HOLIDAYBREAK says its racking deal to mop up Crystal
Britain bookings has reaffirmed its commitment to the trade despite a rapid
increase in Internet sales.
Superbreak, part of the Holidaybreak group, became the
preferred supplier for Crystal Britain following its closure earlier this year.
The brand had a 4% market share and enjoyed its
highest sales through its in-house Lunn Poly chain.
Meanwhile, the group has estimated an increase of 300%
in on-line sales over the past year, particularly for its hotel operators,
which include
Superbreak.
The hotel division sells 20% of bookings on-line –
double last year’s figure – 60% through the trade and 20% direct.
But chief executive Richard Atkinson said there was no
evidence this was affecting trade sales. “This is not the demise of the travel
agent. We are expanding all our channels of distribution but we continue to see
agents as our primary channel,” he said.
The news came as Holidaybreak saw a 12% drop in
half-year losses before tax to £5.9 million. Atkinson said it was on track for
a good year despite the impact of September 11.
He added: “The last six months have been a lot of fire
fighting. We will not match last year’s profit but we will show a healthy
profit.”
He added that the World Cup has failed to have a
negative impact on June sales.
The adventure division, Explore Worldwide and Regal
Holidays, is 2% up year-on-year despite £300,000 losses post September 11.
Camping, which does not operate in winter, posted a
first-half loss of £8.5 million. But current UK camping sales are 8% up and 85%
of expected 2002 bookings have already been taken. Hotel sales rose by 25% over
the six months to March.
Chairman Angus
Crichton-Miller said the group would continue to look out for acquisitions if
the right opportunities arose.