95% Of Irish Travel Agents Experienced Growth In 2016
The travel industry has had another year of positive growth, according to the latest Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) quarterly survey, released on the opening day of the Holiday World Show Dublin. The survey results reveal that 95% of Irish travel agents saw an increase in their turnover in 2016 compared to 2015. This figure is a 5% increase on the previous year where 90% experience an increase on 2014.
Contemplating 2017, 95% of agents said that they were optimistic for an increase in turnover on 2016; the average projected increase by these agents was a healthy 13%.
The survey also found that the industry has increased in size over the last year as 40% of Irish travel agencies grew their workforce in 2016; of these agencies, each increased their workforce by 17% on average.
With regard to their customers, agents reported an upward trend for consumer budgets and spending. Agents reported that 16.5% of their customers had increased their holiday budget in 2016, with some agents reporting that as many as half of their customers had more money to spend on their holiday bookings compared to the previous year.
Irish holidaymakers again continued their love affair with Spain as 65% of travel agents surveyed revealed that Spain was their most popular destination in 2016; this was followed by Portugal and the United States. Looking ahead to 2017, most agents expect Spain and Portugal to remain the top pick for consumers, whilst some agents expect Russia and South Africa will see a surge in business and become their top sellers.
Commenting on the findings, Cormac Meehan, President of the ITAA, said, “This year’s findings show, once again, that the Irish Travel Industry is on an upwards trend. 95% of agents experienced an increased turnover 2016, our hope is that next year, all Irish Travel Agents will be in a position to report an increase on their yearly turnover. This would be a fantastic result for an industry which has adapted and embraced huge change over the last number of years”
The ITAA represents Ireland’s travel Industry, bringing together 100 travel agent members and 70 affiliate partners. ITAA members cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland. All travel agent members are licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and are fully bonded providing full financial protection for their customers.
The Holiday World Show takes place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin for three days 27-29 January, 2017. For further information, please see www.holidayworldshow.com
