DESTINATIONS — UK & IRELAND
Bargain break: Hoseasons’ Tan
Rallt Park in Wales
Sunset years: Older visitors stay longer in the Channel Islands
EXPERT ADVICE
Harold Burke, sales
director, Grand UK Holidays:
“Highlight that those
Steaming ahead: train travel is a strong seller
taking a domestic break don’t have to worry about exchange rates, getting to the airport, long security queues or hidden airline
Get-together: Warner Leisure Hotels runs midweek breaks
fees. Many in the mature market prefer face-to-face bookings with a travel agent, and many of our customers have been loyal to the same agency for years.”
Paul Melinis, head of
sales, Insight Vacations:
of bereavement or divorce – singles-focused tours offer a chance to travel without worrying about eating alone or shouldering the responsibility of planning. Andy Fairburn, sales and
marketing manager for singles specialist Solos, says: “People don’t want to be pigeon-holed as ‘old’. We have 80-year-olds who travel with us regularly to ski, as well as those who prefer some of our less active itineraries. The trick is to match the holiday to the person – many 60-year-olds might like a quiet time, whereas others might want to hike or play tennis every day and dance every night!” Popular options include Solos’
Walking Weekend in the Heart of England (from £305, graded easy), and Rewind 80s Festival (£425 including festival ticket to see Sister Sledge, Rick Astley and more). Fellow operator Just You also
runs several walking, rail and city tours for singles, and can add days before or after a tour for clients who want to travel independently.
l DREAM THEME Appeal to someone’s interests and you’re far likelier to close a sale. Over-55s specialist Grand UK saw such strong interest in its Lark Rise to Downton Abbey tour and a Coronation Street holiday introduced this year, that it has added a second Corrie Special (from £259, August-September). Also bringing TV favourites to
life, Warner Leisure Hotels’ popular Star Breaks this year feature Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman (Littlecote House, July 25), and TV personality Christopher Biggins (Nidd Hall Hotel, September 5). SuperBreak
proves gigs aren’t just for teenyboppers with its music packages: pair hotel accommodation with tickets to see Status Quo or Andrea Bocelli at the O2,
or Tom Jones at Lytham Proms. Or if they prefer classical music, Kirker Holidays runs chamber music weekends featuring recitals and talks at Deans Place Hotel in Alfriston, East Sussex (four days, £849).
Visiting exhibitions or key landmarks can also convince clients to book: SuperBreak says private tours of Buckingham Palace, Windsor state rooms and the Houses of Parliament are among its best-sellers with older clients, while add-on provider Attraction World finds classic excursions such as
Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea, Blackpool
Tower Ballroom and Historic Royal Palaces are top of the list. TW
“We have noticed that retired clients love to travel in groups, so approaching local community groups, bowling clubs and church groups can really reap dividends. Agents prepared to be proactive in searching for business will see the results.”
Paula Wilson,
customer services
manager, Premier Holidays:
“We recommend agents check whether the
customer has any mobility issues, special requirements for their room type, whether they are okay to climb over a bath, can cope with steps or need a room on the ground floor. Making our reservations consultants aware of any issues at the start of a booking enquiry rather than the end ensures we can offer the best possible service.”
26 June 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 43
PICTURES: FAILTE IRELAND; PHILIP BENHAM; VISITBRITAIN/SIMON WINNALL/LEE BEEL/PAWEL LIBERA; COBO BAY HOTEL
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