MORE OF US ARE BOOKING WINTER HOLS
WELSH holidaymakers are not being put off by Brexit and the weak pound, and the numbers of those planning winter breaks are even higher than in previous years.
That’s according to travel agents around the country, who say they have been encouraged by the season’s figures, but that the number of people booking a holiday after Christmas could drop because of the inevitable rising prices.
Since the vote to leave the European Union in June, the pound has dropped in value, making it more expensive to travel and buy things in foreign countries, and there have been widespread reports of uncertainty in the economy.
But Mark Wright, managing director at Ocky White Travel Agents, based in Haverfordwest, said his business had seen an increase in bookings this year.
He said: “We have seen no discernible downturn; in fact we have been busier than on corresponding periods in previous years.
“People can be influenced by what they see in the press but at the end of the day they are not going to cancel a holiday because it might cost them £10, £20 or £30 more. I’m really not concerned – it’s very encouraging for us at the moment actually.”
He also said this year bookings to Iceland have seen a surge in popularity, and the company has seen plenty of people heading to regular destinations like New York.
He added: “Demand for the traditional markets and places like the Canary Islands are as strong as ever, and now people are looking more towards all-inclusive deals to try to avoid the impact of rising prices in resorts.”
But he said he thought bookings in the “peak season”, those booking after Christmas for the summer holidays, may be adversely affected.
“There may be some impact in the traditional peak booking season because there’s no question that costs for next summer are going to be a little bit higher,” he said.
He added: “That’s when you get families looking for cut-price deals to the Mediterranean, of which there may not be as many floating around.”
Simon Morgan, managing director of Tailor Made Travel in Penarth, said his firm had benefited from holiday makers booking allinclusive deals.
He said: “People’s habits are changing because of the exchange rates we are experiencing. They are being a bit more careful and are starting to buy more inclusive products that include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“But we haven’t seen an adverse effect from Brexit. We have seen an increase in bookings year on year, and are also soon opening three new branches in Cowbridge, Llant- wit Major and Barry.”
He said popular destinations this year include South Africa and Thailand, and added: “There is uncertainly, but it’s human nature to hold a few pounds back to spoil yourself during the summer. They may take a shorter duration or select a lower standard of hotel, but people will not stop going on holiday.”
Sean Tipton, spokesman for the Association of British Travel Agents, said that, despite Brexit and the weak pound, the number of people booking winter breaks has gone up by 18% year on year.
He said at this time of year people either go for snow sports and skiing or the complete opposite: sunshine.
He also revealed how some destinations this year had seen a huge increase in UK holidaymakers.
They include trips to the Canary Islands rising by 37% and those heading to mainland Spain by 35%.
North American destinations also saw a rise, and the numbers of people heading to the Caribbean soared by 20% on the year before.
Mr Tipton added: “While winter bookings over the past few years have not been great, this is still all very positive and very good for Britain’s travel agents.
“In terms of the new year and holiday makers going away next summer, we expect to see people look more for package deals and all-inclusive holidays, booking them well in advance in order to avoid the worry of being hit by skyhigh exchange rates.”
Hotel Flamingo Oasis, Benidorm, Spain. Seven nights for two adults from £284pp. All inclusive. Flying from Cardiff Airport on December 3 via Thomson.co.uk
Pension Karlberger, Kitzbuhel, Austria. Seven nights for two adults from £259pp. Bed and breakfast. Flying from Birmingham Airport on December 24 via Crystalski.co.uk
Riu Tikida Garden, Marrakech, Morocco. Seven nights for two adults from £320pp. All inclusive. Flying from Birmingham Airport on December 2 via Thomson.co.uk
Hotel Louis Phaethon Beach, Paphos, Cyprus. Seven nights for two adults from £350pp. All inclusive. Flying from Birmingham Airport on November 30 via Thomson.co.uk
Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda, Dominican Republic. Seven nights for two adults from £850pp. All inclusive. Flying from Manchester Airport on December 5. Via Thomas Cook
New York Jolly Madison Towers, New York. Seven nights for two adults from £902pp. Room only. Flying from Bristol Airport on November 30 via lastminute.com
City Park Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland. Three nights for two adults from £358pp. Room only. Flying from Manchester Airport on November 30 via lastminute.com
Sun Square Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. Seven nights for two adults from £986. Bed and breakfast. Flying from London Heathrow on November 28 via thomson.co.uk
Be Live Family Costa Los Gigantes, Tenerife. Seven nights for two adults from £447pp. All inclusive. Flying from Exeter Airport on November 30 via Thomson.co.uk
Mix Bangkok - Prom Phong, Bangkok. Seven nights for two adults from £444pp. Room only. Flying from Manchester Airport on December 1 via Expedia.co.uk