Finally the mainstream holiday operators have redefined the package by excluding the provision of transfers from late deals, so what’s new?
All of the city-break and short-break specialist operators have been offering packages excluding airport transfers for years without any of the shock-horror comments that are currently appearing in the press.
Years ago, we realised that with a wide variety of options and costs for transfers, it was actually in the customers interest to allow them to decide on the level of transfer they required.
For example, in Paris we offer no less than nine options ranging in cost from £5 for a bus ticket to £162 for a private stretch-limousine transfer.
I know for a fact that many mainstream package customers prefer to jump into a taxi from the airport and forego their included bus transfer just to avoid the round-the-houses itinerary visiting maybe a dozen hotels en route to their chosen accommodation.
By doing this they also avoid the inevitable delay at reception when the bus finally arrives at their hotel to disgorge its load.
As far as making sure the passenger is aware of what’s not included is concerned, should we be advising customers that self-catering options do not include food?
This move is just another step in the sophistication of the package and an attempt to respond to customer needs.
I would not be surprised if next year some brochured holidays also offered transfers as optional.
John Harding
Sales director
Travelscene
Keighley
West Yorkshire