Forget spiralling house prices, unprecedented job growth and other key economic indicators. The number of people taking a winter holiday is on the up - conclusive proof that the economy is booming.
More than 70,000 people are expected to head for the beache or the slopes this winter, an increase of about 10,000 on last year.
The season, which the tourism industry meausres from November to April, is worth an estimated £34 million a year to operators and travel agents. Roughly, two-thirds of travellers opt for a sun spots the other third choosing a skiing holiday.
However, the boom has its downside, felt largely by the customers. Demand for early-booking offers has increased dramatically, leading to frantic selling in the opening hours of trading on the latest package tours. With charter flights filling up well before departure, last-minute bargains have become thin on the ground.
Independent travel consultant, Mr Paul Hackett, admits: "The general public is paying proportionately more for their holidays. That doesn't mean the price is going up. It means they are simply paying the brochure price."
As in the summer market, the winter sun market is dominated by two tour operators: Budget/Thomson and Falcon/JWT. Both released their winter brochures over four months ago and have experienced heavy bookings for peak dates, including the weeks around Christmas and New Year.
"We could have sold 10,000 tickets for the Christmas period if we had enough seats," says Ms Gillian Bowler, managing director of Budget Travel.
The winter ski market is more competitive with the business spread relatively evenly between at least half a dozen operators. This year, Falcon brought out a limited ski brochure in response to the growth of the sector.
Panorama says this has been its best winter. Of 10,000 ski places, 85 per cent have been sold already. Of 10,000 winter sun breaks, about 60 per cent have been sold.
Ms Katie Condon, of Panorama marketing said: "With the economy doing so well, we are finding people are now taking two holidays if not three each year.
"Booking patterns are very different to the summer sun holidays where people plan very early and are looking for family and group bargains. Generally, winter bookings are two adults who decide at the last minute to go somewhere, and who have a lot of disposable income."
More Remote and relaxing destinations are offered by smaller operators, such as Sunway Travel which runs breaks to Morocco, and Panorama which offers holidays in Tunisia. Prices per person for a week at either resort begin at £320.
Prices for winter holidays, both sun and ski, tend to peak over Christmas and fall as the season goes offers holidays in Tunisia. Prices per person for a week at either resort begin at £320.
While there is little variation in price among tour operators in the winter sun market, shopping around in the ski market can produce savings.
Prices range from £289 per person for a week in Bulgaria with Balkan tours to £1,001 per adult, and £651 per child, for a seven-night stay with Club Med at Sahoro in Japan.
Things to look out for in the market are supplement charges for boot hire, lift passes and skiing lessons, which can add up to £150 to the marked price of the trip. Holiday-makers should also see if discounts are available for groups or children, or on beginners' weeks.
But if all that sounds a bit too pricey, there are plenty of winter breaks available at home. Ryan Hotels, among others, has special offers over Christmas. Three nights, three breakfasts and three dinners at the Royal Marine, Gresham, Galway or Limerick Ryan hotel costs £99 per person sharing.
Many hotels offer Christmas and New Year programmes, including black-tie masked balls, carol singing and even pantomime.
