TUI claims industry first for summer 2018
Thomson and First Choice have expanded their range of mid-haul holidays for summer 2018 after seeing rising demand for trips closer to home.
They have added the Bulgarian beach resort of Varna for the first time, a new adults-only hotel in Halkidiki, a new Sensatori resort in Rhodes and two First Choice SuneoClub hotels in Bulgaria.
Thomson will also feature self-drive tours from Florida for the first time, including road trips to the Deep South including cities such as New Orleans and Miami. It claims it will be the first UK operator to give clients the option to book flights, car and hotels in one online transaction.
First Choice and Thomson are also offering more multi-centre options including to Costa Rica and the Caribbean next summer.
TUI’s newest cruise ship, TUI Explorer, will be based in Palma from May 2018 while TUI Discovery will homeport in both Newcastle and Southampton. TUI Discovery 2 will sail out of Corfu Town for the first time. Thomson Celebration will sail from Dubrovnik.
Thomson Airways will offer its first long-haul flights from Bristol to the Dominican Republic, using its 787 Dreamliner. Both Thomson and First Choice will offer more 10 and 11 night holidays from Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol next summer.
Mark Hall, director of product, said: "We know that our customers are looking for new and exciting holidays for summer 2018 so our focus is on expanding our mid-haul programme to include more choice of destination.
"New hotspot Varna offers customers something a little different for their break, with the perfect balance between culture and relaxation.
"I’m also delighted that we are continuing the expansion of our luxury TUI Sensatori collection with our new addition in Rhodes and building on our extensive range of holiday types in Florida, giving families, couples and friends more unique holiday options to choose from."
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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