United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Summer holidays sales surge prompted by ‘sod it’ factor
Summer holiday sales are surging as people say ‘sod it’ to the credit crunch, according to a leading travel agency group.
Global Travel Group reports a 10% increase in sales and a 15% rise in the average selling price of holidays for this summer, compared with the same period last year.
People are buying more holidays and paying more for their trips – particularly for luxury breaks – despite a slowdown in the economy and a rise in household bills and mortgage rates.
Dave Clayton, commercial director for the group, which has 700 high street members, said: “Holidaymakers are having to accept that their bills will rise but, as research shows, the one thing they are not prepared to go without is a holiday.
“People are saying ‘sod it’, I’m going away. At the other end of the scale, the people who are buying luxury trips are not really affected by the credit crunch.â€
But he agreed with other industry commentators who have warned there are tougher times ahead.
“Next year, more capacity will be taken out of the market, which will naturally push up prices and affect demand,†he said. “Also, tour operators will put up their prices because of the rising cost of fuel and people will have less money in their pockets.
“It’s a boom time at the moment but we have to plan for more challenging times ahead because it would be careless to think this will continue in the longer term.â€
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak