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Central Holidays Presents Customizable Food And Wine Itineraries Across Europe

-- Elaborate Culinary-focused travel programs with interactive cooking classeslaunched to cater to travelers seeking the most authentic and immersive travel experiencesin high-demand destinations--

Central Holidays presents food and wine itineraries across Europe, leveragingtheir European teams, Italy office, and decades of destination expertise to create elaborate experiential culinary-focused travel programs with interactive cooking classes. Programs designed to cater to today’s travelers who are looking to have the most authentic, immersive, and locally inspired travel experiences.

“One of the most alarming difficulties we are hearing from travel advisors is how it has become ever more challenging to plan more intricate and involved itineraries across Europe …until they came to us! Luckily that is one of the sweet spots where our insider’s perspective, expertise, experience, contacts, and in-country teamsare displayed,” said Maria Jose Merino, VP of Product Development and Operations. “This is exactly why we are expanding our experiential and sustainable travel programs across several regions – particularly focused on showcasing the local culture revealed through their culinary delicacies, wines, and traditions. At each destination we include hands-on cooking experiences with acclaimed chefs and also cultural interchanges with the locals! Learn about their customs and secrets in the kitchen. Travel advisors are thrilled to work with us as an extension of their team to deliver the most meticulously planned, dream travel programs that their travelers are yearning to experience now.”

From Italy and Spain to Croatia, Malta, and beyond here’s a glance at some of Central Holidays’ most immersive culinary travel programs in Europe:

  • Live and Eat Like a Local in Umbria with Chef Lorenzo

Travelers will learn the secrets of Italian cuisine in Umbria's Orvieto on this 8-day culinary travel experience. Participants will enjoy visiting the local farmer’s market to shop for fresh ingredients, join in three hands-on cooking classes led by Chef Lorenzo at CasalePolegri in the Umbrian countryside, and savor delectable meals with succulent wines in captivating surroundings. Brimming with exclusive moments, this immersive food and wine-focused adventure also includes: a truffle hunting experience, tastings of artisanal cheeses, wine tasting experiences, tour of Buffalo Mozzarella Farm with mozzarella tasting, visits of medieval Montepulciano and Civita di Bagnoragio, plus so much more!

  • Sardinia, A Paradise for Gourmets and Fine Wine Lovers

Food and wine aficionados will love this 7-day culinary experience that celebrates Sardinia. Brimming with inclusions, travelers will love getting to know Cagliari on a walking tour, then taste the town’s flavors on a gourmet tour with tasting events.  In historic Pula, a hands-on cooking class will be simply unforgettable as well as private guided tours and tastings of such farm-to-table Sardinian foods in as local cheeses, olive oil, and wines.  Further along travelers will embark on a fishing tour that features a delectable lunch onboard.

  • Barcelona For Foodies

Barcelona beckons on this food and wine focused experience in Spain. Activities take travelers to discover one of Spain's most famous streets, Las Ramblas; explore the Gothic Quarter; take in Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces including Parque Guell and the city's iconic Art Noveau Sagrada Familia church; and snack on local favorites at Barcelona's most famous market,Mercat de la Boqueria. Participants will also join in a hands-on cooking class, including a market visit with lunch and drinks. This Barcelona adventure features two cava wine cellar tours with wine tastings, as well as a wine and tapas walking tour including tastings.

  • Madrid for Foodies

Foodies can indulge in a 5-day culinary travel experience that tantalizes all the senses in Spain’s lively capital, Madrid.  This captivating program invites travelers to learn the secrets of Spanish cuisine with chef-led cooking class sessions, flavorful tapas experiences, and a half day cava cellar tour with brunch that will have participants exclaiming “Olé” with all the fervor of a native. Guests will join in insightful tours of Madrid and Toledo with expert guides, plus so much more!

  • Wine and Dine in Croatia

Travelers will enjoy an exquisite, 6-day culinary-focused vacation in Croatia with cooking classes and tastings plus deluxe private touring galore! From Croatian wine tasting experiences in the hills of Skradin and in KaštelKambelovac to Split, the historic city built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace, unique experiences abound. Further along, guests will take a guided walking tour of old Dubrovnik and join in a hands-on cooking class and meal accompanied by wine tasting in the city.  The adventure continues with a private-guided excursion to Ston and Korcula, featuring delectable oyster and wine tasting experiences.

  • Malta, A Food and Wine Paradise

On this inspired 5-day culinary travel experience, travelers will delve into the fascinating culture of Malta through its fabulous food and wine. Travelers will discover delicious Maltese cuisine and wine with a chef-led hands-on cooking class experience, featuring flavorful farm to table ingredients from the actual 600-acre farm just steps from the learning-kitchen. Further on, guests will tour Malta's Palazzo Parisio, and then visit one of Valletta’s top wineries including a tasting experience to indulge wine lovers.

"At Central Holidays, we have the unparalleled ability to meet the demand and customize travel programs for individuals as well as groups and ensure that they will all have a wonderful experience every step of the way.  Additionally, travel advisors and group planners can start planning travel experiences for their clients now -- even for travel through 2024 -- to benefit from the astronomically high demand that the industry in currently experiencing,” said Adam Greis, General Manager of Central Holidays.

Central Holidays’ culinary travel programs, including day-by-day itineraries, can be viewed in detail at www.centralholidays.com. For additional details or to become a preferred travel advisor partner for Central Holidays, call 1-800-935-5000.

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Central Holidays Sees Double Digit Growth In Group Travel Bookings Over Top-Performing Pre-Covid Sales

Central Holidays is on track to close out the first quarter of 2023 with an impressive increase in group bookings that has surpassed the company’s pre-Covid sales by over 20 percent in Q1 (115 percent increase year-over-year). The company is seeing this increase being fueled by a number of trends including the demand for more customized groups, requests for a diversity of destinations, last-minute inquiries, and an influx of travel advisors newly seeking to get into the group travel segment.

“We are seeing travel advisors leaning into group travel more than ever before. Equally, we are experiencing a dramatic rise of new-to-the-industry travel advisors eager to learn about group travel and starting to book groups. The numbers speak for themselves with bookings on pace to surpass our top performing pre-covid sales year,” said Adam Greis, General Manager of Central Holidays.

“There is no doubt that the travel market has changed over these past few years,” continued Greis. “Nonetheless our time-honored experience and strength in group travel has propelled us to significant growth in the segment. In 2022 we saw people preferred to travel more in smaller family and friend groups, with an increase going back to groups of 30-40 travelers as the year progressed. That continued to be augmented by more private customized groups of 60-80 travelers on from there with the largest group we orchestrated last year reaching nearly 4,000 travelers. Interestingly, a trend we are seeing is that the majority of these groups are being driven by travel advisors – whether customized family travel, special interest, corporate, incentive, or other. Many advisors have come to realize the benefits of selling group travel and the flood gates have opened!”

To help support travel advisors, as travelers continue to show the greatest comfort in traveling as part of a group, the company is making major investments in Technology and Training. Advisors can look forward to the upcoming launch of the company’s new website that will include a dedicated platform for travel advisors where they will be able to make and manage bookings, benefit from expert sources, and access marketing resources tailored to their agency. Additionally, Central Holidays will be introducing valuable training and development programs in the coming season including a webinar series, Familiarization Trip opportunities, and more one-on-one trainings presented directly to agencies by the company’s specialized travel industry sales team.

With a 50+ year history and unparalleled experience in planning and delivering group travel as well as a brand specifically dedicated to the segment – called Group Travel Experiences by CH, Central Holidays is further working to keep the growth in group travel increasing by catering to the current trends that include: requests for a diversity of destinations and more customized experiences, as well as distinguished service on inquiries that range from last-minute requests to programs being planned deep into 2024 and even 2025.

“From scheduled departures to many destinations, to a Groups offering that is always fully customizable, we are constantly creating itineraries based on specific requests,” said Maria Jose Merino, Vice President of Operations and Product for Central Holidays. “Plus, with offices in Italy and Egypt, and destination management affiliations in many of the most popular group travel destinations today – including France, Greece, Spain, UAE, South Africa, South America (Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands), and beyond – we have the unique in-country reach to develop itineraries for different destinations and enhance them to include services and products based on our expertise coupled with travelers’ interests and preferences. It’s that personalized service that has been one of the cornerstones of our success for more than 50 years and keeps us going strong.”

Agencies looking to plan a one-on-one training session for their team can contact Central Holidays Travel Industry Sales Vice President Margie Bell via email at mbell@centralholidays.com. News about the new training and technology offerings will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Central Holidays Presents A World Of Unparalleled New Travel Packages And Experiences In Its Just-Released Collection Of 2020 Brochures For Egypt, Africa & West Asia, And Latin America

Central Holidays has announced the debut of its 2020 brochures for Egypt, Africa & West Asia, and Latin America that round-out its virtually world-wide range of travel opportunities and add to its recently introduced new Italy and Europe brochures.  Celebrated for its affordable luxury itineraries, uniquely presented by Central Holidays, the travel brand is constantly adding new offerings and enhancements to its range of vacations created by its team of destination experts. 

“Each travel program included in this just-released range of brochures is meticulously handcrafted by our destination specialist Product Managers.  Christine Henriquez, who has traveled extensively throughout the region, developed the amazing experiences in our 64-page Egypt brochure.  Maria José Merino and Ray Reynolds, both experts in the region, collaborated on the outstanding array of Latin America travel packages.  And our fascinating expanded range of affordable luxury offerings in Africa and West Asia was planned by Maria José Merino with her in-depth insider knowledge,” said Lori Corless, Vice President of Marketing for Central Holidays.”

New for 2020:

In Egypt…Travelers can choose among Central Holidays’ ultimate adventures throughout the country with an array of unparalleled new opportunities, including a spectacular 10-day “Egypt Sand & Sea” program that takes travelers to experience ancient antiquities, amazing cities and sites, and the splendid beach resort town of Hurghada along the Red Sea; the new 13-day “Breezes of the Nile” that takes adventurers to share in the grandeur of Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile by land and river; and the ultimate opportunity to indulge your bucket list – visiting amazing destinations on a 10-day multi-country trip to “Egypt and Greece.” The 2020 Egypt brochure also showcases even more destinations where travelers can opt to extend their stay in this fascinating country, including El Ain El Sokhna, as well as in Israel, and in Greece.

In Africa and West Asia…Travelers can enjoy new experiences, including: an in-depth luxury Israel Up Close and Personal escorted itinerary brimming with fascinating inclusions; two action-packed safari travel programs in Africa including the new African Expedition, featuring lesser known park reserve areas and Central Holidays’ Big Five Adventure where travelers have the opportunity to view rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, and elephant in their habitats. For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path journey, they can try the company’s new Tanzania, the Cradle of Human Kind, or the new When in Zanzibar program, abounding with options to tailor-create the ideal vacation. Visitors can also consider venturing along on one of Central Holidays’ UAE, Jordan, or Oman travel packages with delightful experiences to cherish and share.

In Latin America…Argentina beckons with new itineraries, including outstanding culinary and inspired nature-focused programs.  Travelers can enjoy the treasures of Peru, from its leading culinary accolades to new trekking programs and everything in between. In Ecuador and the Galapagos, guests can embark on the trip of a lifetime with experiences by land, sea, and along the enchanting Amazon.  The excitement continues as Central Holidays also debuts a diverse new collection of vacations in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Guatemala and includes popular favorites in Costa Rica and Panama too. From Iguazu Falls to Patagonia, and Machu Picchu to the colorful and vibrant capitals of Latin America, and beyond – the options abound!

To view or download Central Holidays’ new collection of brochures, visit https://www.centralholidays.com/BROCHURE.

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Central Holidays Unveils Last Minute Travel Deals In Europe And South America

Central Holidays is pleased to introduce amazing savings on last minute travel deals in Europe and South America that are fully commissionable to travel agents.  “Our company is composed of travel pros that know the destinations we serve intricately and who are able to negotiate incomparable preferred pricing. We are proud to say that this insight is reflected in our level of expertise on planning these trips and on the amazing value-added deals they present. We invite travel advisors and their clients to get the insider’s perspective into these countries traveling on our special last minute deals,” said Lori Corless, Vice President of Marketing for Central Holidays.

Here is a glance at Central Holidays’ exclusive travel deals:

Multi-country Europe Specials – Travel by February 29, 2020:

https://www.centralholidays.com/lp/Last-Minute-Travel-Specials--Europe

 

Barcelona, Madrid & Lisbon

7 Days from $1,070

INCLUDED FEATURES

  • First class hotel accommodation for 6 nights
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Private half day panoramic city tour of Barcelona with English-speaking driver
  • Private half day panoramic city tour of Madrid with English-speaking driver
  • Regular half day tour of Lisbon
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in each city
  • Document holder and luggage tags
  • Hotel taxes and service charges

 

Madrid, Barcelona & Paris

7 Days from $1,441

INCLUDED FEATURES

  • First class hotel accommodation for 6 nights
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Private half day panoramic city tour of Madrid with English-speaking driver
  • Private half day panoramic city tour of Barcelona with English-speaking driver
  • Private half day panoramic city tour of Paris with English-speaking driver
  • Private arrival and departure transfers in each city
  • Document holder and luggage tags
  • Hotel taxes and service charges

 Europe Specials are priced per person, land only, based on double room occupancy. Price is valid for new bookings only for travel from now to February 29, 2020.

 

Last Minute Travel Deals in South America – Travel dates through March 2020:

https://www.centralholidays.com/lp/Last-Minute-Travel-Specials--South-America

 

Peruvian Classic Highlights – 7 Days from $1,889

Save $190-$610 PP

INCLUDED FEATURES

  • Hotel accommodations for 6 nights
  • Daily buffet breakfast, 2 lunches & 1 dinner
  • All transfers, touring & sightseeing as follows:
    • Via shared services on Travel in Style program
    • Via private car on Travel in Luxury program
  • All excursions have a professional English-speaking guide
  • City tour of Lima
  • Full day tour of the Sacred Valley
  • Round trip train to Machu Picchu
  • Tour of Machu Picchu
  • Half day tour of Cusco and nearby archaeological site
  • Document holder and luggage tags
  • Hotel taxes and service charges

Peruvian Classic Highlights winter travel deal is priced per person, land only based on double occupancy. Save $190 on the Travel in Style program or save $610 on the Travel in Luxury program. Offer is valid for new bookings only for travel from Jan 2 through Mar 31, 2020. Blackout dates apply.

 

Cruising the Galapagos Islands on board Galapagos Legend, Coral I, or Coral II -- 4 or 5 Days from $2,190

Choose from 2 great offers:

  1. Free round-trip air fare from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos Island ($475 value). Available on the following 2019 & 2020 sailing dates: Dec 8, 15 & 16; Jan 22; Feb 2, 12, & 23; Mar 8, 9 & 11
  2. A one category cabin upgrade on your cruise (valid on “Standard Plus Category”). Savings are $306-$501 depending on the ship, date of sailing and cabin category chosen. Available on the following 2019 & 2020 sailing dates: Dec 4, 9, 11 & 12; Jan 16, 19, 27 & 29; Feb 27; Mar 12 & 25

The above Galapagos specials are priced per person, cruise only based on double occupancy. Offer is valid for new bookings only.

 

All featured offers are not combinable with other offers/discounts/promotions, or for GROUP TRAVEL for which special rates apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

 

To Book:

Call 800-935-5000

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Central Holidays Unveils The Ultimate Experiential Opportunities In New 2020 Europe Brochure -- Including New Travel Programs In Greece, France, Spain, And Croatia --

Central Holidays today announced the debut of its 2020 Europe brochure with authentically rich experiences in Greece, France, Malta, Spain, Portugal, & Croatia, featuring inspired itineraries and ultra-personalized programs.  Celebrated for its affordable luxury itineraries, uniquely presented by Central Holidays, the travel brand is constantly adding new offerings and enhancements to its range of vacations created by its team of destination experts.  New for 2020 in Europe, Central Holidays is unveiling exciting new itineraries in Greece, France, Spain, and Croatia – on top of the range of new programs it recently unveiled in the brand’s dedicated Italy brochure.

“With each program meticulously handcrafted by our Europe Product Manager, Roberta Micarelli-Yorrie who lived in Europe and has traveled extensively throughout the region, we are thrilled to share these travel programs – exclusively presented by Central Holidays – that take travelers to experience the magic of each destination,” said Lori Corless, Vice President of Marketing for Central Holidays.  We also are very pleased to unveil more lesser known cities, towns, and villages as well as more one-of-a-kind moments that today’s travelers are yearning to enjoy and share.”

A sample of what’s new for 2020: Central Holidays is introducing novel culinary vacations including “Savory Barcelona” in Spain and “Wine and Dine in Croatia” that add to the brand’s vast range of food and wine programs.  For those seeking a distinctive Iberian adventure, travelers can opt for the new “Glories of Spain and Portugal” cruise program that showcases amazing Andalusia treasures and the Costa del Sol in Spain, plus the opportunity to step back in time in Silves and Monchique in Portugal.  In France, the whole family is invited on the trip of a lifetime with the company’s innovative “Family Fun in Paris” that showcases the iconic City of Lights from a kid’s point of view. 

Travelers can choose their ultimate adventure in Greece with an array of unparalleled new experiences, including a collection of outstanding romance and honeymoon programs and even more cruising options.  “Classical Greece” invites travelers to embark on a distinctive 8-day mega-yacht vacation to explore Athens and some of the most spectacular Greek Isles. Travelers can sail the new “Antiquity to Byzantium” cruise package, a Grecian voyage through history dedicated to the Golden Age of Greek civilization and beyond.  Another new cruise package includes the “Eclectic Aegean” that features two days in Athens and a 7-day cruise to enchanting ports in Turkey and Greece. Travelers can also opt for a multi-continent adventure by sea on “The Three Continents” program that cruises to Europe, Asia, and Africa, traveling from Greece’s Athens to explore the treasures of Egypt, Israel's Holy Land, Cyprus's Limassol, the Greek island of Rhodes, and Turkey's Ancient Ephesus in Kusadasi.

 

To view or download the new Europe brochure, visit https://www.centralholidays.com/BROCHURE.

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Central Holidays’ Group Travel Experiences Presents Promotion For Travel Advisors And Group Planners – Featuring Booking Bonus Of Up To $1000 Gift Card For New Group Bookings Made By January 31, 2020 –

Central Holidays’ Group Travel Experiences is unveiling a booking bonus of up to a $1000 gift card for new group bookings made with deposit by January 31, 2020. Travel advisors and group planners that book and deposit a group with a minimum of 30 travelers and minimum 5-night stay receive a $1000 gift card; for groups booked with deposit comprised of a minimum of 20 travelers and minimum 5-night stay, planners receive a $500 gift card.

With full access to the knowledge and experience of the CH Group Travel Experiences dedicated team, group planners enjoy a great opportunity to deliver the ideal trip for their clients. Plus, not only are travelers rewarded with great trips, but travel advisors and planners are also rewarded with a $1000 or $500 gift card for themselves.

The company’s group travel offerings continue to grow as more and more groups discover that they can enhance their knowledge and experience with their particular special interest while traveling to destinations throughout the world. No matter what a group, club, church, or family is interested in focusing on…with a special interest group tour, groups can live their travel dreams down to the last detail!

Here’s a Look at Some Trip Ideas for Group Planners from Central Holidays’ Group Travel Experiences:

Food & Wine
Travelers can enjoy a culinary extravaganza in amazing world-class destinations. On these programs, guests will visit some of the finest vineyards across the globe to sample exquisite wines...savor traditional regional cuisine...experience the warmth and hospitality of locals that will make them feel at home...join in one of our cooking class itineraries – all while exploring each picturesque town, enchanting landscape and glorious city visited.

Culture & History
Travel advisors can have their clients embark on Culture and History Programs throughout the world, with unforgettable visits to castles, places of worship, museums, gardens, and ancient buildings that have been unbelievably well preserved. They can experience the cultures of different countries by attending concerts, shows, or simply enjoying the regional food scene…learning about each place simply by sharing time there.

Archaeology & Ancient Civilizations
On these inspired programs, travelers can: explore the Palace of Knossos in Crete or the ruins of Pompeii in Italy; discover the mysteries of Stonehenge in England or the archaeological wonders of Turkey; experience the vastness of the Roman and Greek Empires, or the Byzantine and Ottoman treasures in Eastern Europe; take a glimpse into the past in Egypt or enjoy a mind-blowing journey in Peru's Machu Picchu.

Religious Experiences
Central Holidays offers a full complement of itineraries to religious destinations. In Europe, experience the glories of the Vatican, and the religious sites of France, Portugal, Spain and Greece. Explore the Holy Land of Israel and learn about the religious significance of Egypt. For 2020, Central Holidays is presenting the Passion Plays in Oberammergau, Germany or Sordevolo, Italy – an ideal pilgrimage for groups.

Additional group themes include Art and Architecture; Group Cruise programs, featuring river and seaborne sailings; and Incentives, Meetings & Conventions, plus so many more!

Gift card eligibility is based on a minimum number of travelers as indicated above, booked with deposit as part of a group with a minimum 5-night stay. This promotion is valid for new group bookings deposited by January 31, 2020 for travel before March 31, 2021. Not combinable with any other offers/discounts/promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. All programs can be customized to meet each group’s needs.

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Central Holidays Unveils The Ultimate Experiential Opportunities In New 2020 Italy Brochure -- Including New Additions To Their Signature Escorted Tours, Culinary Tours, "Fun For Family And Kids" Travel Programs, And Rail Journeys --

Central Holidays today announced the launch of its new 2020 Italy brochure with exclusive experiential travel opportunities for all ages of travelers in this 100-page publication.  Celebrated for exclusive experiential itineraries, uniquely presented by Central Holidays, the travel brand is constantly adding new offerings and enhancements to its range of vacations created by its team of destination experts.  New for 2020, Central Holidays is unveiling additions to their signature escorted tours, culinary tours, “fun for family and kids” travel programs, and rail journeys.

“Our company is composed of travel professionals who know the industry and the destinations we serve intricately. We are proud to say that this insight is reflected in all of the programs presented in our new 2020 Italy vacations brochure – each meticulously handcrafted by our Europe Product Manager, Roberta Micarelli, a native of Italy who has traveled extensively throughout the region, and has been working with Central Holidays for more than 20 years,” said Lori Corless, Vice President of Marketing.

From the level of expertise on planning activities, and attractions, to the food, hotels, excursions, and other requests that may come our way, we invite advisors and their clients to travel with us to get the insider’s perspective into this fascinating country and enjoy distinctive, one-of-a-kind moments that are standard features on our Italy vacations,” continued Corless.

In 2020, Central Holidays is introducing superb new programs that take travelers to experience popular destination favorites as well as off-the-beaten-path treasures throughout the country.  Here’s a glance at some of the fantastic new offerings presented in the 2020 Italy brochure:

  • Our newest Premier Escorted Travel Program, Postcards from Puglia & The Amalfi Coast 
    On this small group experience, travelers will explore Puglia, known for its conical-roofed homes called “trulli” and open-air trattorias perfect for al fresco dining, and then delve into the Amalfi Coast, boasting some of the most iconic Italian coastal views and fragrant lemon-clad hills ideal for making the area’s world-famous limoncello. 
  • An experiential culinary vacation on Italy’s Food Valley & Fast Cars
    On this inspired new travel program, travelers will savor the finest Italian cuisine with hands-on tasting experiences that include celebrated foods in the Emilia Romagna region of the country – such as tortellini, prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, and then get revved-up during an action-packed private tour of Maranello, including visits of the Ferrari Museum and Fiorano Track. 
  • Fun for the whole family abounds with Family Fun in Venice, Florence & Rome 
    A new addition to the company’s family travel collection, this vacation is chock-full of unique activities and exciting excursions for all ages. With this series of programs, Central Holidays’ goal is to make family travel fun and rewarding for the entire family and have travelers’ children or grandchildren open up to new experiences as they get an insider’s look into some of Italy’s most popular destinations. 
  • An exciting new train travel vacation, Italy by Rail - Venice, Florence, Rome & Positano 
    On this trip, travelers will discover the treasures of Italy at their own pace. The independent rail travel program takes travelers to some of the most iconic and highly requested vacation destinations of Italy with plenty of time to explore at their own leisure and experience the unique aspects of each city and village with time to focus on their own personal preferences along the way.

 

Beyond all of that, the new 2020 brochure shares a sampling of the virtually endless travel opportunities offered by with Central Holidays, including: 

  • Small Group Tours – These vacations feature all of the benefits offered in Central Holidays’ renowned signature Escorted Motorcoach Tours, plus exclusive inclusions as well as an intimate group size of a maximum of 16 travelers for even more personalized and in-depth experiences. 
  • Mosaics -- Hand-crafted four-day travel packages meticulously designed and brimming with experiences and inclusions that artistically fit together like amazing mosaic art to create the most unforgettable masterpiece vacations.  These are superb additions to virtually any Italy travel program for an even more enriching experience overall. 
  • Romance and Honeymoons Collection – Central Holidays’ collection of romantic travel and honeymoon packages cater to evolving trends for more active, experiential, and immersive moments that today’s travelers are wishing for on “couples vacations” – featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences, superb food and wine, unique excursions, time for relaxation, and much more!  
  • Fly and Drive Vacations – Where travelers can make every turn all their very own!  On these travel programs, travelers motor through the fantastic Italian countryside at their own pace with accommodations and select elements of their travels pre-planned for their ultimate convenience. 
  • Rent a Villa or Home for the supreme “live like a local” experience.  These authentically rich accommodation styles offer an excellent way to sample the country’s lifestyle, cuisine and culture firsthand.

 

Plus, the new brochure presents attractive value-added benefits, savings on packages with preferred pricing negotiated by Central Holidays’ Italy team, and early booking specials that travel advisors can pass along to their clients that are sure to motivate action.

To view or download the new Italy brochure, visit https://www.centralholidays.com/BROCHURE.

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Incentive Travel Group Of Nearly 5,000 Passengers Orchestrated By Central Holidays Boosts Jerusalem And Tel Aviv Inbound Travel Numbers And Showcases First Ever Mega Event In Biblical Site "The Valley Of Ben Hinnom"

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are experiencing an uptick in travelers this month with an incentive travel group of nearly 5,000 passengers, the largest ever incentive group to visit Israel.  Orchestrated by Central Holidays, the group is having a huge effect on boosting inbound travel numbers and revenue for the international destination.  During the massive group trip, the long-established travel brand also presented the first-ever mega event at the Biblical site “The Valley of Ben Hinnom” and continues to receive rave reviews for attention to every detail as the trip proceeds.

Central Holidays Group Travel Experiences organized all the elements of this “Supertrip” that took almost 5,000 salespeople and their families to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for Transamerica-owned World System Builder (WSB), a California-headquartered financial services marketing company, headed by Chairman Mr. Xuan Nguyen.

The group of 4,907 travelers, currently traveling in Israel, are staying in a vast range of 20 hotels, traveling on 100+ buses, joining in splendid private excursions led by hundreds of English-speaking professional guides, and eating more than 90,000 meals as they enjoy six nights of meticulously planned incentive travel experiences in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.  Altogether, the group is expected to contribute millions to the Israeli economy. 

“We are thrilled to be part of bringing this influx of travelers and tourism dollars to Israel via this grand-scale incentive travel group. At Central Holidays, we are proud to serve as WSB’s partner in creating these mega trips, and are pleased to see the number of participants surge from 700 passengers back in 2013 to nearly 5,000 travelers today – an increase that mirrors the ever-growing boom of incentive travel over the years,” said Baher Ghabbour, Chairman of Sakkara Group International, the parent company of Central Holidays.  We look forward to continually developing more and more of these mega incentive travel groups as we have now for more than 45 years since our founding, and to helping create positive economic impact for more national and international companies and destinations worldwide.”

Gala Event in The Valley of Ben Hinnom

As an iconic piece in organizing this trip, the Central Holidays Group Travel Experiences team orchestrated three grandiose mega gala events in The Valley of Ben Hinnom, that converted the valley separating the Old City from the first Jewish neighborhood built outside of the Old City Walls into a spectacular celebration space.  Situated right below Mt. Zion (Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David) and outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, the verdant valley played host to these events for the incentive travel group’s thousands of guests. 

Here, Central Holidays Group Travel Experiences directed the comprehensive design and build of flooring, staircases, a performance stage with orchestra, electrical and lighting, dance floor, and catering kitchen.  The event idea, design, and orchestration were monumental in every element. Eight stages were built over irregular ground of different heights. Overall, it took crews months to build the structure and complete the event space.  Further, event set up included hundreds of tables and thousands of chairs, flowers, tableware, miscellaneous decor, and so much more.  Every last detail, even the biblical era costumes worn by the event staff, was planned and executed.  More than 500 service staff per event were employed to serve as hosts and wait staff for the multi-course meals and concerts featuring acclaimed performers that concluded in lively open-air, pulsing club-style events hosted by a celebrated Israeli DJ. 

Taking Touring to the Next Level

To seamlessly deliver the most immersive tour experiences, the mega group’s travelers were divided into three sub-groups that visited Israel’s Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.  Additionally, an “Elite Trip” to Greece was also designed by Central Holidays as an add-on to the week-long “Supertrip” with the company’s destination partner, Tour Greece.

The leading incentive travel brand additionally presented guests with a selection of unique experiential excursions throughout their time in Israel.  With input from Central Holidays' destination experts, each was developed to present travelers with an insider's perspective across a diverse spectrum of interests and preferences.  Here's a glance at some of the special tours offered:

 

  • CITY OF DAVID - TOURS OF BIBLICAL JERUSALEM – A journey through the underground tunnels from which the city was conquered, and residents fled.
  • MARKETS AND CRAFTSMEN IN THE OLD CITY – Beyond the holy places, a novel tour showcasing artistic traditions, fascinating corners, and special people.
  • FLAVORS, COLORS, STORIES AND FRAGRANCES TOUR OF MACHNE YEHUDA – A touring extravaganza full of flavors and fragrances in and around Jerusalem's main market with tastings of Georgian baked goods, hummus with pita, Israeli beer, sweet rogalach, and knafe hot from the pan.
  • CULINARY TOUR OF JERUSALEM'S OLD CITY – A food tour taking travelers to taste the flavors and traditions of Jerusalem’s ancient Old City including authentic coffee blends or mint tea, Armenian baked goods or kebab, halva or knafe, and hummus.
  • THE BIBLICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GALILEE – A faith-based program taking travelers to drive through the lower Galilee to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent his childhood.
  • THE DEAD SEA & MASADA – An adventure highlighting natural wonders where guests descend 1200 meters (3,938 feet) through the wilderness of the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea

 

Evolving Incentive Travel Planning to Concierge Level and Beyond

During the introduction at each of the incentive group's gala events in The Valley of Ben Hinnom, Central Holidays was praised for the company's meticulous planning and execution of the countless details that came together seamlessly to deliver this trip of a lifetime.  From the initial planning stages, through the booking phase, and on to the actual trip, the company was celebrated for its high level of personalized service throughout.

“Two-and-a-half years ago we started with the planning to deliver this monumental trip.  Since the day Israel was selected as the destination of choice by WSB we have exchanged more than 10,000 emails and have made 13 visits to Israel with the team to plan for and inspect every single element that has gone into the step by step building of this phenomenal group trip – from hotels, and restaurants to buses, attractions, and so much more.  We have had 50 Central Holidays travel professionals from our office in New York and 20 team members from our SGI headquarters in Cairo working on each last detail and are thrilled – as with every Central Holidays trip - that all has come together so flawlessly,” said Ghabbour.

As part of the included offerings from Central Holidays Group Travel Experiences, the company launched an easy-to-use website with booking engine for the group's travelers. Conveniently available 24/7, travelers were able to take advantage of Central Holidays' user friendly and secure booking engine online via the group's dedicated "Supertrip" website. As a full-service incentive travel company more than 45 years strong, Central Holidays handled all aspects of payment processing for the group as well as innovative program operations. 

For this group, Central Holidays created an electronic documentation procedure handled through an XML feed which allowed the travel brand to generate a QR Code for each passenger with all their travel details that was included in a badge for each traveler to utilize throughout their travels.  This system additionally made it possible for the company to flawlessly manage and transfer more than 10,000 pieces of luggage for the group.

Staff has been available 24/7 to assist travelers with all aspects of the trip. Beyond all of these elements, the group has been vocal in sharing their experiences via the hashtag created for the trip, #wsbisrael, featuring nearly 400 posts using across various social media platforms.

For additional details, visit www.grouptravelexperiences.com.