UP, UP AND AWAY
LOCAL travel agents are enjoying an unexpected boom despite the credit crunch.
As well choosing destinations which would be considered more traditional such as Spain, the travel agents are reporting that more and more people are opting to go further afield to escape the Euro Zone.
The news comes following research from the Travel Department which suggests three-quarters of respondents to a recent travel survey intend to take their usual holiday breaks despite difficulties in the economic environment.
Karen Williamson, assistant manager at Clubworld in Newry Street in Banbridge said her firm had enjoyed a successful period since they opened in the town back in October.
"We're finding that more and more people are going for destinations such as Turkey and Bulgaria as prices for trips outside the Euro Zone are fantastic at the minute," she said.
"Because of the state of the Euro at the minute those who are heading to places like Spain are tending to book all inclusive to try and make their money go that bit further.
"We've had no cancellations despite the credit crunch. A lot of people were maybe unsure of booking a few months ago and held off but once people realised their jobs were secure they have gone ahead and booked a holiday.
"There are some very good deals to be had out there if you look for them, especially for free child places."
A spokesperson for Bridge Travel said that her company were seeing a rise in the number of people going on cruises.
She said, "We've had a lot of bookings for the Carribbean and countries to the Dominican Republic.
"Because the Euro at the minute is so bad and at an expensive rate people are prefering to go on trips where the food etc is all included in the price."
Stephen Glavin, Marketing Manager, The Travel Department said: "People really enjoy their travel and despite the current economic problems, they will try to stick to their usual holiday plans.
"Generally people view holidays as a necessity rather than a luxury and also place a strong emotional attachment to planning and taking holidays.
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Weather for Banbridge
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
