UPMARKET operators have seen an increase in demand for Spain, as it emerges as a fashionable place to stay in 1999.
They say their clients are attracted to the country’s cuisine, high standard of accommodation and are increasingly choosing Spain over other European destinations due to the many scheduled flight options from UK airports.
Simply Spain has more than doubled its programme to the country and expects to take 5,000 people there this year.
Simply Travel head of marketing Heather Moore said tailor-made holidays were selling well and now account for 20% of total Spanish sales, compared to 10% last year.
New locations include the Costa de la Luz, where Simply features self-catering houses and villas. Prices for seven days lead in at ú279 per person based on four sharing a house, including car hire and flights. This offer is available from the end of March to mid-May and during October.
Simply has also added Agua Amarga, on the Almeria coast.
Prices start at ú278 per person for a week, based on six sharing a three-bedroom house, including flights and car hire.
Operators have increased their coverage of the country’s interior as clients are keener to explore the ‘real’Spain, rather than coastal resorts.
Mundi Color product development and marketing managerTony Maniscalco, said: “This is very much a growing market. People want to get away from the beaches and escape to the traditional Spanish villages and towns inland.”
Mundi Color is featuring more paradors and traditional Spanish houses to meet this increased demand.
Individual Travellers Spain marketing manager Owen Davies said Spain is benefiting from the growth of low-cost carriers to the destination.
He added that clients are saving money on flights and as a result are trading up on accommodation.
“Our programme focuses on Valencia and Catalonia – regions with potential for future development,” he said.
The operator has doubled capacity in Valencia and Murcia to 33 properties in each – and increased the number in the programme by 20% to 300.
Meon Villas claims that demand for its four and five-star villas in the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca is very strong. The operator launched a new ‘Special’ category for 1999, pinpointing de luxe or unusual properties.
Meon marketing director Susan Williams said:”Over the past two years there has been a clear trend upmarket and this has been particularly evident in mainland Spain.
“Quality rather than price seems to be the deciding factor and our most popular properties are those offering luxury interiors or breathtaking locations.”
Meanwhile, Prestige Holidays said its bookings to the Canaries for summer are up 50% on the same period last year. Deputy managing director John Dixon said:”We are doing an increasing amount of tailor-made business. This reflects the number of discerning clients and suggests it is currently a good market place for serious independent agents.”
Unicorn Holidays, meanwhile, claims there is growing demand for private car transfers for clients who do not wish to drive or take coaches to their accommodation.