BOSSES at Barrhead Travel have reported they had a record-breaking Easter, with bookings being up almost 25 per cent higher than in 2019.

The travel agent says that it is the first Easter since pre-pandemic where bookings have returned to a normal level.

The travel firm’s top destinations for April were Orlando, Tenerife, Alicante, Dubai, Antalya, Lanzarote, Cruising from Southampton, Mallorca, Paris, and Gran Canaria.

Jacqueline Dobson, Barrhead Travel’s president, said: “Pre-pandemic we started to see an increase in demand for overseas Easter holidays but with 2023 being the first year of the world fully reopening, we’ve really seen a boom in bookings for this period.

“People are eager to get away to spend quality time with their families and to enjoy the first glimpse of early sunshine.

“We noticed a strong lates market this Easter season as families made spontaneous decisions to get away for the school holidays.

“The value-for-money on offer for all-inclusive resorts and cruise holidays made it really affordable for people to choose to book a last-minute getaway.

The travel agent said that families looked to maximise the long school break, with more than 75 per cent of trips last seven nights or longer.

They also say that all-inclusive was the top board basis as holidaymakers sought value for money.

Dobson continued to say: “Summer 2023 is shaping up to be very busy – it is still our number one selling season.

“Demand will only continue to rise over the next month and we would recommend booking sooner rather than later to secure their preferred dates and locations."