Travel agents throughout Ireland are reporting brisk business from people attempting to make late bookings for sunshine holidays abroad as poor weather continues to mar the Irish summer.
Simon Nugent, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents' Association, said his members had reported a 20-30 per cent increase in business.
Panorama and Airtours Holidays not only reported a 25 per cent overall increase in bookings for this time of year, over last year, but a 209 per cent increase in internet sales on last Monday morning compared with the equivalent day last year.
Managing director Niall McDonnell said the increase in business was weather-driven because it was so wet and miserable in Ireland.
"We know that travel agents, and indeed our own call centre, are inundated with calls, particularly on the last few Monday mornings, from people who are trying to book a last-minute getaway," he said.
"Our internet bookings have experienced a massive surge on the past three Sunday afternoons, presumably with people sitting down to see what is available in sunny climes."
He warned that the lack of availability would mean companies would not be able to offer discounts for late booking holidays for the rest of the peak season.
"We would strongly advise consumers to book while there is still availability so as to avoid disappointment," Mr McDonnell said. "At this stage in the season, it would be impossible to put on extra capacity."
A Met Éireann spokesman said yesterday there would be little change over the next four or five days. However, he warned that the weather was also very unsettled over much of northern Europe and those seeking sunshine on the Continent had better look at the weather charts.
"As of now you would have to go very far east in Europe or down to the south to get stable, dry, sunny weather," the spokesman said.
The bad weather has also created difficulties for the local tourist industry which will be hit by the numbers leaving the country to seek sunshine abroad.
Hoteliers are watching the trend with interest and sources in the sector say that good value should be available to the public soon. "It is a waiting game for us as late July and early August is peak holiday time at home," said one hotelier yesterday.
"Expect Irish hotels to be offering good value over the next week for peak slots as the cancellations come in."