| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 05/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
Discounts of 15% apply from now until October 31
Discounts of 15% apply from now until October 31
Operator’s move feared to destabilise the market
Airtours slashes peak season holidays
Report by STEVEJONES and LOISJONES
AIRTOURS is discounting peak season summer 2000 holidays in a move which is feared could destabilise the market.The operator is offering 15% off brochured holidays across all Airtours and Aspro programmes from now until October 31.
Panorama is also offering the deal on departures between July 20 and the end of the season.
Industry sources, however, said operators are worried the move could undermine the whole market.
“It’s looking pretty tough anyway and Airtours discounting of peak departures will not help,” said one source. “It is in danger of dragging the market down. It gives customers the wrong impression that they can hang on and treat holidays like a commodity.”
It is believed Airtours is keen to shift product now rather than risk slashing prices at the last minute. The discount offer does not apply on late deals. Airtours declined to comment on the move.
Urbanweb managing director Steve Endacott said prices for July and August were still holding steady.
“The question is whether the industry can hold its nerve and get the price up for peak season sales,” he said.
“Prices for this month are slightly lower than last year as people are choosing to stay in the UK to watch Euro 2000,” he added.
Cosmos sales and marketing director Paul Riches said it was selling July and August at brochure rates. “Once the football is over, demand to go away on holiday should pick up,” he added.
Thomas Cook commercial director Mike Beaumont said prices were still staying firm for July and August. “We’re happy with late demand – summer lates are going very well,” he added.
Unofficial figures show summer 2000 down 4% with Thomson down 9%, JMC down 16% and First Choice down 3%. Airtours is showing 12% growth, Cosmos is up 24% and Unijet up 2%.
Unijet sales director Alan Hopley said: “Sales are up on last year and very late – later than they’ve ever been.”
Thomson and First Choice declined to comment due to being in closed period.
n See Comment, page 8
Euro 2000: blamed for slow sales as customers stay in the UK to watch footballing superstars, such as Michael Owen