SUN BREAKS:THIS YEAR Irish travellers are tending towards Mediterranean resorts. The most popular are Majorca, Lanzarote, Portugal, Turkey, Reus, Alicante, Greece, Tenerife, Malaga and the Costa del Sol, Italy, Cyprus, Ibiza and Minorca, according to the Irish Tour Operators Federation (ITOF).
Summer-sun packages have been reduced by 40 per cent this year across all destinations, which could mean less choice on key dates. The ITOF is urging consumers to grab deals now.
Late booking is the consumer trend this year, so it makes sense that the travel business would try to counteract this.
There will be non-package flights and hotels available at the last minute this summer, but the ITOF is reminding consumers that its members are fully bonded, while independently organised holidays are not.
It is estimated that only 25 per cent of Irish holidays to overseas destinations are bonded. In the event of a company going out of business, the bonding arrangement ensures clients are either repatriated or refunded. Those choosing a bonded package holiday also get representation in resorts, allocated seating, generous baggage allowances, the deposit payment system and group-booking facilities, according to the ITOF.
The package-holiday sector generated in excess of €500 million in 2008 and employs several thousand people at home and overseas.