UK: Companies report sudden rush since end of hostilities in Iraq
Tour operators and travel agencies have seen a surge in bookings, following months of uncertainty because of the global political scene, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.
The newspaper reports that there has been a “sudden rush” to take advantage of the many bargains available at the moment, with companies talking of a new confidence in the last few days. Thomson is stating that business last weekend was 10 per cent better that at the same time last year. A spokesman explained: “Our shops are much busier. It is a combination of the feel-good factor at the end of hostilities and people feeling much safer and more comfortable about flying.”
Airlines, too, have noticed a change; a spokesman for British Airways told the Telegraph: “There has been a downturn in bookings as a result of world events but we believe that the mood of the British public is now changing and there is a growing desire to travel once again.” The newspaper suggests that the very best deals are still to Turkey and Cyprus because of their “perceived proximity” to the war zone.
