Corsica’s Groundbreaking Role in British Package Holidays: How It Shaped Mediterranean Travel

Published on December 27, 2025

Corsica, a Mediterranean island belonging to France, became the birthplace of the modern package holiday for British tourists, forever changing the landscape of European travel. Horizon Travel, a British tour operator, began offering an innovative holiday package that included a charter flight and pre-arranged accommodation, offering an all-inclusive experience for travellers. This groundbreaking idea revolutionised travel, making it accessible to a broader audience and shaping the future of tourism. Today, Corsica stands as a testament to the power of tourism innovation, still attracting thousands of visitors each year, thanks to its combination of rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich history.

A New Era of Travel: How Package Holidays Became the Norm
Before this shift, holidays were mostly the preserve of the wealthy, with international travel often considered a luxury. However, Horizon Travel’s offer to bundle flights and accommodation allowed families from all walks of life to venture abroad without the hassle of navigating complex travel arrangements. This created the foundation for what would become mass tourism across Europe, particularly in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. It was Corsica’s moment in the spotlight that triggered a tourism boom, with many other destinations quickly adopting similar package holiday models.

This innovation did not just impact Corsica but also sparked a broader change in how tourism was structured across Europe. The creation of packaged holidays allowed tour operators to offer more affordable and convenient options, catering to a growing middle-class audience. As charter flights grew in popularity, the ability to plan an entire trip from start to finish became even easier, further cementing package holidays as a primary mode of travel for British families.

Official Support Boosts Corsica’s Tourism
Corsica’s early role in the rise of package holidays laid the groundwork for continued success in attracting British tourists, a trend that remains strong today. The French Government and regional tourism agencies have supported this by promoting Corsica’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty through targeted marketing campaigns. These initiatives highlight the island’s diverse offerings, from its rugged mountains and charming coastal villages to its famous culinary traditions and historical sites related to Napoleon Bonaparte, a son of the island. The official Tourism Corsica website actively markets the island as a top Mediterranean destination, reaching a broad spectrum of travellers.

Today, the Corsican tourism industry continues to thrive, attracting not only British visitors but international tourists as well. The island’s focus on sustainable tourism and cultural authenticity aligns with global trends that increasingly appeal to responsible travellers looking for enriching experiences. Corsica’s historical significance as a pioneer of packaged holidays now plays a central role in its tourism identity, helping attract a steady stream of visitors each year.

Consumer Protection and Growth in the Tourism Sector
Corsica’s success story highlights how government-backed protections and travel industry regulations have bolstered tourism. Since its early days as a destination for British package holidays, the industry has been shaped by rules and frameworks that safeguard consumers. The UK Government’s Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations ensure that tourists are protected when booking package holidays, offering them peace of mind in case of cancellations or disruptions. Additionally, the ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protection scheme has played a crucial role in securing travellers’ investments by ensuring they are repatriated safely or refunded if their travel provider fails.

These protections have allowed the package holiday industry to expand and thrive, ensuring that future generations of tourists can experience the ease and affordability that began with Corsica’s innovative holiday packages.

Tourism Boom: Corsica’s Role in Mediterranean Travel Industry
The tourism boom that followed Corsica’s groundbreaking package holiday model reached far beyond the island itself. As demand for accessible holidays grew, Mediterranean destinations such as Mallorca, the Costa Brava, and Sardinia saw a surge in tourists, driving the region’s economy and transforming it into a holiday hotspot. This influx of visitors helped bolster local economies, creating jobs in hospitality, transport, and service industries. As the region’s tourism infrastructure developed, it became a model for other global destinations seeking to tap into the growing demand for affordable, accessible travel.

The Legacy of Package Holidays and Corsica’s Enduring Appeal
More than 70 years since that first charter flight to Corsica, the island remains a key destination in the Mediterranean tourism circuit. While the landscape of travel has changed—thanks to the rise of budget airlines, digital bookings, and tailor-made trips—Corsica’s status as the birthplace of British package holidays continues to be celebrated.

Tourists visiting today enjoy more than just a beautiful island; they experience a destination that shaped travel history and set the stage for the tourism industry’s evolution. Corsica’s tourism now encompasses a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, maintaining the same spirit of accessibility that made it a beloved destination for post-war holidaymakers.

Corsica’s Impact on Today’s Tourism
Corsica’s place in the annals of tourism history is cemented. The island, which began as the first packaged holiday destination for British tourists in 1950, has evolved into a premier travel destination known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of how innovation in the tourism sector can create lasting change, shaping the way people travel and experience the world. Corsica’s legacy as a trailblazer for mass tourism continues to inspire both travellers and the industry alike.