Virgin Holidays claims record day for online sales

Record online sales on New Year’s Day have been claimed by Virgin Holidays with a 212% jump in passengers booked.

Record online sales on New Year’s Day have been claimed by Virgin Holidays with a 212% jump in passengers booked.

Business via the operator’s website on January 1 simultaneously broke single-day records for the most bookings, the highest rate of conversion and revenue taken over the same date last year.

The company’s sales centre, retail network and travel agency partners reported similarly “brisk” business, thanks to a range of January peak season booking incentives until January 31.

Managing director Amanda Wills said: “We’re really pleased with the start our latest sale has made. Like any holiday company, we want to start the year strongly and in this ultra-competitive market we know how savvy shoppers have become in comparing products and cutting through the barrage of sales messages out there.

“Obviously, the bad weather over the festive period – and the last year – has helped us offset the continued dismal financial forecast.

“But we also think that with so much uncertainty in the industry, the British consumer wants to put their trust in a robust brand which offers choice, value and reliability.”

She added: “The challenge is in maintaining this momentum but we’re very confident the deals we have and the value we offer are unsurpassed.

“The incentive can be very lucrative for agents, and we’d urge them to make the most of it.”

Agents making bookings through vhols4agents or the Virgin Holidays trade sales centre will earn £10 per passenger in shopping vouchers – rising to £20 per passenger for holidays to Barbados, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or MGM Resort hotel in Las Vegas.

Bookings made for Bales Worldwide will also receive £20 per passenger in shopping vouchers.

Top deals currently available include seven days in Orlando from £459 per person, seven nights in Mexico from £645 and seven nights cruising in the Med from £499.