Escorted tour specialist Newmarket Holidays has seen trade bookings for long haul travel rise by 80% for the year to date, compared to 2019 levels.

Commenting on the growth, the company praised the support of travel agents who, it says, have shown their ability to give confidence to travellers, despite the uncertainties of the past two years.

Richard Forde, Head of Trade Sales said, "We are delighted with the year so far and agents have played a big part in bringing confidence back to our customers, especially when it comes to big-ticket long haul adventures.

“Our 'Dream It. See It. Share It.' campaign, which gives up to 15% off holidays booked before 31 July, has been a successful sales tool for our agent partners, and we're really excited to see them continue to benefit from it over the summer.”

Stand out tours from the year so far have included a tour of Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, a traditional big five safari tour in South Africa, and a wildlife and culture trip through Kenya's famous East & West Tsavo parks.

Bonface Muriithi, a tour manager who was born and raised on the slopes of Mount Kenya, says travellers are attracted to the small-group format of Newmarket Holidays tours. He said, “Guests are looking for unforgettable experiences, and escorted tours allow them to meet people and explore cultures in a way that's harder for them to do when travelling alone."

Three tours that have helped Newmarket Holidays achieve record long haul sales:

Kenya Grand Safari & Beach was a 14-day tour through the savannah and scrubland of Tsavo West National Park, and then into Tsavo East to discover giant elephant herds. Bonface Muritihi, who led the tour in June, said: “This wasn't just a wildlife tour. Guests met tea farmers at family-owned plantations, crossed the equator, and visited a village to learn more about local culture,” newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/africa/kenya-beach-and-safari

Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands was a 17-day adventure that took place at the same time as June's Festival of Light in Cusco, and visited the lost city of Machu Picchu, as well as Peru's capital, Lima; the Sacred Valley and the Inca capital, Cusco, newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/south-america/peru-ecuador-and-the-galapagos-islands

On Safari in South Africa, was a 10-day tour including games drives and bush walks and staying at the Sebatana Lodge, which has its own private game reserve. Lucy Alborough, Sales and Service Manager said: "Our knowledgeable guides made all the difference, and with their help we managed to see all the 'Big Five',” newmarketholidays.co.uk/holidays/africa/on-safari-in-south-africa

Find out more at https://www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/.

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About Newmarket Holidays
Newmarket Holidays is a multi-award winning, independently owned British tour operator, providing a portfolio of escorted trips, resort-centred stays, and event-focused tours throughout the world. Founded in 1983, Newmarket Holidays has steadily grown and expanded to become one of the UK's leading and most respected travel companies. High standards of customer care and value are integral to Newmarket Holidays' operations and this is reflected in the meticulously-designed tours, from accommodation to on-the-ground experiences.

Offering a vast selection of escorted, air-inclusive tours within the UK, Europe, Americas, India and South-east Asia, Newmarket Holidays also presents a range of ocean and river cruises. Additionally the tour operator is a popular provider of concert and event experiences such as Lapland Santa Experience, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships and performances by classical violinist and orchestra leader André Rieu.

For more details, please contact: E dan@humewhitehead.co.uk T: +44 (0)7429 256 670