Report Claims 13.3% Drop In UK Ski Market Last Winter
Report Claims 13.3% Drop In UK Ski Market Last Winter
Published : 07-Jul-2009 08:59
Crystal Ski hit by recesssion?The ski market fell by 13.3% overall across all sectors last season despite good early sales and excellent snow conditions according to the recently published Crystal Ski Industry Report 2009 from the UK's leading ski tour operator.
The Report is one of several British ski industry measures published each year. The Report amalgamates information from tour operators' own statistics, CAA published statistics, tourist office figures and travel agency feedback.
The fall follows seven successive years of growth and means the number of skiers travelling abroad fell from more than 1.22m in 2007/8 to just over 1m in 2008/9.
The report's authors believe the decline in numbers is due to some skiers giving the season a miss and others taking just one trip where they might previously take two or more.
However, there was one encouraging sign at least as the schools market remained stable with more than 140,000 young skiers taking to the slopes and memories of last season's great snow will have whet the appetite of many skiers to return.
[They allege that...] The independent travel sector was down by 15% to 327,000 skiers with some low cost carriers reducing their flight capacity to ski destinations.
The tour operator sector also saw their number decreasing by 15% to 597,000 skiers, partly due to fewer multiple trips, fewer new skiers and a shorter ski season.
The top six operators' market share remained stable at 73%. Crystal strengthened its market leadership by 0.1% to 24.3% and Inghams increased its share by 1.3% to 18.4%, both still comfortably ahead of the pack. Thomson's share fell by 1.1% and Neilson, who enjoyed a good season, added 0.7%. First Choice lost 1.3%, but is still ahead of Airtours who gained 0.4%.
France continues to be the most popular country despite seeing a slight decline of 0.5%, taking 37.0% share of holidaymakers last season. Switzerland, which benefits from higher resorts than its neighbour France, shows a steady share of 6%.
Austria and Italy increased market share by 1.8% and 1.1% respectively. Bulgaria also saw a small increase to 3.2% and the small countries sector grew by 0.5% reflecting the rise in popularity of Slovenia.
Despite good snowfalls, North America's share dropped by 1.4% due to Zoom's demise, other airlines reducing seat capacity and many skiers opting for what they perceived to be better value European resorts in the current economic climate. The Andorran ski resorts saw a further decline in visitors from a 2% fall last season to 5% which is attributed to its continuing attempt to reposition itself from a budget to quality destination. It also suffered from end of season capacity reductions from most operators.
"The 2009/10 season undoubtedly poses serious challenges for an industry that is impacted by the effects of the recession, exchange rate pressures, high fuel costs and high fixed costs for ski holiday companies. The Crystal Ski Industry Report finds strong evidence of chalet companies significantly reducing the numbers of properties for next winter leading to fewer holidays on offer." concludes the report.
Crystal's MD Mathew Prior said: "Winter 08/09 was a difficult year for the ski industry and 09/10 poses challenges for us all. Our research shows that the key is to inspire customers, remind them how fantastic a ski holiday is and create good value and compelling holidays. We know that in their hearts no skier wants to miss out on a season provided they can justify the expense. Creating transparently good value deals I see as the key to ensuring that as many as possible return to the slopes this coming season."
The above courtesy of and © Snow24 plc
J2Ski, the leading online destination for the Independent Skier, would like to reassure you that the Tour Operators will not be reducing the number of properties in The Alps! They may not be selling them but someone else will. J2Ski predict a good season for the independent traveler, with exceptional deals on accommodation.
J2Ski - through our Ski Accommodation Partners - offers a choice of tens of thousands of Ski Chalets, Apartments, Residences and Hotels throughout The Alps and beyond.
J2Ski will be (significantly) increasing the number of Accommodation Only Ski Deals that we offer; to browse and book, visit our Ski Accommodation and Ski Hotels sections today.
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