Travel specialists have claimed that the tourism industry has adapted to online openings and increasingly ambitious travellers to make it easier than ever to discover other countries.

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) claimed that UK travellers were confident booking all sorts of trips, with travel agents adapting to their needs and remaining relevant despite do-it-yourself online booking options.

Recent research from the European Travel Commission revealed that nearly a third of Brits conducted all holiday planning and booking online – with locations like Spain made easier by a wealth of cheap flight and online accommodation booking services.

Frances Tuke, spokesperson for the Abta, said that the vast amounts of UK holidaymakers with different demands meant that while online services were a popular starting point, the tourism industry still offered unique perks.

"There are always going to be people who want the security and the expertise that face-to-face can give you and as a result, the expertise on the high street has gone up."

"People have specialised in certain destinations and also many of them have gone up-market as well," she added.

Visitors and property-seekers in Spain can benefit from a huge UK services industry centred around what is the favourite destination for second-homes, with customers often seeking regional specialists to help hone in on the part of Iberia of interest to them.