Northern Ireland

One in three admit they only read on holiday

Holidaymakers get through an average of three books each time they go away, according to a survey by TUI Blue
Holidaymakers get through an average of three books each time they go away, according to a survey by TUI Blue Holidaymakers get through an average of three books each time they go away, according to a survey by TUI Blue

One in three people in Northern Ireland admit they only read on holiday, a survey has found.

Romance novels are top of the poolside reading pleasures, with action and adventures stories and thrillers also popular.

The printed page still also appears to be the preferred way to read, with almost 80 per cent opting for a paperback over an e-book.

More than half of respondents said they wish they got the chance to read more, according to the survey of Northern Ireland adults commissioned by hotel brand TUI Blue.

When they do go on holiday, they get through an average of three books each time – including guilty pleasures many are too embarrassed to pick up at home.

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With 85 per cent saying they are happy to donate a book they'd read for someone else to enjoy, TUI said it is introducing a book swap scheme at some of its 100-plus hotels across Europe this summer.

Spokeswoman Louise Bates said: “Book-borrowing is a growing trend and it’s something we’ve certainly seen in our hotels, with guests leaving reads for other holidaymakers to enjoy.

"This summer, we we’re making it super easy for people with a new book swap scheme in a number of our top destinations. You can pick up a pre-loved book and share a few words of recommendation – or warning - with a personal note saying why you loved or hated your read.”