Early bookings still ‘healthy’ for Virgin Holidays
An increasing trend towards late bookings has not stopped loyal customers booking more than a year ahead, says Virgin Holidays.
Speaking to TravelMole.com, general manager Kieran Farragher said: “We are big for late bookings and have seen that increase over the last couple of years. But we still find a core customer sector that books early. This tends to be families who are restricted on when they can take a holiday and want to know where they’re going and what the standard of accommodation will be.
“It also works out cheaper as you don’t get offers like free child places if you book last minute.”
Mr Farragher said the Florida market, the biggest seller for Virgin Holidays, was often booked early, particularly for families wanting to stay in private homes.
“They are people who have been before and don’t need to see the brochure,” said Mr Farragher.
He added: “Every year we have very healthy early bookings but I wouldn’t say that was bucking the trend for late bookings.”
Consequently, Virgin Holidays has launched a new initiative to enable travel agents to register early bookings online. Mr Farragher says the company has been innundated with requests for 2006 registrations, although Virgin Holidays’ brochures will not be on sale until the spring.
Advance registrations were something which used to be “messy” to organise he says, but now agents can fill out a form on the trade website, www.vhols4agents.com. Once all details of the holiday are available, Virgin Holidays contacts the agent.
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026