OPERATORS admit fears are rising that May will be a
“diabolical” month to sell but are conversely upbeat June’s World Cup will not
cause the traditional dent in sales.
The months are traditionally tough to sell in the mass
market but many say May is dragging more than usual with half-term and the
Golden Jubilee holiday falling in the first week of June.
Sales to Majorca and Ibiza are particularly sluggish
with prices in the lates market down by around £10-£15.
But fears the World Cup will stop travel abroad in
June are proving unfounded with customers booking holidays for better viewing
times.
Cosmos commercial director Stuart Jackson said:
“There’s a bigger gap between half-term and Easter so we will have to watch May
closely.
“In the past people have waited until after the World
Cup to go away but with this year’s early morning games many will not be able
to watch it if they stay home and are booking holidays.”
Seat-only operator Avro predicted May would be “the
pits” this year.
Commercial director John Fitz-Gerald said: “Everyone’s
having a diabolical May but June is good. It may improve from May 25 if people
decide to avoid half-term.”
Thomas Cook tour operations managing director Manny
Fontenla-Novoa said bookings were shifting from May to June.
“We have more capacity to sell in May. People should
hold their nerve on prices. We’re trying not to follow people who are dumping
stock.”
Thomas Cook’s lates prices
went on sale at the weekend, slightly later than usual, while Thomson, Airtours
and First Choice started to bring out their prices last week.