Irish bookings for overseas summer holidays through First Choice companies Falcon and JWT are currently running 5 per cent ahead of last year. More substantial, though, are forward bookings for holidays next winter. Current bookings for winter 2001 holidays are up as much as 45 per cent on this time last year.

Figures on Irish holiday bookings accompany interim financial figures from First Choice detailing 45 per cent growth in turnover to £899 million sterling in the six months to April 30th.