THE facts surrounding Shearing’s sales position and our decision to cancel what is, in fact, a very small part of our UKprogramme (Travel Weekly January 13) are as
follows.
Our 1999 bookings are actually very healthy when compared with the same time last year. Spring sales are 13% ahead for UKproducts and a massive 47% up on Europe while summer overall is on par. In the current marketplace, we are delighted with this performance.
While our decision to cancel tours might appear strange in view of this, the rationale is quite straightforward. Analysis of the affected tours confirmed we were unlikely to achieve the load factors required and we felt it appropriate to advise hotels quickly. Most operators leave such decisions until just a few weeks before departure, so our decision ensures hotels have the maximum opportunity to source other business.
All this is simply a reflection of continuing change in our domestic business. With 37 hotels strategically located throughout the UK, there are very few key tourism areas left which require the use of third party hotels as a base.
There is clear evidence our customers are happy because our hotels provide a more focussed, consistent and better value package than has often been available from many hoteliers in the past and, as a result, we have seen many transfer their allegiance to our hotels.
We will continue to develop close relationships with hotels in those areas not covered by Shearings own or where we are unable to satisfy customer demand within our own estate; our customers would expect nothing less from us.
John Slatcher
Chief executive
Shearings
Wigan