Where are the other bargains?

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Spring and summer holidays are approaching. It was raining when Hotelplan Suisse CEO Nicole Pfammatter (51) came to the Blick interview. She likes it because it encourages vacationers to book. Even without rain, travel bookings have increased significantly again after the Corona crisis.

The travel business is almost back to pre-Corona levels. Am I too late to book a spring or summer break?
Nicole Pfammatter: No, there is still room everywhere. The customer may not be able to get the exact hotel or room they prefer. However, there are still many short-term vacation opportunities.

How is Switzerland currently booking?
They usually book 90 to 120 days before departure, which is pretty much the same as before the pandemic. Last minute bookings are dwindling. There are almost no entry restrictions. Unfortunately, the number of available flight seats is still below the pre-corona level. This limits the offer.

Travel prices increased significantly as demand grew faster than supply…
But not as strong as many think. Our guests spend an average of 5.2 percent more on beach holiday destinations in the Mediterranean compared to the previous year. We spend 6% more than in 2019. This has to do with not only higher flight prices, but also the fact that many guests treat themselves a little bit more when traveling after the Corona years.

So are hotel prices stable or even falling?
Partly yes. Especially the flight sector, which is currently increasing travel prices. The effects of inflation in the euro area are almost offset by the strong Swiss franc. Additionally: We bought our travel services very well last year. That’s why we took the risk.

In other words, do the beach holidays in the Mediterranean, which you prepare yourself on the Internet at dynamic prices, reflect the inflation more than the package tours booked in travel agencies?
Yes. Package tours are in demand again because they provide security. As the organizer, we are responsible for the proper conduct of the trip, offering protection in the event of bankruptcy and support in case of problems.

What should I do to take advantage of the most attractive prices possible?
Book early in the year, then there are lots of early sign up discounts. If you’re flexible and fly between Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll get cheaper airfare. In addition, the first and last flights of the season and the flights before and after the school holiday are cheaper.

Aren’t you afraid of flight chaos again?
Airports may have longer wait times due to a lack of staff. But Swiss airports and many airlines are doing a lot to speed up processes. Think baggage claim services, 24-hour check-in and similar services.

What is your advice for a smooth start to the holiday?
If you have luggage, you must be at the airport at least three hours before departure during high season, and two hours before departure if you do not have luggage. The Swiss should also consider flying from Bern Airport if possible: From there it takes just a few minutes from the car park to the door.

What are the trend targets in spring and summer?
Corn is especially popular in the spring. Not only bathing holidays in the Red Sea, but also cultural places like Cairo or Luxor. Tunisia is also doing well, especially on the island of Djerba. The Canary Islands are also in demand, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife. In addition to the usual Mediterranean favourites, Greece, Cyprus and Spain, Italy is also in vogue again in the summer.

What about Switzerland?
Switzerland as a holiday destination is also popular after Corona. As a rule, hotels, possibly train journeys, are also booked with us.

And on the long road?
It is especially popular in the USA and Canada during the summer months. Even if prices have risen sharply there. Corona era winners are Maldives, Seychelles, Tanzania and Costa Rica. Asian demand is slowly coming back. Demand for cruises with Australia and New Zealand has not fully recovered yet.

What about city holidays?
They are still popular, especially with us, Paris is full of trains. But there are no cheap 48-hour trips almost anywhere anymore. And that’s fine.

Also, isn’t it on Ascension Day and Pentecost anymore?
However. However, more days are added to the bridge days, meaning longer vacation trips than before.

What is your personal insider knowledge?
The Greek island of Symi, near Rhodes. There you can go to secret dream beaches by small boats every day.

Source :Blick