| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 53 |
| Copyright: Other |
TUNISIA
The Tunisian National Tourist Office is hoping new operator product and a good exchange rate will boost visitor numbers.
The Tunisian National Tourist Office is hoping new operator product and a good exchange rate will boost visitor numbers.
THE Tunisian National Tourist Office is expecting a 10% increase in visitors from the UK this year, to take the number of arrivals over 300,000 for the first time.Feedback from tour operators indicates that bookings are going well, and while few will release details of their actual passenger numbers, the fact they are all expanding their programmes for next year is a very positive sign.
One newcomer, First Choice-owned Sovereign, has entered the Tunisia market with a programme for winter 2000/2001 and summer 2001.
Business manager Stephanie Pritchard said: “We were looking for more destinations and Tunisia offers a quality product that is reasonably priced.”
Cadogan Holidays managing director Gary David said Tunisia has leapt this year from eighth to third place in the best-selling destination chart.
Panorama Holidays sales and marketing director Martin Young said this summer’s bookings are up 11% on last year, and winter, traditionally late booking, has picked up well.
“In winter we see less all-inclusive business and people take on desert safaris or excursions, while in summer, you get a lot of families,” he added.
“More than 10% of our total carryings are children.”
Tunisia specialist Wigmore Holidays, Cadogan and Panorama each have dedicated programmes to the country.
The best known beach resorts – Hammamet, Port el Kantaoui, Skanes and Sousse – are featured in the operators’ mass-market summer and winter sun programmes, which are aimed at the family market.
A Thomson spokeswoman said:”Tunisia is a great place for families, with fine beaches and good hotels including all-inclusives.
“We also target it at couples in our Gold brochure due to the history and culture.”
First Choice product director Kyle Haughton added: “It appeals to families. Hotel standards are high, it is very safe for children and the resorts are not cramped.
“It is cheaper than Spain due to the lower hotel prices and the exchange rate.”
Tunisian National Tourist Office director Houssem Ben Azouz is convinced the resort can increase its share of the family holiday market.
To cater for an expected rise in visitors, a new four and five-star resort, Hammamet Yasmine, is being built eight miles from Hammamet. This will have 15,000 beds, a marina, attraction park and restaurants.
“About 60% of the resort is open and selling to the Spanish and German markets, which are not as concerned as the British if there is building work going on,” said Ben Azouz.
Hammamet Yasmine is featured by Sovereign, which offers the five-star spa hotel Hasdrubel Thalassa, and First Choice, which has rooms at the four-star Marco Polo.
Safe and sound: the beach resort of Hammamet is a firm favourite with the family market
THE Tunisian National Tourist Office is expecting a 10% increase in visitors from the UK this year, to take the number of arrivals over 300,000 for the first time.
Feedback from tour operators indicates that bookings are going well, and while few will release details of their actual passenger numbers, the fact they are all expanding their programmes for next year is a very positive sign.
One newcomer, First Choice-owned Sovereign, has entered the Tunisia market with a programme for winter 2000/2001 and summer 2001.
Business manager Stephanie Pritchard said: “We were looking for more destinations and Tunisia offers a quality product that is reasonably priced.”
Cadogan Holidays managing director Gary David said Tunisia has leapt this year from eighth to third place in the best-selling destination chart.
Panorama Holidays sales and marketing director Martin Young said this summer’s bookings are up 11% on last year, and winter, traditionally late booking, has picked up well.
“In winter we see less all-inclusive business and people take on desert safaris or excursions, while in summer, you get a lot of families,” he added.
“More than 10% of our total carryings are children.”
Tunisia specialist Wigmore Holidays, Cadogan and Panorama each have dedicated programmes to the country.
The best known beach resorts – Hammamet, Port el Kantaoui, Skanes and Sousse – are featured in the operators’ mass-market summer and winter sun programmes, which are aimed at the family market.
A Thomson spokeswoman said:”Tunisia is a great place for families, with fine beaches and good hotels including all-inclusives.
“We also target it at couples in our Gold brochure due to the history and culture.”
First Choice product director Kyle Haughton added: “It appeals to families. Hotel standards are high, it is very safe for children and the resorts are not cramped.
“It is cheaper than Spain due to the lower hotel prices and the exchange rate.”
Tunisian National Tourist Office director Houssem Ben Azouz is convinced the resort can increase its share of the family holiday market.
To cater for an expected rise in visitors, a new four and five-star resort, Hammamet Yasmine, is being built eight miles from Hammamet. This will have 15,000 beds, a marina, attraction park and restaurants.
“About 60% of the resort is open and selling to the Spanish and German markets, which are not as concerned as the British if there is building work going on,” said Ben Azouz.
Hammamet Yasmine is featured by Sovereign, which offers the five-star spa hotel Hasdrubel Thalassa, and First Choice, which has rooms at the four-star Marco Polo.