26 June 2008

New Barwell owners start trade push

Concessionary rates for agentsââ¬â¢ holidays and a summer booking incentive at Spain's La Manga Club are part of a plan to re-establish the Barwell Travel brand.

The company was taken over by the LeisureFare group in May after it went into administration, enabling Barwell to honour existing bookings and securing the future of its 39 staff.

Ealing-based LeisureFare is the holding company for BAway, a preferred partner for British Airways and a specialist in cruise holidays. A sister company, TradeFare, works only with agents to provide long-haul tailor-made holidays and flights.

LeisureFare managing director Jeremy Scott is wants to develop the companyââ¬â¢s long-standing relationship with agents as a core part of a rebuilding plan for Barwell.

He said: ââ¬ÅâœBarwell has carved itself an enviable position as the number one operator for La Manga Club, as well as offering a great choice of other top leisure resorts and destinations around the world, and support from the trade has always been strong.

ââ¬ÅâœI want to give agents a clear message that Barwell Travel is back, stronger and more secure than ever, and that they have a key role to play as we move forward.

ââ¬ÅâœThese new trade initiatives with La Manga Club are the first step in that process.ââ¬~

The company is offering more than 50% off rack rates this year at Hyattââ¬â¢s La Manga Club, giving agents a lead-in of Ã&#pound;35 per studio per night at the four-star Hyatt Las Lomas Village. Two-bedroom townhouses start at Ã&#pound;77 per night.  

The rates are valid for low season (November 1 ââ¬' December 23) and mid season (August 24 ââ¬' October 31 and December 24-31).

A double room at the 5-star Hyatt Regency La Manga starts at Ã&#pound;64 a night, including buffet breakfast, during low season.  Mid season rates are Ã&#pound;97 per room, while high season rates are Ã&#pound;120.  All prices include VAT.

Agents will also be given complimentary use of the indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, saunas and steam room at the Spa La Manga, plus complimentary use of the resort shuttle bus.

ââ¬ÅâœWe are giving our agents access to the best UK trade rates at La Manga, with no mark-up or margin for Barwell,ââ¬~ said Scott.

ââ¬ÅâœItââ¬â¢s a gesture of thanks for their support and loyalty during the recent difficult times, as well as an ongoing investment in future business.ââ¬~  

Barwell is also running an incentive for this summerââ¬â¢s best-selling agent to win a weekââ¬â¢s stay for two people, including breakfast, two treatments at the renowned Spa La Manga and a dinner for two.

by Phil Davies

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