City travel firms offer jet-setters plenty of great holiday destinations
As the cold, grey January days drag on, Sunderland sun seekers are dreaming of warmer climes as they flock to book their summer holidays.
The lure of hot sunshine, blue skies and sandy beaches is a world away from the North East at this time of year, and the city’s travel agents are already reporting a strong January.
Last month, a report by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) revealed that holiday bookings on a national scale were up five per cent from the same time in 2016.
Leading destinations include Argentina, Arizona, British Columbia and St Lucia, with just Germany, Malta, Sweden and Turkey making the list of European spots.
However, the perennial favourites of Spain and the Canary Islands are still very popular among the city’s holidaymakers.
Melanie Hart, divisional sales manager at Sunderland-based travel agent Hays Travel, has noted a rise in travellers looking to escape out of Europe and into Asia and the Americas this year. We’re finding that customers are travelling further afield at the moment,” she said. “In particular, Mexico, Thailand, Bali and New York are really popular.
“This has reflected in our results so far this month, as long haul sales are up on the previous year – but Spain and the Canaries are also still very popular.”
“Lapland is selling very well, and we’re also seeing loads of bookings coming in for December 2018 holidays.”
Although many people use the internet to book their holidays, there are many reasons why a trip to a travel agent has benefits.
Discussing your plans face-to-face with someone who may well have visited the country or resort you’re thinking of visiting means you get top insider information - with the added value of them being able to recommend places to visit and eat.
And of course if something does go wrong when you’re away, it’s far easier to call the person you’ve met than find a contact via an anonymous website.
Research shows that a high percentage of people prefer to visit a travel agent – a fact borne out by Thomas Cook at The Bridges which has had a strong start to the year.
“We have had a phenomenal January,” said branch manager Melanie Doolan.
“Already the Spanish des- tinations are selling well, and we’ve noticed a big rise in cruises. Turkey is also becoming popular again.
“January is the busiest time of year for travel agents, because people like to have something to look forward to once Christmas is over. It’s also the best time to book because this is when the best deals are available.
“People can make huge savings on holidays in January and by walking into your local travel agent you can be sure you’re going to get the best deals and advice available.”
Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased that the city’s travel agents are recording a strong start to the year.
“We have some fantastic travel agents in the city centre and it’s good to see that business is booming. It’s clear that the summer holiday is very important to the people of Sunderland, and there is no substitute for booking face to face with someone who is an expert.
“Of course, holidays abroad aren’t for everyone and for those not planning to go away there is plenty to do at home. We have an amazing programme of events lined up this year with events like the Tall Ships Races and the Air Show, so there’s probably never been a better time to enjoy a staycation.”
‘Mexico, Thailand, Bali and New York are really popular’ MELANIE HART