Leading UK tour operators Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays emphasise domestic market expansion as a key priority.
- Both companies have dismissed immediate plans for overseas expansion, choosing instead to focus on UK growth.
- Jet2holidays plans to increase capacity at its 12 UK bases, with summer 2025 and 2026 offering more opportunities.
- easyJet holidays sees the UK and its regions as significant growth areas, deeming the European market to be smaller in comparison.
- Meanwhile, Loveholidays eyes international markets, showing initial success in Germany.
Leading UK tour operators Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays have made it clear that expanding their domestic presence is a primary focus. Speaking at the Future of Travel Conference, the executives from both companies articulated their plans to prioritise UK expansion over overseas ventures.
Jet2holidays has notably emphasised the strategic importance of its 12 UK bases. With plans to expand capacity, CEO Steve Heapy explained, “You never know but we have always got lots to do in the UK.” This includes heightened capacity for the upcoming summers of 2025 and 2026, which are already showing promising sales. Heapy’s comments reflect a cautious yet deliberate approach to focusing on domestic growth rather than venturing into new international markets.
Similarly, easyJet holidays has evaluated its prospects and decided not to pursue further European expansion beyond its current operations in Germany, France, and Switzerland. CEO Garry Wilson commented on the great potential within the UK, highlighting the existing network and brand strength that supports domestic growth. Wilson expressed excitement over the prospect of enhancing operations in new airport bases like Birmingham and Southend, signalling a strong commitment to reinforcing easyJet’s local market.
In contrast to the UK-centric strategies of Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays, Loveholidays is actively exploring international avenues. The online travel agency has found a foothold in the German market, as CEO Donat Retif stated, “The first six months in Germany were difficult. The last six months we saw outstanding profit.” The focus for Loveholidays remains on entering new source markets, leveraging their asset-light model to facilitate growth without significant physical infrastructure investments.
The commitment of Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays to strengthening UK operations underscores their strategic focus, while Loveholidays continues to expand internationally.
