JUST THE TICKET: Peter Mc Minn, Managing Director of Travel Solutions, Northern Ireland’s leading independent tour operator and Doreen McKenzie, proprietor of Knock Travel and ABTA NI  representative celebrate the latest figures from Travel Solutions which show a 21 per cent increase in sales

NORTHERN Ireland’s leading independent specialist tour operator Travel Solutions has announced a significant 21per cent increase in travel agents sales from January to June of this year.

The Belfast-based operator revealed that travel agent sales of its wide range of air and coach packages have increased significantly, by 21 per cent year on year* with Jersey being one of the most popular destinations.

These positive figures come after Travel Solutions recent announcement of the expansion of its business with the launch of a new Balkan Ski division meaning they are the only tour operator in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland to offer winter ski holidays to Bulgaria.

Since launching in May, the ski programme has already sold up to 60% of its capacity, highlighting the growing interest and demand for winter ski holidays in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Travel Solutions Managing Director Peter McMinn explains why he thinks there has been significant year on year business growth.

“We are delighted to announce a 21 per cent increase in travel agent sales which is great news for the local travel industry as a whole and shows that travel agents offer a unique service that can be difficult to find anywhere else.

“Travel agents provide a personal service and point of contact that offers holidaymakers flexibility and convenience as well as a wealth of knowledge and independent advice that they can really trust” said Mr McMinn.

“With the recent launch of our ski division, we can offer customers even more choice and variety with holidays available to resorts such as Pamporovo, Borovets and Bansko.

“Our latest figures show that people are returning to their local travel agent or booking their holidays with a tried and trusted tour operator whose knowledge and expertise can take the stress out of booking a holiday and assure customers that they will get exactly the kind of holiday they want,” concluded Peter.

Doreen McKenzie, Northern Ireland ABTA** spokesperson and proprietor of Knock Travel in Belfast and Bangor, welcomed the announcement.

“This is very positive news for travel agents in Northern Ireland who have continued to provide a truly top class service to Northern Ireland holidaymakers in very trying economic conditions,” said Ms McKenzie.

“As one of Northern Ireland’s few indigenous tour operators, Travel Solutions is a perfect example of the quality that local companies with local people can offer. Shopping local and supporting local will bring a benefit to all and we’re delighted to play our part in Travel Solutions’ expansion and success,” added Doreen.

Belfast-based Travel Solutions, established in 1996, carries around 30,000 customers per year. Working with well established, professional transport and accommodation suppliers, the award winning tour operator offers a wide range of air and coach holidays and short breaks to an ever growing portfolio of destinations and events throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

For more information on the company’s entire holiday range or to make a booking, holidaymakers should call Travel Solutions on 028 9045 5030, click on www.travel-solutions.co.uk or visit their local travel agent.