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Classic Collection readies new city breaks programme
Classic Collection is gearing up to launch its new city breaks programme, which will feature New York for the first time.
A dedicated new 100-page city breaks brochure will debut in early-March; the initially digital-only collection will be available from the operator’s website.
It will showcase a wider range of pre-bookable experience and hotels, and will feature a renewed focus on competitive pricing.
Alex Gavalda, director of product and commercial, said the operator had been careful not to make the brochure, its 15th since March 2020, another "hotel directory".
"At no point during the health crisis have we stopped working on new programmes and destinations to the benefit of our trade partners and their customers," said Gavalda.
"We’re aiming to tempt clients away from OTAs and back into travel agencies to book a more rewarding and rounded city break experience.
"In this brochure, we highlight a selection of recommended hotels in primary locations, but we have the functionality to access a much wider choice of hotel accommodation."
Gavalda added the operator had acted on demand from agents by adding new destinations in France, as well as New York.
Istanbul and Athens, both of which he said were in "high demand", also return to Classic Collection’s city break programme off the back of agent demand.
Experience pairings include a visit to New York’s Empire State building observatory, as well as twin centres with Mexico or Bermuda.
In France, Classic is offering a three-night Bordeaux stay along with a half-day Medoc wine tour, while a three-night Istanbul visit can be packaged with a full-day tour of the historic city.
Twin- and multi-centre options to Bodrum, Dalaman or Antalya are available.
It comes after Classic Collection and agent-only portal Classic Package Holidays pledged to offer a range of new mid- and long-haul options, including Dubai, Mexico and the Caribbean.
It has, however, stressed that it will take a cautious, unhurried approach to launching new destinations, taking account of Covid travel restrictions and other pandemic-related factors.
Anantara Hotels sales manager Kate Samuel has also joined the operator as senior product and purchasing manager.
James Chapple
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