Irish holidaymakers’ demand for international travel is set to soar next year, despite the ongoing cost of living crisis impacting households’ disposable income levels, the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has said.
However, online travel agent Click&Go has warned – via the results of a survey it has conducted – that rising costs will likely impact travel companies through a reduction in holidaymakers’ spending.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland programme, Paul Hackett – ITAA president and Click&Go chief executive – said travel demand is “very strong” and forward bookings for holidays for 2023 are comparable to 2018 and 2019 levels.
However, he conceded that the holiday market is not immune to the inflation crisis and that travel is getting more expensive.
“But, consumers are savvy. They’re going to look for the best deals and they’re going to find the best deals by booking through travel agents, who will give them more consumer protection, better service and will find them the very best deals,” Mr Hackett said.
That said, Click&Go’s new disposable income survey said that the impact on families “has the potential to negatively impact the travel trade”.
The survey found that 77% of families said they will have less money to spend on their 2023 holiday, with only 18% of families expecting no change to the price of their trip.
Furthermore, 32% of families said they will rather avoid travelling during summer months and school holidays in 2023, while 36% of families said they will take less holidays in 2023. Families accounted for 13% of the voting cohort.
Mr Hackett said low deposit payment plans, which spread out payments, and booking early for best deals can help consumers still looking to travel.
“We understand it is a very tough time for a lot of people and holidays are less of a priority. We know people love our €1 holiday deposit and our payment plans. That combined with our competitive pricing will help people get their 2023 holidays booked now, when the best prices are in the market,” Mr Hackett said.
