Newmarket Holidays has reported a big increase in demand for ‘stay put’ tours during the January peak selling season.
The escorted tour specialist said ‘stay put’ breaks offer accommodation in just one hotel or lodge for the duration of the touring holiday.
The maximum group size is 24, although most of Newmarket’s ‘stay put’ holidays number between 16 and 24.
The operator will add more holidays to its ‘stay put’ portfolio in response to consumer feedback.
One new tour, On Safari in South Africa, is selling particularly well.
Guests spend seven nights at a lodge with its own private game reserve, and can take several wildlife-themed excursions.
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Richard Forde, trade sales manager at Newmarket Holidays, said: “We’re particularly pleased about the new South Africa tour, which has exceeded our expectations – we’ve recently increased capacity on this tour because the original lodge had sold out.
“We’re even looking at adding some 2023 dates and alternative South Africa safaris which are further enhancing our offering to this continent.”
He added: “One of the many benefits of the Newmarket portfolio is the breadth of choice, so whatever the latest consumer demand is – short-haul, long-haul, safari or grand city tour, 2021 or 2022 – we have it all covered.
“While not all markets have come back just yet, it is great for the team and agents alike to see signs of positivity with customers booking holidays again.
“Another benefit is the clear sign that average spend is on the up – hopefully another good sign of things to come as more and more confidence comes into the market.”