Operators respond to demand with new tours, properties & activity breaks Italy February 15 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,813 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk agent bulletin SATOA announces new training dates for agents W-AITO-Go! why adventure travel is becoming more mainstream north africa a round-up of the latest brochure additions & new deals 9 27 12 this week weddings & honeymoons change in marriage laws makes it easier to tie the knot in the BVIs 23 Produced by www.travelbulletin.co.uk Southern & East Africa Your one-stop guide to all the latest news and developments in Southern & East Africa All About February 2013 with this issue DON’T MISS...
Transcript
Operators respond todemand with new tours,
properties & activity breaks
Italy
February 15 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,813 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk
agent bulletinSATOA announcesnew training dates foragents
north africaa round-up of thelatest brochureadditions & new deals
9 2712this week
weddings & honeymoons
change in marriage lawsmakes it easier to tie theknot in the BVIs
23
Produced by
www.travelbulletin.co.uk
Southern & East Africa
Your one-stop guideto all the latest news and developments in Southern & East Africa
All About
February 2013
with this issue
DON’T MISS...
TB1502 2013 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 13/02/2013 15:08 Page 1
N C L U S I V EL L
Mövenpick
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Jebel AliBeach Hotel
Palm Tree Court& Spa
*Some facilities not available at all resorts. Resorts may change some All Inclusive package inclusions at short notice. Seat allocation not guaranteed. Prices are per person and are based on 2 adults travelling together,
flying from LGW on EK12 and include private car transfers and airport taxes. Valid for departures from 8 May to 15 June 2013 and subject to availability. Direct Emirates flights from LHR, BHX, MAN, NCL,
GLA & DUB also available at a supplement.
Call If Only... on 0141 955 4000 and earn cards with every All Inclusive Dubai booking.
5 nights All Inclusive Choice of 7 Restaurants Private Beach Club access
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From £1,199Deluxe 5 star All Suite Hotel
S01 TB1502 Start_Layout 1 12/02/2013 15:46 Page 2
SAVOUR THE SUNSHINE OF FLORIDA
THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST
7 NIGHTS FROM £889PPFor more details or to book, call
0844 557 0626 or visit
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S A KEYKEY WEST
7 NIGHTS FRFor more details or to book,
0844 557 0626
OM £889PP7 NIGHTS FRcallFor more details or to book,,
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OM £889PP
CAKE BAKE...Holland America Line has launched a new partnership with Cancer Research UK and five other international cancer charities. ‘On Deck for a Cause’,a new shipboard giving programme, invites guests to participate in a non-competitive 5k fundraising walk on every sailing on each of the line’s 15 ships, withproceeds to be distributed amongst charities for cancer research, education, screening and treatment programmes. Pictured getting ready to raise funds are, fromthe left, the company's Jo Taylor, Lynn Narraway, Diane Hopkins, Nathan Emtage and Sam Withers.
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3www.travelbulletin.co.uk February 15 2013
newsbulletin
3 newsnew report reveals operators arestruggling in healthy market
14 hotel bulletinTravelodge benefits from £223million brandinvestment
27 north africaa round-up of the latest brochureadditions & new deals
9 agent bulletinSATOA announces new training dates foragents
16 personality bulletinwhich national sales manager fancieshimself as Spiderman?
11 puzzle bulletinplay Su Doku for the chance to win a £50Hotel Chocolat voucher
17 italyoperators respond to demand with newtours, properties & activity breaks
12 W-AITO-Go!why adventure travel is becoming moremainstream
23 weddings & honeymoonschange in marriage laws makes it easierto tie the knot in the BVIs
S01 TB1502 Start_Layout 1 13/02/2013 14:23 Page 3
RECENT RESEARCH conducted by On the Beach hasrevealed that 77% of holidays are cheaper this summerthan in 2012.
The research compared like for like, seven-nightholidays for two adults during June across a number ofpopular sun destinations, comparing average pricesfrom 2013 with those from 2012, and the results showedsignificant savings for holidaymakers this year.
Despite the 2.7% rise in inflation and ever increasingfuel prices, many holidays are up to 25% cheaper thisyear, with the garden island of Madeira offering the bestvalue this summer.
Last year, a one-week three-star holiday on a bed-and-breakfast basis for two cost £799, whilst this yearthe same holiday costs £599; saving £200.
Cyprus also shows a drop in prices withholidaymakers saving up to 20% on last year, withBulgaria also proving better value, offering holidays upto 15% cheaper than last summer.
The Canary Island of Tenerife is also showing asignificant drop in holiday prices with many hotelsoffering all-inclusive holidays up to 14% cheaper thanlast year.
Other sun spots offering cheaper holiday prices thisyear include Egypt's resort of Sharm el Sheikh, down13% on last year, and Greece which is 12% cheaper.
On the Beach survey find holidays topopular sun destinations cheaper this year
www.travelbulletin.co.ukFebruary 15 20134
newsbulletin
LIONS SHARE...Lions Rugby Travel has announced its plans to sellits own product through travel agents for this year’s Tour toAustralia and is incentivising agents with a commission programme.Travel and ticket packages start from £2,199 per person and thefirst match of the tour takes place in Hong Kong on June 1. Picturedmarking the announcement is the Lions Rugby Travel sales team,from the left: Zoe Clarke, Louise Lee, Andrew Slater and MichelleBlake. Agents interested in working with the company can visitwww.lionstour.com/travel or call 0844-788 4070.
PLIMSOLL PUBLISHING’Slatest review into the top1,000 businessesoperating in the touroperators industry hasfound that 77 companiesare showing the samecharacteristics as HMV,Comet and Blockbuster.According to the company,sales have worryinglydeclined in the latest yearand profitability hasplummeted to such anextent that thesebusinesses are nowoperating under severefinancial pressure.
David Pattison, senioranalyst on the project,said: “As seen with therecent closures andadministration of big HighStreet stores, these wereall victims of outdatedbusiness models. It’smuch the same in the touroperators market; theoverall market is healthy,but these companies arefalling behind.
“The tour operatorsmarket is continuallyadapting to the way weuse technology, deliverymethods and tradinghours.
“These phases of thebusiness cycle often leadto casualties. What'sdifferent this time is thepace of this change as, inthe past, it’s taken up to
ten years for a largecompany to fail, buttechnological changeshave meant it’s now onlytaking a few years.”
A total of 77 companiesanalysed have seen theirsales fall by up to 20%,with two thirds losingmoney and many seeingproductivity fall to such anextent that they arebecoming increasinglyuncompetitive in a fastmoving market.
The latest analysis alsoshows that the touroperators market is in ahealthy state and onaverage sales areincreasing at 7.2%, withmargins sitting at 1.8%.Some 50 companies arealso showing increasedprofitability and sales -more proof that themarket is prospering.
Pattison said: “The goodnews is if we do see joblosses, it’s highly likelythat by moving to an up-and-coming rival, jobs willbe created and the overallnumber of staff in themarket could stay thesame using transferableskills.”
Readers of TravelBulletin can receive a £50discount off the price ofthe report by calling01642-626419 and quotingreference PR/HP70.
Latest Plimsoll report reveals touroperators struggle in healthy market
Turkey’s LykiaWorld Ölüdeniz promotesfamily activities for EasterTURKEY’S LYKIAWORLD Ölüdeniz is offering newattractions for the Easter break, including Easter egghunts and egg painting contests. Pizza cooking and artsand crafts activities are also available, while adults canopt for an active break with activities such as Zumbaclasses and football matches throughout the day, orchoose to unwind in the resort's spa.
The Easter entertainment continues into the eveningwith costume parties, dancing, comedy and karaokeshows.
Thomas Cook offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay atthe property from £2,232 for a family of four, includingflights from Gatwick, based on an April 6 departure. For details see www.thomascook.com or call 0844-4125970. For resort details visit www.lykiagroup.co.uk
S01 TB1502 Start_Layout 1 12/02/2013 15:46 Page 4
Newsbites● HOTELBEDS HAS joined forces with Oracle to
develop an innovative technological infrastructurecapable of supporting the bed bank's expansionplans, which aim to more than double the onlineaccommodation market growth rates of 7.3% by2015.
● ZIP WORLD, a new attraction in Bethesda, nearBangor, North Wales, is set to launch on March 16.It will offer the largest zip wire experience in theNorthern Hemisphere and will see visitors flythrough the skies for more than a mile at speeds ofup to 75mph.
● MIDCOUNTIES CO-OPERATIVE Travel reports that ithas seen a £1million turnover from its agentwebsite Co-op Value in the first four weeks oftrading. For details see www.midcounties.coop
● CRUISE LINES International Association (CLIA) hasannounced the launch of ‘Cruise Forward,’ a newindustry-wide communications initiative that willpromote awareness of cruising’s wide-rangingcontributions and engage stakeholders across theglobal cruise industry. See www.cruiseforward.org
● GREAT HOTELS of the World has acquired five newmember properties to its collection - Royal GardenVillas & Spa in Tenerife, Chatrium Hotel RiversideBangkok in Thailand, Dom Pedro Golf Resort inPortugal, Grand Hotel Bernardin in Slovenia andHotel Gray d'Albion in France.
DFDS Seaways offers range of savingsduring National Ferry Fortnight
DFDS SEAWAYS is offering a 20% discount on its ferryroutes to Europe during this year’s National Ferry Fortnight(NFF), which runs from March 2-16.
The 20% discount offer is valid for all ferry crossingsbooked during the fortnight, on the company's Dover–Dunkirk, Dover–Calais, Newcastle–Amsterdam, Harwich–Esbjerg, Newhaven–Dieppe and Portsmouth–Le Havreroutes, for travel on selected departures until October 31.
The deal means that ferry tickets for a car and up to fourpassengers costs less than £24 each way on the Channeland £116 each way for a car and four passengers on theNorth Sea.
The company is also offering a 40% discount on its two-night mini cruises to Amsterdam sailing from Newcastleand Harwich, meaning that prices lead in at £47 per personon selected departures until October 31.To book or for more information seewww.dfds.co.uk/ferryfortnight or call 0871-574 7235.
www.travelbulletin.co.uk
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Orient Express launches training filmsORIENT EXPRESS Trains & Cruises has launched a seriesof new product training films aimed at travel agents andoperators. Kicking off the series and available now on theYouTube channel is the company’s flagship, the VeniceSimplon-Orient-Express, followed by Afloat in France andthe Royal Scotsman.
Compagnie du Ponant issues new Asia brochure COMPAGNIE DU Ponant has launched a 64-page brochure dedicated to its new Asian itinerariesfor the winter season 2013/14.
For the first time, Le Soléal (132 staterooms and suites), the latest addition to the fleetlaunching on July 1, will be sailing for Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo,Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives.
During the cruise guests can discover Asia in a more intimate way, mooring as close aspossible to the shore to offer easy access to protected sites. Guests on board will includeexperts, historians and lecturers ready to share their passion with the passengers.
As an example of prices, a ten-night sailing, including flights, departs on October 5 and leadsin at £3,969 per person. Departing from Petropavlovsk in Russia’s Far East, Le Soléal sails toJapan via the Kuril Islands. Alternatively, a Hong Kong – Singapore cruise takes in the mostimportant sites and landscapes of Vietnam, with excursions including a junk boat trip to HaLong Bay, the discovery of Hanoi, Saigon and the Imperial City of Hue, or sailing down the CaiRiver. Pre- and post-cruise excursions are on offer for those who want to explore Hong Kongand Singapore. Departing on October 30, prices lead in at £3,298 per person for 11 nights. For more information or to book call 0800-980 4027 or visit www.ponant.com
www.travelbulletin.co.ukFebruary 15 20136
Tweets of
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TravelBulletin
SKI-TASTIC...In response to demand from skiers in Yorkshire, Inghams has launched a new rangeof holiday options, direct from Leeds Bradford to Innsbruck, Austria. From December 21 until April5, 2014, a choice of 28 resorts in Austria and Italy are offered, including St. Anton, Kühtai andObergurgl in Austria, and Cortina, La Villa and Selva in Italy. Early bookers will benefit from adiscount of £50 per couple, while selected hotels offer a range of early booking discounts, such asfree wine and afternoon cake on arrival. Pictured marking the new announcement are Inghams’Alison Craig (left) and Leeds Bradford Airport’s Emma Holliday. For details call 01483-791111.
COME AS YOU ARE. The Florida Keys and Key West is a 150 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the scenic overseas Highway; a road that suspends the traveller in a place that bridges the gap between sea and sky. In the Florida Keys you are a world away from the theme parks of central Florida, in a place that envelopes you with its warmth and beauty and grants you permission to shed the worries of the real world you just left behind! The turquoise blue waters that surrounds Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and Key West is a treasure trove both above and below.
7 NIGHTS FROM £889PP!
For more details or to book, call
0844 557 0626 or visit
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For more details on the Florida Keys & Key West request our brochure today at: www.trade-gate.co.uk
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WEBSCLUSIVES● Make British Airways and American Airlines
bookings to the USA for your chance to win aplace on the Brand USA Megafam 2013. Sevengreat itineraries to choose from!For details on how to apply, go towww.usamegafam.co.uk
● Make sure you complete this week’s Crossword,sponsored by Jet2holidays, for the chance to win£50 in Love2Shop vouchers. Just fill in theCrossword on Page 11 of this edition, and thensubmit the mystery location along with yourcontact details via our website onwww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions
● Win a Fam Trip to Florida’s Beaches, courtesy ofFunway. Trips take place in May/June.For full details, go towww.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway
All this and more at:
www.travelbulletin.co.uk
The home of the web savvy travel agent
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TRAVEL COMPANIES have the freedom to develop theirown travel systems for the first time following the recentlaunch of Trabacus.
The new product gives users the ability to adapt thesystem and fine tune all aspects, such as reservations oraccounts. Companies that purchase the product will ownthe source software, which can then be developed to fitgrowing needs at any time.
The company believes that the product is the future fortravel systems; enabling companies to either own thesource code of the software if they buy it, or rent it withno capital expenditure and monthly fees starting ataround £80 per user, with public cloud hosting included.
The operating system can easily be learned by in-house system developers. New features that are specificto the user company’s business can be added in a matterof hours rather than being developed by externalsuppliers, saving travel businesses thousands of poundsannually.
The system is a fully fledged travel system aimed attour operators and travel agents with functions includingreservations, a full set of accounting ledgers, CRM, andhuman resources, with a choice of customer’s API/XMLconnection.For more information call 01403-210630 or [email protected]
NEILSON HOLIDAYS is offering exclusive ‘Just ForAdults’ months at its four-star Anastasia Beachclub inHalkidiki, Greece, available throughout May and most ofJune and September.
The property offers water and land-based activities,all included in the price, from waterskiing and seakayaking to mountain biking and tennis coaching.Couples can combine an active holiday with down-timerelaxing by the pool or being pampered in the hotel’sElemis spa.
Based on a May 11 departure, a seven-night breakleads in at £399 per person on a Club Board basis, whichincludes breakfast, lunch and four evening meals. Alsoincluded are flights from Heathrow, transfers, activitiesand tuition, based on availability. For more information call 0844-879 8155 or see www.neilson.co.uk
Adult-only breaks in Halkidiki from Neilson
Trabacus launches first 'independent'system for agents and operators
www.travelbulletin.co.ukFebruary 15 20138
newsbulletin
A £100MILLION makeover will be given to the Carnival Destinyship – the most ambitious refit and transformation projectundertaken by Carnival Cruise Lines. The ship will be renamedCarnival Sunshine and will begin a schedule of nine and 12-dayMediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice, from April,followed by year-round seven-day Caribbean departures fromNew Orleans in November. For details call 0845-351 0556.
VISITENGLAND HAS launched a call to action for theindustry to get involved in English Tourism Week, whichruns from March 16-24, and register their special eventsand activity on the English Tourism Week 2013 website.
Previous English Tourism Week events have ranged fromafternoon teas and English-themed baking competitions toart exhibitions, special guided walks and ‘behind thescenes’ tours. To get involved, companies can register the
details of their event or promotion through the EnglishTourism Week event submission form, including any weblinks, contact details and images.
The tourist board will then promote selected activities viaa range of channels, including editorial on its website andblog, as well as social networking sites including its Twitterand Facebook pages.For more information see ww.visitengland.org
VisitEngland calls for industry to get involved in English Tourism Week
ROYAL CARIBBEAN International (RCI) and CelebrityCruises have launched new campaigns for this month,with double incentives for agents and new offers forcustomers. RCI's ‘Going, Going, Gone’ campaign features3,000 14-night cruises for £999 per person, and 1,000 six-to eight-night cruises at £599 on selected sailings fromSouthampton. Agents will receive a £20 Lifestyle voucherfor every 2013 booking made this month on cruisessailing from Southampton, which they can redeem on theHigh Street. For any cruise booking made before February28, agents will also be entered into a daily prize draw towin one of five £100 Love2Shop vouchers. CelebrityCruises’ ‘123 Go!’ campaign allows guests to choose fromone of three offers - free drinks (worth up to $1,400 perstateroom), free coach transfer or car parking inSouthampton; or $300 to spend onboard. The offer is validon all 2013 Celebrity Eclipse sailings departing fromSouthampton, in all stateroom categories, and ends onFebruary 28. Agents will also receive a £20 Lifestylevoucher for every booking they make on Celebrity Eclipsesailings departing from the UK this month. Plus, the GreatApple Giveaway has now been extended until the end ofFebruary, so agents have the chance to win weeklygiveaways of iPhone 5s and iPad minis, plus a grandprize of a stylish MacBook Air.
Fancy a fam?BRAND USA has announced details of itsinaugural megafam, which will take 100 agentsand a range of UK and Ireland operators toexperience multiple destinations across the US.Seven itineraries covering 19 states have beencreated in conjunction with partner airlines,British Airways, which will be hosting allinternational flights, and American Airlines,which is partnering on all domestic flights withinthe US. Agents can win a place on the megafamby logging sales of BA's and American Airlinesflights sold to and within America atwww.usamegafam.co.uk. The fam will take placefrom May 9-16.
AGENTS CAN win a place on a Cox & Kings famtrip to Central America. The operator, inpartnership with the Central America TourismAgency, is offering a place on a ten-day luxuryfam to Costa Rica and Panama from April 7-18.To win a place, agents need to answer thefollowing question: Which of the following birdswould you not see in the wild in CentralAmerica? A – Hummingbird; B – Resplendentquetzal; C – Ostrich; or D – Scarlet macaw.Agents should email the correct answer [email protected] with theirname, agency and ABTA number by February 28.
FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has teamed up with BritishAirways to offer an all expenses paid Mexicanfam trip. Eight places on the BA fam areavailable, which runs from March 13-20. To win aplace, agents need to confirm a Mexico packageholiday with the operator (by February 24) for aminimum of seven nights, flying with VirginAtlantic or British Airways. To register a bookingincluding applicable booking reference, agentsshould email [email protected] For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk
Booking incentive
Training updateSATOA HAS released its training dates for agents and operatorsthis year. Travel agent dinners will take place in Kent on March19, Birmingham on April 30, Leeds on June 18, Manchester onJuly 16, Norwich on September 17 and Buckinghamshire onOctober 23. Tour operator dinners take place in Gloucestershireon April 29, Surrey on June 11, Chester on July 15, Glasgow onOctober 15, Bolton/Greater Manchester on November 19 andLondon on December 9. Other 'save the date' planned eventsinclude a pub quiz on March 21, a summer networking functionon August 8, the SATOA Travel Awards on September 19 and theSATOA Christmas lunch on December 16. Email [email protected] for further details.
'Tasty Walks' initiative by Visit GuernseyTHE FIRST in a series of three themed walks that combineGuernsey's scenery with the island's gastronomy has beenlaunched by Visit Guernsey, aimed at encouraging visitors toenjoy Guernsey in the first few months of the year when visitornumbers are traditionally lower.
Tasty Walks runs throughout March and April and a total of34 walks are offered, led by an accredited walking guide andending with a traditional Guernsey meal at a local restaurant.
To further enforce the concept, many of Guernsey'spopular restaurants and hotels will be offering speciallydesigned seasonal Guernsey menus to showcase the best ofthe island's food.
As examples, ‘A Stitch in Time - St Peter Port through theAges’ takes visitors through the cobbled streets and narrowalleyways of Guernsey’s capital to learn about its historyfrom Roman times to the present day. The tour finishes atthe Guernsey Tapestry which tells a story of a thousandyears of Guernsey Island life. The walk takes two hours andcosts £24 per person including the tapestry entrance fee andevening meal.
Tasty walk ‘A West Coast Wanderer’ explores Guernsey’swild, rugged coastline passing 19th century forts, walkingthrough National Trust Land and stopping at the ‘fairy ring’which is steeped in local folklore. The walk takes two and ahalf hours and costs £20.50 per person including lunch atthe Imperial Hotel.
An ‘Uninvited Guests - The Reich, The Writer and TheRoyals’ takes a step back into Guernsey’s history and itsuninvited guests including literary genius Victor Hugo, QueenVictoria and German’s during WWII; characters who all helpedshape Guernsey’s cultural history. The walk takes three hoursand costs £13.50 per person including afternoon cream tea.
Premier Holidays offers a three nights for two Tasty Walkspackage (Uninvited Guests), which leads in at £263 per person.It includes three nights at the four-star Fermain Valley Hotel inSt. Peter Port with breakfast, flights from Gatwick and car hire(excluding fuel and insurance). The package is available fromMarch 1-31. To book call 0844-493 7531 or visit www.premierholidays.co.uk.For more information see www.visitguernsey.com
Leger highlights short breaks to Europe LEGER HOLIDAYS is highlighting a series of trips to Europenext month.
As examples, a five-day Beautiful Bruges option departs onMarch 11 and leads in at £299 per person. The holidaycombines medieval treasures and seaside delights, givingguests the chance to spend time in Bruges and experienceBelgium’s capital Brussels. It also includes visits to Ghent andthe seaside resort Ostend.The price includes four nights'breakfast accommodation, travel by luxury Silver Servicecoach, free local joining points; and excursions to Bruges,Belgium, Ghent and Ostend.
A seven-day Barcelona and Spectacular Spain option costsfrom £459 per person and also departs on March 11. Guestshave the opportunity to take in the Mediterranean resort ofCalella, plus sightseeing in Catalonia, Barcelona and a mix oftraditional and modern resorts on the Costa Brava. The priceincludes six nights' breakfast accommodation, four eveningmeals and three lunches; selected drinks free of charge fromthe hotel bar between 18:00 and 22:00 whilst in Spain; travelby luxury Silver Service coach; free local joining points; andexcursions to Barcelona and the Costa Brava. An optionalexcursion to Monserrat is also available.
Closing date for entries is Thursday, February 21st. Solution and new puzzle
will appear next week.
The winner for February 1st is Jane Wright, Apple Travel in
London.
February 1 Solution: A=5 B=4 C=3 D=6
➠A
➠B
➠C
➠D
Number: 099
Travagrams
Where Am I?
Su DokuCan you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?
Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle
This operator specialises in holidays to southeastern Europe
Country made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean
A Handbills Okay
the sly leeches
Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted bythe blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword tosubmit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prizedraw and one lucky winner will win £50 Love2Shop vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday February 21st.
The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30
Crossword
Num
ber:
099
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Congratulations to Sue Brook, Wallace Arnold Travel who won the 1st Februarycrossword prize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers
THE FIRST adventure travellers were the greatexplorers… Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain Cook et al.,travelling the seas to find new lands and in search of
fame and fortune. Later came the quests, like finding thesource of the Nile (Dr Livingstone, I presume?) or thosetrying to map the Himalaya, like Sir FrancisYounghusband. There were even those who weredesperate to brave the extremes of nature to claim gloryfor Queen and country, like Captain Scott and ErnestShackleton.
Modern adventure travel didn’t begin until the 1960s, onthe back of the hippy trail convoys who took the overlandroute across Europe, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan toreach India and Nepal. They were not the only touristsarriving in the sub-continent at that time. Commercialtrekking began in Nepal in 1964 when Col Jimmy Roberts,then a retired British Gurkha officer, started runningholiday treks in the Annapurna and Everest areas throughhis company Mountain Travel.
Back then, adventure travel really was adventurous.There were no satellite phones, no emergency equipment,no helicopter evacuations, no email, no fax and nophones! People really did head out into the wilds. WhilstFreddie Laker was taking flights full of British travellersto the Mediterranean and the US for the first time in the1970s, a few other intrepid travellers were heading off toNepal, India and Pakistan.
The KE in KE Adventure Travel stands for “KarakoramExperience”, for indeed our business also has roots in themountaineering world - the Karakoram Mountains ofPakistan. The company launched in 1984 when GlennRowley and Tim Greening (still hands-on directors) visitedthe area and came up with the idea of taking adventurousfolk out there on trekking and climbing trips. Back thenKE didn’t sell holidays - they were ‘experiences’. Only ahardy few were brave enough to take the KarakoramHighway up to the north of the country to see K2, theworld’s second biggest and deadliest mountain.
Things have now changed. The world of adventuretravel is open to all and destinations span the globe fromAlbania to Vanuatu, two of KE’s newer adventuredestinations. The style of adventure holidays has changed,too. No longer does an adventure holiday involve 30 daysin the wilderness eating lentils and putting your own tentup every night (although we still offer that too). There aremore leisurely and comfortable adventure options outthere.
When Cheryl Cole and Chris Moyles climbed Kilimanjarofor Comic Relief, everyone in Britain saw that climbing thehighest peak in Africa was achievable. If Chris Moyles cando it, anyone can! This particular TV documentary wasgreat for adventure travel, as it opened people’s eyes tothe possibilities. As we move away from rampantconsumerism to the “experience” culture, people want toenjoy holidays that make them feel more alive and givethem a sense of achievement.
Climbing ‘Kili’ (you can only call it Kili if you haveclimbed it, and most KE staff have!), trekking to EverestBasecamp, hiking the Inca Trail or summiting MountToubkal are now things that anyone with a good level offitness and some experience of walking can enjoy.
To agents we say - don’t be scared! Adventure travel isa real holiday choice. All we advise is to be careful whichoperators you use for your customers. Operatingadventure holidays safely and well is not easy, so youshould look for well-established specialist operators whocan demonstrate a healthy track record and give youpersonal advice on which holidays are the best choice foreach individual client.
There’s a vast array of adventure holidays out there. Didthe family get bored on the beach in Crete last year? Thenhow about some Moroccan Magic this summer, taking thekids trekking in the Atlas Mountains, surfing on theAtlantic Coast in Essaouira and bartering in the souks inMarrakech? Alternatively, why not try camel trekking inthe Sahara with French families, and listen to your kidsparler français?
FLYBE HAS announced the return of its Isle of Man toSouthampton service that offers a three times weeklyservice on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from May 1.
The return of the year-round service is expected to bewelcomed by both business and leisure travellers and inparticular will start in good time for motor racing fanswanting to visit the Island for the annual TT Races beingheld between May 25 and June 7.
Seats are available for booking now, with faresstarting from £39.99 one-way including taxes andcharges.
Meanwhile, the airline is to launch a new three timesweekly route from Glasgow Airport to Shannon in Irelandfrom May 1. Fares lead in at £36.99 one-way includingtaxes and charges. For details see www.flybe.com
BIRMINGHAM BUDDIES...Marco Pierre White's Champagne Bar, on the 25th Floor of 'The Cube' inBirmingham, was the venue for the second get-together of the Midlands Travel Trades Club following itscomeback last November, after a ten-year gap. More than 70 members of travel and travel relatedcompanies attended the networking evening, which was sponsored by Emirates, Birmingham Airport andJTA. Pictured making the most of the networking opportunities are, from the left: Tracey Quirk, BirminghamAirport; Julie Bailey and Phil Courtney, Emirates; and Stefanie Bowes, Birmingham Airport. The next eventwill take place on March 21 at Nuvo Bar in Brindley Place, Birmingham. For details email Wendy at [email protected]
Registration open for PATA
ExchangeTHE PATA Exchange eventis back on Monday March11 at a new venue, CentralHall Westminster inLondon.
Tour operators andtravel agents can nowregister for free by visitingwww.pataexchange.com tostart bookingappointments with morethan 50 tourist offices,hotel groups and airlines.For more information seewww.pata.org.uk
*Images used for this promotion are for design purposes only and do not have any connection with the relevant Brand. ^The Prize Draw is open to all UK resident Travel Agents. Entrants must be over 18 years. Prize is non transferable with no cash alternative. Brand names noted are not participates or sponsors of this promotion. For the Promoter details and full terms and conditions of the prize draw please visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdfs/hoseasonsprizegiveaway
Joules Premium Wellies Molton Brown Pampering Gift Set £150 House of Fraser Gift Card*
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet £150 Odeon Gift Card*
Cath Kidston Travel and Day Bags
Ted Baker Designer Man Bag
The lucky WINNER of the Samsung Smart Camera was Leanne Hobson, Thomas Cook, Taunton, presented by Elkie Bird, Hoseasons Regional Sales Executive
HOTEL INDIGO Barcelona Plaza Catalunya has opened in the heartof the historic Spanish city, marking the debut of InterContinentalHotels Group’s (IHG) boutique brand in Spain. The propertyprovides guests with easy access to Barcelona’s tourist attractionsand offers 77-guestrooms, free Wi-fi and a free mini-bar. For details or to book see www.hotelindigo.com
www.travelbulletin.co.ukFebruary 15 201314
InBrief● HILTON HOTELS & Resorts has announced the opening of Hilton
Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, its first leisure property in India. For details see www.shillimretreatandspa.hilton.com
● GUESTS STAYING at The May Fair in London are now able toaccess and book a host of hotel services during their stay,through a newly implemented Cardola VirtualHotel application.Accessed through an in-room iPad, VirtualHotel is now availablein each of the hotel’s 18 signature suites, providing guests withinstant access to services both inside and outside the hotel.
● FROM MAY, guests staying at the five-star Skiathos PrincessHotel or Aegean Suites Hotel in Greece will have the chance toparticipate in a new week-long Healthy Living Programme. Itincludes two group fitness activities per day, coached runs alongthe beach, Nature Walks and Herb Hikes. Prices for theprogramme start from £140 per person for a week or £30 per day.
● IBIS STYLES London Excel has reopened following arefurbishment of the bedrooms and public spaces. The 302-roomhotel is located in Docklands, opposite the London ExCelConference Centre.
TRAVELODGE HAS announced it is benefiting from a£223million investment this year to help further grow itsbusiness. The cash investment will help fuel growth andstrengthen the company’s brand offering. This year thecompany will open 14 hotels (1,742 rooms) at an investmentof £141.5m, with 12 of the openings in the UK and two inSpain.
The UK locations include four properties in London(Bethnal Green, Hounslow, Vauxhall and Walthamstow), plusLiverpool, Cambridge, Aylesbury, Southport, Kings Lynn,Sittingbourne, Manchester and Chertsey.
The two Spanish hotel openings will double the company'sroom stock to 700 and boost the number of hotels to six,which includes three properties in Madrid, two in Barcelonaand one in Valencia.
The first hotel is scheduled to open in spring and islocated in the beach area of Poblenoul in Barcelona. The newMadrid hotel is scheduled to open in the summer and islocated in the Julian Camarilo commercial district.
As part of the announcement, the hotel chain is alsounveiling its new room design which has been created bycustomers. The new room concept has taken 12 months tocomplete from initial research to implementation and hasbeen overseen by a dedicated in-house interior designer.
Feedback from customers stated they wanted an inviting,functional, warm, relaxing environment, with the main focusof the room being an extremely comfortable bed.
The new room includes an upgraded luxury king size bedwhich is deemed in the industry as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of beds,featuring an 800 pocket sprung mattress, with eachindividual spring designed to follow the natural contour of anindividual’s body to provide the correct amount of supportand comfort.
Other additions to the new room include a contemporaryen-suite bathroom with a power shower, stain & waterresistant carpet in a dark shade of blue, a larger desk area,new reading lights and a phone charging socket built into thebed frame.
All new hotels being opened this year will incorporate thenew room design. In addition, phase one of the £57millionrefurbishment programme, which starts in spring this year,will include a refit project to transform the company'sflagship and most popular city centre hotel rooms with thenew design. By autumn 2014, more than 80% of the hotelgroup's estate will incorporate the new room design.
Travelodge benefits from £223million brand investment
Southern & East Africa Showcase Agent Networking Evening
Tuesday 19th February Crowne Plaza Hotel
Central SquareHolliday Street
Birmingham B1 1HH
Monday 18th February Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel
Free Trade HallPeter Street
Manchester M2 5GP
Travel Bulletin is delighted to invite you to this training event covering all that this stunning region has to offerin terms of accommodation, flights, health and wellbeing, wedding and honeymoon and tailormade packages.
Registration : 18.15 hours
Networking & Presentations: 18.30 hours
Buffet, Entertainment & Prizes: 20.00 hours
Carriages: 21.30 hours
For more information on how to exhibit or attend as a guest please email: [email protected] telephone 020 7834 6661
What's your earliest childhood memory? As a child in my balaclava, my dad’sfavourite quote is that I was that ugly asa kid so had to wear a balaclava –obviously joking!
If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Spiderman – he is a legend!
What three words would yourfriends use to describe you? Funny, dependable, reliable.
What have your travels taught you? Pack sensibly, and ironing before you gois pointless.
What is the best advice you recall?Never give up, determination will prevail.
If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be? Midget Gems.
If you could change three things inthe industry, what would they be?● Agents to use the online tools of
Funway more ● Customers to be less price conscious
and more aware of the cost of flightsand hotels
● Customers to be aware of tax and fuelcharges.
Who has been the biggestinspiration/influence in your career? I feel that I have gained valuableknowledge from all of themanagers/directors that I have workedfor, which has helped me to develop mycurrent role.
What's your favourite city and why? Athens - I love Greece as a second home.
If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing? I would have my own bistro.
What is your motto in life? Life’s too short, grasp it with both handsand make the most of it!
If you had a super power what would it be and why? The ability to read people’s minds so Iknow what they want.
What was your nickname at school and why? Trav – obvious!
What item do you always take with you when travelling? My iPad.
Andy TravisThe national sales manager at Funway calls
Greece his second home and is a fan of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
What's your favourite airline and why? Emirates so far - Club Class is sooogreat, and lovely returning fromhoneymoon.
How do you deal with stress? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as much as I can fitinto my busy week.
What song would you have played at your funeral? I am the resurrection, Stone Roses.
Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? The lack of direct flights from northernairports.
What special skills do you have? I am a good all round negotiator, withexcellent interpersonal skills which areessential in my role.
How do you cope with the advances in technology? Embrace them, they are here to stay andare great at helping people get whatthey want at the quickest route.
What’s your favourite movie of all time? Con Air – anything with Nicolas Cage isa winner!
What do you love about your job?The variety and challenge which I faceday in, day out.
Career path● Funway Holidays International -
national sales manager: Dec 2012 -current
● Sandals Resorts by Funway - salesdevelopment manager: Aug 2010 –Nov 2012
● The Holiday Team - regional salesmanager: March 09 – July 2010
● Bluebookonline.co.uk - key accountmanager: May 08 – Sept 08
● Youtravel.com - national salesmanager: Nov 06 – Jan 08
WITH THE British Museum hosting its first exhibition in 40 years dedicated to the ruins ofPompeii from March 28 to September 29, Classic Collection Holidays is offering packagesto include half-day or full day private tours of Pompeii on stays at the Grand HotelExcelsior Vittoria, Sorrento this summer.
Prices for seven nights’ breakfast stay lead in at £1,399 per person in May, based on twosharing a classic garden view room, including flights and transfers. Also included is aguided half-day tour of Pompeii by private car with the services of a guide and driver andentrance fees to the historic site.
At the newly introduced Hotel Su Gologone in Sorrento the company is offeringcustomers the chance to take part in oil-painting, pottery and embroidery courses. Thehotel is home to one of the most important private collections of art, ceramics andembroidery in Sardinia, with each room dedicated to a specific Sardinian artist withsamples of their work.
Seven-night prices lead in at £992 per person in June (or £1,154 per person in August)based on a half-board stay in a classic room, including flights from Gatwick and car hire. For more information or to book call 0800-008 7288 or see www.classic-collection.co.uk
Attraction Worldhighlights popular
add-onsATTRACTION WORLD ispromoting a selection ofits most popular add-onsin Italy.
They include a Dinnerand Concert in Florence,which costs £51 foradults and £27 for kids(aged two-eight); aRenaissance FlorenceWalking Tour for £23 peradult and £12 per child(six-eight years); a half-day trip to Chianti fromFlorence (£37 per adultand £18 per child agedtwo-eight); a Segway Tourin Pisa (£59 per person);a 40-minute GondolaSerenade in Venice (£39per person); and a VenicePhotography Tour (£65per person).
All tours are fullycommissionable toagents.For more information seewww.attractionworld.com
TITAN IS offering a range of holidays that explore all corners of Italy, from fully-comprehensive journeys such as the ten-day Treasures of Italy from £1,795 per person tosingle and twin-centre itineraries such as the eight-day Venice and Lake Garda from £1,295.
Guests can also opt to discover Sardinia or Sicily, and the company offers dedicated toursrevealing the highlights of each, from the UNESCO-classified Valley of the Temples inAgrigento on a ten-day 'Sicily – Jewel of the Mediterranean' option from £1,525, to the 13th-century stronghold of Castelsardo on the 11-day Sardinian Paradise tour, which costs from£1,795.
Brochure prices lead in at £1,025 per person for an eight-day Charm of the Dolomitestour, and every itinerary includes scheduled flights, a tour manager throughout, a numberof meals, excursions and visits and door-to-door transfers. For more information or to request brochures visit www.titanagents.co.uk
Titan highlights range of dedicated tours with prices from £1,025
ItalyINNTRAVEL HAS introduced a new walking break, From Florence to Siena. Beginning in Florence, guests will cross the Chianti hills tofollow a route to Siena, taking in the Chianti towns of Greve and Radda-in-Chianti en-route. After a day's walking, guests can experienceTuscan cuisine and wines. Prices lead in at £998 per person, based on two sharing and include eight nights’ breakfast accommodation,three dinners, luggage transfers, walking maps and notes.For details call 01653-617000 or see www.inntravel.co.uk
Classic adds learning and activity breaks in Sorrento & Sardinia
Collette highlights two Italy tours in newRHS Garden Holidays programme
TWO OF the ten tours featured in Collette Worldwide Holidaysand the Royal Horticultural Society’s programme of gardenholidays are in Italy. The brochure, which features a selectionof carefully designed horticulture-themed holidays offersvisits to private gardens, private or expert tours ofexceptional public and botanical gardens and the chance tosee many plants in their natural habitat.
Departures start in May and include a nine-day Gardens &Villas of the Italian Lakes, which leads in at £2,399 perperson and a six-day Eternal Gardens of Rome, which costsfrom £1,549. For details see www.rhsgardenholidays.com, call 0800-8048710 or e-mail [email protected]
Peter Sommer Travels adds new datesfor Amalfi coast gulet cruisePETER SOMMER Travels has added new dates for itspopular Amalfi coast gulet cruise, where guests canexplore the region's archaeological sites, swim off theisland of Capri, picnic among the ruins of Pompeii and takein Imperial villas and palaces. The seven-night tour on atraditional gulet is limited to ten guests and departs onJune 8, September 7 and September 14.
Prices lead in at £3,595 per person based on twosharing, including transfers, seven nights’ full-board on thegulet, all entrance fees and expert guiding. Flights toNaples are extra. For more information or to book call 01600-888220 or seewww.petersommer.com
COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched a new rail journey‘Discover Lake Garda by Rail’ with Eurostar and Europe’s highspeed trains.
Clients travel from London St Pancras to Paris on Eurostarand then on to Lausanne for an overnight stay beforecontinuing their rail journey to Lake Garda for a six-night stayat the four-star Parc Paradise & Golf Resort on the southernshores of the lake in Castelnuovo del Garda. The returnjourney has an overnight stay in Strasbourg before continuingon to Paris to connect with Eurostar.
Prices lead in at £1,169 per person including all rail travel,six nights' half-board accommodation and two nights'breakfast accommodation, all transfers and the services of atour director.
Meanwhile, the operator's new holiday concept ‘Relax &Explore’ features a range of new itineraries in Italy and hasbeen introduced to provide customers with the flexibility tobook the holiday that suits them best.
Based on single or twin centres in a choice of destinations,customers can set their own pace by adding the excursionsthat suit them, in addition to the sightseeing already includedin the holiday. The choice includes historical and culturalhighlights of Italy including ‘Villas & Gardens of Lake Como’,‘Lake Garda & the Dolomites’, ‘Lake Garda, Venice & Verona’,‘Magical Lake Maggiore and ‘Sorrento & Pompeii’.
The company's head of product Lesley Taylor said: “Over thepast few years our product choice has broadened significantlyoffering a varied choice of holiday options. Listening to our
customers, we have now introduced our most flexible holidayoption - ‘Relax & Explore’. Using our expertise, we have puttogether single and twin-centre holidays in the mostinteresting and appealing destinations with includedexperiences or sightseeing we feel is ‘must see or do’.
"Our carefully chosen hotels in resort centres with a choiceof relaxing facilities, means our customers can choose to relaxor see more of the destination by booking from our excitingrange of optional excursions.” For more information call 0844-573 0668 or visit www.trade-gate.co.uk for brochures
New Lake Garda by rail option from Cosmos Tours & Cruises
Ilios Travel expands product range ILIOS TRAVEL has expanded its product range for thissummer to include private villas with pools and hotels inthe Sorrento and Amalfi Coast area, Sicily and Sardinia.
The company says that these areas, more known fortheir hotels rather than private villas, have experiencedrapid growth since their introduction, and offer theoperator an exciting move from the more traditional villasand country houses with pools in Tuscany and Umbria.
A variety of tailor-made add-ons can also be arrangedincluding private limousines, excursions, dedicated chefsand cooking lessons.
GREAT RAIL Journeys and Treyn have added new toursfollowing increased demand for the Pugila and Basilicataregion.
The company’s sales and marketing director Alex Robertssaid: “We’ve seen a massive growth in popularity to thePuglia & Basilicata region since Southern Italy has becomeeasier to reach by train, with people realising that there ismore to high speed rail travel than boarding the Eurostar toget to Paris. Also, this region is arguably one of the nicestparts of Europe. It is a wonderful place to visit where youcan immerse yourself in the culture on the unspoilt ‘heel’ ofItaly, a rugged, rural and breathtakingly beautiful region.”
A new 13-day Puglia & Basilicata in Spring features inGreat Rail Journeys’ 2013 programme, with prices leading inat £1,875 per person based on two sharing. It includesStandard Premier Class Eurostar travel including a lightmeal and drinks from London; First Class rail travel asdescribed in the itinerary; 12 nights’ hotel accommodationwith breakfast; ten dinners; guided tours of Rome, Lecceand Otranto; an excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca; a guidedtour of Matera; an excursion to Alberobello; a GarganoPeninsula boat trip and all transfers. The price is based onan April 5 departure and includes the services of a tourmanager throughout.
Also in Italy, the operators’ Venice Lagoon tours offer anew type of cruising where customers can experience a railholiday to Venice followed by a cruise on MS Michaelangelo -visiting the city’s unique lagoon to discover the islandssurrounding Venice.
Meanwhile, a new tour from Treyn is the ten-day BeautifulUmbria option, which leads in at £995 per person, based ontwo. It includes rail travel from London to Passignano; ninenights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast; nine dinners; aboat excursuion to Isola Maggiore; guided tours of Perugiaand Assisi; a visit to Orvieto and wine tasting. The price isbased on a May 17 departure and includes a tour managerthroughout.
Essentially Prestige introduces Sicilywith a week’s stay from £473ESSENTIALLY PRESTIGE is featuring breaks to Sicily for thefirst time this year, with week long stays starting from £473per person at the three-star Hotel Cala Marina inCastellammare del Golfo on the west coast of the island.The package includes flights from Gatwick, transfers andaccommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis. The hotel has no restaurant but for an extra £19 per nightguests can eat at a choice of fish restaurants which line theseafront.
Accommodation in the operator’s portfolio ranges fromluxury five-star palaces (including the Orient Express GrandHotel and Hotel Villa Sant’ Andrea both in Taormina) tofarmhouses, affordable bed-and-breakfasts and three-starhotels plus the all-inclusive Paradise Beach Club inSelinunte on the west coast.
The company is also featuring three multi-centreholidays each taking in three different locations on theisland and will tailor-make breaks in any combination ofresorts and any length of stay.
Multi-centre holidays include the Sicilian GastronomyExperience, which starts in Menfi in Western Sicily andtakes in the south coast with a break en-route in Agrigento,famed for its Greek Temples. This is followed by a journeythrough the baroque region ending up with a stay in anoriginal Norman fortified tower to experience wines andcuisine in Ispica on the south east tip of the island. Thetour costs from £727 per person and includes flights, carhire and breakfast accommodation.
Meanwhile, added value options are featured throughoutthe Love Sicily brochure including early booking offers, freenights, free child places at some hotels when sharing aparents’ room, complimentary meals, olive oil tasting andwellness packages.For more information call 01425-480400 or seewww.prestigeholidays.co.uk
Great Rail Journeys & Treyn add newtours in response to demand
Matera
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Italy
INTREPID TRAVEL has launched a new four-day ‘Venice Bite-sizeBreak’ as part of its new Food Adventures range of tours. The trip has been designed to give holidaymakers a taste of theVeneto region’s cuisine, with a hands-on cooking class, visits tolocal producers to taste prosecco, regional cheeses, local salamiand gelato, plus an evening tasting cicchetti (Venice-style tapas)in the city’s bacari bars. There is also a city tour which takes infamous sights, including the Bridge of Sighs, St Marks and theRialto Bridge. Prices lead in at £630 per person for four days,including breakfast accommodation, two lunches and one dinner,tastings and classes, plus the services of a local tour leader.Until March 15, the company is offering 10% off trips departingbefore May 31. Agents should quote the promotional code 9508 atthe time of booking.For details see www.intrepidtravel.com/food
STARHOTELS, A family-run Italian hotel group with 22hotels internationally, including hotels in Rome, Milan,Venice and Trieste, has expanded its sales campaign in theUK market by entering into an agreement with five UK touroperators. Citalia, Kirker, The Mileage Company and KuoniUK all now feature Splendid Venice in their programmes,while Railbookers has introduced the Savoia ExcelsiorPalace, Trieste to its portfolio.
Meanwhile, keen to help keep its guests fit and healthy,the hotel group is offering Marathon weekend offers forparticipants. Runners and their supporters can take part inthe following marathons - Rome on March 17 , Milan onApril 7, Trieste on May 5 and Venice on October 27, with a15% discount on the best available rate online. The offersare available during the weekend of the marathon at thecompany’s Michelangelo Rome, Rosa Grand Milano,E.c.ho. Milano, Savoia Excelsior Palace in Trieste andSplendid Venice properties. One child up to 16 years of agestays for free, including breakfast, when sharing theirparents’ room. For more information visit www.starhotels.com
INGHAMS HAS introduced a new chalethotel to its portfolio for summer. The four-star Chalet Hotel Galeazzi in the resort ofGardone Riviera is a short stroll from thelakeside promenade and offers an outdoorswimming pool and lounge area with bar.
Prices start from £699 per person,including seven nights’ breakfastaccommodation, packed lunches,afternoon tea and freshly baked cakes, afive-course dinner with unlimited wine,pre-dinner aperitif, tea/coffee andchocolates, a weekly poolside buffet,coffee and tea throughout the day, a boattrip to Sirmione, flights and transfers.
The operator’s executive director HughWalton said: “We were thrilled by theresponse of our summer guests to theChalet Hotel concept which enabled themto get the very best possible value for theirholiday pound. Nearly everything is paidfor in advance so guests do not have toworry about unforeseen extras whilst onholiday. We hope agents will see this as an‘easy-sell’ as there is so much valueincluded.”
The company is also highlighting a stayon Lake Garda combined with a trip on theOrient Express, which is new for summer.
Guests will travel on the VeniceSimpion-Orient-Express journeying to theshores of Lake Garda, with prices leadingin at £2,464 per person. It includes onenight on the Orient Express with lunch,evening meal and breakfast, one night’saccommodation in Verona on a bed-and-breakfast basis and a seven-night stay inthe three-star Hotel Catullo in Bardolino,Lake Garda on a half-board basis
including all transfers and a one-wayflight back to the UK. The offer is basedon travel between May and September.
Meanwhile, the operator is encouragingagents to promote city breaks in Verona toclients looking to celebrate the 100-yearanniversary of the Verona Opera.
To mark the occasion there will bespecial gala performances and anopportunity to see Aida, Traviata andShakespeare’s famous Romeo and Julietin the city’s Roman Arena.
The Verona Opera season runs fromJune 14 to September 8 and three- andfour-night stays are available from £450per person, including breakfastaccommodation in a three-star hotel,flights and transfers. For more information or to book seewww.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791114.
Superbreak addsMilan to overseas
destinationsSUPERBREAK HAS addedMilan to its portfolio ofEuropean city breakdestinations. In total 12hotels are featured withthree- and four-star optionsavailable to suit all budgets.Flights can also be addedfrom a range of UK airports.
As an example of prices, abreakfast stay at the three-star Fenice Palace Hotelcosts from £42.50 perperson per night, while aflight-inclusive packagefrom Gatwick with easyJet,including two nights’breakfast accommodationcosts from £250 per person.Prices are based on an April5 departure with twosharing.
A stay at the four-starMedionlanum Hotel costsfrom £47 per person for anight’s breakfast stay, whilea flight-inclusive two-nightpackage from Gatwick witheasyJet leads in at £258.50,based on an April 5departure. For more information or tobook see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.
Inghams adds new chalet hotel in Gardone Riviera
Verona Opera
Starhotels expands sales campaign tosell through UK tour operators
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ITALIAN COUNTRY Cottages is offering a selection of breaks inApril in the Tuscany region for less than £299 for seven nights. Asexamples, the Casale Studio in Trappola, Loro Ciuffenna offerstwo separate apartments overlooking an oval swimming pool,with prices leading in at £290 for seven nights’ self-cateringaccommodation from April 8. The property sleeps four, meaningthat the price per person per nights costs £10.35. The CastelloBello in San Martino, near Riparbella also sleeps four, with pricesfrom £247 for seven nights (or £8.82 per person per night). Theapartment features a lounge area and there is shared access of aswimming pool and children’s pool. Also on site is a restaurant,pizzeria, tennis court, mini football and spa facilities, while freewine tasting at a nearby vineyard is also included.
COSMOS HOLIDAYS haslaunched a new weddingsand honeymoons brochurefor 2014 featuring 20locations including five newdestinations to choose fromand free wedding packagesin selected destinations.
The new weddingdestinations includeTurkey, Zante, the Algarve,Lake Garda and Croatia,with a choice of ceremony
locations to choose from.Renewal of Vowsceremonies are available inFlorida, Mexico, Caribbean,Kenya, Maldives and SriLanka.
The brochure alsofeatures honeymoons forthe first time, andpackages offer a range ofcomplimentary extras androom upgrades such ascandlelit dinners,
Champagne breakfasts androom upgrades.
Free wedding packagesare available in theCaribbean, Mexico and SriLanka at a selection ofhotels, with prices for along-haul wedding packageleading in at £539 at theWinter Park Chapel inFlorida.
The operator has alsoexpanded its short-haul
wedding programme with aparticular focus on theGreek Islands, offering agreater variety of places tomarry or renew vowsincluding beaches, chapelsand scenic cliff toplocations. Prices lead in at£375 for a civil wedding orchurch wedding in Rhodes. For details call 0871-4238690 and for brochures seewww.trade-gate.co.uk
INCREASING NUMBERS of couples are searching overseas fordestinations where they can tie the knot affordably, accordingto Hayes and Jarvis, and the operator reports that Mauritiusremains a top choice for brides and grooms-to-be, along withSri Lanka, which has moved up to second place as coupleslook for good value wedding venues. Caribbean islands taketwo of the top five places for the operator’s bookings butwhile St Lucia and Antigua are popular for weddings,Barbados is unbeatable as the top honeymoon choice for thecompany’s clients.
A seven-night half-board package at LUX Grand Gaube inMauritius costs from £1,533 per person, with Air Mauritiusflights from Heathrow and transfers. Wedding packages startfrom £559, including the ceremony, legal fees, wedding cake
and two glasses of Champagne for the couple, plus theservices of a wedding coordinator, meaning that the totalwedding and holiday price for a couple leads in at £3,625.
As Barbados takes the top spot in the operator’s top fivehoneymoon hotspots, the company suggests a stay at the four-star Bougainvillea Beach Resort for post-wedding relaxation,which offers three pools and a spa, plus a range ofexperiences for honeymooners, including a massage, sunsetcruise and beach picnic.
A seven-night package costs from £1,263 per person,including room-only accommodation, Virgin Atlantic flightsfrom Gatwick and transfers. For more information or to book call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents
Hayes & Jarvis reports Indian Ocean is top choice for tying the knot overseas
weddings&honeymoons
A CHANGE in the British VirginIsland’s marriage laws means thatcouples heading to the destination totie the knot can now get married 24-hours after arrival. The change alsomeans couples can now begin fillingout their wedding application formonline before leaving the UK,meaning less time spent onpaperwork and more time soaking upthe Caribbean sun. Prior to the
changes being made, it wasnecessary for couples to visit threedifferent locations to obtain thenecessary documentation for theirmarriage licence application. Couplescan now submit their informationthrough the Government’s new CivilRegistry Information System, whereresidency requirements for ‘speciallicences’ have been shortened fromthree days to one and a new fee
schedule has been introduced helpingcreate a ‘One Stop Shop’ process.
The new changes mean couplescan complete the entire process atthe Civil Registry where all they willneed to do is provide proof of identityand marital status, an application fortheir licence, obtain a marriagecertificate and present two witnesses. For more information seewww.bvitourism.com
Change in marriage laws makes it easier to tie the knot in the British Virgin Islands
Cosmos Holidays offers free wedding packages in 2014 brochure
Rainbow Tours tips Mozambique as a honeymoon hotspot for 2013RAINBOW TOURS is predicting this year's honeymoon hotspotwill be Mozambique.
The operator's programme manager Lisa Fisher said:“Mozambique promises to be a lovely up-and-comingdestination for 2013 with new flight routes opening, offeringbetter links with eastern and southern Africa. Emiratesrecently launched flights to Maputo will mean that propertiessuch as the gorgeous White Pearl Resort on Mozambique’ssouth coast will be much more accessible.
"For those who want more from their honeymoon than justsitting on a beach, a trip that combines a safari can be anexcellent choice offering some real once in a lifetimeexperiences such as sleeping out under the stars, candlelitdinners and guided walking safaris.”
As an example of prices, a twin-centre honeymoonincorporating a stay in South Africa’s Sabi Sands GameReserve with a seven-night stay at White Pearl Resort inMozambique costs from £3,980 per person. It includes flights,transfers, three nights on safari with all meals and gamedrives, and seven nights at White Pearl Resort with breakfastand dinner.For more information or to book see www.rainbowtours.co.ukor call 020-7666 1250.
www.travelbulletin.co.ukFebruary 15 201324
weddings&honeymoons
RED SEA Holidays is offering a special honeymoon package of sevennights' all-inclusive on the five-star MS Grand Rose and seven nightsall-inclusive at the five-star Makadi Spa Hotel from £1,198 perperson. The offer includes flights from Gatwick and is valid for travelon June 4. The Makadi Spa Hotel offers an infinity pool and is close tothe boutiques and fine restaurants of the Makadi mall, while the MSGrand Rose visits the East bank of Thebes and the Temples of Luxorand Karnak, Kom Ombo double temple, Aswan, the island of Agilikaand Western Thebes. For details see www.redseaholidays.co.uk or call 0845-026 5973.
ATLANTIS, THE Palm is notable to offer weddings to non-UAE residents but welcomescouples to take a blessing orvow renewal.
A range of tailored servicesare available including a pre-inspection of allarrangements with aspecialised planner to aidcouples in planning their day;the booking of a priest for theday of the blessing; a choiceof venues; tailored food andbeverage menus for the day;a full blessing or vow renewalplanning service; and fullcoordination of décor andsupplies.
The property also offers aselection of honeymoonpackages including anUltimate Relaxation package,which includes a three-hoursession at the ShuiQi RoyalSpa Suite plus Champagne,chocolates and a special turndown service; a Cozy
Adventure package, whichoffers a private pool cabana,outdoor cabana one-hourmassage, a photo albumcollecting together thecouple’s memorablemoments, Champagne,chocolates and a special turndown service; and a MagicalDinner package whichcomprises of dinner for twoon the Royal Beach under aprivate cabana, a capture themoment photo, pluschocolate, Champagne andturn down arrangements.
Destinology offers threenights at the property from£789 per person, based ontwo sharing a deluxe room ona half-board basis. It includesflights with Qatar Airwaysfrom Heathrow and is validfor trips departing betweenAugust 14 and September 27.For details seewww.destinology.co.uk or call 0808-163 7078.
Grenada's Mount Cinnamon Beach Club &Resort adds new honeymoon experience A NEW honeymoon package, that combines luxury service andthe glamour of days gone by, has been introduced by MountCinnamon Beach Club & Resort in Grenada.
It includes seven nights' all-inclusive stay in a luxury suite;flowers, gourmet home-produced chocolate and a chilledbottle of Champagne on arrival; alcoholic drinks (exceptpremium brands by the bottle); a day trip to the 17th centuryMount Edgecombe Plantation, including an infinity poolsidepicnic and a speedboat transfer; one private dinner served onthe couple’s suite balcony with a personal butler; his and hersNutmeg Massage; and private luxury transfers.
Prices for the package lead in at approximately £3,136 percouple, including taxes and service charges. For details visit www.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com oremail [email protected]
Reservations & Admin 0871 423 8690 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)
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weddings&honeymoons
FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has teamed upwith AMResorts, and to mark the newpartnership the operator haslaunched a new offer which includesa free Sun Kissed wedding packagebased on seven nights at the new341-room Sunscape Curaçao Resort,Spa & Casino from £1,699 perperson.
The offer, which is based on aSeptember 10 departure and twosharing, also includes flights with
KLM. The company’s productadministration executive NanditaPatel said: "Just by booking a normalCaribbean holiday, you can get agreat value wedding packageincluded completely free of charge.At the Sunscape Curacao Resort, allyou need to do is book the secondlead-in room, the Deluxe Ocean Viewroom, stay seven nights or more andreceive a Sunscape Sun Kissedwedding package, which includes the
services of a wedding minister, awedding coordinator, a wedding cakeand sparkling wine for ten guests.
“The resort also offers a number ofattentive services and inclusions tomake the wedding extra special -from creating a tailor-made themedwedding, including special touchessuch as butterfly releases, fireworksand much more."For more information or to book seewww.funway4agents.co.uk
CARIBTOURS AND sister company, The Private TravelCompany, have launched LOVE, a weddings and honeymoonsprogramme aimed at couples looking to tie the knot this year.
A range of offers feature in the newly launched programmeincluding a stay at Cap Maison in Saint Lucia, wherehoneymooners receive a 25% room saving, as well as a freeChampagne sunset cruise, a picnic for two and a Champagnebreakfast, for stays of seven nights or more until December19. Prices lead in at £1,615 per person, staying in a gardenview room including breakfast.
At Carlisle Bay in Antigua, a seven-night stay costs from£1,909 per person, based on breakfast accommodation in agarden suite, with wedding ceremonies with all the trimmingsleading in at £755 per couple. For stays up to April 13, wedding
and honeymoon couples receive a complimentary privatedinner for two on the beach on a night of their choice, plus afree room upgrade to an ocean suite.
Meanwhile, a seven-night breakfast stay at Six Senses ZighyBay in Oman costs from £1,529 per person, staying in a poolvilla. For honeymooners booking a minimum seven-night staybefore October 31, the company is offering a free three-coursedinner, a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment, one free night andsavings of up to 15% on accommodation. All prices includescheduled flights, private transfers and use of a private loungeat Gatwick or Heathrow.To book or for more information visitwww.caribtours.co.uk/love andwww.theprivatetravelcompany.co.uk
LOVE brochure from Caribtours showcases popular weddings & honeymoons collection
Funway partners with AMResorts to offer free Sun Kissed wedding package
FOR ALL OTHER MARKETING AND SALES ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT TONY BLAKEY – NATIONAL SALES MANAGER AT: [email protected]
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RED SEA Holidays has released its 2013/14 brochurefeaturing new hotels and resorts, a range of offers andmore flights. The programme features the operator'slargest choice of holidays including new resorts such asSahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay. Taba and Taba Heights,popular with divers and ideally located for excursions toPetra in Jordan and to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, willalso be back on sale for departures from this month. Newhotels include Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Tropitel SahlHasheesh, Sheraton Soma Bay Resort and Grand RotanaResort & Spa.
Meanwhile, the company has announced that in order to
meet increased consumer demand it has introduced newcharter flights from Stansted to Sharm el Sheikh, and willbe adding new charter flights from Leeds Bradford toSharm el Sheikh on May 2 and new charter flights fromExeter to Sharm el Sheikh on May 8.
As an example of prices, seven nights' all-inclusive stayat the five-star Grand Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh leads in at£649 per person. It includes flights from Manchester andthe offer is valid for travel until February 21. Departuresfrom Birmingham cost from £649 and Bristol from £689. For more information or to book visitwww.redseaholidays.co.uk or call 0845-026 5973.
SPECIALIST MOROCCO has launched itsfirst brochure, specifically aimed attravel agents.
It covers highlights of the entirecountry with a wide choice ofaccommodation, ten classic ‘discoverytours’, themed breaks - including cookeryand hen party trips, plus walking andtrekking holidays.
Trips vary in duration from shortweekend city breaks, to a three-week‘Complete Morocco’ tour for those withmore time on their hands.
A spread in the introductory pagesfeatures a map of the country and lists allthe highlights and UNESCO sites with abrief description, plus details driving andtrain times, to make it easier for agentsto get to grips with the destination.
All tours and two-centre breaks areflexible, allowing agents to tailor-maketrips according to customers’
requirements, selecting theaccommodation from that listed in thebrochure, according to preference and budget.
Nick Anstead, founder of SpecialistAfrica, said: "Our programme toMorocco is unlike anything agents willfind in any other brochure. We knowMorocco inside out and our team hastravelled the length and breadth of thecountry, personally visiting every singleproperty within the brochure beforedeciding to include them.
“We consider ourselves to be‘Moroccoholics’ and, in addition to theclassic cities, trekking trails and coastalspots, there are recommendations toamazing places that many regularvisitors may never have even heard of.
“Agents will be interested to learn thatwe even have our own office inMarrakech, which enables us to keep our
finger on the pulse and maintain stronglocal relationships with all of thesuppliers that are involved in our holidays.”
Highlights of the programme includeevery four-night package to Marrakechoffers airport transfers, dinner on thefirst night, a guided tour and an activity;Imperial City tours in the north of thecountry can be accessed via Gibraltar;and a unique tour for adventurous groupsor couples along the Atlantic Coast from£1,449 per person.
All tours can also be tailored forfamilies with shorter driving distances,hotels with adjoining or family rooms andswimming pools. For a copy of the new brochure call01428-605 833 or visitwww.specialistmorocco.com. A digitalversion can be viewed athttp://specialistmorocco.inbro.net
northafrica
Red Sea Holidays adds new resorts and more flight options for 2013/14
Specialist Morocco launches 2013 brochure for the trade
BALES WORLDWIDE is offering a 15-day Cairo to the Cataractsitinerary from £1,895 per person, based on an April 17departure. It includes scheduled flights, accommodation onMovenpick MS Hameesa which visits Cairo, El Minya, BeniHassan, El Ashmunein (Hermopolis), Tell el-Amarna, Asyut,Balyana, Abydos, Dendera, Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings,Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, the High Dam and Philae. The
itinerary includes English-speaking guides, private transfersand a sightseeing itinerary with entrance fees.
Prices are based on two adults travelling and sharing on amixed board basis and include all applicable UK and overseasairport taxes and fuel surcharges.To book or for more information call 0845-057 0600 or visitwww.balesworldwide.com
Bales Worldwide adds 15-day Cairo to the Cataracts option from £1,895
Grand Hotel, Sharm el Sheikh
S06 TB1502 North Africa_Layout 1 13/02/2013 15:00 Page 27
5* nile cruises from
£979
marrakech city breaks
city breaks
marrakech
£979fromcruises5* nile
THE RESIDENCE Tunis has launched a new Golf Performance Academy for both adults and children, which has been designed toenhance and complement the hotel’s Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole course. The academy offers mental, technical and physicaltraining for beginners through to advanced golfers wishing to improve all aspects of their game. Using state-of-the-art software tomonitor brain activity, golfers are taught to relax, focus and visualise to help them reach their golfing potential. In addition to thegolf clinics and personal coaching, the academy offers a year-round driving range, 50 green bays, three dedicated short greengames, a large putting green, online coaching (performance statistics, exercise programmes and drills) and a junior golf school.Elegant Resorts offers seven nights at the property from £1,015 per person based on two sharing a garden view room on a bed-and-breakfast basis. It includes one complimentary night, flights with BA from Gatwick, daily complimentary green fees and a one-dayspa pass for each guest, including three wet treatments and a 25-minute full body massage, valid until June 1.For details call 01244-897516 or see www.elegantresorts.co.uk
www.travelbulletin.co.ukFebruary 15 201328
LAST MONTH Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces launched itsthird property in Africa, with the soft opening of the Taj PalaceMarrakech, increasing the company's portfolio to 17 hotels.
With 161 guestrooms, including 25 suites and oneRoyal Suite, the property features several restaurants andbars, serving a range of cuisine from Moroccanspecialties to cuisine from the Mediterranean and Asia.
The hotel also features a spa that offers a range oftreatments, two large hammams and a state-of-the-artfitness centre.
Managing director and CEO of The Indian HotelsCompany, Raymond N. Bickson, said: “Taj Palace
Marrakech is our latest venture into the African continentwith the Taj Palace, Marrakech, in sync with our strategy tocontinue our vision of growth in key internationaldestinations. The hotel will fit perfectly in our portfoliowith its meticulously crafted and vivid blend of Moroccan,Indian and Asian themes. Marrakech is rich in cultureand tradition and is increasingly becoming a most desiredleisure destination.”
The hotel is located 30-minutes from MarrakechMenara International Airport, which is easily accessiblefrom the UK, served by a number of airlines includingBritish Airways and easyJet.
northafrica
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces announces soft opening of Marrakech property
ORBITAL TRAVEL has added a 14-night cruise betweenCairo and Aswan to its programme.
The stretch of river between Cairo and Luxor hasbeen closed for 18 years but re-opened last year. Aswell as visiting the main sights in Cairo, touristsreturning to Middle Egypt can now visit El Minya(including Tel-Amarna, the atmospheric remains of thedesert city of Akhenaten and the tombs of Beni Hassan);Abydos Temple (one of the most complete temples of itsera in Egypt) and Dendera Temple. Cruises are fullyescorted by an English-speaking Egyptologist who is onboard throughout the cruise.
The operator's managing director John McCallumsaid: “We are absolutely delighted to launch this new14-night cruise and it’s a great addition to ourprogramme. We think this cruise has great potential asmany people who have been on the short cruise haveshown a lot of interest in going on the longer cruise. Weare also really pleased that we can offer cruises on thefive-star Nile Vision as it is already proving very popularwith clients.”
The season for the long cruise runs from April toOctober and departures are on a Tuesday withconfirmed sailing dates for April and May to date (Cairoto Aswan or vice versa).
Prices lead in at £1,270 per person based on fullboard and £1,490 all-inclusive. It includes 14 nights’accommodation, transfers and 21 excursions. Flightsare excluded and agent commission is 15%.For more information email [email protected]
Orbital Travel launches 14-night Nile cruise from Cairo to Aswan
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Classic Collection adds new eight-day Nile cruiseCLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has introduced a new Nile Cruise forthis year.
The eight-day MS Farah cruise takes in Luxor, the Karnak Temples,Aswan High Dam, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepshutand the Colossi Memnon, and there is also the chance to take aFelucca trip around Kitchener’s island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
Shorter options are also available, with four-day cruises fromAswan and prices in March starting from £683 per person based onfull board in a deluxe cabin with excursions, excluding flights andtransfers.
The operator's product manager Peter Cox said: "MS Farah offers avery different sort of Nile cruise experience. As well as beingglamorous, luxurious and refined, it’s also contemporary, stylish andstate-of-the-art. It’s easily one of the most modern and finest vesselson the Nile. The state rooms are beautifully designed to enable clientsto enjoy the delights of the Nile from the comfort of their room. Thetop deck features an inviting pool and there's also a gym, steam room,sauna, two boutiques and wireless internet connection, which isavailable in all outlets free of charge."
According to the operator, all-inclusive options in Egypt are provingincreasingly popular and the five-star Baron Palms Resort in Sharm el Sheikh offers seven nights from £1,169 per person.
In Morocco early bookers to the Taj Palace Marrakechcan benefit from savings of up to £336 per couple per weekat the five-star hotel. The offer is available on bookingsmade at least 60 days prior to arrival and is based onholidays taken between April 16 and October 31. For more details call 0800-008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk
Taj Palace, Marrakech
northafrica
29www.travelbulletin.co.uk February 15 2013
New properties & early booking offersin Just Sunshine’s Tunisia brochureJUST SUNSHINE has launched its 2013 summer brochure forTunisia featuring a choice of three-, four- and five-star hotels.
New properties have been added to the programme. Theseinclude the four-star Ramada Liberty, four-star Golden Beachand the four-star Pirate Gates in Skanes and three new hotelsin Sousse – the three-star The Dreams Beach, the five-starMovenpick Resort & Marine Spa and the four-star MarhabaRoyal Salem.
Flights depart from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester,and new for this year are the UK departure airports ofNewcastle and Glasgow.
Highlights of the new brochure include a £50 deposit, 20kgbaggage allowance, family-friendly weekend flights, free resorttransfers and up to £200 early booking discounts.
Prices lead in at £309 at the five-star all-inclusive ElMouradi Hammamet Hotel for seven nights in May, departingfrom Gatwick.
The operator’s marketing manager Chris Mansell said:“Now that full confidence has returned to Tunisia as adelightful and rather exotic destination, particularly forfamilies, demand has grown substantially as demonstrated byour addition of many more properties and two more UKregional departure points for this coming summer.
“A particular message that we want agents to be aware of,now that a number of operators have, or are likely to, reducecommission, is that we pay a full 13% on all packages for alldestinations in our new Tunisia programme in addition toTurkey. We believe that the fast growing sales from our coresupporting independent agents is due to a combination ofgenerous base commission and a destination that is arelatively short flying time from the UK with an attractivealternative option from the Eurozone based Mediterraneanresorts.
“As first hand product knowledge is key to sales generation,we continue to operate educationals for front office staff in theshoulder months. Agents interested in participating shouldemail [email protected].”For more information or to book call 0844-756 0056 or visitwww.justsunshine.com
S06 TB1502 North Africa_Layout 1 13/02/2013 15:00 Page 29
Attraction World adds new experiences in MarrakechATTRACTION WORLD has added 15 new experiences in Marrakech.
They include a half-day Tajine Cooking Class for £47 per adult and£42 per child (aged six-11); a Medina, Palaces & Tombs tour from £28for adults and £24 for kids aged six-11; a Marrakech City Discoveryoption for £47 per adult and £43 per child; and an Historical Tour ofMarrakech for £39 per adult and £20 per child (aged two-11). All toursare fully commissionable to agents.
El Gouna welcomes new sailing school SAIL LA Vie is the newest recruit to the Red Sea town of El Gouna, offeringsailing and windsurfing lessons to holidaymakers.
With the tag line “Real Boaters, Don’t Need Motors”, the school is based nextto the Sheraton Miramar and teaches holidaymakers how to command thewaters on a range of water vessels.
Examples of the tuition courses include a two-hour windsurfing course whichcosts £25 per person and a two-hour sailing course which leads in at £50.Experienced windsurfers and sailors can rent a range of equipment and boatsat competitive rates starting from £12.50 per hour.
For clients look to relax and let someone else do the sailing for them, thecompany run trips which include soft drinks and snacks, starting from £21 perperson for a two-hour trip, £30 for a four-hour trip and £50 for a six-hour sail.
For details email [email protected] and for more information on theresort visit www.elgouna.com
A seven-night bed-and-breakfast holiday at the five-star Sheraton MiramarResort in El Gouna, departing Gatwick on March 15 costs from £569 per personwith Holiday Designers. It includes flights, transfers, taxes and accommodationbased on two sharing a standard room. To book visit www.holiday-designers.com or call 020-3384 0023.
We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:If you could spend a dayas one of your colleagueswho would you choose?
Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] - I'd love spending a quiet day in the Lake District.
Editor: Lauretta [email protected] - so I could go on a press trip and not feelguilty/worry about childcare!
Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] - because I'd be working from sunny Koh Samui, Thailand!
Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected] Eddolls, because I can't play golf either.
Sales Director: Simon [email protected], perhaps on one of his many trips to 'Cobblers Cove'.
Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] Scudamore: Guinness in Cornwall!
Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected], on the day she goes to Capoeira - always wantedto learn that!
Travagrams: (top) Balkan Holidays (bottom) The Seychelles
Where Am I?: Jerusalem
puzzlesolutions
www.travelbulletin.co.ukFebruary 15 201330
Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd - University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London,SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange LimitedSubscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseasISSN: 0956-2419
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Prestige sees boost in winter sales to MoroccoPRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has reported a 15% increase in its Morocco businesswith its Kasbah Tamadot and Riad Kniza properties selling particularly well.
The operator's marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: "The majority of ourclients book a four- or five-night short break. Essaouira is also popular fora day trip or two-night add-on stay. Our property there, the riad L'HeureBleue Palais, is ideally situated within the Medina walls with localhandicrafts, cafés and restaurants within walking distance, and we see a lotof repeat business to this property."
The company is offering a selection of deals and added value offers inMarrakech for spring including three nights for the price of two and a freehammam for clients at L'heure Bleue for stays of three nights or more; freenights at Jardins de la Medina; early booking offers at Es Saadi Palace; anda free night and free child stays at Kasbah Tamadot.For more information see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480400.
northafrica
Sheraton Miramar Resort, El Gouna
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S06 TB1502 North Africa_Layout 1 13/02/2013 15:00 Page 31
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La Dolce Vita21 April 2013 Barcelona to Rome 5 nights £1,613 per person fly/cruise
Grecian Delights & Turkish Treats9 May 2013 Rome to Kusadasi 6 nights £1,398 per person cruise only
Southern Spanish Sun3 June 2013 Lisbon to Dover 5 nights £1,633 per person fly/cruise
Bounty of the Baltic25 June 2013 Stockholm to St Petersburg 5 nights £2,145 per person fly/cruise
Fares are per person, fly/cruise fares (unless otherwise stated) in UK sterling based on double occupancy in an outside stateroom for the first two full-fare guests in stateroom and include return economy class flightsfrom London, overseas transfer (where available) and taxes. Port, security and handling charges which vary by departure. All other stateroom grades are available on request. Fares valid until 28th February 2013. Allsailings include select fine wines, premium spirits, beers and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees plus pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff. All fares,offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. The above fares are available to new bookings only and only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. Seecrystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. (c)2012 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.
*Register for the latest news, offers and incentives from Crystal Cruises by 15/02/13 for your chance toWIN £50 worth of Love2shop vouchers. Register at www.DiscoverCrystal.co.uk.
CRYSTAL GETAWAYSWe invite your clients to discover some of the most fabled destinations on Earth withsome of the best fares in history.
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