Thomson and First Choice have expanded options for families in their 2011 brochures, which launch today.
First Choice has launched six new Splash resorts in destinations such as Florida, Zante and Gran Canaria, and new Holiday Villages in Tenerife and Tunisia.
Thomson has added a Family Resorts range that includes 14 properties aimed at families with younger children. Nine and 12-night trips have been added across both brands as well as more options in mid-haul destinations.
Alex Loftus, short-haul head of product, said: “The demand for more flexibility on length of holidays has grown by as much as 50% over the last two to three years and
we expect nine nights in particular to be very popular.
“The demand for mid-haul destinations such as Tunisia and Egypt is very strong and the accommodation in these places is often purpose-built for families.”
Thomson and First Choice were among operators that released brochures late last year to bolster the lates market but this year they have reverted to traditional timing.
Loftus added: “There is a strong demand from families to book far in advance so it is important to release these brochures now. Free child places are on offer to many places for early bookers.”
In long-haul, the operators are offering 11-night breaks to Goa, the Maldives and Jamaica on top of existing 11-night deals to Cancun and Dominican Republic
Thomson has also added Dubai for the first time, and has put a stronger focus on Cuba.
Thomson has not included Dubai in its mainstream product before and long-haul head of product Marie Wilson said she felt it was worth testing the water.
“We have been in talks with Emirates and a lot of its customers are transit passengers and they want more holidaymakers,” she said.
“We are testing the market this winter, giving customers the chance to book a classic package to the emirate.”
Wilson regards Cuba as a key destination for Tui Travel and, while she admits it has not always been an easy place to operate, she said a close relationship with the tourist board was paying dividends.
“We will be flying into Havana and Cayo Santa Maria for the first time and we expect to see twin-centre holidays and tours in Cuba grow in popularity,” she said.