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 Brits 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, 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 tour firms and travel agents is that overseas holiday bookings have been weakening.” Credit Suisse said: “The hot weather has added risk to nearterm 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.