Newmarket Holiday has witnessed significant growth in long-haul bookings, predominantly driven by travel agents.
- Destinations like India, Japan, and Borneo have surged in popularity, reflecting a renewed interest in exotic travel.
- The resurgence aligns with travel agents fulfilling a crucial role in restoring pre-pandemic booking levels.
- Verity Rice highlights the new tours, particularly in India, as exceeding expectations.
- Japan’s reintroduction and Borneo’s appeal demonstrate a willingness among travellers to explore off-the-beaten-path locations.
Newmarket Holiday has seen a remarkable surge in bookings to long-haul destinations, a trend primarily driven by travel agents playing a pivotal role. As the year commenced, bookings reverted to pre-Covid levels, signalling a robust demand for distant travel. The reintroduced destinations of India, Japan, and Borneo have quickly gained traction among tourists, keen on exploring exotic regions.
The re-emergence of interest in distant destinations like India underscores travellers’ appetite for cultural experiences. Verity Rice, the director of product, purchasing, and operations, noted, “We launched three new India tours in 2023 and all are booking ahead of expectations.” This enthusiasm illustrates a broader inclination towards journeys offering rich cultural immersion.
Japan, a previous favourite before being dropped in 2019, has rebounded strongly with the introduction of the Japan Unveiled itinerary in September, which has captivated travellers. Japan’s cultural allure remains a significant draw, encouraging a new wave of visitors eager to engage with its unique traditions.
Borneo, an adventure into the rainforest, reflects an adventurous spirit among tourists willing to step beyond traditional destinations with guided tours. The success of this destination suggests a shift in traveller preferences towards more challenging yet rewarding trips.
Travel agents, as noted by Verity Rice, have been instrumental in this growth. They provide crucial support and confidence to customers wary of venturing to unfamiliar locales. “Travel agents are playing a massive part in the success by giving their customers the confidence to seek out destinations that are normally off their radar,” Rice emphasises. Their advocacy for these destinations not only boosts bookings but also extends the range of potential travel experiences for clients.
The substantial growth in Newmarket’s long-haul bookings highlights the enduring importance of travel agents in shaping travel trends.
