Premier Holidays has blamed competition from destinations served by low-cost airlines for an erosion in business to the Channel Islands.
Speaking at the launch of the specialist’s 2000 programme to Jersey and Guernsey, deputy managing director Susan Papworth said hoteliers needed to offer year-round short breaks – not just off-season – to compete with European rivals.
“Increased competition from destinations available from low-cost airlines is taking business from the Islands,” said Papworth.
“We have managed to convince hoteliers of the need to offer year-round short breaks, particularly in two and three-star properties.”
Older customers are also fed up with the early closing of attractions, restaurants and shops and are turning their backs on Jersey and Guernsey.
“They are becoming more adventurous and going to livelier destinations,” said Papworth.
“This is something that needs to be addressed with some urgency.”
In the programme, offers include free nights, complimentary car hire and half-board for bed-and-breakfast prices.
Free child places are available on ferry and catamaran crossings with reduced prices for kids sharing a hotel room with parents.
Papworth said improvements in the Condor crossing boosted business during 1999, particularly after the withdrawal of KLM’s Southampton and Stansted routes.
Short-break prices start from £117 per person for a three-night weekend break to the De Normandie Hotel.
Meanwhile, Papworth admitted that sales through agents are down as it is feeling the effects of directional selling by the multiples.