Forward bookings a ‘concern’ for London
The London bombings have not led to mass cancellations from overseas markets although new bookings are likely to fall away, according to a survey by the European Tour Operators Association.
The body, which represents 350 tourism companies, said most if its members reported only 10 groups or fewer had scrapped their travel plans with half of those rescheduling for a later date.
Asian travellers were the most reluctant to continue with their plans.
Most long haul operators estimated the loss in revenue would be loss than 5%, whole online operators reported a “negligible” decline in demand.
The survey revealed that bookings for the rest of Europe were virtually unaffected with only a 3% dip in bookings. In previous terrorist atrocities, bookings Europe-wide has suffered, the report stated.
Despite the generally upbeat tone of the report, forward bookings remains an area of concern.
“One problem that tour operators have encountered is delayed payments of initial deposits for London bookings,” the report said. “This implies that future bookings may suffer as a result of consumer unease.”
Overall, 70% of ETOA members who responded to the survey said European business would be up on last year with 19% predicting an increase of 20% or more.
Report by Steve Jones
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