Operator announces first range of domestic trips
Riviera Travel is to launch a range of UK tours in March 2021, its first domestic offering. The new collection consists of seven tours; four itineraries with a cultural and historic focus, and three ‘Walk and Discover’ holidays.
The destinations include; Cornwall, Norfolk, the Lake District, North Yorkshire, North Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Highlands & Skye.
Will Sarson, Riviera’s head of strategy and innovation, said; “Over the past few months we have been actively engaging with our customers to understand exactly how their holiday needs have changed. One of the most common suggestions was the desire to explore the UK.
In fact, 65 per cent of our customers told us that they would love to explore Britain with us, with almost 50 per cent saying they plan to book a UK holiday in 2021. Therefore, we are delighted to unveil our brand new collection of UK breaks.
We have gone to great lengths to ensure our customers can enjoy our same award-winning escorted tour experience a little closer to home. With well-balanced itineraries that blend fascinating National Trust visits, scenic journeys, historic experiences and not to mention a little bit of indulgence too, we can’t wait to welcome our guests.”
Each tour will be capped at 25 guests while accommodation will be in four-star hotels, specially chosen to represent the local area. An example being the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, which can trace its roots back 800 years. The tours will also include authentic experiences, such as a scenic train journey from Fort William to Mallaig.
In a statement Riviera said that research showed that 66 per cent of guests would prefer to drive themselves to the start-point of their holiday, so all tours were being offered on a ‘tour only’ basis to give customers added flexibility. For those who want to arrive by train or private transfer, Riviera is launching a Travel Concierge service.
Prices for the five day tours start from just £499, with departures between March and October 2021.
Jet2, Premier Holidays and more offer Jersey getaways
Premier Holidays’ 2021 Jersey programme feature flights from more than 20 UK airports with airlines including Jet2, Loganair and Blue Islands offering departures.
Channel Islands product manager Bev Scarr said: “Jersey is a great option for a holiday in 2021 which feels like getting away but is still closer to home.
“Visitors can unwind in a spa, clear their mind with a stroll along sweeping coastal paths or breathe in the fresh air on one of the many beautiful beaches.”
Last month, Visit Jersey has announced the news that Jet2.com and its sister company Jet2holidays will expand its programme with five new routes to the island for summer 2021.
Visitors can now make use of flights to Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted. The existing Leeds Bradford summer service will continue, meaning the island will be serviced by more than 200 flights from May through to September 2021.
This provides over 30,000 new seats on sale, opening connectivity to the island from across England.
Amanda Burns, CEO at Visit Jersey, said: “This is a positive sign that demand for our island’s holiday product is strong and growing. We are thrilled with Jet2.com’s announcement and believe this will boost agents to sell the destination, knowing that their customers can make use of a fantastic choice of regional connectivity.
“We know that domestic tourism will continue to be a priority as we move into 2021, with travellers seeking outdoor escapes and beaches suitable for all of the family, so we look forward to welcoming back more visitors, new and old, to our beautiful shores.”
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be significantly expanding our Jersey programme for summer 21, with a great choice of flights departing from six bases in response to strong demand.
“Thanks to the addition of new routes from five of our UK bases, in addition to our existing programme from Leeds Bradford, means that we have a fantastic choice of weekend and midweek flights available to Jersey. On top of that, there are fantastic deals to be had, which means that holidaymakers have plenty of choice and flexibility when it comes to visiting this stunning island.”