The packages that tour operators tip for success in 2024

Greek specialist Olympic Holidays is adding the island of Milos and the Olympus Riviera. Milos combines pristine beaches, rugged landscapes and rich history, while Michael Vinales, managing director, describes the Olympus Riviera, home to Mt Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, as “another spot waiting to be explored – it’s a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.”

Olympic will also be expanding its island-hopping portfolio, with new itineraries twinning Santorini and Milos, Athens and Poros, and Mykonos, Paros and Santorini.

In a bid to introduce travellers to the real Greece and highlight lesser-known destinations, Sunvil will be introducing the Cyclades island of Kea, while an expanded programme to Albania will include the southern beach resorts of Ksamil, Himare and Vlore as well as Saranda. Twin-centres with Corfu will be offered, as well as combinations with Greece’s Epirus coastline. GIC The Villa Collection will also start offering Albania.

Jet2holidays has a raft of new destinations, including Morocco, Bergen, the Fjords and Formentera. Alan Cross, director of travel agent relationships, paints a rosy picture of growth across Europe and the Canary Islands, on both the east and west sides of the Mediterranean, with Greece and Cyprus in particular experiencing strong demand for next year. He says: “The continued popularity of Turkey means that Antalya, Izmir, Bodrum and Dalaman are expected to be huge hits.”

A new base at Liverpool airport opens up new regional opportunities for agents, adds Cross. “With 20 destinations available from our 11th UK base, including seven that are exclusive to Liverpool – Gran Canaria, Menorca, Rhodes, Zante, Madeira, Paphos and Bourgas (Bulgaria) – there’s lots on offer for our travel agent partners in Merseyside to tempt customers with.”

LONG-HAUL 

All-inclusive is trending for Gold Medal, in particular in the Indian Ocean and Ras Al Khaimah, which is standing out as an alternative to Dubai. However, Dubai itself continues to be strong, particularly in the school holiday periods, showing its appeal for families. 

Deborah Wadhams, head of product – long-haul, says: “We are expecting big things from Joy Maldives, the sister property to You & Me Maldives, which opened this September. Other Maldives properties of note are Siyam World and both Adaaran Select properties. 

“Mauritius and Sri Lanka are also performing very well into 2024. All Attitude properties are outperforming the previous year and Paradise Cove in Mauritius is also selling well.” 

The bucket list trend is strong for If Only, with general manager Gordon McCreadie noting people’s desire for a more experiential holiday.

Following the successful launch of South Africa at the end of 2022, the operator is adding six more African destinations – Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia. McCreadie adds: “We’re also expanding our Japan programme by 30 hotels and some exciting new regions.” 

Duality is the buzzword from Inspiring Travel, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. Helen Tabois, senior product manager – Caribbean, says: “From the growing trend of island-hopping in the Maldives to twin-centre holidays in the Caribbean – thanks to new flights, such as Tradewind Aviation services between Antigua and Anguilla, St Barths and Anguilla, and Cayman Airways’ Barbados to Grand Cayman – duality is going to grow in 2024 as travellers seek diversity and a range of experiences.” 

Islands around the globe are also big news for the operator – demand for island hopping in Greece has led Inspiring Travel to expand its portfolio, as well as adding Paros as an island-hopping option with Mykonos and Santorini. David Pointer, senior product manager – North America & Australasia, adds: “The reopening of Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Pelorus Private Island on the Great Barrier Reef will provide new focus to conversations about Australia.” 

An expanded European portfolio means Inspiring will include these destinations for the first time – Amsterdam with the Waldorf Astoria; Munich with The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel; Verona with the NH Collection Palazzo; plus two options in Lake Garda and two in Porto.

Ocean Florida has embellished its value-added product, Ocean Explorer, this year, offering complimentary activities on Orlando holidays. Available for bookings until 31 January, customers can choose between five Explorer packages: Entertainment, Wildlife, Classic, Adventure and Foodie. From February onwards, Ocean Florida plans to offer at least one of the tailored packages at all times, based on seasonality and key booking periods. Product and commercial director Anna-Maria Jannsen said: “We are incredibly proud to be the only tour operator that offers customers additional experiences worth up to $549 per booking.”

Summarising its 2024 travel trends, Elegant Resorts notes the popularity of wellness resorts and retreats such as the “Young Forever Retreat” hosted by the Rose Bar at Six Senses Ibiza in June next year. Another popular request is for resorts regularly featured on social media channels such as Ozen Bolifushi in the Maldives with its famed waterslides.