The Leger Shearings Group is introducing shorter, more accessible coach trips to attract new customers.
- The new offerings, including theatrical and musical events, will depart from February to 2026.
- Trips include simplified journeys with limited pick-up points, reducing travel time significantly.
- The range encompasses popular events and offers convenience by handling ticket purchases.
- These initiatives aim to draw younger passengers and solo travellers with flexible and appealing trip options.
In a move to cater to a broader audience, the Leger Shearings Group has unveiled a collection of three-day mini-breaks, designed to attract new customers keen on brief and engaging excursions. These trips are scheduled to commence in February and will continue until 2026, encompassing a diverse array of events such as theatre productions, concerts, and festivals. This strategic initiative is geared towards those who prefer short, brisk escapes over traditional week-long holidays.
Significantly reducing travel time, the journeys have been planned with a limited number of pick-up points, numbering between five and eight, choosing only from the most frequented locations. These new logistics mean that travellers will spend less time in transit, allowing more opportunity to enjoy their destinations.
Highlighted events within this range are varied and captivating, including renowned gatherings like Gardeners’ World Live and the Blackpool Air Show. Furthermore, music and theatre lovers can look forward to exciting offerings such as ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ in several UK cities, along with performances by André Rieu, and the ‘Abba Voyage’ in London.
A significant advantage of these trips is the absence of the previously required interchange, providing a seamless and efficient travel experience. Additionally, the pick-up schedule has been optimized to avoid any excessively early starts, with the earliest pick-up set at 7am, making it considerably more convenient for travellers.
Matt Herbert, the group’s product manager, emphasised that these shorter trips are poised to appeal to a younger demographic, in particular individuals in their 30s. “Colleagues and friends of mine in their 30s would be interested in these kinds of things,” he noted, highlighting the potential for these excursions to attract a more youthful clientele.
The trips are not only designed to be convenient but also all-inclusive, covering coach travel, hotel accommodations, meals, and an excursion, typically involving a cruise or railway journey. Most accommodations offer three-star facilities, balancing comfort and affordability for travellers looking for a hassle-free experience.
Matt Herbert pointed out the significant advantage these packages offer by including event tickets, thus relieving customers of the stress associated with ticket procurement. “Sorry, though – we don’t have any Oasis tickets,” Herbert quipped, alluding to recent high-profile concert ticket frenzies.
This new strategic push also includes engaging travel agents, with Ash Dellow, head of retail sales, underlining the ease of booking and selling these packages. The initiative is structured to facilitate travel agents in marketing the mini-breaks effectively to the customer base.
The target market for the Direct-Route Mini-Breaks extends beyond the typical coach holiday demographic, aiming to entice first-time coach travellers looking for a sample experience, as well as those desiring a brief holiday alongside lengthier travel plans. Solo travellers, in particular, may find these trips appealing due to the opportunity to meet and travel with like-minded individuals.
The Leger Shearings Group’s new shorter coach trip offerings present a compelling option for diverse travellers, complementing existing travel preferences.
