WIGHTLINKHolidays has dropped some traditional seaside resort accommodation and expanded the level of cottage and farmhouse product in its latest 2000 brochure.
Previously 85% of the accommodation options offered by the company on the Isle of Wight have been at seaside bed and breakfasts and hotels, but this figure has dropped to 75% for 2000.
Operations manager Martyn Briggs said the move followed consumer research that revealed a marked preference for the island’s rural landscape over its seaside attractions.
“This is an encouraging trend around which we can boost our plans to build year-round short-break business to the Isle of Wight,” he said.
“In the past people visited the island specifically for its beaches during the hot summer months and this was a seriously limiting factor.
“In the second half of the 1990s there has been a gradual shift in focus as more and more people have looked to take regular holidays away from the peak season in July and August.”
A one-night rural break at a bed and breakfast starts at £49 per person, based on two people sharing and including a car ferry fare.
Meanwhile, Wightlink Holidays has also brought more self-catering short breaks into the 2000 programme after these were tested on a tailor-made basis this year.
These are available in both rural and seaside locations. Prices start from £69 for a three-night break including ferry travel.
Activity holidays have also been introduced in the brochure, covering areas such as cycling, aromatherapy and adventure days for kids.
A two-night cycling break including bed-and-breakfast accommodation, three-day cycle hire and ferry travel on foot costs from £105.