| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 29/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 36 |
| Copyright: Other |
Product development by Alan Moore
City eyes adult-only market
Orlando makes more use of its attractions in shoulder seasons
ORLANDO is becoming an increasingly popular destination for the UK adult-only market, with more couples and groups travelling in off-peak periods.According to the Orlando Tourism Bureau, 68% of the UK market now travels to the destination without children.
Funway Holidays managing director Stephen Hughes said: “There is a growing trend for relatively mature couples to travel to Orlando in the shoulder periods.
“There is a lot more to Orlando than Mickey Mouse, with an increasing number of adult attractions opening up. This in turn has pushed up sales for private homes and villas.”
First Choice says its adult-only business is mainly between May and June and September-October but an increasing proportion is booking for the winter period.
A spokeswoman said: “Our clients tend to book hotel accommodation as opposed to self-catering apartments or suites. They prefer hotels close to International Drive because of its central location to all the attractions, restaurants and shops.”
She added that adult-only groups are also more likely to want twin-centre holidays than families, booking one week in Orlando with another on the Gulf Coast.
First Choice’s most popular adult activities tend to be golf and scuba diving, which its resort team can arrange, combined with theme park visits.
According to Jetsave’s latest statistics, there are two adults for every 1.9 children it takes to Florida, while adults visiting Disney’s Orlando theme parks outnumber youngsters by four to one.
Product director Margaret Taylor said: “We have a lot of big family groups during May-October, with as many as six adults in a party of nine.
“Couples will tend to go throughout the year but especially during the November-April period. Business in January-February is also stimulated by the lates market.”
In addition, operators claim the adults in the family are returning on their own once their children have grown up, many with the friends who travelled with them before.
Premier Holidays says it is seeing a trend for larger adult groups.
North America product manager Debbie Goffin added: “Most want private homes in Orlando, with increased demand for up to five bedrooms sleeping 12 people.
“Also popular are hotels offering suite accommodation, such as the Marriott Residence Inn.”
Thomas Cook is one of a number of operators featuring discounted Orlando holidays aimed at the adult market.
It is offering one week at the more upmarket Hyatt Orlando during June for £549 twinshare, including Virgin flights from Gatwick and car hire. This cuts up to £100 each off the brochure price.
JMC Holidays says it is planning to introduce Florida product options for the couples and adult-only market.
One already available is a ‘buy one, get one free’ four-park Orlando FlexTicket to various attractions for adult-only bookings between September-October this year and May-October next year.
Product director Alan McLean said: “Orlando is introducing attractions that particularly appeal to adults, such as the new Islands of Adventure theme park. It offers the latest big thrill rides.”
It’s a jungle:attractions such as Disney’s Rainforest Cafe are a popular draw
activities for adults in Orlando
n Cast a line for bassfishing with a local guide.
n Drive a stock car at 125mph at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
n Go whale-watching at nearby Port Canaveral.
n Watch a top American football, ice hockey or basketball game.
n Take a hot-air balloon journey over the Orlando area.
n Play golf on the same courses as Tiger Woods.
n Learn to water ski at Sammy Duval’s Water Sports Centre.
n Look for antiques on Orange Avenue and in Mount Dora.
n Jam at Bob Marley’s open-air house.
n Swim in 22C wateryear-round at Wekiva Springs.
n Learn to Salsa and Meringue in the city’s Latin Quarter.
n Record your own music video at Disney’s Pleasure Island.
n Shop ’til you drop at one of seven regional shopping malls.
n Pump the adrenaline at Paintball World.
n Buy a beer for a nickel at Big Belly Brewery on Wednesday nights.