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The Travel Department plans UK expansion for 2013

The Irish tour operator headed by former Tui UK director Tim Williamson is talking to agents about expanding distribution in the UK.

The Travel Department plans a 50% increase in UK departures next year and expects a 200% rise in passenger numbers.

The Dublin-based guided holidays company is in discussion with specialist agents to look at further increasing its distribution opportunities.

Departures from Manchester and Gatwick have been introduced, with a choice of 17 tours across 68 departure dates from Gatwick and 27 tours across 48 departure dates from Manchester.

Flights have been added from regional airports such as Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast in addition to Heathrow. Itineraries have been added in Cuba, Argentina, Brazil and India.

Chief executive Williamson said: While our operation has been growing steadily out of the UK for the last few years, we are seeing a strong demand and opportunities to build on the excellent reputation we already have in Ireland.

“The focus of our tours is ensuring holidaymakers see the key sights, have time to explore on their own and have time to relax – guided holidays don’t have to be spent jumping on and off a coach all day then coming home exhausted.

“We focus on finding the right balance to allow customers to enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of their holiday destination.”

Ten new tours have been included for 2013 in the programme with more than 400 departures from the UK. Destinations range from Costa Brava to Cuba and Barcelona to Brazil.

Prices start at £359 per person for a four-night tour from Gatwick to Barcelona, Montserrat and the Costa Brava departing on March 18.

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