STRONG sales to the south of France
has prompted Travelscene to add Marseille to its 2002 Eurostar programme.
The move follows year on year growth
for Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo.
Travelscene marketing director Nick
Bamford said demand for beach-based short breaks and direct rail links has
helped stimulate sales to the region.
“Good national rail links,
particularly with the TGV in France, have been a key factor in the success of
cities further afield as rail-based short breaks,” he said. “The fact
that the TGV goes into Marseille makes it a viable destination to sell through
our Eurostar brochure.”
Facilities have also been upgraded
in Marseille, further raising its appeal, he added.
Prices lead in at £235 per person
for a two night break at the three star Mascotte Hotel, travelling by Eurostar
and TGV.
The addition of Marseille brings the
number of featured cities to 16.
Top sellers in the programme
continue to be Paris, Brussels and Lille – which Bamford claimed has seen a 36%
jump in sales.
“Very late booking is now a
clear trend for cities close to the UK,” he said. “Impulse purchases,
sometimes for next day travel, has had a positive impact on sales to
Lille.”
The programme features a range of
special offers for bookings made before February 28 with savings of £15 on
selected departures, the waiving of weekend supplements and half price first
class upgrades.