Stampede for sun holidays continues

Irish sun seekers are expected to make 2004 a bumper season for overseas tour operators and travel agents.

Figures show that there has also been an 83% increase in the number of Irish people booking package holidays to sun destinations direct, rather than through the traditional travel agent method.

Among the destinations proving popular this summer are the Algarve, the Canaries, the Costas, the Balearic Islands and Crete.

Many holidaymakers are now demanding in-flight meals, resort coach transfer and a resort representative to be part of their package holiday.

The news may come as a blow to the Government's domestic tourism plans. Late last year, the Government appointed Tourism Ireland as the new industry body to market the island of Ireland as a viable holiday destination. It has targeted poor value for money and increased flights and ferry connections in a bid to boost the Irish tourist industry.