| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/04/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 54 |
| Copyright: Other |
Gateway to the South opens up tour options
Operators develop their itineraries
Market review: the south by Alan Moore
BRITONS are booking a wider mix of destinations and product in the southern states this year, with Atlanta becoming a stronger hub for self-drives in the region.Jetsave said it has been surprised by such a high level of requests for escorted coach tours combined with rail travel in the South.
Product director Alberto Boeri said: “We have been amazed that demand for our new 14-day Southern Railroad Rhythms itinerary has been so constant. We are also looking at doubling capacity on six different tours purely on the basis of this year’s bookings.
“There will be more development across the South in next year’s programme, including Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia. We may also reintroduce Delta Queen steamboat cruises from Memphis to New Orleans and boost rail journeys.”
Boeri added that Jetsave will look at adding another two southern-based tours next year in addition to its present three.
“Atlanta is now a good base for exploring the South, with Delta offering daily non-stop services from London and Manchester, and British Airways running daily from London. Other airlines such as American and Continental offer links via New York.”
Travel 4 said more of its clients on self-drive holidays are also using Atlanta as a gateway to the South.
US product manager Louise Davies added: “More people are asking for itineraries combining Tennessee with North and South Carolina but there is still a lot of regional scope.
“I don’t think New Orleans should be sold on its own as the southern states around it have so much to offer. They need to be marketed more together.”
She said Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee are a typical combination, with a particular emphasis on the music, culture and southern cuisine.
“There’s a small trend towards combining Florida with Georgia on a flydrive but Britons are not yet aware of all of the options,” added Davies.
Blue notes: combined musical tours of the South are gaining popularity
sample product
Jetsave: Southern Music and Dixieland 12-day escorted coach tour from £869 inclusive of flights and excursions. Takes in Atlanta, Montgomery, New Orleans, Vicksburg, Memphis and Nashville.North America Travel Centre: 15-day Simply Southern flydrive, from Tallahassee in Florida to Nashville, Tennessee. Takes in Biloxi on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans, the Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo and Memphis. Inclusive prices start at £1,437 per person twinshare, children from £249.
Atlanta: is great for connections to other southern destinations