Operators eye villa product on Gulf Coast

Villas and private homes by Alan Moore

Operators eye villa product on Gulf Coast

Demand for product rises

TOUR operators have responded to soaring demand for private homes and villas in Florida by increasing both the range of properties and locations for next year.

Companies such as specialist Florida Vacations have also seen a big rise in popularity for apartments.

Managing director Richard Wimms said: “There is a big growth in this self-catering sector, as many apartments in Florida are as big as villas. Also there is the benefit of location, as a lot of apartments are near the beach, whereas many villas are more inland.”

However, Wimms said homes and villas are also in big demand, and the operator is due to expand its product in a new programme later in the year. This year, it introduced homes on Captiva Island on the Gulf Coast, located right on the beach with their own swimming pools. They cost from £2,195 for a week.

The operator also introduced more villas at Fort Myers Beach, and luxury villas with pools and apartments at the Lely Golf Resort midway between Naples and Marco Island.

Style Holidays has increased its villa coverage with private pools and townhouses in the Orlando area by featuring several residential communities.

Marketing manager John Hayes said: “We have added properties at Chatham Park and Hamilton Reserve to give us one of the most comprehensive ranges available on the UK market.

Style Holidays, which is holding 2001 prices at this summer’s level, has also increased its range of named properties on the Gulf Coast, including villas in the resorts of Hudson and New Port Richey, Longboat and Lido Keys, Bonita Beach, Cape Haze and Naples.

Kuoni is introducing three grades of homes in Orlando for next year, with bronze, silver and gold categories.

America product director Graham Bendelow said: “All our properties have private pools and are of a very high standard, but those clients who want more luxury can now upgrade to a higher specification in terms of furnishings and equipment. They are ideal for repeat bookers.”

The operator has also expanded its range on the Gulf Coast, with a choice of up to six-bed villas in some areas.

Premier Holidays has added private homes on Captiva Island. Product manager Debbie Goffin said: “They offer fabulous value for summer at £951 a week, which equates to a little over £22 per person per night.”

British Airways Holidays will be adding more luxury units for 2001 at the Lakeview and Ridgewood Lakes complexes.

Secluded: the privacy allows families to completely relax

Stylish: many villas offer holidaymakers the height of luxury

Quotes

Villa benefits

“Villas with pools are becoming attractive as they are competitively priced, well located and have the added bonus of being both spacious and well furnished. They attract larger party sizes as they are more than suitable for extended families and groups of friends.”

John Hayes, marketing manager, Style Holidays

“Private homes are becoming more attractive to seasoned holidaymakers. In addition, young affluent travellers are prepared to budget for the exclusivity of a private luxury home.”

John Cooper, marketing manager, Apartments Abroad

“They offer greater privacy, more space to relax in and are very good value. They are also convenient – think of all the time saved in not having to ring everyone’s rooms to make arrangements!”

Debbie Goffin, product manager, Premier Holidays

“They are popular for family celebrations and entertaining. Often friends or family will come to stay for a few days. Having the whole house affords flexibility. They are also a favourite with clients who want to relax after an exhausting day and have a barbecue and a few drinks by their private pool.”

Gary Grieve, product director, Jetlife