While classic travel operators fight against a considerable drop in demand, the number of online bookings is steadily growing. In June Tiscover’s Alpine Portal registered an increase of 40 percent compared to last year. The classic selling channels lose customers but Internet bookings continue booming. This already existing trend has been confirmed in 2009. "Customers want to compare detailed…
While classic travel operators fight against a considerable drop in demand, the number of online bookings is steadily growing. In June Tiscover’s Alpine Portal registered an increase of 40 percent compared to last year.
The classic selling channels lose customers but Internet bookings continue booming. This already existing trend has been confirmed in 2009. “Customers want to compare detailed information and offers. The Internet makes a perfect search instrument and is ideal for online bookings”, states Matthias Grundbock, member of the executive board.
Increasing bookings made by German guests
A summer holiday in the Alps ranks among the highlights this year, especially with German guests. “In June more than 40 percent of bookings were made by Germans, that’s 10 percent more than last year”, explains Grundbock: “In some Regions, for example in Tirol, bookings made by German guests increased by almost 50 percent – a new record.” Also the Austrians themselves prefer their own country or the neighboring Alpine areas for active summer holidays. With some 30 percent in June, they came second in the online booking ranking at www.tiscover.com.
In order to increase demand in the neighboring countries, the Tiscover Alpine Portal continues with marketing campaigns focusing on special themes. At the moment an extensive Last Minute campaign guarantees a growth in bookings. “We perfectly meet the last minute trend. In June 35 percent of our customers booked their vacation only up to seven days before arrival“, explains Matthias Grundbock. “25 percent of bookings were made at three or four star hotels and at least 19 percent at private guesthouses.”
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