Starting in the Olympic year of 2012, the ‘Grand UK Gold’ programme has already proved to be a winner for the operator and its customers. Many tours are now sold out and almost 90% of the overall programme has been snapped up within the first six months of sale.

Harold Burke, Grand UK sales director, said: “We’ve seen a boost to bookings in recent years thanks to the ‘staycation’ trend – and this year is seeing an even greater emphasis on domestic holidays, with major events such as the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Games. As the country counts down to the start of the Olympics, the focus on holidays in the UK is certainly helping our sales, especially the new ‘Grand UK Gold’ tour, as it appears our customers want to treat themselves in this special year.”

It was back in October 2011 that Grand UK Holidays unveiled ‘Grand UK Gold’, an upmarket coach brand to cater for growing demand for higher quality escorted tours. It offers state-of-the-art coaches in stylish livery, accommodation in top hotels, and special ‘extras’ such as a welcome reception and a commemorative photograph.

Manufactured by Plaxton, the new ‘Grand UK Gold’ coaches cost almost £300,000 each, and feature reclining leather seats offering extra legroom and individual air conditioning. Passengers can follow the progress of their tour with the on-board satellite navigation system, and have access to a library.

The ‘Grand UK Gold’ tours are featured in the operator’s 2012 brochure, which boasts a gold-themed cover to celebrate the new brand. The tours featured in the ‘Grand UK Gold’ programme mainly cover destinations across the UK and Ireland, and there are several European options too.
 
Although the summer 2012 ‘Grand UK Gold’ tours are now nearly sold out, a fresh range of tours will be included within their winter 2012-13 brochure which will be released in May. However, the success of the initial ‘Grand UK Gold’ programme has meant that some of the new tours have already been put on sale to cater for the demand. The Berlin & Harz Mountains Christmas Markets is among the new ‘Grand UK Gold’ holidays now on sale and costs just £439pp for seven days, departing on 25 November.

Find out more about what Grand UK Holidays offers here or give our friendly team of advisors a quick call on 0845 956 9686 and they will be happy to provide more information about the Gold Programme or to book you on a tour.