| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 21/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
In our regular market update, agents around Britainclaim high prices in the lates market are putting somecustomers off booking holidays.
TRAVEL agents have reported strong sales for late summer 2000 holidays, although some argue that higher prices for July and August are putting some holidaymakers off booking.First Choice distribution managing director Peter Shanks claimed customers are wanting to book right at the last minute, adding:”It’s not so much that people want it cheap this year, but they want to go within two to three days.
“Initially people want holidays at £199, but when they find out the price is nearer £499, many have had to accept it. Some have put it off until September, which means we should have a strong finish to the season.”
Samson Travel managing director David Kent agreed people were paying higher prices at the last minute.
“We had someone come in on Saturday who wanted to go to Ayia Napa the next week. We offered him a £189 deal. He came in twice on Saturday hoping for a better offer but each time the price had gone up, not down. On Monday, he paid £299.”
But Wardle Travel branch manager Chris Adams said agents were missing out on sales because of the lack of cheaper deals. “Whether they are going to come back in September I don’t know but they are not booking at these high prices,” he said. “The kinds of discounts offered in May and June have backfired a little bit.”
Travel House retail operations manager Miles Morgan said: “There are deals at £199 but for departures the next day. Last year you could get that price 10 days beforehand.”