OPERATORS are reporting some strong bookings to France this year, particularly in the city break and self-catering markets.
With regard to city breaks, Travelscene commercial manager Paul Stanley said: “We have seen a rise in the number of clients who are looking to tailor-make bookings to Paris, either by twinning it with other cities or theming the weekend to take in special events.”
He said Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Lyon and Lille have also done well.
Stanley added: “There is a definite trend for clients to travel further into France for city breaks – the Eurostar link with national rail services has done much to help.”
Demand for self-catering has also risen this year. Keycamp Holidays managing director Simon Tobin said: “Bookings for 1999 were well ahead of target with the result that many satisfied customers are looking to book now for next year in order to secure accommodation at their preferred campsite on specific dates.
“We are offering significant discounts on many holidays, with some additional reductions for loyal customers.”
Specialist French Life is finding the same demand for its self-catering product.
Group business development manager David Stamp said: “France is a hugely successful area for us, with growth of over 30% this year.
“Next year we are adding over a third of new properties to our self-catering product following an increase this year in the number of cottages and villages. We have found that, particularly in the peak season, demand for properties outstrips supply, notably at the luxury end of the market.”
He added that French Life was also increasing value-added offers at its hotels, such as three nights for the price of two. The operator’s preview brochure for 2000 is out now offering discounts on bookings made before December 31, 1999.
Next year, Bridge Travel Service is introducing the Alsace area to its self-drive programme, as well as hotels in the regions of Champagne and Rheims. The brochure is due out this month.
First Choice is making French food and wine more of a feature in its new Lakes and Mountains programme for 2000.
Marketing and planning director Adrian Harwood said: “We’ve included approximate costs of eating out as we know one of the reasons clients choose to holiday in France could simply be the joy of sitting outside at brasseries along the canals of Annecy or on the sunny terraces of mountain restaurants with a view of Mont Blanc.”
First Choice is also featuring complimentary four-course meals with wines on six nights out of seven at the ClubHotel Le Chamois in Les Contamines.
Air-inclusive prices for a week start at £339, including accommodation and breakfast.