| But thrifty Dundonians are trading down on package deals and are also choosing non-Euro currency destinations such as Turkey, Bulgaria and the Balkans. They are also reviving the traditional caravan holiday.
Managing director Colin Ramsay said Ramsay World Travel in Dundee had seen a 220% increase in bookings to Turkey.
“People are going for non-Euro zone places, which tend to be better value for money,” he said.
“The number of holidaymakers who have booked to travel to Turkey has been incredible.
“The country is great for family holidays as it is very cheap, the people are welcoming and it has some great beaches. You can still get a two-week holiday for a family of four there for under £1000.”
Mr Ramsay said more people were booking at the last minute and were choosing all-inclusive trips so they knew in advance how much they would be spending.
“We have had a surprisingly busy year — trading is up 18% year on year, but people tend to be going down a peg or two.
“I think more people held back on booking because of the credit crunch and redundancies but when they realised it was okay they came in.”
Amy Drummond, manager of Barrhead Travel in Dundee, also reported an increase in bookings outside the EU.
“Last summer, you could get almost two Euros for your pound, whereas this year you get little more than one,” she said.
“UK destinations are also a lot more popular this year. We’ve had a lot of people booking up caravan holidays and London breaks. All-inclusive breaks are also popular.”
A spokeswoman for city firm DP&L said, “The UK is one of our top four destinations this year.
“People are booking all kinds of UK breaks — caravan and lodge holidays as well as city breaks in London and York.
“There has also been an increase in travel to countries outwith the EU because of the price of the Euro. The Balkan states and Turkey are very popular.”
Majorca, however, remained one of the firm’s top destinations.
A spokesman for Thomas Cook’s Dundee branch said all-inclusive packages were selling fast.
“Demand for our all-inclusive products has continued to rise and is up 18%, accounting for 41% of summer bookings to date compared with just 30% last year,” he said.
“The demand for destinations outside the Eurozone continues to grow, and at 39% of all holidays is up 8% year on year, with Turkey up 28% year on year and Egypt up 20%.” |
