Showing posts with label door2tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label door2tour. Show all posts

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Door2Tour.com reports the return of the staycation

Door2Tour.com has revealed the 'staycation' might be making a comeback. The latest figures from the tour operator have shown sales of UK breaks have increased by approximately 9% compared to the same period last year. This has been put down to the UK being under the spotlight during 2012.

There are a variety of factors causing this resurgence in UK breaks with the main one being the UK playing host to some top events during 2012 such as the Queens Diamond Jubilee, The Olympics, the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic and the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens birth. Other popular events drawing in the crowds are the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot Ladies Day.

It's not just events that are proving to be a hit for people choosing to take their break in the UK in 2012, VisitEngland have recently launched a campaign showcasing the advantages of taking a 'staycation' instead of heading abroad. The campaign draws on the benefits of avoiding the hassle of passport control, lengthy queues to check-in at airports, poor exchange rates and the risk that travellers' suitcases may not arrive at their destination - which happened to many when London Gatwick suffered a power failure earlier this month and the baggage conveyors did not work. The 2012 campaign has got thousands of fantastic offers to make holidaying at home more affordable than ever this year.

With all the focus pointing towards London during 2012, short breaks to the UK’s capital city remain popular with holidaymakers. Latest figures from Door2Tour.com have shown a 63% rise in sales for London city breaks and this does not include sales of London theatre breaks that have also risen in popularity. Many believe that the 'Royal Effect' has also had a positive impact on the popularity of UK breaks and coach holidays in England with interest in the Royal Family reaching new heights after The Royal Wedding. Sales for Door2Tour coach holidays to Buckingham Palace, its gardens and of course Windsor Castle have risen steadily in popularity. Traditional seaside favourites are also making a comeback with resorts such as Blackpool, Bognor Regis, Scarborough and Great Yarmouth all seeing a rise in hotel bookings.

Rachel Jones, Online PR and Marketing Co-ordinator for Door2Tour.com commented: "Our figures have shown that although the credit crunch is still affecting many of our customers, it has not dampened their spirits where holidays are concerned. It just means that for 2012, most will be shopping around for the best deal for their money. Europe is still a temptation for holidaymakers simply because of its guarantee of sun, sea and sand. In 2011, many people who chose to have a 'staycation' were probably let down because of the typical British weather and are more determined than ever to seek out that summer sunshine in 2012. Let's hope that with all the focus on the UK and the possibility of a beautiful summer, people will be persuaded that holidaying at home is the far better option this year."

FACTFILE:
Door2Tour.com is a consolidation of national and regional tour operators creating a diverse choice of UK, European and worldwide touring holidays including New Year breaks and Christmas breaks, UK coach holidays, day trips, mini cruises and holidays by air to many exciting destinations. All have live availability and offer the customer the opportunity to book online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Door2Tour.com features over 35 operators, including Cosmos holidays, Travelsphere and Leger Holidays.

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Door2Tour.com reports recession hits romance as Valentines breaks decline

Door2Tour.com has reported that non-essentials like gadgets and CDs aren't the only things to have suffered at the hands of the current economic climate. With rises in petrol prices, food and energy costs squeezing household budgets more than ever, there's little doubt that consumers are thinking more carefully about where to spend. This year however, couples are opting to put something other than champagne on ice - their romantic Valentine's break.

Figures from the UK coach holidays company report a drop in dedicated Valentine weekend breaks by 50% compared to 2011, with an additional 72% drop in overall breaks departing over the Valentine weekend.

Despite offering level holiday prices on 2011 for its most popular Valentines break, the destination to have suffered the most was romance-favourite Paris. In a double whammy with increased costs of living, consumers are thought to still be exercising caution towards the Eurozone due to poor exchange rates. The second destination to have been sacrificed in the romance stakes was London, whose theatre break bookings for Valentines weekend have also weakened, though to a lesser extent.

Kate Glanfield, Web Manager of Door2Tour.com, said: "While there is still time for people to book a Valentines break this year, and patterns show that people are generally leaving it later to book, it does look as though this year's Valentine’s Day is going to lack some va-va-voom in terms of traditional, whisk-away romance."

Despite the decrease in Valentines break sales for 2012, Door2Tour.com has reported a 73% rise in event tours and a revival in theatre breaks London for departures throughout the year. The increasing demand in the latter is thought to have been boosted by a host of new shows such as 'Singin' in the Rain' and Dreamboats and Petticoats and a series of new stars freshening up the London stage.

Kate concluded: "What we've seen with the decline in Valentines breaks but the comeback of theatre breaks is that people are now combining a romantic break with an occasion more personal to them to save money. We frequently receive enquiries from people wanting to get away for birthdays and anniversaries, which just goes to show that that despite the cutbacks, romance is not completely dead."

Thursday, 19 January 2012

Door2Tour.com reveals flower shows are blooming whilst UK holiday sales are wilting

Door2Tour.com, the website tour consolidator, has revealed that overall flower show sales are up 158% year to date compared to the same period last year.

It has also found that that over half of the increase can be attributed to sales for the once-every-ten-years Euro flower show, Floriade 2012, an international event with more than 100 participants taking part from across the world, including countries, businesses and horticultural companies. Floriade 2012 is a showcase for the very latest trends in gardening, horticulture and the environment, with countless innovative attractions and interactive activities for all to take part in.

Despite the increase in flower show sales, Door2Tour.com has also found interest in traditional UK breaks are down in line with recent reports from other travel companies such as TUI, who have also experienced weaker UK holiday bookings with an 11% drop in summer 2012 bookings compared to last year.

Rachel Jones, Online PR & Marketing Co-ordinator at Door2Tour.com, said: "Although sales for our flower shows appear to be blooming at the moment with favourites such as Chelsea and Floriade 2012 receiving huge interest from the public, this has been counteracted by drooping UK holiday sales despite holidaymakers tightening their money belts and trying to save the pennies by holidaying at home. One of the reasons for this decline in UK holiday sales could be because families simply cannot afford their annual holiday this year therefore are not booking anything at all."

The coach holidays company has also seen a 15% increase in Euro breaks, with a come-back for destinations like Rome, Spain, Belgium, Austria and Germany. Destinations that appear to have suffered since last year include France with interest in Paris city breaks declining, although trips to Disneyland Paris are selling extremely well, with travellers still being drawn to the major European theme park.

Rachel concluded: "Although our UK sales seem to be down this year compared to 2011, it would appear that our customers are taking advantage of the recent troubles in Europe and opting for European coach tours instead which is why we have seen an increase in interest for destinations such as Rome, Spain, Belgium and Austria. With many still trying to budget when it comes to planning their annual break away, some are choosing popular all-inclusive holidays so they do not have to worry about any hidden extras thus being able to enjoy their holiday. The added advantage of holidaying abroad is you’re more or less guaranteed good weather compared to UK coach holidays where the weather is somewhat unpredictable."

Event sales are also flourishing, with a 73% increase in overall events sales. This has been boosted through early interest shown for events such as The X Factor and Dancing on Ice Live Tours, Royal Ascot, the British Grand Prix, The Grand National and the hotly anticipated Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Friday, 23 December 2011

Door2Tour.com reports 'Dancing on Ice' outselling 'The X Factor'

Door2Tour.com, the website tour consolidator, has revealed that not only has the recent series of 'The X Factor' been trounced in the battle for viewers against rival 'Strictly Come Dancing', but it looks like popularity for 'The X Factor Live Tour' is also waning with more people searching for packages to this year's 'Dancing On Ice Live Tour' before the current series has even been aired.

Although the celebrity line-up for the new series of 'Dancing On Ice' has not yet been revealed, Door2Tour.com has noticed an increase in traffic to the website (between October to date) from customers looking for packages to the 'Dancing On Ice Live Tour 2012' with approximately 4495 visits compared to only 251 for The 'X Factor Live Tour' and 995 visits for the 'Strictly Come Dancing tour'.

Needless to say these figures are going to come as a blow for 'The X Factor' as it struggled throughout its current season to attract viewers with more and more people switching off and turning to its rival reality shows instead. Even a new judging panel including the likes of Gary Barlow and Kelly Rowland and other changes to the competition could not stop the live 'X Factor' final losing almost 4m viewers compared to 2010 when over 17.2 million tuned in to see Matt Cardle be crowned X Factor champ. This year's competition, won by girl group Little Mix, averaged 12.9 million viewers which worked out at a 44% share of the audience. If viewers from ITV+1 are also included then this would increase to an average of 13.1 million. Around 10.9 million viewers tuned in for the semi-final of 'Strictly Come Dancing' and on three separate occasions it edged out in front while 'The X Factor's' figures have fallen by 1.5 million year on year.

Rachel Jones, Online PR & Marketing Co-ordinator at Door2Tour.com, said: "We thought that with a new panel of judges and a few changes to the competition would have ‘The X Factor’ trouncing all other reality shows but it would appear that this is not the case. It's amazing to think that although 'Dancing on Ice' hasn't even hit our screens yet, there is an increased interest in searches for coach packages to see the live show. We can't put our finger on why exactly the show is more popular this year, maybe our customers know something we don't about who will be appearing in this year's line-up that has encouraged this interest - who knows."

To add a further blow, the winners single by Little Mix has achieved the worst first week of sales for an ‘X Factor's’ winning song since 2004. The single sold only 210,000 copies which is less than half of last year's winner Matt Cardle's first week tally of 439,000. The group also finished behind 2007's little-remembered winner Leon Jackson who managed to shift nearly 276,000 copies of 'When You Believe'.

Rachel concluded: "The tell-tale signs are there of the waning popularity of 'The X Factor' compared to the success of 'Strictly Come Dancing' this year. When you think about it, 'Strictly Come Dancing' got it spot on with the casting of three larger-than-life characters in the shape of Russell Grant, Nancy Dell'Olio and Robbie Savage, not to mention Edwina Currie. Perhaps it's the old-fashioned charm that makes 'Strictly…' and 'Dancing on Ice' so successful in comparison to their commercialised rival 'The X Factor'."

Sunday, 4 December 2011

Door2Tour.com reveals British holidaymakers abandoning the Eurozone in favour of domestic breaks

Door2Tour.com, the website tour consolidator, has found that the recent civil unrest, economic crisis and poor exchange rates in the Eurozone are having a negative impact for Europe in terms of Brits choosing to take their holidays there, with many opting to stay closer to home and holiday in the UK instead.

This will appease VisitEngland which has recently launched a three-year project to encourage Britons to take more short breaks and holidays at home and in turn increase the availability of jobs within the Tourism Sector especially in those areas hit by economic challenges.

Recent research by the coach holidays operator has also shown that many British tourists are resorting to tightening their money belts as the cost of living continually rises whilst salaries continue to stagnate. As a result, many are considering foregoing their usual annual break. This year, a recent survey at the World Travel Market showed that only 59% took a holiday with 5% opting to forego their holiday. More than a quarter (26%) said that the increased costs of travelling, owing to taxes, was a major issue with 31% saying that they would travel less often than they used to.

Rachel Jones, Online PR & Marketing Co-ordinator at Door2Tour.com said: "Since the economic crisis hit the Eurozone we have noticed that there are fewer people looking to book coach holidays to Europe and we have put this down to poor exchange rates and the fragility of the Euro. The recent civil unrest in countries such as Greece is also having a negative impact on holidays to Europe with many Brits preferring to stay in the UK."

Looking at recent figures, Door2Tour.com has seen a significant rise in searches for UK breaks with 5821 visits compared to only 1175 visits for France. This certainly shows that Brits are taking hold of their personal finances and looking for cheaper options when it comes to holidays preferring to avoid the poor exchange rates of Europe and stay at home instead.
With more people staying at home, some are even shunning the whole idea of a holiday and opting for day trips out instead, although this in turn can also prove to be an expensive choice with hidden extras bumping up the price of a trip to the theme park. It costs a family of four on average £93 to visit a theme park and that's without the cost of food, drink and the endless queues for rides during peak season.

Rachel concluded: "I think it's fair to say that Brits are being priced out of the Eurozone when it comes to holidays. Although hotels in Greece have cut their rates due to the civil unrest there, other countries such as Italy, Spain and Ireland have seen their prices increase year-on-year. It is also having a negative impact on some travel companies with many experiencing financial woes due to the lack of interest for holidays to Europe and North African destinations with many Brits being cautious and abandoning these for domestic breaks instead. I think it’s fair to say that the longer the economic crisis continues, the more 'staycations' will be booked."

FACTFILE:
Door2Tour.com is a consolidation of national and regional tour operators creating a diverse choice of UK, European and worldwide touring holidays including coach holidays to France, New Year breaks and Christmas breaks, holidays in to Scotland and England, day trips, mini cruises and holidays by air to many exciting destinations. All have live availability and offer the customer the opportunity to book online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.Door2Tour.com features over 35 operators, including Travelsphere and Leger Holidays.

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Door2Tour.com services demand with a range of coach packages to 'The X Factor Live Tour'



The new series of The X Factor now features highly in most people's viewing schedules for the weekend especially with the revamped judging panel featuring Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Louis Walsh and it would seem that customers of coach holidays consolidator, Door2Tour.com, just can't get enough of the show with an unprecedented demand for tickets to see the as yet unannounced finalists up close on 'The X Factor Live Tour'.

To meet this demand, Door2Tour.com has increased the number of coach packages and day trips available for customers to book online 24 hours a day/7 days a week to see 'The X Factor Live Tour'. The increase is thought to be down to the continued popularity of the TV series, heightened media attention surrounding the new judges, the drama surrounding Cheryl Cole & whether she will/will not appear in this series and not forgetting the buzz that a buff-looking Gary Barlow is creating too.

Rachel Jones, Door2Tour.com's Online PR & Marketing Co-ordinator pointed out: "We knew that coach breaks to 'The X Factor Live Tour' were already popular with our customers but I don't think anyone here realised just how much until the reformatted show hit TV screens across the UK. Interest in the new series of The X Factor was already at its peak with the very public spat between Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell but, the reformatting of the show and the exciting changes to the Judging Panel are all having a positive effect too. It just goes to show that reality TV continues to be popular and as long as this is the case, Door2Tour.com will endeavour to service this demand with fantastic great-value coach packages."

The massive 'X Factor Live' arena tour will visit all the major cities from Aberdeen to Dublin with contestants performing classic songs as well as viewers' favourites from the TV series. Apparently these are the most sought after tickets so fans of 'The X Factor' are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

Spaces are still available on 'The X Factor Live Tour' in London and the package includes return coach travel, hotel-to-venue transfers, one night's bed and breakfast accommodation, a ticket to 'The X Factor Live Tour' at London’s O2 Arena, a visit to Central London for shopping/sightseeing and the services of a tour manager throughout.

FACTFILE:
Door2Tour.com is a consolidation of national and regional tour operators creating a diverse choice of UK, European and worldwide touring holidays including New Year breaks and Christmas breaks, coach holidays, day trips, mini cruises and holidays by air to many exciting destinations. All have live availability and offer the customer the opportunity to book online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Door2Tour.com features over 35 operators, including Cosmos holidays, Travelsphere and Leger Holidays.

www.door2tour.com

Thursday, 18 August 2011

Door2Tour.com offers cash prize for signing up to eNewsletter

Door2Tour.com has launched a prize draw to win £500 cash.

The prize draw is open to anyone who signs up to the Door2Tour.com eNewsletter and doesn't unsubscribe before 13 Nov 2011. Their name will then be entered into the draw to win £500 cash to spend on whatever they like.

This Prize Draw from the coach holidays provider will come as a welcome relief for many who are struggling with the current financial burdens of daily life. The actual cost of living for some is proving difficult to maintain especially as everything seems to be increasing in price whilst salaries remain the same.

The economic downturn is certainly having an effect on families with at least two in five deciding not to go away this year in a bid to protect their finances. Recent research has also shown that approximately 39% (equivalent to 17.7 million people) value a healthy bank balance more than a break by the beach. As many shun their usual holiday overseas, domestic tourism, including UK coach holidays, is seeing a lift with bookings for British campsites booming to highs not seen since the 1950s.

Rachel Jones, Online PR & Marketing Co-ordinator, for Door2Tour.com said: "We like to do our little bit to help ease the financial burden for our customers and we believe that £500 cash will come in handy so have launched this Prize Draw. Not only will it provide a little financial relief for a lucky winner but, we also have the opportunity of reaching new people with our exciting and informative eNewsletters, issued weekly offering fabulous holiday ideas, late deals and amazing special offers."

To take advantage of this prize, all you need do is subscribe to the Door2Tour.com eNewsletter before 31 October 2011. Customers who already receive the eNewsletter won't miss out on the chance to win this prize either as all they have to do is recommend a friend to subscribe and if they do, both names will be entered into the Draw to win £500.

Rachel concluded: "We at Door2Tour.com understand that living in the current economic environment is rather difficult at the moment and we want to be able to release this burden on our customers. Although £500 will not solve all the financial woes, it will come as welcoming relief to somebody - it might even help some get away on coach holidays that they previously thought they would not be able to afford this year."

Anyone subscribing to the eNewsletter from 1st November 2011 onwards will not be applicable for the Prize Draw. The Draw will take place week commencing 7th November 2011 and the winner will be notified by email by 13th November 2011. The £500 prize will be transferred to the winner's bank account by BACS transfer.

FACTFILE:
www.Door2Tour.com is a consolidation of national and regional tour operators creating a diverse choice of UK, European and worldwide touring holidays, events packages, theatre breaks, cruises and holidays by air to many exciting destinations. All have live availability and offer the customer the opportunity to book online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Monday, 4 July 2011

Door2Tour.com launches Queen's Diamond Jubilee coach package

Door2Tour.com, the highly regarded website tour consolidator, is proud is announce the launch of its coach holiday packages to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, following on from the success of the Royal Wedding.

The Royal Wedding and of course the release of the multi award-winning film 'The Kings Speech' has certainly encouraged Brits to enjoy all things Royal-related, whether it be through booking London city breaks or through coach packages that encompass tours of Royal properties/locations such as Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court, Clarence House and many more.

Recent research has also shown that almost a third of Britons feel more patriotic with more than half admitting to feeling a surge of pride as they watched Prince William marry Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011. British history, the NHS and the armed forces were among other things that made the country great according to the 3,000 Brits polled for the Best of British Survey.

Rachel Jones, who is the online PR & marketing co-ordinator, for Door2Tour.com said: "The recent marriage between Wills and Kate has certainly encouraged Brits to be more patriotic and as a result more are choosing to take part in national events to show the world how great Britain truly is. We feel that this increase in patriotism will certainly encourage more Brits to celebrate all things Royal-related and choose to be in London to soak up the atmosphere and join in with the celebrations marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee instead of watching at home."

In line with demand, Door2Tour.com’s exciting coach package means that everyone can enjoy the pomp and pageantry of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Passengers who join the tour will be taken to The Mall where crowds will gather to witness the Carriage Procession in addition to the BBC concert broadcast from Buckingham Palace and to watch the 1000-strong flotilla of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant as it wends its way downriver to the heart of the national celebrations.

The Queen came to the throne on 6 February 1952 and her Coronation took place on 2 June 1953. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee (25 years) in 1977 and her Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2002. The only other British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee was Queen Victoria in 1897.

Buckingham Palace is co-ordinating a range of events centred around the extended weekend (2nd-5th June 2012 inclusive) and these will include: a big Jubilee Lunch, Diamond Jubilee Pageant on The Thames, concert at Buckingham Palace and the lighting of 2012 beacons throughout the UK.

Rachel concluded: "The Royal Wedding certainly proved to be a massive hit with our customers, with packages selling out almost immediately leaving some disappointed. As a result we certainly believe that our coach packages to the Queens Diamond Jubilee will be as popular, if not more than the Royal Wedding, and we would advise anyone wishing to be a part of these national celebrations to book their place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."

Packages include all coach travel, return transfers into London, three night's bed & breakfast in a good quality hotel with the services of a Tour Manager throughout.


FACTFILE:
Door2Tour.com is a consolidation of national and regional tour operators creating a diverse choice of UK, European and worldwide touring holidays including coach holidays in Ireland, events packages, city breaks, coach holidays, Paris city breaks, river cruises, theatre breaks and holidays by air to many exciting destinations. All have live availability and offer the customer the opportunity to book online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

www.Door2Tour.com



Thursday, 26 May 2011

Door2Tour nominated for Coach Tourism Awards but miss out on the night

Door2Tour.com may not have won on the night but congratulations should still be sent to the team for making it to the final. The Coach Tourism Awards 2011 took place at the Holiday Inn in Stratford-upon-Avon where over 350 coach tourism professionals gathered to celebrate excellence across the industry from coach tour operators to suppliers, coach-friendly destinations and attractions.

Door2Tour.com was nominated in the category for Coach Tour Operator Website of the Year but Lucketts Travel was the overall winner. Door2Tour.com provides coach operators with a commission-based extra marketing facility to further promote its products and increase holiday bookings.

The company uses the Internet to attract new customers to the coach tourism industry and thereby deliver the 'next generation' of coach tour passengers. Coach holidays operators only pay when a customer books a commissionable holiday and the commission is not collected until after the tour has travelled, no commission is payable on tours that cancel. Other finalists in this category were: Eddie Brown Tours, Interchoice Holidays and Shearings Holidays.

The Awards are the only scheme in the UK that specifically focuses on the coach tourism community and are organised by leading industry magazine, Coach Monthly. The event was hosted by Coach Monthly's editor Stuart Render and Kay Alexander from BBC Midlands Today. The Coach Tourism Awards are an extremely popular event and one that regularly attracts support and sponsorship from some of the UK's leading tourism organisations such as VisitEngland, the Coach Tourism Council and the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

A Coach Tourism Workshop took place in the afternoon before the Awards Ceremony and this allowed for coach tour operators from across the UK to take the opportunity to meet up with other representatives to discuss business opportunities for 2013 and beyond.

Adam Handy, general manager, Door2Tour.com said: "Although we didn't win, to be nominated for our third award in as many months is absolutely fantastic and the entire team is thrilled. It's great to be recognised within our industry and is a real reflection of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. We're looking forward to building on the success of last year."

FACTFILE:
Door2Tour.com is a consolidation of national and regional tour operators creating a diverse choice of UK, European and worldwide touring holidays including New Year breaks and Christmas breaks, Blackpool Illuminations, coach holidays, Floriade 2012, day trips, river cruises and holidays by air to many exciting destinations. All have live availability and offer the customer the opportunity to book online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Door2Tour.com features over 35 operators, including Cosmos holidays, and Leger Holidays (coming soon).

www.door2tour.com

(EDITOR: That's Holiday would like to say 'well done' for getting to the finals! And better luck next year!')