THE world-wide financial crisis has apparently not stopped people from taking holidays. Six million Britons have booked holidays during the past month as defiant families prepare to shrug off the economic gloom and head for places in the sun.
Around 200,000 people a day are snapping up cheap summer holiday offers as British travel companies slash their prices. The cut-throat battle for business is driving a spending frenzy as holidaymakers scramble for holiday deals despite the credit crunch.
With 30 per cent of British summer holidays booked in January and February, tour operators are hoping to woo customers with a swag of tempting two-for-one offers and free deals for children. Several airlines are also offering large discounts. The giveaway means that people who have been hit by soaring utility bills and post-Christmas credit card demands, can now save hundreds of pounds on their holidays.
The Association of British Travel Agents said most people were still determined to have a holiday. “Our research has shown that the last thing people give up is their holiday and there are some extraordinary deals out there at the moment,” said one travel operator. “January has been a big month.” There are plenty of bargains on offer.
Thomas Cook is offering 10 per cent discounts, First Choice has cut £200 off its summer bookings, and Direct Holidays is offering savings of almost £100 per person on hotel and flight deals. In a bid to save even more money, clever holidaymakers are heading for more exotic locations, such as Phuket, while bookings for traditional British holiday hot spots such as Spain and Greece are dropping off.
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