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uk themed holidays
home truths
UK theme holidays – from spa breaks to steam railways to garden festivals – are very much in vogue for couples and families alike, says Dave Richardson
L
ong gone are the days when people were happy to go on a UK break and just sit staring idly at the sea. No,
today’s holidaymakers are looking for much more for their money. It’s little wonder that operators and agents are embracing theme breaks enthusiastically – they can create reasons to go away in the fi rst place and build a break or package that can’t be bought elsewhere. You can
from Dolly Parton tributes to wine tasting.” Themed coach tours have been available
“Customers want to indulge in their hobbies or try a
now book a hotel through any number of bedbanks, which is why SuperBreak has changed focus and is including more entertainment or activities in a tailormade package. Chris Hagan, Head of Ancillaries Product and
themed breaks for singles” HAROLD BURKE, SALES DIRECTOR GRAND UK HOLIDAYS
new activity and make friends while doing so, which is particularly relevant on our
for many years, with favourites including parks and gardens, steam railways, entertainment breaks and places and locations made popular by TV shows. Shearings also features events such as the Grand National and Round the the Isle of Wight Island Race to watch the yachtsmen compete. Commercial Director
Caroline Brown says: “We’ve gone above and beyond to give our customers even more ‘reasons to go’ with us by launching
Contracting, explains: “Over the past 12 months we have increased the number of properties offering spa breaks, and we are actively working with hotel partners to put together themed packages offering entertainment. Early in 2015 we will be introducing a large number of new themed events across the UK,
new itineraries that give them the chance to experience big events, enjoy exclusive tours and commemorate important anniversaries.” Harold Burke, Sales Director of Grand UK Holidays, adds: “Customers want to indulge in their hobbies or try a new activity and make friends while doing so, which is particularly relevant on our themed breaks for singles. Agencies which tap into this trend are likely to see lots of repeat bookings and perhaps bookings from groups too.”
Premier Holidays is benefi ting from the Channel Islands’ reputation as gourmet destinations, while annual events such as Jersey’s Battle of Flowers parade and Guernsey’s Heritage Festival are also very popular. Many luxury hotels now have spas, another reason to visit. Bourne Leisure’s National Sales Manager,
Louise Tansey, says: “Themed breaks are signifi cant for us with each theme conceptualised and tailored to suit our different
Main image: Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset with (insets) a taste of the seaside; and Thermae Bath Spa in Bath, Britain’s only natural thermal spa which benefi ts from the same warm, mineral-rich waters that the Celts and Romans enjoyed over 2,000 years ago
sellingtravel.co.uk
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