News Release (01/09/09)
The UK's leading tour operator and specialist to The Gambia reports an 11% rise in bookings for holidays departing pre Christmas from Bristol International Airport. The Gambia Experience, which has been serving the South West market from Bristol since 2001, commences a weekly Friday flight service to the country's capital, Banjul, on November 6th.
The tour operator is attracting visitors with its expanded programme for Winter 2009/10, which includes a wide variety of holidays to suit all tastes and pockets. Accommodation is highlighted within its 'luxury', 'excellent quality' and 'great value' hotel collections with many properties exclusive through the tour operator. More twin centre options with neighbouring Senegal are offered plus a range of excursions and tours including river, bush and beach excursions as well as bird safaris and fishing opportunities plus new cookery courses in traditional Gambian cuisine and African drumming workshops.
The Gambia boasts magnificent stretches of golden sandy beaches and being approximately on the same latitude as Barbados, its superb climate makes it one of the nearest, reliably hot, winter sun destinations. Flying time is just 6 hours from Bristol and this English speaking country is in the same time zone, so there's no jet lag. A rise in upmarket accommodation has resulted in its growing appeal to the luxury sector with The Gambia now being a real contender amongst other better known destinations.
Chris Rowles, managing director of The Gambia Experience, said:
"This growth in high quality accommodation is attracting new visitors to The Gambia, many of whom are switching from long haul destinations. Consequently it is our deluxe properties that are selling well, with bookings for our 'luxury collection' up by 12% for the new season, year on year."
The tour operator's deluxe properties include the recently opened Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, which occupies a prime beachfront location with spectacular sea views and provides the ultimate in service and luxury with its suites and penthouses and range of spa treatments. Further properties include sister hotel, Coconut Residence - a boutique style hotel where the emphasis is on personal service and fine cuisine, Ngala Lodge - this adults only hotel is a former colonial mansion with a romantic setting looking out from its cliff top position towards the ocean, plus the award winning Mandina river and jungle lodges at Makasutu Forest which are either floating, stilted or set back from the water.
Shaun Browne, Head of Aviation at Bristol International Airport, said:
"For those looking for an exotic and, good value, winter sun break, The Gambia is a great option and we're delighted with the Friday flight departure, which is so convenient for customers."
COMPETITIVE PRICES
7-night holidays start from £544 per person based on bed & breakfast at the 2-grade hotel, Palma Rima. This price includes return flights from Bristol, hotel transfers and taxes. Emergency exit seats are available to book for £40 each way. An Airport Gold Package, which includes use of the business lounge, priority boarding and a complimentary drink on board the aircraft on the outbound journey, plus an additional 10kg luggage allowance is available at a supplement of £49.
EARLY BOOKING OFFERS & COMPLIMENTARY 'GAMBIA GUIDES' WITH DISCOUNT VOUCHERS
The Gambia Experience is promoting a selection of Early Booking Offers for travel this winter, which are valid if booked by 30 September 09. These include a free treatment at Coco Ocean Resort & Spa, half board upgrades and discounts resulting in savings of up to £140 per person plus additional £35 per person loyality discount for those who have previously travelled with The Gambia Experience or sister brands The Senegal Experience and The Cape Verde Experience. A complimentary 156 page 'Gambia Guide' packed with detailed information about the destination and discount vouchers for many restaurants, is provided with all bookings.
Call 0845 330 2087 or visit www.gambia.co.uk.