Coach operators’predictions
Anne Robinson, product manager, Cosmos Tourama
“The range of destinations featured by coach operators will increase and I think they will introduce more long-haul destinations, such as South America.
“I also think coaches will continue to become more luxurious and will probably have fewer seats in the future to give more legroom.”
Alberto Boeri, touringproduct director, Jetsave
“Coach technology keeps on getting better and there are bound to be some new innovations that will make coach travel even more comfortable. Innovations such as changes in the type of material used for seats and the way they recline will give people more comfort and space.”
John Slatcher, chiefexecutive, Shearings
“In the UK, there will be fewer longer-stay holidays and more short breaks, and in Europe, there will be more tours that combine air and coach travel because the market has been educated to use flights more.”
John Gilbert, deputymanaging director, Eurolines
“Just as competition from low-cost airlines forced coach fares down, they will rise again. Although the low-cost airlines are here to stay, they will have to start charging more as fuel, airport fees and other costs are going up. Essentially, a rise in air fares will mean a rise in coach fares. There will still be plenty of competition, and people will have lots of choice about how they want to travel.”
John Boulding, managing director, Insight Vacations
“The British market is leading a worldwide trend away from panoramic tours of Europe towards those that concentrate on just one region. People don’t want to rush around, cramming in as many cities as possible, any more and coach programmes are changing dramatically to take this into consideration.”