Almost 365,000 local holidaymakers had already booked their next holiday by the end of the first week of January. ATOL’s research reveals that 2018 is set to be the year of the package holiday revival.
Over half (62 per cent) of Northern Ireland sun-seekers have booked, or are considering booking, package holidays this year, citing convenience and ease of budgeting as the main reasons for choosing this type of break over a DIY trip. By comparison in 2017 (52 per cent) of those in Northern Ireland booked package holidays.
Another key benefit of the package holiday is ATOL protection, something that over 22 million holidaymakers consider a top priority when planning a holiday abroad. ATOL protection ensures holidaymakers are protected should the worst happen, and their travel company fail.
Commenting on the booking boom Peter McMinn from Travel Solutions, said: “2018 sales have started extremely well with year on year increases across all product ranges. There is no doubt that the public are looking for great value, and it is clear that once they find the right holiday to meet their needs and budget they are prepared to commit now. The first Friday in January saw our biggest sales day ever, and we expect to see another spike in bookings as we come to the end of January.
“We continue to increase the number of ski holidays on offer to the Balkans with full flights operating from Belfast and increasing numbers flying from Dublin. Sales have been impressive and this season will see record numbers travelling. We are only a few weeks into the season and we are already getting calls from those who want to book for next winter.”
Reviewing sales to date, Claire Mulligan of Clubworld Travel said: We have had a brilliant January with holidays flying out the doors! Las Vegas and New York have been among our top selling destinations, but America in general has been selling really well. There’s been some really good value to be had, especially on cruises, as we have some great all-inclusive cruise deals.
“Virgin and British Airways have had seat sales and we have sold an unbelievable amount, while the direct Virgin flights from Belfast to Orlando mean that we have sold loads of family holidays to there as well so far.”
Scott Parker of Feherty Travel said that this January was probably the busiest he had seen for some time. He said: “It has been a really busy January, probably the busiest I’ve seen in three years.
“The biggest difference I saw this year was that normally the first week is slow and then it picks up in the second through to the fourth, but we found that this year it started frantically in the first week, then slowed down in the third week, but then got very busy again in fourth week. So it’s been a very busy January for us, everything kicked off quickly.
“Top destination for us, by a mile, is still North America, but it always tends to be with the variety it offers.
“We also have some great deals on offer at the minute. For instance, we have eight nights at a four star hotel in Koh Samui in Thailand for £999 with a pay for four nights get four free offer as well as seven nights at Heritage Villas in Mauritius for £1,500 with a 25 per cent discount and complimentary villa upgrade. Now is definitely the time to book and bag a bargain.”
Jonathan Millar, Bryan Somers Travel said: “We have been ridiculously busy this year, selling plenty of short hops to Europe as well as long haul and long stay holidays to India and Australia. We had a booking for a 44-45 day stay in January, which adds plenty of diversity to the business. Long-haul is our speciality and we have had a lot of requests for exciting and bucket list adventures.
“The amount and type of enquiry is extremely encouraging for the rest of the year and allows us to share our in depth knowledge of these travel destinations,” he added.
Trevor Ardies of Rosetta Travel said: “Business has been really strong this January. Las Vegas has been particularly popular with holidaymakers as well as our tailor-made packages to the Far East and Thailand, both of which are doing really well. Shorter breaks have also been high on the list of demands. Likewise skiing in Bulgaria has really taken off and we already have people booking for next year. As always, the Canary Islands are still very popular.
“I think this year we have seen a real surge in early bookings, people are realising that it’s the early bookers that get the best deals now.
“Years ago it would have been late-bookers getting the better deals, but that’s definitely all changed.
“There are still some great deals to be had for this year, so I would encourage anyone considering a holiday to get in quick and check out the great deals on offer.”
