Thomson and First Choice are to introduce Vietnam to its winter 2017 programme.

The Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba, which were new additions to its summer 2017 programme, will also be extended into the winter season.

The move is part of continued interest in long haul destinations and builds on the 350 per cent increase in long haul holidays over a ten year period that the brands revealed last year.

The stunning beach island of Phu Quoc, off the coast of Vietnam, is the latest long-haul destination to be added to Thomson and First Choice’s long-haul line up.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and is fringed with white-sand beaches ideal for relaxing, and features dense, tropical jungle and stunning reefs, perfect for intrepid explorers.

The first direct flights to Phu Quoc International Airport from the UK will operate on Thomson Airways’ 787 Dreamliners and will depart from London Gatwick every Wednesday, taking just 12 hours to reach this far off favourite. 

In a UK first for the travel industry Thomson is launching multi-centre holidays via its website using market leading technology, enabling customers to design and book their multi-trip break online without having to wait for their itinerary details to be confirmed.

Six long-haul destinations will have dynamic multi-centre options for the first phase of Thomson’s commitment to offering customers more flexibility and choice in a technologically innovative, user-friendly, and efficient format.

Costa Rica, Cuba, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Goa are the first destinations to be bookable on a dedicated tab on Thomson’s website which goes live mid-late November.

In the future holidaymakers will be able to book over 40 different multi centre types and more than 1,500 options ranging from Tour & Stay Combinations to mixing different hotels in different parts of a country using Thomson’s expertise and tailoring.

The Caribbean has long been a popular spot for cruise customers as demand for cruise holidays continues to increase year on year.

In winter 2017 Thomson Cruises will have three ships based in the Caribbean.

Thomson Celebration will move to a new homeport La Romana in the Dominican Republic, TUI Discovery will be based in Bridgetown, Barbados and TUI Discovery 2 will sail from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Mark Hall, director of product for Thomson and First Choice, said: “Our focus for winter 2017 remains on the growth of our long-haul programme using our fantastic 787 Dreamliner and Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island is a fantastic addition.

“We are also thrilled to announce the extension of St Lucia and Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba into our winter programme, along with an array of new city breaks and long haul destinations.

“Our multi-centre holiday offering is an exciting venture and another important part of our continued commitment to offering customers more choice and flexibility seizing the opportunity to deliver what customers are demanding.”