| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 24/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 19 |
| Copyright: Other |
2001 options
Sovereign adds South American destinations
Report by STEVE JONES
SOUTH America has been introduced to Sovereign’s 2001 programme as it looks to broaden its appeal.Peru, Brazil, Venezuela and Coast Rica have all been added offering what the operator described as safe adventureholidays.
Oman, St Thomas and Aruba are also new along with more two-centre options combining a tour with beach stay.
Managing director Philippa Harris said: “More than a million people take a long-haul package holiday every summer and increasingly they are looking for new experiences in destinations much further afield.
“Rather than going away for two weeks and staying in the same resort they want to combine a relaxing holiday with the chance to explore a new environment.”
She said it was hoping to attract 1,000 passengers to South America.
The addition of Oman follows strong growth in Dubai, Harris added, while First Choice – the parent company of Sovereign – already operates direct charters on Air 2000 to the Caribbean island of St Thomas.
“Sovereign customers usually choose scheduled flights but upgrades to Classic Premium class are available,” said Harris.
Among new tours in the programme include a Yangtze river cruise in China and a Cameron Highlights flydrive in Malaysia.
New resorts have also been added in South Africa, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica and St Lucia, while four private game lodges now feature in the parks in Kenya and Tanzania.
Worldwide prices start from £575 for seven nights at The Luxor in Las Vegas based on two adults sharing on a room only basis.
Sovereign has also launched its next year’s Cruise and Stay programme featuring 11 new ships including Celebrity’s Millennium and Infinity.
Harris said the growth gives the programme more flexibility.
Prices lead in at £925 for five nights on the Crown Odyssey in the Mediterranean followed by three nights in Istanbul.
Cruising ahead: product growth has encouraged the operator to offer more programme flexibility