Still splashing out on holidays

Research by Falcon Holidays shows the last thing people want to sacrifice in challenging economic conditions is their main summer holiday.

Research by Falcon Holidays shows the last thing people want to sacrifice in challenging economic conditions is their main summer holiday.

Speaking at the launch of Falcon Holidays’ new summer 2009 programmme, the company’s Northern Ireland director Christine Donnelly said taking a summer holiday was viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury for most people.

According to the survey carried out by Falcon, Northern Ireland’s Tour Operator of the Year, a massive 85 per cent of people would be least likely to cut back on their summer holiday if they had to reduce spending this year.

Instead, 49 per cent said they would eat out less and 36 per cent would cut back on home improvements. 48 per cent would not consider buying a new car while a quarter of those surveyed (25 per cent) said they would spend less on clothing. Only 15 per cent said that they would cut back on their summer holiday spending.

Taking into account the budgetary choices that people are now facing, Falcon has launched its Bring Back The Sunshine campaign for summer 2009 with a host of special offers for early bookers to help make their summer holiday more affordable.

These offers, which are available until January 26, include thousands of free places for children, grandparents and groups, a ‘two kids for £1’ offer, savings of up to £120 per couple, £150 off family bookings in two bedroom apartments, low deposits and one parent family deals.

“Even in today’s current economic climate, people still need to take a break from their hectic lifestyles and our research shows that people are willing to make other sacrifices to make that possible,” said Christine.

“They consider the annual holiday a necessity rather than a luxury and this is reflected by the fact that many families have already booked their summer holiday with us for 2009.

“We’ve noticed that our seven holiday villages are again proving very popular and our kids clubs are still a firm favourite with families. We’ve also seen an uplift in hotel bookings with half board and all-inclusive holidays, as these offer tremendous value for money.