A WATERFORD travel agent says holidays bookings in Waterford are down about 80% on figures for 2019.
Sean Power, owner of Harvey Travel in the city, says that while people have gained some confidence in booking holidays in recent weeks, the market is still way down - and this is the biggest change in the business that he has ever seen.
Speaking on Deise Today this morning (Tuesday), Sean Power says Spain and Portugal are the most popular choices currently for summer holiday bookings, followed by Italy, Croatia and Greece.
"It's all about Europe because with the pushing of the digital cert, people now feel very safe about going to Europe," he said.
"But travel now is a totally different ballgame. There have been lots of changes in the last few years but this is the biggest change that I have ever seen."
"In the last few weeks since July 19 was announced as D-day, we saw a bit of confidence emerge in people about going abroad from them to September and October and then to Christmas and the New Year. But the market is still way down."
Yesterday (Monday) saw the easing of restrictions on non-essential travel with 22,500 passengers arriving, and departing, out of Dublin Airport alone, a whopping 87% less than for the same day in 2019.
Sean Power told Damien Tiernan this morning that while there is lots of information available on-line to those seeking to book holidays, he is finding that those travelling are seeking assurances with travel agents by phone.
People are ringing asking about PCR testing, travelling with children etc.
"In the last few days, there's lot of calls about what people want if going abroad. There are different forms if going to different countries. Each country demands you fill these up before you go," he said.
You can listen back to Sean Power on Deise Today by clicking below here...
