14 christmas markets
WRAPPED gift
We may still be in the salad days but it’s hard not to get excited about the prospect of a winter break that takes in some of the world’s magical Christmas markets, say Anna Maria Espsäter
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hristmas markets are big business and each year the choice for consumers widens, with an ever-increasing number of interesting options throughout Europe and further afi eld offering experiences ranging from the ‘schmaltzy traditional’ to the more modern and innovative. Whether your clients are looking to broaden their
horizons and discover what’s new or return to well- trodden ground, this season’s markets should tempt both newcomers and fi rm Christmas market fans. From Germany, the Nordic countries, Austria and Slovenia to the Netherlands, France and Belgium, across Central Europe and the Baltic States, down south to Portugal, across the Atlantic in Canada and in parts of the UK, preparations are already in full swing to create another fantastic season of winter markets. Quite simply, in 2014/15 the choice looks better than ever, both in terms of destinations and tour operators. “We wanted to develop a new range of winter trips because we were seeing demand from
the UK market,” says Steph Millington, Regional Product Manager Europe, Intrepid Travel. The Christmas market is by now something of an institution and while some, such as Vienna’s City Hall market, date back centuries, others, like Montreal’s Nutcracker market, have been captivating visitors for just a few years. However, what they all have in common is a desire to capture the spirit of Christmas and offer locals and visitors alike a great pre-
“It’s really never too early to think about Christmas sales! We included some festive breaks in our summer 2014 brochure and moved almost 20% of our capacity within the first few months of it being on sale”
HAROLD BURKE, SALES DIRECTOR, GRAND UK HOLIDAYS
Christmas experience, often selling unusual handicrafts and local food and drink. There are destinations galore and options to
suit every budget. “There really is something for everyone, so there’s no need to restrict selling to any particular type of client,” says Gemma Smith, Product Manager, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. “Some clients want to spend this special period with a group of like-minded people; others enjoy the magic of the season and want to unleash their Christmas spirit; some are attracted by the destination itself and feel that it’s an atmospheric time to visit.” Going somewhere ‘really Chistmassy’ is high on the wish-list and many destinations offer a dusting of snow as early as November, making it possible to combine markets with other winter activities. Twinning Christmas markets with
a city break, river cruise, coach trip or rail journey are other options. “Festive escorted tours offer customers the chance to escape the chores of Christmas
Skeppsbron Quay in Stockholm’s Old Town, or ‘Gamla Stan’. Next page: Leipzeig’s (Germany) Christmas market; Sparkling lights in Lintz (Austria)
sellingtravel.co.uk
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