Trade-only tour operator Gold Medal has unveiled 10 brochures ahead of a peak sales period campaign.
New additions to the long-haul programmes are 246 properties, 41 day tours or experiences and 20 destinations.
There are four brochures for North America – US; Canada; Florida; Caribbean & Mexico – and six for the Middle and Far East: The Far East; Thailand; Dubai & Arabia; Africa; Indian Ocean & India; and Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific.
Each cover features illustrations of regional highlights, hand-drawn by Gold Medal staff.
Nick Hughes, sales director at Gold Medal and Travel 2, said: “Print products provide a valuable resource and selling tool in stores, and this year will be a great gateway into our enhanced Gold Medal website, with new functionality and features including filtering search results, new product maps and the ability to email or print bespoke quotes with the agents’ call to action.
“What really shines through is the incredible versatility that Gold Medal offers. We have holiday content for all budgets, can cater for growing trends such as multigenerational travel and celebrations, and have a huge variety of activity, sightseeing and cultural experiences for holidaymakers who increasingly want to get beneath the skin of their chosen destination.”
The Thailand programme emphasises lesser-known resorts such as Koh Yao Noi, Koh Racha, Koh Kraden and Kanchanaburi.
In Malaysia, the Desaru Coast makes its debut with two properties easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, while Vietnam is currently running 10% up on last year with Danag, Hoi An and Nha Trang performing well.
The brochure now has a Japan Rail Guide, as the country has been boosted by hosting the rugby world cup and the upcoming Olympic Games. Hotel sales are already up by 107% on 2019.
The Dubai & Arabia programme sees Qatar make its debut, ahead of the 2022 football world cup.
Looking westwards, the US brochure has fresh options in Las Vegas, New York and Florida, while there are further new properties in the Caribbean & Mexico brochure.
The Canada programme has seen the introduction of the Classic Ontario Circle Tour, a motorhome itinerary that takes in the best of the province’s scenery and historic towns.
New accommodation options include the Baker Creek Mountain Resort near Lake Louise, which offers a traditional log-cabin wilderness experience, and the Royal Scout Suite Hotel, a budget-conscious base for Vancouver Island.
New experiences are Segway tours of Calgary, a brewery tour in Vancouver, and bear-spotting in Whistler.
Down under, Australia has seen growth thanks to Qantas’ direct Heathrow-Perth service.
The Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure has 55 new properties, 20 new tours and nine new destinations.
G Adventures is added as a new small group operator for Oceania, and Kirra Tours in New Zealand.
In the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is seeing sales up 20% for 2020.
Seven properties have been added to the Indian Ocean & India brochure, with two of these – You & Me by Cocoon Maldives (pictured) and Amaya Kuda Rah Maldives – exclusive to parent company dnata.
In the Africa brochure, there is a new section dedicated to the South African foodie scene. The programme has 16 new properties, and resorts in east Africa are tipped for growth, particularly Tanzania and Kenya, thanks to their rich cultural heritage and nature.
Gold Medal is supporting the brochure launches with a campaign which will offer agents access to a high-profile music event.
Along with the brochures, agents will receive a Gold Medal brochure guide, window posters, notepads, 2020 calendars and pens.