MULTIPLES reported a slight improvement in bookings last weekend, although the post-Christmas market remains significantly down on the same period last year.
Up to Saturday, sales were 15% down on the same period last year, but a busier weekend gave retailers a much-needed boost. Exact Saturday and Sunday figures were not available as Travel Weekly went to press.
Up until Friday, Lunn Poly had 20% of the post-Christmas market, Going Places 19%, Thomas Cook 14%, Carlson 4% and Co-op Travelcare 4%. The top five retailers were down around 20%, while independents had fallen 7%. Of the operators, Thomas Cook had 26% of the post-Christmas market, Thomson had 25%, First Choice including Unijet 21% and Airtours 20%.
n See Comment, page 6