Agents in Northern Ireland are lobbying for compensation as a new Holiday at Home voucher scheme threatens to hit their overseas bookings.
The Northern Ireland Executive is due to launch the scheme this autumn, to boost local tourism businesses by encouraging people to holiday at home.
However, the Association of Northern Ireland Travel Agents (Anita) said the agency sector is being ignored as it faces a fight to survive the winter.
Damian Murphy, director and manager at Terra Travel agency chain in Northern Ireland, and spokesman for Anita, said: “The scheme is encouraging people to holiday at home – and avoid us. We do not sell domestic holidays.
“We should have some compensation. We want a winter package of support.”
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He said the association has been lobbying the economy minister Gordon Lyons, and members have been asking for help from their MLAs (members of the legislative assembly).
“Bookings are picking up but business is slow; nowhere near where it should be – testing is putting people off,” he said.
“We have a long way to go. Northern Ireland agents are hanging on but it is not easy.
“We still have to reach the end of this year – and the early part of next year will be quiet.”
Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy launched a ‘Holiday at Home’ tourism campaign back in May to encourage staycations.
It includes the Holiday at Home voucher scheme which will be launched in the autumn to drive demand after the summer season.
The scheme will allow Northern Ireland households to claim back 50% off a stay of two nights or more in certified accommodation, up to the value of £100.
Vouchers will also be issued, offering 50% off visits to attractions or tourism experience providers, up to the value of £20.
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