Youtravel.com has reported a sales spike with bookings up 50% in November compared to this time last year. Sales and marketing director Paul Riches said the rise was down to more agents dynamically packaging following the Travel Republic ruling, the continued trend for late booking, and an increase in airlift on last year when the collapse of XL Leisure Group led to a drop in flights from the UK. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) lost its case against the online travel agency and its director Kane Pirie over breach of ATOL regulations. The CAA is appealing the verdict. Riches said Sharm el-Sheikh, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Costa Blanca, Algarve, Fuerteventura, Costa del Sol, Hurghada, in Egtpt, and Costa Brava are all performing well. “The terrible weather in the UK and postponed summer holiday plans have driven people to think about getting away for some early winter sun. We’re delighted with how sales have been going this season. “Euro zone resorts are holding their own against those in Egypt, for example, as resorts have adjusted prices to make them more competitive. Bars and restaurants in particular have been forced to compete – not just with non-euro destinations, but also with the plethora of all-inclusive hotels,” he said. Riches said he does not believe the trend is a one-off. “In January, we’d expect to see sales mostly for the latter half of the winter season, as well as spring and early-summer bookings. The late booking trend is here to stay. However, we’re well-placed to capitalise on this because of the fast-moving nature of the dynamic packaging market,” he said.
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