FLORIDA specialists have increased their product range for 2000 with the launch of new programmes, despite a general slump in early-summer sales to the destination.
Cosmos has come out with a redesigned Florida brochure, running from November ’99 to November 2000, featuring a host of pricing deals. These include savings of up to £200 per couple for summer 2000 bookings made before August 31, 1999, and guaranteed adult savings on all departures booked before October 31.
Early bookings also save up to £30 on flight supplements and Cosmos has also introduced £199 holidays for teenagers up to 19.
It has also added more private villas with pools on the Gulf Coast and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, from £685 for 14 nights.
Jetlife has introduced its first stand-alone Florida programme, operating from January 1-December 31, 2000 with one-week holidays from £395 in Orlando.
Product manager Gill Harvey said: “Because there are so many new attractions in Orlando, customers want to stay longer in the area before moving to the Gulf Coast or Florida Keys.
“As a result, we have expanded our Orlando two-centre stays from seven to nine days, followed by five-day beach holidays. Prices start at £539 including flights, car hire and accommodation.”
Jetlife managing director Ian Morrison added: “Our second-edition Florida 2000 brochure will be out in December and include more add-ons to Florida, such as Jamaica, Mexico and the Bahamas.
“We are doing a lot more component business so we will be reducing the emphasis on inclusive product. This will also apply to our first stand-alone America brochure due out in September. ”
Kuoni’s new Florida and Beyond programme is also valid for the January-December 2000 period, featuring expanded property selections in Miami, the Keys and the Gulf Coast.
Price deals are also emphasised, with fixed £199 holidays for children, other reductions of up to £150 and money-back guarantees if the same holiday is offered cheaper elsewhere.
Unijet’s 2000 Florida brochure features holidays from September ’99 with a lead-in price of £389 for 14 nights in Orlando, while flydrives start at £299 for a fortnight.