School skiers decline due to economic downturn
School ski trips have declined by 6% threatening the numbers of new skiers to take to the sport.
According to the Crystal Ski Report 2012, the overall ski market has declined by 1.8% year on year.
But the decline in school trips for 2011/2012 is the main concern as they are the biggest single source of new skiers according to new YouGov research, commissioned by TUI Travel.
The drop is mainly due to the economy as families struggle to pay for their child’s first ski experience on a school trip.
Tour operators have slightly increased their share of the ski market with more people choosing to book packages including lift passes, equipment and catering rather than go independently.
The independent sector saw a reduction in numbers for the fourth year, down 1.2%, hit also by increased flight and ski carriage costs.
France continues to be the most popular choice, with 34.6% of the market and Austria did well due to the early snowfall. Italy and Andorra both increased market share while Switzerland lost out due to the bad exchange rate.
The large ski operators still dominate tour operator sales with TUI Ski, including Crystal Ski, Thomson Ski and First Choice enjoying 41% share of the market.
Hotelplan’s share is 26% made up of Inghams at 17% and Ski Esprit and Ski Total at 9%. Thomas Cook is the third largest with 14%.
Simon Cross, managing director Crystal Ski, said: " Tour operators regained a marginal share of the overall market due to their ability to produce exceptionally good value ski holiday packages.
"In 2011, an increasing number of skiers turned to online channels to research and book their holiday. We expect this trend to continue into the next season and beyond."
By Diane Evans
Diane
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