The Irish Travel Agents Association has released the results of its latest quarterly members survey in which cruise holidays were voted the top travel trend for 2017.
The results of the survey also show that adventure and activity-based holidays such as camping, cycling and theme park holidays are proving very popular among families for 2017. The travel agents surveyed also commented that Irish people are booking much earlier for their 2017 holidays and are willing to spend a bit extra on their trips, with an increasing number opting for all-inclusive breaks.
Some 72% of agents surveyed had an increase in turnover for the third quarter of 2016 (July – September) compared to the same period in 2015, while a fifth of all agents surveyed increased their turnover by more than 20%.
In the survey, 59% of agents revealed that their offline business increased for the third quarter of 2016 (July-September) compared to the same period in 2015, while almost half (47.62%) surveyed said that over 60% of business is based on repeat customers.
ITAA members were also asked about the average amount spent by families on their summer holidays in 2016. Some 36% said the average price spent on holidays by families was between €1,000 and €2,000. “This shows the value on offer by travel agents throughout the country,” said the ITAA.
Spain, Portugal and the USA are the top three destinations for winter 2016, according to travel agents’ bookings, for the second year in a row.
Cormac Meehan, ITAA President, said: “The results of this quarter’s survey are very positive for the Irish travel trade. As turnovers continue to grow, with the majority of business coming from returning customers, we are reminded of the important role that travel agencies play in our communities. They continue to be a reliable and trusted source for many holidaymakers.
“The increasing growth of the travel sector is allowing travel agents to include more luxury holidays and niche products in their offerings. We are seeing more and more holidaymakers turning to travel agents to book cruises, adventure breaks and bucket list trips, as well as the tried and trusted destinations such as Spain and Portugal.”
