London - British holidaymakers are spending more than their European counterparts – because they have rediscovered the delights of the all-inclusive package.
So while they shell out more up front, they often get a cheaper deal overall thanks to big savings on food and drink.
Britons are spending an average of five percent more on holiday deals than last year, tour operator TUI Travel said.
But its German, French and Scandinavian customers are not paying as much.
Peter Long of TUI, which owns Thomson Holidays and First Choice, put the change down to a “renaissance” of all-inclusive deals, which appeal to those on a budget.
“Customers like all-inclusive holidays, particularly with the economic environment we’ve seen in the UK over the past three or four years,” said Mr Long.
“The reality is that they can get off the plane and not open their wallet again.”
Package deals are also more likely to come with a “no quibble” guarantee of a refund if something goes wrong, he said.
Thomson and First Choice reported a surge in demand from UK holidaymakers for trips to Greece, as hotel owners hit by economic turmoil there offer bargains to boost the tourist trade. - Daily Mail