The ITAA’s latest quarterly members survey found that more than 10% of agents experienced an increase in bookings during the second quarter of the year (three months to 30 June) compared with the same period in 2019.

More than half of respondents (55%) said their turnover increased during Q2, while more than one in five saw their level of bookings increase despite the challenges facing holidaymakers on the other side of Covid.

"The results of our survey show the public’s need to book through a travel agent, especially during the pandemic," said ITAA chief executive Pat Dawson. "The amount of bookings during this second quarter are comparable to three years ago, and we look forward to higher numbers in the next quarter.

"It has been a difficult feat for the travel industry trying to come back from the pandemic. We know the stress of wanting to travel can be overwhelming, so that’s why the personal touch of an expert travel agent can help create the ideal customer experience. Our travel agents can provide in-depth knowledge of the industry with an understanding of the client’s wants.”

The survey also revealed more than 80% of respondents ranked Spain, Portugal and Italy as the most popular destinations among clients seeking sun or beach holidays. Other sectors members said were performing well included sport and adventure holidays, honeymoon and couples holidays, city breaks, and sightseeing and cultural holidays.

Irish market favourites include Spain, the US and Portugal, which were all among respondents’ clients top destinations for the second quarter, with New Zealand and Thailand also proving popular now borders have reopened.

About 70% of ITAA members’ customers are returning clients, with this figure continuing to increase.