29 September 2008

Surge in package holiday sales after XL collapse

Sales of package holidays through independent agents have jumped 20% since the collapse of Zoom and XL Leisure Group, according to Advantage Travel Centres.

Compared to the same period last year, Advantage said package sales have jumped as consumers look for ââ¬Åâœholiday bargainsââ¬~ and ââ¬Åâœpeace of mindââ¬~.

ââ¬ÅâœThese terrible company failures have highlighted the value of booking an ATOL-protected holiday package when heading overseas ââ¬' as well as the support and help available from agents should holidaymakers get caught up in unexpected events,ââ¬~ said Advantage chief executive John McEwan.

ââ¬ÅâœWe are receiving a huge amount of feedback from members who say clients are actively asking how their holiday will be financially protected. The message that

ATOL-bonded tour operators will look after them is starting to get through.

He urged consumers to book early to get the best deals.

ââ¬ÅâœCapacity reductions by the big tour operators, and the collapse of XL, means that we will see fewer holidays available next summer, and certainly wonââ¬â¢t have the late bargains that we have all got so used to in the past.ââ¬~

According to Advantage, package sales through it members rose 6% in summer 2007, in a market that had its capacity cut by 10% by the major operators.

To demonstrate the savings of a package holiday, Advantage member Baldwins Travel in Kent searched for a typical holiday package [two adults, two children] in Greece next summer. The price was then compared to a DIY package.

Example: Kefalonia, Greece

PACKAGE DEAL

14 nights at the three-star Pericles Hotel, Sami, on a bed and breakfast basis, departing June 21 2009 and travelling with Thomas Cook. Price includes return flights from Gatwick, in-flight meal and 20kg baggage allowance.

Agent search time: Five minutes                                            Total cost: Ã&#pound;1,368

DIY DEAL

14 nights at a one bedroom apartment at the Marina Bay Hotel in Skala (bed and breakfast basis)*                                                                                               Ã&#pound;504.26

Four return flights from Gatwick to Kefalonia* departing June 21 2009                                                                                                                                                           Ã&#pound;1,248

Customer search time: 45 minutes                                              Total cost: Ã&#pound;1,752.26

  Package price saving = Ã&#pound;384.26

The search took place September 24, with accommodation sourced from Travel Republic and flights from Monarch airlines.

By Bev Fearis

• PRINT
• SEND TO A FRIEND
• SHARE

Post your comment

Your Comments

, be the first to post a comment.
Your email:

Your comment title:


Your comment:

Email other comments made to this story

5 characters