65% of travel agents experience increase in turnover in first quarter of 2018
ITAA release quarterly survey results at Irish Travel Trade Show in RDS Dublin
The latest Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) quarterly survey results reveal that 65% of travel agents have seen an increase in turnover in the first quarter of 2018 (Jan-Mar) compared to the same period in 2017, with 5% of agents experiencing an increase of more than 20%. The results of the survey were released today at the Irish Travel Trade Show, the official trade show of the ITAA, which took place in the RDS Dublin.
Spain was once again voted Ireland’s top destination with 60% of travel agents naming it as their most popular destination for summer 2018. In 2017 the Spanish Tourism Board hit a milestone of 2 million Irish visitors to Spain, demonstrating the Irish “love affair” with Spain.
The survey also asked travel agents to vote for their top suppliers, particularly those who assisted travel agents during the period of bad weather last month. Sunway, Bookabed and Aer Lingus, who were all exhibiting at today’s trade show, were voted as the top three suppliers.
At the Travel Trade Show, the mood was jubilant. A large attendance of travel professionals turned out at this one-day event to network with their fellow professionals and discover the latest in travel innovation, product demonstrations and new customer experiences from over 120 local and international exhibitors.
Speaking at the show, John Spollen, the newly elected President of the ITAA, commented, “This quarter’s survey shows, once again, that the Irish travel industry is continuing to prosper. The continued success of our industry has been due to the collective ability of travel agents, tour operators and suppliers to evolve and meet the changing market place.
He continued, “Irish people love their holidays, and as our economy continues to grow, we are investing in holidays again. Consumers are overwhelmed by sheer range of products and services on offer and that is where the travel agent comes in – we offer a personalised service, filtering the hundreds of options to choose the right holiday for our consumers, with the added benefit of security.”
The survey also looked at the emerging trends for 2018, with over 30% of agents naming cruises and 22% said that adventure holidays have seen a huge surge in popularity. Theme Park Holidays and all inclusive holidays were also mentioned as growing trends.
