Travel Club of Upminster, one of the UK’s original package holiday providers, has decided to un-package its offering from this month.
After selling package holidays for more than 70 years, it will provide accommodation only and online booking options.
It has been trialing an accommodation only service over the last few years, but from May will allow customers to check property availability, confirm prices and book accommodation via its website (www.travelclubofupminster.com).
Initially, its online booking service will be available for the most popular apartments and all villas.
By next year, the company hopes to have rolled the service out across its full range of properties.
The company will continue to offer a full service to those who want the added security of booking the entire package through the tour operator.
Managing director Paul Chandler said: “The latest development is designed to respond to the increasing desire amongst our customers to have increased flexibility in when and how they travel.
“We recognise life in the holiday business is changing – over the last few years we’ve seen the use of budget airlines rise and, with widespread use of the internet at home and at work, it’s given holidaymakers a greater choice of options to book holidays.
“We have also seen an increase in demand for two-centre holidays, with customers spending part of their break in a villa in the countryside and the other in a hotel by the beach – the new online booking service will make it even easier for customers to create the perfect holiday for them.”
By Bev Fearis
