Booking with a trusted name in travel is equally as important as getting a value for money holiday, research conducted by Thomas Cook has shown.
The study also revealed that two thirds of those who booked a late deal last summer intend to book their 2011 summer holiday early in the new year or before.
The reason given is that they are looking to secure the holiday that they want and take advantage of early booking discounts. And more people intend to book a package holiday in 2011 than did this year, according to the study.
Thomas Cook is offering a “guaranteed” 10% off during the peak booking period between today (December 26) and January 31.
The company is also price matching its holidays at the same price wherever they are, including on www.thomascook.com or in another travel store.
“The claim is simple, we will have the best price for holidays however, and wherever, you want to book and if it can’t be matched, customers will receive their holiday for free,” Thomas Cook said.
The firm’s peak booking campaign kicks off with a new TV advert featuring Jamie and Louise Redknapp including a post-9pm take on the original, which sees Jamie emerge from the sea, and includes more footage of Louise on the beach with a newly recorded voiceover from the BBC’s ‘Something for the Weekend’ host.
A Sky Sports exclusive ad will see extended footage of Jamie’s ‘keepy uppy’ skills on Llandudno Beach in Cape Town.
The original ad has also been updated with new frames and a new voiceover by the Redknapps.
Seen online from today, in store from December 27, and in press, on TV and radio from January 1, the new year campaign will see updated creative executions including store visuals and film that update the original Jamie and Louise advert.
Thomas Cook group CEO Manny Fontebla-Novoa said: “The effect of recent bad weather and events from earlier in 2010, like the volcanic ash cloud, have really demonstrated the importance of booking with a company who can take care of its customers, whatever the situation.
“The cold weather is playing its part in turning people’s thoughts to sunnier climes as they look to book earlier, using both the high street and the internet to research their perfect holiday, and get the best value they can for their well deserved break.”
He added: “Holidaymakers are returning to the home of the traditional package holiday – Spain and Greece – as the pound strengthens against the euro and hoteliers respond to the competition from Turkey.
“2011 will still see a huge number of British holidaymakers travel to Turkey as their standard of product and range really does offer outstanding value.”