They survived the online revolution, but will Ireland's travel agents survive the Covid-19 pandemic? 15% of the population currently book their foreign holidays or business trips with the 224 travel agents across the country.
However, since air travel ground to a halt in March, agents have been refunding money instead of making new bookings. With no revenue coming in at what should be their busiest time of year, those in the travel trade will be hoping the Government travel advisory will be lifted soon.
Already three travel agents have closed down since March. According to Pat Dawson, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association, if the Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment stopped tomorrow, 80% of travel agents would be