Experts note that hoteliers have always reduced prices by 5-10% at the beginning of winter. But this reduction lasted no longer than two weeks. The current measures to attract tourists to hotels are considered unprecedented. Last month, analysts predicted that many hotels would have to close entire floors to avoid spending money on maintaining empty rooms and other facilities.
The largest European tour operator Thomas Cook also called for price reductions at the recent London World Travel Market exhibition. According to the agency's head, Manny Fontenla-Novoa, playing for lower prices will ensure dense booking of hotel rooms not only for the coming winter but also for summer 2009.
As Travel.ru notes, hotels in Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, and Dublin – traditionally the most attractive cities for tourists – have reduced prices the most. The British budget hotel chain Travelodge also cut room rates from $75 to $43. It is reported that as early as spring 2009, Travelodge hotels in 15 UK cities will offer rooms for just $13.5.
The price reduction has also affected cruise lines, reports The Telegraph. Currently, many cruise operators are selling packages for just a sixth of their original cost.