TUI anticipates catch-up effect after political tension eases
Hanover/Berlin (ots)
TUI AG, the world's leading tourism group, takes an optimistic view of the 2003 summer season despite the threat of war in Iraq and the current hesitancy in bookings. At the start of this year's International Tourism Exchange in Berlin, TUI AG chairman Dr Michael Frenzel said: "This fair will send out positive signals. Irrespective of any short-term difficulties, the tourism industry should continue to look optimistically into the future. The holiday industry is a growth industry over the medium and long-term." Dr. Frenzel added that the fundament demand for holidays is unchanged, and holidays are still a top priority for consumers.
Bookings throughout Europe are being influenced by the threat of a renewed Gulf war and the poor economic situation overall. CEO Frenzel said, "the obvious hesitancy in bookings in recent weeks is evidence that the war is already in people's minds."
TUI group's overall customer figures for the current winter and summer season mark a four per cent drop year-on-year. Booked turnover for the winter and summer season is just over six per cent down in total on the preceding year. Turnover booked for winter is about one per cent, while turnover for summer is presently some nine per cent below last year's result. The figures show great variations throughout Europe. Whereas the markets in Austria, France and Ireland are now higher than last year's levels for the crucial summer season, the figures for Germany and Great Britain are noticeably down on the previous year.
The demand back-log is due to the increasing trend towards late booking apparent again this year, a factor exacerbated by the fear of war. TUI anticipates a strong catch-up effect when the political tensions eventually ease.
Frenzel: "We will use all leverage available to keep TUI moving ahead on its successful course despite all political and economic obstacles, and have not given up on 2003."
At the ITB, TUI is showcasing in Hall 25/Stand 1. On an area of more than 2000 sqm. its new stand concept takes customers and partners on a trip through the World of TUI. "Our stand brings to life the various stages along the tourism value chain, from the travel agent and the tour operator through to the airline and the holiday hotel," enthused Dr. Frenzel.
TUI is starting the summer season 2003 on its German source market with a battery of innovations. Potential holidaymakers can select from no less than 30 catalogues and more than 6500 offers worldwide. "TUI Stars" and "TUI Ambiente & Flair" are the two new target group catalogues. TUI Stars presents absolute top-of-the-range national and international holiday hotels. All 185 houses feature outstanding special service ranges and infrastructures tailored to a discerning clientele. TUI Ambiente & Flair reflects the growing demand for holidays off the beaten tourism track. The 112 choices all boast individuality and atmosphere, in a selection including holiday homes with separate kitchen through to sleepy country hotels and fincas with their own wine-cellar. The catalogue selection is rounded off with bespoke programmes, such as mountain hiking from finca to finca and Paradores-tours.
A special attraction of the 2003 summer holiday season is the focus on families. In Germany, TUI has kicked off with a broad-based campaign under the title "Parents' Treat". The main attraction comprises super fixed-prices for kids, starting from Euro 99 for popular holiday countries around the Mediterranean. In total, TUI has put together more than 100,000 offers in this package. The super fixed-prices for kids are the result of renegotiations with partners in the destinations.
Please find this press-release on our homepage www.tui.com
ots Original Text Service: TUI AG Internet: http://www.presseportal.de
Contact:
Nikolai Juchem, phone +49 (0)173 566 -1456
Mario Köpers, phone +49(0)172 567 -6909
Original-Content von: TUI AG, übermittelt durch news aktuell