Travel agents say Spain will be the most popular destination for Irish holiday makers again this summer.

The Irish Travel Agents Association says more than 1.28 million people travel from Ireland to Spain every year.

The Holiday World Show is opening the RDS in Dublin this afternoon. Organisers say 50,000 people are expected to visit the event this weekend.

As well as holidays to destinations around the World, there will be a host of Irish exhibitors with home holidays on offer.

For the over 55's, there will be travel offers specifically tailored to the more seasoned traveller - with over 55's discounts and exclusive packages - as well as the Caravan and Motorhome Show 2014.

While another yearly highlight is the USA pavilion, with exhibitor stands from around the States, which will be formally opened by the new US ambassador to Ireland, Kevin O'Malley.

And the Holiday World Show is also welcoming first-time exhibitor Ethiopia Airlines, following an agreement signed in November which cleared the way for the first scheduled flights to take place between Ireland and the African continent.

CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association, Pat Dawson, says he expects the popularity of Spanish holidays to grow this year.