Operators look to embrace the great outdoors

European resorts by Matthew Hampton

Operators look to embrace the great outdoors

Wide range of product available to suit both young and old

There’s gold in them there hills. Well, a little anyway. The lakes and mountains market may be small in the face of the more reliable summer sun scene, but a mature and stable client base means there is good potential for repeat business.

And the wide range of product available also makes for plenty of opportunity to earn commission. Look out for options to sell car hire, excursions, twin centres and tailor-made holidays.

Of course, walking and climbing destinations abound in the UK. However, with much of the British countryside still off limits due to the foot and mouth outbreak, agents now need to look further afield to make money out of the mountains.

The top spots in the European market are Italy, Austria, France, Switzerland and Andorra, though off-beat destinations are coming up quick and fast.

If your clients want to mix their activities with a spot of summer sun, bear in mind that Neilson and Thomson sell active breaks to Greece, Turkey, Spain and the Caribbean.

Vive la France: the lake resort of Annecy is popular for its traditional feel