Creative Holidays releases most comprehensive Africa program to date

Africa is a booming destination for Australian travellers with Creative Holidays experiencing over 25 per cent growth in its last program.

On the back of such strong success Creative Holidays has released its 2008 Africa program showcasing an extensive range of holiday options across the continent in a variety of styles to suit all budgets.

The program features independent touring, group touring, mini stays, private lodge accommodation, city hotels, camping options, safaris, sightseeing, transfers, family journeys, self-drive holidays and rail journeys in South Africa, Victoria Falls, Botswana and East Africa.

The Africa program also includes a dedicated section on Mauritius and Zanzibar hotels.

Andrew Yell, general manager, sales, product and marketing, Creative Holidays said, “The response to our African range over the last two years has been overwhelming with substantial growth.

“Our continued focus for Africa is on value, product range and variety. We have worked hard to offer the trade and their clients a good alternative to options already on the market by sourcing and contracting alternative properties as well as through offering smaller more authentic bush camps and lodges.

“This year we have launched a range of great new products including new Kruger lodges and Cape Town hotels as well as Victoria Falls Mini Stays, Chobe luxury lodge and cruise package and a wildlife tented safari experience in Chobe. For those interested in experiencing a different perspective on life in Africa there is now a wonderful opportunity to visit a local school in Kenya for a day. There are also eight new hotels in Mauritius, to name just a few.

“With the broad visitor demographics in Africa, trends over the last 12 months are varied. The majority of visitors we see are couples, which has really driven demand for luxury safari trips that offer action and a real insight into the wildlife without sacrificing any of the frills and glamour. On the other hand families are growing year on year, which is why we offer dedicated family trips tailored specifically to this market.

“Other trends we have seen include substantial growth in South Africa as it becomes more mainstream. Many people who may not have travelled to this destination five years ago are now considering it a viable option. Kenya and Tanzania are also hotspots, we now recommend agents book these regions for clients as early as possible, with demand making accommodation more difficult to secure at certain times.

“We predict Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania to continue their strength in 2008 with great options available and the strength of the AUD against the USD.

“Agents trying to prepare itineraries for clients will know that African itineraries can potentially be difficult to pull together. At Creative we have packaged itineraries together to make it easier to combine and perfect clients’ trips. As well as the range of brochured product we are also happy to tailor-make itineraries according to a client’s specific budget and timetable from our wide selection of product.”

Creative Holidays’ entire program is a comprehensive information source and research tool to help consultants and their clients plan their holiday and features impartial destination information supplied by Lonely Planet including temperature charts, country and area maps, event details, currency and dining information, travel facts, country highlights and much more throughout.

As a SPECIAL BONUS, Lonely Planet is offering significant discounts on their range of travel guides to Creative Holidays’ customers, so if your clients wish to learn more about Africa direct them to http://www.creativeholidays.com/ where they can save 20 per cent on all full priced Lonely Planet guides.

Creative Holidays is Australia’s leading independent holiday company with a range of holidays to suit everyone – especially those who enjoy the independence and flexibility of planning their own holiday. See http://www.creativeholidays.com/ for more information log onto iCreate or call Creative reservations nationally on 13 12 22 to make a booking.

A Report by The Mole