Leading British coach holiday operator Alfa Travel has developed a new range of holidays where clients join their holiday coach directly.

For many years, the larger coach holiday operators have used a "feeder" or "hub and spoke" system in which clients join a local coach and then change to their holiday coach at a central interchange point. This system provides a huge choice of destinations and makes it possible to offer even minority interest holidays from smaller towns and villages. But when it comes to shorter duration holidays the time taken to change coaches at the interchange and the need to sometimes wait for connecting services can become an issue.

This new range of holidays from Alfa is designed to supplement their huge selection of holidays using their interchange system with a smaller range of "direct joining" holidays.

The benefits of direct line of route travel are:

• Quicker journey time
• No risk of having to wait for connecting services at interchanges
• More time at the chosen holiday resort
• Pre-booked seats throughout the holiday
• More time to get to know your travelling companions

Booking could not be simpler. Clients can book through their local travel agent, by telephone direct to Alfa, or On Line at www.alfatravel.co.uk

Commenting on the new programme, Michaela Boardman, Head of Sales and Marketing said:

"By concentrating on offering the most popular destinations from only larger towns we have been able to offer a range of short break holidays at fantastic prices. Direct Join will never be able to offer the choice of destinations or durations that is possible with an interchange based system, but for short duration holidays to the more popular resorts, it is an ideal addition to our range."

"Most short breaks are now booked On Line and this product is targeted firmly at clients who are prepared to choose their holiday and book On Line. The printed publicity material is very minimalist and clients need to consult the web to obtain full details of all holidays. Bookings can still be made on the telephone, but we are encouraging clients to focus on our web site with a £5 per person discount available for all On Line bookings."

"In an industry first, we also offer the On Line discounts for bookings made via travel agents, reflecting our commitment to ensure that our travel agency partners are able to compete on equal terms at all times."

"Initially, the programme will only be available in the North West of England and Yorkshire, but roll outs are planned for other areas over the coming months."

For more information please contact Michaela Boardman, Head of Sales and Marketing

michaela.boardman@alfatravel.co.uk

Tel: 0845 130 5666