A capacity crunch in the western Mediterranean is starting to bite, with some operators reporting “unprecedented” levels of stop?sale orders by hoteliers.
Operators are asking agents to “manage customer expectations” as availability of beds for the peak summer in destinations such as Majorca and Portugal hits critically low levels.
David Skillicorn, director and general manager at Prestige Holidays, said the operator was receiving 75-85 notices from hotels a day because they were filling up for certain dates – double the number he would expect at this time of year and the highest level he has ever seen.
Cross-checking reservations
Skillicorn said Prestige had added two hotels to its programme and increased the number of resort staff for the summer to “cross-check” all reservations.
“This is something we have to be really vigilant about,” he said.
“Finding availability in some destinations like the Algarve, Majorca and Croatia is becoming quite an art form.
“We’ve got a battle on our hands; it is not insurmountable, but I say to staff if they and the agent have found the right match then the client needs to book straight away or it will get snapped up.
“We would not usually have to apply that pressure.
“The worry is the term-time holiday debate will be reignited.
“The old adage that early bookers get the best deals has evolved into early bookers get the holidays. We are a resilient industry, and we have diversified our programme.”
Stop-sale notices
Sunvil chairman Noel Josephides said he had seen stop-sale notices for Portugal rise by about 50% for the peak season, and described this year’s situation as “unprecedented”.
Advantage head of commercial and marketing John Sullivan said: “It was predicted that places deemed safer would sell out, so if it’s not happening now it won’t be long before it does,” he added.
Monarch and Classic Collection Holidays are also battling for capacity in certain destinations.
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