Think in Booking Seasons and Save

Media Release 12 October 2006

Think in Booking Seasons and Save

Consumers need to be more aware of travel booking seasons to get the best deals, according to New Zealand’s largest travel retailer.

Flight Centre general manager Rick Hamilton said airlines and agents worked in cycles, and being aware of these cycles could save the traveller thousands of dollars.

“One of the most common questions clients ask our agents is when the best time to book for a particular destination would be. The booking season for each region is something that just isn’t widely know.”

The traditional European booking season begins next week and runs until mid-December, with all the major airlines offering competing early bird specials and touring companies offering big discounts for travel in 2007.

To capitalise on this, Flight Centre is again holding its annual Discover Europe Travel Shows throughout the country.

But Mr Hamilton said it isn’t just Europe that “goes on sale”.

South Pacific and Australia deals are traditionally released from the annual Boxing Day Sales and run until March, while Asia specials are largely available between March and June.

Flight Centre Asia product manager Liz Johnston said ‘Amazing Thailand’ was one of the more high profile sales held each year, and awareness of it was growing, with people enquiry about it by name.

“This is definitely the exception though, most people just get the best deal when they want to book, rather than booking when they can get the best deal.”

Mr Hamilton said there would always be exceptions and one off “rock bottom” sales, but increased awareness would still be of benefit to the New Zealand travelling public.

“The message is simple. Book early and at the appropriate time of the year, and you are far more likely to get a great deal.”

ENDS

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