“Lots of operators have prepared a programme after visiting the region. My only regret is we did not do this sooner,” he added.
There are currently 125 operators featuring Brussels and the Ardennes in their programmes and the tourist board wants to see this figure increase to 150.
It is promoting the cities of Bouillon and Tournai as alternatives to the ever-popular Brussels and Bruges, while also focusing on special-interest breaks.
Leger Travel has expanded its short-break programme following the educationals, and is reporting healthy interest.
Retail sales director Peter Raynor said: “If people are going to Belgium for the first time then they will want to see Brussels and Bruges.
“We try to combine those cities with other interesting sites. Our steam railways tour is proving popular and interest in battlefield tours is increasing all the time.”
Travelscene is extending its self-drive programme to the region, allowing customers to explore less well known corners of the country.
Having featured the town of Namur in the past, and reported good sales, it has now added Bouillon and Dinant to its Drivetime brochure for 2000.
THE series of educational trips organised by The Belgian Tourist Office responsible for Brussels and Ardennes to raise awareness among tour operators of the little known region is to be expanded in 2000 following an encouraging response.
The tourist board took a total of 161 industry figures to the region during the summer and is planning to double this figure next year.
Director of Ireland and the UK Michel Mignon said:”The best way to promote a destination is to take people there.
“Lots of operators have prepared a programme after visiting the region. My only regret is we did not do this sooner,” he added.
There are currently 125 operators featuring Brussels and the Ardennes in their programmes and the tourist board wants to see this figure increase to 150.
It is promoting the cities of Bouillon and Tournai as alternatives to the ever-popular Brussels and Bruges, while also focusing on special-interest breaks.
Leger Travel has expanded its short-break programme following the educationals, and is reporting healthy interest.
Retail sales director Peter Raynor said: “If people are going to Belgium for the first time then they will want to see Brussels and Bruges.
“We try to combine those cities with other interesting sites. Our steam railways tour is proving popular and interest in battlefield tours is increasing all the time.”
Travelscene is extending its self-drive programme to the region, allowing customers to explore less well known corners of the country.
Having featured the town of Namur in the past, and reported good sales, it has now added Bouillon and Dinant to its Drivetime brochure for 2000.
Ardennes
Leger Travel: Steam Railways of the Belgian Ardennes tour, available from May to September 2000. Prices start at £159 per person for three nights at the Holiday Inn Palais de Congres, Liege, including coach travel via Eurotunnel and the services of a tour manager. Price includes journeys on the Venn Bahn Railway and the Trois Vallee Railway, plus a visit to the Steam Railway Museum.
Travelscene Drivetime: self-drive to Bouillon staying in the four-star Hotel de la Poste on a bed and breakfast basis. Prices start at £83 per person for the first night and £28 per person for subsequent nights. The cost includes two peoplecrossing from Dover to Calais with a car and is available mid-June to the end of July and September to December 2000.