Family holidays stay on the calendar 28th January 2009
A huge majority of British holidaymakers, 88 per cent according to a recent study by travel firms Thomson and First Choice, consider holidays a high priority even in difficult economic times.
In the current environment holidays are more important than ever, as they provide opportunities for stress-free fun in the sun, on the slopes, on a yacht or wherever with our loved ones and friends
Guy Mantel, Director Club Operations & Travel
And almost 60 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed said their main annual holiday was the last thing they would sacrifice even if forced to make cutbacks.
Holidays viewed as a necessity, rather than a luxury, has helped Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels experience phenomenal growth since the company was founded in 1984.
Its more than 50,000 members have invested upfront in holidays for a lifetime allowing them the choice of the company's own European resorts, hundreds of others with which it has agreements, and access to thousands worldwide via its exchange partner. Many members take two or three - sometimes even more - holidays a year.
Now Club La Costa is set to carry out its own member survey to test the theory that even where financial caution is the watchword, holidays remain a vital and important event on the calendar.
Guy Mantel, Director, Club Operations and Travel, believes that while holiday patterns are affected by changing fashions, financial exchange markets etc., Club La Costa anticipates or responds to these changes very quickly and that the core demand for family holidays remains very strong.
"You could say that in the current environment holidays are more important than ever, as they provide opportunities for stress-free fun in the sun, on the slopes, on a yacht or wherever takes our fancy, with our loved ones and friends. Our members recognise the immense value of that time as something almost beyond price."
However, with tour operators cutting capacity with inevitable impact on flights, he advises everyone to book early to ensure availability on aircraft and best prices.
"It is now even more important that you ensure your money is financially protected and this is possible with Club La Costa Travel, the one-stop shop for all UK members' travel needs.
"Club La Costa Travel is a fully bonded UK Travel Agency, that holds both ABTA and ATOL licences, that also provides competitive insurance cover to protect your money in the event of non-bonded supplier failure."
Holidaymakers can help manage their budget by choosing resorts where there are lots of free activities and entertainments provided. Self-catering facilities are also important for keeping holiday spending under control.
Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels has 23 resorts across Europe and more than 50,000 members. For more information visit www.clublacosta.com
In the current environment holidays are more important than ever, as they provide opportunities for stress-free fun in the sun, on the slopes, on a yacht or wherever with our loved ones and friends
