Italy specialists Sardatur Holidays is enjoying the good life, with expansion on the cards. Andrew Doherty learns about the luxury operator’s new experiences and trade focus
With more than 30 years of experience selling bespoke breaks to Sardinia and other Italian locations, Sardatur Holidays has earned a small yet loyal legion of travel agent partners in the UK.
From Sardinia and Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast and Italian Lakes, the operator offers a selection of Italy breaks, staying at a range of four- and five-star hotels and resorts, with a focus on health, wellbeing and outdoor pursuits.
Now the Richmond-based company is looking to expand, offering a bolstered portfolio of renovated properties and new experiences for 2019 and beyond.
“The British market has been very important for us and this year we really want to grow,” says managing director Gianni Bonuglia.
“The Brits love Italy, the food and the wine, but also the fact that it’s not as crowded as other Mediterranean destinations.”
While Sardatur currently sends about 8,000 Brits a year to Italy, 70% of bookings are direct, a statistic the operator wants to change.
“Our best bookings are made by travel agents,” says Bonuglia. “This is why we want to form stronger ties with the trade. We offer great commission and never discount. We want agents to know we’re definitely open for business.”