| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 62 |
| Copyright: Other |
Short haul
Operators set sights on 2001 to bring back strong bookings
Discounting sends out wrong messages to customers
With bookings down by as much as 25% on last year in some areas, short-haul operators are pinning their hopes on a stronger 2001.“Sales got off to a slow start for this year,”said one operator. “Discounts gave out the wrong message to customers. We’re not sure that discounting is working and and there should be changes by 2002,”he added.
Another operator blamed overspending over the millennium period for curbing the public’s buying power and forcing the trade to react with lower prices.
Despite the discounting, prices have firmed up and are currently on a par with last year.
In terms of destinations, a number of operators anticipate a shift eastwards from the Balearic and Canary Islands next year. Nobody seems to have been put off by this year’s heatwave in Greece, which is selling well. Cyprus too, is receiving more attention, especially with the all-inclusive market.
The majors were in agreement that all-inclusives’ popularity would lead to growth, despite media attention that Mediterranean product was far removed from its Caribbean counterpart.
“We’re introducing measures to ensure that the hotels make the grade – it’s in our interests to improve standards,” said one spokesman.
Cruising is another particularly strong seller, which one operator noted is now being sold almost as an add-on to traditional seven-night beach breaks. Positive trends for next year include more 10-11 night stays across the board, and among some operators three to four-night stays, which have proved popular this year.
Santorini, Greece: the heatwave did not affect sales
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