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continued from previous page Although Switzerland remains highest-priced of the ‘Big Four’, local prices are level with a year ago. Once the prices in Swiss francs are converted to sterling, this means the increased costs faced by UK skiers are lower than in either Austria or France at between 16-19%. But the cheapest of the three Swiss resorts surveyed, Saas Fee (£718.33) is still 8% more expensive than St Anton, the highest-priced Austrian resort, and more than 12% pricier than in Val d’Isère. Zermatt (£875.24) is the most expensive of the 20 European resorts for the second consecutive year, 53% more than in another world-class skiing option, Courchevel (£570.96). Elsewhere in the eurozone, Soldeu, Andorra (sixth place, £441.64) and Ruka, Finland (seventh place, £443.73) retain their top ten places with lower than average price rises of 20% and 24% respectively.
Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “Ski resort costs are likely to play an important part in destination choice this year as the weaker pound puts pressure on the holiday purse. That’s why it is so important to do your homework before booking and factor in all the costs of a ski holiday to the package price. Despite the price rises we found this year, there are still some great value resorts to choose from in Eastern Europe, while Italy is looking good as well and will appeal to skiers who prefer to head to the slopes in one of the long-established favourites. “Make sure you get more for your money by changing cash before leaving home rather than at the airport or ski resort where you risk getting a poor rate. Take enough cash to cover ski and living costs and be aware that transactions of more than £500 will get you a better rate in our branches or on the Post Office website.”
Two-for-one places for kids this Christmas & New Year from Ski Total SKI TOTAL has launched two-for-one places for all children aged 15 and under, valid on December 23 and 30 departures. Clients travelling at New Year will also receive nine nights for the price of seven to offer additional value. As an example of prices, a stay at Chalet Cascades in Courchevel costs from £2,139 (down from £2,771) for a family of four, departing on December 23. The chalet is located opposite the main gondola and piste, and the price is based on two adults and two children (aged two-15 years) travelling and sharing and includes flights from Gatwick to Geneva, transfers, free Wi-Fi and seven nights' catered accommodation including breakfast, afternoon tea and a four-course evening meal with complimentary wine and a full Christmas dinner.
Air Transat launches 2017 programme with increased Canada connections
LET’S TALK…The Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) recently held a ‘Talks Shop’ development session for members over breakfast at Grace in the West End of London. Pictured are Kylie Mather (left) from P&P Group and Carol Dray from Visit Britain who shared their career stories with members to offer advice and inspiration. The association is hosting an event at WTM on Tuesday November 8 from 09:00-13:30 in the North Gallery (Room 18) to launch Internationally and bring women in the industry together in a larger network of support.
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October 21 2016
AIR TRANSAT has expanded its programme of flights from the UK to Canada with increased capacity and connections for travel in 2017. The airline, which next year celebrates 30 years of flying, operates direct year-round services from Gatwick to Toronto and Vancouver, and services to Calgary and Montreal from May to October. Next year the airline will operate eight direct flights a week to Toronto from Gatwick, along with a direct daily service to Vancouver and three direct flights to Calgary and Montreal respectively. Passengers from Gatwick will benefit from services to Quebec City via Montreal three times weekly, as well as increased choice when travelling to Calgary and Montreal with five additional flights a week to Calgary via Toronto or Vancouver and four extra weekly services to Montreal via Toronto. Commenting on the 2017 programme, the company's sales director UK & Ireland, Lesley Kane, said: “Canada is an increasingly popular destination for summer holidays and we’re enhancing our flight programme to reflect this. Our customers are looking to travel when they want with the utmost convenience and to incorporate multiple destinations into their holiday experience. Our 2017 programme caters for that demand with more choice and flexibility of travel.” The carrier is also increasing capacity for travel to Canada from airports across the UK – including Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham – with greater use of new, larger A330 aircraft and a range of additional connecting flights. For more information call 0800- 8726 7283 or visit airtransat.co.uk
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