HOLIDAYMAKERS are ignoring the terrorist threat and the war in Afghanistan and continuing to book their place in the sun with a foreign holiday.

Some early predictions suggested that bookings could plummet with people too afraid to fly. But Bolton travellers have not been deterred from making holidays plans abroad despite the terrorist attacks in America.

Although the number of people booking holidays to the United States dropped dramatically immediately after the atrocities on September 11, travel agents in Bolton remain busy with more customers opting for Mediterranean cruises, European city breaks and UK holidays.

Andrew Dickson managing director of Bolton's largest travel group, St Andrew's Travel, , said travel agents in the town might not seem as busy, but business had not been badly hit.

He explained: "At this time of year travel agents are traditionally quiet with a low season in October, November and December.

"January is the peak booking period.

"All the bookings for half-term would have been taken ages ago, but there is some late availability for places like the Canaries.

"There have been no cancellations and our Cruise Club is busier than ever, so perhaps people are booking Mediterranean cruises because there is no flying involved.

"Travel agents in Bolton might not appear as busy because browsers are not coming in, but the customers that are coming in are not worried and are booking."

Mr Dickson also predicted that while many customers would avoid potential terrorist danger spots such as Dubai and Egypt, Spanish and Portguese resorts were likely to be more popular than ever next year.

Peter Mackie, who is general manager of operations for Althams Travel, said: "Of course there was an adverse reaction on continental bookings after September 11, but business seems to have picked up over the past week.

"Some people have cancelled their holidays.

"But there are still people booking, but not the same level as this time last year, however we are not worried while business is still coming in.

"We are aiming to promote European holidays more and packages such as city breaks.

"Staff have been briefed to promote UK holidays to customers and over the coming weeks we will be negotiating with more UK and European operators.

"Althams shops will not be closing and there won't be any real problems unless the war goes on for years and years."