Cosmos to expand ski programme
Cosmos is planning to expand its ski programme next year following the successful launch of its first winter sports brochure.
The operator, which is selling ski packages this winter to France, Italy and Austria, is considering adding Andorra to next year’s Ski & Snowboard brochure in addition to expanding capacity in the 15 destinations it currently features.
It already sells accommodation-only in Arinsal in Andorra, but doesn’t currently offer packages there. Sales director Gary Anslow said Cosmos had yet to make a final decision, but Andorra was a strong possibility for 2014.
"Next year’s programme will be similar to this winter, but ultimately it is our ambition to grow ski, however it’s important that we build a solid base from which we can gradually expand," he said. "We might add Andorra because we think it’s right for our programme."
The operator said it had seen strong demand for this winter, with 55% of its sales for Austria, 36% for France and the remaining 9% for Italy.
Group executive chairman Iain Rawlinson said: "Strategically, ski is an extremely important market for the Monarch Group, and is an area where we have made great strides in the past 12 months."
The operator’s winter sports programme has been built on the back of Monarch’s scheduled flights from Gatwick, Luton and Manchester to Munich, Friedrichshafen, Innsbruck, Verona, Venice and Grenoble. Its aim, said Anslow, is to offer good value holidays to some of Europe’s top ski destinations, including St Anton, Meribel and Cortina.
For example, it is offering seven-night, half-board packages to the upmarket Austrian resort St Anton from £779, based on flights to Friedrichshafen and accommodation at the three-star Alpenhof Hotel on the outskirts of the town.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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