FEATURE RANCH HOLIDAYS
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF
THE LONE RANGER BY HOWARD CARR "We had been promised a taste of the
western lifestyle while in Arizona. Yet we were driving through dense woodland 5,000 feet above sea level – far removed from the desert landscapes normally associated with John Wayne films. We needn’t have worried. As we arrived
RANCH HOLIDAYS Top Selling Tips...
• Something for everyone… “Most ranches offer riding for all abilities. Even if you don’t ride, there is always plenty to keep you entertained”
CASEY HURFORD US Product Manager, Funway Holidays
• Check dates… “If your client wants to go to a polo ranch in Argentina, make sure their stay does not clash with the polo season when the horses are often away”
GREG THURSTON National Account Manager, Cox & Kings
• Spot the difference… “Ranches can range from the basic but authentic to luxury resorts. Most offer more than just horse riding, with spas, swimming, fishing and golf”
ANDREW BIRD Director, Purely America and Purely Canada
• Highlight what’s included… “If clients are hesitant about the cost of a ranch holiday, remind them what is included – usually full board, all riding, activities and entertainment”
CASEY HURFORD US product manager, Funway Holidays
• Stay safe… “Check the safety element of each ranch. Ask whether they provide equipment such as riding helmets”
GREG THURSTON National Account Manager, Cox & Kings
36 June 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
JANICE KURRLE UK and Ireland Marketing Manager, South Australian Tourism Commission
“The Outback is a quintessentially Australian experience. Staying in a traditional homestead or sheep station is the best way to gain an insight into this fascinating way of life. Not only can visitors to South Australia’s Flinders Ranges properties such as Arkaba Homestead, Rawnsley Park Station and the Prairie Hotel meet locals – some of whom have lived in the area for three generations or more – they can also see the stunning landscape, view the amazing wildlife and sample great organic fare.”
From The Front Line TONY DALY
Managing Director, Ranch Rider “Montana, Wyoming,
Texas and Arizona are bringing in the majority of bookings to the US. South Africa is selling particularly well as the exchange rate is six per cent more favourable than last year. “We are also seeing growth in special
interests. Many of our guest and resort ranches combine personal passions such as photography, art and wildlife-centric pursuits within the one riding holiday.”
AMANDA SWEENEY, Latin America Sales Specialist, Rainbow Tours “Visitors to Latin America are increasingly looking for interesting and authentic experiences. A stay on a
Clockwise from top left: Australia's Flinders Ranges; Cranbrook, BC; Estancia cowboys; sunset on the range
working estancia with gauchos offers a chance to get under the skin of Argentinian culture and history. “Argentina offers some fantastic riding opportunities. Even those who don’t ride can enjoy fishing, rafting and hiking.”
JONATHAN WHITELY National Sales Manager, 1st Class Holidays
“The number of clients incorporating a ranch stay into their trip is on the increase. “Our most popular ranches
offer a Wild West flavour without being too far from the tourist trail. The Rafter Six Ranch is popular this year due to its proximity to Calgary and the centennial stampede celebrations.”
LYNSEY PERKINS Travel Counsellors, Oundle “A ranch holiday
was on my bucket list. I got to achieve it this year at the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. I am not an experienced horse rider but I had a few lessons beforehand to get me prepared. “But you don’t have to have had lessons to enjoy a holiday like this. I know quite a few families who will be interested. There are lots of things for children such as mountain biking, tennis, basketball and a games room.”
Where To Book It WESTERN AND ORIENTAL 020 7667 1234
www.wandotravel.com Six nights’ full board at the 45-room
White Stallion Ranch in Arizona leads in at £715pp and includes horse riding and most ranch activities such as cowboy campfires, line dancing and a weekly rodeo. The ranch covers 3,000 acres. Flights and transfers are extra.
IN THE SADDLE 01299 272997
www.inthesaddle.com One week’s full board at Estancia Los Potreros in Argentina is from £1,559pp. The price includes riding and transfers from Cordoba but not flights. The estancia takes just eight guests at a time but has more than 50 horses for all levels of rider. •
at Kohl’s Ranch, real-life cowboys donned in Stetsons and leather chaps were lining up our horses for a late afternoon ride over hillsides thick with ponderosa pine trees. Breaks in the forest offered tantalising
glimpses of vast mountain ranges on the horizon. It was easy to see why Zane Grey, one of the greatest writers of western stories who is said to have provided the inspiration for the Lone Ranger television series, made his home here. You don’t have to be a lone ranger to enjoy this ranch at Payson, a 90-minute drive north of Phoenix. Kohl’s combines a western atmosphere with modern touches such as DVD players and microwaves in its 66 spacious rooms."
©TOURISM AUSTRALIA
©ASYMETRIC, JASON VAN BRUGGEN
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