News Release (18/01/08)
Holiday-makers rush to secure seats from Bristol International
Ahead of the busiest weekend in the travel industry calendar, Bristol International is set to benefit from consumer fears over capacity cuts in the holiday market. Travel agents across the region are already seeing holiday-makers rush to make sure they secure the trip of their choice this summer, and expect a further surge in business on Saturday – traditionally the peak time for bookings following the Christmas break.
As a result of travel industry mergers (the ‘big four’ tour operating companies have become the ‘big two’) there has been a reduction in charter airline capacity around the country. However, Bristol International has bucked the national trend by retaining five based charter aircraft throughout the summer, with a choice of 59 holiday destinations on offer in addition to those served by scheduled airlines.
Major tour operators have seen sales soar above last year’s levels, with travel agents around the region reporting brisk business since the Christmas break.
Jason Wescott, Sales Manager at Bristol International Airport, said:
“We know for many customers across the South West, flying from their regional airport is a ‘must-have’ when booking their holidays. It seems that reports of reduced capacity in the holiday market nationwide have prompted a rush to secure seats on flights from Bristol International. We urge passengers to book early to get the best deals and avoid disappointment.”
Underlining the buoyancy of the charter market at Bristol International is the news that Cyprus specialist, Olympic Holidays, will be operating a weekly flight to Larnaca from May, with a convenient Sunday departure.
The growing popularity of cruises is also reflected at Bristol International, with fly/cruise options from operators such as Fred Olsen showing strong bookings for Adriatic and Mediterranean cruises starting in Rome.