CHRISTMAS MARKETS
For example, Portsmouth will be decking its halls for a Victorian festival (November 30 to December 2) and Winchester, Belfast and Manchester are also planning Christmas events.
Why Christmas markets? There are many things that make these markets so appealing: the chance to spend a few days in often gorgeous settings, a choice of unusual and often reasonably priced gifts unique to the area, mingling with locals, trying new foods and local drinks, an ever- widening variety of destinations and, of course, traditional Christmas spirit, to name a few.
Also, Christmas markets are still an excellent way to shop and get all your gifts on one enjoyable trip, in a far more convivial atmosphere than jostling for space in your average high street or department store. They can also easily be combined with sight-seeing or even skiing, if visiting some of the markets in the Alps or Scandinavia.
There is usually something to please all generations, from toddlers to teenagers to grandparents, and this appeal looks set to grow further still with more tour operators adding new options.
What’s New?
Over 55s specialist Grand UK Holidays (
www.grandukholidays.com) is featuring three new UK Christmas market escorted tours, Severn Valley, Yorkshire and Chester/Snowdownia, as
Top: Christmas markets are found in towns, cities and villages across Germany
tourismtalk
Klaus Lohmann German Tourist Board “German Christmas markets still prominently
feature in our marketing strategy but unfortunately we don't have any specifi c fi gures regarding Christmas
well as 10 new continental markets. The French city of Lille is holding a three-month long festival, Lille 3000, throughout the winter period (www.
lille3000.eu) with a variety of cultural events. This year Lille’s shops will also be open on the three December Sundays before Christmas. Ramblers Worldwide Holidays
(
www.ramblersholidays.co.uk) is planning to include Vienna and Budapest’s Christmas markets in its new programme for 2013, in addition to its Berlin and Innsbruck tours. Regent Holidays (
www.regent-holidays.
co.uk) has included a new Christmas market in its programme, featuring a three-night package to Prague. River Cruise Line (
www.sellingrivercruises. com) is also launching a new fi ve-day Magic Moselle Christmas market cruise. Dertour’s ‘Christmas Markets And Winter Breaks Breaks 2012/13’ brochure features 13 countries including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, France and Switzerland, as well as, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Poland and Sweden. The operator can provide agents with A3 posters for their shop windows which can be customised by each agency (
www.dertour.co.uk/ travel_agents)
markets and UK
visitors. The most popular markets are Nuremburg and Cologne – Nuremberg, with its famous Nuremberger sausages and gingerbread.”
asktheoperators
Harold Burke Sales Director Grand UK Holidays “The UK's markets have
been popular since we introduced them to our range a couple of years ago, so that is why we have added three new options to cater for demand. ”Europe’s looking more popular now, thanks to the better exchange rate, so there are 10 new tours in our range of Continental markets including one to Prague, a river cruise, and a Gold option. They are selling well because the over-55s market still likes to treat themselves with a festive city break.”
Andrea Godfrey Product Manager Regent Holidays
“Prague is one of our most
popular Christmas market destinations and always sells incredibly well not least because it is such a beautiful city and looks so very festive covered in snow.”
Gemma Smith
Product Manager, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays “Both of our current
holidays in Innsbruck and
Berlin are selling equally well. They are two very different types of holiday and you could do both and have a unique and magical experience.
"Berlin is historically and culturally fascinating so lends itself to a super sightseeing holiday but also combined with festive Christmas markets. While in Innsbruck one can enjoy some splendid walks in magical winter scenery, and take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, whilst also enjoying a more intimate type of Christmas market.”
Lawrence Peachey Head of Sales, Dertour “Our sales team have travelled to over 70
Christmas markets between them, so we want agents to know that we really are the experts! We’ve designed our brochure with agents in mind, so there is more information about different Christmas traditions, sightseeing and events in each destination. “We are thrilled to introduce Rothenburg which will appeal to agents with clients looking for an alternative traditional Christmas market destination. The town is off the beaten track and is very special with a picturesque medieval setting. Our new Christmas rail tours are also a great option for clients looking to explore a number of markets on the one trip.”
20 September/October 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
My Christmas tale... by Jane Archer
“In recent years London has got its very own German- style Christmas market, lighting up the Southbank along the Thames and, after many years of roaming Christmas markets abroad, I thought it was time to check out something closer to home for a change. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised – Southbank vividly recreates the feel of a typical German market. If it wasn’t for the language and a distinct lack of snow, you could almost imagine yourself on the continent. “Delicious smells of bratwurst and glühwein wafted through the air as I made my way among the stalls admiring handcrafted toys, beautiful jewellery and all manner of unique and pretty gifts.
“There was even a small funfair attached, with old- fashioned merry-go-rounds. All in all, a lovely winter’s afternoon and evening out in London.”
© GOSLAR MARKETING
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