THE challenge for operators and tourism organisations promoting New England is to show that the region has a lot more to offer than its famous fall foliage.
Despite the fact that operators are coming up with a much wider range of independent and touring options across the region, there is still generally a lack of knowledge of New England outside of Boston and the autumn colours.
Premier Holidays general manager for North America, Rob Haynes, said: “The autumn colours are a huge attraction but they only last for about six weeks. It can also be very difficult at that time to find accommodation, particularly in Boston where most tours start.”
But Haynes added that New England still had a big advantage over many other parts of the US because the name was well known.
Travel 4 market development manager Julie Finnie-Hogg agreed the market was still autumn led, but claimed sales in summer and spring had risen significantly. She said: “One thing that has surprised us is the number of motorhomes being booked for touring holidays, both from Boston and New York. It is another form of holiday New England has not previously concentrated on for the UK.”
Travel 4 has expanded its range of eight-day self-drive tours based on various country inns in New England, with prices from ú432 per person using three-star hotels and inns. With four and five-star accommodation, starting prices are ú466 and ú632, including a car and some meals. In Boston it has introduced a four-day city package from ú214 accommodation-only.
United Vacations has introduced its first selection of hotels in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, while Travelpack has increased its range of options with two more escorted tours – an eight-day Autumn in New England itinerary from ú1,121, and an 11-day New England and Cape Cod tour from ú1,268.
Osprey Holidays’ dedicated New England For All Seasons programme has also been expanded. It has introduced an eight-night Taste of New England self-drive itinerary from Boston to Maine and the Green Mountains, from ú855 including flights and car, accommodation and various meals. Also new is a three-day/two-night Maine Clambake coach tour out of Boston from ú569 including flights to Boston, accommodation, coach travel and meals.
Getaway Vacations has also increased its selection of hotels and inns in Massachusetts, while North America Travel Service has produced its first stand-alone brochure called New England’s Finest.
It features suggested scenic routes, bed and breakfasts, resorts and hotels, country inns and Boston city breaks in addition to New England coverage in its main US programme.
New England Country Homes has increased its range following a rise in the number of people wanting to include two and three centres in one stay. Sample price is ú959 per person for two weeks in May based on a cottage stay in the Massachusetts seaport of Marblehead.
Destination for all seasons: New England is promoting itself as a year-round holiday option. Themajority of US specialists now offer tours outsideof the traditional autumn season