| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 37 |
| Copyright: Other |
Independent travel
THL adds new product to widen appeal
Report by ALANMOORE
NEW ZEALAND’S biggest transport and attractions operator, Tourism Holdings Limited, is to introduce a two-tier motor-home product.From next year, the product will be sold through its own tour operator, Mount Cook Line, and other wholesalers’ programmes.
The existing Maui and Britz rental brands will each be split into two operations – premium and value – to appeal to a wider audience.
Premium brands will feature more luxurious vehicles with upgraded fixtures, including extras such as wine glasses and quality linen, while value-rated motorhomes will be older vehicles kitted out with more standard amenities.
THL is also looking at introducing themed self-drive itineraries based on golf, gardening, food and wine. The blueprint forms part of a £80,000 research programme in which the company quizzed tour operators and agents on the future needs of travellers and the type of facilities they expected.
Meanwhile THL is undergoing a restructure following the appointment of Dennis Pickup as chief executive officer.
He was brought in to improve the company’s profitability, and has held similar ‘company doctor’ roles in New Zealand’s transport and hospitality industries.
So far Pickup has stripped THL of non-core businesses and sold off interests in the restaurant, accommodation and wholesale sectors, to concentrate on the self-drive market, coach chartering and New Zealand’s attractions, as well as scenic cruises and helicopter flights.
Explaining the changes, Pickup said: “We are seeing a big increase in the frequent independent traveller, who is also more discerning.
“Another major change in the market is the lead booking time.
“Traditionally for the UK market, this has been six to nine months but it is now more likely to be six to eight weeks.”
Pickup added that he hoped to start introducing the new motorhome premium and value brands and themed itineraries, as well as a ski around self-drive itinerary for the UK market, from April next year.
Get your motor running: the new premium brand will feature more luxurious vehicles with upgraded fixtures