Operators take greater slice of winter sports market
Tour operators have increased their share of the winter sports market to 80%, according to a new report by the Ski Club of Great Britain.
The total market fell by 12% across all sectors last winter to 1.12 million, it’s lowest for a decade, but more people sought the financial security and value for money offered by bonded tour operators.
Last winter, four out of five skiers and boarders bought a package holiday, compared with 78.5% the previous year.
A weak pound has led to rising costs, however, and at £714 the average price of a package is now higher than at any time since 2002.
The Snowsports Analysis said the lack of late deals last winter, due to capacity cuts by tour operators, might also have contributed to a higher average price.
France, one of the most expensive ski destinations, saw its share of the UK winter sports market fall 4% to 39% while more affordable Austria increased its share by 2%.
Ski Club chief executive Caroline Stuart-Taylor said: “Although last season saw a decline in the UK snowsports market, this was to be expected after significant capacity cuts by tour operators and the economic situation last winter.
"Many people who have taken two snowsports holidays in the past may only have taken one, and new people may not have been coming into the sport.
"But optimism is returning to the snowsports market and we are hopeful that the market will at least maintain its position for the forthcoming winter.”
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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