WITH multi-centre holidays to the US and Canada becoming more common, the Pacific Northwest region is an increasingly popular choice for British visitors.
More open-jaw flight arrangements, allowing passengers to return via another gateway airport, and the waiving of car-rental drop-off charges across certain states are helping to encourage this trend.
Flying into Seattle in Washington State and returning from Vancouver in western Canada is a popular and convenient route from the UK.
Premier Holidays is one operator seeing a rise in bookings for Washington State and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest combined with the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta across the border.
Premier long-haul product director Rob Haynes said:”The big attraction of Washington and Oregon is that they offer spectacular national parks and unspoilt coastal towns. They are also likely to appeal to the fourth and fifth-time visitor to the US looking for a quieter holiday.”
Premier trialled the two states this year and has introduced a wider range of accommodation for tailor-made holidays in 2000. In Oregon this includes basic lodge accommodation in the heart of Crater Lake National Park from £129 per room per night.
The historic Paradise Inn in Washington State’s Mount Rainier National Park is another new addition, with nightly rates from £119.
“The Pacific Northwest is still in the process of building a profile and that will take time – there is still confusion over the difference between Washington State and Washington DC,” added Haynes.
North America Travel Service says the easing of flight and car-rental restrictions is also providing the two states with an opportunity to be combined with a more ambitious self-drive itinerary along the US West Coast.
NATS managing director Ruby Briggs said:”There is scope to include them in California coastal drives with direct return flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego.
“Destinations like Washington and Oregon need more exposure but they will never be a mass market,” she added.
Funway Holidays managing director Stephen Hughes said a major drawback was British Airways’ monopoly as the only carrier with a direct non-stop daily service from Heathrow to Seattle.
He claimed the lack of competition on the route meant fares remained substantially higher than to other popular West Coast gateways which can offer similar touring experiences.
Seattle fares are also up to £150 more expensive than those to other touring destinations such as New England, the Carolinas and the Deep South.
“Seattle has a certain buzz about it and the authorities have been consistent in their marketing activities in order to raise its profile,” said Hughes.
“But the area has not been able to generate a high demand for leisure travel, especially with big-volume markets like California, Nevada and Arizona on its doorstep.”
Kuoni has introduced Seattle for next year with five-night stays from £465 with a choice of three hotels and flights on United or British Airways.
A 3hr excursion to the nearby San Juan Islands is also available, costing £39 for adults and £22 for children. Also available are three-day excursions from Seattle to the islands as well as Victoria on Vancouver Island, costing £255 for adults, £115 for children.
United Vacations is pinning its hopes on a new cruise option to boost sales to the north west region, Seattle in particular.
Product and marketing manager Zia Bapuji said:”For 2000 we have introduced Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Sky Alaska cruise, which sails from Seattle, and will certainly encourage pre and post-cruise stays in the city.
“We expect most sales in this region to come through Seattle rather than Vancouver.”
Delta Vacations is also introducing Alaska featuring these cruises, utilising parent company Delta Airlines’ flights into Seattle.