Annual survey results reveal Increase in bookings for travel agents
The Irish Travel Agents Association survey finds that 2023 was a success for members
Survey results released on the eve of Ireland’s largest travel and tourism event
In advance of Holiday World Show, Ireland’s largest travel and tourism event, opening in the RDS Simmonscourt this weekend, the Irish Travel Agents Association released the results of their annual member survey which found that travel agents experienced a level of increased bookings in 2023 compared to previous years, including years before and after the Covid – 19 pandemic.
75% of respondents said that their bookings in 2023 had increased more than 10% in comparison to 2022. 21% said bookings had increased by less than 10% and 4% said booking levels remained the same. No agent said bookings had decreased.
Comparing 2023 to 2019, 46% of agents said that bookings had increased more than 10%. 21% said bookings increased by less than 10% and 11% said booking levels remained the same. 11% said booking levels decreased by less than 10% and 11% said bookings decreased by more than 10%.
78% of agents experienced an increased turnover of more than 10% in 2023 compared to 2022. 54% of agents experienced an increased turnover of more than 10% in 2023 compared to 2019.
44% of agents attributed 40-60% of business to repeat customers and a further 37% attributed 60-80% of business to repeat customers.
The top three most popular countries for Irish holiday makers in 2023 were Spain, Portugal and USA.
For corporate bookings, 50% of agents experienced an increase of more than 10% in 2023 compared to 2022. 29% of agents experienced an increase of corporate bookings in comparison to 2019 and another 29% experienced the same level of bookings.
Clare Dunne, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association commented, “We are delighted to see our members succeeding and we are very happy to see that travel is well and truly back.”
Over 25,000 visitors are expected to converge on Holiday World Show in the RDS Simmonscourt this weekend where they will meet over 1,000 travel professionals representing over 50 countries. The travel industry are expecting a significant amount of bookings to be made this weekend.
Holiday World Show 2024 is open from 12.30pm to 5pm, Friday 26th and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, 27th and 28th January. For the most up to date information and a full list of exhibitors visit www.holidayworldshow.com.