Agents report bookings boom
January has got off to a spectacular start with a bookings bonanza for the majority of travel agents, many of whom have recorded personal bests for bookings.
Of the hundreds of agents who responded to TravelMole’s latest poll of the travel industry, more than 93% said business was booming during the first three weeks of the month.
Fewer than 7% disagreed with the question: "First three weeks of January over – business booming?"
Barrhead Travel predicted last Monday would be the busiest booking day of 2013 but UK-based operator JacTravel said yesterday was its busiest day ever.
It claimed bookings were up 36.5% on the same day last year. Five of its top 10 UK clients more than doubled their bookings; two were more than 500% up year on year.
President and chief commercial officer Mario Bodini said: "January is traditionally a good time for travel bookings but this January is exceptional."
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Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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