TRAVEL is so hot that even though it is barely mid-September, most of the December travel packages have been snapped up.

Travel agents told The Straits Times that prime travel dates for December have been booked solid and enquiries are already pouring in for next year's travel.

Some like CTC Holidays are accepting bookings as far ahead as for next June at the Natas travel fair which opened on Friday.

The biannual fair by the National Association of Travel Agents has outdone itself again. It is the biggest ever in its 21-year history, with over 160 exhibitors taking up 885 booths.

Natas chief executive officer Robert Khoo said: "The economy is booming, so have Singaporeans' appetite for travel."

Before the fair opened its doors to the public at noon on Friday, a considerable crowd had already gathered outside.

Travel agents like Dynasty Travel, Universal Travel and SA Tours said they have asked for 10 to 50 per cent more airline seats to meet demand.

SA Tours' manager of marketing and product Jenny Sim said the peak December dates travel were all sold out. They only have limited seats for early and late December left. This, she said, is a "happy problem" for travel agents.

To cope with the demand, agents have all increased the number of advance packages available for purchase at the travel fair. Dynasty Travel said it has lined up more packages for the Chinese New Year and March holidays already.

This trend of booking way in advance is a new one, noted Natas' Mr Khoo.

He said: "In the past, Singaporeans used to book at the last minute for their holidays. But this year, we are seeing people booking in advance, which is a good thing as it will allow travel agents to ensure well in advance adequate facilities for travel."

Natas Holidays 2007

Dates: Fri to Sun
Venue: Singapore Expo, Halls 4B and 5
Admission: $3 for adults, free admission for children below 12

_________________________________

More stories:

Holiday travel at all-time high
Fuelled by a buoyant economy and attractive travel deals, more S'poreans are vacationing abroad.

I'm dreaming of...
Karon Ng gives a glimpse of the interesting trips and special bargains at Natas Holidays 2007

Plan a perfect vacation
Whether you want to splurge or scrimp, doing your homework helps you to have a memorable holiday