Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Hot and can’t be bothered going abroad
Cheap foreign hols bonanza as firms tempt us away
TRAVEL firms are slashing prices for breaks abroad as the scorching summer prompts people to delay bookings – or holiday here instead.
The great stay-at-home has forced tour giant Tui to offer reductions on more than 2,200 packages.
Rival Thomas Cook cut 10% off the already-discounted cost of July foreign trips in a three-day promotion.
That ended on Monday but the firm said: “We’re looking at other compelling offers for the rest of the summer.”
An industry insider said: “The good weather seems to be causing lots of customers to postpone decisions on their summer getaway. As a result,
WHAT a super summer win-win for holidaymakers on both weather and prices.
When the sun shines here at home, a staycation is a wonderful family favourite – and especially so over the long school break.
The Med resorts are also a great getaway destination – and the value prices have really come down for late bookings. There are lots of bargains around, which is great for the public but not for the companies involved.”
Analysts believe operators’ profits could be hit. Investment bank Morgan Stanley, said: “The consensus among there is now even better as the travel titans slash prices.
But hurry to grab something at home as staycations have sold fast this year – perhaps due to uncertainty on sterling exchange rates and Brexit. Devon and tour firms and travel agents is that overseas holiday bookings have been weakening.” Credit Suisse said: “The hot weather has added risk to near-term trading.”
The Travelsupermarket comparison site said: “People yet to book a break should go online for top deals.
“If you are flexible on departure date, flying midweek is often cheaper. Add in flexibility on exact destination and you will find some excellent last-minute bargains.”
Among the site’s deals, priced per person for seven nights, are: Crete apartment, July 29, £342; Majorca hotel, July 30, £307; Costa Dorada hotel, August 1, £284. Cornwall will be hugely popular and heavily booked but there are still deals.
Why not try Norfolk, Yorkshire, the Peak District, the Isle of Wight or Scotland? Or maybe take it easy on a canal boat?
Overseas you’ll find bargains at old favourites – Spain, Greece and Turkey, plus Egypt’s resurgent Red Sea coast.