The single supplements debate

If I had a penny for every time single supplements came up in conversation with group travel organisers, well, I would be going on lots of holidays myself.

In fact, it could be the number one bugbear facing group travel organisers and their members.

What is a single supplement?

It refers to a charge by accommodation providers for people who take a room alone. In other words, it is a premium paid for not having to share a room.

We have been finding out how GTOs get around the issue of single supplements when booking trips and holidays for their group.

Why do they cause such an issue? We have heard from GTOs, members of the travel trade, coach and tour operators as well as cruise line and hoteliers, all with various viewpoints on the subject of single supplements. 

Some group travel organisers understand, and believe it is fair, when hotels charge a single supplement for a twin or double room with only one occupant, but disagree that travellers should pay more for a dedicated single room.  Others don’t believe there should be a single supplement at all. 

We have been finding out how GTOs get around the issue of single supplements when booking trips and holidays for their group including the benefits of encouraging members, who don’t know each other too well before a visit, to share a room. 

The travel trade have also been having their say on the matter and how they approach it, plus hoteliers explain the reasons behind single supplements and what they try to do to mitigate the extra charges. 

And, as always, we would love to hear your views on the subject. Either leave a comment below or email us at editorial@groupleisureandtravel.com