| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 07/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
The first in a series of regular updates on the market sees operators in optimistic mood as the season enters thecrucial peak period. But summer 2001 is still causingconcern for the industry as sales remain sluggish.
STRONG demand and rising prices are continuing to fuel optimism that this summer is poised to become a decent season.Latest figures put the market on a par with last year, with operators reporting higher late- season prices than last year.
Unofficial industry figures show Thomson down 7% year on year, Airtours up 14%, First Choice level, JMC down 8%, Cosmos up 24% and Unijet up 4%.
JMC sales and operations director Denis Wormwell said: “Customers were resisting the prices a few weeks ago but now feel they can no longer hold out. We held our nerve and it’s paying off.”
Cosmos sales and marketing director Paul Riches said: “August is well sold and September is now beginning to book.”
Thomas Cook commercial director Mike Beaumont said: “Performance-wise, it’s a seven out of 10 for 2000.”
But summer 2001 was still suffering with Thomson down 24%, Airtours down 5%, JMC down 16%, First Choice down 32% and Unijet down 36%.