Barrhead Travel reported its “highest-ever day of sales” on Sunshine Saturday.
The agency said it was anticipating high demand for this month’s trading following “consecutive record-breaking weeks” in January 2023, and reported bookings in the first week of the month were up 20% year on year.
Sunshine Saturday was the agency’s best ever trading day, it said, with summer 2024 the most popular booking season.
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Tenerife, Mallorca, Turkey, Canada, Dubai and Barbados were the most-booked destinations in the first week of the year, while Southampton and Miami were the most popular cruise departure ports.
President Jacqueline Dobson (pictured) said phones have been ringing “non-stop” since January 2 and in-store footfall has been high, which she hopes will set the tone for the rest of the year.
“We’re only one week into January but it is clear that people have got one thing on their mind this year: booking holidays,” she said.
“I’m delighted to report that our first week has also seen a new record-breaking day with Sunshine Saturday outperforming all our record days last year.
“I always think the start of the year sets the tone for what to expect over the coming 12 months. Despite ongoing consumer spending pressures, it is apparent that holidays will remain a priority for most.
“People are planning well ahead and taking advantage of the January sales as well as low deposit and pay-monthly options.”