Tunisia’s capital Tunis – just 3hrs flight from London – now features as a city-break destination for 1999 in Cresta Holidays’ and Travelscene’s brochures.
Tunis is grouped together with Marrakech, Athens, Istanbul and Limassol in Cyprus in Cresta’s brochure. “We wanted to expand the number of our ‘sunshine cities’ – destinations with a beach so people could unwind in the sun, then sample the culture,” said Cresta marketing manager Jane Williams.
“Tunis has souks, mosques, museums and mosaics. There are also excursions to the pretty fishing village of Sidi Bou Said and the ancient ruins of Carthage.
“Also, the short flying time gives you flexibility. It means clients don’t have to take a whole week off work.”
Cresta offers the city year round, but Williams recommends the destination for a winter break when Tunisia is usually 15F warmer than most European cities – and prices are particularly keen.
A two-night deal in the capital ranges from ú273 in March to ú347 in July. Both deals include scheduled flights, four-star accommodation, return transfers and breakfast.
Travelscene has also added Tunis to its cities programme this year, and features two four-star hotels.
The company’s lead-in price is ú275 for two nights, based on two people sharing a twin room. The price includes scheduled flights, return transfers and breakfast.
Commercial manager Paul Stanley singled out climate and low cost as two selling points: “Good weather is a key factor in our choice of the destination,” he said.
“The city’s Mediterranean climate will bring Tunis into contention as a good year-round short-break destination.
“The cost of living is very low, and this is particularly important to short-break holidaymakers since our packages are based on bed-and-breakfast accommodation. The opportunity to eat out for a fraction of the price charged in most European cities will be an undoubted attraction.”
For 1999, Tunisian specialist Wigmore Holidays and Travel has extended its range of short breaks from Tunis to the rest of the country, based on scheduled flights with GB Airways and Tunisair.
Clients can now opt to spend a few days in the resorts of Hammamet, Sousse and Port El Kantaoui in the North of the country or the island of Djerba in the South.
The operator’s lead-in price for a four-night break in Hammamet is ú345, which includes three-star accommodation with half board, scheduled flights and transfers.
Souk up the atmosphere: Tunisia has culture in abundance