| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 06/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 20 |
| Copyright: Other |
C&N predicts surge in Web sales
ONE in 10 holidaymakers will book their holiday through the Internet within five years, C&N Touristic chief executive Stefan Pichler told delegates at the convention.
He predicted it will change consumer’s buying habits and said 10% of the operator’s business will be driven through the Web by 2005.
“E-leisure will drive the future growth and profits of C&N,” said Pichler.
“We launched our Internet site in March and it has so far generated £25 million worth of business and accounts for 1% of our sales.
“Around 75% of that business is package holidays which shows it can be done. “
He said the growth of the Internet will also stimulate sales through traditional distribution methods.
Pichler echoed the view of UK operators by predicting that loyalty to brands will play a crucial role in the future.
He also said the big four UK operators had some way to go before they were truly integrated.
“They have all the pieces of the puzzle but have not yet pulled them all together,” he said.