If Only is launching a new programme in Southeast Asia to meet market demand and cash in on predicted future hot spots.
Managing director Brendan Maguire said the South East Asia Experience 2008 brochure features 75 luxury properties in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia and also offers pre-bookable tours and a twin-centre section.
He added: “Ever since we started the business five years ago agents have been asking us to feature Southeast Asian destinations and in particular Thailand and Malaysia. As the region is on the same side of the world as our other programmes in the Middle East and Indian Ocean it seems fairly logical.
“All my instincts are telling me that Vietnam and Cambodia are going to be massive in the next few years – we want to get in there now.”
To promote the new programme agents will receive a £5 Marks and Spencer voucher for each booking they make that includes an economy ticket with Emirates. Agents persuading customers to fly business class with the airline will be given a £10 voucher. The offer is valid until the end of the month.
Maguire added the new programme debuts five years after the launch of If Only, which has seen a sales growth of 550% since 2002 – success he believes to be a result of the company’s knowledgeable staff.
He said: “This year my reservations team has been on more than 20 trips with some members of the team having made three long-haul trips in that time. Between them they’ve seen every single hotel we feature.”
Prices lead in at £749 for seven nights’ room only accommodation at the four-star superior Dusit Resort in Pattaya, Thailand, and includes return flights and private transfers.