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Barrhead Travel records 10% bookings hike in first week of year

Barrhead Travel today reported a 10% rise in sales of summer holidays year-on-year following the first full trading week of 2019.

Demand for European destinations remains strong through the Scottish agency chain, with Majorca maintaining the top position for the third year in succession.

Spain and Turkey dominate the top five with Tenerife, Alicante, Antalya and Dalaman following Majorca.

Orlando is the top US destination ahead of New York and Miami.

Barbados, Cancun, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong and Dubai are among the long-haul favourites.

Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson said: “We are not surprised to find that once again, Majorca is the top choice for our customers this year. It’s a destination for everyone – beach, city and even soft adventure thanks to its interior landscapes.

“We have also noticed a resurgence in popularity for the beach resorts in Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria which are offering great value for money against the pound.

“Beach escapes and city breaks, respectively, remain the most popular types of holidays but cruise is also continuing to grow thanks to an innovative and burgeoning market; one third of the holidays we sell are cruises and we expect this trend to continue to accelerate this year.

“In particular, Caribbean cruises have proven to be exceptionally popular so far this year, no doubt thanks to the fantastic pricing and flexible flight options from Scotland.”

The UK-wide travel agency recently released a zero-deposit scheme for customers booking through new direct debit or holiday finance offerings.

Dobson added: “Holidaymakers should consider booking early to take advantage of early booking discounts, free child places, first choice of cabins and hotel rooms and even £0 deposits are currently available for many holidays.”

Top five European destinations for 2019
• Majorca
• Tenerife
• Alicante
• Antalya
• Dalaman

Top five US destinations
• Orlando
• New York
• Las Vegas
• Miami
• San Francisco

Top five long-haul destinations outside US
• Cancun
• Dubai
• Barbados
• Dominican Republic
• Hong Kong

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