Surge in package holiday sales after XL collapse
Sales of package holidays through independent agents have jumped 20% since the collapse of Zoom and XL Leisure Group, according to Advantage Travel Centres.
Compared to the same period last year, Advantage said package sales have jumped as consumers look for “holiday bargains†and “peace of mindâ€.
“These terrible company failures have highlighted the value of booking an ATOL-protected holiday package when heading overseas – as well as the support and help available from agents should holidaymakers get caught up in unexpected events,†said Advantage chief executive John McEwan.
“We are receiving a huge amount of feedback from members who say clients are actively asking how their holiday will be financially protected. The message that
ATOL-bonded tour operators will look after them is starting to get through.
He urged consumers to book early to get the best deals.
“Capacity reductions by the big tour operators, and the collapse of XL, means that we will see fewer holidays available next summer, and certainly won’t have the late bargains that we have all got so used to in the past.â€
According to Advantage, package sales through it members rose 6% in summer 2007, in a market that had its capacity cut by 10% by the major operators.
To demonstrate the savings of a package holiday, Advantage member Baldwins Travel in Kent searched for a typical holiday package [two adults, two children] in Greece next summer. The price was then compared to a DIY package.
Example: Kefalonia, Greece
PACKAGE DEAL
14 nights at the three-star Pericles Hotel, Sami, on a bed and breakfast basis, departing June 21 2009 and travelling with Thomas Cook. Price includes return flights from Gatwick, in-flight meal and 20kg baggage allowance.
Agent search time: Five minutes Total cost: £1,368
DIY DEAL
14 nights at a one bedroom apartment at the Marina Bay Hotel in Skala (bed and breakfast basis)* £504.26
Four return flights from Gatwick to Kefalonia* departing June 21 2009 £1,248
Customer search time: 45 minutes Total cost: £1,752.26
Package price saving = £384.26
The search took place September 24, with accommodation sourced from Travel Republic and flights from Monarch airlines.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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