Cosmos streamlines 2002 discount scheme

Cosmos streamlines 2002 discount scheme

Operator launches its 2002 programme. Jane Archer reports

COSMOS has simplified its discount policy for summer 2002 so customers can see at a glance how much they can save by making an early booking.

Instead of ‘save up to’discounts scattered throughout the brochure, reductions are listed at the front of the summer sun programme alongside those hotels where the discount applies.

Clients who book before the end of June can benefit from 10% off at certain properties. There are also 50% discounts on adult-only bookings available on a first-come, first-served basis at about 20 hotels and apartments.

Managing director Nigel Wright said: “We are trying to make it simple for clients by listing the hotels where they can get a discount. It means they can work out the exact amount they will pay for their holiday before going to the agency.”

Wright said Thomson’s decision to scrap discounts was an “interesting” move, but added: “Discounts create demand and excitement because consumers like to think they are getting a good deal. But if it works for Thomson, no doubt we will all follow suit.”

Weddings in Italy and the Blue Aegean family resort in Gouves, Crete, are new in the summer sun 2002 programme, but Wright said the main changes will be in the second-edition programme, due out in July.

“This is largely a reprint of this year’s summer programme featuring the popular properties that book early,” said Wright.

“It is difficult to predict what will happen for next year, but we will all be trying to get as many early bookings as possible in case the doom and gloom about a recession is correct,” he added.

Wright said capacity had been held at this year’s levels in the expectation of a recession.