PHOTO: Havana. A&K's new Cuba program explores the length of the island, from Holguin, where Christopher Columbus landed, to Santiago de Cuba at the southern tip, and finally concluding in Havana. (Photo by David Cogswell)
Abercrombie & Kent expanded its Connections series of group itineraries for its 2016 product line.
The Connections series is defined by being priced roughly 30 percent below A&K's traditional trips, now branded as Luxury Small Group Journeys. The Connections series offers the same kinds of activities and professional guides as the traditional trips. The itineraries are developed by the same product development specialists.
The programs employ four-star-plus and five-star properties, but slightly scaled down from the traditional product, which always used the absolute top luxury hotel in each destination. Groups on Connections tours are slightly larger, with up to 24 guests per departure.
The program was introduced in 2013 to expand A&K's client base, its demographic foundation and its sales. The introduction of the product line contributed significantly to A&K's 15 percent increase in sales the year of Connections' introduction.
For 2016, A&K is expanding the series, adding new connections programs in Italy and Cuba, as well as three new Family Journeys in Central Europe, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. The company is also introducing four new European River Cruise Journeys with special focuses on themes, such as food and wine, art and architecture and Christmas markets.
Connections derived its brand name based on the idea that the programs are not merely designed to facilitate seeing the sights, but to achieve connections with the destinations based on authentic, immersive experiences.
The programs incorporate actual connections with people and culture at the destination in five essential categories: Market Connections, Neighborhood Connections, Musical Connections, Artisan Connections and Spiritual Connections.
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