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Airlines

Airlines Offer Bargain Fares to Europe and Tropical Destinations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Airlines are trying to entice passengers with cheaper fares to Europe and warm-weather destinations, such as Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America, for the winter season. Continental Airlines, Trans World Airlines, Virgin Group, and Pan American World Airways are offering discounted round-trip fares to various international destinations. Meanwhile, the World Tourism Organization predicts a significant increase in international tourists by 2020, with 1.6 billion visitors expected annually, a nearly threefold increase from 1996. The surge in travelers is expected to be driven by emerging destinations like China, which is forecast to surpass France as the world's top destination.

Key Takeaways:

  • Continental Airlines is offering round-trip fares from New York/Newark to various European cities, including Paris, Frankfurt, and Madrid, for $298.
  • Trans World Airlines is offering round-trip fares from New York to destinations such as Oklahoma City, San Diego, and Sacramento for $348.
  • Virgin Atlantic's tiered fare system offers round-trip fares from $198 for flights from New York, Newark, and Boston to London, with additional savings for flights on Mondays to Thursdays.
  • Pan American World Airways is offering $198 round-trip fares from New York to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and other Florida cities.
  • The World Tourism Organization predicts 1.6 billion international tourists by 2020, a nearly threefold increase from 595 million in 1996.
  • China is forecast to surpass France as the world's top destination by 2020, with 137.1 million annual visitors.
  • Delta Air Lines is inviting bids from its frequent-flier members for tickets and transportation to the Super Bowl in San Diego on Jan. 25.
  • Hawaiian Airlines plans to allow customers to buy tickets from 400 Bank of Hawaii automated teller machines (ATMs) 24/7, pending regulatory approval.
  • American Airlines now serves 100 percent Colombian coffee on all flights and in all classes of service.

Statistics:

  • 1.6 billion international tourists expected annually by 2020 (World Tourism Organization).
  • 137.1 million annual visitors expected in China by 2020 (World Tourism Organization).
  • 102.4 million annual visitors expected in the United States by 2020 (World Tourism Organization).
  • 395 million international tourists forecast for 2020 for Western Europe (World Tourism Organization).
  • American Airlines expects to serve 131 million cups of coffee this year.

Sources:

  • "Airlines Offer Bargain Fares to Europe and Tropical Destinations" article.
  • Continental Airlines press release (no date).
  • Trans World Airlines press release (no date).
  • Virgin Atlantic press release (no date).
  • Pan American World Airways press release (no date).
  • World Tourism Organization, "Tourism 2020 Vision" report (no date).
  • Delta Air Lines press release (no date).
  • Hawaiian Airlines press release (no date).
  • American Airlines press release (no date).

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