Sunny skies for Irish travel agents in 2012

Travel agents are likely to cut back on their own holidays this year as they report a strong demand for foreign sun holidays from consumers.

The Irish Travel Agents Association expressed confidence that 2012 would show an increase in the number of Irish people holidaying abroad as consumer confidence returned to the market.

The ITAA claims that inquiries and bookings are already way ahead of last year, with some estimates that business is up by over 25% on the corresponding period last year.

“Many people are now opting for all-inclusive packages because they have a fixed budget and want to know what their entire holiday will cost them,” said ITAA chief executive, Pat Dawson.

Speaking at the ITAA’s annual awards ceremony in Dublin last night, he praised the resilience of the industry in the face of a very difficult year in 2011 when the sector was hit by volcanic ash, extended periods of bad weather and rising fuel prices.

“The judges were impressed with the attention to profitability and longer- term strategy, underpinned by an unerring commitment to staff development, customer management and service excellence.”

Top awards of the evening went to Tour America, which was named the overall 2011 travel agency of the year. Cork-based Shandon Travel won the award for most innovative agent, while Catriona Clarke was named young travel professional of the year.

Aer Lingus saw off rivals to win two airline awards in the short-haul and the medium-haul categories, while Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways was named the best long-haul operator.

Other awards went to Thomas Cook (best short-haul tour operator); Classic Resorts and Sunway (joint best long-haul tour operator); Travel Focus (best specialist tour operator) and Topflight (best ski tour operator).

Royal Caribbean was named best cruise company and Irish Ferries won the award for best ferry company, while Celebrity was selected as best luxury cruise company.