European Deals Best in 15 Years, Panel Says
Confirming what many suspected, the European Travel Commission last month reported record discounting by European hotel and tour operators in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. ETC officials said the best prices in more than 15 years are available for packages and tours for travel through March, the traditional off-season for European tourism.
“Traffic is down, and that means airlines and tour operators are competing fiercely to win business,” said Einar Gustavsson, U.S. chairman of the 31-nation organization based in New York.
The dollar has maintained its strength against the euro, gaining about 30% since the pan-European currency was introduced in 1999, he added. Since Sept. 11, overall transatlantic air traffic has been down about 30% from last year, the commission estimated.
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