LEADING tour operator Falcon Holidays has revealed that it has experienced a 100% increase in online bookings during the past year.

More than 20% of all Falcon bookings are now made online and the company suggests that these figures reflect the trend that more people in Northern Ireland have access to the internet and are using it more often.

Falcon has experienced strong online sales since the turn of the New Year and has recorded that some holidaymakers were actually booking their holiday to the sun on Christmas and New Year's Day!

Falcon Holidays NI Director Christine Donnelly said;"We are pleased to announce that our holiday online sales have doubled in the last year, as this highlights the continued success of our internet service," said Christine."In Northern Ireland we have 100% broadband coverage so more people here have access to the web and are using it more often. It is not surprising therefore that more holidaymakers are now booking their holiday online.

"With our Falcon and JWT Holidays websites, booking is easier than ever and this element of our business is constantly expanding as customers take advantage of the flexibility and convenience offered by the internet," she added.

"We are finding that the majority of online booking happens in the middle of the day when people are on their lunch break or in the evening when they return home from work. In fact, 50% of all our bookings occur after 6pm when customers can go onto the internet from the comfort of their own home."

Over the past year the company has also noticed that a growing number of families are now using the internet to book their holidays.

"The internet has now also become a key medium in every family home for both study and leisure. Over the past year we have noticed that a growing number of families are now using the web to book their holiday as they can use the internet on the family PC," said Christine.

"Our website is interactive, simple and easily to use. It also features exclusive deals and a range of offers that are also available through travel agents, which is good news for parents who want value for money," she added.

Falcon Holidays has also noted a return to the package holiday by those that have in recent years tried the 'self-assembly' option.

"Holidays can actually be a stressful time, especially for families, and the package holiday does take a lot of the hassle out of organising a summer break," explained Christine.

"The benefits to families who book with Falcon include special first child prices and a wide range entertainment for the kids including lawn tennis coaching, professional soccer coaching, swimming lessons and Stage Coach Theatre school classes. These added extras give that something special to a family holiday, which perhaps customers would not get when they use the self-assembly method," she added.Looking towards summer 2006, Spain and the Balearics (Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca) remain the most popular choice with almost 40% of Ulster sun seekers choosing to holiday there.

Destinations east of the Mediterranean are becoming increasingly popular, accounting for 28% of holidays booked, as Christine Donnelly explained.

"Over the last two years, holiday destinations such as Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Bulgaria have risen considerably from 19% in 2003 to 28% in 2005, with Bulgaria contributing to 60% of this growth!" said Christine.

"Often called the 'Jewel of the Balkans', Bulgaria has been a huge hit with customers in Northern Ireland and is renowned for being great value for money. Northern Ireland holidaymakers can choose from a wide range of accommodation in a country of beautiful unspoilt scenery and miles of sandy beaches.

The past two years have also seen an upturn in the number of customers who opt to visit Italy."Since the introduction of package holidays to Sorrento in 2003, Italy has grown in popularity and is continuing to strengthening in its appeal claiming 3% of the overall market," concluded Christine.