| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 18/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 24 |
| Copyright: Other |
America and canada brochure
BAH axes packages in favour of tailored tours
Report by STEVEJONES
BRITISH Airways Holidays has dropped all packages from its new America and Canada brochure and introduced a totally tailor-made programme.
Flights, accommodation, tours and car hire have all been separately priced, allowing customers to devise their own itineraries.
Prices across the board have been reduced by 10% as the operator looks to become more competitive.
America commercial manager Brian Eustace said the modular approach follows the successful trial in its Florida programme.
He said:”Agents, customers and our reservations staff have all reacted well to the approach so we decided to extend it further.”
He added: “Our customers just don’t buy a straightforward package any longer.”
He said the number of packages sold from the 2000 brochure was almost zero.
The flexibility will also enable agents to find best priced flights on the day a customer books.
“There are flight prices in the brochure but we are asking agents to call us for the latest rates,” said Eustace.
American Airlines is being offered for the first time.
New self-drives include the Southern Heritage tour which follows strong demand for its first Deep South itinerary in 2000.
The new 14-night option starts and finishes in Orlando an starts at £395 per person. Other additions include a seven-night Highway One tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles, taking in Monterey, Ventura and Buena Park. It costs £225 per person.
The number of coach tours has been expanded from 13 to 18 while six-night cruises on the QE2 have also been added and lead in at £649 per person.
Eustace said BAH is targeting sales growth of 20% next year.
Flag bearers: launching the brochure are BAH commercial manager Brian Eustace and product manager Julie Wood