Demand for Cardiff holidays triples this summer

Searches for hotels in the Welsh capital have increased by over 200 per cent

Cardiff's popularity is on the rise (Getty Images)

Cardiff’s popularity as a holiday destination has more than tripled for summer 2017, according to new research.

Data released by travel search engine Kayak shows that Cardiff’s popularity has increased the most out of all European destinations since last year in terms of hotel searches. Searches are up 223 per cent since summer 2016.

Suzanne Perry, travel expert at Kayak, says: “At Kayak we love using our data to spot travel trends, especially when it reveals something unexpected, and this was certainly the case when we found that Cardiff is the European destination trending the most for summer 2017 stays.

“With lots to see and do, good value for money, and of course lots of big events taking place at the city’s large stadium, it’s great to see that so many Brits want to visit the Welsh capital this summer.”

In second place but lagging way behind the Welsh capital was Dublin, which enjoyed a 35 per cent increase in hotel searches year-on-year. London and Barcelona tied for third position – both experienced a 23 per cent hike in searches.

When it comes to flights, the most popular destinations throw up fewer surprises. Faro in Portugal is the most popular place for Brits booking flights, followed by Palma de Mallorca, Allicante, Malaga and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, all in Spain.

European destinations with highest increase in hotel searches

Cardiff – 223 per cent

Dublin – 35 per cent

Barcelona and London – 23 per cent

Palma de Mallorca and Salou – 15 per cent

Ibiza – 5 per cent

European destinations with highest increase in flight searches

Thera – 71 per cent

Zakinthos – 48 per cent

London – 26 per cent

Milan – 25 per cent

Argostoli and Luqa – 21 per cent