Operators offering bigger discounts on 2019 package holidays

Customers are being enticed with bigger discounts for their 2019 package holidays compared to a year ago, according to Holiday Hypermarket data.

Discounts for 10 popular holiday destinations are at least 15% bigger than they were this time last year, with discounts at one destination 59% higher than 2018.

The online travel agent analysed average discount levels for popular package holiday locations in 2019 and compared them to savings in 2018, with the results showing discount amounts are on the increase.

Montenegro (pictured) has seen the biggest increase in average discounts for package holidays in 2019, followed by Tunisia and Bulgaria.

In an analysis of UK booking data from April 1 to May 19, Holiday Hypermarket found the average discount for bookings to Montenegro was 59% higher than the same period in 2018.

For Tunisia, the average saving was 43% more than last year, with Bulgaria seeing the value of discounts grow by 34%.

All 10 destinations analysed recorded an increase in the size of offers available with Turkey, in 10th place, offering average discounts that are 17% higher than last year. 

Craig Duncan of Holiday Hypermarket said: "Our review of discount data covers many of the largest package holiday operators and shows clear evidence of bigger savings for holidaymakers. 

"Rising discounts are helping to generate more interest and more bookings, especially to non-euro holiday destinations such as Bulgaria, Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey.

"Spain is still our overall top selling destination and, with fabulous discounts available, Montenegro is our pick for people looking for somewhere a little bit different."

The year-on-year growth in average discounts, which include all savings taken from the holiday’s launch price, are as follows:

Montenegro +59% (compared to average discount in summer 2018)
Tunisia +43%
Bulgaria +34%
Spain & Islands +29%
Egypt +26%
Croatia +23%
Portugal +22%
Greece +21%
Cyprus +19%
Turkey +17%

Discounted packages on sale include seven nights all inclusive at the four-star Holiday Village Montenegro in Ulcinj, which is now is discounted by £876, to £3,320 for a family of four in August.

In Tunisia, seven nights all inclusive at the five-star Manar Hotel in Hammamet now costs from £2,436 for a family of four at the end of July, saving £876.