[00:59.04]In this session in your training day we're going to look at some of the more specialised holidays we offer at BC Travel.
[01:06.56]Now, the travel business is very competitive and it's important to be aware of how the market's changing and developing.
[01:14.92]In terms of age groups, the over-65s are an important market.
[01:20.46] and one that's increasing steadily year on year.
[01:24.48]The fewest holidays are taken by the 31 to 42-year-olds, and that figure shows no sign of rising.
[01:32.79]The biggest market at present is still the youngest group, the 16 to 30s, but this group's also seen the biggest drop over the last few years, whereas there's a noticeable growth in the number of holidays taken by the 55 to 64-year-olds.
[01:50.60]As far as the 43 to 54-year-olds are concerned, bookings there are steady, but I have to say we haven't seen the increase we expected.
[02:02.51]One trend we're noticing with nearly all age groups is the growing popularity of holidays in which clients do some kind of specialised activity.
[02:12.13]I'm not talking here about adventure holidays, where clients take part in high-risk activities like white water rafting just for the thrill of it.
[02:22.08]Activity holidays usually involve rather less high-risk sports, or things like art and music.
[02:30.86]They're not necessarily cheaper than ordinary holidays, often the opposite, in fact.
[02:36.34]But they do often take place outside the main tourist centres,
[02:40.37] which gives an opportunity for clients to find out more about the local people and customs, and many say this is one of the most positive features of these holidays.
[02:51.00]Of course, they offer the chance to develop a new skill or talent, but clients often say that more than this.
[02:59.04] It's the chance to create lasting relationships with other like-minded people that's the main draw.
[03:06.83]Let me give you some examples of BC Travel activity holidays.
[03:11.63]Our painting holidays take place in four different centres in France and Italy and they're very popular with clients of all abilities from beginners onwards.
[03:22.66]We've got an excellent team of artists to lead the classes - some of them have been with us from the start.
[03:29.27] And five additional ones will be joining us this year so that we can offer a greater number of classes in each centre.
[03:38.72]As far as cooking holidays are concerned, I know a lot of agents offer holidays where clients cook recipes related to one particular country, usually the one they're staying in.
[03:50.53] But we focus on dishes from a great many different ones.
[03:55.05]Apart from that you'll find the usual emphasis on good quality, organic ingredients - that's more or less a given nowadays - and there are generally some meat-free recipes included.
[04:08.01]Our photography holidays take place in a wide range of countries from Iceland to Vietnam, and clients have the opportunity to see some stunning scenery.
[04:18.72]Groups are small, no more than eight, so clients can have one-on-one tuition during the holiday, and excursions are arranged with fully-trained guides.
[04:30.16]At the end of each holiday an exhibition is held of the photographs taken so that clients can see one another's work and receive valuable feedback from the tutor.
[05:14.04]Finally, let me tell you about our fitness holidays.
[05:17.55]In Ireland and Italy we run one-week general fitness classes for all ages and levels of fitness.
[05:25.85]Clients start the course with a consultation with a trainer, and together they draw up an individual programme.
[05:33.11]As well as improving general fitness, clients find that they end up losing much of the stress they've built up in their daily lives.
[05:42.26]In Greece, we have a two-week holiday for clients who want to do something about their weight.
[05:47.79]This has all the features you'd expect, like a personalised diet programme, but one of its most popular features is that the exercise classes are all held on the beach.
[05:59.76]People say it's far preferable to being in a gym.
[06:03.68]Finally, we offer several holidays in Morocco.
[06:07.91]One very popular one is the mountain biking holiday.
[06:11.36]Bikes are provided and there are different routes according to people's ability.
[06:15.96]We offer one which is tailored to the needs of families, which is particularly popular.
[06:22.07]OK, so that's about all the time I have today, so thank you very much.
