International events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the Paris Olympics are having a spillover effect - soaring airfares and unaffordable accommodation are the order of the day.
Swifties flocking to Paris to see their favourite pop star perform (May 9-12), which pushed up luxury hotel stays by 36% during the week that she performed, compared with the same week last year, according to travel agency Embark Beyond.
2024 being the Paris Olympics year, the French government announced at the beginning of the year that it would hike tourist taxes by 300% ahead of the Olympic Games, making the city an extremely expensive destination to travel to.
“With limited availability and high demand, price fluctuations for flights and accommodation are to be expected during such events, making budgeted travel experiences more challenging, however, proactive planning is crucial. We always recommend booking travel as early as possible,” says Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader, Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.
This is where travel advisors play a crucial role.
Typically, travel agents would have big international events on their radar, says Aadil Esack, GM of Product and Marketing for XL Travel Group.
“Partners would make purchases well in advance knowing that there would be a spike in demand.”
For those who need to travel during these times, there are some workarounds they can consider to avoid racking up exorbitant accommodation and travel costs.
“Travel agencies could explore alternative accommodation options beyond the immediate event vicinity. This may involve recommending alternative transport or charming, lesser-known neighbourhoods. Agents’ expertise extends to navigating transportation options, uncovering hidden gems, and suggesting alternative activities to avoid event crowds,” says Machiri.
Price sensitivity is a growing issue for clients travelling to destinations with an unfavourable exchange rate, and even more so when catering for younger generations.
In a recent survey conducted by Flight Centre, it was revealed that South African Zillennials (Gen-Z and millennials) are most likely to adapt their travel plans due to inflation and the rising cost of living (96%). Their strategies include seeking exclusive deals and discounts to maintain travel plans (55%), opting for more budget-friendly accommodation (47%), or exploring alternative destinations (39%).
For agents who want to create budget-friendly experiences for their clients, Esack says it is important to get a fix on hotel rooms and flight seat availability as early as possible to ensure the best value can be negotiated.
“Make the most of the opportunity while it is available.”
