Operators pray for rain as summer sales tumble

pid increase in bookings as concern grows over peak season sales.

Reasonable weather in the UK, the Wimbledon tennis tournament, strike action in the Balearics and cheap domestic holidays have all contributed to the sales slump.

Thomson is now offering savings of £100 per couple on every summer sun holiday throughout August, while Airtours has started offering heavily discounted holidays on unnamed accommodation.

Sales during the second week of Wimbledon fell by 8% on last year with only a minor improvement last week.

Industry observers said while far from turning into a disaster, operators and retailers are privately worried.

A strike threat by coach drivers on July 19 is also causing concern.