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Post by artisans on Jul 23, 2009 10:01:44 GMT 2
Agent 'Travel Counsellors' has reported that Greece & Portugal are not as popular as holiday destinations this year. I think that they might be just as 'popular' if people were allowed to book the holiday that they wanted in the country that they preferred. It just shows that statistics can say anything and perhaps Travel Counsellors need to measure customers' true wishes rather than just monitoring bookings to second choice destinations (perhaps 'First Choice' should be renamed!)
A clue to all of this could be that Travel Counsellors also confirm that the average holiday spend this summer - we have to assume for a small family - is up to over £2600.
Perhaps Greece & Portugal should slip gently out of this market and continue to offer independent travellers a touch of reality & some sensible values.
Steve
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2009 11:43:15 GMT 2
There was a report on the BBC News this morning estimating tha the tourist industry to Europe alone was down by £6m already. With the biggest drop in visitors to Greece and Greek Islands. Part of the blame was not only on the recession, or the Euro v Pound exchange rate, but the number of problems, mostly by British larger louts taking over various resorts of different islands.
Whether this is a true reason, or just a figure in the works. There is no doubt that tourism is taking a big hit somewhere.
Yeiamas, Chris
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Post by becksyj on Jul 28, 2009 17:58:18 GMT 2
we looked into teh independant approach this year (having gone independant to rhodes and zakynthos before we always compare both).
the sad thing was unless we flew with easy jet, who werent doing priority boarding so no guarentee of sitting with hubby and i'm a petrified flyer - the flights alone were going to cost us £360 each. by the time we added a hotel we were talking £520+ each for the two weeks; whilst we can get a two week package vacation for the same dates from £345 each; needless to say we will be going with the package this year but that l;imits our choice quite abit on the hotels we can stay in.
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Post by jacanste on Jul 28, 2009 22:56:54 GMT 2
We have the same problem Becksyj. We either spend a fortune to go independent to stay where we want to, or spend a lot less and end up with accommodation we don't really want but are able, at least, to stay in Roda and spend more of our money with the local businesses. JackieM
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Post by stevethebike on Jul 29, 2009 10:19:46 GMT 2
Hi becksyj try what i have done in the past, just use the travel co to get to your destination, and when you come out of customs just tell the rep you are going elsewhere, they dont care as long as you tell them. you have you return ticket so your ok. This works very well on last min bookings. That way you can go where you want , you have no obligation to go to the hotel you have booked as they are beeing paid by the holiday co anyway.
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Post by jacanste on Jul 30, 2009 22:21:17 GMT 2
Hi Stevethe bike! Forgive me if I seem to be a bit thick but doing what you suggest surely you pay for two lots of accommodation? ( i.e. one you have booked to get there and another when you find a place to stay). Does this not work out more expensive than going independent?
JackieM
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pete sant
Roda Anorak
Roda Riddler 2008
UNITED - NOT ARROGANT - JUST BETTER
Posts: 6,977
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Post by pete sant on Jul 30, 2009 23:10:13 GMT 2
Hi Jackie, what Steve means is that you can often get a late deal that is cheaper than paying for a flight only, especial;ly if you book one that doesn't state which town or accomodation you will stay in, buy this cheap, inform the rep at the airport and head off to Roda. We have done this in the past , it can work out a lot cheaper especially if you can only go for 1 week. For example - flight only £250 each last minute holiday with room only - £199 each. pete.
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Post by jacanste on Aug 2, 2009 22:49:26 GMT 2
Thanks Pete. I did admit to being a bit thick!! JackieM
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