Aito said the results of its latest business confidence tracker survey, conducted in January, presented "an overwhelmingly positive" outlook for the specialist travel sector.

"The survey highlights a notable surge in business confidence," said Aito. "This optimism marks significant progress for the sector, underlining its considerable resilience and potential for growth."

Executive director Martyn Sumners said business confidence head record levels, with confidence levels hitting an index score – a more than 40% increase compared with the survey’s previous high of 42, recorded in 2022.

The average index score across all industries, as monitored by the Office for National Statistics’ business insights and conditions survey, is 17.

Almost four-in-five Aito members reported an increase in turnover during the final quarter of 2023, compared with the same period a year earlier, while 62% expect their turnover to increase in the next 12 months.

"We’re delighted to see such a positive outlook for Aito’s specialist tour operator and agent members, which reflects the busy start to the year," Sumners continued. "While challenges remain, it’s reassuring to see such strong recovery for specialist travel – evidence of the sustained hard work and adaptability of Aito members."

The survey is the fifth of its kind undertaken by Aito and its members, coordinated by Spike Insight. Spike director Roy Barker said Aito members’ expectations for the next 12 months were at an all-time high. "It shows how strong and resilient the businesses operating in the specialist travel sector are," he added.