Caribtours has ventured into Europe for the first time, bringing 19 properties in Cyprus, Italy, Greece and Spain into the portfolio.
The operator has marked its 37th year in business with the inclusion of the selection in an Indian Ocean, Europe and Arabia programme. Managing director Paul Cleary said feedback from specialist luxury agents had prompted expansion.
“When our clients are not going to the Caribbean or Indian Ocean, Europe is where they are going to.”
The bulk of the European properties are in Italy, Sicily and Sardinia, with five in the country from Belmond. Also in the programme is the Belmond La Residencia in Majorca plus a selection of other upmarket properties in Crete.
Others include the Casa Angelina in Praiano, described as being “one of the most private hotels on the Amalfi Coast” and suitable for honeymooners, from £925pp including breakfast.
“Our agents told us which hotels they wanted to see and we went and contracted them, it was a no-brainer,” added Cleary, who said Caribtours’ reputation had meant it obtained “very good rates”.
In the main Caribbean, Mexico and USA brochure, three new US fly-drives are added in Florida and California. They include Coastal California, an itinerary from San Francisco to San Diego, from £1,779pp for 11 nights.
Additions to the Caribbean selection include the eco Castara Retreats, set on a hillside on the west coast of Tobago, and Secret Bay in Dominica, both described as “hidden gems”.
“These are unusual hotels that sometimes other operators overlook,” said Cleary.
More island hopping options are added, pairing St Martin and Anguilla, Antigua and St Barths, and Barbados and the Grenadines.
In the Indian Ocean, the new Ozen by Atmosphere resort is added in The Maldives plus two Beachcomber Resorts, Dinarobin and Royal Palm in Mauritius.
Caribtours has a promotion during September, with £250 of vouchers on offer based on booking value. The top-selling agent of 2017 will win a week’s all-inclusive holiday at Waves Resort and Spa in Barbados.