Irish Travel Agents turnover €1.1bn in 2018
Research by the Commission for Aviation Regulation has revealed travel agents turned over €1.1bn last year
The Irish Travel Agent’s Association (ITAA) has responded to figures released by the licensing authority for travel agents, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR), which reported an impressive €1.1bn[1] turnover for Irish travel agents in 2018. The figures were released as part of its 2018 Annual Report.
Representing a strengthening, vibrant industry which employs over 3,500 people across Ireland, travel agents are engaged in all aspects of overseas travel including leisure, corporate, activity holidays and destination weddings, among others.
The Irish Travel Agents Association has attributed a number of factors which continue to bring new and returning customer to the travel experts.
Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA said, “Travel advisors have expert knowledge and a passion for travel that simply can’t be replicated and is essential for customising packages for individuals. What’s more, booking through an agent saves precious time cutting through the search and booking process, and budgets go further with special prices and add-ons exclusive to travel agents.”
Dawson continued, “Customers are savvier than ever and are becoming increasingly aware of the vulnerabilities of DIY travel plans. Booking with a bonded ITAA agents ensures that if unexpected issues arise, you advisor is on hand to rearrange and correct any detail of your trip with minimal disruption.”
Pat Dawson also pointed to the evolving work environment for staff: “The travel industry has seen a lot of change in the last ten years. Many agencies have home-workers, allowing employees to have a flexible working environment to suit their lifestyles. It is estimated that hundreds of travel agent staff members are serving customers by phone and online.”
Recent CSO figures also support a steady growth in travel from Ireland, citing a 7.3% increase [2]in overseas travel from January – July 2019 compared to the same period last year.
[1] https://issuu.com/commissionaviationregulation/docs/car_annual_report_2018_english_fina?fr=sNWYzNTYwMzAw
[2] https://cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/ot/overseastraveljuly2019/
