Mark Warner’s soon-to-launch resort on Levante Beach in Rhodes (pictured above) joins the operator’s other Greek properties in offering savings of up to £2,034 per family through school holiday discounts and free child places.
The custom-built property fits alongside the Helona hotel at the five-star end of the portfolio boasting eight suites with private pools, tennis courts and a spa, but Mark Warner sees no contradiction in advertising it at discount rates.
Agents currently account for 20% but the operator is working on greater interaction with the trade. It will launch its first online agent portal this spring and is encouraging agents to join one of several ski taster weekends in the Alps before the end of the season.
It was good to hear this week that stories of Europe’s late snowfall in the national media have meant a flurry of bookings for Mark Warner’s agent partners, such as Alpine Answers in Battersea.
Authentic Oz uncovered
Our pals down under will today (January 26) be celebrating national unity and enjoying some time off work for Australia Day.
The message from Tourism Australia boss Andrew McEvoy at a London gathering this week was that while the UK market to Australia may be slightly down, the destination is holding up well in market share terms.
One operator with particular cause to celebrate at the moment is Austravel, which reports Gold Coast bookings up 230% on last January. Travel by motor-home is also on the rise, so you’ll now find Spaceship campervans and Kea motorhomes in the Austravel brochure.
Prepare yourself for increased interest in Western Australia next month too, when family-film Red Dog (pictured left) hits UK cinemas. It broadcasts the spectacular landscapes of Dampier and Pilbara, but as Australia’s largest state there is plenty else to sell beyond the film set.
From The Featurettes
Pippa Jacks, Katherine Lawrey and Carlie Trotter blog on fam trips, industry events, cakes and dubious celebrity spots
