“Some people have expressed surprise to me that the decline in number of trips during the period was not greater given the recession we are all experiencing.  However, travel agents throughout the country report that consumers are determined to hang on to their summer break and that they recognise that there is excellent value available at present.” 

Mr Nugent pointed out that the fact that Easter fell in March in 2008 artificially boosted Q1 numbers slightly that year thus overstating the trend.  “If we add in the April numbers for both years, we can see the real like for like drop in travellers is closer to 10% than 13%”

Ends