Kuoni has launched its biggest ever range of luxury short-haul holidays having expanded into cities and regions it never previously sold.
With a big focus on honeymoons, the operator said the new programme would strengthen its position for ‘special occasion travel’ around the world.
Almost a third of Kuoni’s 2022 bookings are for honeymoons as many couples have been forced to postpone their weddings until next year.
The average spend on an overseas honeymoon has risen 13% from £7,985 in 2019 to £9,045 for 2022.
Kuoni said it will step up multi-centre ‘coast, culture and countryside’ itineraries in Europe with private transfers or car hire.
CEO Derek Jones added: “Whilst short-haul isn’t new for us, the size and scale of what we’ve created is and we think people are going to love it.
“This is about differentiating what we do from the mainstream travel operators and adding value, creating something bespoke for our clients that they can’t simply book online.
“We’re seeing more demand for luxury short-haul travel and people want more than just a beach stay. Our clients are looking for experiences, culture and places to stay on and off the beaten track.
“As part of our recovery plan we will continue to be the specialist for special occasion trips anywhere in the world.”
In Italy, Kuoni has introduced 12 new hotels with new options in Tuscany, including Siena for the first time, and experiences such as truffle hunting and cookery classes.
Other new hotels have been added in Lake Garda, Verona and Sicilian capital of Palermo.
A further 31 hotels have been added in other destinations throughout the Mediterranean.
The collection in Spain has grown significantly beyond the beach, with new options in Granada, Cordoba, Marbella and Estepona in Andalucia as well as luxury retreats on the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, said Kuoni.
In Portugal new cities and regions have been added including Porto and the Douro Valley as well as Lisbon.
Its Greece, Malta and Croatia programmes include new boutique hotels, villas and suites.
Greece is now Kuoni’s second best-selling short-haul destination, with increasing demand from couples and families.
New luxury properties have been added in Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and Halkidiki.
