More than 10% of Irish travel agents saw a hike in bookings between April and June compared to the same period in pre-pandemic 2019.
Over half (55%) of agents surveyed by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) cited an increase in turnover and more than one in five saw the level of bookings rise in the quarter.
This result came despite challenges facing holidaymakers relating to airport delays, passport renewals and other issues among airlines.
As many as 80% of agents ranked Spain, Portugal and Italy as most popular with a preference for sun and beach holidays.
Other popular experiences included sports and adventure holidays, honeymoons and couples holidays, city breaks, and sightseeing and culture holidays.
About 70% of customers of ITAA members are returning customers and the numbers are still growing. With Covid-19 becoming less prevalent in daily travel, the demand for travel is increasing, according to the association.
The number of bookings for the summer has increased by about 10% over 2019 with recurring favourites for the Irish market, Spain, the US and Portugal, voted the top destinations.
Long-haul travel to New Zealand and Thailand are also more popular than ever now that borders are beginning to open up for the first time in two years.
ITAA chief executive chief executive Pat Dawson said: “The results of our survey show the public’s need to book through a travel agent, especially during the pandemic.
“The amount of bookings during this second quarter are comparable to three years ago and we look forward to higher numbers in the next quarter.
“All travel agents and tour operators in Ireland are required to have a bonding system, which offers protection to holidaymakers if a travel firm collapses. Those who book holidays with bonded ITAA travel agents are offered this protection.”
He added: “It has been a difficult feat for the travel industry trying to come back from the pandemic.
“We know that the stress of wanting to travel can be overwhelming, so that’s why the personal touch of an expert travel agent can help create the ideal customer experience. Our travel agents can provide in-depth knowledge of the industry with an understanding of the client’s wants.”