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analysis


BOOKING TRENDS While Skillicorn has noticed a small reduction in average winter sun stays, at ributable to the recent dip in sterling and “some heſt y price hikes by overseas hoteliers over the last three winters”, Rushbrooke says clients are still typically booking one and two week trips as usual. They are, however, booking a lot further in advance. “Christmas trips are being booked as soon as fl ights are released in late January and our forward bookings for 2018 are much higher than they were this time last year,” says Rushbrooke. Perhaps unsurprisingly, following Sterling’s


post-Brexit slump, big operators such as Thomson and First Choice are reporting that many clients are seeking comfort in the budgetary safety of all-inclusive this winter. High-end operators such as ITC also report rising interest from clients in all-inclusive properties. As Rushbrooke puts it, “Whatever a client’s budget, everyone is looking for value for money.” This tallies with ABTA’s overall forecast which estimates that all- inclusives will account for 25% of bookings in 2017, up from 18% last year. Both Light and Whiteman, however, stress that


at aining value for money, and most importantly quality, trumps price considerations in their clients’ books. Both also note how the general rise


in appetite for experiential travel products such as local cooking classes is increasingly impacting the mainstream market. To this end Caribtours is introducing new


‘experiential’ destinations such as Costa Rica and South Africa to its 2018 programmes to meet demand while Whiteman notes how choosing location and excursions is crucial for Saga when planning a new holiday itinerary — not least as its clients take an average of four breaks each year so have high expectations. “In being so well travelled they want their


trips to off er them something diff erent, or some undiscovered gem,” says Whiteman. “As a result we have introduced several new Stay & Explore and Unwind hotels in popular areas and have put together some new escorted tours.” Rushbrooke also notes increased appetite


for experiential travel — in addition to a more traditional sun-worshipping trip — among clients of ITC Luxury Travel and its sister brands such as W&O. “Traditional beach resorts are really upping their game in terms of the activities and excursions they off er,” Rushbrooke says. “Relaxing in the sun will never lose its appeal though, so we fi nd a lot of clients are looking for destinations where they can fi nd a balance.”


“ATTAINING VALUE FOR MONEY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY QUALITY, TRUMPS PRICE CONSIDERATIONS”


Five winter sun options


Hang ten in Costa Rica British Airways’ direct flights to the capital San José helped revolutionise the appeal of this lush green gem, with its twin coasts and tropical wildlife. Thomson sealed the deal with its Liberia route, servicing Pacific beach resorts such as Tamarindo, and KLM is preparing to add a service this October – it’s never been so accessible for winter sun breaks.


Dive into the Philippines On Palawan, the northernly resorts of El Nido and Coron have built a loyal following of beach hoppers and divers who flock to Bacuit Bay to explore its jewelled waters and archipelago of idyllic karst islands. Staying options include Pangulasian, which came third on a list of ‘Best Kept Travel Secrets in the World’ published by Kuoni in February. kuoni.co.uk


Game for Sri Lanka With operators such as Experience Travel Group it’s possible to combine a beach stay at a south coast resort hotel such as Amanwella or the Anantara with one of the growing number of coastal lodges edging Yala, which mix high-end hospitality with game drives in the national park. Resplendent Ceylon’s Wild Coast Tented Lodge opens in October. experiencetravelgroup.com


Grab some hot Chile Forsake the beach for a trip to the Atacama, the world’s driest desert, and a stay at one of San Pedro’s iconic hotels such as the Explora or Tierra. Prices include local tours from El Tatio Geysers to the Valley of the Moon. Operators include Original Travel while British Airways flies direct to Santiago four times a week from Heathrow. originaltravel.co.uk


Bowled over by Australia It may be a long way away but it off ers very hot weather during our winter and to make things easier, Qantas has a new direct route to perennially-sunny Perth, capital of Western Australia, starting early 2018. Add in packages to the 2017/18 Ashes series, available from the likes of Austravel, and it’s sure to be a big hot hit this winter. austravel.com


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ABTA Magazine | August 2017


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