In our latest instalment of ITTN Talks, we caught up with Will Walsh, Senior Sales Executive at Click & Go!
In this ongoing series, ITTN speaks to members of the travel trade and gives them a platform to talk about industry trends, to celebrate successes and discuss challenges their business has faced, offering unrivalled insights into the goings on of Irish travel agents.
How has 2024 been for your business so far?
As with most of the trade, very mixed year in terms of business. January started strong, hit midterm in Feb it slowed and then picked up again. Start of March started slowly but from mid-March onwards, we have seen excellent sales, and it has continued into April.
What has been your biggest surprise this year?
Not so much a surprise, as we know how good the value is on cruise holidays, but the level of demand and interest on cruise holidays, especially with families, has been a very welcome surprise this year.
What has been the biggest challenge to your business this year?
Airline air fares which have increased the cost of holiday prices. Plus, customers still waiting on that “cancellation list, cheaper to hold on” mindset, but as we know, the airline flight costs will continue to increase, and those 1st and 2nd choice options will have gone.
Still trying to get that message out to customers that your holiday will increase in price the longer you leave it! But here in Click&Go Holidays, we will always help to find the best possible holiday option and price for our customers!
Do you have any predictions or are you seeing patterns or emerging trends or destinations for 2024?
Still so much interest in holidays and customers wanting value, and with our latest survey suggesting 60% of our customers have yet to book. Plus, families now seeing the value of non-school holiday dates and taking kids out of school due to the savings.
Are you seeing longer lead times or last-minute requests?
Quote to book, we have seen longer lead in times. Multiple quotes given before the customer decides on the holiday choice. And currently we are seeing our traditional sun customer looking at travel within 8 -12 weeks of booking date. But our customers know they can search on our website for all the best holiday deals!
On a more personal note, what motivates your travel? New cultures/ sun worship/ exotic cuisine/ places of historical importance/ pure relaxation?
Myself and my husband like to immerse ourselves in the local culture and cusine. We love wandering around new places and getting lost and then eventually finding ourselves again (lol) in unexpected places and like us all with busy work schedules, we love to chill and relax with a beer or wine or two
What is your dream holiday, and why?
I’d love to visit South Africa and the Maldives. South Africa has always appealed to me as I’d love to see Cape Town , go on a safari to get up and close with the wildlife and of course lots of wine in the wineries. Maldives has also always fascinated me as I would love to experience that island life but of course with 5 star luxury!
Where is 2024 taking you?
We are buying our first home this year after 12 years of renting, so trying to be good. Conor, my husband, is 40 next week, so we’re heading to Madrid for a few nights to celebrate and then my sister is getting married in Marmaris in August, so we have that also and hopefully a fam or two will come my way!
