| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 18/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 45 |
| Copyright: Other |
Programme update
Cosmos boosts escorted touroffers for 2001
Report by ALAN MOORE
COSMOS has introduced five more major products to its escorted US coach touring programme for next year.
General manager Graham Mumford said: “With the constant evolution of our product range, we have taken the opportunity to introduce an unprecedented number of new itineraries to add to our traditional top-selling tours for 2001.
“These range from shorter tours which showcase the essential highlights of a region, with flexible add-ons, to more in-depth explorations.”
He stressed that Cosmos was increasing added value in the holiday price by introducing more features to inclusive packages, such as a Niagara Falls boat ride, California wine tastings, Disneyland passes and Hawaiian dinner shows.
Mumford added: “So many of our competitors have systematically stripped excursions and attractions from their programmes in order to make them appear more competitively priced than they really are.”
Cosmos has also increased the number of add-on options to its touring programme – there are now 125 – ranging from beach resort and city stays, cruises and soft adventure activities, including a jeep and rafting trip in Arizona.
For early bookings on selected tours made on or before October 31, clients qualify for up to £100 discounts per couple for those flying with United Airlines.
New tours include the Heritage Trail and Blue Ridge Mountains, taking in Washington DC, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, from £1,115 for 15 days and a 10-day California Dreaming itinerary from Los Angeles to San Francisco, from £805.
In a diversion from its core product base, there are new independent winter air tour options involving LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco, with prices from £599 for nine days, £725 for 10 days and £775 for 12 days.
All flights, transfers and accommodation are included and there are extensions to places like Palm Springs and Hawaii.
The other US-based newcomers include a Florida tour combined with a 13-day Bahamas cruise, from £1,625; and 12-day Canyon Country Adventure tour from £1,385. This is based in Utah, Arizona and Las Vegas, and takes in a four-wheel-drive trip, rafting adventure and a cruise on Arizona’s Lake Powell.
On the grape trail: options such as wine tasting are now included in Cosmos’ inclusive packages