INGHAMS has relaunched a dedicated Bladon Lines brochure three years after incorporating the chalet specialist’s programme within its main ski brochure.
The winter 1999/ 2000 brochure contains a streamlined programme of eight resorts in four European countries and focuses on upmarket accommodation.
Inghams sales manager Laurence Hicks has admitted that the strong Bladon Lines brand, which was bought by Inghams in 1995, had been diluted by being featured in the main Inghams brochure rather than its usual stand-alone edition.
“It is true to say that the Bladon Lines name was a bit lost in the Inghams brochure, although people were aware of its existence in resort,” he said. “When we first took on Bladon Lines, there was a lot of work which we felt needed to be done in order to get the product into a shape which then suited the Inghams mid-to-upmarket portfolio.
“Bladon Lines was attempting to be all things to all people.
“We got rid of a lot of chalets which didn’t fit into our portfolio and have taken out all hotel accommodation which made up 40% of Bladon Lines’ programme.
“The whole programme has now been completely overhauled and we feel the time is right to launch it back in the marketplace.”
In response to requests from both agents and passengers the brochure now has a section devoted to the layouts and floor plans of all the featured accommodation.
Hicks said:”Selling ski holidays and chalets is difficult enough. This gives agents a much better tool to use to give a description to clients.”
The brochure, which will be sent out to ski and chalet specialists, features chalets in France, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. A smaller Bladon Lines programme will also be featured in Inghams’ main brochure. Hicks said this will ensure wider distribution.
Operator: Bladon Lines.
Brochure: 1999/2000 winterprogramme.
Resorts: Val d’Isere, Courchevel, Meribel, Kitzbuhel, St Anton, Selva Val Gardena, Zermatt and Verbier.
Example price: seven nights at the Chalet Hotel Post Kutsche in Kitzbuhel in Austria costs from £349 per person in January. Price includes breakfast,afternoon tea and evening meal.