ABERCROMBIE and Kent has marked its return to South America for the first time in four years with the launch of a dedicated programme.
The brochure, valid throughout 2000, features Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Bolivia and Costa Rica.
South America product manager Allison Burnett said the region was featured in its main brochure but was dropped four years ago as service and hotels in the region were not up to the operator’s standards.
“The hotels realised they had to improve and there are some really super properties out there now,” she added.
Burnett said the operator expects South America to be a popular destination for 2000 as it is a relatively unknown region and people are looking for more adventurous holidays.
Burnett added that she will be happy with 250-300 clients in the first year.
“Our plan is to build up the programme for 2001, when I will be looking to add Brazil and Mexico,” she said.
Highlights of the brochure include a 15-night Passage to Patagonia twin-centre itinerary combining Argentina and Chile from £5,185 and a nine-night trip to the Atacama Desert in Chile from £2,821. Four nights in Ecuador start from £796 per person full board.