Customers get flexible in Turkey

Holiday-makers are thinking beyond traditional seven- or 14-night breaks in order to save money on overseas trips, according to Turkey specialist Artemis Travel.

Around a third (35%) of Artemis Travel’s customers are now booking ‘odd-length’ stays of anywhere between three and 17 nights at its Aegean coast resorts, allowing them to shop around for the best flight prices.

“At the start of the year, 14-night stays were popular, reflecting the fact that there are less available flights to Turkey in low season” comments Artemis Travel’s chief executive Nigel Harris. “Our forward bookings have shown a marked variation in length of stay, however, as low cost carriers introduce their summer schedules, allowing customers to ‘mix and match’ their flights for the best deals.”

Artemis Travel’s resorts are situated near Altinkum on Turkey’s Aegean Coast, one hour from Bodrum and 90 minutes from Izmir airports. Flights to the region will be boosted from May by new services from low cost airlines easyJet, Pegasus Airlines and Aegean Flights and additional charter routes from Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomson Holidays and Monarch. Scheduled flights to these airports are also available from British Airways, Onur Air and Kibris Turkish.

Artemis Travel introduced a new flexible policy at the start of 2009 leaving no restrictions on the day of arrival or length of stay. This means that customers can take advantage of low airfares - often mid-week - and even fly each direction with a different carrier. In addition, a new pricing policy means stays at any of its three resorts on the Aegean Coast are priced on a per person, per night basis, so guests staying five nights are offered the same great value as those staying for fifteen.

“Traditionally, tour operators have tempted holiday-makers into two-week stays by offering the second week at minimal additional cost to a seven-night break,” continues Harris. “In the current climate, where people are perhaps wary of taking a full fortnight off work, Artemis Travel allows them to choose the exact length of stay without compromising on value.”

Artemis Travel’s self-catering accommodation is available across three properties – the Aegean Park, Club Aegean and Beach Villas. Guests can use the facilities at all three resorts, which include swimming pools, tennis courts, the Apollo Health Spa, bars, restaurants and shops. Half- and full-board options are also available.

Brochure prices start from just £6pppn over the summer season, but Artemis Travel is also running a number of special offers for arrivals in May and June. During these months, a three-bedroom apartment at Club Aegean (sleeping up to eight) is available for just £250 for seven nights – under £4.50 per person per night based on maximum occupancy.

For details of other offers and to book, see artemistravel.co.uk.