Operators
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The big two launch their summer 2011 programmes this week. Rob Gill reports below on Tui’s plans and also takes a look at Thomas Cook’s new programme on p24
Tui brings down Spanish prices
Thomson and First Choice have added Cuba this summer
Long-haul gets new additions
DUBAI AND Cuba are the major new additions to Thomson and First Choice’s new long-haul programme. Thomson Faraway Shores and First Choice
Tropical are introducing Dubai for winter 2010-11 using Emirates flights from the UK. Both brands will also add weekly Thomson Air-
ways flights from Gatwick to the Cuban destina- tions of Havana and Cayo Santa Maria for summer 2011. Shona Swain, general manager for long-haul,
said: “We are working with Emirates for Dubai as it allows us to test a new destination without committing to our own aircraft.”
Thomson customers will also be able to combine Dubai with other Gulf states such as Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah.
As well as the Cuba flights, the company will continue to run the only UK charters to Costa Rica, Samana in the Dominican Republic, and Aruba. Both operators are also offering a wider range of holiday durations across long-haul destina- tions for next winter. “We are offering more flexibil-
ity with new 10 and 11-night dura- tions to Jamaica, Goa and the Maldives in winter 2010-11,” said Swain. “We are also highlighting our tours and twin centres.” First Choice Tropical has added
an Adventure section featuring experiences such as safaris, twin centres and tour-and-stay holi- days for summer 2011.
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30.04.2010
View over the remains of a Roman amphitheatre at the coast of Tarragona, Costa Dorada, Spain.
Splashing out: First Choice is also targeting the family market with the launch of six new Splash resorts, which include access to water parks, in Florida, Zante and Gran Canaria as well as two new First Choice Holiday Villages in Tenerife and Tunisia. Other developments include the Royal Kenz in Tunisia joining Thomson’s upmarket Gold collection and the launch of Sicily as a destination for First Choice. Free child places are also available with Thomson, First Choice and sister brand Skytours.
SPAIN COULD lead the way for early bookings for 2011 after First Choice and Thomson negoti- ated lower rates with hoteliers. The Tui Travel brands have been in talks with Spanish hoteliers to secure better deals on a limited number of holidays to entice early bookings for summer 2011. Alex Loftus, head of product for short- haul, mid-haul and product development, said: “There are thousands of holidays that are cheaper than last year, particularly in Spain where there are significant price reductions for early bookings. “They are available across the Canaries, mainland Spain and the Balearics. Over the past year, we have been working with key hoteliers to offer aggressive booking discounts.” The operators will also start flights earlier than usual in 2011 with services to several
popular Mediterranean destinations such as Costa Dorada, Crete and Rhodes in late April to coincide with Easter. Both brands are increasing their flexible
durations by adding nine and 12-day options alongside 10 and 11 days to destinations such as Majorca, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia and the Greek islands. “These holidays are designed for people whose budgets do not stretch to two weeks and will allow them to have two weekends away,” said Loftus.
Thomson will launch a new brand – Family Re-
sorts – in 2011 with 14 properties in destinations such as Majorca, Turkey, Egypt and Crete. The hotels will feature creches, family-orientated entertainment and family rooms. The operators’ 2011 programmes went on sale
yesterday.
020 7921 8011
rgill@ttglive.com
Rob Gill
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