Consumer confidence is critical to the health of the economy and 90% of specialist tour operators report that they are more positive or that the status quo has been maintained. In a clear sign that travellers are more positive in their plans for the year ahead, the survey showed that 67% of respondents were experiencing an increase in bookings with a further 15% reporting similar levels to last year. The next quarter is expected to follow this trend, with 90% confident that bookings will be up or at the same level as last year.

Exactly 80% of tour operators reported that passenger spending was the same or greater than last year, and that travellers are less price-sensitive than before. The survey also reveals that consumers still consider the destination to be the most influential factor when buying a holiday – but the importance of customer service has now jumped ahead of price, suggesting that cheap deals are not the be-all and end-all in holiday plans. It appears that securing the correct holiday is far more important than a cut-price deal.

Derek Moore, AITO Chairman, comments: “2009 was a challenging year for travel companies and while Britain’s exit from the recession is slow, we know that people are less willing to forego holidays these days. It’s encouraging to see just how positive consumer plans are for travel in 2010; tour operator bookings show that the desire to take holidays in 2010 is stronger than ever.”

In a further encouraging development for the health of the travel industry, companies now report an increase in staff training, marketing and research to prepare for better times ahead, with some operators actually recruiting more staff.

Big Galapagos savings! Visiting the Galapagos is notoriously expensive, so this is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of savings up to £420 on tours sailing to the islands on the Monserrat Yacht. These savings are available on departures from the UK on Tuesdays, compared with equivalent Wednesday departures.

There are also savings on trips to Abu Simbel, along with Peru, and the Explore Greek Caique Cruise. For more information, visit the website here.

Kruger Short Stays – 30% off!

Book one of three 4 day trips around world-renowned Kruger National Park before Oct 31 for 2009 departures and receive 30 per cent off brochured prices.
Quote promo code: 3224

Southern Explorer/Southern Magic -20% off!

Explore the magic of Southern Africa by taking in Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Khama Rhino Sanctuary! Book your place on one of these 13/14 day trips before Oct 31 for 2009 departures and get 20 per cent off the standard trip price.
and quote promo code: 3223

Classic routes run across Africa and South America, ranging from anything from 5 days, to a 36-week circumnavigation of each continent! However, the range of routes is constantly expanding, with newer routes travelling through the Middle East, or Central Asia, along the Silk Route. Specialist companies, such as UK to Oz Overlanding and Odyssey Overland, even offer London to Australia overland trips, crossing Europe, Central and South-East Asia.

A few of the big players are offering some incredible deals on trips at the moment . Now might be the time to take that trip of a lifetime – if you can pick between these great offers, that is!

Absolute Africa is offering 20% off safaris booked by 31 Aug 09 for select trips departing October to December. (Including, ‘The Absolute Safari’, ‘Wildlife Journey’, ‘Rivers of Africa’, ‘Gorillas and Gameparks’ and ‘African Drums’.) Quote ASP20 when booking.
They also have a 2 for 1 offer on ‘The Big Six’, ‘Tusker Trails’ and the ‘Gorilla Trek’ trips for departures October to November. Book now quoting A241.

Dragoman has a range of late deals and specials for trips to South America and Asia departing soon, including:
25% off Andes and Argentinian gauchos – ZZS79
10% off Machu Picchu, Inca Trails and Lake Titicaca – SCZ139
20% off India Adventure – FIN19

Oasis has some great deals on some of their shorter trips to Egypt and the Middle East:
Egypt Encompassed (10 Days) Cairo to Cairo, taking in Luxor and Aswan, has been slashed from £345 to just £295.
You could save yourself £100 on the 18 day Ottoman Odyssey from Damascus to Istanbul -  was £375 now £275.

Whilst Tucan similarly has late deals going, they also run a number of year-round special discounts.
Any of the following conditions will get you 5% off a trip: early booking, booking 2+ trips, repeat clients, booking with 2 mates, students/under 26s, over 55s.
And you can combine up to 3 of these discounts together to get 15% off your trip!