Warning of ‘hidden costs’ of European package holidays
Monday, 17 Mar, 2009
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Euro-zone holidays are more expensive than ever despite heavily discounted headline prices being offered by operators, a domestic rival has claimed.
Hoseasons chief executive Richard Carrick calculates that the cost of a European package holiday has risen by almost a third in two years.
He warned that consumers need to be aware of the extra costs of going abroad, and not be lured into booking on a headline price.
Carrick said: "When the euro was launched in 2002 there were concerns about prices being inflated, but the strength of the pound during the first five years meant that taking an overseas break was a cheap option for British holidaymakers.
“However, this has all changed in the past two years. Twelve months ago the exchange rate was 15% better for people travelling in the Euro-zone and 24 months ago it was a staggering 31%.
“In real terms this means that while salaries and holiday budgets for most British households have remained static, in the last two years we’ve seen an increase in the cost of a European holiday of nearly one third.”
He added: "The reason the package holiday companies are having to discount is that they put their prices up by as much as 15% to take account of exchange rate movements.
“But the hidden costs of many package deals don’t lie in the accommodation and flights, they’re the extra cost of everything once you arrive.
“The strength of the euro has a direct impact on the cost of eating out, drinking and other forms of entertainment. And these are the things we look forward to most on holiday. The £5 beer, ice cream and coffee are all commonplace.
“In what is shaping up to be a tough time for many households, this extra expense means that even die hard Europhiles are seriously considering staying in the UK this year.”
He claimed that Hoseasons’ booking figures are up by 50% for Easter as more people opt for a “financially controllable” self drive, self catering break in the UK.
"There has never been a stronger financial incentive to take a UK holiday, and the tourism industry, the Government and travel agents, all need to ensure they have everything in place to ensure we make the most of this tremendous opportunity to showcase the unique range of experiences and quality accommodation that the UK has to offer," Carrick added.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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