OPERATORS admit further Spanish and European resorts
could be under threat after a move away from the Costa Brava.
Mainland Spain, Majorca in the winter season and
Faliraki in Rhodes are under scrutiny for 2005.
Operators launch first-edition 2005 programmes this
month and are likely to take a cautious approach to destinations suffering a
downturn this summer, which remains 8%-10% down cumulatively.
The big four are all seeking more flexible arrangements
with hoteliers to avoid committed room guarantees.
Thomas Cook and First Choice claim Faliraki is under
pressure after a bad press and is likely to suffer capacity cuts for 2005. They
hint Spain could see further capacity “tweaks”.
Thomas Cook head of product Jeannette Linfoot said:
“Spain is a difficult market this year. The Balearics is holding its own but
the Canaries and mainland Spain are doing proportionately worse.
“Faliraki and Rhodes are suffering from a negative
press and will be a challenge this year. We’re still committed to the island
but will take conservative capacity next year.”
Thomas Cook is already shifting 20,000 seats from the
Canaries to Turkey.
First Choice product director Tim Williamson said
pulling out of the Costa Brava was unlikely to have a “domino effect” on the
rest of Spain but said other destination airports in its portfolio were “under
review” for 2005.
“The bad press is having an impact on Rhodes as a
whole and you have to factor that in as a consideration for 2005.”
Cosmos commercial director Stuart Jackson also
highlighted Faliraki after confirming Ibiza would be dropped from core 2005
programmes but the Costa Brava maintained.
“You could argue Faliraki will become a marginal
gateway. There are also other destinations, not just Spain, which fall into
that category.”
Many operators were shocked
by Cosmos dropping Ibiza because it was becoming “less of a family-orientated
destination” and harder to sell. First Choice, Thomson and Thomas Cook said
Ibiza remained core for families.