NI adults set to go Falcon in summer 2002

As the package holiday market goes from strength to strength, when and how Northern Ireland holidaymakers book their summer holidays is undergoing significant change, according to Falcon Holidays Director Christine Donnelly.

Speaking at the launch of the tour operator’s “Go Falcon - Go For Less” brochure in Belfast’s Malone Lodge Hotel, Ms Donnelly explained that Falcon is now entering its most important booking period of the year - a significant change from previous years during which January has been the key shop window for sun seekers.

She said: “Last year, we sold 19 per cent of our entire Summer 2001 programme during August and September alone, while January, traditionally our busiest booking period, accounted for 10 per cent of our sales.

“By the end of September this year, we expect to have sold in excess of 30 per cent of our Summer 2002 programme, so this is really the perfect time for us to be launching our new Go Falcon - Go For Less brochure.”

While miserable summers at home might encourage people to head straight for the phone and book a holiday for next year, Christine believes that giving the best deals to early bookers is the main reason behind the considerable changes in booking patterns.

She added: “It’s really no big surprise that booking trends are getting earlier since the best deals and special offers are now being snapped up by early bookers and not by people who leave things to the last minute.”

This is well illustrated by the wide range of special offers available in the new brochure for customers who book before September 30. These include savings of up to £160 per couple, free adult places, free places for groups and Falcon’s unique lowest price guarantee.

As well as this, the latest edition of the Falcon Blitz features some of the company’s best deals including two kids for £1, adult discounts of up to 50 per cent from Belfast and City of Derry Airports and 25 per cent off cruises (with savings of up to £630 per couple). (MB)