| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 24/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
Cosmos eyes serious clubbers with Ministry of Sound venture
Cosmos has launched its youth brand while Thomson and JMChave introduced new product for 2001.Steve Jones reports. Additional reporting by Louise Longman
COSMOS claimed its new youth brand will target serious clubbers rather than booze cruisers as it unveiled its new venture with the Ministry of Sound.The Clubbers Guide to Travel features packages to key European resorts and weekend breaks to European and US cities.
Cosmos product director Danny Talbot said the programme should not be seen as direct competition with existing youth operators.
“We are not chasing the booze cruise market but those who are into their serious clubbing and youth culture,” said Talbot. “We are probably targeting a slightly older market and believe counter staff will relate to the product.”
To differentiate its product, the operator is offering five-star villas with pools, along with a range of more basic accommodation.
“This is one of the things that sets us apart from the rest of the youth brands,” said Talbot. “I believe the market has progressed from the days of offering just a bed. People are more clued up now and want something better.”
However, he added that it would be competitive on price.
The operator is believed to be hoping for 30,000 passengers next year and is targeting a 5% share of the youth market in the next two to three years.
The programme includes two hotels in the Bay of San Antonio in Ibiza which have been designed exclusively by the club Ministry of Sound. DJs from the nightclub will be performing on selected dates.
Prices start at £164 for seven nights’ self-catering at the Lux Mar/Panoramic in Ibiza.
Pre-bookable admission to Ibiza clubs will also be on offer.
Catamaran cruises, promotional club nights and daytime water park and beach parties are also available. Skiing in Mayrhofen, Austria, is featured along with weekend breaks in Dublin, New York, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin and Reykjavik.
Sounds good: attending the Manchester launch party are, back left, agents Jason Patterson, Thomas Cook and Adrian Winter, Going Places. Front left, Louise Fox and Fiona Faulds, both from Cosmos