Data from Excite Holidays shows that the lead time for hotel bookings from travel agents has increased in the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same time last year

(TRAVPR.COM) AUSTRALIA - April 16th, 2013 - According to the latest analysis of data from Excite Holidays, the lead time for hotel bookings from travel agents has increased in the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same time last year.

Excite Holidays has seen a 21% increase in hotel bookings made 9 months in advance, while a staggering 52% of hotel bookings were made 10 months in advance of departure. Figures also show that accommodation bookings made 5 months in advance of departure dropped by approximately 9%.

“But that’s not to say that we’re not seeing last minute bookings come through from travel agents,” said George Papaioannou, CEO of Excite Holidays. “Compared to 2012, we have seen a 22% increase in last minute hotel bookings made 7 to 14 days prior to departure by agents for the first quarter of 2013. Consumers are obviously taking advantage of last minute deals and this shows that price conscious consumers care less about advance planning, in favour of a lower priced getaway.”

Excite Holidays has also noted a rising preference in the standard of hotels booked, with an 18% increase for 4.5 star hotels for the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same period last year.

Mr Papaioannou stated: “Holidays are an important feature of people’s lives and these figures show that travellers are again willing to spend. The increased lead time for bookings only shows that they are booking way in advance so they can get the dates and accommodation they want before it gets sold out.”

“Furthermore, our innovative pricing policy, InteliRates, protects the travel agents from rate hikes derived from currency fluctuations for bookings that have been made far in advance. This ensures that travel agents still get the most competitive prices regardless of when the booking is made.”

The InteliRates solution, exclusive to Excite Holidays is a fair pricing solution that automatically updates rates according to the market value of the Australian dollar. Agents can still access the most competitive rates without any wholesaler currency buffer and secure accommodation for over 12 months in advance without payment or deposits.

ENDS

About Excite Holidays
Excite Holidays is a leading online Business to Business (B2B) wholesale travel provider. Australian owned and operated since 2002, travel agents are able to access over 200,000 properties worldwide and benefit from super-fast search results, live availability and exceptional agency support.

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