Late bookings picking up, online travel agent reports
Wednesday, 11 Jun, 2009
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Holidaymakers’ confidence has improved over the last three months, according to a new study.
Almost a fifth (19%) of customers have gone ‘late’ and spontaneously enquired and departed within a four week period, online travel agent responsibletravel.com reported.
More than athird (37%) of holidaymakers have travelled within eight weeks of first enquiring about their holiday.
These four week late booking figures reflect a rise of almost a third (31%) compared to the same period last year and almost a fifth (20%) for eight week late bookings.
The countries topping the list for late bookings are: England; Italy; Morocco; Spain; France; Turkey; Wales and Greece.
The increase comes at a time when operators and airlines have already reduced capacity for the summer peak and across the year in general.
Company managing director Justin Francis said: "There is no doubt that times were tough over the winter and consumer confidence was severely affected as a result.
“However, these figures are a sign that holidaymakers’ confidence is definitely improving.
“While it’s far too early to call an end to what might be a long recession it’s clear that in recent weeks more people are coming into the summer market looking to book and depart at short notice.
“Some will be disappointed that they cannot get their first or even second choice holidays as airline capacity has been reduced."
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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