North Africa might be a hot spot, but it’s a big leap for some clients looking for a change from Spain.
For those who cross the chasm, there is an exotic new world to discover: chaotic souks, sandy deserts, charming riads and great hotels.
Clients can choose between summer-sun favourite Tunisia, trendy Morocco, Egypt’s ancient history and culture, and Libya, opening up to tourism after years of closed doors.
That’s a lot of new stuff for agents to sell, so here are 10 ways that will help make things easier.
1. Temples and tombs
They are the main attraction of a Nile cruise. Discover Egypt director Philip Breckner said: “A Nile cruise is an ideal introduction to Egypt and Egyptology. As cruises include food and guiding, they are easy to sell and clients can focus on the holiday knowing everything is included.”
2. City breaks in Cairo
Bales Worldwide sales consultant Sarah-Jane Phelps said: “There is so much to see and do in this city – the Pyramids, an evening sound-and-light show and the Egyptian Museum. Clients should stay four nights to pack everything in.”
3. Value for money
Classic Collection Holidays head of purchasing Gary Boyer said: “Short-haul flights and hotel rates 20%-30% cheaper than comparative European properties mean a
better-value holiday and increased spending power in the destination.”
4. Beach holidays in Tunisia
Tunisia is an established summer-sun scene for its resorts, beaches, long coastline and low prices. Thomson has seven nights at the Riu Green Park Hotel in Port el Kantaoui from £409 per person all-inclusive including flights and transfers.
5. Roman ruins in Libya
Explore product manager Africa Peter Eshelby said: “Libya offers Leptis Magna, the most impressive and best-preserved Roman city in North Africa.” A five-day Leptis Magna weekend costs from £669 per person bed and breakfast, including flights, transfers and guide.
6. Golf holidays
Golfers can tee off year-round in Tunisia and Egypt for a fraction of the cost of European resorts. Peltours’ Gold package of five days’ unlimited play at Taba Heights with seven nights’ half-board at the five-star Marriott Beach Resort including flights and transfers costs from £785.
7. Diving on the Red Sea
The Red Sea is renowned as a dive destination with a colourful underwater world with prices that won’t break the bank. Libra Holidays has seven nights in a five-star property for less than £700.
8. Mountain treks in Morocco
Morocco’s High Atlas mountains are perfect for getting off the beaten track. Explore’s Eshelby said: “Clients can trek for up to eight hours a day on one of our strenuous tours.” Explore’s eight-night Kasbah Trail costs from £619 bed and breakfast including flights and guide.
9. Spa holidays in Tunisia
Wigmore Holidays director Kader Chelbi pointed out: “Tunisia has invested a lot in spas.” Wigmore has a four-day treatment package at The Residence, outside Tunis, for £325.
10. Luxury Nile cruises
Bales Worldwide is offering luxury vessels, called dahabiyyas. Phelps said: “Travelling by dahabiyya is peaceful and relaxing. There are up to 10 crew for 12 passengers.”
A 12-day Nostalgic Nile cruise, with three nights’ bed and breakfast in Cairo and a seven-day all-inclusive cruise, costs from £1,599 with flights.
