Rail gaining from drop in flight bookings – poll

Rail travel is benefiting from a decline in flights being booked by agents, according to a new poll.

The survey found that 85% of leisure agents believe the increase in the cost of oil/fuel is having an impact on demand for flight bookings, as did 51% of business agents, with rail bookings benefiting from this.

Agents from both sectors have seen increased bookings in the first half of the year over the same period in 2007, according to the 200 involved in the online poll. 

Business agents saw the most dramatic rise, with 61% seeing a rise in travel bookings, but only 45% of leisure agents echoed this.

Of the leisure agents polled by Amadeus, more than 40% noted an increase in rail bookings this year. Of those experiencing an increase in rail bookings, the majority attributed this to the credit crunch.

Nearly 65% believe the number of overall bookings will be maintained or increase over the next six months, compared with the same period in 2007

Of the business agents polled, more than half (51%) said the increase in oil/fuel prices has had an impact on demand for flight bookings.

Nearly 30% foresee no change in business over the next six months, with a further 58% predicting that bookings will increase between 5% and 20% compared with the same period in 2007.

Almost 60% saw an increase in rail bookings, with the majority believing that the credit crunch is the main factor driving this.

The majority of leisure agents (52%) felt that current UK economic conditions are having a “moderate negative” impact on traditional network carriers, and 24% felt that demand for first class travel was being severely impacted.

But 47% of leisure agents reported little or no change in demand for UK domestic flights, compared to European and transatlantic flights which are being moderately impacted.

Most corporate agents (59%) felt that business class airlines are experiencing a moderate to severe negative impact due to the economy. 

But 63% said there was minimal if any negative impact on demand for UK domestic flights, while 57% felt that demand for European flights was also unchanged.

Amadeus UK and Ireland marketing director  Elaine Seeto said: “With both leisure and business travel agents reporting an increase in bookings during the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year, confidence remains high among agents taking part in our survey.

“It was interesting to note an upsurge in interest for rail travel, which validates Amadeus’ focus on deploying easier ways to book non-air services including rail, car, hotel, cruise holidays and add-ons like transfers and sightseeing tours.

“Regardless of what the economic outlook is likely to be in the short- to mid-term, Amadeus UK remains committed to helping our travel agency partners compete effectively and deliver value to their customers.”

by Phil Davies