Thomas Cook collapse action plan for Almeria

THE provincial government has announced a plan to minimize the impact of the Thomas Cook collapse on Almeria’s tourism sector.
The Diputacion de Almeria said on Monday it will take steps to “reinforce” the arrival of British tourists now the British tour operator has gone bust.
The plan will be aimed at gaining passenger “loyalty” and at “increasing the flow of British visitors”, the Diputacion commented.
The provincial administration also said it will continue to promote Almeria as a holiday destination in the UK, with participation in the World Travel market international tourism fair.
Diputacion spokesman Fernando Gimenez maintained the “internationalization” of Almeria as a holiday destination and the agreements reached over the years with tour operators and airlines have “minimalized the effects of the collapse of the multinational.”
He pointed out that just eight per cent of the approximately one million passengers using Almeria airport last year travelled with Thomas Cook compared with 25 per cent who came with other British companies.
Gimenez also underlined the overall growth in international tourist numbers experienced in Almeria in recent years and the opening up of new markets, stressing the provincial tourism sector “does not depend on only one market or on just one company.”
Thomas Cook had a total of 12 flight connections between Almeria and Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester airports scheduled for between September 25 and 29.