BOSTON -- Insight Vacations, formerly Insight International Tours,
reported that advance first-quarter bookings are up 40% compared
with the same period last year.
"The early booking picture indicates a tremendous surge in
winter and shoulder season business," said Nigel Osborne, Insight
Vacations president. "Ireland, Spain and Italy are having stellar
performances, with an rise of over 50% alone in Spain and Italy,"
he said.
"Between the many Holy Year festivities, the Oberammergau
Passion Play and a continuation of a robust economy, summer travel
to Europe and the eastern Mediterranean is expected to be a
sellout," Osborne said. He added that travel agents should urge
clients to book as early as possible.
Egypt and Israel are showing strength, but Turkey booking are
down slightly, probably due to concerns over last summer's
earthquakes, Osborne said.