Former type state-owned enterprise Fate defunct Founder 1959 | Industry Tourism, Travel Successor Med-Choice Defunct 2007 | |
Yugotours was, at one time, the UK's fourth biggest tour operator and travel agent.
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Early history
The Yugoslavian carrier Aviogenex operated regular charters from the Manston (later Kent International Airport) to the then-popular beach resorts of Dalmatia in Yugoslavia on behalf of Yugotours from its formation in 1959, gaining ground in the 1970s as foreign holidays became increasingly popular, and even more so in the 1980s.
End
By the end of the 1980s, before the Yugoslavia’s break up, the country was the UK’s second most popular overseas holiday destination behind Spain. By 1992, with Yugoslavia embroiled in inter ethnic warfare, there were fears over the future of the brand, with fears of it being relegated to sub-brand status or dropped altogether. These fears were reaffirmed by Alison Gray, Yugotours marketing manager, who remarked that "It's a delicate balance. For those who link Yugotours to Yugoslavia negatively, it could be a turn-off."
However, the brand survived until 2007, providing holidays to the newly independent former Yugoslav republics, mostly Croatia. From 2007, it was finally absorbed into the Med-Choice brand, covering the whole Mediterranean area.
Other
Yugotours was famous for its 1986 catchphrase "Sun-sational Yugoslavia!"