ODYSSEY Holidays is gradually phasing out the name from its core product and replacing it with the Olympic brand.
Its second-edition Greece and Cyprus brochure is dominated by the Olympic name, carrying the tag ‘incorporating Odyssey Holidays’.
“Both brands are very strong but research showed the Olympic name is better recognised for Greece and Cyprus,” said national sales manager Steve O’Loughlin. “For summer 2000 the Odyssey name may disappear altogether.”
He added the name could be used for new destinations being investigated by the operator although he declined to give details.
Odyssey managing director George Michalias sold Olympic Holidays to First Choice in 1991 before buying it back last February. First Choice had dropped the name in 1996.
The Greek islands of Symi and Telendos have been added to the programme along with the operator’s first mainland resorts – Parga, Sivota and the Anthenian Riviera.
Short breaks to Athens on scheduled flights are also featured.
Prices have remained largely static although the traditional tough months of May and June have been reduced by an average of 5%-6%.
Capacity for summer ’99 has been raised by 30% to just over 100,000.
Early booking offers include savings of ú120 per couple for bookings made before the end of March.