12
April
2022
|
11:30
Europe/Amsterdam

GOLD MEDAL: UK TRAVEL BOOKINGS TO ASIA DOUBLE IN VOLUME IN APRIL 2022

London, UK 12th April 2022: Gold Medal, the UK’s leading trade-only worldwide tour operator, part of the dnata Travel Group, is experiencing increased consumer interest and demand for its Asia product, with travel bookings from the UK doubling in volume in the first week of April, compared to the previous weeks this year.

In 2022 so far, bookings to Thailand with Gold Medal returned to 80% of 2019 levels in March, while bookings to Malaysia and Indonesia have exceeded booking volumes compared to April 2019. The team is also reporting that the average booking value for travel to Asia has doubled on the whole this year, citing a significant rise in package bookings, and travellers opting for longer stays.

The average length of stay for travellers heading to popular destinations in Asia in 2022 is 15% higher than stays in 2019. The demand for travel to the region includes a spread of destination bookings and departures throughout the year, with the most popular holiday locations booked through Gold Medal in 2022 so far including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Another factor the Gold Medal team attributes to the rise in bookings to Thailand specifically, is the removal of pre-departure testing to the country from 1st April, 2022, easing a travellers’ journey. The brand also accounts for significant demand witnessed post the launch of its new, multi-centre Thailand ‘More for Less’ package, featuring Phuket, Khao Sok, and Krabi.

Simon Applebaum, Managing Director at Gold Medal, commented: “I’m delighted that consumer confidence for Asia is returning, and that we’re seeing such rapid growth in our Asia business, as historically we’ve had such strength in the region. The success of our ‘More for Less’ offer means that agents should expect more, unmissable Gold Medal offers in the coming weeks and months. Our shared ownership with Destination Asia, as part of the dnata Travel Group, makes us uniquely positioned to deliver incredible experiences in-resort for travellers as the demand for more extensive travel packages continues to increase.”

 Gold Medal offers UK agents an unrivalled selection of accommodation, tours, and activities in Asia. ‘The Village, Coconut Island’ is a new property recently added to its portfolio for 2022, which it reports as growing in popularity with UK travellers. Located just off the coast of the island of Phuket, it offers luxury accommodation, and a wealth of activities targeted to both families and couples.

Applebaum concluded: “With more destinations opening up across Asia, and the relaxing of pre-travel and in-destination requirements, we only see our Asia product continuing to grow from strength to strength. Our first Pure Luxury Thailand FAM trip of 2022 is set to leave in the next few weeks for an incredible experience in Thailand, plus we have destination specialists delivering training to our agent partners, as we aim to rebuild confidence in selling this popular destination.”

 

Notes for editors

Gold Medal highlight Asia travel offer: ‘The Village, Coconut Island’

 Phuket, Thailand

5* The Village, Coconut Island

7 nights including breakfast from £1,039 per person

Includes 10% hotel discount and one bonus night

Transfers included

Flights from London Gatwick with Qatar Airways

Valid for departures 01 – 31 October 2022

Based on two adults sharing a Jacuzzi Suite

About Gold Medal UK:

Gold Medal, along with its Pure Luxury, Cruise Plus and Incredible Journeys sub-brands, is the UK’s leading trade-only worldwide tour operator and provides support to over 3,000 travel agents and travel agent consortia members annually. It was founded in 1978, and is now head-quartered in Leyland, Lancs. It is part of the dnata Travel Group, a travel services provider.