New island destinations

IN the coming weeks this column will feature "Good Buy" holidays for 2003, dealing with the traditionally popular sun holiday destinations, both far afield and closer to home.

First, we'll take a look at new destinations from one operator, Concorde Travel.

The company, best known for its experience and range of sun holidays in Croatia and Montenegro, is to introduce packages to some new destinations.

These will include the beautiful Islands of Central Dalmatia, Split and the Makarska Riviera, the sandy beaches of the Montenegrin Riviera, (which conveniently adopted the Euro in January 2002), as well as holidays to the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.

These new island destinations of Hvar, Brac and Palmizana offer a combination of sandy beaches, secluded coves, long hours of sunshine, and a magnificent classical and Venetian cultural heritage.

A weekly flight to Split puts them within easy reach of the Irish holiday maker.

For more restless spirits, a new and exciting range of activities, including sailing, island-hopping schooner holidays, scuba diving, fly/drive, hiking and walking, and naturist holidays are also available in the 2003 brochure.

Concorde has weekly flights from the three major airports in the State, with direct flights from Dublin and Cork to Dubrovnik, and a weekly flight from Shannon/Dublin to Split.

Not since Concorde was the general sales agent (GSM) for Yugotours in the 1980s have Irish customers had so much choice along the Adriatic, said Mr Jan Kaminski, managing director.

Last year, Concorde launched services to the Dubrovnik Riviera for customers in the Cork area, with a flight to Dubrovnik. Concorde has also launched a comprehensive and competitive sailing and motor boat programme to meet the requirements of the Irish sailing community.

"Up to now, Irish sailors have faced a double whammy of having to pay in Sterling and flying through the UK, to avail of the exciting sailing opportunities in the Adriatic with its beautiful islands and clear warm waters," said Mr Kaminski.

"With our direct service to Split (Operated by Skynet - Boeing 737) sailors and holiday-makers can fly to the closest airport to the major marinas and sailing area around Split. This programme has been met with warm approval by the Irish Sailing community.

"Croatia proved to be a big hit with Irish holiday-makers in 2002.

This year we are increasing the range of holiday options to include two-centre holidays, combining the islands with the mainland, and other variations to be repeated this year."

The 2003 programme will feature escorted tours to see the remains of the Roman Empire, and the Hapsburg and Ottoman dynasties.

Pilgrims will have the opportunity to fly to Mostar, the closest airport to the famous shrine of Medjugorje.