The cheaper airplane tickets and the dwindling fees charged byhotel operators have led to a rise in demand for weekend holidaysabroad, bringing a few million euros into the accounts of travelagencies.
European capitals Vienna, Rome, Paris, Budapest and Prague, whichcan be visited over a three-day period for 200-300 euros (the priceincludes airplane travel expenses and accommodation at a three-starhotel), have been this year's most sought after destinations.
"City breaks are a product that has preserved its growing trendthis year thanks to costing less than last year. We sold almost2,000 weekend holiday packages to European capitals," said SorinVaduvoiu, chief executive of Perfect Tour travel agency, withalmost 24.6 million euros in turnover last year.
Vaduvoiu added that last year the airplane ticket alone cost asmuch as a two-day holiday package does this year, but thatairlines' offers resulted in lower fares.
This year traditional operators launched airplane ticket offersthat compete with those of low-cost operators. For instance,national operator Tarom put up for sale airplane tickets costingbetween 150 and 200 euros (taxes included) to various Europeandestinations. Hungarian operator Malev, which flies on theBucharest-Budapest route, has, since August, offered weekendpackages, which include both transport and accommodation. Theairline company sealed contracts with all five-star hotels inBudapest, as well as with travel agencies in Romania.
"People are looking for direct flights when it comes to weekendpackages, they usually opt for traditional companies, consideringthat paying an extra 50 euros is not a major expense for them. Suchclients see a weekend break as an extra holiday because they canafford to go on holiday more than once," said Mircea Vladu, ownerof Prestige Tours travel agency, which derives almost 5% of itsturnover from weekend packages, i.e. around 400,000 euros.
