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knowledge short-haul summer
ttglive.com
Package vs DIY
Packaging up a
sunny outlook
Nowhere has been more affected by no-frills airlines and the DIY holidays boom than the
western Med. Dave Richardson talks to operators on both sides about the state of play
BALEARICS.
The range of accommodation in Majorca,
Menorca and Ibiza is wider than you might
think, putting package operators who can
offer first-hand advice in a strong position.
Peak season availability is often tight,
and bed banks risk being squeezed out on
late bookings by hotels linked closely with
package operators.
On the other hand, the islands are heavily
served by no-frills carriers, and the many
repeat visitors know their way around.
Classic Collection is one of the operators
focusing on upmarket accommodation,
which can be packaged up using any airline.
Managing director Nick Munday says:
y
s
“You can see a queue of hundreds of people
waiting for a taxi at Ibiza airport, but our
customers are met by a chap holding their C
osmos holida
names up on a board who whisks them
away in seconds. Cosmos offers package holidays in mainland Spain
“Classic Collection has been operating to
Majorca for more than 20 years and we have Munday adds: “We take 5,000 people to few years, all-inclusive resorts have ruled the
six staff based there, who know the island the Balearics each year, and special offers DIY sector due to the strength of the euro.
like the back of their hands. are now a major factor. “However, restaurants and bars have been
“We have a comprehensive range in “But we don’t operate in the three-star forced to react and become more competitive,
Majorca, including country farmhouses.” market, where you can’t afford to charge so self-catering holidays are regaining some
£1 more than the competition.” appeal.”
Youtravel.com counters that the familiarity She adds: “The Balearics are a cornerstone
with the Balearics makes them ideal for of the British holiday market. There’s little
self-packaging. need for people to be ‘guided’ around on a
National sales manager Liz Garfield says: package tour.”
“For the Balearics in particular, the breadth
of flying options available is second-to-none.
There are virtually hourly departures in MAINLAND SPAIN.
tion
peak season – rather than daily departures EasyJet and Ryanair have become dominant
ollec
offered by mainstream operators. names at the main resort gateways of
Classic C “We are predicting a return to the self- Alicante (Costa Blanca) and Malaga
The Hospes Maricel hotel, Majorca catering holiday in the Balearics. For the past (Costa del Sol). Turn to 36
34 15.01.2010
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