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Early bookings still ‘healthy’ for Virgin Holidays
An increasing trend towards late bookings has not stopped loyal customers booking more than a year ahead, says Virgin Holidays.
Speaking to TravelMole.com, general manager Kieran Farragher said: “We are big for late bookings and have seen that increase over the last couple of years. But we still find a core customer sector that books early. This tends to be families who are restricted on when they can take a holiday and want to know where they’re going and what the standard of accommodation will be.
“It also works out cheaper as you don’t get offers like free child places if you book last minute.”
Mr Farragher said the Florida market, the biggest seller for Virgin Holidays, was often booked early, particularly for families wanting to stay in private homes.
“They are people who have been before and don’t need to see the brochure,” said Mr Farragher.
He added: “Every year we have very healthy early bookings but I wouldn’t say that was bucking the trend for late bookings.”
Consequently, Virgin Holidays has launched a new initiative to enable travel agents to register early bookings online. Mr Farragher says the company has been innundated with requests for 2006 registrations, although Virgin Holidays’ brochures will not be on sale until the spring.
Advance registrations were something which used to be “messy” to organise he says, but now agents can fill out a form on the trade website, www.vhols4agents.com. Once all details of the holiday are available, Virgin Holidays contacts the agent.
Report by Ginny McGrath
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