THAILAND ISLAND-HOPPING DESTINATIONS
SAMPLE PRODUCT
Outside the resort, the miniature island is home to buffaloes and monitor lizards, as well as cashew nut trees. It’s surrounded by coral, offering a good snorkelling or scuba experience.
w MAINLAND Tour operators are reporting a rise in the number of family bookings for island-hopping itineraries, which is
driving growth for mainland gateways such as Khao Lak, away from the party hubs of Phuket and Pattaya. New hotels keep popping up, including stunning La Vela, which has been welcoming guests since March. With its poolside rooms, all-inclusive options and modern take on Thai food, it’s quite a treat. Another growing mainland
destination that serves as an entry point to an island getaway is Natai Beach, near the town of Khok Kloi. Four-star boutique Le Coral Hideaway Beyond Phuket does exactly as the name suggests, offering a quieter option 30 minutes from the airport, but in the opposite direction from the city. It has direct beach access and provides kayaks and other equipment for guests to use at their leisure. With so much variety on offer,
ABOVE LEFT: Paradise, Koh Yao Noi
ABOVE RIGHT: Zeavola, Koh Phi Phi
LEFT: The fam group at Phi Phi Island Village
the value of a trade expert is more important than ever, so island-hopping is a real opportunity for agents to show their value. Chris Lee, head of marketing for the UK and Ireland at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, says: “We’ve seen big trends towards the smaller islands. They offer something different from the big islands, and a lot of people are combining the two. The customer is less likely to book online with a complex itinerary, and the more complex the itinerary, the higher the margin.” So your customers’ backpacking
days may have gone, but they’re certainly not forgotten. Throw a little luxury into the mix and encourage them to relive it all with their family in tow.
Gold Medal can arrange a nine-night island-hopping trip with four nights’ B&B at Manathai Khao Lak, two at the five-star Cape Kudu and three at the five-star Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, from £1,269. The price includes
Malaysia Airlines flights from
Heathrow and transfers, valid until October 21.
goldmedal.co.uk
Premier Holidays offers a 13-night
West Coast Island Hopper from £1,495 in October, staying at Centara Villas in Phuket, Holiday Inn Resort in Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Yao Yai Village. The price includes breakfast,
transfers and flights. Agents
can earn £25-£150 for each inclusive Thailand booking.
trade.premier
holidays.co.uk
17 August 2017
travelweekly.co.uk 63
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