British travel groups TUI Travel and Thomas Cook have reported a big rise in fixed-price holiday bookings as cash-strapped Europeans opt for risk-free deals in a volatile economic climate, and Greece is regaining popularity after a tough 2012 when tourism fell, harmed by images of social and political unrest.
“More people are booking all-inclusive holidays, which is very attractive at the moment, given the strengthening of the euro against the pound,” Peter Long, Chief Executive of TUI, which owns the Thomson and First Choice, said according to Reuters.
Thomas Cook confirmed the trend. Bookings for summer 2013 from northern Europe were up 17 percent on last year, with continental Europe also higher, the group said in a statement. Chief Executive Harriet Green said the company had seen good demand for package holidays with Spain, Turkey and Greece proving to be popular destinations.
Travel firms and airlines across Europe have seen bookings fall over the last two years, hit by the Eurozone debt crisis, high fuel costs and turmoil in Greece, one of the continent΄s main holiday destinations.
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