Thomson Al Fresco looks to widen the trade net
Thomson Al Fresco is looking to sell through new trade partners under its new ownership.
The luxury mobile home operator, formerly part of TUI Travel, was bought French company Homair Vacances last November for £10.3 million.
Since then its capacity has grown by 10%, thanks to the addition of four new parks and the introduction of larger accommodation.
Managing director Nick Riggs said the operator was now looking to sell through independent agents and multiples.
“We’re still sold through First Choice and Thomson retail, but with the extra capacity and under our new ownership, we are now widening the net,” he said.
“The door is not closed to anybody and we’ve just opened the valve on brochure distribution with a deal with Trade-Gate, so agents can now get our brochures.
“Particularly in these austere times, we have a good value product that the trade can sell well. We also have flexible arrivals and departures, so customers can take advantage of cheaper flights and are not tied to a 7 or 14-night stay.”
The lead-in price for an 11-day break over Easter, taking advantage of the Royal Wedding bank holiday, is £252.
In order to familiarise the trade with the product, Thomson Al Fresco is offering agents and their families (up to six people) the chance to stay in a park for £99 a week, depending on availability.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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