India Tour Targets ‘Exotic Marigold’ Fans

New Virgin Vacations India Tour Evokes Hit Movie
Fans of the movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” can make like Judi Dench on Virgin Vacations’ 15-day Classic India tour that visits Jaipur and Udaipur – both featured in the recent film. The movie, which stars Dench, tracks a group of British retirees who travel to Jaipur, in search of a new home, only to find themselves in a charming but run-down hotel.

Classic India begins in Delhi and heads south, ending in Mumbai, visiting Agra for the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and Udaipur for two nights each, Ranthambore for a jungle safari and Kota. Priced from $2,429 with roundtrip air fare from New York on Jet Airways, departures are Sept. 18 through April 23, 2013. Unlike the Marigold Hotel, accommodations will range from 3-plus stars in Rathambore National Park to 5 stars in Mumbai.

Travcoa Says India Is Popular Among Luxury Set
Not only does India have a hit movie going for it, but the country is already rising as a popular destination among luxury travelers, according to luxury operator Travcoa. The company reported a 15% increase in reservations for India year over year through May. Its 23-day Enlightened India tour, Oct. 17, 23 and Nov. 14, is priced at $12,495. An elephant ride outside of Jaipur to the Aravali Forest is a highlight.

‘Gift of Time’ for Tauck Repeaters
Tauck announced a value add that travel agents can use to generate repeat Tauck bookings with the company’s new Gift of Time offer – a complimentary hotel night on all 2013 departures of land tours, river cruises and ocean cruises.  Returning Tauck clients can take their free night at the beginning or end of their tour.  For 2013, Tauck is also adding complimentary in-room Internet access in each hotel where Internet connectivity is available.

CIE Tours Launches New Britain Tours
Citing the Summer Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee as events sure to spark interest in the U.K., CIE Tours rolled out a new Best of Britain tour program. The 8 or 9-day itineraries feature motorcoach travel and overnights in first-class accommodations. Among the options are visits to Bath, Stonehenge, York and Oxford University, along with a banquet at Cardiff Castle, a Beatles’ themed tour of Liverpool and, on selected dates, admission to the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. Land-only prices start at $1,648 per person.

Antarctica Highlighted in New Cox & Kings Lineup
Featuring such far-flung destinations as Easter Island and Antarctica, Cox & Kings announced new Dream Trips itineraries for this fall and early 2013. The itineraries include a luxury, small-ship cruise with ports in Greece and Egypt; a trip to Patagonian wilderness areas and Easter Island; and a cruise to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands.

General Tours Enhances Small Group Offerings
General Tours added a Gems of China & the Yangtze tour to its Small Group Discoveries program geared for 16 participants or less.  The tour includes gourmet dining in Beijing and Shanghai and a visit to the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. In other news, the company is offering a $600 discount per couple to those who pay in full during the time of booking.

Brendan Promotes Off-Season Europe
Brendan Vacations’ Autumn, Winter & Spring tours offer clients savings of up to 30% over peak season travel, with prices on Europe tours from $125 including hotel, breakfast, transportation, most meals  and sightseeing. Brendan’s promotional offer: $250 savings per couple on bookings by July 12.