Trade reports strong start to 2013
The trade is hoping for a buoyant 2013 as tour operators and agents see a positive start to the year.
Record numbers were reported at the recent Destinations travel show in London with Saturday being the busiest day in 10 years.
Leger Holidays took the highest number of holiday bookings ever during the show and reports January has been ‘significantly’ better than last year on most product types.
Huw Williams, marketing director said: "I think consumer confidence is improving in relation to travel and that consumers are determined to ensure they enjoy at least one good holiday in 2013."
Ellen Walker, groups manager of Brightwater Holidays, reported that the quality of inquiries at the show was incredible and that people were there ‘with the intention of booking’.
"The demographics were very much the 50 plus market. I think people have just had enough – there’s only so much doom and gloom you can take.People were there on a serious mission.
"The key is having something different to sell – something that people can’t really package themselves."
Agents are also finding sales on the up.
Advantage Travel said passenger sales for summer 2013 were up 14% year on year with revenue sales on a par with 2012.
Travel Counsellors reported overall sales up 11% in January from the previous year and on a worldwide scale, record sales of £42 million in the month.
Midcounties Co op also saw sales up 8% in January but admitted the severe weather affected trade in some of its agencies.
Group general manager, Alistair Rowland said: "What it looks like is people give up most things but not their main summer holiday. There’s also a move towards all-inclusive and sensible value deals."
This fits in with operators Cosmos and TUI which have already reported a stronger than forecast start to 2013, see previous story.
Diane
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