on the Gatwick-Guernsey route when Flybe launches an upgraded service using its fi rst Embraer-175 aircraft.


UK Trade Focus


One of the most effective ways of boosting sales is to invite retailers and their families on educationals, according to Bourne Leisure. “Next year we will again be sending


well over 1,000 agents on free or heavily discounted breaks at Butlins, Warner and Haven centres,” said Allan Lambert, Bourne’s head of retail. “Educationals enable staff to have a


greater insight into the product, talk more confi dently to clients and convert sales more easily.” The group is also a strong supporter


of TIPTO roadshows nationwide and the annual Brit Awards. Incentives play a major role in Superbreak’s trade activities. The company regularly sends agents making theatre-break bookings to a major show in London, or to pre-West End performances in the provinces. Tactical incentives include prize draw vouchers.


UK Niche Warner is introducing a range of


product nd not because we are a cheaper alternative.” A similar view is expressed by Chris Dee, tourism manager for The Cotswolds. “Last spring was virtually a sell out, especially at weekends, and we have noticed the higher quality accommodation is tending to sell fi rst,” he says. “The Cotswolds has a long history as a


romantic break destination and we have been benefi ting from the decline in the traditional fortnight’s holiday in favour of shorter, higher-quality breaks. This has resulted in our season being extended from February’s Valentine weekend through to the end of autumn.” Chris Dee estimates around 19% of the


Cotswolds’ 'staycation' business comes through the trade.


UK What's New


• Butlins marks its 75th birthday in 2011 with its biggest-ever investment of £34 million. Developments will include a


third hotel at Bognor, West Sussex, and a celebrity chef restaurant. Bourne Leisure’s other brands


are also earmarked for some major new spending. Haven’s £40-million programme includes upgrading its SplashZone water areas and £8 million on new holiday homes, while Warner is signifi cantly extending its special interest Experience breaks. • Paignton, South Devon, will try to recreate the Age of Steam this spring when the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company unveils its new £1.1 million station. It will offer a nostalgic experience for families using the preserved steam line to Dartmouth. • Walkers will be marking the 40th anniversary of Offa’s Dyke footpath becoming a National Trail. The Trail runs between Chepstow and Prestatyn and a bid for it to become a World Heritage Site is being submitted as part of the celebrations to commemorate the event. • Spring sees the return of a jet service


new Experience hotel breaks which include dirt buggies, Nordic walking and a selection of revitalisation stays incorporating meditation, yoga, reiki and pilates. Foodies are offered sushi- making, wine- and whisky-tasting breaks, and cookery courses. With the singles market expanding


fast, Grand UK Holidays has launched a new Friendship Club targeting this sector with a range of hotel breaks for the over-55s. Included are excursions, a gala dinner, cabaret evening games, competitions, quizzes and bingo. Among new spring breaks from singles specialist Solo’s is a two-night walking holiday for all ages in East Anglia’s Constable Country.


tourismtalk


James Berresford chief executive, VisitEngland ”Last year was the best ever year for leisure


tourism with domestic holiday trips up by 18 per cent in England and 17 per cent in the UK. Despite a slight downturn in holiday tourism this


UK FACTFILE


Where to Book It HotelConnect


0845 230 4321 www.agents.hotelconnect.co.uk New to the operator’s range of London hotels is the trendy fi ve-star Town Hall Hotel and Apartments in Bethnal Green. Prices next March start from £115 per night for a twin/ double room only.


Superbreak 0871 221 4444 www.superbreak.com/agents


Shopaholics and foodies should appreciate the £63 a night B&B spring deal at Manchester’s four-star Abode Hotel. Five minutes from the heart of the city and recently refurbished, the hotel has a restaurant run by celebrity chef Michael Caines.


Headwater 01606 720199 www.headwater.com Get on yer bike for a leisurely, scenic cycling holiday through the Wye Valley with Headwater. The route follows the English/ Welsh borders between Ludlow and Hay on Wye and the fi ve-night package costs from £539pp next spring, including B&B at four hotels, cycle hire and luggage transfers.


Kirker Holidays 020 7593 2284 www.kirkerholidays.com Typical of the operator’s cultural programme is a three-night Chamber Music Weekend in Alfriston, East Sussex (May 8-11 2011). Based at the three-star Deans Palace Country Hotel, it costs £690pp sharing, including breakfast, three dinners, concerts and talks at the hotel, and the services of a holiday escort.


More information www.visitlondon.com


www.visitmanchester.com www.visitsussex.org www.shropshiretourism.co.uk, www.tourism.powys.gov.uk www.visitherefordshire.co.uk www.visitchester.com www.visitnorwich.co.uk www.winchesterchristmasmarkets.co.uk


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