News

The August weather washout in the UK has resulted in bumper late and forward bookings for overseas holidays.

This week is regarded as the busiest of the peak season in terms of departures.

Just under two million are expected to fly abroad and domestically over the bank holiday weekend - more than the 1.7 million who travelled last year.

The numbers defy bad weather in the Caribbean and long queues at major airports.

Thomson sales director Derek Jones said: "It's a timely reminder the British public are very sensitive to the UK weather in the summer. We are seeing good yields and volumes."

Sales are strong for September and October from the couples' market and 2008 is off to a "fantastic start", Jones said.

The situation is a vast improvement on last year when airport queues following terrorist scares hit travel sales.

Other companies were also upbeat. Travel Counsellors' sales for the last seven days are 24% up and for the last four weeks they are 21% up. Chairman David Speakman said: "It's been very busy."

Holiday Elite founder Yvonne Leslie said: "We have seen a big increase in calls and more conversions.

"This time of year we normally see 70% late bookings and 30% forward bookings but this year it has been 50/50. People realise it is cheaper to book earlier and prices are not coming down."

Wroxham Travel assistant manager Susie Nee said: "We are right on the Norfolk Broads so it has been very wet and people are fed up. September is looking busy and there have been a lot of bookings for Christmas."

She added there had been reports of holidaymakers not turning up at UK holiday parks because of the weather.

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