Travel Bulletin 9th November 2012

Top tips to help yousell year-round

holidays

Croatia

November 9 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,802 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

puzzle bulletincomplete the crossword for achance to win a £50 PizzaExpress voucher

hotel bulletinNappy Valley effect fuelsTravelodge growth plans

dynamic packagingA2B Transfers examineslessons learned for the yearahead

winter sunescape the cold with a round-upof new offers & programmeadditions

21

11

25

13

this week

TB0911 2012 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 06/11/2012 15:31 Page 1

At Rotana, we have chosen to acknowledge how precious time isto you by making all time spent with us, Treasured Time. This means

that we pledge to understand and meet the individual needs of all our guests. In so doing, we have evolved our product brands to include,

Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Centro Hotels by Rotana and Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana.

Treasured Time.Our promise to you.

P.O. Box: 43500, Abu Dhabi, UAET: +971 (0)2 644 4412, F: +971 (0)2 644 4413, [email protected]

S01 TB0911 Start_Layout 1 07/11/2012 11:24 Page 2

STAND AND DELIVER...Villa Select recently took a group of Travel Counsellors on a fam toPollensa and Cala D’or, Mallorca. Pictured topping up their tans as they showcase theoperator's latest brochure are, from the left: Donna Meredith, Travel Counsellors; AlisonRepoulios, Villa Select; Laraine Drage, Travel Counsellors; Jon White, Villa Select; Sophie Bayo,Nichola Scott, Elaine Blatcher and Tom Morris, Travel Counsellors.

This Week

Cove

r Pi

ctur

es: M

ain

- D

ubro

vnik

, Cr

oatia

n N

atio

nal T

ouris

t O

ffice

Inse

t- Y

our

Car

Hire

3www.travelbulletin.co.uk November 9 2012

newsbulletin

3newsnew survey reveals holidays are becoming spending priority

13 hotel bulletinNappy Valley effect fuels Travelodge growth plans

25winter sunescape the cold with a round-up of new offers & programme additions

9 agent bulletinTravelodge reveals the most bizarre requests it receives

14personality bulletinwhich MD was known as Crystal Tips at school because of her curly hair?

10 agent reviewfind out what one agent thought of her fam to Turkey

15croatiaCNTO highlights top ten tips for selling year-round holidays

11puzzle bulletincomplete the crossword for a chance to win a £50 PizzaExpress voucher

21dynamic packagingA2B Transfers examines lessons learned for the year ahead

PwC survey reveals holidaysbecoming spending priority FINDINGS OF a recent PwC consumerbehaviour and travel survey show thechanging holiday habits of consumers. Whenasked about expectations on spending overthe next year, almost all consumers aremore positive than this time last year.

The survey shows that consumers continueto see holidays as an important spendingpriority, although somewhat paradoxically itremains an area to reduce expenditure, giventhe prominence of holiday spending in thehousehold discretionary spending budget.

The findings have unearthed severaldifferent behavioural trends, when comparingeach consumer group by age. Each consumergroup cites different areas for spending andcutting back; but seniors across all socialgroups prioritise holiday spending.

The 55+ age group are most positiveabout spending on holidays next year, withit being their main spending priority; the18-34 age group cite saving for a newhome and credit card or loan repayments,and the 35-54 age group cite mortgagerepayments, credit card or loan

● continues on next page

Less than a month to go until Voyager launches!

Darwin Lounge

For agency sales information contact:Brian Langford Mobile: 07740 540304Email: [email protected]

Details of improvements and artists impressions are correct at time of print but subject to change. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897

Voyager sets sail on her inaugural season to the Caribbean and South America on 4th December 2012.

Find out more at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Tim Fleming Mobile: 07894 394488

Explorer Club

gyaagoVVolintun a ahs tseL

AC ibb d S th sets sail on her agerVoy

!shecnualrgeo o gh ttnom

i 4th D b 2012inaugural season to the

e Holidays LtdeisurDiscovery is a trading name of All Lce aressions imprtists arand ovements improf Details

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07740 540304rian Langford B

For agency sales information

d ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897ofoyages Vchange. to subject but print of time at ect orr

n contact:

Mobile: 07894 394488Tim Fleming


CV TRAVEL has launched its2013 collection with a newbrochure, `Villas’, whichshowcases a hand-pickedselection of villas in theGreek Islands, Italy, France,Spain, Portugal & theCaribbean, ranging frommansions, historicfarmhouses and countryretreats to villas andtraditional cottages.

Prices start from £620per week for a seven-nightstay in a beachside propertyfor four people in Corfu,with rentals for the mostexclusive houses in theCaribbean rising tothousands of pounds perweek. The new 212-pagebrochure also features tenvillas in the operator'sPrivate Collection, which ismade up of the world’smost luxurious, fully staffedvillas, ranging in price from£10,000 - £40,000 per week. For more information visitwww.cvtravel.co.uk

New villa collectionfrom CV Travel

www.travelbulletin.co.ukNovember 9 20124

newsbulletin

A SLICE OF THE ACTION...pictured marking easyJet's new route from Belfast to Birmingham, whichoperates twice daily from Monday-Friday and daily on Saturday and Sunday, are, from the left: JohnDoran, Belfast Airport; Ali Gayward, easyJet and Minister Danny Kennedy.

repayments and home improvementsas their spending priority.

Over the next 12 months, thosesurveyed are more likely to spend less ondining out, takeaways and clothing, shoesand accessories rather than cut down ontheir main holiday or short breaks.

Partner at PwC David Trunkfield said:“The elderly and retired are the most

positive about spending on holidays nextyear. Consumers have also eased backa little from some of the more radical‘coping strategies’ they have adoptedto reduce holiday spending over thepast three years.

"With declines in inflation over thepast few months, the picture fordiscretionary consumer spending islooking a little more positive, and itlooks like consumers are done with

cutting back on holiday spend and arelooking to cut back on other areas, likeclothing, if they have to.

“The poor British summer is alsolikely to encourage increased foreignholidays, which remain some waybelow their pre-recession peak. Theaverage number of holidays takenremains around 20% below whatrespondents see as normal whilst athird report not taking a holiday at all.”

● continued from previous page

Jordan & Burma additions from W&OWESTERN & Oriental has issued its new Beaches & Retreatsprogramme for 2013 with new destinations Jordan andMyanmar-Burma.

The brochure also includes new historical hotels for theItalian collection and new properties in the Indian Ocean wherenew hotels offer in-room iPads, a kite-surfing school and anunder-water music club.

Abu Dhabi dominates the new entries for the Arabian Gulfwhile the newest hotel openings in Thailand and Vietnam boostthe Far East pages.

Prices start from £865 per person for five nights at theShangri-La in Oman and £896 per person for a week at GraceMykonos.

The brochure features more than 90 luxury resorts, hotelsand tailor-made journeys covering the Caribbean, India Ocean,Arabian Gulf, Far East and Europe.For more information visit www.wandotravel.com

Former ghost town receives renovationRENOVATED FROM a former ghost town, Dunton HotSprings is a new five-star resort located in the SanJuan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. The resorthouses 12 private log cabins, each accommodatingbetween two and ten guests, along with one luxury tent.Facilities include a saloon serving local and regionalculinary creations, a private spa and a restored 19thcentury bathhouse.

Winter and summer activities range from trails, rafting,horseback riding, fly-fishing, ice-skating, snow shoeingand dog sledding.

Prices lead in at US$550 (approximately £440) per nightbased on double occupancy, including all meals andbeverages (excluding fine liquors and vintage wines on theReserve list). Rates are subject to tax and service charges.For more information visit www.duntonhotsprings.com



newsbulletin

THIS MONTH sees the launch of HavenHoliday’s new 2013 brochure which featuresinformation on new improved facilities, a newentertainment programme as well as earlybooking offers to help agents secure bookingsand save their customers’ money.

New additions for next year include arefurbished and extended indoor swimmingpool at Golden Sands in Lincolnshire; arefurbished indoor pool with toddler area anda new changing area at Seaview in Dorset anda new terrace overlooking the sea at CraigTara’s Mash and Barrel bar and restaurant inScotland.

Other parks offering new food outlets for2013 include Greenacres in North Wales,Rockley Park in Dorset, Wild Duck in Norfolkand Perran Sands in Cornwall, whilstPresthaven Sands in North Wales has a newLive Lounge entertainment venue.

Meanwhile, pool kayaking is launchingacross all parks (with the exception of LydstepBeach), where customers can learn the basicsof pool kayaking for a small charge, before

putting their new skills to use in a series ofpool games.

Next year also sees a line up of newentertainment including a Sounds of the 60’sshow, Clockwork and TV Talent where guestscan enjoy the vocal talents of X Factor finalistLucie Jones and comedy from Kevin Cruisefrom Britain’s Got Talent. During the summer,parks will host a new seaside musical wherecustomers can join Cinders on her journey tofind her Prince Charming.

Guests booking before January 31 can saveup to 50% on stays of seven nights or more inspring, May, June, early July and autumn orup to 30% on all other dates and short breaks,as well as deposits from £50 per holidayhome.

Prices lead in at £109 per unit based on athree-night stay in a Superior two-bedroomself-catering caravan that sleeps up to sixpeople at Blue Dolphin holiday park inYorkshire.For details visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.ukor call 0871-230 1919.

CRUISE & Maritime Voyages haspublished its second edition brochurefor 2013/14 offering a range ofitineraries and special promotionalfares offering savings of up to 25%when booked by December 3.Discovery will join the fleet in 2013and the 700-passenger vessel willsail alongside Marco Polo from nextFebruary after a winter dry-dockingand refurbishment programme.

The new brochure includes achoice of 80 cruise holidays sailingfrom seven British ports covering

departures from February 2013through to May 2014. Highlightsinclude durations from one-nightmini-cruises to 42 nights, withitineraries to the fjords, British Isles,Iceland, Baltic & St Petersburg,Canaries & Madeira and Europe; anadditional Discovery Northern Lightscruise from Bristol on February 28;new Marco Polo ‘Escape the Winter’West Indies cruise sailing fromTilbury and Bristol; five newDiscovery sailings from Harwichincluding an 18-night Summer

Solstice & White Sea voyage to theRussian Arctic; UK no-fly cruisesfrom a choice of seven British portsincluding Tilbury, Edinburgh,Newcastle, Hull, Liverpool andHarwich; new fly/cruises featuringDiscovery from September – Octoberwith various options to theMediterranean and Black Sea; and anincrease in speakers, crafts, guestacts and new entertainment ideas.For more information or to book seewww.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages issues second edition 2013/14 brochure

New Haven brochure showcases improved facilities & newentertainment programme

READY FOR TAKE OFF...Monarch Airlines has announced that skis can be carried free of charge onits new routes to key ski regions for winter 2012/13, for passengers booking before 31 December,offering a saving of £39.98. The new routes include Grenoble in France, Innsbruck in Austria andFriedrichshafen and Munich airports in Germany. The carrier has also launched a range of newoffers and add-ons on a new ski Website, www.monarch.co.uk/ski, together with a host ofinformation, resort guides and regular blogs by number one British woman skier, Chemmy

Alcott (pictured), brand ambassador forMonarch ski.

Tweets of

the WeekWho’s saying what

on Twitter...

@ACEtweeting Lueftner CruisesAnnounce AmadeusElegant will be at ACERiver Cruise Expo 2012 -http://bit.ly/SitqTX

@VisitBritain Charlie and theChocolate Factory will hitLondon stage nextsummer!Scrumdiddlyumptious!http://bit.ly/ORo0mm

@Accorhotels Book at least 30 days inadvance and get up to30% off!http://bit.ly/MoB3an#hotel #deal

@AmericanAirAs a gesture of apprecia-tion, we’re offering@AAdvantage membersdouble elite-qualifyingmiles thru Dec. 31, 2012:http://bit.ly/AAThanksY0u

@clubmedofficialIn need of a last-minuteescape? Some of ourresort deals are up to35% off! Exotic experi-ences await! :)http://trib.al/QrYwfl

Follow us on Twitter!http://twitter.com/

TravelBulletin

S02 TB0911 News 1_Layout 1 07/11/2012 10:48 Page 5

ORIENT-EXPRESS has launched a newlook and format to each of its Trainsand Cruises 2013 brochures.They cover the Eastern & OrientalExpress, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The Royal Scotsman, Afloat inFrance, Road to Mandalay and a jointbrochure for UK Day Trains, theNorthern Belle and British Pullman.

An individual brochure for thecompany’s river cruise offering inMyanmar, Orcaella, is also available.The ship will begin sailings in July,with prices starting from £3,270 perperson for a seven-night cruise.Reintroduced to The Royal Scotsman’sschedule is a four-night Country Houseand Garden journey, departing

Edinburgh Waverley on June 7. Thetour, led by writer, Sue Shivers, andartistic photographer, Patsy Floyd,looks at some of Scotland’s finesthomes and gardens along the easterncoast. Prices start from £4,660 perperson.For more information call 0845-077 2222or see www.orient-express.com

CRESTA HAS launched the2013 editions of its Cities,France and Italy brochures,each featuring a new lookalong with freshdestinations andexperiences across Europeand now beyond.

Customers can chosefrom a range of flexibletransport options includingscheduled airlines, low-costflights, exclusive Eurostardeals, flexible European railoptions and a range ofoffers on the VeniceSimplon-Orient-Express.

The operator's Citiesbrochure (November 2012 –December 2013) offers

value city breaks in some ofthe most populardestinations worldwide.New additions to the short-haul programme includethe Belgian cities of Ypres,Antwerp and Ghent, whileNew York, Las Vegas andDubai also appear as theoperator features long-hauloptions for the first time.

New pre-bookable cityexperiences also featureprominently next yearincluding cooking lessonsin Rome, a night at theVenice opera, a Tour deFrance wine tasting tourand a Gastro Bus inBarcelona. A key addition to

the company's Franceprogramme for 2013 isCorsica, where eight hotelsare now available on theisland destination locatedbetween the French andItalian mainlands.

A wider selection ofhotels has been introducedin the destinations ofToulouse, Rennes, Cannes,Mandelieu and SaintRaphael, plus newaffordable hotels areavailable in a range of otherpopular French cities.

Alongside new familyapartments in Northern andSouthern France, additionalEuropean rail options are

available offering reliableand efficient travel andvalue for money.

In its Italy brochure, awider selection of hotels isavailable in Sorrento, Sicily,Lake Garda and Tuscany,while new affordableaccommodation optionshave been added in all thetop Italian cities.

New pre-bookable toursand excursions includecookery experiences inRome, nights at the operain Venice and Verona,Chianti wine tasting inTuscany and the VasariCorridor & Uffizi Gallerytour in Florence.

Cresta issues 2013 brochure editions & debuts long-haul options

Orient-Express issues new-look Trains & Cruises brochures with new itineraries


newsbulletinALL AGENTS who voted in Travel Bulletin’s 2012 Star Awards wereentered into a free prize draw to win one of three super prizes donatedby Jetset. Pictured are the winners collecting their prizes…

PENNY BONES (left) from Southern Cross

Travel in Wadhurst won second prize of

a mixed case of wine. Pictured presenting

the prize is Jetset’s Nisha Tailor.

JETSET’S PAUL Molyneux

presents Sarah Clewlow of Regent

Travel in Staffs with third prize

- a mixed case of wine.

JOHN HALL (left) from CarrickTravel in Leamington Spa won topprize of two return Economy ticketsto any Spanish destination . John ispictured with Jetset’s national salesmanager, Paul Molyneux.



Newsbites● THE NEW national carrier for The Gambia, Gambia Bird Airlines Ltd. has launched flights

from Gatwick to Banjul. The Airbus A319-100 seats 138 passengers in Premium andEconomy Class and offers a full range of in-flight hospitality. For details see www.gambiabird.com

● TRAVELTRADEUK HAS been named the UK representative of Aymara Turismo, a specialisedwine; adventure, incentive and specialised DMC established in Mendoza, Argentina.

● AIR FRANCE and Flybe have joined forces to increase travel options from East MidlandsAirport. Air France has launched a new service from the airport to the rest of the world viaParis through a new code share partnership with Flybe.

● EXPEDIA HAS announced the launch of ‘Expedia Traveller Preference’ programme, whichoffers travellers the choice to pay either at the time of booking or upon check out at thehotel directly.

● REGALDIVE HAS launched a new Website which has replaced the production of thespecialist operator’s traditional printed brochure.See www.regaldive.co.uk

● SPANISH HOTEL chain Fiesta Hotel Group has rebranded to Palladium Hotel Group.● LEGOLAND FLORIDA has opened its new LEGO Star Wars Miniland Model Display today

(November 9). It includes a scene from each of the six live-action Star Wars movies, as wellas a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, all created from morethan 1.5 million LEGO bricks and built in 1:20 scale.

● NORWEGIAN AIR Shuttle has announced it is to establish a new base at Gatwick Airport inspring next year to increase the frequency of existing routes to Oslo, Stockholm andHelsinki, as well as introducing 14 new direct routes from London to the Mediterranean,including Nice and Rome.

● CLASSICAL SINGING star Russell Watson is to perform on two short breaks run by P&OCruises in 2013. The tenor will appear on new three- and four-night sailings fromSouthampton in May and June. The first departure is a three-night cruise to Belgium andGuernsey departing on Aurora on May 18 with prices starting at £299 per person. Thesecond sailing will see Watson perform on superliner Azura on a four-night cruisedeparting on June 5, calling at the same destinations. Prices are from £399. Call 0843-374 0111 or visit www.pocruises.co.uk

Grand UK Holidays adds more than 40 new options for 2013GRAND UK Holidays has added more than 40 new options to its 2013 range.The upgraded programme ranges from escorted coach tours in the UK and Europe toriver and ocean cruises, as well as rail and self-drive breaks.

New UK holidays include a five-day Adam’s Farm and TV Footsteps tour, visiting thefarm featured in ‘Countryfile’, as well as sites associated with ‘Cranford’ and ‘LarkRise to Candleford’, leading in at £339 per person.

A new range with HF Holidays offers a selection of themed self-drive breaks from£329 per person, while the latest European tours include the Dubrovnik Riviera & ATaste of Montenegro tour from £499 per person; the Valkenburg and Highlights ofThree Countries tour from £549 per person; and the Alpine Panoramas tour, from £649per person, all based on an eight-night stay.For more information or to book call 01603-619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com

Northern Lightsitineraries from

Kirker KIRKER HAS launchedNorthern Lightsitineraries to give clientsthe best possibleopportunity to see theAurora Borealis thiswinter, along withChristmas marketbreaks.

New destinationsinclude Norway, whichcombines a visit to Oslowith a trip to the ArcticCircle over five nights.Prices lead in at £2,170per person, based on twosharing and includeflights from London,transfers, breakfastaccommodation, eveningmeals on the LofotenIslands and excursions.

Alternatively, trips toSweden are availablefrom £1,298 per personor to Iceland from £1,674per person.

Meanwhile, theoperator is highlightingChristmas market breaksacross Europe, includingflights or Eurostar travel,private transfers (exceptBruges), breakfastaccommodation, guidenotes and the services ofa concierge. Prices leadin at £359 per person fora three-night break inTallinn, Estonia, stayingat the four-star Hotel StPetersbourg.For details call 020-7593 2283 or visitwww.kirkerholidays.com

CRYSTAL CRUISES hasopened bookings for its 2014and early 2015 itineraries.New seven- to 89-nightcruises in 2014 are amongthe 61 sailings on CrystalSymphony and CrystalSerenity, with 16 maidencalls, 194 ports and 68countries.

Meanwhile, 2015 bookingsare open for journeys takingplace until mid-April,

including 15 cruises as wellas nine maiden calls.

Highlights of 2014 includethe line's first cruises to andfrom Bangkok, including anew round-trip Holiday voyageon December 21, spendingChristmas and Hanukkah inVietnam and New Year’s Eveovernight in Hong Kong.

2015 marks the company’s25th anniversary, withvirtually all itineraries from

January to mid-April beingnew introductions.

Highlights includeSerenity’s completecircumnavigation of the worldfrom Miami, with thecompany’s 20th annual WorldCruise. Six voyages sailingthrough Miami, Callao,Auckland, Perth, Cape Townand Rio comprise the 108-night tour.

All-inclusive book now

fares for spring 2014 throughto spring 2015 are availableuntil April 30, 2013 and offersavings of up to £5,625 perperson for the 2015 WorldCruise and up to £938 perperson for individual seven-to 21-night voyages. Sailingsstart from £1,366 per personbased on double occupancy.For more information or tobook call 020-7399 7601 orvisit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

Crystal Cruises opens bookings for 2014/15 with itineraries from seven to 89 nights

newsbulletin


newsbulletin


Paul Gauguinreduces price onTahiti & The SocietyIslands sailingsFOR A limited time, PaulGauguin Cruises hasreduced the price ofselect sailings of its mostpopular voyage, Tahiti &the Society Islands, whenbooked before November30. Prices for the seven-night voyages, withdepartures on January12, February 23 andMarch 2, 2013, start from£3,819 per person,offering a saving of £555per person.

The seven-night Tahiti& the Society Islandsvoyages start and finishin Papeete and visitRaiatea, Taha’a (MotuMahana), Bora Bora(overnight) and Moorea(overnight) in the SocietyIslands.

The price of £3,819 perperson is valid on theFebruary 23 and March 2departures and includesscheduled flights,transfers and sevennights' accommodationin an Ocean Viewstateroom with all meals,soft drinks, selectedalcoholic beverages andgratuities. For more information or to book call 020-7434 0089 or visitwww.pgcruises.com

New agentroadshows from

Anatolian Sky THROUGHOUT THIS monthAnatolian Sky Holidays ishosting six luxuryroadshows for agents.

Each event will offer achance for agents to findout more about theoperator's expandedoffering for 2013 from thecore products in Turkeyand North Cyprus to Egypt,Morocco and Jordan, plusthe recently launchedMadeira & Porto Santoprogramme and the newlylaunched Croatiaprogramme.

The evening events,which start at 19:15, aredesigned to beinformative, motivationaland fun and will include atwo/three-course mealwith wine, a presentationon what’s new for 2013, afree holiday giveaway andspot prizes, plus musicand dancing.

The events take place inBristol on November 13,Gatwick on 14th, Stanstedon 15th, Birmingham on19th, Manchester on 20thand Newcastle on 21st. Agents interested inattending should contactStephanie Robins, agencysales manager by calling0121-764 3552 or [email protected]

NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced that it willamend its base commission to 10% in the UK marketeffective from January 1, 2013.

The line says the move reinforces its commitment tothe UK trade, through its Partners First philosophy, as itdevelops new ways to ensure fairness, greater priceparity, less confusion for customers and an increase inthe number of agents selling cruises. In addition, thecompany will reward agents with incremental earningopportunities through performance-based incentives.

For 2013, the company will continue to make majorinvestments into joint marketing funds as a furthercommitment to the travel trade. To further reinforce itscommitment to price parity in the market, the companywill remove its 5% online discount on www.ncl.co.ukfrom January 1.

Norwegian amends commission to 10%

IT'S SHOWTIME...The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority(LVCVA) joined forces with British Airways to celebrate its newdirect route from Gatwick. The new service is operated by a three-cabin Boeing 777 complete with a Club World (Business Class)cabin with six foot fully flat beds. It is the second direct route toLas Vegas from the UK with BA, which also runs a daily servicefrom Heathrow. Pictured marking the new route is BA's MelanieEvans with LVCVA showgirls.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

WEBSCLUSIVES

● Make sure you enter our weekly crossword,sponsored by The Holiday Team. Full details canbe found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of thisissue. You could be the lucky winner of £50 ofPizza Express vouchers.Send your entries to www.travelbulletin.co.uk

All this and more at:


The home of the web savvy travel agent

Go


● SILVERSEA HAS announced a newagent incentive where agentsbooking a cruise before November 16for any departure sailing up to March31, 2013, will receive £50 per bookingin Love2Shop vouchers. There is nominimum number of bookings thatare required and agents can earn avoucher with one booking. There isalso no limit to the number ofbookings that can be claimed. Allclaims must be submitted to theline's sales department no later thanFriday November 30 by emailing yourcompleted form [email protected]

● TITAN HAS launched a new festiveagent booking incentive. Agentsbooking any Titan, Uniworld or Sagaholiday by December 31 for anydeparture will be able to pick apresent from under the TitanChristmas tree! Prizes include afamily ticket to ‘Winter Wonderland’in Hyde Park, London for a festivenight out; tea for two at Harrods; aspa treatment; a £50 Love2Shopvoucher; and a Toni and Guy voucher. To claim, email your bookingreference within seven days ofmaking the booking [email protected]

● TRAVEL 2 has introduced YourPassport to Winter Sun – a campaignlaunched in partnership with BA to

promote holidays to warmerclimates in Florida, Las Vegas andthe Caribbean. As part of theincentive agents can win a stylishtravel kit, containing an iPod Touch,£100 designer sunglasses voucher,£50 designer luggage voucher, £10book voucher and suntan lotion. Toqualify agents must make abooking with Travel 2, flying onBritish Airways to Florida, LasVegas or the Caribbean with aminimum of three nightsaccommodation by November 30. For details see www.travel2.com

● SUPERBREAK IS giving agents thechance to win a weekend break inLiverpool when they make a bookingto the city before the end of thismonth. The prize is for two peopleand includes two nights' breakfastaccommodation at the four-star HardDays Night Hotel. Also included isentry to The Beatles Story, tickets forthe Mersey Ferry, tickets for theYellow Duckmarine Tour and theMagical Mystery Tour and entry onthe Saturday to see the Beatles Showat the Cavern Club, plus two mealsfor two at an Albert Dock restaurant.Each Liverpool booking willautomatically be logged and enteredinto the draw. For details seewww.superbreak.com/agents orcall 0871-221 4444.

TRAINING CAMP...AITO Specialist TravelAgents held a product training event at StanstedAirport last month. The event was part of a seriesacross England to update its membership basewith important developments, such as newoperators within the Association of IndependentTour Operators (AITO), and saw a mix of dinnersand speed-dating style workshops. Pictured beingupdated on product news from Stephen Smith ofBeachcomber Tours is Lydia Alexander (left) andLorna Tissier from Mayflower Luxury Travel.


agentbulletin

Did youknow...?TRAVELODGECONDUCTED a pollamong its 523 hotelsabout the most bizarrerequests it hadreceived. The topbusiness travellerrequests included: CanI use my Oyster Card tobook a limousine?;Could someone iron myshirt? I have animportant meeting toattend; Is it possiblefor the changing of theguards to change days?and how do you crossthe M25? Otherstrange requests haveincluded one gueststaying inBirmingham’s BullRing Travelodge askingwhere the Wi-fi was intheir room because hecouldn’t “see” it. Aguest in NewcastleCentral Travelodgealso asked the nightreceptionist for abedtime story to helpher nod off.

Booking incentives


Contiki offers Backstage Pass to EuropeCONTIKI HOLIDAYS ischallenging 18-35’s to startliving, with the launch of itsnew Europe brochure and isoffering young travellers aBackstage Pass on its Europetours with exclusive access toEurope’s iconic sights withplenty of time to explore.

New additions includeSailing in Turkey, GreekFlotilla Sailing and CroatianIsland Hoppers, for thoselooking to relax, while theBest of Russia is aimed atthose interested in more adventure holidays.

Prices for an eight-day Turkish Sailing itinerary startfrom £294 including seven nights' boat accommodation and20 included meals, while an eight-day Best of Russiaitinerary costs from £834 including hotel accommodationand ten meals.For more information visit www.contiki.com andwww.onestoptouringshop.co.uk or call 020-7468 4335.

agentreviewColette Glazier from Departure Zone in Essex went on aseven-night fam to Turkey with Anatolian Sky. Here she

gives her review on the hotels she visited…

Colette receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for her review. If you'd like to take part and receive a free Love2Shop voucher please email [email protected]

or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

First impressions ................................9/10

Very friendly staff at all hotels.

Comfort ............................................8.5/10

All the hotels were clean. We travelled to many differentareas and each place we stayed in gave me a differentperspective of Turkey.

Quality..............................................8.5/10

We stayed in three- to five-star hotels. Some places werevery remote with all different types of customers. TheHilton Dalaman was a true five-star but I think it wasaimed more for the business traveller. The pool was hugebut I didn’t feel it was very personal. The Keskin Hotel wasa three-plus star and offered good size rooms in peacefulsurroundings, close to the shops. Ece Saray was abeautiful five-star property perfect for weddings and thegullet cruise was a lot nicer than expected – very relaxingand the food was lovely.

Affordability ........................................7/10

I think some of the hotel prices could come down – I don’tthink I would pay full price for all the hotels, especially theOrange Hotel.

Service ................................................9/10

Staff were always courteous and Anatolian Sky were verygood in organising the trip. Their staff couldn’t do enoughfor you and whatever the request, they sorted it out.

Overall scoring: ........................................Take comfortable walking shoes! Overall, I had an amazingtime and explored a lot of Turkey.

910/

newsbulletin


TO CELEBRATE a selection ofnew fully-escorted tours inits 2013 brochure, ThomasCook Tours is offering up to£500 off per couple on allbookings made for next year.

New tours include an 11-day Gorillas of Uganda tourfrom £3,995 per person,offering two nights at LakeKyaninga, two nights atQueen Elizabeth NationalPark, two nights in BwindiImpenetrable Forest and twonights in Lake MburoNational Park. Prices includeflights with Kenya Airways,transfers andaccommodation on variousboard bases.

Also new for 2013 is aneight-day Lake Garda, TheDolomites and Venice tour,

which costs from £645 perperson, including five nightsin Garda, Lake Garda and twonights in Selva di Val Gardena(The Dolomites). The tourincludes flights with BA,transfers, breakfastaccommodation, a day visit toVenice, a tour of theDolomites and a stop in thetown of Bolzano.

Other new tours include a15-day Wonder of the WestCoast tour from £1,725 perperson, a 17-day Australia’sEast Coast Splendours from£3,295 per person and a 26-day Latin America: CruisingAntarctica and South Americatour from £5,495 per person. For more information call0844-871 0677 or visit www.tcs4agents.com

Up to £500 savings in Thomas Cook Tours'2013 brochure

Canada launch from Prestige HolidaysPRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has issued its largest Canada andBeyond programme featuring new wildlife watchingbreaks, two new escorted tours and an escorted tour ofEastern Canada that can be combined with a NewEngland cruise.

Holidays lead in at £1,366 per person for a three-nightVancouver city break including flights from London, atrolley tour of the city and sightseeing trip to Victoria. For more information call 01502-567222 or seewww.prestigeholidays.co.uk


puzzlebulletin


Where Am I?

Prince Charles visted this country last week thecapital being Port Moresby.

Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the

3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate

to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name,

company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if

applicable to:

[email protected]

Closing date for entries is Thursday, November 15th. Solution and new

puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 26th October is Karen Wills, Thomas Cook

in Kettering.

October 26 Solution: A=6 B=5 C=1 D=9

➠A

➠B

➠C

➠D

Number: 088

Travagrams

Where Am I?

Su Doku

An Airline fit for royalty

Pingu lived in one of these

Ham Corn

Clue Rug I Is

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

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 Pizza Express vouchers.Closing date for entries is Thursday November 15th.

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30

Crossword

Num

ber:

088

Sponsored By

THE HOLIDAY TEAM IS A CONSOLIDATOR PROVIDING BEST VALUE FLIGHTS & PACKAGE HOLIDAYSTO BOOK CALL 020-8843 4300; www.theholidayteam.co.uk

Across 1. Tour operator, sounds like a star sign (5)4. A Fairmont managed hotel on the Strand (5)6. Airport operator (3)7. Topeka is the state capital (6)9. Turkish city (5)11. Picturesque Italian lake (5)13. Ajaccio airport code (3)14. Innsbruck is the capital of this region (5)15. Stornoway is the main town on this isle (5)16. Call sign, sounds like a Shakespearean

character (6)19. Hotel chain, Premier ___ (3)20. X Factor judge Louis (5)21. Glossy fashion magazine (5)

Down 1. Chart-topping singer-songwriter, sounds like a

maze (8)2. Fred Olsen cruise ship (7)3. Search engine, ___ Jeeves (3)4. Dakar is the capital of this African country (7)5. By way of (3)8. City on Lake Geneva (8)10. State capital of North Carolina (7)12. Best-selling author, JK ____ (7)17. Web address indicator, initially (3)18. High speed train (3)

Congratulations to Clare Wilkinson, Wallace Arnold Travel who wonthe 26st October crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers


G ADVENTURES haslaunched a comprehensivecollection of trips inAustralia and New Zealandfor the first time, whichcomplete the company’sproduct line-up as theseventh and last continent itoperates tours on.

The Australia and NewZealand programme consists

of four major routes: Sydneyto Cairns and Melbourne toDarwin in Australia, and theNorth Island and SouthIsland of New Zealand.

Travellers can focus onone entire route or combinesections to create acustomised itinerary. Toursvary from three to 21 daysand are available in Yolo (18-

35) and G-Plus (comfort) tripstyles.

As an example, on athree-day NorthernAboriginal Experience,travellers learn aboutAboriginal history, cultureand contemporary life fromthe indigenous people. Thereare opportunities to studyancient traditions, make

native artwork, learn how tohunt, and wander thebeaches and lush valleysalong the Daintree River.

Prices lead in at £399 perperson excluding flights andthe tours commence fromJanuary. For more information call0844-272 2040 or visitwww.gadventures.co.uk

New collection of trips in Australia & New Zealand for 2013 from G Adventures


newsbulletin

PRIDE OF YORKSHIRE….afterhelping Yorkshire Wildlife Parkrescue 13 lions from Romania andflying them to their new home in2010, Jet2.com has recentlydonated £1,800 to the Doncasterpark, allowing keepers to buy andplant 12 trees in the park’s ten-acreLion Country Reserve. As a tribute to theairline’s efforts, the head of the pride wasnamed Jettoo Johnny. Since February 2011,soft-toy versions of Jettoo have been sold onall the carrier's flights, with some of theproceeds going to the park.

Sing a song of Christmas with City CruisesPASSENGERS SAILING on the Thames with City Cruisescan sing along to their favourite carols this Christmas. Guests will be provided with a glass of mulled wine onarrival, before spending a 90-minute journey sailing fromWestminster to Tower Bridge and back.

Live performers will lead passengers in a chorus ofclassic Christmas tunes, while attendees will be providedwith festive Christmas crackers and song sheets.

Tickets are £19.99 per person for the cruise, operatingSunday December 9 and 16. Guests are advised to bookearly to secure seats, departing Westminster Pier at16:30pm, returning at 18:00.For details visit www.citycruises.com or call 020-7740 0400.

Alitalia launches promotion faresUNTIL NOVEMBER 19, Alitalia is releasing tickets forsale at special promotional fares for travel up to March24, 2013 from London to Italy and, with convenientconnections from Rome and Milan, to many otherdestinations on the carrier's international andintercontinental network.

Fares lead in at £109 to Rome and £112 to all otherItalian destinations. Fares to Athens, Malta and Malagastart from £132, while flights to Abu Dhabi, a newdestination commencing on December 11, costs from£272. For more information or to book see www.alitalia.co.ukor call 0871-424 1424.



InBrief● HYATT HOTELS has announced that a

Hyatt affiliate has entered into amanagement agreement withSinolanka Hotels and Spa PrivateLimited for a Hyatt Regency hotel inColombo, Sri Lanka. The HyattRegency Colombo will be the firstHyatt-branded hotel in Sri Lanka andis expected to open in 2014.

● THE GEORGE Hotel in Edinburgh haslaunched a new package, 50 Shadesof Passion, inspired by the best-selling novel 50 Shades of Grey. Thetwo-night break includes a stay in aPremium Deluxe room and guestsreceive chocolates, strawberries,scattered rose petals and massage oilon arrival, plus a £20 La Senzashopping voucher. Prices lead in at£559 for two.

For details call 0131-225 1251 or seewww.thegeorgehoteledinburgh.co.uk

● CENTARA POSTE Lafayette Resort &Spa Mauritius will open on December15 and agents booking online forclients will be able to offer a half-board plus rate that includes room,breakfast and dinner together with anopen bar for three hours during theevening meal, with prices fromUS$152 per night for a Superior roomfor up to two people.

Email [email protected] or see www.centarahotelsresorts.com/crm

● UNTIL NOVEMBER 30 Focus Hotels isoffering a one-night breakfast staywith a welcome drink and a bottle ofhouse wine from £27 per night. Theoffer also includes a free roomupgrade, subject to availability, plusfree use of onsite facilities, Wi-fi andparking. It is available in Altrincham,Blackburn, Bristol, Chester, Hatfield,Heathrow, Hull, Northampton,

Stafford, Swindon, Telford, Wigan, andWolverhampton.

See www.mynextbreak.co.uk

● DOUBLETREE BY Hilton hasannounced the opening of its seventhLondon property, located in MarbleArch.

For details visit www.doubletree.comor call 0870-590 9090.

● LONDON’S TRAFALGAR Hotel haslaunched a corporate Christmaspackage with a difference. A choice offive distinct spaces are available, fromcanapés on the roof to sit-downprivate dining. There will also be achoice of entertainment includingexclusive performances from cheekyburlesque twosome, Pandora’s Box.Prices lead in at £45 per person.

For details seewww.thetrafalgar.com

AT THE launch of the recent opening of the £10million LondonClapham Junction Travelodge hotel, the hotelier announced thatit is seeking to open a further three hotels within theWandsworth area, in response to the ‘Nappy Valley’ effect. Theterm applies to a specific area of Battersea, between ClaphamCommon and Wandsworth Common, South London with a "cafeculture" of middle-class, affluent families.

During the last 12 months, Travelodge hotels located in theSouth West district of London which includes Fulham andBattersea have experienced a new trend of consumers comingthrough their doors. In the past, the hotels were full of businesstravellers and tourists but now local residents are takingadvantage of the low cost rooms and booking in visitinggrandparents and family members due to lack of space athome.

The company's UK development director Tony O’Brien said:“Our Fulham and Battersea hotels enjoy enormous successright throughout the year, and the assumption was that this wasprimarily due to business customers as well as tourists.

“However, our hotel staff are now saying that more than athird of customers tell them they are actually in London to visittheir children and grandchildren. With so many young people inLondon, especially in Nappy Valley, starting their families whilstliving in small flats and houses, the only option for Granny andGranddad to come and visit is to stay in a nearby hotel. It is aremarkable trend, but one that we are poised to capitalise on aspart of our wider growth story in London.”

The company is now on the look out for at least another threefurther locations within the Wandsworth area; Battersea OldTown, Clapham Common and Clapham Old Town/Lavender Hill.

Nappy Valley effect fuels growth plans for Travelodge

hotelbulletin

HOTEL HAS THE X FACTOR…Jumeirah Zabeel SarayHotel, Dubai, has launchedtwo ‘As seen on X Factor’holiday packagesfollowing its debut on XFactor last month. Thehotel was featured in theJudges’ Houses stage, playinghost to judge Nicole Scherzingerand guest judge Ne-Yo. The Royaland Deluxe Packages will offerguests the chance to replicatethe experience of the celebritiesand contestants and areavailable as an add-on to aminimum three-night stay. The X Factor Contestants


Who is your ideal travelling companion? In all honesty it would have to be myhusband and colleague, Terry. Healways has a plan of action which isusually followed by good food andwine. This suits me perfectly as I likesomeone else to make all thearrangements when I go on holiday.

What's your earliest childhood memory? Family caravan holidays in Scotlandand my sister painting seashells withpink nail varnish. In order to find thebest ones for her we used to climbdown the cliff-side by way of atreacherous rope ladder – I must havebeen about four at the time!

Where was your last work-related trip? Malmö in Sweden. It was to attendthe annual Swedish Workshop wherebuyers and suppliers get together tomeet up and discuss tourism toSweden. I really like Malmö, it's a cityfull of contrasts and, as it's just acrossthe Öresund Bridge fromCopenhagen, it works well when youcombine the two.

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? I wouldn't! Sorry to be blunt but thewhole celebrity thing is a bore to me. Iadmire lots of people for lots of thingsbut not for being good at becomingfamous. Please!

What three words would yourfriends use to describe you? I had to ask them and the gist of itwas; curly, level-headed, spirited.

What have your travels taught you? That the more I travel the more I wantto travel and the more I want to seeand do.

What is the best advice you recall? Never let an accountant try to runyour business!

If you could have a room full ofany one thing, what would it be?Family and friends, past and present. Ihave a really diverse set of friends andit would be great to see how they allgot along!

If you could change three things inthe industry, what would they be? All-inclusives – give the localeconomy a chance. The new ATOLCertificate – what was wrong withthe old ATOL Confirmation Invoiceapart from the fact that it wasn'tyellow? Awareness of Scandinavia asa fabulous summer destination –there is more to it than huskies andthe Northern Lights!

Suzel Taber-ShawThe managing director of Taber Holidays cantouch-type at the speed of light and says the

whole celebrity thing is a bore...

Who has been the biggestinspiration/influence in your career? Awww, my Dad. He's the reason whyI'm in the industry. He always told me'You can't do business with people justbecause you like them, but you don'thave to do business with those youdon't'. Works for me.

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing? I would still be working in the LeisureIndustry, most probably in spa andwellness as this is where I started and Iloved it. I really do believe the time forspa and wellness is NOW!

What is your motto in life? That nothing worth having is easily comeby. Both my parents were real graftersand exponents of the value of hard workand effort; however, they were alsofrequently exhausted and stressed out!So I would add to this by saying youshould also remember that manywonderful things take little effort at alland you shouldn't miss the opportunityto grab them.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? To be a healer. To be able to lay yourhands on the sick and suffering andmake them better………wow. Well,you did ask.

What was your nickname at school and why? Crystal Tips because of my curly hair.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? Unnecessary and excessive discounting. Itcheapens the product and suggests youwere ripping people off in the first place.

What special skill do you have? I can touch-type at the speed of light. It'sone of the most useful things I everlearnt how to do.

Career path● Taber Holidays: MD, January 1988 –

present● Travelling in America: July –

December 1987● Champneys: Therapist, May 1985 –

July 1987

"Unnecessaryand excessive

discounting cheapensthe product and

suggests you wereripping people off in

the first place"

personalitybulletin




1. Year-round destinationWith more than 1,244 islands strung along its stunning Adriaticcoast, it’s easy to sell Croatia as the traditional sun, sea andsand destination. However, Croatia offers more than justbeautiful coastline and with its mild Mediterranean climate,visitors can explore its 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eightnational parks and packed calendar of festivals all year-round.

2. Family-friendly holidaysJust a two-hour flight away from the UK and with moreregional flights scheduled next year from Leeds-Bradford,Newcastle, Liverpool and Edinburgh, Croatia is a quick andeasy getaway ideal for families with young children. With newholiday packages from providers like Jet2 and Thomson for2013 and its well established range of child-friendlyrestaurants and activities, Croatia is fast becoming known as atop family-friendly destination.

3. Affordable breaks A memorable holiday can be had in Croatia whatever yourbudget, with £1 getting you more than nine Croatian Kunas.Whether it’s a four-star hotel with a sea view room for theultimate romantic getaway, a stylish design hotel for animportant conference or a boutique B&B for a chic city breakwith the girls, Croatia caters for every traveller’s needs.

4. Gastronomic delights Croatia is attracting more and more UK holidaymakers withits array of home-grown gastronomic pleasures, includingaward-winning olive oils and local delicacies such asSlavonia’s Fish Paprikash, Pag cheese, chestnuts fromLovran and the freshest seafood around. Wine lovers willalso not be disappointed as Croatia’s wineries are pushingboundaries and winning coveted international awards,including the prestigious 2012 Decanter World Wine Awards.Why not indulge in your very own Croatian wine odyssey andenjoy indigenous quality wines matched with delicious localdishes in Istria or Central Croatia?

5. History buffsSteeped in Venetian and Roman history, Croatia will unearththe historian in you. Walk the impressive Dubrovnik city walls,book tickets for the new classical sightseeing tour of Pula orhead to Split during the Days of the Diocletian festival for atruly immersive cultural experience. The Pre and post summerseason is a great time to take in historic cities and mainattractions including St Mark’s Church in Zagreb, Trogir’sCathedral of St Lovro and Zagorje’s recently renovatedRenaissance castle of Veliki Tabor.

6. Festivals & eventsWith an eclectic mix of festivals and events happening allyear-round, why not combine a break to Croatia with afestival? Apart from all the well-known electronic festivalsbased on Murter Island, such as the Garden Festival andSoundwave, there’s also Rijeka’s colourful Carnival inFebruary, Vodice Jazz festival in July and the Jaska Winefestival in September to enjoy. Combining the fun of a festivalwith a chilled out beach holiday or a cultural fix is not onlyeasy and affordable in Croatia; it’s also a refreshingalternative to the UK festival circuit.

7. AdventureCroatia is the perfect destination for those looking for arelaxing sun-soaked holiday, but it’s also geared up for theadventure traveller. The landscapes of inland Croatia areideal for extreme sports such as rock climbing, hiking,mountain biking and abseiling. Opt for a jeep safari tour ofthe rugged Velebit Mountains or hop aboard a boat trip tothe Kornati Islands National Park to truly get back tonature. Alternatively, see Croatia’s historic cities by bike orfor a magical winter adventure, head to the frozenwaterfalls of Plitvice Lakes.

8. Island hoppingIsland hopping has always been popular with UK visitors andwith more than 1,244 islands to choose from, there’s anisland to suit every type of holiday and interest. From celebspotting on Hvar, diving off the coast of Vis or skinny dippingin Rab, island hopping by ferry or boat is a great way to seeCroatia’s pristine coastline.

9. Luxury spasFor the ultimate pampering experience, visit one of Croatia’soldest and most scenic thermal spas, Varaždinske Toplice.Whilst there, take a trip to the nearby baroque city ofVaraždin, the former capital of Croatia, renowned for itsidyllic way of life. For a more modern experience, head to therecently opened Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera in Zadarwhich boasts the largest spa of its kind in Croatia.

10.Yachting and sailingFor an unforgettable family holiday, charter your own boat orluxurious yacht and sail around the Kvarner Riviera or theDalmatian coastline. For a more laid back option, join a cruiseto truly appreciate the best of Croatia from both land and sea.With its calm waters, ‘lazy lines’ for easy berthing and morethan 50 marinas and 4,500 dry docks to choose from, Croatiaoffers a gentle introduction to sailing for all ages. ✦

croatia

by MERI MATEŠIĆ, UK director of the

Croatian National Tourist Board

Top ten tips for selling year-

round holidays to Croatia

Meri Matešić

S04 TB0911 Croatia_Layout 1 07/11/2012 11:08 Page 15



G ADVENTURES haslaunched its first programmein Croatia, comprising newsailing trips, an active breakand a Local Living trip.

The eight-day CroatiaSailing Adventure offers around trip from Dubrovnik toSplit, departing from May toSeptember and leads in at£799 per person.

Alternatively, an eight-dayLocal Living trip visits theisland of Krk, includingaccommodation in a historicstone house, residingalongside other like-mindedtravellers. Guests canwitness wine-making andolive oil processing, cycle toRoman ruins, hit the beachor head out on day trips tonearby islands. Prices startfrom £599 per person.

Meanwhile, an eight-dayCroatia Active Adventureenables travellers toexperience a guided sea-kayaking excursion aroundDubrovnik city walls, cyclingin the Konavle Valley, hikingalong Dalmatian cliffs andvisits to the Kolocep Islandand Dubrovnik Old Town.Prices lead in at £799 perperson.

ESSENTIALLY PRESTIGE has introduced a Love Croatia brochure for 2013 following a 256%increase in bookings to the destination this year.

New options include the island of Veliki Brijun (big Brijuni) in the Istria region, the islandsof Cres and Krk in the Kvarner region and holidays in the Dalmatian town of Omis.

The operator is also featuring a new five-star suite hotel in Dubrovnik, a seven-nightcruise from Split, holidays in the Plitvice Lakes National Park plus a new fly/drive. Croatia’sneighbour, Montenegro, is also on offer for the first time, as are two-centre trips toDubrovnink and Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The operator’s chairman and managing director John Dixon said: “Croatia is our stardestination for 2012 and we are delighted with its success. It seems that our clients wantmore and we are giving them an increased range of holiday choices for 2013 with more than100 places to stay across 34 resorts, including nine islands. We are also offering fourcruises, four fly/drives, a coach tour and have featured all our self-catering options in aseparate section at the start of the brochure.

“We are aiming for a 30% increase in business next year. To help facilitate this we areplanning a series of fam trips, roadshows, competitions and individual agent events.”

Brochure prices lead in at £315 per person staying at the self-catering Villas PlatApartments in Plat on the Dubrovnik Riviera, based on an April departure. It includes room-only accommodation, BA flights from Gatwick and transfers, plus a free night’s stay, saving£33 per couple.

Hotel stays lead in at £328 per person at Bluesun Kastelet in Tucepi, Makarska, includingbreakfast accommodation, flights from Gatwick and transfers. For more information call 01425-480400 or visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

croatia

Split

Essentially Prestige expands in Croatia for 2013

ADRIATIC LUXURY Hotels is offering a three-day winter spabreak package at Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, starting from €540(approximately £438) per person.

The ‘In the Zone’ package includes breakfastaccommodation in a selected room for up to two people; spatreatments at the Comfort Zone Spa including an AromasoulRitual Scrub and an Aromasoul Massage; access to fitnessand spa facilities; a basket of fruit and bottled water in theroom; and late check-out, depending on availability.

The hotel is located on the peninsula of Lapad, below thePetka woods with a view of the Elaphite islands. It offers 308rooms/suites, each with a private balcony and sea views andis located a short distance from the Old Town of Dubrovnik.

The hotel chain also offers the 91-room Hotel Bellevue,located on a clifftop 30m above Miramare Bay. The hotelfeatures a nautical theme and offers suites with Jacuzzis,along with sea-view balconies. Alternatively, the nearbyHotel Excelsior offers 141 rooms and 17 suites with a choiceof gourmet restaurants. For more information visit www.alh.hr or [email protected]

Christmas spa getaway at Dubrovnik Palace Hotel

CNTB sees 22% increase in UK visitors THE CROATIAN National Tourist Board reports that the firstnine months of this year have seen a significant number ofUK visitors holiday in Croatia. A total of 299,155 UK visitorstravelled to Croatia between January and September thisyear, up 22% on the same time last year.

Meri Matesic, UK & Ireland director of the tourist office,said: “It’s fantastic to see more Brits than ever choosingCroatia as their summer holiday destination. This yearwe’re on target to reach 300,000 UK visitors, which clearlyshows that we can return to our record-breaking figure of500,000 in 1990.

“I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets willcontinue to grow in 2013, especially with the introduction ofmore flights, new routes and holiday packages fromproviders like Jet2, giving UK travellers greater flexibilityand choice when booking a holiday to Croatia.”

Meanwhile, Zagreb’s first bed-and-breakfast studio,Kairos, has opened. The studio can accommodate 12 peoplein its four rooms, each decorated to reflect the city’shistory. For details see www.studio-kairos.comFor more information visit www.croatia.hr or call 020-3440 8930.

G Adventuresoffers new Croatia trips


Dedicated brochure launch from Anatolian Sky HolidaysANATOLIAN SKY Holidays has unveiled a dedicated Croatiaprogramme of beach and city breaks, tailor-made holidays,escorted tours and cruises to Croatia for 2013.

The brochure offers a range of options for visitors looking toexplore the country’s coastline and national parks, as well asits historic cities.

The new programme includes Adriatic cruising on PrincessAloha; coastal cities including Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and theCavtac resort; beach and island breaks to Hvar, Brač, Mljet,Korcula and their neighbours; tailor-made itinerariesincluding three trips to Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar; an itinerarythat incorporates Zagreb and neighbouring Bosnia &Herzegovina; and two escorted tours with guaranteed weeklydepartures, including visits to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.For more information or to book call 0844-273 3585 or visitwww.anatoliansky.co.uk

Pula’s Park PlazaMedulin to becouples-only

AS OF next year, the newly-opened Park Plaza Medulinin Pula will be a couples-only resort.

Located on the Istrianpeninsula, a two-hourflight from London, theRoman market town sits ona stretch of coastline.

Guests can exploreBrijuni National Park andits safari park, visit theRoman amphitheatre, aswell as experiencingpopular scuba divinglocations.

The hotel offers a fitnesscentre, outdoor pool andbar, on-site spa therapist,outdoor terrace restaurantand weekly themed Istriandinners, showcasing localproduce and delicacies.For more information seewww.parkplaza.com

The capital city of the cravat welcomes you!

C R O A T I A

croatia

SHEARINGS HAS introduced a new nine-dayVenice, Croatia and Lake Garda tour for 2013.

Highlights include trips to Lake Garda andVenice, with a four-night stay in the Croatiancoastal town of Porec and visits to Mostar andthe Plitvice Lake National Park.

Patricia Birmingham, the company’sEurope and worldwide product manager, said:“Croatia is proving to be a very popular

destination as its location offers an easy wayto make day trips across the Adriatic to Italy,meaning customers can enjoy visiting twocountries while on their holiday.”

The tour leads in at £459 per person,including six nights’ half-boardaccommodation and overnight coach travel.

Departures are available from May toOctober.

Shearings adds new Venice, Croatia & Lake Garda tour


River Cruise Line adds eight-day coast &islands option from £1,499

THE RIVER Cruise Line has introduced a new Croatian Coast &Islands itinerary for 2013.

The eight-day cruise, priced from £1,499 per person, offersan opportunity to journey around the Adriatic, taking in severalof Croatia’s historic coastal cities and islands.

Starting and finishing in Dubrovnik, the itinerary takes inthe islands of Mljet and Hvar before travelling on to Split,the largest city on the Adriatic coast, where a guided tourtakes place.

The return journey takes in the islands of Brač andKorčula and ends with a Dubrovnik guided tour. The cruisetakes place on MS Mendula, a two-masted yacht thataccommodates up to 35 people.

Included in the price are flights from Gatwick, seven nights’accommodation with many meals included; guided tours ofSplit and Dubrovnik; and visits to the islands. Departures areavailable in June and September.For more information call 0844-544 7580 or seewww.sellingrivercruises.com

CLASSIC COLLECTIONHolidays will be unveiling anew Croatia, Slovenia andMontenegro brochure inearly January next year.

The operator will feature44 hotels across Dubrovnik,Catvat, Slano the Island ofLopod, Makarska Riviera,Sibernik, Split, Hvar, Istria,Kvarner Riviera, Ljubliana,Portoroz, Bled, Bohinj andMontenegro.

The operator’s deputymanaging director MattRice said: “We introducedCroatia in 2010 and saleshave grown steadily overthe last couple of seasons.

“Croatia sits very wellwith our specialist profileand the addition of Sloveniaand Montenegro to ourportfolio of destinations isappropriate and timely.

“In producing our newbrochure we have

maintained a winningformula of offering a greatproduct and exemplaryservice at an unbeatableprice.

“With around 2,000independent travelagencies nationwidemarketing our product weare confident that ourlatest brochure will quicklyestablish itself as a firmfavourite amongst bothagents and customersalike.”

The brochure offersdepartures from January toDecember andaccommodation is four-starand upwards.

All holidays are tailor-made with twin-centre,multi-centre and Adriaticcruise options available. For details call 0800-008 7288 or visitwww.classic-collection.co.uk

Classic issues Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro 2013 brochure

Brač Island

THE Croatia specialist operator for Travel Agents.

Largest selection of boutique 3,4 & 5 star hotels, apartments, villas,

lighthouses, city breaks, coach tours, cruising and multi-centres

Flexible durations and flights from most UK airports

NEW for 2013 - Montenegro

Love To Shop vouchers for each booking made.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or

www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/croatia

CROATIA FROM £315

croatia


COMPLETELY CROATIA is continuing to expand its tailor-made and bespoke product, with the addition of more smallboutique style properties and upmarket cruises.

For the first time, the operator is featuring the region ofKvarner in the north of the country to offer visitors adifferent experience from that of Split and Dubrovnik.

The company reports that it is seeing a marked increasein demand for group travel to the destination as well fromwalkers, hikers, artists, mountain bikers and culturevultures.For more information see www.completelycroatia.co.uk or call 0800-970 9149.

Balkan adds eight-day coach tour BALKAN HOLIDAYS hasadded a new tour of Croatia,Bosnia and Slovenia to its2013 summer programme,departing in May, June andSeptember.

The eight-day tour bycoach incorporates a visit toSarajevo, Zagreb andLjubljana and also visitsMostar, the city of bridges;the Plitvice National Park, aUNESCO World HeritageSite; Zadar; Split; and thePostojna Cave.

Each tour is accompaniedby an English-speaking guideand accommodation en-routeis on a half-board basis inthree- and four-starproperties.

Prices start from £884 perperson and there is a choiceof flights from nine regionalUK airports to Dubrovnik,where the tour begins.

The operator also offerscruises from Dubrovnik andSplit and will be featuringthree- and four-night breaksfrom these destinations to achoice of locations next year.For details call 0845-130 1114 or seewww.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents


THE ADVENTURE Company has introduced family sailing holidays in Croatia and Turkey fornext summer.

A week-long Croatia Sailing Adventure departs from Split for a voyage along theDalmatian coast and is suitable for families with children aged eight and above.

The itinerary sails on a modern catamaran, staffed with a hostess who cooks lunches andensures children are entertained with a range of activities and games.

The boat moors each evening so that families can dine in the area’s restaurants beforeheading back to the catamaran for the night.

Prices lead in at £1,829 per child and £1,999 per adult including flights, accommodation,excursions, breakfasts and lunches.

Family sailing options from The Adventure Company

Escape this winter to Dubrovnik Sun Gardens!

Holiday packages available from 139 EUR per person.

www.radissonblu.com/resort-dubrovnik

Cruise, accommodation & tailor-made additions from Completely Croatia

Regent Holidays adds two new tours for 2013REGENT HOLIDAYS has added two new trips to its 2013 Croatia programme.

The eight-day Dalmatian Highlights Cruise on MS Nikola offers trips to Dubrovnik andSplit as well as the Dalmatian Islands of Mljet, Hvar and Korcula.

Prices lead in at £935 per person including flights from Gatwick, transfers, half-boardaccommodation, taxes and a mini guide book. Departures are available from May 5 toOctober 6.

Meanwhile, a nine-day Croatia Express Group Tour takes guests from Zagreb toDubrovnik via the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split and Hvar. Leading in at £1,130 perperson, the tour includes accommodation with many meals included; transfers andtransport; the services of a tour director; sightseeing with guides; and entrance fees.Flights are excluded. For more information call 020-7666 1244 or visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk

Dalmation Coast

croatia


IT’S THE time of year when many of us in travel take stock of the summer just gone and what lessons can be learned for the year ahead. Fortunately, my well used

salesman’s “Book of Excuses” stayed firmly in the drawer asthe recession, political unrest, European Championships,Olympics, Wimbledon and Ryder Cup failed to make anynegative impact in the demand for holidays in 2012.

In the Dynamic Packaging sector, countries such as Egyptand Greece have sold particularly well despite economic andpolitical unrest in these destinations and demonstrate that agood flight price matched with a great value hotel overcomesmost travellers other concerns. The only slight blip has comefrom the shortage of seats to some of these destinations, or toput it correctly the shortage of aircraft seats at a cheap price inSeptember and October which has led to a softening ofdemand at the a latter end of what has been a pretty goodsummer overall.

Strong contendersTurkey, Mallorca, Costa Blanca and the Canary Islands have allremained strong sellers for us this year, although the CostaBrava has dropped mainly due to flight capacity changes. Iwould like to think that our own trends are typical across theDP market and some of our big winners this year have beenDubai, Naples (for Sorrento) and Dubrovnik in Croatia, which isa great destination for the short breaks market and excellenttiming as it’s ABTA’s chosen venue for next year’s TravelConvention.

The growth of tailor made fly/cruises and ‘cruise-and-stay’options continues unabated as overcapacity in the cruisemarket means agents can put together some great valueproducts out of ports such as Venice, Rome and Barcelona.This also presents an option to sell something different fromthe herd by combining a few nights in a city or beachdestination and offering a product which cannot be pricechecked on any comparison site.

Certainly our agent partners have been relatively happy asboth prices and volumes have held up well this year but as theoften quoted business mantra states “If you’re not movingforward you’re going backwards”, we all need to plan ahead forwhat we hope will be an even better 2013.

Adding to the bottom linePermanently on the development list of agents is the selling ofmore extras and how they want to grow their ancillary sales

and make extra and non discounted margins to add straight totheir bottom line.

Agents are still keen to get additional income and ironicallyas the market slows down towards winter, sales of someholiday essentials such airport parking continue to sellstrongly as agents have more time to email and call theircustomers before travel.

Many of the larger travel agents and call centres haveinvested in an “after sales team” to follow up after the bookinghas been made and with great results in the sales of extrassuch as excursions, lounge passes, insurance and airportparking. It doesn’t matter what size of business you are,getting a simple and regular system in place is the key tomaking more sales of these products.

This includes a range of disciplines including incentivisingstaff, targeted emails with offers and lead in prices andadvertising these services on your website. It’s the drip dripeffect that means everyone in the business is focused onselling much more than a flight and hotel.

To sell high volumes you cannot beat including travel extrasat the time of booking and the successful salesperson seemsto able to do this with ease. However, this is usually with theaid of technology and if agents selling systems are linked withXML feeds for ancillary products such as airport parking, justswitching these feeds on and showing staff that they areavailable on their in-house system at the time of booking willlead to an increase in sales.

Customers seldom realise that by booking products likeairport parking early can lead to significant savings, comparedto last-minute bookings. It’s ironic that clients will spend hourssaving a few quid on a flight and lose this money by making alast minute airport parking booking!

Agents should also highlight the excellent value “meet andgreet” valet parking offers which take the stress out of theairport arrival experience and these are often at prices similarto on and off-airport car parks.

Other systems can be put in place much quicker withwebsite white label links to the supplier’s site where additionalcommission can be earned without any work on the agent’sside. Either way a strategy to focus on sales extras on websitesand via the sales staff can bring in £1,000’s in increasedcommission.

So whatever is in your growth and development plans for2013, make sure that travel extras are on the list and are notrelegated to the bottom for yet another year! ✦

by PHIL NORRIS, sales director,

A2B Transfers

Lessons learned

for the year ahead


dynamicpackaging

S05 TB0911 Dynamic Packaging_Layout 1 07/11/2012 11:31 Page 21

ROCK INSURANCE is offering travel trade partners anew, fast growing income stream in the form of gadgetinsurance.

The company’s gadget insurance business –mygadgetbuddy.com – was launched a year ago and isavailable either as an add-on to the company’s travelinsurance products covering gadgets whilst overseas, oras a standalone insurance policy providing cover forgadgets 365 days a year in the UK and overseas.

The company’s managing director Antony Martin said:“Gadget insurance is a fast growing revenue stream forus and has the potential to generate substantialcommissions for our clients. To be nominated for theprestigious What Mobile award in our first year of tradingis phenomenal and we want to share our success byrolling the product out to our travel trade partners.”

The company created the mygadgetbuddy.com brandand product after extensive research into the gadgetsector which identified that, regardless of economicclimate, consumers continue to purchase feel goodgadgets such as the iPhone 5, iPad and Kindle. Theresearch also highlighted that due to the high purchasecosts, consumers are taking out additional cover –usually at inflated prices at the same time as theypurchase their gadget. The research went on to showthat travellers are taking an average of £1,500 worth ofgadgets on holiday, in most cases with inadequateinsurance on a standard travel policy.

Benefits of selling for agents include the product iseasy to sell as it is packaged online; it creates a monthlyincome stream for agents since the majority ofmygadgetbuddy.com product is purchased on monthlydirect debit; commissions for agents are higher thantypical travel insurance commissions as the transactionvalue is significantly higher for gadget insurance; andagents also receive on-going support from thecompany’s in-house team of insurance and technologyspecialists.For details visit www.mygadgetbuddy.com or call 0844-482 9544.

dynamicpackaging

Rock’s Gadget Insurance extended to travel trade partners


New Harrods tour from SuperbreakSUPERBREAK HAS added a new ‘Harrods Vintage Bus Tour,River Cruise and Unlimited Buffet Lunch’ tour, which can beadded to any hotel booking in London. The tour offers thechance to travel on Harrods’ vintage double decker bus andsee London’s highlights, followed by a cruise on the Thamesbefore heading to Harrods for a buffet lunch.

The bus, a former 1960's route master that has beenrestored, visits sights including Buckingham Palace, BigBen, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, TrafalgarSquare, Nelson's Column, St. Paul's Cathedral, LondonBridge and the Tower of London.

Prices lead in at £49 per person when added to a hotelbooking.For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agents orcall 0871-221 4444

dynamicpackaging


Attraction World highlights popular add-onsATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting a selection of itsmost popular add-ons. In Florida, the company's topselling add-on is The ONE, which offers customersunlimited admission to all the main Florida theme parksand attractions for 14 days. Prices lead in at £472 peradult and £432 per child, aged two-nine.

In Tenerife the operator's Loro Parque & Siam ParkTwin Ticket remains its most popular add-on. Priceslead in at £50 for adults and £34 for kids aged six-11.And in Salou the top selling attraction is a two-dayPortAventura ticket, which costs £50 for adults and £41for kids aged four-ten. The UK exclusive ticket offerstwo consecutive days’ entry into the theme park andsavings off gate rates.

All attractions are fully commissionable to agents.

STRESSFREEAIRPORTPARKING.COM, WHICH operatesits own facilities at six UK airports and sells at all othermajor UK airports, plus one UK port, has guaranteedmarket-leading commission rates for agents with thelaunch of a dedicated sales channel.

The company, which to date has sold direct-to-consumers online, believes that the airport meet andgreet concept is now significant enough both in marketsize and consumer understanding to launch throughtravel agents.

The company says that agents have a significant roleto play in expanding the meet and greet sector – figuresreleased recently from airport parking price comparisonsite Looking4Parking.com showed that the meet andgreet sector grew from 49.17% in 2011 to 58.72% in2012, an increase of 9.6% of all airport parking.

The growth was at the expense of park and rideschemes which lost 5.2% of the overall share (downfrom 36.08% to 30.92%) and onsite parking which lost4.4% (down from 14.75% to 10.37%).

Martin Mansell, the company’s managing director,said: “The airport parking sector has seen littleinnovation over the years, but meet and greet is asignificant development for the industry and isexperiencing rapid, year-on-year growth.

“Having someone collect your car at the airportterminal before you travel and deliver it on your return,used to be perceived as a luxury, but in many cases it isno more expensive than standard airport car parking.We believe that savvy, online consumers have workedthis out for themselves and this is driving significantgrowth in the sector.

“We’re now opening up a sales channel for agents aswe know that this will broaden our reach and expand theindustry in the UK. We liken the sector to the airportlounge upgrade that was once perceived as anunaffordable luxury used only by business travellers, butactually in some airports, for about the same price asstandard airport parking, you can start your holidaystress-free.

“The same is now true of the airport meet and greetservice – agents can up-sell a more refined and relaxedstart and end to a customer holiday or business trip, butwith little extra cost compared to standard airportparking. As we provide more meet and greet facilitiesthan any other company, and because we have our own

facilities at six UK airports – as well as Southamptonport – we’re unique in terms of scale and expertise sowe can drive the lowest prices meaning we can supporttravel agents by offering market-leading commissions.”

Prices start from £30 per car, per day, rising to £40for a weekend, and £55 for one week.

The company operates its own facilities forBirmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow, Lutonand Southampton, sells at all other major UK airports,plus one UK port, Southampton.

Travellers are greeted by uniformed staff immediatelyoutside the airport terminal, who park the customer’scar in a secure parking bay. The car is returned to thecustomer outside the terminal when they return home. For more information visitwww.stressfreeairportparking.com/travel-agent-loginr

StressFreeAirportParking launches dedicated agents’ sales channel


AFFORDABLE CAR Hire has signed an exclusive partnershipagreement with UK short break specialist Great Little Breaks.

The deal means that clients booking packages in the UKand Ireland through the operator’s website and call centre willalso be able to add car rental.

Angela Day, CEO for Affordable Car Hire, said the newpartnership would also enable the two companies to jointlydevelop a range of selected short break and car hirepackages that will be promoted through their respectiveWebsites and databases.

She said: “This is another great opportunity for AffordableCar Hire as we explore new markets and continue toincrease our brand awareness. We are very pleased to beworking with the Great Little Breaks and look forward to asuccessful partnership.

“It will be of huge benefit to anyone looking to book ashort break with car hire in the UK and Ireland. Not only willthe clients be guaranteed superb service when they hire acar through us, they will also have access to some verygood deals.”

Vivienne Hudson, managing director of Great Little Breaks,said: “As a leisure brand we already offer packages thatinclude attraction passes, entrance to heritage properties andspa treatments, so the introduction of car hire through arespected brand such as Affordable Car Hire gives ourcustomers even more options.”For more information see www.greatlittlebreaks.com andwww.affordablecarhire.com

YCH offers up to 20% commissionYOUR CAR Hire reports that despite the increasedpaperwork created by the ATOL Flight-Plus, agents cantake the opportunity to turn the extra paperwork intoprofit.

The company's managing director Ruth Bligh said:"Canny agents can now promote the financial protectionoffered with Flight-Plus. Dynamic packaging earnsagents commission, or margins, on all sorts of holidaycomponents, one of the biggest being car hire. Weprovide commission levels, or net rates, to suit theagent’s particular business model.

"We have an online training package offering handyadvice from sales to bookings, with lots of tips inbetween. We are also offering great agent incentives, sothere is every reason to get the bookings and thepaperwork piling up."

As well as offering agents up to 20% commission, thecompany also pays agents £5/£10 in Love2Shopvouchers for bookings that include Damage/SuperDamage Excess Waivers, payable automatically, on amonthly basis. Cancellations are also free up to 48-hours prior to the hire date, enabling agents to securethe booking for their clients with no obligation.

Lead in prices for a week's group A car hire include£36 in Faro, £43 in Malaga, £57 in Alicante, £49 inPalma, £57 in Cyprus and £99 in Tenerife.For details visit www.your-carhire.com

ACH partners with Great Little Breaks

dynamicpackaging



MOSAIC HOLIDAYS has launched anew brochure featuring holidays toEgypt and Morocco, whiledestinations including Jordan andTurkey are still proving popular withwinter travellers.

Moroccan breaks include the newTaj Palace Marrakech, due to opennext month, while the brochure alsofeatures a number of options forclients looking to explore Egypt.

Sabina Shaida, the operator'sfounder and managing director, said:“The majority of our destinations areideal for winter sun getaways. Best-selling holidays for us this winter

include Egypt, Jordan and Turkey andwe believe the best value destinationthis winter to be Egypt, due to themany special offers being promotedin order to attract the UK marketback to the destination.”

Guests can save up to 30% onaccommodation for a seven-nightCairo & Nile Cruise in Style itinerary,with prices leading in at £1,359 peradult and £919 per child includingflights from Heathrow. Three nights’breakfast accommodation is offeredat the five-star Mena House OberoiHotel, with the remaining four nightson the Sonesta St George Nile Cruise

with full-board accommodation. Pricesare based on a January 25, 2013departure.

Alternatively, customers can saveup to 25% on accommodation for ASimply Red Christmas in Sharm elSheikh, with prices starting from£1,399 per adult and £1,059 per child.It includes seven nights’ breakfastaccommodation at the five-star HyattRegency Hotel and easyJet flightsfrom Gatwick. Prices are based on aDecember 20 departure.For more information call 020-8574 4000 or visit www.mosaicholidays.co.uk

GUESTS CAN make a range of savings when bookingwinter breaks with Sovereign Luxury Travel.

Examples include the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spain Tenerife, which offers a free night, one complimentaryspa entrance per person and an online discount, savingup to £218 per couple. Seven nights’ breakfastaccommodation costs from £699 per person, departing onDecember 4. The price includes Thomson flights fromGatwick and private transfers.

Meanwhile, guests staying at the Amathus Beach HotelPaphos in Cyprus are being offered a guaranteed roomupgrade, 10% early booking discount, online discount andan exclusive complimentary upgrade to half-board,saving up to £633 per couple. A seven-night stay costsfrom £599 per person, departing on November 22. Theprice includes easyJet flights from Manchester and

private transfers.Also in Cyprus, the Columbia Beach Resort is offering

complimentary half-board, two Christmas Eve galadinners and an online discount, with savings of up to£810 per couple. Ten nights’ half-board accommodationleads in at £1,045 per person, departing on December 20and includes easyJet flights from Gatwick and privatetransfers.

Alternatively, the Insotel Club Punta Prima in Menorcais offering a free child place, 12% early booking discountand an online discount, saving up to £371 per family ofthree. Seven nights lead in at £1,589 per family of threeon an all-inclusive basis, departing on May 3, 2013. Italso includes Thomson flights from Stansted and privatetransfers.For details call 0844-415 1936 or see www.sovereign.com

Winter sun savings of up to £810 per couple from Sovereign Luxury Travel

THE HYATT Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Estero Bay, south west Florida has undergone amulti-million dollar renovation and is scheduled to reopen this winter. The resort overlooks theEstero Bay Aquatic Preserve and has multiple pools; a Stillwater Spa; a Championship Raptor Baygolf course; hot tubs; a plunge waterfall; kayak and bike rentals; and four restaurants. A stay fromNovember 16-23 leads in at £1,050, based on two people sharing a double room.For details or to book see http://coconutpoint.hyatt.com

wintersun

Mosaic highlights Egypt & Morocco winter breaks in new brochure

S06 TB0911 Winter Sun_Layout 1 07/11/2012 11:48 Page 25

SHEARINGS IS offering a range of optional add-onexperiences for guests embarking on a Lake Comowinter tour.

The operator's Europe and worldwide productmanager Patricia Birmingham said: “Lake Como isconsistently one of our best-selling holidays, and thisyear we have enhanced our all-inclusive winter sunpackage for our customers to offer even better value formoney.

“For holidays through to April next year we areoffering a range of extras such as complimentary Italianpasta and pizza tasting experiences, plus the chance toenjoy Italian-style bingo and a fun quiz night.”

The nine-day all-inclusive itinerary leads in at £299per person, with highlights including trips to ComoMarket and Milan.

The price includes six nights’ all-inclusiveaccommodation and overnight coach travel.For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visitwww.shearings.com

HAYES & Jarvis is encouraging agents to utilise the findingsof the 2012 Long Haul Report by Post Office Travel Money –which it helped to compile – to recommend luxury trips ataffordable prices this winter.

The report, an industry barometer of the best value long-haul destinations, suggests that holidaymakers should turntheir attention East, singling out Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Baliand Thailand as offering the lowest cost of living.

The results of the operator’s own trend report revealed a44% increase in bookings for Vietnam this year, which itsays has been fuelled by the opening of several new beachresorts and the availability of direct flights from Gatwick.

One of these resorts is the all pool villa-style Fusion MaiaDa Nang, set on My Khe Beach, 15 minutes from Da Nang,

where seven-night packages start from around £1,669 perperson including flights.

The operator has also added a range of exclusiveThailand resorts, following the destination’s recentcomeback after a dip in bookings earlier this year.

These include the newly-opened four-star plus BeyondResort Khao Lak on Pakweeb Beach, which offers all-villaaccommodation. The centre of Khao Lak is a short shuttleride away, while onsite facilities include three pools, a spaand massage centre, non-motorised watersports and tworestaurants. Seven-night flight-inclusive holidays lead in at£1,349 per person.For more information call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.com

Hayes & Jarvis highlights Far East value destinations this winter

Shearings offers optional extras on Lake Como winter tours


CLIENTS BOOKING a stay at CLC Holidays’ Encantada Resort by December 31 can benefit from a 14-day Disney World FloridaUltimate Ticket for the price of a seven-day ticket. The pass gives guests entry to four Disney theme parks, two Disney water parksas well as golf courses and sports complexes. Tickets cost £257 per adult and £231 per child (aged three-nine) for use this year, or£269 per adult and £248 per child for holidays booked next year. For details call 0800-009 6020 or visit www.clcholidays.com

Savings of up to £3,000 per couple atThe Beach House, Iruveli Maldives THE BEACH House at Iruveli Maldives is a private islandretreat featuring 83 thatched villas, suites and pavilions, eachwith a private pool and a villa host.

There is a selection of three restaurants, a spa, dive centre,fitness centre, yoga facilities and two swimming pools.Excursions are offered on a Maldivian Dhoni or speedboat,with visits to local inhabited islands as well as fishing andsnorkelling trips.

Seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the recently re-launched five-star resort leads in at £2,083 per person, savingapproximately £1,500 per person.

Valid for selected departures until December 25, the priceincludes accommodation in a luxury water villa with a privatepool, a 45-minute jetlag massage, complimentarywatersports, an introductory dive, complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar beverages, BA flights from Gatwick and VIPseaplane transfers with use of a dedicated airport lounge. For more information call 020 - 7407 5122 or visit www.hummingbirdtravel.co.uk

wintersun


A SERIES of new volcano trails have been created inTenerife, giving self-guided walkers the opportunity toexplore the island’s volcanic landscape.

The five walking areas are focused on Ancient Volcanoes;Large Landscapes; Historic Volcanoes; ExplosiveVolcanoes; and the Abeque Ridge.

The walking routes have been launched as part of theTenerife Tourism Corporation’s ongoing initiative, ‘Tenerife,Volcanoes of Life’, which aims to provide tourists with anauthentic holiday experience.

The programme, run in partnership with the Council ofTenerife, scientists from the Canary Islands Institute ofVolcanology (Involcan) and the Technological Institute ofRenewable Energy (ITER), focuses on measures forreducing volcanic risk and ways in which the volcanoes canenhance holiday experiences for visitors to Tenerife.

Carlos Alonso, CEO of the Tenerife Tourism Corporation,said: “Our goal is to introduce more tourists to one of ourmajor holiday attractions and really showcase Tenerife’svolcanic landscape. There are a range of ways to enjoy thisunique attribute of our islands – visitors can scuba dive andsee volcanic seascapes, hike along the trails and learnmore about the lava flows, or fly in a hang glider and takein the views of volcanoes from above, where some of themost amazing geological formations in the Atlantic can beviewed.”

The island is home to the world’s highest volcanic coneand more than 100 craters and badlands, which are barrenlava surfaces that have eroded over time.

For further exploration of Tenerife’s volcanic origins,visitors can head underground to explore volcanic tubes,such as the Cueva del Viento, which are formed when lavaflow has cooled and hardened on the outside but hascontinued to flow inside.


0845 330 4567Gambia.co.uk/Trade

5113

Exotic African culture, unique and boutique hotels, friendly people and a warm

welcome awaits you in The Gambia

Th e GambiaDiscover the

(smiling coast

1987~2012

YEARS25

SERVING THE GAMBIA

wintersun

Teide National Park

Tenerife adds new walking trails in‘Volcanoes of Life’ programme


CLASSIC COLLECTION reports that winter sales to Morocco arecurrently 14% up year-on-year, with the beach resort of Agadirputting in a strong performance.

The operator's purchasing manager for Morocco JoanneColchester said: “Agadir is one of the most reliable winterdestinations for warm sunshine from what is still a genuineshort–haul flight. The climate is very similar to that of theCanary Islands, making the beach and pool a real possibility forholidaymakers even during December, January and February.

“Lately there have been a number of improvements made tothe infrastructure of the town and there is a much improvedhotel stock, including the boutique-style Riad Villa Blanche andthe very smart Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa. Given thequality of accommodation offered by these hotels, they remainvery competitively priced. There is also a huge number of

restaurants in the resort, so plenty of choice when dining outand sterling goes a long way when converted into MoroccanDirhams.

“As a contrast to Agadir’s modern layout and architecture, theresort affords opportunities to visit areas with a more authenticMoroccan feel, including Taroudant, a mini-Marrakech. Thefoothills of the Atlas mountains are also accessible and offerareas of outstanding natural beauty such as the waterfalls atImmouzer.’

In February 2013, seven nights at the Riad Villa Blanche inAgadir leads in at £705 per person and seven nights at theSofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa costs from £756. Prices arebased on two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis, includingflights from Gatwick and private transfers.For more information call 0800-008 7288.

Classic Collection sees Morocco sales increase by 14% year-on-year


CALVIA, A municipality located in thesouthwest of Mallorca, is promotingits range of winter products to theUK market.

Although most well-known for beinghome to Magaluf, Calvia offers five otherresorts, including Palmanova, PortalNous, Illetes, Santa Ponca and Peguera,all situated approximately 20 minutesfrom Palma de Mallorca Airport.

With an average winter temperatureof 15°, Calvia is being promoted as idealfor hikers and cyclists.

Last month, the destination launcheda dedicated cycling programme, withbike-stations located at a range ofhotels in the region, which stored up to300 bikes. Visitcalvia.com’s new bike

programme launches seven differentroutes of different intensities throughoutthe region. Visitors can explore theborough of Calvia on the Calvia’sLandscapes route; ride through thelandscapes of Peguera on EnjoyPeguera; cycle along the coast on thePalmanova-Magaluf route; experiencepanoramic views on SunsetTramuntama; and follow a routethrough the almond and winery areason Almond Blossom and Wineries.

For the more adventurous, Torrent deSanta Ponca and Es Capdella-Galatzoare mountain bike routes that begin atthe region’s main mountain bike ridestarting point, Es Capdella, and takevisitors through the mountains to

Galatzo, 1,000m above sea level.A new hiking programme has also

been launched which includes 11 routesthrough the region, including theGR221-internationally recognised routefrom Es Capdella to Estellencs. Theroute takes visitors through smalltowns, crosses Galatzo estate andmeanders through mountains andfarmland, uncovering Bronze Agearchaeological sites and architecture.

easyJet offers flights to Palam untilMarch 2013, with prices starting from£64.98 per person.For more information or to book visitwww.easyjet.com or call 0843-104 5000.For details on Calvia seewww.visitcalvia.com

Visit Calvia promotes hiking & biking programmes to UK market

Soak up the sun this winter in Recife - the 'Venice of Brazil'TRAVELLERS CAN escape the British weather thiswinter by heading to Recife in Brazil.

The city offers year-round sunshine with an averagetemperature of 25˚C and is known locally as the ‘Veniceof Brazil’, offering long sandy beaches and waterwaysthroughout the city.

Recife is the country’s fifth largest city and is thecapital of the State of Pernambuco. Located in NorthEast Brazil, it will be one of the host cities of the 2014FIFA World Cup, with matches to be played in the new£152million Pernambuco Arena.

For those looking to experience city culture, theUNESCO World Heritage Site of Olinda offers cobbledstreets, churches and historic buildings and squares.

Flights to Recife are available from TAP Portugal,departing from London, with return fares starting from£657 including taxes.

Alternatively, Fernando de Noronha – anotherUNESCO World Heritage Site – is an archipelago 545kmoff the coast of Recife. The island is divided into aNational Marine Park and an Environmental ProtectionArea. Visitor numbers are therefore restricted, sobooking in advance is essential.

Other popular winter destinations include the fishing

village of Trancoso; the Porto de Galinhas resort on thePernambuco State coastline; and the colonial town ofParaty.For more information see www.visitbrasil.com

Recife

wintersun


Tenerife &Maldives savings

from CarrierCARRIER IS offeringsavings on long-haulsunshine at HuvafenFushi, Maldives and GranHotel Bahía del DuqueResort in Tenerife.

In the Maldives,savings of up to £2,110per couple are availableon seven-night stays atHuvafen Fushi, withprices leading in at£2,975 per person. Theoffer includes sevennights for the price of sixin a Beach Bungalow witha private pool based ontwo sharing on a half-board basis. It alsoincludes flights fromHeathrow and speedboattransfers and is valid fortravel until December 23.

In Tenerife couples cansave up to £630 onseven-night stays at GranHotel Bahía del DuqueResort. The price, whichincludes seven nights forthe price of five, basedon two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis,leads in at £1,055 perperson. It also includesflights from Gatwick andprivate transfers and isvalid for travel fromNovember 17 –December 15 and April 5-30, 2013.To book or for moreinformation seewww.carrier.co.uk

Discover your own paradise withFly from London to Madrid, with onward connections toLatin America and the Caribbean

For the latest offers please contact our UK Reservations team on:

0871 222 9122

[email protected]

To discover more about Air Europa visit:

www.aireuropaexperts.com

TB_Winter Sun_oct12_180x65.indd 1 16/10/12 17:37

wintersun


Beat the winter blues with a stay at St Lucia's blu hotelTHE NEWLY-RENOVATED blu hotel in St Lucia has launched two offers for the winterseason.

BA is offering seven nights at the four-star hotel from £1,129 per person fordepartures this month, including flights from Gatwick and all-inclusiveaccommodation.

Alternatively, guests who book before November 30 for travel until January 31, 2013will receive a free upgrade from bed-and-breakfast to all-inclusive.

Features of the 72-room hotel include swimming pools, a pool terrace restaurant barand grill, a spa, beauty salon and a fitness centre.To book or for more information call 0844-493 0758 or visit www.ba.com/stluciaFull terms and conditions of offers are available atwww.harlequinblu.com/specialoffers

‘SECRET SEASON’ heralds the last of the drymonths in the Selous Game Reserve, whereherds of thirsty animals, from lion to kudu,cluster around watering holes, waiting for thestart of the rains.

Exsus is offering an eight-night safari andbeach holiday from £3,675 per person (£760cheaper than travelling in peak season). Validfor selected departures until December 14, theitinerary includes flights from Heathrow with

British Airways, three nights at the Jongomeroin Ruaha National Park and three nights at theSelous Safari Camp, with game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles, daily game walks and boatsafaris (at the Selous Safari Camp) plus afurther two nights at Ras Kutani.

Also included are internal transfers, taxesand surcharges.For more information or to book call 020-7337 9010 or visit www.exsus.com

Exsus offers eight-night beach & safari break from £3,675

Free nights on selected departures from FunwayFUNWAY HOLIDAYS offers a range of winter sun breaks to destinations such as Dubai,the Caribbean and the Far East, with discounts and free nights on selecteddepartures.

Three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the five-star Sofitel Jumeirah leads in at£959 per person, based on a January 17, 2013 departure and two adults sharing. Theprice includes Economy Virgin Atlantic flights, taxes, fuel surcharge and transfers. Aroom discount of 50% is also offered for breaks taking place between December 15-26.

Meanwhile, ten nights at Sandals Carlyle on an all-inclusive basis between Januaryand March 2013 leads in at £1,535 per person, including Economy Virgin Atlanticflights and taxes, based on two adults sharing. It includes 25% off and one free night’saccommodation, based on a January 20 departure.

The company is also offering seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the four-star Holiday Inn Penang Resort, Malaysia, from £925 per person, which includes twonights’ free accommodation. The price is based on two adults sharing, on a January10 departure, and includes Economy flights with Malaysia Airlines and transfers.For details visit www.funway4agents.co.uk



OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is offering its most comprehensive Egypt winter dealsfor 2012/13, with product split between Cairo, the Red Sea resort, Luxor andNile cruising.

Photis Lambrianides, the operator's commercial director, said: “From theRed Sea and the River Nile to the capital Cairo, Egypt delivers a superbholiday experience at readily affordable prices.

“The Red Sea’s popularity has grown dramatically in recent years and we nowfeature 11 resorts, while Nile cruising is a unique product that continues to evolveyear-on-year. Cairo, meanwhile, makes a wonderful city break or add-on.”

Red Sea additions this winter include the five-star Movenpick Resort Hurghadaand the four-star Seagull Resort in Hurghada, the four-star Ibis Styles DahabLagoon in Dahab and the three-star Falcon Naama Star Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh.

The company has also introduced the resort of Ain Sokhna, with five-starhotel offerings including the Movenpick El Sokhna, Stella di Mare GrandHotel and Stella di Mare Golf Hotel.

Short Red Sea breaks in Sharm el Sheikh have also been added thiswinter, made possible by a combination of increased scheduled air capacityand low hotel rates.

Lambrianides said: “A short break on the Red Sea is the ideal way toescape winter in the UK and with hotels extremely well-priced there aremany good deals available.”

Short break Red Sea prices lead in at £294 per person for three nights’breakfast accommodation at the three-star Falcon Hills Hotel in Sharm elSheikh, sharing a standard inland view room.

On the Nile, eight four- and five-star ships will journey on the seven-nightLuxor-Aswan and return itinerary.

The cruise can also be combined with a 14-night package, with sevennights at the five-star Pyramisa Island Resort & Spa in Aswan. Prices for theseven-night cruise start at £635 per person.

In Cyprus, new additions include hotels in Paphos and Limassol, includingthe five-star Coral Beach, four-star Aloe, three-star Veronica and self-catering Louis King Jason in Paphos. New additions in Limassol include thethree-star Kanikla Pantheon and the Moniatis in Yermasoyia village.

The operator’s new Winter Sun 2012/13 brochure also features Malta andthe charter-based destinations of Goa and The Gambia, with hotels rangingfrom budget to five-star.

Additions in Goa include the three-star Victor Exotica Beach Resort andDona Terezinha Resort, both in Calangute, and the three-star CasablancaResort in Candolim. The three-star Golden Beach Hotel in Bijilo has alsobeen added to The Gambia portfolio.

Packages for a seven-night breakfast stay at the five-star Movenpick ResortHurghada lead in at £599 per person in January next year, based on two sharinga standard room. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.For more information call 0844-499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com

FLIGHTS TO Goa will commence as part of Monarch’s winter flight schedule fromtomorrow (November 10). The Alila Diwa Goa resort (pictured) is located close to Majordabeach and offers an infinity pool and a Spice Studio restaurant. Cosmos Holidays offersseven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the five-diamond rated resort from £899 perperson, including flights and transfers, based on a December 8 departure. For details call 0844-573 4261 or visit www.cosmos.co.uk

Egypt deals top Olympic Holidays’ winter offering

We asked our staff thefollowing question this week:

What would your rapname be?

Publisher: Jeanette [email protected] Rapper

Editor: Lauretta [email protected]&M

Assistant Editor: Jill [email protected] Rascal

Contributing Editor: Paul [email protected]

Sales Director: Simon [email protected]

Advertisement Manager: Tim [email protected] Podge

Online Sales Manager: Nick [email protected] Silverstreaxx

Account Manager: Bill [email protected]

Sales Executive: Chris [email protected] Style Chrissy C Kracker Styles

Sales Executive: Matt [email protected]

Design: Genaro [email protected] pence

Assistant Layout Design:Nicky [email protected] F******** X****** Z******** Dawg

Production: Jeremy Walters [email protected] Sub Zero or Zaphod Beeblebrox

Circulation Manager: Jim [email protected]

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

Follow us on Twitter!@TravelBulletin Travagrams: (top) Monarch (bottom) Iglu Cruise

Where Am I?: Papua New Guinea

puzzlesolutions

wintersun



NOBUBEAUTY

NOBUSTYLE

NOBUDESIGN

N UTYBEANOBU

TYSNOBU ELY

NOBU IGNSDE

INTRODUCING TH

FIRST NOBU

E WORLD’S

HOTEL

Learn more at CaesarsTTravelAgents.com.


Date post:	14-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	alain-charles-publishing
View:	226 times
Download:	0 times

Travel Bulletin 9th November 2012

Documents