FIRST Choice will focus on developing its long-haul
businesses over the next 18-months fuelled by a weak dollar against a strong
euro.
Speaking at an e-tid.com breakfast briefing in London,
group chief executive Peter Long said he believes the popularity of long-haul
travel will dramatically increase in 2005 and cited the weak US dollar and the
strong euro among the reasons.
“The European package holiday market has levelled out.
The implication for 2005 is there will be massive growth in long-haul,
particularly with the weak dollar,” said Long.
Long ruled out major acquisitions
to strengthen First Choice’s position in the long-haul market. Instead he plans
to focus on the organic growth of its existing brands, including Sovereign
Worldwide and Hayes and Jarvis.