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Parrys International has seen demand for its London tours plummet since last year’s terrorist attacks. In Dave Parry’s words: “We used to run six to eight coaches every weekend on London theatres during the shoulder months – we’re lucky to get two or three away at the moment. That’s how much it’s affected us.” DAVID BELL

Gareth Evans catches up with Dave Parry about the latest developments at respected West Midlands coach tour operator Parrys International

It’s a horrible wet and windy day when I sit down for a coffee in Dave Parry’s first floor office at the firm’s clean, modern Cheslyn Hay premises, but in contrast to the weather outside, Dave is in reasonable spirits. However, in his best tradition, he’s frank in a non-aggressive manner about the opportunities and challenges facing his business, which is widely respected among customers and industry professionals alike.

Touring taxes

This magazine has carried many stories about the introduction of a host of new systems across Europe, be it emissions regulations, permit systems or tourist taxes, among others, with punitive penalties for non-compliance. Is it fair to say barriers have increased in terms of operating continental coach tours to the extent you either have to do it as part of your core business or not at all? What’s your experience?

We don’t habitually find British groups at our regular hotels in the numbers we once did. If you see British coaches, they tend to have inbound passengers on. […]

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