travel companies across Europe will want to ensure they have a good choice of holidays in Majorca this summer.