DOMESTIC operator Countrywide Holidays has widened the appeal of its product to capture what it claims is a huge market for walkers.
It has added nine new walking holiday locations along with more activity and special-interest holidays for 2000.
Also new are Hops Stops – where walkers are rewarded at the end of their hike with a pint at a country pub.
Marketing manager Heidi Kettle said:”We know from English Tourism Council statistics that four out of five people enjoy walking so we have expanded our programme to give agents the tool to capture a ready but currently under-served market.”
Among the new products are long-distance options including the Red Kite Trail – a strenuous six-day trek in the Cambrian Mountains of mid Wales. Prices start at £429.
New special-interest breaks include a computing trip which combines hiking with learning about technology.