Contiki launch extensive Europe 07 08 touring program for young Australian travellers

Contiki has launched its 07 08 Europe touring brochures, incorporating its Time Out¹, Concept² and Camping³ programs. The 07 08 product range presents agents with over 50 unique itineraries to offer their clients, from camping trips and multi-country European jaunts to regional tours and city getaways.

The product range in 07 08 covers a range of countries and cities including, Britain and Ireland, Central and Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, Eastern Mediterranean including Turkey and Egypt, as well as island hopping, cruising, special interest tours, and the Contiki Resort Mykonos, with holiday options ranging from three to 46 days in length.

Tammy Marshall, Managing Director, Contiki Holidays said, “We continue to increase our product depth and breadth, by listening to our customers’ feedback, keeping an eye on travel trends, pushing the boundaries and staying on the pulse of what’s hot in Europe in order to continue leading the market.

“We work tirelessly to stay true to our roots. Our experience and reputation, dedication to 18 to 35’s, hassle free and value for money travel options have remained strong throughout our history over more than 40 years. Our ethos of fun, freedom, choice and culture continue to be communicated by our passionate staff who love, live and breathe travel and ensure the best possible holiday experience for young travellers.

“We have introduced a new Time Out tour this year, our City Getaway Rome, Sorrento and Athens, which acts as the perfect link for travellers wanting to see Rome, Athens, Sorrento and the Isle of Capri. We have also ensured that it connects easily with other trips, so travellers can mix and match tours and really tailor their trip.

“Our Europe camping program has also expanded with a new 21-day (an 18-day option is also available) Europe Camping trip, travelling through some of the hottest European cities in 07 including, Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Venice and Athens.

“Other big changes in 07 08 have come from a shift in traveller aspirations. Eastern Europe is really taking off so we have added additional nights on some tours in hot destinations like Ljubljana, Budapest and Prague.

“Eastern Europe has been so popular we have had to increase tour departures to keep up with demand. In fact, our European Inspiration tour (Time Out), which we introduced last year, will double in the number of departures on the road this coming year. Much of the appeal of this trip can be attributed to the time spent in Prague, which is selling through the roof due to its huge popularity with the youth market.

“Based on travel trends we observed during our last season in Europe, the other hot regions for 18 to 35s include Spain, Greece and the old favourite Italy. We predict these destinations will continue to be strong in 2007.

“We are also seeing the youth market combine travel with events and festivals. We have watched this trend develop and now consider it one of the leading drawcards for 18 to 35’s. To cater for this market and ensure we are offering a tailored program we have included a double page Special Departures and Festivals spread in the brochure highlighting our Oktoberfest, Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Amsterdam for Easter departures, as well as listing European music and festivals and offering internet search tips and URL’s to help travellers get the low down on what events are hot for 07.”

Contiki’s 07 08 Time Out and Concept/Camping brochures are out now! See www.contiki.com for more information.

1. Time Out – Time Out is Contiki’s hotel program which offers travellers a range of touring styles and options staying in Superior Tourist Class hotels throughout the itineraries. Tours include hotel accommodation, sightseeing, transport most meals and the benefit of an experienced tour manager and driver.

2. Concept – Ideal for travellers on a tight budget Contiki’s Concept program is great because it packages the sights and experiences with a variety of accommodation, from cabins in top campsites and well located hotels, to Contiki’s amazing and unique stopovers like an Austrian Gasthof and its very own 16^th Century French Chateau.

3. Camping Tours – The camping tours include travel in luxury coaches, accommodation in top campsites with swimming pools, showers, washing facilities, handy shops and a lively nightlife as well as many meals and loads of sightseeing, this style of touring is really great value for those wanting to get the absolute most for their travelling dollar.

Report by The Mole