Barrhead Travel has reported bookings for the first week of January up 20% on last year, with Sunshine Saturday its highest-ever day of sales.

President Jacqueline Dobson said: “We’re only one week into January but it is clear that people have got one thing on their mind this year – booking holidays.

“Since we returned on 2 January, phones have been ringing non-stop and footfall in-store has been high.

“I’m delighted to report that our first week has also seen a new record-breaking sales day with Sunshine Saturday outperforming all our record days last year.

“I always think the start of the year sets the tone for what to expect over the coming 12 months. Despite ongoing consumer spending pressures, it is apparent that holidays will remain a priority for most.

“People are planning well ahead and taking advantage of the January sales as well as low deposit and pay-monthly options.”

Summer 2024 and cruises have accounted for most bookings, with Tenerife, Majorca, Turkey, Canada, Dubai, Barbados and cruises out of Southampton and Miami the most popular.

See also: How was your Sunshine Saturday? Travel Gossip poll reveals all

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