Independent travel retailers have seen a strong start to the year, with a survey of Aito Specialist Travel Agents revealing bullish confidence for the year ahead.
The Aito survey found 62% of agency respondents “extremely” confident about sales for 2011 and almost half (46%) reporting a “good” or “extremely good” start to January.
The strong beginning to the year followed “an encouraging rise in bookings in 2010”, according to Aito Specialist Travel Agents chairman Oliver Broad.
The same survey found 89% believe their business is increasing as consumers return to agents due to fears of being stranded in the event of any problem. The results led the Aito Specialist Travel Agents, who are allied to the Association of Independent Tour Operators, to declare the theme of their Agents’
Conference in Warwickshire at the weekend as “Back to the travel agent”.
Almost three-quarters of those surveyed reported seeing an increase in inquiries year on year, while 57% said bookings were up.
Aito chairman Derek Moore acknowledged a comparison with January 2010 meant little given the appalling start to sales a year ago. However, he said: “The omens are good. The level of sales is better than in 2007 and that is heartening. Two years ago, it was all gloom.”
Robert Broad Travel reported “a fantastic last week”, with director Nathan Collins telling Travel Weekly: “It was one of our busiest weeks ever.”