Irish travel agents have reported continued growth in the sector in the second quarter of 2017. An ITAA (Irish Travel Agents Association) survey shows that 73% of members surveyed said that bookings between April and June of this year were up on bookings during the same months last year.
The ITAA puts the increase down to two main factors:
- More people going on holiday as the economy continues to recover
- More people switching back to travel agents, instead of arranging DIY holidays online.
Spain is still tops
Spain was once again named as Ireland’s most popular holiday destinations for summer 2017, followed by Portugal and the USA. Meanwhile, many travel agents pointed out the growing trend of holidaying in countries that are seen as ‘safe’.
Cormac Meehan, President of the ITAA, commented, ‘Recent terrorist incidents have not deterred Irish people from travelling, but our customers are sticking to the popular destinations of Spain and Portugal. These are seen as safe and secure options following unrest in other parts of Europe and in North Africa. Spain has been Ireland’s number one destination for many years. This is down to its excellent tourist facilities, year-round sunshine and fantastic cultural attractions.’
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Emerging trends
The survey also asked travel agents to name the emerging travel trends of 2017. The top response was that Irish holidaymakers are booking earlier this year.
Meehan said, ‘Many of the travel agents surveyed revealed that customers are booking much earlier, particularly for those booking cruises. Cruises are also growing increasingly popular with our European counterparts so we are advising Irish travellers to start thinking about their 2018 holiday options now, to get a good value package in this competitive market.’
Returning customers
The survey also revealed that more than 70% of travel agent customers were returning customers. The ITAA says this is due to the personalised service provided by travel agents. Families and the over 50s market are the largest demographics booking with travel agents.
Whether you book a holiday through a travel agent or make your own arrangements online, make sure that you and your travelling companion(s) are carrying comprehensive Travel Insurance for the trip.
A policy with Insure My Holiday will entitle you to some of the best levels of cover at some of the best rates around, whether you choose Single Trip Travel Insurance for your holiday, or annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance, if you’re likely to do more travelling in the coming year too.
Whatever policy you choose with Insure My Holiday, you are assured of a high standard of cover at a low price.
Key benefits of our Gold Plan travel insurance
- Medical Expenses Cover of €5 million
- Personal Luggage Cover of €2,000
- Personal Money and Documents Cover of €1,600
- Delayed Departure Cover of €200
- Cancellation or Curtailment Cover of €4,000
- Abandonment Cover of €4,000
- Missed Departure Cover of €500
- Personal Accident Cover of €55,000
- Personal Liability Cover of €2,000,000
- Third Party Supplier Insolvency Cover of €2,000
- Schedule Airline Failure Cover of €1,000
- Legal Expenses Cover of €10,000
- Hijack Cover of €1,000
- Catastrophe Cover of €750
- Credit or Cash Card Fraud Cover of €300
Key benefits of our Platinum Plan travel insurance
- Medical Expenses Cover of €10 million
- Personal Luggage Cover of €3,000
- Personal Money and Documents Cover of €2,000
- Delayed Departure Cover of €400
- Cancellation or Curtailment Cover of €6,000
- Abandonment Cover of €6,000
- Missed Departure Cover of €600
- Personal Accident Cover of €95,000
- Personal Liability Cover of €2,000,000
- Third Party Supplier Insolvency Cover of €2,000
- Schedule Airline Failure Cover of €2,000
- Legal Expenses Cover of €20,000
- Hijack Cover of €2,000
- Catastrophe Cover of €1,000
- Credit or Cash Card Fraud Cover of €500
All are as generous or more generous as you will find with any other Travel Insurance provider, so it all adds up to even more great reasons to choose Insuremyholiday.ie for all your Travel Insurance needs.
Just get a quote now to see how much you can save!
