Turkey and India specialist, Jewel in the Crown Holidays, says it remains upbeat about business in 2009 thanks to the strength of the euro.
Managing director Platon Loizou said the destinations will provide value for money for British holidaymakers next year.
He said the benefits of not having to rely on euro and dollar fluctuations should see steady trading for the company.
“The euro’s fall against the pound has made the euro zones more expensive compared to other destinations and global world events are going to mean a difficult year for the travel industry everywhere,†he said.
“The Caribbean which I have visited this month is down in tourist numbers in Antigua and other resort areas. Even within the buoyant Caribbean cruise sector, I heard of one ship operating with only a 30% load factor.â€
He said the operator’s Turkey programme is up 10% on the same period last year.
Meanwhile, in India, hoteliers have lowered prices as domestic travel slows.
“The recent unrest in Mumbai has not affected Goa and Kerala or any other part of India,†he explained.
“However the economic situation in India has slowed down the domestic business from other parts of India into Goa, consequently the hoteliers are passing on savings to us.â€
By Bev Fearis
