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Christmas holidays could be a good conversation starter to keep clients engaged, writes Katie McGonagle
s it too early to start thinking about Christmas? In an ordinary year, yes, because you’d have months of summer bookings and perhaps a holiday of your own to think about first. But with so many families needing to replan their usual getaways, it would be wise to have a few festive options up your sleeve even now. Of course, some clients won’t entertain the
idea of travelling at all this year, opting to set their sights on summer 2021. Yet for those who need something to look forward to – and with kids to keep fed, occupied and home-schooled while juggling work from home, who doesn’t? – there are some fun family breaks that provide useful inspiration for your social media or marketing channels, helping to keep clients engaged about their future travel plans.
BEST FOR . . . SANTA SIGHTINGS Lapland: Few things draw families in like seeing Father Christmas in his log cabin amid a snow- filled wilderness, according to Newmarket Holidays’ head of trade sales, Richard Forde. “For agents, Lapland is a great ‘go to’ if they
are after an inspirational email, social media post or something different to offer clients, especially in these difficult times, as it conjures a magical feel no matter what the age,” he says. Day trips take families 60 miles above the
Arctic Circle to a snow-covered landscape in the heart of Swedish Lapland, where festive
attractions including reindeer sleighs and snowmobiles await. Book it: Prices for a day trip start at £529 in December, with flights from 12 regional airports to Pajala, transfers to Santa’s village, inflight meal, thermal clothing, private family meeting with Father Christmas, lunch, plus rides on a snowmobile, reindeer sleigh and husky sled.
newmarketholidays.co.uk Or try: Fancy seeing a Flyboarding Santa? Kids can at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, where Christmas Day activities include sailing to a deserted island to meet Father Christmas, ready to wow the crowds with ‘magic’ and festive cheer over a barbecue lunch. Rates from £315 per night.
BEST FOR . . . FESTIVE FIREWORKS Orlando: The ‘holiday season’ is a big deal across the pond, but step into Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Christmas spirit goes into overdrive, with over-the-top decorations, hundreds of fairy light-covered fir trees, candlelight processions through Epcot and festive costumes for its characters; and with the phased reopening of Disney Springs, the shopping and entertainment complex, starting last week, things are looking up for the Florida parks. Ross Sinclair, Gold Medal’s senior product manager for the US, says: “There is so much happening at Disney over Christmas, with Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks ²
travelweekly.co.uk 28 MAY 2020
DESTINATIONS CHRISTMAS | FAMILY HOLIDAYS
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