More resorts ‘under review’ by operators

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.