Multi-centre is king for Kuoni

Kuoni says sales are up for multi-centre long-haul trips as consumer confidence grows post-pandemic.

It says destinations including India, Kenya and Costa Rica have all seen an increase in sales in recent months as customers become more confident about planning more complex multi-centre trips.

Thailand and Japan also saw an immediate boost in bookings after ending their Covid entry requirements.

Bookings for late departures to Thailand for 2022 rose by 87% in the four weeks to the end of October, compared to 2019 numbers. The destination relaxed its entry restrictions at the start of that month.

Website visits for Kuoni’s specialist tailormade division were up 36%, with the most visited pages being Japan, India and African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.

There was also an increase in customers asking about tours to India, with Kuoni reporting that group touring sales are already at 80% of 2019 levels.

Francis Torrilla, Kuoni CEO, said: “A thirst for exploration is definitely back in play for British travellers and there’s been a notable shift even in recent weeks. Many people have put their big holiday plans on hold for three years, so they are coming to us for advice and expertise.

“Last year, people were booking more direct ‘A to B’ flights to destinations which were open for travel and opting for safer, more straightforward trips. They were just happy to just be on holiday again after the upset and turmoil of the pandemic.

“But now we’re seeing demand growing for multi-destination itineraries, and more complex travel arrangements for longer durations for up to three weeks as countries like Thailand and Japan finally drop their Covid entry restrictions and people start feeling more confident about the prospect of exploring the world again.”