Pent up demand will boost winter sales
People who delayed summer breaks due to factors such as the UK heatwave and the World Cup are expected to boost winter bookings.
Lastminute.com predicts a 20% surge in long haul sales this winter, folloiwng a similar rise in 2005-06.
The company expects more interest in long haul, high value holidays and more complicated itineraries this winter.
Travel director John Bevan said: “Last winter lastminute.com’s long haul sales increased by 20% on the previous season. We are confident of achieving the same growth again this year as demand for travel this winter looks to be just as strong after summer travel plans wre delayed.”
The company is adding more complex itineraries combining up to three destinations to meet demand from those booking travel online.
Bevan said: “It’s often said that the online retailer is only ever going to be able to fulfill the simple, low value point-topoint itineraries, but we are seeing this change.
“The British public is now confident and savvy when it comes to buying online. The explosion in internet shopping for everyday things such as white goods and groceries has demonstrated this.
“It’s only natural that as this consumer behaviour becomes firmly entrenched in the nation’s psyche it moves to other sectors.”
Lastminute.com is offering a beach and ski option combining Hawaii with Colorado with prices leading in at £1,500 this winter. Other twin centres include The Gambia and Cape Verde, Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai with either the Maldives or Mauritius.
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Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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