TOUR giant Airtours today fired a new salvo of shots in the battle for next summer's holidaymakers.

The Helmshore-based tour operator unveiled its special deals in a bid to improve on last summer's disaster for the industry, when thousands stayed home because of the British heatwave.

Its budget arm, Aspro Holidays, is offering 5,000 seven-day holidays to destinations including Tenerife, Greece and Turkey at £99 each and 15,000 free child places.

"We're so confident that that these offers are tremendous value that we're launching a major national advertising campaign challenging people to find a cheaper deal," said sales director Steve Endacott.

And Airtours is offering 10,000 child places to Florida at £199, with adult prices starting at £349 for 14 nights.

Holidaymakers concerned over publicity about criminals targeting tourists in the area should feel more at ease with a new service for tourists heading for the sunshine state. The Customer Response Centre guarantees the attendance of an Airtours representative within 45 minutes.

Travel Agents across East Lancashire are already experiencing a post Christmas rush for bargains in the sun.

A spokesman for ATMays, which has a branch in Blackburn, said the company was expecting to sell around 100,000 breaks before the New Year, with up to 15 per cent off some deals.

Thomas Cook, with branches in Blackburn and Burnley, is also offering 15 per cent of its 'own label' holidays in a bid to win the eager holiday-maker.

Sunshine cruises are expecting a post Christmas boost of sales, too, with many leading companies predicting increases of up to 27 per cent on sales from last year, the Passenger Shipping Association claims.

High Street travel agents Going Places, with branches in Hyndburn, Blackburn, Burnley and Pendle, is offering 10 per cent off leading tour company prices including Kuoni, Sovereign, Unijet and Virgin and £5 only deposit secures a booking.

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