TRAVEL: Honeymoon bookings are on the rise, airline reports

EMIRATES has reported a significant increase in honeymoon bookings from Ireland.

The airline says its honeymoon business is up approximately 34 per cent for the first seven months of 2016, compared to the same period last year.

“According to the Central Statistics Office, the number of couples getting married in Ireland has stayed static at around 22,0002, so the increase in bookings is unlikely to be related to more couples tying the knot,” said Enda Corneille, country manager for Emirates in Ireland.

“Our sense is that consumer confidence is returning to the Irish market and it’s easier now than ever before to get to amazing honeymoon destinations such as Dubai, Mauritius and the Seychelles. 

“Emirates flies twice daily from Dublin to Dubai and from there, honeymooners can connect directly to idyllic locations across Asia, India, Australasia or Africa.

“The honeymoon is seen as the perfect opportunity to take that holiday of a lifetime and couples want to make the most of their time away as well as their budget.

“The current trend for newly-weds flying with Emirates from Ireland is to take in two holiday destinations, usually involving a stop over in Dubai on the return journey, where the lure of year-round sunshine has huge appeal.”

The top four most popular destinations for Emirates’ honeymooners from Ireland this year are Mauritius, Bali, Thailand and the Seychelles.

“Bookings are up significantly across these destinations in particular and there is great value to be had with return flights to Dubai starting from €472 and Thailand from €653,” added Corneille.

Ten per cent of Emirates’ honeymoon customers from Ireland opt to travel in Business Class to enjoy extra on-board comforts and service including gourmet cuisine, complimentary champagne and a selection of fine wines, lie-flat seats, an airport chauffeur collection service and a generous baggage allowance of 40kg. 

August is the most popular month for marriages, with January the least popular.