Solmar Villa Holidays chief executive Julie Blake said the uncertainty of the past three summers had influenced its decision to offer Atol-protected packages, with consumers seeking reassurances in the event of disruption – and to lock in pricing amid the cost of living crisis.
Packages will include car hire and airport transfers "to give customers more certainty over the cost of their holiday", and come with the services of in-resort managers. Accommodation options span some 1,600 private villas across Europe and the Mediterranean, ranging from two- to seven-bed properties. All villas have pools and are situated within walking distance of resorts.
Solmar plans to continue adding new destinations next year having recently launched the Amalfi coast. The business is currently licensed to carry 544 Atol-protected passengers through to the end of March 2023, but it did not immediately disclose the proposed size of its 2023/24 Atol.
"With the uncertainty we have all seen over the last couple of years, customers will want reassurance and to know that the overall price of their holiday isn’t going to change or increase at the last-minute," said Blake.
“With our villa and flight packages, travel agents can offer their customers package travel regulated holidays providing that extra bit of peace of mind. Initially, we will only be offering these packages through the travel trade to support the experts.
"We want the Solmar name to be one agents feel positive about, so we are happy to provide these extra services to make booking with us easier for agents and their clients.”
