‘There are big bookings out there – for sure,’ says Holidaysplease chief

That was the message from Holidaysplease co-founder and director, Richard Dixon, who spoke to TTG at the homeworking agency’s 2022 conference in Daventry on Friday (18 October).

"We are seeing a realignment in the market," he said. "As far as cost of living is concerned, I think it’s where you sit in the market place. Mass market could be impacted first, and potentially city breaks. 

"But honeymoons, birthdays, milestones and multigenerational holidays are things people haven’t been able to do in recent years so they are still coming in in big numbers."

Dixon said the company’s average sales grew by 41% in September 2022 against 2019. "It’s just ridiculous," he added.

"Just this week we had a £53,000 booking to the Caribbean and a £65,000 booking out to Mauritius. There are big bookings out there for sure." 

Dixon urged agents to be proactive in securing new business. "There is an opportunity in the marketplace for people who go at it with a good attitude, full of energy, and looking to try new things," he continued.

"You can’t wait for the new customers, you have to be pushing hard to find them and make the business happen."