‘Don’t expect a January rush’, FTO chief says
Tour Operators must become better at yield management and attempt to drive prices up as departure dates approach, Federation of Tour Operators director general Andy Cooper said.
He called on members to follow the low cost airline model in a move to end the last minute discounting.
Cooper also said the days of a booking rush in January were effectively over.
“Operators must get better at yield management and do perhaps what the no frills airlines do and raise prices nearer departure,” he told TravelMole. “It would be a brave move but companies such as Thomson with Thomsonfly are gaining experience in this field.
“The benefits of booking early are not that obvious.”
He added increasing numbers of holidaymakers are delaying booking because they fear another crises will erupt and disrupt their plans.
“They do not want to commit because they feel if something happens they’ll have to change their plans,” said Cooper. “Over the last five years there hasn’t been this January booking rush there used to be.”
Report by Steve Jones
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