NTL Business (Travel Division) has announced an eight per cent increase in agency viewdata traffic for the first week of April 2003, compared to the first week of March.

This increase mirrors operators` reports of recent booking increases, and suggests that the travel industry is about to experience an upturn in bookings.

Jill Cox, Head of Marketing, NTL Business (Travel Division) said: “Our statistics are in-line with season trends, and reflect the typical consumer holiday purchasing habits for this time of year. This demonstrates the resilience of the market and indicates that consumers are responding to the low cost deals and flexible booking options offered by operators.”

She added: “Conversations with tour operator customers show that since the industry downturn, holidaymakers have been looking at more traditional destinations such as Spain and the UK. However, the signs are still that many holidaymakers are waiting for an improved world climate before committing to book.”

Related stories on ITN:

(08/04/2003) NTL Business and Dolphin Dynamics Deliver Search Solution
(10/03/2003) NTL Launches Payment Solution for Travel Centres
(11/02/2003) Internet to Become Dominant Reservations Channel Say Agents in NTL Business
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