ABTA members see strong 2015 start
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ABTA members have seen a strong start to 2015 with some ‘exceptional’ days of trading, the association has said.
A third of summer holidays are expected to be sold in the first two months of the year with a favourable exchange rate especially helping bookings to Europe, according to ABTA.
January is the month when travel companies release several special offers and free upgrades, while a cut in Air Passenger Duty has lowered the price of flights.
Domestic holidays are also said to be selling well with bookings up 27% in some areas.
Its consumer research has found 36% are looking to book earlier this year, compared to 27% year-on-year. Those aged between 16-24 and 25-34 are more likely to book early, as well as families.
“A favourable exchange rate and a cut in Air Passenger Duty, combined with consumers starting to feel more positive about their finances, should benefit the travel market in 2015 and so it is very encouraging to see a strong start to the year. One outcome of the recent financial crisis is that consumers are savvier and so we are not surprised to see that more people are booking early,” said Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA. “The travel industry traditionally launches some of its best deals at this time of year and holidaymakers who book early can take advantage of these, as well as getting greater choice and availability.”
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