Newmarket tips Elvis tour sales to be ‘all shook up’ by new film

Newmarket Holidays has launched a training module and dedicated marketing collateral to support its popular Elvis-themed tour – ahead of the premiere of a biopic about the king of rock and roll.

The escorted tour operator predicts sales of its Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville holiday will be boosted by the film, called Elvis, which opens in cinemas on June 24.

Directed by Baz Luhrman, the biopic focuses on Presley’s early life.

As well as the training module and collateral about the star and his influences, Newmarket has introduced a 15% discount to support trade sales.

The nine-night Elvis tour visits Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee to see where Elvis grew up, honed his style, and changed the face of music.

There are 74 departure dates from 2022 to December 2024. Customers travelling from mid-November to December will also be able to see the festive lights at Presley’s home in Graceland.

More: Newmarket adds two senior product executives

Locations on the tour include Presley’s birthplace at Tupelo, Sun Studio in Memphis, and the music cities of Nashville and New Orleans.

Richard Forde, head of trade sales, said: “Our Elvis tour is always popular, but the launch of this new big-budget film is going to supercharge interest in travelling to the American South.

“It’s an unmissable opportunity for the trade to rock their year.

“In the run-up to the movie our trade team have been dressing up in jumpsuits and singing the praises of the King to agents.

“After all the travel industry has been through, it’s been a fabulous opportunity to have some fun.”

Prices start from £1,602, which includes a saving of £533 that is available until July 31, plus flights with Virgin Atlantic to Atlanta plus hotels, transfers and tour manager.

Richard Harrington, product director said: “I have been operating this tour for over 20 years; it never ceases to amaze me how popular it remains.

“Not only that, customers keep coming back to repeat the tour.”

Pictured with Tui agents in Nuneaton is Elvis aka Newmarket Holidays’ account manager, Stuart Cowell.