In our regular market update, we take a look at the demand for traditional half-term breaks and how limited capacity is causing a problem for agents.

In our regular market update, we take a look at the demand for traditional half-term breaks and how limited capacity is causing a problem for agents.

TRAVELagents are receiving a lot of calls for the traditional half-term break in England and Wales but limited capacity is proving a problem.

Lesley Jubb, owner of Lesley Jubb Travel in Oldham, said: “Half-term is the link period between summer and winter and it has sold very well.

“We have had quite a number of people enquiring with some good deals still around.”

She pointed out a seven- night deal, self-catering, to the Costa del Sol for £209 per person, staying in named accommodation.

But Roland Simmonds, manager of Angel Travel in Seven Oaks, Kent said deals are now getting thin on the ground.

“There is nothing available for half-term,” he said. “I managed to get a couple out to Cyprus yesterday but it was virtually impossible, particularly for four and five-star accommodation.”

Lesley Sheppard from Connaught Travel, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex said price was proving a deterrent to people seeking a late half-term deal.

She said: “Operators are not putting down prices as much this year so it has put people off.

“A lot of people are shocked when we tell them the cost.”

Meanwhile, north of the border, agents said half-term sales had been hit by a lack of charter flights to Scottish airports.

Laura Mackintosh from Maclean Travel, Galashiels said: “It made travel quite expensive and affected sales.”