Light at the end of the tunnel
After what has been a very turbulent 12 months in the taxi trade, the Prime Minister’s ‘roadmap’ announcement on 22nd February has unlocked a wave of optimism among the public. It’s reflected in the high level of enquiries we’re getting from PH and taxi drivers, which is climbing day-by-day, and especially in our eight- and nine-seat minibuses. The prospect of a buying boom seems very likely.
The Taxi Trade has been dragged through unprecedented circumstances these past 12 months, the consequences of which will be felt for many more months to come. However, from the feedback of those in the trade, and the level of enquiries and actual sales that are starting to materialise, we are witnessing a growing increase in business for our owner driver and operator customers across the UK.
Airport transfers booking boom
Just this morning I spoke with a PH operator who has seen airport bookings skyrocket since last week and is successfully securing committed bookings for airport transfers after June. Thus far, this operator has taken nearly 40 bookings—and all of them have paid deposits to him to secure these bookings. Deposits, however small, show commitment from your customers. After hearing this I felt it was a real positive sign that the general public are eager to binge this summer season on holidays galore. Lots of calls these last few days with operators needing to update vehicles. We are currently helping tens of operators buy a minibus taxi on finance.
Furthermore, it was great to hear business coming to life across the board. Every major news outlet is reporting record numbers of new holiday bookings, internationally and domestically, with Tui reporting a 500% surge overnight after last Monday’s Lockdown Exit Plans.
A couple of extracts from the BBC give us reason to look forward to what is to come:
“The owner of UK-based holiday firms Hoseasons and Cottages.com said it sold a record 10,000 breaks.”
and
“Tui said its bookings for July-onwards had soared with Greece, Spain and Turkey the most popular destinations.”
Another couple of extracts from major UK media giants with jaw dropping statistics:
“EasyJet reported a 337% surge in flight bookings and a 630% jump in holiday bookings for locations such as Alicante, Malaga, Palmo, Faro and Crete.”
and wait for it…
“Tour operator and airline Jet2 also reported a 1,000% increase in bookings in the 24 hours following the prime minister’s announcement. Popular destinations include Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, with a notable spike in demand from July onwards”.
Jet2’s Chief Executive, Steve Heapy, said:
“The government’s announcement is the news [holidaymakers] have been longing for, and the continued surge in bookings shows how ready our customers are to get away to the sunshine on a real package holiday.”
This is part one of a two-part post. Read part two here.
To prepare for the upturn, call Josh on 01525 717695 or email josh@thetaxishop.com.