Holidaymakers look for peace of mind and value in 2011
- Research shows shift to booking earlier and more package holidays
- Thomas Cook guarantees 10 per cent off its holidays and price match promise
- Jamie and Louise Redknapp rebook with Thomas Cook
Research carried out for the world's favourite travel company, Thomas Cook* has shown that, however they book, the British holidaymaker now considers the need to book with a trusted name in travel equally as important as getting value for money for their holiday.
Manny Fontenla-Novoa, Group CEO of Thomas Cook Group plc said, "The effect of recent bad weather and events from earlier in 2010, like the volcanic ash cloud, have really demonstrated the importance of booking with a company who can take care of its customers, whatever the situation. A company like ours looks after holidaymakers every step of the way and undoubtedly holidaymakers need to know that whatever 2011 brings - good or bad - their holiday will be in world class hands."
The research also revealed that two thirds of those who booked a late deal last summer intend to book their 2011 summer holiday early in the New Year or before, as they look to secure the holiday that they want and take advantage of early booking discounts.
"The cold weather is playing its part in turning people’s thoughts to sunnier climes as they look to book earlier, using both the high street and the internet to research their perfect holiday, and get the best value they can for their well deserved break."
It is the package holiday
With the package holiday going from strength to strength, the research has also shown that more people intend to book a package holiday in 2011 than did in 2010. Renowned for offering great value, today’s package can be tailored to the needs of the holidaymaker as they look for everything from the complete family holiday to affordable 5 star luxury.
Thomas Cook UK & Ireland is helping customers save money by offering 2011 summer holidays at a guaranteed 10 per cent off during the peak booking period of 26 December until 31 January. It is also taking the stress out of finding the cheapest price by committing to price match its holidays at the same price wherever they are, including on www.thomascook.com or in another travel store. The claim is simple, we will have the best price for holidays however, and wherever, you want to book and if it can’t be matched, customers will receive their holiday for free.
Manny continued, "Holidaymakers are returning to the home of the traditional package holiday - Spain and Greece - as the pound strengthens against the Euro and hoteliers respond to the competition from Turkey. 2011 will still see a huge number of British holidaymakers travel to Turkey as their standard of product and range really does offer outstanding value."
It is Jamie and Louise
Today sees the launch of Thomas Cook’s new commercial campaign, and the return of Jamie and Louise Redknapp – in its high street stores, online and on TV.
Seen online from 26 December, in store from 27 December, and in press, on TV and radio from 1 January, the New Year campaign will see updated creative executions including store visuals and film that update the original Jamie and Louise ad.
The new TV ad will include a post-9pm take on the original, which sees Jamie emerge from the sea, and includes more footage of Louise on the beach with a newly recorded voiceover from the BBC’s ‘Something for the Weekend’ host. As a nod to Jamie’s football punditry, a Sky Sports exclusive bumper ad will see extended footage of Jamie’s ‘keepy uppy’ skills on Llandudno Beach in Cape Town. The original ad has also been updated with new frames and a new voiceover by the Redknapps.
Manny added, "We were very impressed with last year's response to the Jamie and Louise campaign, so we're really excited about working with them again."
Thomas Cook New Year Early Booking Offers – Summer 2011
Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Turkey from £300 per person (was £415 – saving of £115 per person)
Staying at the 3 star plus Alize Hotel in Olu Deniz on all inclusive, Birmingham 12 June 2011
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5959, or visit the nearest Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Costa Blanca from £375 per person (was £555 – saving of £180 per person)
Staying at the 3 star Ambassador Playa in Benidorm on all inclusive, Manchester 12 July 2011
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5959, or visit the nearest Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook - 7 nights in Halkidiki, Greece from £498 per person (was £625 – saving of £127 per person)
Staying at the 5 star Sani Beach Hotel in Halkidiki on half board, Gatwick 7th May 2011
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5959, or visit the nearest Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook - 14 nights in Cuba from £1,000 per person (was £1,204 – saving of £204 per person)
Staying at the 4 star Sol Cayo Guillermo in Cayo Guillermo on all inclusive, Manchester 26 June 2011
www.thomascook.com, 0844 412 5959, or visit the nearest Thomas Cook