Grand UK Holidays bucks the trend

12th January 2012

Over-55s specialist Grand UK Holidays said sales of its UK and Ireland holidays, especially its premium ‘Gold’ products, are out-performing trends elsewhere in the travel trade.

Sales director Harold Burke said: “The headlines in the travel trade and national press seem to be rather depressing, with news about travel firms going bust or struggling to stay afloat.

“We’ve seen bad news across the industry, with brands such as Astraeus Airlines, SeaFrance and von Essen Hotels going into administration.

“In the coach holiday sector, we’ve seen the demise of coach holiday brands such as Diamond Holidays and Harrison Holidays.

“Here at Grand UK Holidays, we’re not immune from the economic situation affecting holidaymakers but we are well placed to ride out the storm.”

The operator’s focus on domestic holidays meant it could take advantage of the ‘staycation’ boom, added Burke.

“We’ve got the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and Olympics next year, so these trends for domestic breaks will continue,” he said.

“Also, our levels of service mean our customers keep coming back to us year after year, often several times each year!

“Our new ‘Gold’ programme of upmarket coach tours in the UK and Ireland are an example of how our customers still want to travel and treat themselves, despite the gloomy headlines.

“Since we launched them in October, sales have continued to be very strong and we have had great feedback from our travel agency partners about the tours.”

The 2012 brochure features 45 new tours - mainly in the UK and Ireland - ranging from special interest and themed breaks to a new holiday by train.

New hobby holidays have also been added, including bowling and ballroom dancing, to cater for the growing demand for special interest breaks.

For bookings call 01603 619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com