| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 05/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 6 |
| Copyright: Other |
Political stability contributes to rise in independent travel
Kuoni predicts growth in long-haul itineraries
Report by STEVEJONES
Kuoni has predicted further growth in independent long-haul travel with more than 90% of customers now creating their own itineraries.Coupled with relative political stability in major destinations and competitive pricing, managing director Sue Biggs said long-haul travel is in its healthiest position for years. Speaking at the launch of Kuoni’s 2001 Worldwide brochure, Biggs said demand was up for tailor-made holidays.
“Clients expect their holiday to be exactly as they want it to be,” said Biggs. “We believe this to be the future growth area for independent long-haul travel. More than 90% of our customers make changes to suggested itineraries in our brochure and that trend is continuing to increase.”
She said the challenge was to continually introduce new product to entice repeat bookers.
She added that with one or two exceptions – notably Fiji – the political situation in popular destinations is relatively secure.
“Of course, it can change at any moment but it’s the best its been for a couple of years,” she said. “The competition between airlines of certain routes is also keeping prices down. We have high expectations for next year.”
New product includes the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba where four hotels are featured. Almond Beach Resorts in Barbados are also new along with the Krabi Thai Village Resort in Thailand. In Australia, a 12-night highlights tour has been added while extra tours in the Middle East are new including a two-centre Egypt and Jordan 10-night tour which leads in at £899 per person.
Stag and hen-night groups are also being targeted in a new venture for the Dorking-based operator. “We offer weddings and honeymoons and decided to experiment with a Last Night of Freedom package,” said Biggs.
Kuoni: has seen a growth in independent travel to places like the Maldives