| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 21/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 6 |
| Copyright: Other |
Unijet MD hits out at rising discount level
UNIJET managing director Nigel Jenkins has attacked rivals for increasing 2001 discounts to 30%.Speaking at the launch of Unijet’s second-edition brochures, Jenkins said the offer will send out the wrong message to customers and do little to kick-start bookings.
It will also infuriate customers who were urged to book early when discounts had only reached 15%, he added.
“I think 15% across the board with selected product at 20% would be enough,” said Jenkins. “Raising it to 30% will not make any difference. Discounting will always have a role but it’s getting out of hand.”
Jenkins’ criticism follows a similar outburst from First Choice chief executive Peter Long who claimed discounting was destroying the industry (Travel Weekly June 26).
Meanwhile, Jenkins predicted a tough year for Florida with bookings currently 40% down on last year.
“We have taken an aircraft out of the market for 2001 as we are anticipating a soft year,” said Jenkins.
He said the unfavourable exchange rate was largely to blame.
Elsewhere, Madeira has been added to its Summer Sun brochure with prices leading in at £405 per adult for seven nights at the Alto Lido Hotel.
The operator has also dropped its Las Vegas and California brochure and incorporated product into its new dedicated US brochure.
New England, New York, Hawaii and the West Coast are featured in the tailor-made programme. The operator’s second-edition Summer Sun, Turkey, Greece, Florida and Caribbean and Mexico brochures are available now.
Looking ahead:launching the brochures, from left, are US general manager Richard Strange, short-haul general manager John Riley and Caribbean and Mexico general manager Brian Booker