22-23 Season Holiday Sales Running Ahead of Average
22-23 Season Holiday Sales Running Ahead of Average
Published : 13-Feb-2022 10:40
As ski holiday sales continue to yoyo according to restriction levels, tour operators have put 22-23 packages on sale earlier than ever before and are reporting sales are already ahead of usual for next winter …just not as far ahead as they were this time in 2020 and 2021.
The "bookings rolled over" impact that left many key dates pre-sold may be a small impact for French holidays in Christmas and New Year 22-23 after some people who were unable to take their holidays this winter as France closed their border to UK leisure travel, but not so much as this winter or 20-21.
"For 22/23 there was indeed bookings (December departure) carried over but nothing like 20/21 for 21/22. So, yes, it's looking better than a normal year this far ahead but it's not anything like it was in January 2021 for 21/22," confirmed French-holidays specialists Peak Retreats boss Xavier Schouller.
"As many of our customers chose to move their holiday to next season, we'd urge anyone who wants to travel on peak dates including Easter and next Christmas and New Year, to book soon to make sure they get their destination of choice as people look to make up for missing last year's ski season. But at the moment, there's good availability across key destinations," said a spokesperson for the UK's largest ski holiday operator Crystal.
Early group bookings for next winter are however especially strong according to Richard Sinclair of specialist travel agency SNO.co.uk (http://www.sno.co.uk)
"The 22/23 season is already sold far more than in previous years, so I'd say book now, especially if you want something specific. We're taking record bookings from groups for next year, so the large chalets will be gone much earlier that before. Experienced group leaders will already know this, but the top tip is to get your gang to give you their deposit before you start the search. Everyone is "definitely coming" when discussing excitedly in the pub, but it's disheartening to spend days finding the perfect holiday only for one or two to then say they can't come… and you have to start all over again to find a chalet for a different group size."
There is also an ongoing issue with a lack of holidays on sale due to the pandemic and Brexit impacts according to Nick Morgan, Managing Director of Le Ski who commented.
"Next season is already 10% full. Incredible. Partly deferrals from this recent border closure but mainly a lack of supply from other trusted operators."
Brighton based Ski Beat, one of those whose 2022/23 ski season is now bookable online at (http://www.skibeat.co.uk), says that now, more than ever, it makes sense for skiers to book a season ahead, to get exactly the ski holiday that is right for them.
The company's Sales & Marketing Director, Laura Hazell, said "With thirty-four ski seasons behind us, we have seen skiers gamble between booking early to get what they want, or risking a compromise and a possible late offer. The last two years have taught many people that waiting, can be false economy, and lead to disappointment.
As to the remainder of this season, very unusually there's still quote a lot of availability for the usually sold out February half term weeks because of all the restrictions and communications chaos over travel over the past two months. However everything is open and restrictions currently continuing to ease. The main issue is finding an affordable flight from the South-East so skiers based there are advised to self-drive or travel to a regional airport south or north to get on the flight for fraction of the cost from London airports.
Easter is looking very busy, particularly the week from 2nd April. Inghams have extended their season by a week to final departures on 16th April to try to meet demand. For countries like France and Italy this will be the first March and April for three years that the slopes are open (all being well) and there are bookings held over from 2020 and 2021 ready to go.
There are though people who have decided to skip this winter altogether and wait for, hopefully, more stability by 22-23.
(https://www.vip-chalets.com/)"A lots of bookings are already made and we are very confident for next season – it's a mix or loyal customers who travelled this winter and those who decided to ditch this winter and come next winter instead," confirmed VIP SKI's, Sales & Marketing Director, Gareth Crump.
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