Caribtours sees rise in family sales on back of Virgin flights

Caribtours sees rise in family sales on back of Virgin flights

Caribtours has seen a significant increase in family bookings to the Caribbean.

Families now represent 25% of the operator’s sales, compared with just 5% two years ago. General manager Paul Cleary said the reason behind the rise is three-fold.

“The entry of Virgin Atlantic into the market two years ago has had a significant impact. With videos and games the long-haul flight is a much more viable option for families. We have also found that many of our clients who honeymooned with us are coming back four or five years later with their family.”

Cleary added that hotels have become much more child friendly. Many resorts, such as the all-inclusive FDRResort in Jamaica, now offer free child places.

Caribtours has also witnessed a surge in the popularity of boutique hotels. In response it introduced a dedicated two-page section to its 2001 brochure, featuring seven boutique hotels, including the 16-suite Little Good Harbour in Barbados which opened last month.

The lead-in price for Little Good Harbour is £1,090 per person room only, with British Airways or Virgin flights for selected dates between April and December.