Safely packaged

THE speedy evacuation of more than 3,000 British tourists from the violence of the Tunisian uprising could further boost the attractions of package holidays, travel agents believe.

Even before dramatic events unfolded in North Africa, there were signs that the fall in demand for package holidays was levelling out.

Confusion and delays triggered by the Iceland ash-cloud crisis last spring also made a strong case for the protection afforded by package holidays.

The Travel Agents Leisure Intelligence report from Mintel showed that travel agents booked an estimated 45.4 per cent of overseas holidays taken by British consumers in 2009, against 43.5 per cent in 2008. And the figure could be higher for last year, it has been claimed.

At independent travel agency Travel Counsellors, which sells holidays through homebased advisors, chairman David Speakman says: “Our own increasing sales figures reflect that despite an uncertain economic backdrop, customers value the trusted advice and care they receive from agents who are available 24/7 and will go the extra mile to look after them.

“This was never more evident than with the ash cloud in 2010 and recent disruption caused by the snow, when our staff went to extraordinary lengths to supply customers with up to date information and provided alternative travel plans if required, as opposed to being left to fend for themselves had they booked directly or on the internet.

“With the current situation in Tunisia, it is so reassuring for customers to know they have someone on hand to help them and make sure they get home safely.”

Speakman says financial protection has become a key issue after the failure of several travel firms – and the Mintel Report found this is another area of concern when travellers make their bookings.

He added: “There is such a deluge of conflicting information available on the web that people want somebody to cut through this minefield of information, save them time in the process and more importantly, steer them through it and provide independent, professional guidance and knowledge so they can find the right holiday for them.”

As it happens, the rising popularity of Tunisia – both as a winter sun and summer destination – is based almost entirely on package holidays, which are reckoned to account for more than 90 per cent of the 360,000 holidays which Britons take there each year.

Peter Lilley, spokesman for Menata (Middle East and North Africa Travel Association), says: “Of course, the situation in Tunisia is serious and in the short-term will undoubtedly damage the country’s tourism industry. But once stability is restored, there is every chance that business will quickly bounce back.

“These days, when there can be sudden flareups almost anywhere in the world, the travelling public seems to be more pragmatic and understanding and doesn’t tend to boycott a destination for years on end because of a single incident.”

Reactions among tour operators to the violence in Tunisia have been variable in recent days. While online travel agents lowcost holidays.com lists seven-night holidays in Sousse from £160, with flights from the East Midlands on January 31, budget airline Jet2 has scrapped its summer programme of flights from airports in the Midlands and the north.

Lilley adds: “Tunisia has tremendous attractions to British visitors: It is cheap, offers guaranteed sunshine and marvellous beaches.

By contrast, Morocco has become more expensive and more exclusive, so far as the mass market is concerned.

“It is important not be too swayed by current events dominating the news bulletins. When the new Government has sorted itself out, the fact is that Tunisia simply cannot afford to be without a tourism industry for very long.

“It is a matter of regret that Jet2 scrapped its summer programme on January 18, when many of the current problems could be sorted out in the next few weeks.”

* Tunisian National Tourist office (0207- 224- 5561 and cometotunisia.co.uk); lowcost holidays.com (lowcostholidays.com 0800-111-6271).

Don’t be scared of tax hike

AGENTS are warning that would-be travellers should not be deterred by the jump in VAT to 20 per cent. As UK consumers get used to paying substantially more for larger luxurious items, such as cars, plasma televisions and electrical equipment, they should realise that a well-deserved break in the sun shouldn’t cost a penny more.

Two operators – Thomson and First Choice, both part of TUI Travel – say that holiday prices will be largely unaffected.

Thomson spokeswoman Louise Evans says: “To avoid any confusion, both brands are launching separate integrated marketing campaigns with retail, online and email outlets.

The campaign will communicate that the VAT increase won’t affect Thomson and First Choice holiday prices.”

Saga, specialising in holidays for the over- 50s, launched a campaign promising that no VAT would be added to its cruise prices – which suggested other package prices might be hit.

The hotel booking website octopus.co.uk – listing more than 90,000 hotels in 180 countries – also stresses that the VAT rise should make few waves. It also promises an extra 50 per cent off at any TripAdvisor-rated hotels on bookings by January 26.

Octopus offers five-star hotel rooms in Dubai at half price– from £186 per night - with the four-star Morgans Hotel in New York from £130, reduced by the same margin.

Trade journal Travel Trade Gazette says the VAT increase is passed on to package holidays via the Tour Operators Margin Scheme; although operators have to pay more VAT on profits, the rise is likely to add only about 0.5 per cent to package prices if operators pass this on to consumers.