Holiday bookings for next summer up 40%

Advance holiday bookings for next summer are up over 40% because traditional, last-minute holiday deals failed to materialise last year. Travel Agents are reporting bookings in October and November for next summer are substantially ahead of the same period last year.

The lack of last-minute deals was because supply for package holidays outstripped demand for the first time since 2004.

ITAA chief executive Pat Dawson said the main reason for the absence of last-minute deals was because airlines’ scheduled services were replacing the charter service, with the result that they are offering less choice and higher prices.