Holidaymakers preparing to book their 2011 summer break are being warned to avoid major price hikes at some of the most popular destinations favoured by UK travellers in recent years.
Egypt, The US and Turkey holidays could cost on average up to £149 more per person in 2011, according to a study of over 200,000 holidays by leading retailer The Co-operative Travel.
In contrast, The Co-operative Travel is reporting that Western Mediterranean resorts in Spain and Portugal are showing a fall in prices compared to last year, with the Algarve £96 cheaper on average for a family of four.
Mike Greenacre, Managing Director of The Co-operative Travel, said: “Resorts in Turkey and Egypt have seen a massive influx of UK holidaymakers in recent years, tempted by the exceptional value for money, all inclusive concept and guaranteed sunshine.
“However, it’s clear from our research that these resorts are now looking to maximise on this recent popularity, with the average price per person up significantly in Turkey (a rise of £94) and Egypt (a rise of £54). We have implored the Turkish tourist authorities to persuade hotels and resorts to think twice about such increases in these challenging times.
“In addition we’re seeing major price rises in the US (an average rise of £149 per person) and Mexico (up £43), which we are attributing to the significant increases in air passenger duty (APD) introduced in November. Here again we have been demanding that the Government halts the severe increases in APD pricing. In any event with a little more planning, particularly for long haul destinations, these increases can be legitimately avoided.
“Don’t get me wrong, with the right knowledge and time there are still great value for money packages out there for these resorts, particularly Turkey but we feel you will need some advice from a travel professional to find them.”
Mike has this advice for cost-conscious travellers in 2011: “The Western Mediterranean offers the best value in 2011 and this is reflected in early bookings for resorts like Majorca (up 18%) and the Algarve (up 9%).
“This has been driven by Spain, in particular, investing in its resorts to increase the availability of all-inclusive breaks at more competitive prices, and the Spanish Tourist authorities have recognised that they needed to be sending a message of being more competitive in resort.
“All-inclusive deals have grown hugely in popularity and have helped support the recent increase in holidaymakers to Egypt and Turkey. With this improved offer and cheaper prices, I expect Spain to show strong growth in Europe for summer 2011.”
Mike also believes that people will benefit from booking early and taking advantage of January deals: “Holidaymakers should make the most of early booking offers with major retailers; for example, despite prices to the US increasing, many retailers are offering cheap deals for the start of the main bookings season in January.
“The Co-operative Travel has partnered with Virgin to offer family holidays to Florida and the Caribbean for as little as £499, less than half the average booking price shown by our research.
“From a budgeting point of view you should also check how much deposit is required for your booking as these can vary enormously. The other key thing to check in these difficult times is whether or not your deposit is financially protected in the event of a tour operator failure. Why risk your hard earned money when you don’t need to?”
BEST VALUE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR 2011
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- The Algarve – prices down £96 for a family of four
- Costa Dorada – prices down £72
- Menorca – prices down £48
- Majorca – prices down £20
TOP HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR 2011 (based on bookings to-date)
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- Majorca
- Turkey (Dalaman)
- Orlando
- Cyprus
- Ibiza
- Turkey (Antalya)
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Tenerife
- Zante
- Costa Blanca
Resource:
The Co-operative specialise in great package holiday deals, all inclusive breaks and last minute holidays. Visit The Co-operative Travel website for help finding your next trip.