Portugal brochure

Portugal brochure

Cadogan launches stand-alone programme to boost bookings

Report by Steve jones

CADOGAN Holidays is looking to double carryings to Portugal next year with the launch of a dedicated brochure.

The Southampton-based operator made its first foray into Portugal this summer featuring 12 hotels in its Collection brochure.

And after carryings of 6,300, managing director Gary David said the destination warranted a stand-alone programme.

“It has already become our third biggest selling destination and could become our best seller next year. We hope to push carryings up to around the 12,000 or 13,000 mark” he said.

All 12 hotels featured in the Collection brochure will also appear in the dedicated brochure, along with an additional 22 four and five-star properties.

David, who introduced Portugal this year on the back of new GB Airways flights, said the product mix varies from family holidays, short breaks and golf trips.

“In 50 years we’ve never catered for golfers, yet 800 of the 1,700 short breaks to Portugal this summer have been golfing breaks,” he said.

He predicted Oporto would be a major growth regions, particularly as it has been elected cultural city of Europe for next year.

Prices lead in at £294 per person for three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Don Pedro Marina Hotel in the Algarve.

Charters from regional airports including Glasgow and Newcastle have also been added.

“We’re opening up the programme for the whole of the UK,” said David.

To develop agents’ knowledge of the product the operator is taking 250 agents on seven educationals in December.