Tui has expanded its summer 2019 programme with the launch of a new route to Calabria.
The route will operate out of Gatwick and Manchester airports, starting May 2019. It will run once a week every Saturday from both airports.
Tui says the move offers British holidaymakers exclusive access to the so-called “toe of the boot” on Italy’s southernmost peninsula, it becoming the first tour operator to sell holidays to Calabria.
Calabria is known for its food, culture and extensive coastline.
Besides the new flights, Tui will launch its first Tui Magic Life hotel in Italy in May 2019 to support the new route.
Magic Life, says Tui, takes all-inclusive to “the next level” with 24-hour dining, as well as sports, fitness, wellbeing and entertainment programmes.
The 641-room hotel, which also features a splash park, three pools and private lodge area, will undergo a complete renovation ahead of the launch.
Richard Sofer, Tui UK commercial director, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing Calabria as a new destination for summer 2019. This region is something totally new to the UK market and Italy is already hugely popular with British tourists.
“We are the only tour operator in the UK to offer holidays to Calabria and are proud to be introducing it as a new and exciting destination to both our Gatwick and Manchester portfolio for next summer.”
On Tui’s new Magic Life brand, Sofer added: “We are always looking to expand our product offering and are delighted to be opening a Tui Magic Life hotel in Italy. The hotel is ideal for both couples and families.
“All our customers can enjoy the 24 hour all-inclusive dining, relax by the beautiful beachfront locations on offer and keep busy with extensive sports programmes. There is plenty of variety and choice for guests to enjoy.”