Agents remained positive in the face of news that 19% of people are altering their travel plans because of credit crunch pressures.
Research conducted for Travel Weekly by TNS of 2,087 people questioned from July 4 to 8 found that more people are cutting back on their holiday plans.
Edinburgh-based Connoisseur Travel Services managing director Moira Scott said bookings were holding up.
“We have been doing a lot of tailor made and cruising and we haven’t seen a downturn so far. The fuel prices may have an impact but we haven’t had any cancellations yet as a result of the surcharges. We’ve been getting a lot of last minute bookings for 2008 so that’s encouraging. Time will tell whether the credit crunch has an impact in the coming months,” she said.
Cruise agency Woods Travel in Bognor Regis said it was sheltered from the economic downturn thanks to its elderly clientele.
Sales manager Alison Jones said: “Most of our passengers are senior citizens so they are spending their savings.”
Wealthy, luxury-loving clients are also helping some agents’ sales remain buoyant. Manchester-based Miss Ellie’s Travel managing director Ellie Doherty added: “We have a number of A-list clients so we get nice good quality, high value bookings and the credit crunch does not affect them.”