Travel trade insiders explain why...

Boost bookings with insights from the experts, writes India-Jayne Trainor

Three travel industry professionals share their insights into selling holidays in Turkey, listing the benefits your clients will want to hear about, from affordable luxury to beautiful beaches and cultural diversity – or even just an alternative to going to Greece.

1. “The ideal destination for couples and families”
Alan Cross, Director of Travel Agent Relationships, Jet2holidays says: "Turkey is the ideal holiday destination for couples and families of every age. Holidaymakers can flip between seeing ancient wonders, experiencing mesmerising coastline and exploring chic shopping malls, all in one holiday. Agents should be communicating this to customers and selling Turkey as an all-round holiday destination.

Turkey also works for all budgets. Independent travel agents should be pushing Turkey as a destination where customers’ money will stretch further. With everything from two- to five-star hotels and a variety of board types, there is a wide range of accommodation to suit holidaymakers’ budgets. Dalaman and Antalya are proving very popular destinations this summer.

Agents should be advising their customers to book ahead, so they can ensure they get the best room in the best hotels at the best price. There are some fantastic deals available on all-inclusive packages in Turkey too, making it perfect for customers who are looking to sample some affordable luxury."

Liberty hotel lobby

2. “The key sell is affordability”
Pınar Erginyavuz, Group Sales Director, Liberty Hotels, says: "Turkey has lots of selling points. Istanbul (lead picture) is a culinary capital, while the coastline along the Aegean, Black Sea and the Mediterranean has beautiful sandy beaches.

Focus on Turkey’s long summer season, too. Even in October, temperatures are still a warm 20C. Towns such as Alaçatı are perfect for families and couples, thanks to a range of resorts, gastronomy and nightlife, while Kas offers activities such as climbing, paragliding and scuba diving for active travellers wanting to get off the beaten track.

Itineraries tailored to individual interests such as adventure travel, food tours and wellness retreats are offered at all of our resorts, including the new Liberty Signa, which opens in May.

For those looking for an all-inclusive holiday, Turkey is the perfect choice. Liberty has a range of all-inclusive properties in destinations such as Antalya, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Kusadası, which offer a luxury holiday at better value than other European destinations."

Antalya Bodrum Antalya, Bodrum

3. “Perfect for clients who have done Greece”
Sophie Jones, Product Manager, Europe & North Africa, Elegant Resorts, says: "Turkey has beautiful beaches, cities and culture, along with some great weather. People often think of Turkey as more of a budget destination, but it’s got a great mix of both luxury and affordable options. Agents should consider promoting the Turquoise Coast, which includes places like Bodrum and Dalaman, as an alternative to Greece for holidaymakers who may have been to the Greek islands a few times already.

We’re seeing more people asking about full-board and all-inclusive stays, which can offer better value, especially when visitors are staying for longer. Stays have gone up in length since last year, and with all-inclusive, everything is taken care of. There’s also increased interest in destinations such as Cappadocia and Istanbul, which we’re looking to expand into for more adventurous travellers. Multigenerational travel is also gaining in popularity, with grandparents taking their offspring abroad.

This is where villa products in Turkey, such as those at the Mandarin Oriental, can work well. If clients are keen on a summer trip to Turkey, booking early is essential. Although flights have become more and more frequent, hotels have peak periods and you will sometimes contend with domestic tourism as locals love to escape to the coast, too."

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