Dublin Media Holiday World 2012

Dublin, January 2012 An online survey conducted to coincide with the Over 55's Holiday Show, part of The Holiday World Show Dublin 2012, taking place next weekend at the RDS in Dublin, has shown that over 40% of respondents intend to take two holidays this year, with over 26% intending to take three holidays. Home holidaying was the most popular choice, with over 53% of respondents saying that they plan on holidaying in Ireland this year. The survey was conducted solely among over 55 year olds to determine these demographics holidaying plans – over 55% of those who took part are retired. There were over 1,500 respondents to the online survey. The results of the survey hold some hope for those in the tourism industry, as it shows that 47% of people in this age bracket plan on taking a hotel-based holiday when they embark on their Irish holiday this year.

The most popular holidaying destinations for 2012, in order of preference, of those surveyed, are:

- Home Holiday, 53%

- Other European country, 45%

- Spain, 35%

The figures show that while the economic climate is continuing to prove challenging, and with budget cuts continuing to take hold, that people still view holidaying as a necessity. These figures will be borne out by attendance at next weekend’s Holiday World Show in Dublin, which is expected to top the previous highest figure of 50,000. The Show this year is focusing on value for money, and includes a new show, The Over 55’s Holiday Show. With this survey showing such a huge percentage of this demographic intending to holiday at home, Irish home holidaying providers may see their business increase after some difficult trading years. Self catering holidays also proved a popular option in the survey, with 27% saying that this would be their preferred holiday type.

The Holiday World Show will be offering huge discounts on holidays across the world, with one-off offers available being more affordable than even the best internet deals. Over 2,000 travel and tourism professionals will be on hand at the show to give one-to-one advice and guidance on the best holiday options for all budgets. This year sees new exhibitors from The Americas including Argentina and Florida. Tour America is exhibiting with their full brochure available. The Middle East will be represented for the first time by Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Syria. The format of the show gives visitors the opportunity to explore nine different “worlds” or pavilions under one roof – Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, The Americas, Home Holidays, Cruise Lines and Ferries, Adventure Travel, the Caravan and Motorhome Show and the NEW Over 55’s Holiday Show.

There will be a series of “Eoghan Corry Expert Travel Clinics” over the course of the three day show. Clinic topics include “Where to go in 2012,” “Home Holidays 2012” and “Over 55's: Travel more, pay less.”

Commenting on the availability of lower cost holidays, Pat Dawson, Chief Executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association said "The Irish holiday market is on a very sound footing. We in the ITAA see recession as an opportunity. Prices right now are cheaper than ever before." He continued, "the exhibitors at Holiday World Show 2012 reflect what is happening in the industry, and you will get extraordinarily good value at the show. There are some particularly sweet deals at The Over 55's Holiday Show particularly in the ever popular Spain and Portugal, and in the cruise holiday sector."

Taking place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin, The Holiday World Show will offer great deals, expert advice, ideas on new destinations, and of course, a fun family day out.

_______________________________________

Dublin, January 2012 Whether your dream holiday is the delights of Turkey, an African Safari, the excitement of South America, the luxury of Dubai, the fun of the Mediterranean or the warm welcome of a home holiday, The Holiday World Show Dublin 2012 at the RDS Simmonscourt from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th is the place to be. Get the inside track on where to go from travel professionals from all over the globe.

Never in recent times has personal advice on your holiday choice been more important, with value for money the top priority. The Holiday World Show Dublin 2012 will provide expert advice to those seeking a well earned escape from reality, with affordability being the keyword. The Holiday World Show Dublin is about deals, deals, deals with lots of great offers available to purchase on the spot. Your bank balance will reap the rewards of the savings on offer at Holiday World Show!

New this year is the Over 55’s Holiday Show joining The Holiday World Show and The Caravan and Motorhome Show, offering three great shows in one.

A World of Information

The format of the show gives visitors the opportunity to explore the globe under one roof – Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, The Americas, Home Holidays, Cruise Lines and Ferries alongside Adventure Travel.

Visitors to the Show will have the opportunity to talk face-to-face with many of the leading travel organisations and take advantage of some exclusive ‘Show Only’ offers. Exhibitors representing Africa and The Middle East include Abu Dhabi, Egypt and Tunisia. Asia and The Pacific are represented by China, Malaysia and Thailand amongst others. The colourful Caribbean offers Cuba, Dominican Republic and St Kitts & Nevis. There are plenty of exhibitors offering city breaks to sun holidays in Europe and the Mediterranean including Eastern Europe. The Americas offer a vast array of choice north and south from Alabama to Las Vegas, New Orleans and Mississippi to Georgia. They also include Brazil and Argentina. Cruise enthusiasts will not be disappointed with Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to name but a few. The four corners of Ireland are well represented in the Home Holidays section. Tour Operators on hand include Abbey Travel, American Holidays, John Cassidy Travel, Thomas Cook Ireland and Trailfinders – all offering a diverse range of holiday packages.

With 60 countries represented, some 1,000 travel and tourism professionals will be ready to give advice and detailed, expert information which is not available anywhere else in Ireland – all while providing an enjoyable day out for the whole family.
Instead of trawling through endless confusing websites online, the experts on hand at the show will be able to give face-to-face guidance and the information that visitors need to ensure a terrific holiday that’s best suited to them.

Over 55’s Holiday Show

New to The Holiday World Show 2012 is the Over 55’s Holiday Show. Exhibitors at this exciting new show will be offering specialised holidays, special senior rates on sun holidays particularly to Spain and Portugal, cruise bargains including speciality over 55’s cruises, trekking and walking activity holidays and city breaks. Specialists will be on hand including PABT, John Galligan Travel and Limerick Travel.

On Friday afternoon at The Holiday World Show Dublin there will be an attempt to break the world record for the World’s Longest Conga Line for over 55’s.

Expert Travel Clinics

Holiday World Show 2012 will host the free Eoghan Corry Expert Travel Clinics facilitated by renowned travel journalist Eoghan Corry, with leading industry experts giving talks and answering visitors questions on topics such as Cruises, GAP year travel, the Americas, the Far East, African holidays, Adventure Travel, Caribbean holidays and Honeymoons, and the US Deep South experience, as well as Home Holidays. These informative clinics proved massively popular last year with visitors to the Show.

Another reason to visit the Show

Many exhibitors will also be offering special “Show only” discount holiday deals, along with hundreds of opportunities to win fantastic holidays at the Show through free-to-enter competitions, which can be entered by visiting exhibition stands. Admission for children is free when accompanied by an adult. There will be numerous opportunities for visitors to enjoy some great entertainment from Dance Rite and Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann. Youngsters can enjoy the fun of Gymboree at set times over the weekend.

Martin Skelly, Vice President of the Irish Travel Agents Association said "The Irish holiday market is on a very sound footing. We in the ITAA see recession as an opportunity. Prices right now are cheaper than ever before but there is limited capacity. Our advice is take advantage of the offers available now and book early." He continued, "The exhibitors at Holiday World Show 2012 reflect what is happening in the industry, and you will get extraordinarily good value at the show. Holiday World Dublin is the essential event for the discerning holiday maker."

Edmund Hourican, Managing Director, Business Exhibitions Ltd., organisers of Holiday World Show Dublin 2012 said: “Our 2012 show will be a really colourful, fresh new holiday experience with a fantastic array of countries to explore, and with the addition of the new Over 55’s Holiday Show there are holidays to suit all tastes and needs. Our Eoghan Corry Expert Travel Clinics give more added value to the exhibition visitor than ever before. This year’s show is not a ‘look-in’ show but a buying show, with plenty of deals to be found.”

Caravan and Motorhome show

The Caravan and Motorhome show runs alongside the Holiday World Show and the Over 55’s Holiday Show. This is Ireland’s number one indoor and outdoor display of luxurious motor homes, caravan holiday homes, touring caravans, and accessories offering new options for caravanners and those who enjoy the great outdoors. All the major brands will be on display with luxury, style and versatility at every turn. Most exhibitors have special ‘Show Only’ discount deals available for visitors meaning unbeatable deals on 1,000’s of models, awnings, accessories and gadgets.

______________________________________________

Discover Everything You Need For Your Touring Adventure at the RDS from January 27th to January 29th


Dublin, January 2012 ‘Check in two hours prior to your flight’, ‘no more than 15kg of luggage allowed’, ‘ensure some necessary hand luggage items in case of lost baggage’, ‘your hotel to airport transfer takes one hour please do not be late for pick up’ - just a few of the problems that can arise with package holidays. The Caravan & Motorhome Show which will be held at the RDS Simmonscourt from Friday 27th January to Sunday 29th January offers holiday makers an alternative to the pressures of the package.

Caravanning is now a popular holiday choice for couples and families and groups as they are fun, affordable, and give you the freedom to discover new places. This year the demand for caravanning and touring holidays has risen dramatically as more people discover the great benefits, freedom, flexibility and adventure that they can bring.

A popular choice that doesn't break the bank, touring holidays are relaxing and much more economical than other holiday types, with lower accommodation, entertainment and food costs. . There are hotels and self catering apartments offered as part of package deals that would struggle to meet the standards and amenities of a mid budget caravan or motorhome. The exhibitors at this year’s show have ensured that there is something on offer for all tastes and budgets.

Distributors are also seeing a remarkable increase in the demand for Holiday Homes, also referred to in the industry as ‘statics’ as people strive to holiday in their very own ‘home from home’. A vast choice of striking exteriors and stylish interiors, there is something on offer to suit everyone. With high quality furnishings, contemporary fabrics, stylish fittings and an array of practical features Holiday Homes are fast becoming a popular choice for holiday makers in Ireland.

The Caravan & Motorhome Show is Ireland’s number one indoor and outdoor display of luxurious Motorhomes, caravan holiday homes, touring caravans, and accessories. All the major brands will be on display, and most exhibitors have special SHOW ONLY discount deals available for visitors meaning unbeatable deals on 1,000’s on models, accessories and gadgets.

The show will also highlight the availability of home comforts in many caravans and Motorhomes such as flat screen TVs, microwaves, large fridges and power showers meaning holiday makers don’t have to sacrifice certain luxuries if they opt to tour instead of confining themselves to one location for the duration of their holiday.

While the event will have major equipment and accessory displays it will also have the experts on hand to advise visitors on any aspect of caravanning, camping and outdoor life. This includes home and overseas sites, parks, travel, insurance and financial services, weather and route planning, in fact all sorts of practical help.

So for a great day out visit Ireland’s favourite ‘Caravan & Motorhome Show’ at the 2012 Holiday World Show, with a great selection of caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes, it is your last chance to see all the latest models; grab some accessories at bargain prices; and enjoy a great day out to kick-start your 2012 season.

_______________________________________________

Belfast Media Holiday World 2012

From Benidorm to Belfast…Actress Crissy Rock to open Holiday World Belfast

Actress and comedian Crissy Rock will ‘check in’ to the King’s Hall, Belfast at 1pm on Friday 20 January to perform the official opening ceremony of Holiday World Belfast - Northern Ireland’s biggest annual public showcase of travel, tourism and hospitality (20th – 22nd January.)

Crissy is sure to be a popular attraction, from her recent stint on the TV show I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, at the end of last year. Many will also know her from her role as Janey York in the popular TV series Benidorm.

The actress, who recently endured 19 days in the Australian jungle, will no doubt be looking for a bit of rest and relaxation herself…and she will be in good company with around 30,000 visitors expected over the show weekend.

Bargains Galore in Store at Belfast’s Holiday World

Despite gloomy economic predictions, for many, holiday expenditure remains sacrosanct. Even when the going gets tough, it seems the tough still plan holidays.

The annual family holiday, or even a well chosen short break, is arguably more important than ever before – a bright highlight in a budget-paring year – but, when it comes to choosing and paying for a vacation, value for money has rarely been more important. It can be hard to find ‘best value’, however, amongst the myriad of often confusing and conflicting offers on the High Street and on websites … which is perhaps why Holiday World Belfast has been such an enduring success.

The Belfast Show’s 20th Anniversary
Show owner and organiser Edmund Hourican says, “In 2012 we’ll be celebrating 20 years of Holiday World Belfast. While much has changed during that time, the event still provides would-be travellers with a hassle-free opportunity to find out about and compare destinations, airlines, travel agencies - and their prices.

“Today’s savvy travellers understand that ‘best value’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘cheapest’. Rather, they are looking to find the products and services that best match their requirements. While visitors to Holiday World Belfast are typically prepared to invest in holidays – often heavily - they do want reassurance that they are making the right choices and getting the best deal. The fact that Holiday World is packed with special offers and discounts is a welcome extra bonus!”

Traditionally the show opens the Province’s holiday booking season and tens of thousands flock to the King’s Hall to check out what has become the biggest event of its kind in Northern Ireland. As you might expect, favourite destinations at home and abroad abound but this is also a favourite launching pad for new options and, in 2012 there will be no shortage of those on offer while The Caravan & Motorhome Show invariably showcases some of the latest, sleekest models to hit this buoyant market.

NEW Over 55s holiday Show

This year the all new event-within-an-event Over 55s Holiday Show will add an important new focus to Holiday World Belfast, as organiser Maureen Ledwith explains. “The over 55s are leading the way cross all holiday sectors and are a hugely important and fast growing target market for many of our exhibitors. They are investing in all sorts of travel options, from once in a lifetime destinations to special cruising to city breaks. This grouping loves its annual Summer vacation and is generally very well travelled and experienced when it comes to making astute bookings. Often over 55’s will have grown to love a particular country or region and will travel there regularly, while they are also enjoying more home holidays. This is also a great market for caravans and mobile homes with a huge number of over 55’s happy to make an investment that will provide them and their extended families with a holiday base for years to come.

“Since so many travel companies and destinations are eager to capture this growing slice of the market, there are loads of special deals on offer to attract over 55’s and that extra value will be very much in evidence at Holiday World Belfast.

Value for money entertainment

All three shows are the price of one and ticket prices have been held at Adults £6, Senior Citizens £4 and Students £3. There’s also a Special Family Price ticket for two Adults & up to four children - £12

The show itself will be packed with extra value deals for everyone with special bonus offers for those who actually make their booking at Holiday World. Even if you’re uncertain about where, when or even if you want to travel this year the show offers great entertainment in itself. Relax and enjoy fantastic free entertainment including dancing classes centred on our new Coffee Dock … grab some free, yummy goodies from our new sampling stands or brush up your knowledge with the travel experts … there’s a world of temptation and a chance to dream. There are so many competitions you might even get lucky and win that dream holiday!

Pavilions for Cruises and USA

Holiday World 2011 saw the launch by Oasis Travel of the Cruise Pavilion which brought together some of the biggest names in cruising and provided an enormously popular series of Cruise lectures suited to both the experienced ‘cruiser’ and those completely new to this style of holiday. In 2012 it will be back bigger, better and still more exciting than ever before.

The ‘Pavilion’ theme indeed proved so popular with show-goers that, this time around, there will be a new USA Pavilion in the main exhibition hall, opening the door to some amazing holiday opportunities Stateside. Edmund Hourican says, “For many years Florida has been one of the most popular destinations for Northern Irish holiday-makers, and the Pavilion has some fabulous breaks there, but it also introduces some less familiar but equally family-friendly destinations. From city-breaks in New York to surfing in California to pilgrimages to the home of country music in Nashville, it seems that America really does have something for every taste and that’s all reflected at the USA Pavilion.”

The mega destinations for 2012 and beyond

Visitors to Holiday World Belfast will certainly be dazzled by newcomers to the event such as Emirates - the UAE is celebrated not only as a year-round sunshine destination but also for its outstanding levels of service, home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Exotic India is also an eye-catcher for those who like to travel a little further to experience a different culture, while Tunisia is fast becoming one of the Northern Irish travellers’ favourite destinations.

Maureen Ledwith says, “While new far flung destinations are becoming ever more popular, Europe retains its appeal for many show-goers with Spain, Malta, Tenerife and Cyprus all here in particular showing strength this year … but so too are destinations which are rather closer. From the Isle of Man to Scotland, England and Wales there are fantastic holidays to be had, particularly in the Olympics year and all within a very short travelling time …and the wealth of holiday opportunities rolling out across Ireland, North and South, is nothing short of amazing. You may feel you know already many of those destinations but each year there are fresh offers with new places, resorts and activities to explore and enjoy. Spain is a great example of that and visitors to the Spanish stand at Holiday World Belfast will be amazed at the variety that’s on offer in one of our all time favourite country destinations.

“There’s a whole big world to choose from and it feels that every corner will be represented at Holiday World 2012! A visit to the show should feel like stepping into the pages of a glossy travel brochure. so we know visitors will be inspired. The only problem is which to choose and that’s the one holiday dilemma we can’t answer for you!”