The downturn of the economy has not affected the travel industry, recent figures from an insurance provider have revealed.

According to a travel insurance firm in Greece, travel insurance sales had increased by 37 per cent over a five week period.

Antony Martin of the insurer said: “It seems that despite the credit crunch people are still enjoying luxuries including holidays and not just in the UK but to Europe and beyond.”

The firm also found that holidaymakers are planning to go on more than one holiday in 2009.

Martin said: “These figures are positive for the travel industry at a time when everyone is worried about further collapses of airlines and tour operators. January is always a peak time for us as people plan holidays and obviously it’s boosted by ski cover so we will be watching the coming months very closely.

He added that “Ski insurance has seen the biggest growth.”

In other news, according to recent research by insurance provider, Saga Insurance, holidaymakers travelling during the winter months take an average of £643 worth of items, £238 more than the value for what would be taken for a summer holiday.

The study also found that only one in ten holidaymakers keep their receipts in the case of making a claim.

Saga Insurance has advised holidaymakers to ensure they protect their suitcase whist travelling and keep any receipts of items they take with them, such as golf clubs or skis.