Most of the measures have now been repealed, and on Friday next week the Global Travel Council will be removed.
Even before the reopening was announced, reported the tour operator Ving that travel sales were at the same level as before the pandemic.
On Friday, it took off further when the government announced the reopening.
– That Monica Mæland (Minister of Justice and Emergency Management, editor’s note) said “good luck” at the press conference, I think had a reinforcing effect, says country manager Marie-Anne Zachrisson in Ving to TV 2.
– ALSO HERE: It is not only sun and heat that tempts Norwegians. Ving also states that sales of city breaks have gained momentum, as here to Rome. Photo: Riccardo De Luca / AP / NTB
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Zachrisson believes that these very words made people think that it is now okay to travel again.
The country manager says that the number of orders has multiplied from the low level of orders that have been until now.
The favorite
Most of the Ving customers who book now have plans to travel this winter. But several have also ordered until the autumn of next year, the country manager states.
The autumn holidays are more or less sold out, according to the company.
One destination stands out among the bookings at Ving: Canary Islands.
– These are the season’s major destinations, says Zachrisson.
TUI’s customers also target the Spanish islands, specifically Gran Canaria.
This is stated by press officer Kevin Brevik in the tour operator company.
– HEAT: While it is minus degrees in Norway, many Norwegians have plans to travel to Gran Canaria this winter, according to tour operators. Photo: Emilio Morenatti / AP / NTB
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The company has had an increase in orders of 185 percent on Friday and Saturday compared to the same days the week before.
– It is a high number compared to what we have had during the pandemic. We are very happy about that, says Brevik to TV 2.
The vast majority book holidays for the winter, and a clear majority are going to Gran Canaria.
– Covered needs
However, it is not just to warm areas people want to travel to now.
Orders also arrive at Color Line.
– Almost at the second when the announcement came, the orders came, says commercial director Frode Hansen in Color Line to TV 2.
– INCREASES: Color Line increases capacity as a result of increased orders. Photo: Fredrik Hagen / NTB
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On Friday, they saw a 50-70 percent increase in tickets sold compared to the day before and the same day last week.
– It is clear that travel has been a covered need, Hansen says.
The director says that people book on all lines, and says that several have now booked for the autumn holidays in a couple of weeks (40 and 41). Several also order for the Christmas table season, he states.
– Frode Hansen, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Color Line. Photo: Kristin Grønning / TV 2
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Increased capacity
Due to strong demand, Color Line has increased the capacity of the vessels. The fact that more people are ordering means that almost none of the company’s employees are laid off.
20 of around 2,000 employees have been laid off, Hansen states, and says that their goal is for everyone to return to work.
The tour operator Ving is also considering increasing capacity as many people book tickets.
– We have reduced, reduced and reduced. Now it looks like we can change the flight program the other way, namely increase, says Zachrisson, and emphasizes that it presupposes that people book travel.
This is how the travel rules are now: – Have a good trip
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