British travel agents are feeling upbeat and optimistic, despite the double dip recession and fragile UK economy, according to a new survey from Carnival Cruise Lines.
British travel agents are feeling upbeat and optimistic, despite the double dip recession and fragile UK economy, according to a new survey from Carnival Cruise Lines.
The nationwide poll found that 70% of agents are feeling confident about bookings this year and when asked how positive they were feeling about the industry, the majority of respondents rated their mood as more than six out of ten, with just 2% feeling very negative.The survey also showed that almost two thirds (61%) of agents hit their sales targets in quarter one.
The findings are from the line's new Travel Agent Mood Index ? a nationwide poll that aims to gauge the level of optimism in the UK travel trade.
More than anything else, holidaymakers are looking for value for money (93%) ? while cruises, all-inclusive breaks and package holidays were found to be driving most bookings. This suggests that British travellers are keen to secure a fixed price including most expenses, making it easier to budget.
The Mood Index also revealed that travel agents are more confident about booking cruises than any other holiday.
Despite the challenges faced by the cruise industry so far this year, more than 65% of agents said they were feeling positive about taking bookings for cruises.
Adolfo Perez, the company's managing director, said: ?We?re encouraged by the feeling of optimism in the industry, and delighted the agents are so confident about booking cruises. While recent events have given the cruise industry a real challenge, we are really upbeat about the rest of the year, which will be boosted by the launch of our brand new ship, the Carnival Breeze, this month.?
