Classic Collection Holidays has made multi-centre breaks the focus of its new Morocco and Egypt brochure, launched to the trade this week.
The operator said the collection was inspired by increased demand for Nile cruise and stay holidays, and off-the-beaten track trips to Morocco.
Across its 84 pages, the brochure also highlights boutique hotels, and family-friendly five-star all-inclusive options. It can be downloaded from the Classic website now, while printed copies can be ordered through Tradegate.
Classic’s product and purchasing manager for Morocco and Egypt, Doranne Dawson, said the aim had been to steer people away from solely considering sand and sea destinations.
"Demand for Nile cruise and stay holidays in Egypt is gaining traction, as are two- and multi-centre holidays between Marrakech, the Agafay Desert and the High Atlas mountains.
"Both Morocco and Egypt offer an unspoilt natural environment, culture and adventure, in addition to beaches, sports and leisure. They are recognisable as great value for money non-Euro countries offering quality service and excellent hotel facilities at appealing price points.
"Sales for this summer are encouraging, and the easing of entry conditions and the removal of pre-travel testing requirements for the fully vaccinated are particularly helpful."
Dawson added customers were opting for private transfers over interconnecting flights.
In Morocco, in addition to established resorts such as Agadir, Essaouira and Marrakech, Classic is featuring the cities of Tangier and Fez, the sport and spa resort of Taghazout, the Inara tented camp in Agafay, and another 11 boutique properties.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, there’s a choice of three Nile cruises, four properties in Cairo and a further 22 spanning Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, largely all-inclusives or family-friendly options.
Four-night B&B breaks at Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech lead in from £725pp, and seven-night all-inclusive breaks at White Beach Resort in Taghazout from £905pp. Seven-night full-board Nile cruises on Steigenberger Legacy start from £1,269pp.
"Pre-pandemic, the UK was the second largest international market for Moroccan tourism," said Dawson. "The number of flight connections for summer 2022 will exceed 2019 and our commercial advantage of using all airlines allows us to take advantage of the Air Arabia, British Airways, easyJet, Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair and Tui services now serving the destination.
"In Egypt, Sharm el Sheikh has reopened, EgyptAir has restarted its direct flight from Heathrow to Luxor, and there are a number of Egyptology anniversaries including the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world, is also due to open in Giza in November and should also be a major draw."
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