Home
FacebookSearchMenu
  • Subscribe (free)
  • Subscribe (free)
  • News
  • Features
  • TravelInfo
  • Columns
  • Community
  • Sponsored
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send Us News

Share

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

Major events inflate travel costs

27 May 2024 - by Shanna Jacobsen
Comments | 0

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.”

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.

Consultants can’t fix airlines alone

55 minutes ago
Comments | 0

School tours not for rookies

Today 18:40
Comments | 0

EU travel industry opposes ETIAS hike

Today 18:30
Comments | 0

KQ and TC sign MoU

Today 18:25
Comments | 0

Feature: Car-rental industry faces emissions pressure

Today 18:20
Comments | 0

BlackBrick Aparthotels joins HotelREZ

Today 18:15
Comments | 0

Celestyal adds F1 access to Abu Dhabi cruise

Today 18:10
Comments | 0

GBTA conference 2025 heads to Irene

Today 18:05
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (30 Jul '25)

Today 18:00
Comments | 0

SA travellers look to northern Europe

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Airlink expands codeshares with Emirates and Air France

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Airports begin lifting EU liquid limits

Yesterday
Comments | 0

US warns Europe over flight caps

Yesterday
Comments | 0
  • Load more

FeatureClick to view

Travel technology July 2025

Poll

Does your company run an internship programme for new entrants in the industry?
Yes (24%)
No (76%)
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel News on Facebook
  • Travel News RSS
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send Us News