Boom for UK escorted tours
Tuesday, 22 Sep, 2009
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A boom in demand for domestic travel has seen bookings rise for escorted tours company The UK Holiday Group.
The parent company of over-55s operator Grand UK Holidays expects to carry almost 100,000 holidaymakers this year, up by 10,000 from 2008.
Sales have been strong for sister company Glenton Holidays, which sells tours in Scotland and North East England, and expects 25% growth this year.
Sales director Harold Burke said about 86% of Grand UK’s holidays are sold via the trade and the support of agents is a key factor in the firm’s success.
He said “It has been a difficult time for the industry in general but we have kept growing and expect to see continued growth in 2010 as holidays remain top of the ‘must do’ list.
“We have continued to make progress without the need to resort to discounting, which has a very negative impact on loyal customers who tend to book early and as such like to feel rewarded rather than penalised.”
He urged agents to continue supporting operators such as Grand UK which sell via the trade.
“We are launching our 2010 brochure soon and hope that our ever-changing product range will give agents more opportunities to sell holidays throughout the year to a loyal base of customers,” he said.
Grand UK Holidays unveiled a partnership with Age Concern earlier in the year to operate holidays on behalf of the national charity under the Age Concern Holidays brand.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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