Sunshine.co.uk has seen a 67% rise in bookings over the past few weeks, while On the Beach said 42% of bookings via its onthebeach.co.uk site in December were for summer 2010.
A survey by Sunshine.co.uk found that 83% of the 1,226 respondents felt they were in a better financial position than this time last year, with two in three saying escaping the cold was a top reason for booking a holiday.
Traditional winter sun destinations, such as the Canary Islands and Egypt, are currently selling well, according to the agent.
Chris Brown, co-founder of sunshine.co.uk, said: ‘It is extremely encouraging to see this current rise in holiday bookings, not just for us as a travel agent, but for the thousands of people that have wanted to get away for a while, but who have been restricted by their finances.
‘The recession affected us all in some way, but it’s good to see things are now looking up in the economy.
‘The desire to get away for a week or two to somewhere sunny has definitely been heightened by the snow that the UK is experiencing and the January blues that many suffer from after Christmas.’
On the Beach said 28 December was its busiest day of the Christmas period, with a 35% year-on-year increase in bookings.
The agent also reported that, while holidaymakers still intend to travel during this year’s FIFA World Cup, many are not doing so on the dates of England’s group matches.
Flight bookings for England’s group match days of 12, 18 and 23 July are down by 40% year-on-year.
Alistair Daly, marketing director at On the Beach, said: ‘The festive season has been very busy.
‘Our bookings suggest that 2010 will be a better year for Spanish destinations and while most of us will not be travelling to South Africa to follow England during the World Cup, it’s clear that many Brits will be cheering on the Three Lions from the comfort of a beach bar in the sun.’
Related articles from e-tid.com:
Britons seek sunshine in 2010 (04/01/2010)
Travel trends in 2010: TV, troubles and taxes (22/12/2009)
VisitEngland reports rising 2010 domestic bookings (06/11/2009)
Long ‘open minded’ about summer 2010 (09/10/2009)
And see also:
World Cup draw to kick off booking bonanza (04/12/2009)
‘Ultimate’ World Cup package launched (12/10/2009)
Thomas Cook World Cup packages go on sale (07/09/2009)