The Olympics are fast approaching and most travellers could be facing exorbitant accommodation costs and potential scams if not prepared. Consumers may also pay many times the going rate if they haven’t done their research.
London, UK (PRWEB UK) 7 February 2012
For warned is Forearmed to Avoiding Gangbuster Tactics
The Olympics are fast approaching and most travellers could be facing exorbitant accommodation costs and potential scams if not prepared. Consumers may also pay many times the going rate if they haven’t done their research.
The main Olympic Games are a short two weeks, however London can expect a huge influx of tourists, supporters, team affiliates, corporate spectators and auxiliary businesses well before and after the fortnight.
It’s reported that SOCOG the official Olympic body many months ago procured 40% of London’s hotel accommodation for their own needs. That leaves an estimated 72,000 hotel rooms for an estimated 320,000 visitors during that period.
No doubt all hoteliers are looking forward to the event with glee. It is the most talked about event within hospitality circles, however, there is surprisingly little consolidated thought or information on pricing.
Opportunist hoteliers may seek to raise prices by many multiples. Similarly tour operators have bulk purchased much of the accommodation and are now charging double or even triple the face value when combined in a package deal. Consumer groups and media will hotly rebut and frown upon un-ethical price rises, but there is limited regulation.
Visit Britain in association with London 2012 have created a ‘Fair Pricing & Practice charter’ and are hoping to get numerous signatories. However, even from this authority there is little guidance as to what constitutes a fair and reasonable pricing policy. So what is a fair price for such an event and what period will attract the peak crowds? Ultimately the market will determine a fair price.
Reasonable Prices for Guest Loyalty
Derek Gallimore the director of Boutique London Lets – a serviced accommodation specialist in London – says “tourists and business travellers alike should plan their trip and book in advance. Ensure that their booking is with a reputable company and ensure they are not paying too much”. Boutique London Lets pledges to keep its accommodation prices reasonable with a view to building brand awareness and guest loyalty as the ultimate payoff.
Paradoxically, the public should be weary of cheap accommodation during such periods. Many make-shift and temporary accommodations will no doubt present themselves as every London land-owner tries to share a little bit of the Olympic 2012 windfall.
Accommodation scams are surfacing people are sold accommodation only to arrive and find it was not legitimate and be left without. Derek Gallimore suggests “people select their accommodation carefully, and ensure the companies have good community reviews and have existed in the market for a reasonable period of time.”
London will be a fantastic place to be during the Games, but don’t be left out in the cold. Organise early, and be smart.
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