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Red Sea tipped for growth as Thomson expands regional flying
Thomson Holidays plans expansion in regional charter flights in 2005 including its first summer charters to the Red Sea.
The TUI-owned operator is to run charters in addition to no frills Thomsonfly services from both Coventry and Doncaster’s new Robin Hood airport next summer.
Charters will serve 15 holiday destinations in Europe from the two new departure points.
New regional flights will also go from Bournemouth and Teesside airports as part of an expanded 2005 Summer Sun programme which sees the introduction of charters to Dubrovnik in Croatia and Hurghada, the first time the Egyptian “Red Sea Riviera” resort has been featured in the summer.
Thomson sees the region as ripe for expansion as it is seen as a “growing demand area”. Prices start at £445 per person for a week’s bed and breakfast at the Hilton Hurghada Resort next May.
TUI UK managing director Chris Mottershead said: “We feature a good selection of up market hotels and are keen to promote the area as a good quality, yet affordable beach destination. It’s already a popular destination for scuba diving and sunbathing, but the area is expected to see a surge in bookings for next year.”
Thomson is also increasing regional long haul flying to destinations including Mexico and the Dominican Republic as part of its 2005 Faraway Shores programme.
The operator will run new flights from Glasgow and Newcastle to the Dominican Republic and add services from Birmingham, Gatwick and Glasgow to Mexico.
Thomson has also signed an exclusive deal with Riu Hotels to feature 11 of the group’s properties throughout the Caribbean, including four in the Dominican Republic.
Mr Mottershead said: “The Riu properties featured under the agreement receive some of the best customer satisfaction questionnaire scores for the entire Caribbean programme. Our aim therefore is to continue providing the best all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean.”
The expanded flying programme from the regions follows Thomson Cruises announcing its first UK sailings next year from Southampton, Harwich and Newcastle.
Report by Phil Davies
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