ITTN’s Carrie Day was out and about in Co. Dublin yesterday, visiting agents, delivering yummy treats and chatting about the latest booking trends and emerging destinations in 2024.
The first port of call was JustSplit Kilnamanagh, where branch manager Leonie Dale advised that the usual Irish holidaymaker favourites, such as Spain, Portugal and Italy, are their top selling destinations so far in 2024. Cruising, with its ease and convenience, has been, and continues to be, one of their most requested holiday types. Eme
Lorraine Quinn of The Travel Suite reported that Sri Lanka is a very popular destination this year, especially amongst honeymooners and families. The South Asian country’s rich culture, sandy beaches and incredible wildlife appeals to a wide demographic and continues to grow as an ‘alternative’ destination.
Meanwhile, Sandra Mooney (The Travel Suite) commented that as the mercury rises in Mediterranean and UAE during the summer months, more and more customers are heading north, to the Nordic countries instead, opting for multi-centre holidays. With direct flights to Bergen from Dublin with Wideroe, Norway is fast becoming a rising destination for Irish holidaymakers. Bergen is also heating up as a destination for the cruise industry as reported by Shane Cullen here: Ponant Sails to “the Heart of the Fjords” – Bergen in Norway | ittn.ie
Emer and Ita of Travel Times recently attended the Norway Trade Event in the Iveagh Gardens Hotel, see here for further news about other parts of Norway made accessible by the Wideroe direct flights: From Cold to Cool – Norway Trade Event in The Iveagh Garden Hotel | ittn.ie
Donna Kenny (Tour America/ Travel Suite) also advised that Las Vegas‘ newest attraction, The Sphere, is drawing lots of Irish holidaymakers, as Dublin’s own U2 take up residency!
Cruising is also a staple in their bookings as the team geared up for an MSC Cruises consumer event, attended by Suzanne and Alana last night.
Marek Maslowiec of Oroko Travel showed off their new consumer brochure which is brimming with luxurious destinations such as Mauritius, Maldives, Galapagos, Botswana and Costa Rica, to name a small few.
Stay tuned for more industry insights as Carrie gets out and speaks with the trade over the coming weeks and months!