In our regular market update, we take a look at the rising demand for short breaks as people try to get away for a few days before Christmas

In our regular market update, we take a look at the rising demand for short breaks as people try to get away for a few days before Christmas

BOOKINGS for Christmas breaks in New York are almost double last year’s level.

Agents report that seasonal New York breaks have been sold out since the end of September. Bromley-based Going Places leisure travel advisor Donna Warwick said:”We have taken a lot of bookings for New York. This year is more popular and bookings are up by 40%.”

Jackie Stedman, director of TTW Worldchoice in Berkhamsted, said:”New York is popular as it is cold at Christmas time, the lights are fantastic and the shopping is reasonable. But there are not enough hotels to accommodate the amount of people wanting to go.”

Sasha Douglas, products and marketing manager from Bromley-based Independent US specialist Sunway, said:”All our US bookings are up by 40%. New York is popular but Las Vegas is overtaking. The flights are reasonable and the hotels are more exclusive, but lower in price.”

Although the trend is to go stateside for the festive season, agents have also reported a boost in bookings for European cities, such as Barcelona, Amsterdam and Paris.

Croydon’s Thomas Cook customer service manager Claire Wright said:”We have had quite a few bookings for Amsterdam and Paris and a lot have been flight only. This month we have also had quite a few bookings for Barcelona. I think people just want to get away for Christmas.”