IN FOCUS MADEIRA
Added value… “There’s plenty of scope for
commissionable add-ons, from day trips to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo to guided walks along the levada terraces, whale watching and watersports and outings to marvel at the highest cliffs in Europe.” DAVID SKILLIHORN, PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS
Festival time…
“Madeira has a year-round programme of festivals and special events, from flower shows to wine festivals and classic car shows. One to be selling now for a stunning mid-winter short break is the New Year’s amazing firework display – the largest pyrotechnics event in the world”
GARY BOYER, CLASSIC COLLECTION Cruise time…
“Funchal is an increasingly popular cruise destination, programming nicely with the Canaries, Morocco and the Portuguese and Spanish mainland. Madeira currently figures among the ports of call for Regent Seven Seas, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and MSC Cruises" KATIA CARVALHO, MADEIRA PROMOTION BUREAU
Road trips…
“Don’t just stick to Funchal – delightful and endlessly surprising though it is – rent a car and venture along the spectacular coastline and into the lush interior. The roads are sinuous and at times steep but road surfaces are good, speeds are not manic and the views are breathtaking”
ROGER ST. PIERRE, TRAVEL WRITER asktheoperators
David Skillihorn, General Manager, Prestige Holidays “Madeira remains the most magical of islands,
much of it relatively untouched by tourism. The amazing scenery ranges from terraced farms and vineyards to mountains, vast pine forests and waterfalls – it’s easy to see why it is known as ‘The Floating Garden’. “Where clients in the past tended to be 40-plus we are now seeing more young couples in their 30s and families too. It’s perfect for weddings, given a reliable clement climate and fl ight time of just four hours, with a wide choice of departures from a selection of London and regional airports. “We are proactive with our travel agent partners and have incentives to counter clerks for their sales to Madeira among other destinations.”
Gary Boyer
Marketing Manager Classic Collection Holidays “Around 85% of our sales
are through independent travel agents and we aid them with a dedicated 76- page Madeira brochure featuring some 29 four and fi ve-star properties. “The advantage of year-on-year sales currently running slightly behind is that the island is less busy, leading hoteliers to offer an enticing range of incentives and special offers. We currently have more than 100 commissionable special offers listed on our website.”
Above: Porto de Cruz, known for its wines and coastline; Left: Canyoning for thrills
FACTFILE 23
Where To Book It Prestige Holidays
01425 480400
www.prestige
holidays.co.uk Reid’s – one of the world’s most famous grand hotels – features in a three-night October B&B package, priced at £849 pp, based on two sharing. Included are fl ights from Gatwick with easyJet and private transfers with a local representative.
Ian Hailes Head of Product, Cosmos “As customers look for a different short-haul winter
sunshine break our introduction of Madeira is proving very timely. “The island has much to offer in terms of balmy weather, colourful festivals and such activities as walking, mountain biking and golf, as well as spectacular gardens that thrive in the sub-tropical climate.
“Combining a good value selection of hotels with a fl exible fl ight programme is a format which gives plenty of sales’ scope for the agent and the family sector looks particularly enticing.”
Anne Knight
Sales Consultant, Ashdown Holidays “Madeira is one of those
destinations that belies preconceptions. The wonderful mid-Atlantic climate makes it a wonderful place to retire but it isn’t simply a haven for old wrinklies – young people, families and the activities’ enthusiast can all enjoy themselves there too. My fam trip was a revelation – the scenery is stunning, amenities are up-to-date modern, the people are very friendly, the food superb and there are so many things to do. “The island has a very good tourism infrastructure, with a wide range of hotels, including boutique gems such as the Jardin do Lago. There are commissionable sales to be made at all ends of the market. We sold a 10-night B&B package at the Quinta da Casa Blanca hotel, including Gatwick fl ights and private transfers, for £1,000 pp.”
Royal Caribbean Cruises 0844 493 2061
www.royalcaribbean.co.uk Madeira fi gures along with other Portuguese, Spanish mainland and Canary Islands ports-of-call in a cruise on the Independence of the Seas. Starting from Southampton in October, prices are from £901pp, including taxes and landing fees, all meals on board and entertainment and activities.
Anatolian Sky 0844 273 3585
www.anatoliansky.co.uk A long-established Turkey and North Cyprus specialist, Anatolian Sky has launched a Madeira and Porto Santo programme, with a dedicated brochure on its way. All packages will be tailor-made and sample prices will be announced shortly.
Cosmos
0871 423 8518
www.cosmos.co.uk
The operator has launched a year- round Madeira programme featuring Monarch’s new scheduled service to the island, with departures from both London Gatwick and Birmingham. Seven-night packages lead in from £299 and fl ight only from £99 return, including taxes (November departure).
Dynamic package
The following elements are booked through Jetset Package Pal, which enables agents who do not have an ATOL licence of their own to book hotels, fl ights and transfers. Seven nights in a studio room with sea view at Dom Pedro Garajau, half- board, including drinks, from £534.
24 September/October 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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