UK travel agencies are failing to cash in on the domestic travel market, new research has revealed.
Over 1,000 consumers surveyed in the study, which found that only 12 per cent of the 25 million adults who took a holiday in Britain last year booked with an agency .
Six out of 10 travellers booked directly with the accommodation provider and 8 per cent with a tour operator, while one in five, of those without web access, booked with a travel agent .
The survey also found that 25 per cent of the respondents suggested agents should promote UK holidays in their shop windows, while 23 per cent added it would help if there were agents who specialised in deals on domestic breaks .
Tom Costley, travel and tourism chief at TNS Travel and Tourism, which carried out the research, commented: "These findings hint that even if agents promoted UK holidays, the short-term impact would probably be limited."
"Unless agents can produce some tangible benefit of booking with them, their peripheral role in the domestic holiday market is likely to continue."
Short-break operator Superbreak says it has witnessed an increase in business through agents this year, with sales in September recording a 14 per cent rise on the same period last year.
"We said over the last few years that around 10 per cent of UK short breaks are booked through an agent," said sales director Ian Mounser.
Mounser agreed with the survey that agents should promote the fact they offer short breaks in their window, adding: "Some people may think it is cheaper to book direct. But we offer the same price to agents as we do the public."
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Travel Agents Fail To Cash In On Selling Domestic Breaks Fri, 09 Nov 2007      Recommended linksTravel Portal - book holidays, hotels, city breaks and more onlineDomestic Breaks - search for cheap deals on local holidays Children Abroad - tips and advice on taking your child abroad Holiday Insurance Quote - apply for cover online Local Holiday Destinations Set To Significantly Increase In Popularity Britons Avoid Local Holidays Due To Large Costs |
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