p40-41 front feat jan9 6/1/09 10:20 Page 40
knowledge 2009 forecast
ttglive.com
Predictions
Will the grass be gree
Five agents in different sectors offer their predictions for 2009, and reveal their tips for next yea
The independent agent The homeworker The multiple
COLIN CURTIS, SARAH BOLTON, RYAN INMAN,
branch manager, travel consultant, team manager,
Co-op Travel, Keynsham Travel Counsellors Cruise Thomas Cook
The signs are that clients Going into 2009, I think Despite the credit crunch,
are after value bookings. being a homeworker everyone still wants a
That doesn’t mean that will be a real advantage holiday, so whether it’s
they are opting for the because our clients are a cruise or a seven-night
cheapest holiday but they do want to know our own – we don’t rely on passing break in Spain, we will
they are getting the most for their money. trade – and we are available whenever still have customers.
We’ve seen a 50% growth in cruise sales our customers want us. We are currently in our
and we are expecting the same results this Most people will wait until the last first month of peaks, and
year. People have done the bucket and minute to book a holiday, when they have preparing for January and
spade holiday and now they want more a better idea of their financial status. February to be busy
choice. I focus on long-haul and cruise. The latter months. I believe the
Customers will want to pay low deposits will fare well in this economic climate, cruise industry will shine in 2009 due in
and in installments which is what we’ll especially with departures out of the UK part to the number of diverse new ships
look to offer. We’ve been using this quiet because there’s no worry about airlines, which launched last year.
time to plan local marketing initiatives, and all-inclusive packages mean customers Moving into 2009, customers will be
such as attending wedding fairs and know upfront how much they are paying. booking cruises in advance so they have
holding an Egypt week – which will be Tourism to Thailand and India will suffer something to look forward to during this
a popular destination in 2009. It’s also initially as they struggle to regain holiday- difficult economic climate, and know how
attractive because it offers lots of all- makers’ confidence after the recent much to budget for.
inclusive options which allow people troubles, but the bounce-back that Kenya I don’t think that any sector will struggle
to budget in advance. has seen shows that it won’t last for ever. more than another over the next 12 months,
The economic climate might mean that People are wary of booking online so but customers are increasingly looking to
the traditional two-week holiday becomes having an online presence will be more us for reassurance that their money and
10 days instead but customer feedback sug- about providing a research tool for clients, booking is safe after the collapse of the XL
gests people still want a holiday so if they and then directing them to speak to a Leisure Group. They will be looking for a
cut back to one main holiday a year they consultant who they can trust. We are strong brand throughout 2009 which will
will make it a really good one. noticing more people coming back to book. allay their fears.
40 09.01.2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80