young people’s specialist operator Connections has introduced diving and cycling trips in its new Australia programme to meet the growing demand for shorter, bolt-on activity and adventure packages.
They include a five-day learn-to-dive package on the Great Barrier Reef from ú205 and a bike and hike four-day excursion in the rainforest of northern Queensland from ú260.
Prices include equipment, various accommodation and most meals.
UK/Europe sales manager Kaye Thomas said: “Although we offer a wide range of adventure durations, we are trying to cater for the growing market for shorter trips, which can be added either before or after a longer tour.
“The cheaper air fares currently available to Australia have drawn a lot more attention to our product for the 18-35 age group, and we have tripled the amount of UK business compared to this time last year.”
Connections, which is part of The Imaginative Traveller group, has dropped its New Zealand programme and combined most elements in the new Australia brochure, valid from May 1 1999 to April 31 2000.