Thomson and First Choice have introduced two new longhaul destinations to be served by the new Dreamliner aircraft in 2014.
Mauritius and the resort of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast have been added to both operators’ programmes for next year.
Both destinations will be served by direct routes out of Gatwick, while Puerto Vallarta will also be offered on direct flights out of Manchester.
Despite delays to the delivery of Boeing’s 787 aircraft, parent company Tui Travel is confident the aircraft will be ready in time. “The current situation on the Dreamliner has not changed and we are still awiating a delivery date but we are still really confident it will be operating to these destinations a long time before these programmes start,” said a spokeswoman.
Also new for next year for Thomson are two Sensatori resorts, Sensatori Jamaica and Sensatori Fethiye, Turkey, and a couples hotel in Croatia. The Sensatori hotels include gourmet dining, spas, and ‘swim-up’ rooms, with prices for the Fethiye property from £749 per person based on two adults and including flights. The Thomson Couples Kalamota Island Resort is on Kolcep Island, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik.
First Choice is adding a new family Holiday Village and a new Splashworld property for 2014. Holiday Village Ibiza is located in the beach resort of Port des Torrent. Seven nights all-inclusive at the village starts from £585 per adult, with the first child going for free and the second from £399, including flights out of Gatwick between May 1 and May 7, 2014.
The new Jungle Aqua Park SplashWorld Resort in Hurghada, Egypt, is aimed at families and offered from £789 per adult for seven nights.
First Choice is also introducing an all-inclusive activities and entertainment brand called Club Magic Life. Five resorts will be offered for 2014 in Fuerteventura, Tunisia, and Egypt. They will offer a variety of sporting activities, including private tuition.
Other additions for next year include Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Croatia as wedding destinations and six new ports for Thomson Cruises, including Sochi, Russia, home of the Winter Olympics 2014.