- The Irish Travel Agents Association advised consumers to book 2027 holidays now as rising fuel costs could push prices higher
- The advice was delivered at the ITAA Annual Conference in Costa Daurada, Spain
- ITAA President Tom Randles stated consumers should consider securing their 2027 holiday sooner rather than later
- IATA has reported significant increases in jet-fuel costs during 2026
- The ITAA Annual Conference 2026 is being held from 1 to 4 October
The Irish Travel Agents Association has advised consumers to book 2027 holidays now as rising fuel costs could push prices dramatically higher. The advice was delivered to members attending the Association’s Annual Conference in Costa Daurada, Spain, where travel agents and industry partners met to discuss the outlook for the Irish travel industry. ITAA President Tom Randles stated consumers who already know where and when they want to travel should consider securing their 2027 holiday sooner rather than later.
Fuel is a significant cost for the aviation industry, and considerable volatility in fuel prices is being seen. While nobody can say with certainty exactly how prices will move, the expectation is that higher fuel costs will increasingly feed through into the cost of operating flights and, ultimately, holidays. By booking now, consumers have an opportunity to lock in the price of their holiday at today’s levels rather than waiting and potentially facing higher prices later. It is particularly important for families travelling during school holidays, when demand for popular destinations and accommodation is already strong.
The warning comes against a backdrop of elevated aviation fuel costs. The International Air Transport Association has reported significant increases in jet-fuel costs during 2026 and highlighted the pressure that higher fuel prices are placing on airlines globally. IATA has also noted that European airlines are facing significant cost pressures as existing fuel hedges expire and higher costs work their way through airline operations.
Booking early is not simply about price, but also about securing the choice of flights, accommodation and dates that best suit individual travellers. Travel agents are seeing strong demand for many destinations, and the earlier consumers engage with their travel agent, the more options they are likely to have.
The ITAA stated that consumers should not necessarily wait for a traditional January booking period before making their plans. For those travelling at peak times or looking for specific resorts, hotels or flight schedules, early booking can be particularly important. The Association is also reminding consumers of the value of booking through a licensed and reputable travel agent, particularly when making a significant financial commitment to a holiday. The ITAA Annual Conference 2026 is being held in Costa Daurada, Spain, from 1 to 4 October and brings together travel professionals from across Ireland for industry discussions, supplier networking and destination experiences.
Tom Randles shared “Our message to consumers is simple: if you know you want to travel in 2027, now is a very good time to speak to your travel agent and look at securing your holiday.” He also stated “Fuel is a significant cost for the aviation industry, and we are seeing considerable volatility in fuel prices. While nobody can say with certainty exactly how prices will move, the expectation is that higher fuel costs will increasingly feed through into the cost of operating flights and, ultimately, holidays.”
