THERE will be a big increase in the range of New England product in programmes for 2000, including the launch of several new dedicated brochures covering the six states.
Prestige Holidays is adding New England to its portfolio next year, New England Country Homes is moving into the country inns market, New England Connections is producing its first ski programme, and Travel 4 is introducing small escorted tours based on transport in a maxivan.
New England Country Homes marketing manager Owen Davies said: “We designed the inn product to complement our existing self-catering programme after we became aware that clients wanted the flexibility to see more of New England.”
The operator’s new brochure will be launched in early November with rental home prices from about £640 per person for a week, including flights, accommodation, first night hotel stopover in Boston and hire car. Also in the pipeline are a debut New England programme by America As You Like It, another by Bridgewater Holidays and further expansion into other states by Inns Vermont.
United Vacations is also increasing its selection tied to United Airlines’ service from London to Boston, and British Airways Holidays has moved into the self-catering market in New Hampshire and Cape Cod.
In addition, British Airways Holidays has introduced a new eight-day pre-planned self-drive tour that takes in Boston, the White Mountains and Cape Cod from £499 for flights, car and accommodation.
The flurry of activity and increased flight capacity has also heightened the competition, with BAH cutting the lead-in price for a seven-night flydrive from Boston by £50 to £299.
Travel 4 is experimenting with a range of escorted one-week tours, using maxivans for the first time. Product manager Louise Davies said: “These will be more personal, intimate arrangements for up to 10 people who will have a driver and guide and six nights lodging in small character properties. The itinerary includes Boston, the Maine coast, New Hampshire, Vermont and the Berkshires in Massachusetts before returning to Boston.”
There will be 30 departures from April 7-October 15 with tour-only prices from £720-£997 per person twinshare. This includes transport, lodging, a lobster dinner and excursions such as a whale-watching cruise.
For 2000, specialist Osprey Holidays plans to add more variety to its 250-strong range of inns and hotels across New England. The operator said demand for small inns is rising, and more clients are putting together their own tailor-made itineraries before making reservations.