The tourism sector is in a much better shape than it was this time last year, it has been claimed.
Compared to this time last year, when the recession was at its peak and people were striving to save their extra pennies, the tourism sector is looking much more optimistic, according to one industry figure.
“People are certainly more confident than they were even three months ago”, explains Ian Bradley, a spokesperson for the Association of Independent Tour Operators, suggesting that Brits can make ends meet and enjoy cheap holidays to Dubai and India and other exotic locations.
Travel agents have started to report positive developments, he added. “Bookings are still coming in slowly, but there’s definitely confidence there – they’ve seen more enquiries and things are looking up.”
Meanwhile, according to data conducted by Travel Weekly and Advantage Travel Centres, 56 per cent of the organisation’s partners and agents said that they are optimistic about the travel market strengthening over the next 12 months.
A further eight per cent said that they remain very optimistic about tourism picking up within the next year.
Written by Alex Cochrane