Embargoed to 0001 Saturday December 27

Holidaymakers are set to do more sightseeing than sunbathing in the year ahead, according to a travel trends report.

More people are planning a city break than a beach trip in 2015, the report from travel association Abta in association with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office found.

Another trend likely to grow in the next 12 months is the "destination celebration" where groups travel abroad for weddings, anniversaries and stag and hen parties.

Based on responses from 2,001 people, the report showed that the most well-off holidaymakers are likely to continue taking a high number of trips in 2015. Last year this top socio-economic group took 4.7 holiday on average compared with the nationwide average of 3.

The report also showed:

:: As many as 35% intend to go to a previously unvisited country next year

:: 20% say they will spend more on holidays with only 15% planning to spend less

:: There is likely to be a trend towards multi-centre trips as well as activity holidays

:: More UK tourists are likely to be "living like a local" by going to little-visited destinations away from traditional tourist centres

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "We do expect to see the slow but steady signs of recovery that have been characteristic of 2014 continue into next year.

"We are seeing strong growth from the most affluent end of the market and we expect this to drive interest in luxury and tailor-made packages."

He went on: "The rest of the market remains resilient with value for money continuing to be a priority. Holidaymakers want their holiday to work hard for them, whether that's by offering new experiences, combining different destinations or simply delivering great value."

These are the destinations likely to emerge for 2015, according to Abta:

1. Austria

2. Botswana

3. Cuba

4. Dominican Republic

5. Japan

6. Latvia

7. La Gomera, Spain

8. Norway

9. Pacific coast of the USA

10. Singapore

11. The Netherlands

12. The Peloponnese in Greece

A separate survey, by TravelSupermarket, showed Britons will spend an average of £1,219 on their main holiday next year - 9% more than in 2014

It also revealed a likely increase in adventure holidays, with Spain remaining the most-popular spot for a trip away, while Turkey and Portugal have decreased in popularity.

ends