Andy Perrin, Managing Director of specialist operators Esprit and Total Ski has disputed the report of just a small growth in business for independent tour operators in a recently published annual British ski holiday market survey.

�Last winter we had the best snow for at least 15 years, a stable pound and a buoyant economy, all of which contributed to our biggest growth ever, with sales up well over 35%� said Mr Perrin. �Talk to any Association of Independent Tour Operators ski company and you�ll find they all had a good year.�

Mr Perrin did agree with the report�s conclusions that booking were �moving away from the high street� although he felt this was down to customers wanting to have in depth conversations about their destinations and personal requirements direct with expert tour operator staff as much as being due to the increased popularity of the internet.

Mr Perrin reports the trend continuing this year with strong advance sales.