Yes, KML, there are only a couple of "taster" brochures for next year with just a few holidays. The tour operators feel that few people will book now for next year. This belief is based on the last twelve months when most people booked only a few months -or weeks beforehand. Also, it's based on the fact that very few people are presently asking for next year - if they were asking the agents then we'd be on to the tour ops rightaway.
Ten years ago I'd book 30% of the Summer holidays a year in advance, three years ago it was 20%. Last year 10%. And,now, almost nobody is asking for next Summer.
This uncertainty is not only affecting tour operators and agents -it's harming airlines, hotels and even private property owners whether they sell through the internet or agents.
This will mean desperation on behalf of all the above and many customers will get great deals. But it will also mean closure of companies, airlines, hotels etc and a curtailment of many routes/destinations.
Its the same for the auto business and many others. Its the uncertainty that is closing us as much as lack of business. If we knew there'd be business in a few months many of us would stay open during the Winter. But paying rent, staff etc and sinking into debt month after month is too risky; not only for travel agents but for so many in the holiday business.
And, yes, most travel will be booked purely done thru the internet in a year or so. In the whole of Counties Dublin, Wicklow,Kildare and Meath there are now a grand total of 45 retail travel agents -down from about a 120 five years ago.