SUNWORLD has included the Inspirations logo on its new Indian Ocean brochure in a bid to capture the majority of the doomed operator’s customers to the region.
The integration of the Inspirations product has elevated Thomas Cook-owned Sunworld to market leader in Goa and number two in Sri Lanka.
Inspirations is being wound up at the end of this winter season following the merger of parent Carlson Leisure Group and Thomas Cook earlier this year.
To retain customer loyalty, Sunworld has kept the bulk of Inspirations’ products and its popular tours.
Senior product manager Andrew Bevan said:”Inspirations was market leader to Goa with about 35,000 passengers. It was a specialists in this market and had a loyal customer base which we want to keep.
“Inspirations conducted a thorough overview of the programme two years ago and eliminated several units which did not perform.
“In light of that, we have decided to keep the bulk of the product.”
The integration with Inspirations has led to the introduction of special-interest holidays including birdwatching and rice boat cruises.
The state of Kerala, south of Goa, is also new with a selection of tour and stay options, while regional flying has been boosted with the inclusion of Birmingham to Goa.
Bevan said the operator is not targeting growth in 1999/2000 but is concentrating on a smooth integration of the two programmes.
Prices lead in at £349 for seven nights’ room-only at the Kerala Dormhouses departing Gatwick on or between December 11-17.
Meanwhile, 48 Inspirations summer sun hotels have been included in Sunworld’s second edition Beach Bargains brochure.
All featured properties are guaranteed named accommodation from 80 resorts in 25 destinations in the Mediterranean, Florida and Caribbean.