| While Western Europe enters a recession and | | | | US, many people regard their summer holiday as an |
| tourists cut down on spending, winter ski holidays are | | | | essential, not a luxury, and come hell or high water |
| likely to be hit hardest by the current economic | | | | people are still going to take a holiday.' |
| crises, according to UK company International | | | | 'But when it comes to a ski holiday, it's not essential. |
| Property Tribune, who have fifteen travel sites | | | | It's not part of society's fabric. It isn't an annual ritual |
| including one for ski holidays in Andorra, Austria and | | | | observed by generations. A ski holiday is a luxury' |
| Switzerland. | | | | they say, 'And ski holidays can be expensive - so we |
| 'Recent surveys have shown that during the | | | | anticipate the ski industry to take a big hit for their |
| forthcoming economic downturn in Europe and the | | | | 2008/9 season. |