OPERATORS WAIT FOR BOOKINGS SURGE

OPERATORS are waiting nervously for a peak season bookings surge after admitting January’s first weekend failed to meet expectations.

Despite a slight pick-up last week, many companies blamed consumers taking extra time off over Christmas coupled with economic and worldwide instability for poor sales. This has led to bleak forecasts across the retail industry.

From December 27 to January 7, figures show Airtours was 14% down, Thomson 32% down, First Choice 5% down and Thomas Cook 15% down.

Widespread snow only added to agencies’ woes in a market 19% down for summer 2003.

Travelcare general manager Amanda Williams said: “Our belief is we are already seeing the impact on sales of the potential threat of war in Iraq.”

Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, the UK, US, and cruise market struggled, while the traditional safe havens of Spain and Portugal have performed best, she said.