p16 Columnist May1 29/4/09 16:18 Page 16
news comment
ttglive.com
Mike Pearse ITV News
“Let’s put an end to these
penny-pinching measures
and instead shout about the
many great deals that exist”
T
he next few weeks will be crucial for told a more accurate story of the continuing
the travel industry, as millions decide decline in passenger numbers and flights. This
if they are going to take a summer did nothing for the credibility of the industry.
holiday abroad, in the UK or stay in The reality is different. In Majorca, bar
the garden. But rather than concentrate on the owners recently told me takings were down
point that consumers face some of the best by at least 40%.
deals seen in years, we are hearing far too Another reality is that there are fantastic
many penny-pinching measures that make offers out there. My recent trip to Spain cost
the industry look a laughing stock. less than £100 return with easyJet, and there
Many travellers feel airports are a major were plenty more at that price on the website.
stress in the first place. To add to this, some Three-star hotels were from £29 a night
airports have had the idea of charging £1 for two people – and good quality.
to drop people off. At home you can get a good
Agents have already warned that hotel for less than £50 and many
Birmingham airport’s decision to properties will do deals if you ask.
“provide” this “service” is making holi- Long-haul flights are good value;
days harder to sell. Now we hear Luton, £250 return to New York is currently
and possibly others, are to follow suit. offered by Virgin Atlantic, and they
Train companies want to introduce a have many more to other destinations.
similar charge to book a seat, on top These are the messages the industry
of another fare rise to be brought in needs to get across to the public to get
later this month. them travelling. Many people are simply
And last week’s silly suggestion was not looking at going away because they
the so-called “fat tax”. The idea is to believe it will cost too much during
squeeze more pounds out of obese these times of great uncertainty.
passengers. Previously an idea Even if many people are under threat
suggested in Canada, it was thrown of losing their jobs, they may be happy to
out when legal threats were made. pay for an affordable break.
While the trade gets involved in all So let’s stop the ridiculous measures that
these squabbles, the fear is passengers may raise a few pounds but could end up
will see the industry as a joke, lose putting people off. Instead, let’s shout the
confidence and may be put off booking. message loud and clear from the rooftops
Over Easter we had an almost daily survey that great deals do exist.
from some part of the trade or other, trying
to hype up the number of people travelling.
This was followed by official figures that Mike Pearse, transport correspondent, ITV News
16 01.05.2009
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