DESTINATIONS ROAD, RIVER, RAIL | FESTIVE BREAKS ad
Cologne & Düsseldorf Christmas Markets NATIONAL HOLIDAYS Cologne hosts one of Europe’s biggest Christmas markets, with stalls around the city – the star-shaped market in front of the cathedral or the adorable Village of St Nicholas Christmas Market at Rudolfplatz are ideal for searching for gifts. Nearby Düsseldorf has its own charms, including a doughnut-shaped ice rink looping around the Triton fountain; as does Aachen, which is home to an ornate cathedral that’s the burial place of emperor Charlemagne. National Holidays’ coach package enables clients to take in all three cities – with a brief sojourn in
Bonn – and local pick-ups make it uber-convenient. Book it: The three-night trip starts at £349, based on a December 6 departure, including coach travel, ferry crossings, B&B accommodation and excursions.
nationalholidays.com/agents
Bath SELLING TIPS
- Remember to promote festive breaks throughout the year, as customers book at different times. Some like to lock their holiday in early in the spring, while others will wait until after summer to start making plans.
- Tell customers they can come to you for festive breaks – even for short, two-day options. I recommend finding local departures from your area and promoting those in your windows and across all your social media platforms.
- Sell the value of festive holidays. We offer local pick-up points, included excursions and tickets, as well as added extras such as entertainment. It’s an organised package with no need to book all the separate elements – and it’s all commissionable.
- Extol the benefits of coach travel – guests can relax and let someone else get them to their destination.
Weston-super-Mare & Bath Christmas Market Weekend SHEARINGS Next year, Somerset’s largest city will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with special events, experiences and hotel packages. Shearings’ Weston-super-Mare & Bath Christmas Market Weekend is already on sale for 2025, so agents can get in early on the Austen-mania. Based in seaside town Weston, travellers get a full day to explore the cobbled lanes of Bath, where chalets sell everything from handmade scented candles to West Country cheeses. The next day provides the chance to explore buzzing Bristol – but
they’ll still be back in time for a festive cream tea. Book it: The three-night break starts at £289 per person, including half-board accommodation, excursions and local joining points, departing November 14, 2025.
shearings.com
²
travelweekly.co.uk 17 OCTOBER 2024 47
Claire Dutton, trade sales manager, JG Travel Group
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
