***Longwood Says the Only Way to go is Upmarket***
25 August 2006
Red Sea specialist operator Longwood Holidays has seen a boom in bookings for upmarket holidays, despite poor trading conditions and recent troubles in the Middle East, says Rafi Caplin, MD.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone in travel.” commented Caplin “It’s just been one thing after another, and Egypt has been particularly affected – not just because of situation in the Middle East, but also because of the overcapacity on seats and accommodation, which have led to heavy discounting and an overall devalued product.’
“One thing that has remained fairly steady throughout is our upmarket product; both tailor-made and package holidays. Agents and customers are fast realising that there are certain hotels, generally the upmarket ones, who don’t buy into the dynamic packaging business model – and the only place you can secure your customers these hotels is by booking through an operator.”
In 2005 Longwood Holidays has been awarded Top UK Producer Awards by both Hyatt Regency (Taba Heights and Sharm el Sheikh) and Hilton Egypt, and remain one of the largest UK suppliers for the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh.
“With all the ridiculous prices you see around, it’s easy to forget that before the current boom Egypt was known as a fairly upmarket destination, with a good range of luxury hotels. We try to target those original customers, the ones who value the service and the style and who have a genuine love of the country. They are more profitable to us and to the local economy than someone attracted purely by the sun, beach and all-inclusive package.”
Longwood is currently offering the 5* Superior Hyatt Regency Sharm el Sheikh from £479 for 7nts BB, departing 30 November 2006 from Gatwick.
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Notes to Editors: Longwood Holidays is the UK’s leading independent Red Sea specialist tour operator, offering a wide range of holidays to the Red Sea resorts of Egypt, Israel & Jordan as well as holidays to Classical Egypt, Nile Cruises, Guided Tours and a comprehensive tailor-made programme.
Agency Support: 020 8418 2550
Please contact Tara Bradberry on 020 8418 2550 or tara.bradberry@longwoodholidays.co.uk for all press-related queries.