Bright outlook for European tour operators
Nine out of ten tour operators in Europe expect business in 2006 to remain static or increase by 10%, according to the European Tour Operator’s Association.
A survey of its members also revealed that 85% expect clients to spend more when they holiday this year.
ETOA executive director Tom Jenkins said: “These findings are encouraging and the long climb back from September 11 is continuing.”
Terrorism remains the greatest threat according to almost half the companies surveyed with the weak dollar and prospects of a bird flu epidemic also a danger.
In the online arena, search engine optimisation was the biggest concern for 60% of tour operators.
Meanwhile, legislative reform is also of concern a third believing the Tour Operator Margin Scheme is the most contentious issue. ETOA said the scheme applies VAT which results in the cost of a European holiday being more expensive if the tour operator is based within the EU.
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