Olympics and Jubilee impact on 2012 Travel Plans
The Summer Olympics 1948, due to the post war rationing and economic climate, became known as the Austerity Games, in fact the games were almost handed to the USA but for King George’s intervention, that this could be a chance to restore Great Britain.
With low wages, travel abroad for most people was just a dream in the 1940’s, only the very well off enjoyed the delights of visiting foreign countries and most people had to satisfy themselves with a weeks holiday at one of Britain’s coastal resorts hoping it wouldn’t rain!
But for those who could, travel in the 1940’s was at a much slower pace. Rail and ship voyages being the mode of transport and images spring to mind of the upper classes languishing in steamer chairs and quaffing cocktails on a cruise up the Nile, or perhaps over wintering in the South of France!
With the world watching the UK for the 2012 Olympics will it be a staycation vacation or will you be escaping the masses to find your own luxury retreat in some far flung paradise?
But it is not just the Olympics impacting on our holiday plans this year as we also have the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and looking back in time to when we celebrated the Silver Jubilee in 1977 certainly travel had become more accessible with the opening of regional airports, Freddie Laker’s new budget Skytrain airline and Concorde taking to the skies.
The package tour industry declined during the 1970s after the collapse of one of the largest tour operators, leaving thousands of tourists stranded overseas and many more losing deposits, but has seen a resurgence in more recent history as the travelling public seek financial assurance which is provided by ABTA and the new ATOL regulations now coming into force will further protect travellers booking Flight Plus.
With the extra bank holiday dates this year (4th & 5th June) will you be taking advantage of the long weekends to book an extended weekend away, or joining in the festivities with a street party?
There is no doubt that the Olympics and Jubilee will impact on 2012 Travel Plans, it will be a great year for Great Britain with the World focusing on two major events, but look out for a surge in late bookings this summer especially if the weather does not improve!
Call us for any late booking requirements on 01932 866565 or pop into our new Travel Lounge for a coffee and browse our brochures or email enquiries to cobham@travelprofessionals.co.uk
