Tour operators have warned that a new school-term structure that comes into force next year could increase the price of a family summer holiday even further.
Last week, the consumer affairs minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, criticised the travel industry for hiking prices in the peak season. Package prices rise by an average of about 40% in July and August, although increases of 150% have been recorded. Sutcliffe accused firms of profiting from the fact that most families can travel only during these months and called for them to reduce summer prices.
Tour operators, however, are now warning that, due to changes in the term periods of state schools, the situation will get even worse.
Next year, the education executive of the Local Government Association (LGA) undertakes the first significant revision of term times for 50 years. It has rejected calls to stagger school holidays (favoured by the travel industry because it would spread demand over a longer period and allow it to drop prices). Instead, the LGA will insist that all schools close within a day or two of each other for a six-week summer break.
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The Association of Independent Tour Operators (Aito) says: “At the moment, because school closure and opening dates vary considerably, there is more or less an eight-week window for travel during the summer. The new rule will reduce this substantially. A shorter summer holiday will drive up demand and prices.”
The LGA argues that it is increasing the length of breaks at other times, particularly the October half-term, which will, in future, be a standard two weeks. But Aito counters: “Longer holidays in the low season will be cheaper, but many camp sites, popular for family holidays, close in September, so it won’t help.”
The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) agrees: “Moving away from the idea of staggering school holidays is definitely a step backwards. It means the demand will be really concentrated in certain weeks of the year and prices will stay as high as they are — or even increase, which is not what parents want.”
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Dominic Bates
Tunis is one of this year’s hotly tipped destinations. The city offers an unusual mix of western and Arabic cultures, so while the atmosphere remains decidedly French, you’ll find colourful spice souks and wonderful Islamic architecture. If that’s not enough to tempt you, on its doorstep, you’ll find fabulous crowd-free beaches, fascinating Berber villages, desertscapes that regularly star in Hollywood films and, of course, the ancient site of Carthage. The Sunday Times has a special internet price with British Airways for readers to visit the Tunisian capital. Flights are from Gatwick, with prices starting at just £99pp, including all taxes — a £50 discount on BA’s next cheapest tickets. Book by June 26 for travel between June 27 and March 13 next year. To get your special fare, visit www.timesonline.co.uk/travel and follow the online instructions.
Make Brits get visas, say US terror chiefs
ALL BRITISH holidaymakers may have to apply for a visa to visit the USA in future, following a call by terrorism chiefs for a review of the visa waiver programme (VWP).
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The vast majority of Britons travel under the VWP, filling in a form mid-flight to present to customs on arrival. Last week, however, the House of Representatives Terrorism Subcommittee claimed the system left the country vulnerable. Several known terrorists have used the VWP, including Richard Reid, the British “shoe bomber”. The committee called for a “top-down review” of the VWP to determine the risks.
The scheme has come under particular scrutiny because, last week, the house was forced to agree to postpone another controversial border measure: the introduction of biometric passports. These contain a chip with facial recognition data, making it easier to identify and track visitors. The US government had wanted to make the new-style documents
mandatory from October 26. Following protests from countries including the UK that they do not have the technology to produce such passports, this has been suspended until October 2005.
The Travel Industry Association of America warns: “Discontinuing the VWP would seriously hurt tourism.” Obtaining a visa is arduous: British travellers must apply a month in advance in person, in either London or Belfast. It is also expensive, costing £67pp.