Olympics sparks bookings flux

By admin


Travel operators are expecting a dip in bookings in the lead up to the Olympics, but most remain confident a spike will follow in the after math.

As London hotly anticipates the 2012 Olympics for boosting its economy, tour operators are more apprehensive, with the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) reporting some operators are experiencing a 90% slump in bookings during the games.

While not as severe, the trend is being mirrored among Australian operators.

Creative Holidays managing director Paul McGrath revealed that London bookings for July and August 2012 were being "impacted" by the Olympics, with many travellers choosing other destinations to avoid the higher prices and crowds.

Trafalgar managing director Matt Cameron-Smith confirmed a similar trend for its July bookings, adding that some itineraries have been amended to avoid crowds and higher prices during the Olympics.

But with an extra 450,000 visitors expected to flock to London during the games, tour operators remain confident business will come back stronger than ever post-Olympics.

"Huge exposure from the Olympics poses a great marketing opportunity for us to drive travel back to the UK after the games," McGrath said.

"Our bookings will definitely be interrupted over the two week period, but we are confident bookings will return strongly in the weeks after

the games."

Cameron-Smith also expects bookings for Trafalgar's 2011 Europe program will surpass 2011 levels when the hype from the Olympics dies down.

"We have extended our Europe program and have alot of options for people who want to stay on after the Olympics," he said. "Despite a quieter period during the games, we're forecasting another strong year."

With cheap airfares and the strength of the Australian dollar increasing against the pound, Cameron-Smith expects the trend to filter through to other tour operators in the UK. "There is a high motivation to travel among Australian consumers at the moment, which will put many UK tour operators in a good position this year."

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

europe

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]