Belfast-based operator travel solutions says travel agency sales of its air and coach packages have increased by 22 per cent over the last year and now represent more than a quarter of its overall business. While online booking has been a growing trend, the company's managing director Peter McMinn claims more people are now choosing to book their holidays and short breaks through travel agents and tour operators. "This 22 per cent increase in travel agent sales is great news for the travel industry as a whole locally and shows that agents offer a unique service which can be difficult to find anywhere else," he said. "Travel agents provide a personal service and point of contact that offers holiday makers flexibility and convenience as well as a wealth of knowledge and independent advice that they can really trust," he said. "Many customers find booking a 'do it yourself' holiday online time consuming and often stressful and some found themselves stranded or out of pocket for a variety of reasons. "But by booking a package with an ATOL-protected tour operator holidaymakers receive full financial protection and ensure their money is safe and secure against all eventualities."