FAMILY HOLIDAYS
“Take night flights if possible, particularly when you’re travelling with young children. It helps to avid jetlag”
SHAMIRA KAUMAYA-HATT COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR SUNSET FARAWAY HOLIDAYS
Richard Russell, Managing Director Africa and Beyond
Meet the Operator
on board and being proactive, with great-value offers,” says Nandita Patel, Product Administration executive at Funway Holidays. “We’ve been noticing far more
uptake in family holidays to Cancun and the Riviera Maya in Mexico, for example, because they have very affordable all-inclusive plans. “The hotels over there offer a lot
in terms of activities for kids and teens. And the Far East as well, which was never hugely family- focused, has some great offers so that’s growing in popularity too.” Cruising is also a draw for the family market, with various leading cruise lines recognising the value of appealing to the sector. Depending on the vessel, on- board activities these days range from zipwires, climbing walls and water slides to family pools, rope courses and open-air big screens – thereby providing a lively option
for any parents looking to combine child-friendly fun with the cultural appeal of having different ports of call.
What’s new Hotels: There’s been plenty of
activity on the long-haul hotel scene. Among the most notable openings in the Caribbean, the all-inclusive Seashore Bay Beach Resort opened in Negril, Jamaica, in December with 128 rooms and various child and teen programme. The newly-named Sugar Beach
(formerly The Jalouise Plantation) in St Lucia offi cially fi nished three years of renovation in November – it has a new kids’ club. The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is scheduled to open in late 2013 in the Dominican Republic, with 204 rooms and family facilities, while Richard Branson’s Necker Island will unveil its refurbished Great House this summer. In the Indian Ocean, the St Regis Mauritius opened its doors in late 2012 to reveal 172 rooms and suites and a family-focused ‘Kite Flyers Club’ for younger guests. In the Maldives, those clients looking for a really high-end family getaway should be made aware of the newly-unveiled Coco Prive on tiny Kuda Hithi Island. In Indonesia, the 203-room Sheraton Bali Kuta has been open since December, while the same company is behind the refurbished Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa Gold Coast. It is close to various theme parks. Attractions:The fi lm version of
The Hobbit has reignited interest in New Zealand’s ‘Tolkien Tourism’,
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Is an African holiday a viable and realistic option for families? Absolutely! We’ve seen a dramatic increase recently in properties catering for families, and many more safari lodges have kids’ programmes and family accommodation. There are safari lodges located in malaria-free areas too, and this particularly appeals to those travellers with younger children.
What’s an ideal Itinerary? Obviously, keeping children amused is key to a family
holiday, and if the children are old enough to appreciate the experience a safari is a must. A safari and then one of the many fabulous beach resorts is a great option, or a self-drive in South Africa for the more active.
How should agents best sell the concept?
Travelling to Africa is a thrilling, often life-changing experience, and an inspiring alternative to the traditional beach- or resort- style holiday. In our experience, families who go to Africa to tick it off their list of ‘must do’ destinations more often than not end up returning to the continent, again and again.
Sample Package
A two-week South African October half-term itinerary with fl ights, car rental and accommodation including a three-night safari, two nights whale watching, three nights on the Garden Route and four nights in Cape Town is from £8,000 for a family of four (children aged under 12). 0161 789 8838
africa-and-beyond.co.uk May 2013 45
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