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Travellers 'downgrading rather than dropping holidays'
18 July 2008
As the credit crunch continues to eat away at consumers' disposable income, many people are having to devote some time to thinking about the financial implications of their holidays, according to the Air Transport Users Council (AUC).
However, James Fremantle, the AUC's industry affairs manager, said that British people in particular are more likely to adapt their trip rather than drop it altogether.
Mr Fremantle admitted that, during difficult economic times, air travel is one of the first things people cut back on.
However, he added: 'Some tour operators are actually reporting pretty good numbers, so it looks as if people are just downgrading their holidays.
'They are still going away, but downgrading from certain holidays to cheaper package holidays.'
Despite the credit crunch, plans for family holidays have remained intact and bookings for the summer are strong, according to the Association of British Travel Agents.
More than 2m people are set to embark on holidays this weekend alone as the school summer break period gets underway.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
However, James Fremantle, the AUC's industry affairs manager, said that British people in particular are more likely to adapt their trip rather than drop it altogether.
Mr Fremantle admitted that, during difficult economic times, air travel is one of the first things people cut back on.
However, he added: 'Some tour operators are actually reporting pretty good numbers, so it looks as if people are just downgrading their holidays.
'They are still going away, but downgrading from certain holidays to cheaper package holidays.'
Despite the credit crunch, plans for family holidays have remained intact and bookings for the summer are strong, according to the Association of British Travel Agents.
More than 2m people are set to embark on holidays this weekend alone as the school summer break period gets underway.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!

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