Operators report surge in demand for World Cup packages

Tour operators offering packages to this weekend’s crunch World Cup quarter final have reported a surge in travel agent enquiries since England’s victory over Mexico.

 

Travelpack and Worldchoice Sport are among the operators offering ticket, hotel and flight packages to see England take on Norway this Saturday, July 11, after bagging their place in the quarter finals.

 

They immediately pushed out promotions via the trade to capitalise on expected demand and drive last-minute sales.

 

Travelpack’s three different packages are priced from £5,999 for hotel, flights and tickets to Saturday’s game to £24,999 for tickets, hotels, and flights to the quarter finals, semi finals and final.

 

Its quarter-final package offers four nights from July 10 to 14 at boutique hotel UMA House by Yurbban South Beach, with a ticket to the quarter final match (category 3/4) and return flights from Heathrow for £5,999.

 

Director Vishal Patel said the all-inclusive price had been particularly well-received as it gave one cost and meant there was no need to source flights, hotels and match tickets separately.

 

“Interest has increased significantly following England’s win, with a noticeable uplift in enquiries from both travel agents and direct customers,” he said, adding: “We’ve been actively encouraging our nationwide network of travel agents to promote the packages. “

 

But he warned availability was tightening, noting: “Demand has been strong, particularly following England’s progression, and while we continue to secure additional allocations where possible, availability is becoming increasingly limited as we get closer to the match.”

 

The operator said most of its current enquiries for World Cup packages were for the quarter-final game this weekend following confirmation England was through, adding many fans were keen to watch the game live and take advantage of competitive package prices.

 

Patel added that having to complete an Esta and meet entry requirements for the US was not proving a barrier to booking for customers.

 

Worldchoice Sports is offering a three night hotel stay in Miami. return flights and match tickets (category3/4) from July 10-13 from £5,799.

 

Chief executive Shay Soni also cited increased enquiries but noted some fans were waiting to see if England made it to the final before booking.

 

He said: “We’ve certainly seen interest in the Miami World Cup packages, both from travel agents and from clients looking to experience what has been an exciting tournamant so far.

 

“As the packages are expensive some people are waiting for the final as they are hopeful England will get there.

 

“We’re encouraging our travel agent partners to highlight the packages as a timely opportunity for clients who are looking to combine world-class football with a memorable trip, and we’re looking forward to seeing how demand develops in the next week or so."

 

But he noted: “It’s an exciting opportunity, and England’s progress has naturally helped generate additional enquiries and interest.”

 

Meanwhile, Norse Atlantic has laid on a second flight from Oslo to Miami after the first sold out almost immediately following Norway’s World Cup quarter-final qualification to face England by beating Brazil.

 

Airline chief executive Eivind Roald said: "The response has been truly overwhelming. We’ve received an extraordinary number of enquiries from supporters wanting to be there as Norway writes football history. We’re therefore delighted that we’ve been able to secure capacity for a second flight."