The boss of a leading inbound operator to the UK has disputed claims that hotels are not profiteering from the 2012 London Olympic Games.
JacTravel chief executive Mario Bodini was responding to the British Hospitality Association which “strongly refuted” claims that hotels in the capital are cashing in on the event.
“That is not our experience,” Bodini said. “At present, rates in the wholesale market for the games period in 2012 are vastly inflated and the terms of business we are being offered are so punitive that we can’t risk signing contracts on that basis.”
He added: “If the BHA can introduce me to its members who will offer us normal terms and wholesale rates that are calculated in line with the LOCOG [London organising committee for the games] formula – average of a hotel’s wholesale rates between 2007 and 2010 – I will contract a few thousand bed nights immediately.”
BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim had said that the industry continues to play its full part in making the games a success.
She said: “Recent press comment concerning the prices that agents appointed by LOCOG – in particular Thomas Cook – are charging for Olympic ticket and hotel packages has suggested that London hotels are profiteering.
“This is certainly not the case. London hoteliers have no control over the prices that agents are charging.”