Holiday World Show At King's Hall

TWENTY years on and the Holiday World Show that took place recently at the King’s Hall is still attracting a mass audience to avail of it’s weekend ‘one stop shop’ offering travel and tourism expertise and advice from right across the globe.

The Show featured hundreds of destinations and attracted some thirty thousand visitors over the weekend.
The public enjoyed plenty of choice of destinations for their next holiday as most went home loaded with information not only about Northern Irish breaks but also about a range of destinations around the world.  They got also got to check out the Caravan & Motorhome Show as well as the many special deals for the over 55s thanks to the Over 55s Holiday Show, which was a new addition to the three-in-one Holiday World package in 2012.

The mix of three shows under one roof has proved highly popular over the Show’s twenty year history, according to Holiday World owner and organiser, Edmund Hourican. He says, “People loved the idea of getting great value as well as a great day out and of course value is a key theme for the travel and tourism industry in today’s economic climate.
Pictured on the Spa Travel Europe stand at the 20th Holiday Show at the King’s Hall is John Doran from Millisle, with Holiday World organiser Maureen Ledwith.

Pictured on the Spa Travel Europe stand at the 20th Holiday Show at the King’s Hall is John Doran from Millisle, with Holiday World organiser Maureen Ledwith

“The sector has responded to the changing economic times with professionalism and imagination. As a walk around Holiday World demonstrated there are some superb bargains this year and some great offers, from early booking discounts to added value options. Shopping around has never been more important to holiday-makers and, of course, that’s where Holiday World comes into its own: offering people the chance to check out the competition, get expert advice and check what’s hot and what’s not, and even make a booking… all under one roof.”

Although there is a firm focus on value, that doesn’t necessarily mean that people now only opting only for cheap and cheerful, as Edmund Hourican explains. He says, “Travel agents here will tell you that a great many Northern Ireland people are still prepared to spend when it comes to holidays.  Top end holidays such as cruises and luxury long haul vacations continue to sell particularly well here, but even at the top end of the market there is a demand for value for money. Holiday makers want to be sure that they are buying a great holiday at a great price.

“A holiday is, of course, an important decision to research and get right, being the biggest single expenditure for most families in any one year. 

“When it comes to investing in holidays many people look to caravans and motorhomes where an initial investment can open the door to many years of holidays. That section of the show continues to prove enormously popular year on year and there was an enthusiastic response to the unveiling of new 2012 models by a number of exhibitors.”

Home holidays continue to trade with strength and many destinations in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and across Great Britain have been enhancing their attractions by profiling activities and relaxing themes. Edmund Hourican says, “We were delighted at Holiday World 2012 to see destinations across these islands present some great family and city breaks. Sports, spas and shopping were taking centre stage but it seems there are opportunities to pursue almost any hobby and interest while on vacation or to try something new.

“For us the something new in 2012 was the Over 55s Holiday Show, a great addition to our usual show format.  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.

“All in all, Holiday World provided a timely opportunity in the depths winter and the accompanying January Blues to end that feeling of cabin fever! Not only was it a fun day out, it also prompted planning for holidays ahead - the perfect escape!”