Grand UK strikes gold with upmarket tours

11th June 2012

The first customers to experience the new ‘Grand UK Gold’ brand have given it a resounding seal of approval.

Tour manager Brian Robinson, who took the inaugural tour out on 4 June, said customers felt it was worth the extra money for a better quality coach and hotel.

A total of 36 customers joined the tour, four of whom had never travelled with Grand UK before.

“It’s certainly the way forward for Grand UK to go more upmarket,” said Brian, who wore a different uniform for the Gold tour, with a gold and black tie and waistcoat.

“All the clients got dressed up smartly for dinner!”

He took the tour on the new Fortress Northumbria & Scotland’s Capital holiday (pictured), which featured accommodation at the Longhirst Hall Hotel near Morpeth.

“It is a beautiful hotel – and the coach is lovely. I used to work in executive and corporate businesses before, so it’s nice to have that level of comfort,” added Brian.

On the itinerary were Edinburgh, Bamburgh, a Roman fort at Wallsend and Warkworth Castle.

Sales for the new ‘Grand UK Gold’ coach holidays in general have exceeded expectations.

Many tours are now sold out and almost 90% of the overall programme was snapped up within the first six months of sale.

Harold Burke, Grand UK sales director, said: “We’ve seen a boost to bookings in recent years thanks to the ‘staycation’ trend – and this year is seeing an even greater emphasis on domestic holidays, with major events such as the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Games. It appears our customers want to treat themselves in this special year.

“The success of our new ‘Grand UK Gold’ tours is also thanks to the combination of a high-spec vehicle and quality accommodation with great value-for-money prices.”