‘Use Becks appeal’ agents told

AGENTS are being urged to embrace football fever gripping the nation as it threatens to kick late bookings into touch.

The trade reported late bookings were already being hit by the Euro 2004 championships in Portugal and prices dragged down as holidaymakers stay at home to see how England fare.

The claims come as TUI UK said it still has one million holidays left to sell – 35% of its capacity – for this summer because of excess capacity across the market.

Operators warned England’s first game yesterday affected Algarve bookings as most charters fly there on Sundays.

But TUI UK retail sales director Miles Morgan urged agents not to be defeatist. “Let’s use this sporting summer to our advantage,” he said.

Lunn Poly staff were kitted out in England shirts and painted faces, while football-shaped late deal cards were put in windows when the championships started on Saturday. “You either say ‘let’s pack up and go home’ or you get behind it,” added Morgan. “When staff have red faces it’ll be an ice-breaker. There’ll be a rapport with clients.”

Meanwhile, agents confirmed sales were sluggish. Co-operative Travel Trading Group commercial general manager Mike Beaumont said sales were down on last year for the second week running. “It’s a combination of football and good weather. Lates prices are going down,” he said.

Yorkshire-based Ryedale Travel managing director Phil Cornelius added: “Football has held back late sales.”

Cosmos dropped Algarve lead-in prices to £180 from around £300 for seven nights’ self-catering following a fall in demand and launched football team destination promotions linked to days they play.

Sales director Brian Young said: “Families are being held back from going to Portugal because of football. Prices are aggressive.”