Signs of Growth: Tour Ops Add Guaranteed Departures, Extra Space

Here’s a good sign for travel in 2018: A number of tour operators are launching guaranteed departures, both in Europe and worldwide, as well as adding extra space to certain itineraries based high demand.

The guaranteed departures and added space come as Europe is coming off a big year for tourism in 2017. Travel grew by 8 percent last year, buoyed by strong economic factors and the recovery of many destinations that had been suffering from terrorism and other security-related concerns. Notable hotspots include Turkey (up 28 percent, mostly on the strength of Russian visitation); Iceland (up 24 percent); and a number of destinations along the Mediterranean.

Central Holidays reports that it is offering guaranteed departures through May on its Italy Motorcoach Tour programs, which include the nine-day “Tuscany Cinque Terre & the Lakes” itinerary; the 10-day “In the Footsteps of Italy’s Culinary Traditions” itinerary; the nine-day “Legendary Amalfi Coast & Undiscovered Trulli Villages” itinerary; and the 13-day “Italian Vistas: From Tuscany to the Dolomites” itinerary.

Travel agents will also get a bonus $100 American Express gift card per person booked on Central Holidays’ Italy Escorted Tours, and travelers will receive an extra 5 percent on bookings made for departures by May 31.

Insight Vacations has announced that over 40 of its summer itineraries in Europe are offering 100 percent definite departures. All packages to Switzerland, Scandinavia, Russia and the Baltic states are guaranteed, as well as trips to many other parts of Europe, including Britain and Ireland, Spain and Portugal, western Europe, eastern Europe and central Europe. Specific itineraries include the nine-day Irish Elegance; the 10-day Amazing Spain and Portugal; and the 11-day Easy Pace Italy. The guaranteed departures include options in the company’s Easy Pace, Country Roads and Regional Journeys trip styles.

Insight is also offering a 7.5 percent early payment discount for agents who book clients by February 28. The discount is combinable with the company’s airfare promotions.

Insight has also added space to its previously sold out 2018 Chelsea Flower Show itinerary. The 10-day trip lets guests experience the famous flower show in London, as well as admire the city during a Thames River dinner cruise. After that, travelers have the chance to enjoy gardens, flower markets and other scenic attractions in England, Belgium, the Netherlands and France. Visit www.insightvacations.com for details.

Worldwide, Collette, which offers tour packages to all seven continents, reports that all of its remaining retail based dates through August 31 are guaranteed to depart. A full list of tours is available at www.collette.com.

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