Bookings for mainstream package holidays next year have so far been unaffected by rising prices and turmoil in the financial markets, according to TUI.
However, sales of budget packages have fallen off, indicating that some price-conscious families are waiting to see if they will be able to afford to travel.
“Bookings for Thomson and First Choice are resilient but we’re seeing that the bottom of the market has gone and Skytours is struggling for ‘09,†said TUI customer director Tim Williamson. The operator declined to give figures.
The recent rise in fuel prices has led to an increase in package prices of around 10-15 per cent for next year.
However, research company Mintel believes that people will continue to take a main break at the expense of more numerous short breaks on budget airlines.
Demand for all-inclusive breaks has risen by 30 per cent in the past five years and is expected to increase further as consumers look for greater value for money and the ability to budget their spending.
by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)
