Travel Bulletin (July 20 2012)

July 20 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,788 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

DON’T MISS...

All About

Malta & Gozo July 2012

Your one-stop guide to all the latest news and developments in Malta

& Gozo

Produced by

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with this issue

this week

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agent bulletin find out what's in store for Leo this month

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training a round-up of the latest training news, courses & incentives

Morocco What your clients need to know to get the most out of their Moroccan adventure

india operators launch new brochures & expand to new destinations

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cyprus tourist office promotes sporting and active breaks

newsbulletin

This Week news 4

Cover Pictures: Main - La Mamounia, Marrakch

Inset - Cosmos Holidays

airline survey highlights opportunities to improve passenger experience

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

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event bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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pix mix

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training

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morocco

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india

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cyprus

what has agency owner Sandy Murray been up to lately? find out what's in store for Leo this month the event in pictures from the annual Midlands Ball win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the prize Su Doku puzzle Jetset marks its seventh annual event in Manchester a round-up of the latest training news, courses & incentives what your clients need to know to get the most out of their Moroccan adventure operators launch new brochures & expand to new destinations tourist office promotes sporting and active breaks

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LIFT OFF...Malaysia Airlines celebrated the launch of its first A380 superjumbo from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur recently by holding an event for trade partners and passengers at its Golden Lounge at Heathrow T4. Pictured are, from the left: Geraldine Mulhall, Holiday Inn; Mark Kennedy, Malaysia Airlines; Zelie Lewis, The Ultimate Travel Company; and Kayleigh Britland, Expedia.

The gain in Spain for families self-catering on a shoestring FAMILIES PLANNING selfcatering holidays in Europe to keep costs down should head to Spain or Portugal to avoid getting caught out by higher supermarket and food shop prices in other eurozone destinations, according to Post Office Travel Money’s (POTM) self-catering on a Shoestring report. The report reveals that almost one in ten parents overspend on shopping by more than £100 and suggests that they are more likely to spend more in the eastern Med because supermarket prices can be 80% higher than in Mallorca or Portugal.

After finding that 15% of holidaymakers surveyed for its annual Holiday Money Report were planning to save cash by opting for self-catering, POTM surveyed the cost of a weekly family shop in 12 European destinations. The research, conducted for

the Post Office by villa holiday specialist Meon Villas, found significant variations across the eurozone for 20 typical food and drink staples.

The cheapest destinations by some distance were Mallorca and Portugal but Meon Villas' resort staff discovered that the same shopping basket could cost as much as 7080% extra in Italy, Crete, Corfu and Cyprus.

At £57.67 for enough basic provisions to cover a one-week holiday, Mallorca was lowest priced for the second consecutive year, followed closely by Portugal’s Algarve (£57.78).

Spain’s Costa Blanca took third place (£65.31) and a second Balearic island, Menorca, completed the quartet of cheap places to self-cater (£66.71).

However, family selfcatering in Italy cost much more at £98.09. The shopping staples, ranging from bread to beer and

pizza, were pricier still in Crete (£99.18) and in Corfu, where the total of £100.31 was 44.7% higher than a year ago. Cyprus was highest-priced, like Corfu with a bill topping £100 (£104.29).

POTM also compared the cost of self-catering in the UK with the 11 eurozone destinations. At £89.08, Brighton took eighth of 12 places in the self-catering table, although its total dropped by 2.7% compared with a year ago.

POTM's head, Andrew Brown, said: “The variations we found in supermarket prices mean that families will be welladvised to check prices before booking and our website provides them with useful comparisons.

Although self-catering can be a great way for families to save money, they should choose their destination ● continues on next page

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newsbulletin ● continued from previous page

carefully. Mallorca and Portugal are great value options but Greece is looking more expensive.

“Another thing to consider when budgeting for a self-catering holiday is how much drinks will cost. Our research shows that families could pay just over £5 for a coffee, a soft drink, a glass of wine and a beer in Gozo or Mallorca but £10 or more in Brighton, Crete and Lanzarote.

“Another way that families can ensure they don’t lose out on holiday cash is to avoid changing cash at the airport or at overseas ATMs where poor rates and charges will cost them dear. Planning ahead and loading the holiday budget onto a pre-paid card like the Post Office Travel Money Card is a great way to keep costs in check.”

Premier increases Australia product offering PREMIER HOLIDAYS is offering 14 nights in Australia from £2,149 per person, a saving of up to £445.

The package includes flights with British Airways or Qantas Airways via Singapore and Sydney to Cairns and accommodation with two nights at All Seasons Cairns Colonial Club, a stay in a Maui Ultima Motorhome (with unlimited mileage) and two nights at Medina Executive Brisbane.

The offer is valid for travel from August 11 to September 30.

For more information visit www.trade.premierholidays .co.uk or call 0844-493 7900.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE...the results came in for Holiday Extras' Grand Slam incentive and eight top-performing agents, including Jessica Robson from Ilkeston Co-op Travel, (pictured), witnessed the world's best racing car drivers hurtling around the Silverstone track last week. The next Grand Slam incentive, which runs from this month to the end of September, will see best-performing agents win VIP access to the 'Michael Jackson Immortal World - Cirque du Soleil' tour.

New Airbus survey highlights opportunities to improve passenger experience AIRBUS HAS revealed the latest findings in a two-year global consultation with more than 1.75million people, which spells out what passengers want from flying in the future: more sustainable; less stressful; and more of it, despite social media revolutionising how we keep in touch.

The survey found that 63% of people worldwide say they will fly more by 2050; 60% do not think social media will replace the need to see people face-to-face; 96% believe aircraft will need to be more sustainable or ‘ecoefficient’; and almost 40% feel air travel (door-to-door) is increasingly stressful.

The company's executive vice president - engineering, Charles Champion, said: “Aviation is the real World Wide Web. The results of the survey show that there is nothing better than face to face contact. The world is woven together by a web of flights that creates ever-expanding social and economic networks: 57 million jobs, 35% of world trade and US$2.2trillion in global GDP. “Since we launched the Future by Airbus, we have engaged with people in 192 countries in a dialogue about the future of air travel. This resulted in our revolutionary Airbus Concept Plane and Cabin which offers a glimpse into some of the innovations that could meet evolving passenger trends and environmental considerations. It’s clear that people are really excited about the future of sustainable flight and we want them to be part of shaping that future.”

But Champion says that as more people fly more often, the greater their expectations will be for the ‘end-to-end passenger experience.’ The Airbus consultation highlights a predictable list of gripes: queues at passport control; slow check-in and baggage collection; sitting on the

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tarmac; and circling in holding patterns around airports.

He said: “In London for example we’ve seen concern about queues at airports and people are understandably not happy about it. But the reality is those capacity constraints are a sign of things to come unless the industry can work together to cut delays, and with aviation set to double in the next 15 years, that’s what we’re looking at.”

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Cox & Kings new India & Beyond 2013 brochure

uncovers the best that India has to offer. From the Himalayan lands of Nepal, Bhutan and northern India, across the Ganges plain and Deccan plateau to the lush tropical scenery of Kerala and the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Tour prices start from £1,295 for a 9-day tour of India. Reservations: 020 7873 5000. ● Mainstreet Travel Group is offering great value 10 day Cruise and Stay options departing Sept 7th - 2 nights Palma de Mallorca, 5 night Med Cruise and 2 nights in Venice flying direct from Leeds and Newcastle (other airports available).

For further details call 0191 384 5500.

For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @holidayextrasUK Green travel tip- Remove packaging from items you are taking to reduce waste. http://bit.ly/NejKHP @SouthwestAir We've lowered fares for fall travel with prices starting at $69 one-way to select destinations! (restrictions apply) http://cot.ag/MXOcd1 @Door2Tour Fancy doing something out of the ordinary on holiday? Check out our alternative things to do in these four cities! http://ow.ly/c8rHX @TheTravelConv Who's attending? http://tinyurl.com/8ymkt hw to view the companies that have registered.

Register Now http://tinyurl.com/87776 6o #abta2012 @LondonCityAir Make the most out of your stay in the Isle of Man and read our 24 hours in guide, designed to help plan your time http://bit.ly/Oz3HHQ

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

MAKING THEIR MARK...Mark Warner recently took nine agents out to the launch party of its new fivestar Levante Beach Resort in Rhodes. Pictured enjoying the sights are, from the left: Claire ConroyOldham, Broadway Travel, Welwyn; Jackie Steadman from Travel Time World in Berkhamsted; David Hopkins, Mark Warner; and Susannah Thomas, hotel manager at Levante Beach.

City Cruises & The View from The Shard team up to offer new ticket CITY CRUISES and The View from The Shard, the visitor experience at the pinnacle of the Shard, have joined forces to offer a joint ticket ensuring the best “on high” and “down low” views of the capital for visitors to London.

The ticket leads in at £37 per adult and includes a river cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier, followed with a trip to The Shard’s viewing galleries where guests can take in panoramic 64km views of London and the South East from the 800ft sky high vantage point.

For more information visit www.citycruises.com or call 020-7740 0400.

Early booking deal from Fresh Tracks CUSTOMERS WHO book an experience of six nights or more for the winter 2012/2013 season by July 30 with Fresh Tracks Canada, can take advantage of an early booking offer and receive a free hotel night in Vancouver, BC, Jasper or Banff, plus a complimentary experience such as snowshoeing in Banff, skiing in Jasper or a personal guided day-trip to Whistler, BC. The offer is based on double occupancy and examples of the free winter experiences include a guided day-trip to Whistler from Vancouver, snowshoeing through the Banff’s Vermilion River Valley or a day of skiing at Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park.

Commission to agents starts from 10%.

For more information call 0800-917 5924 or visit www.freshtrackscanada.com

Balkan Holidays launches a Twitter page for travel agents BALKAN HOLIDAYS has launched a new Twitter page for travel agents. The feed, @balkanagents, offers daily updates for agents about winter and summer holidays to Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia and Romania.

The new addition also interacts with a dedicated Facebook page www.facebook.com/bhagents and the company's agents' website at www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents

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The operator will be using Twitter for its latest news, views and to stimulate conversations. More detailed information about the summer 2013 programme to Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania, flying from a choice of 20 regional UK airports, and the winter 2012/13 ski and snowboard programme, will be posted on the website and on Facebook.

For more information call 0845-130 1114.

Online campaign from Travel Counsellors TRAVEL COUNSELLORS has launched an online campaign for both consumers and the trade.

Hosted via Facebook, the campaign enables people to share their travel ‘dreams’ with the chance to win £10,000 towards their ideal holiday.

The company has developed a special Dream-maker app where users can submit their own dream along with pictures, after which people can vote for the dreams with the most popular submission winning the ultimate prize of having their perfect holiday put together by the company.

For more information see http://apps.facebook.com/ tcdreammaker

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newsbulletin Kuoni issues 2013 Worldwide brochure KUONI HAS launched its new Worldwide 2013 brochre featuring exclusive properties, mostly in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand, brand new places to stay, a wide range of multi-centre holidays, tailor-made options plus a new navigational aid.

The operator has expanded its offering to Vietnam on the back of new direct flights, with 19 mostly new, beach hotels. The key resorts of Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Hoi An and Danang are all included and are offered as both beach-only holidays or combined with a city or a tour.

Each hotel and tour in the brochure is labelled with an icon to guide customers during the decision making process to help find the ideal holiday to suit their needs.

The nine icons are: Mind, body & soul; Away from it all; Time together; For families; Holiday with friends; Sun & Socialising; I want it all; Explore & Discover; and Go beyond.

Newsbites ●

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LEISURE PASS Group is urging agents to make the most of the summer months in the German capital by cashing in on its lucrative attractions market. The pre-paid Berlin Pass has opened up a new source of ancillary income on city-breaks to the German capital and benefits include a hop-on, hop-off bus tour plus off-the-beaten track hidden gems allowing agents to present themselves as real destination experts. The pass is available in two-and three-day durations, and costs €69 for adults and €34 for children (two days) or €82 for adults and €39 for children (three days). Users also receive a 96-page city sightseeing guide. Agents interested in finding out more should email peter@leisurepassgroup.com RYANAIR HAS announced the cancellation of 34 weekly flights (250,000 annual passengers) to/from Morocco following ONDA’s (the Moroccan Government airports authority) reneging on its agreement with the airline by imposing a new monopoly handling company on the carrier, which would have resulted in a significant increase in charges for the airline. The flight cancellations are effective from October.

GENEVA TOURISM & Conventions has issued tailored destination guides with the launch of bespoke pocket maps. Each of the nine editions include tailored tips highlighting the city’s top attractions for specific geographic audiences. Digital editions can be downloaded from www.geneva-tourism.ch AIR EUROPA has launched daily flights to Lima from Gatwick via Madrid. Return fares start from £563.36 including taxes.

See www.aireuropa.com or call 0871-423 0717.

Disneyland Paris offer from Superbreak JUTHAPORN RERNGRONSA (pictured), the deputy governor for international marketing of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced the launch of a new social media campaign called 'Discover the Other You' at the recent 2012 Thailand Travel Mart. The campaign has been designed to boost TAT's internet and social media profile, particularly among young people, and attract more repeat visitors in the off-peak season months. It also promotes creative tourism, an increasingly popular trend that gives visitors a chance to discover special experiences and the ability to 'learn-by-doing', including art, culture and traditional practises.

For more information or to view the videos visit www.discovertheotheryou.com

AGENTS CAN now book a special priced family trip to Disneyland Paris with Superbreak if they book before August 13. The special deal of £699 for a family of four includes travel with Eurostar from St Pancras, one night at the three-star Kyriad Hotel Disneyland Paris and two days' entry to the theme park for the family. Regional rail travel to London is also included, although some stations cost a supplement.

The offer is valid on bookings travelling between September 1 and December 23 and is based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing a family room.

For details see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Titan launches ‘World’s Best River Cruises’ 2013 brochure to trade TITAN HAS announced the launch its 2013 brochure for ‘The World’s Best River Cruises’, featuring five-star river cruising product in partnership with river cruise operator Uniworld.

The brochure showcases more than 30 itineraries, including favourites such as the eight-day Castles along the Rhine, sailing on the SS Antoinette, which leads in at £2,099 per person plus seven newly-featured itineraries

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including the eight-day Italian Venice and the Po Rover, which costs from £2,199 per person, and Splendours of Italy, with 13 days from £4,199 per person.

For bookings made before September 30, clients will receive early booking discounts of up to £500 per person, while members of Titan’s Privileged Client Club receive an additional £100 per person saving.

For clients seeking a getaway this year, there is still some late availability dates with savings of up to £1,500 per person on selected itineraries, plus a range of no single supplement offers.

Agents can also claim £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers for every booking departing in 2012, made between now and July 31.

For more information see www.titanagents.co.uk

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newsbulletin Wizz Air announces Polish flight from Luton WIZZ AIR has announced it will commence flights from Luton to Lublin on December 18.

The route will operate on Mondays and Fridays and is on sale now. Early booking fares lead in at £15 including taxes.

For details or to book visit www.wizzair.com

Shearings reintroduces Party Weekends following demand SHEARINGS IS reintroducing Party Weekends for next year following increased customer demand.

Included in the price of the break, which leads in at £89 per person, are three nights’ half-board accommodation, a sightseeing excursion, nightly entertainment including music and dancing and luxury coach travel.

On the Saturday guests will receive four free drinks and a gala dinner.

Departures are available in January and February, with accommodation in Bay Hotels available in Oban, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Eastbourne, Great Yarmouth, Scarborough and Llandudno.

For details call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Virgin Holidays offers new benefits & savings in Sandals 2013 brochure VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has launched the new Sandals 2013 brochure featuring Rockstar service benefits and early booking discounts.

Key saving messages for agents to highlight to clients include savings of up to £100 on kids prices up to the age of 16, free access to the company's vroom for select departure periods, Premium Economy from £199 per person each way, an Antigua early booking bonus and free weddings when

guests stay for a minimum of six nights.

Additional added value deals are available at selected hotels and include a number of exclusive benefits such as a 'buy one get one free' catamaran cruise, 15% spa discount and a complimentary Sunset portrait.

Hotels include the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Sandals Halcyon Beach St Lucia, Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, Sandals

Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa and Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa. Overall prices start from £1,199 for seven nights at the Grand Pineapple Beach Negril on a luxury included basis and bookings made by July 31 will receive the early booking offers.

For more information visit www.virginholidays.co.uk

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MOVERS HOLLAND AMERICA Line and Seabourn have appointed two new sales team members, Vikki Courtman and Rebecca Skipp as business development manager Midlands and business development manager North & Scotland respectively, representing both cruise brands. ● &BEYOND has appointed Gael Timms as regional director of touring (Southern Africa). ● CRUISINGEXCURSIONS.COM HAS created a a dedicated trade sales team, led by Chris Miller who joins the company as head of key account trade sales. Graham Chuter has been appointed sales manager, Gemma Purchase has been appointed sales executive and Lee Millard has joined as travel trade support executive. ● IHG HAS appointed Jo Dean as meeting & events development manager. ● TAILOR MADE Travel has appointed Rhiannon Bressington as marketing manager with responsibility for marketing all specialist destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Africa and South America. ● KAREN MILWARD and Dominika Dudek have joined Club Med's sales team. Karen will provide additional expert advice and assistance to travel agents based from North London to the Midlands, while Dominika will support and coordinate activities from the London office. ●

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r No HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that supported the 17th Yorks Abta Ball on Thurs 12th July, at Cedar Court Hotel, Huddersfield. It was our second year doing the ‘Night at the Oscars’ theme and there were some worthy winners. Thank you to LBIA for sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks and to Jet2Holidays for sponsoring the Oscar theme AND taking two tables. It was a lucky night for me as I won Classic Collection’s fantastic prize of £200 holiday vouchers and a chocolate hamper funny really as I have been looking after that hamper for the last few weeks and then I end up winning it – yummy!

Joanne won the lovely cuddly Zebra from Born Free and Stephen Howard from Stephen Howard Travel won the fam trip to Florida from Sue Cragg – US Airtours – thank you to everyone who donated prizes.

Just to let you know the winners of the Oscars: Best Airport Team – LBIA; Best supporting UK Tour Operator – Bourne Leisure; Best supporting Tour Operator – Jet2Holidays; Best Dressed Female – Anna Kershaw Jet2Holidays; and Best Dressed Male – Nigel Ham – Pure Luxury. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to someone who is as well known for his nicknames as his proper name – (Tony Titan – Tony Tourama – Tony the Train) yes the lovely Tony Byrne from Great Rail Journeys.

I did ask everyone to mark on their donation envelopes whether they preferred the Yorks Ball to be on a Thurs or Fri night and in July or August - have to say it is very close between Thurs or Fri but July is the favourite month. If you didn’t get a say or didn’t get to the Ball but have a preference, then do email me sandra@sandytravel.co.uk saying which day and month you would prefer. Thank you to Steven Barnes who attended from ABTA – I think he enjoyed the evening and meeting many of you. Once again THANK YOU to everyone for their support I couldn’t have done it without you!

‘To except what you are is to be content and there is no wealth to compare with contentment’ and ‘Eight words that can help make life fun much more smoothly – ‘You know .. you may very well be right’.

Don’t miss next week’s issue for pictures of the Yorkshire Ball!

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by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win a 4 night holiday for 2 in New Orleans, courtesy of Funway, BA, New Orleans Tourism and American Airlines. Enter the competition on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

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The finalists for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2012 have been announced. To check out the shortlisted companies in each of the 32 categories, visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards. Tickets for the event are also available for £250 each or £2,700 for a table of 12 from the same location.

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Agents can win a 7 nights cruise for two, fullboard, courtesy of MSC Cruises’ competition.

To enter, all you have to do is answer one simple question.

Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at: To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email jill. sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

July 20 2012

www.travelbulletin.co.uk The home of the web savvy travel agent www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

BOURNE LEISURE has launched its summer incentive for Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels that sees agents earn a £5 voucher for every 2012 booking made between now and August 31.

For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

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VIKING RIVER Cruises has launched a Facebook competition with a selection of weekly prizes up for grabs. The competition runs until July 29 and prizes include £50 vouchers and mugs awarded to runners up. To enter, agents can ‘like’ the company’s Facebook page, while existing fans of the page need to click on the red ‘Win Fabulous Weekly Prizes’ tab.

As a different prize is up for grabs each week fans should check the page regularly to enter the next competition. For details see www.facebook.com/vikingrivercruisesuk

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FOR EVERY Butlins’ hotel booking that agents make before July 31, they can enter a prize draw to win a surfing break by emailing their name, ABTA and booking reference to brainz@bourne-leisure.co.uk putting ‘Wave’ as the subject line. The free surfing break is for two people and includes one half-day surfing lesson per person and two nights’ bed-andbreakfast accommodation. To educate agents on its three hotels and help them be in with a chance of winning a surfing break, the company is distributing handy hotel packs which contain an agent guide highlighting the hotels’ USPs, a pricing guide, a window poster, customer leaflets for racking in store and details of two competitions.

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TO RAISE awareness of this year's Make Holidays Greener campaign, Holiday Extras is offering travel agents the chance to win an Off Grid Voltaic Solar Backpack, worth more than £150. Agents are invited to share their ideas on how they can contribute to making holidays more sustainable via the monthly newsletter, the company’s Facebook page, Twitter account and agent Website this month. The best idea will be chosen at the end of July and one agent will win the backpack, which charges devices such as mobile phones, iPods, cameras and PDAs using the power of the sun.

Fancy a fam?

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has teamed up with Virgi n Atlantic to launch a month long Las Vegas themed campaign, aimed at highlighting its latest deals to the destination.

As part of the campaign, agents have the oppo rtunity to win a place on a fam to Las Vegas takin g place in October and agents can get involved by booking a Virgin Atlantic package holiday throu gh the operator by the end of this month, whic h will be tracked with the use of virtual casino chips and distributed to travel agents’ email accounts daily.

The number of chips distributed per booking will depend on the cabin class booked with the airline and the more chips agents have – the high er chance they have of winning. At the end of the mon th, every qualifying agent will be emailed, offering them to place their virtual casino chips on the roule tte wheel. The operator will then operate this to obtain the 18 winning agents.

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Leo? THIS IS a great month for networking - both for business and for pleasure, so make sure you accept those invites, even if you don't feel up to going out.

People will naturally warm to you this month as you give out friendly vibes, so expect to meet new people and make new friendships. Watch the purse strings this month though you don't want to get carried away and end up out of pocket.

Lucky number: 19

ANYONE FOR TEA...? Superbreak recently hosted a group of agents to afternoon tea and a show round at Redworth Hall near Darlington , one of the Barcelo Hotels portfolio. Pictured are, from the left: Claire Hunter, reservations coordinator, Redworth Hall; Ray Pattison, Hays Travel Billingham ; Clare McGarr, Hays Travel Spennymoor; and Chris Cundall, trade sales development manager at Superbreak.

Lucky day: Sunday

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eventbulletin THE ANNUAL Midlands Travel Trade Summer Ball recently took place at the Marriott Forest of Arden in Birmingham. The event's theme was the 2012 Olympics and guests were treated to dinner and entertainment followed by a late disco, vodka fountain, casino and private bar...

; GROUPING TOGETHER...are, from the left: Claire Moxley, Traveltime E Pat Waterton, Langley Travel; Sally Carrick and Wendy Albutt, ELIT Travel Group ; Peter Buckell and Paul Dayson, Spa Travel; Barry Moxley, Traveltime ; Wayne Darrock, ELITE/JTA; and Chris Turner, Kitts Travel.

TABLE TALK...enjoying th e evening's enter taiment are, from the left: Eloise Hu dson and Edwin Wilkinson from Bedsonlin e; Richard Swain from Travel Indochina; and Ni sha Tailor from Jetset.

JUST THE TICKET...pictured are Juliana Wright (left) from Air France/KLM and Rachel Braznell from JTA. 10

July 20 2012

QUIDS IN...enjoying their winnings are Paul is Willoughby from Flybe with Anna Mavroulak dy (middle), Greece & Cyprus Travel; and Wen Albutt, ELITE Travel Group.

TORCH TEAM...carrying the torch for Travelcube is the opeartor's Anna Barnes (left) and Laura Smith.

SPIN THE WHEEL...Lucy Evans (left) and Alison Repoulios from Villaselect try their luck at roulette. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 074

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?

A A Ruined Expositor

A➠

B➠ A cruise line named after the spectacular Northern lights

C➠

Cien

D➠ 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: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, July 26th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 6th July is Geoff Cooper, Dovehouse Travel in Solihull.

July 6 Solution: A=7 B=2 C=5 D=4

The name of this city is written on biscuits

Where Am I?

Dr Who is filmed here!

Crossword Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

Number: 074

Across 1. Hotel chain (5,3) 6. Lancashire holiday resort (9) 8. Tour de France jersey colour (6) 10. Flows through Florence (4) 12. Scottish isle (4) 13. Georgetown is the capital of this country (6) 15. British actor, Daniel (9) 17. Mount which destroyed Pompeii (8)

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Down 1. Wimbledon 2012 British doubles champion (5,6) 2. Animal, sounds like computer memory (3) 3. French city and resort on the Med (4) 4. South American capital city (6,5) 5. Italian region (6) 7. Chess piece, sounds like a bird (4) 9. Capital of Angola (6) 11. Bahrain carrier, ___ Air (4) 14. River, flows into the North Sea (4) 16. Edinburgh airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 July 20 2012

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pixmix JETSET HELD its 7th annual Independence Day event at Worsley Park in Manchester on July 4. The event consisted of 18 holes of golf, dinner and entertainment in the form of a comedian. The event continues to grow and now has more than 54 agents and 14 suppliers in attendance. Here's a snapshot of the day in pictures...

MEN IN BLACK...pictured are, from the left: Bill Pickering, Worldchoice; Ne il Smith , Personal Travel Advisor; David Plume, Jet set ; and Renford Sargent, Premier Travel.

OH JOY...last year’s winner, Warre n Joy from Our Holiday Centre , gets rea dy to defend his crown .

FIRST CLASS VIEW...enjoying some air lift is Julie Sykes from Virgin Atlantic, which sponsored the Video Analysis showcase, with , from the left: Warren Joy from Our Holiday Centre; Simon Eddolls, Travel Bulletin; Rob Dacey, Kanoo Travel; and Steve Briggs, Kwick Travel Group.

ROO WITH A VIEW...taking charge of the drinks g cart is Cindy Buckland (left) and Siobhan Pickerin from Qantas, the event's main sponsor.

OLIVIA'S ARMY...Olivia Giauna sets up the Jetset Beach Bar - a must for golfers' thirst!

BOTTOM'S UP.... John Atkins (left) from Incentivise gets up close and personal with Garry Winterburn from Travel Solutions Group at the Package Pal Beach Bar.

huge Jetset would like to offer a thank you to all of our 2 Associate Sponsors for 201 MAIN SPONSOR

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July 20 2012

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training Seabourn offers incentive to agents completing new online academy to help sell luxury SEABOURN HAS launched a new online Academy Agent Training programme, specifically designed for use by UK travel professionals.

The line's managing director UK business, Lynn Narraway, said: “The training programme is an ideal way for agents to learn to sell or grow their businesses in the lucrative luxury segment. The course includes an introduction to luxury cruising to help travel professionals understand more about affluent travellers’ motivations and expectations, and a module about how agents can locate and attract luxury clientele.

"It’s also the ideal platform to attain more in depth knowledge about Seabourn’s award-winning product and ships. In these times it’s important for agents to take advantage of every training

opportunity available. Seabourn Academy is easy, it’s full of proven selling tips and strategies, and best of all, it’s free.”

The programme is divided into six core courses covering an introduction to luxury cruising, the Seabourn Difference, The Seabourn Fleet, The World of Seabourn, Selling to Luxury Clients and Support to help you make sales.

Once the second phase of www.cruiseexperts.org is launched, agents who are members of ACE will be able to log on to the site to work through the course in their own time. And after agents have completed all the modules and received their graduation certificate from Seabourn, they can add an extra 30 points to their profile, which counts towards ACE accreditation and Ambassador status. In the meantime ACE members and non-members will be able

to access the training programme directly at www.seabourn.co.uk As an added incentive, the first 50 agents to complete the courses and become graduates of the academy will receive Molton Brown goodies, and the first four agents to make a Seabourn booking after graduating from the academy will receive a luxury spa voucher.

Narraway said: “For summer 2012, all six Seabourn ships are sailing within Europe, offering diverse destinations, itineraries and cruise durations. We believe that travel professionals completing the academy will gain more expertise and greater confidence, which will in turn make it easier for them to increase their luxury cruise business”.

For a brochure or for more information call 0844-338 8686.

Seabourn Sojourn

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July 20 2012

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WIN A 4 NIGHT HOLIDAY FOR 2 IN NEW ORLEANS!

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training Thomas Cook launches new online training programme for independent agents THOMAS COOK has launched a new online training programme for independent travel agents focussed on its range of differentiated products which now make up nearly half of all its UK sales.

The online training, run by Online Travel Training (OTT), comprises of five ten-minute modules, and agents who complete the full course before August 17 have the

chance to win a holiday for two to Fuerteventura, while the first 100 agents will also receive a £5 gift voucher.

The company's commercial relations manager, Bhavneeta Patel, said: “Online training means agents can complete the modules at their own pace and manage their time most effectively while still feeling supported by Thomas Cook.

“Sales of our differentiated holidays have risen 10% over the past year and for this summer alone we have a new, market-leading Kids' Club concept as well as a delicious new range of inflight meals created by celebrity chef James Martin There is plenty that agents can learn which will be of key interest to their customers.”

The five online modules

Win a free break at the Wave Hotel with Butlins THIS SUMMER, Butlins is encouraging agents to become experts on its products by offering the chance to win a free break at the new Wave Hotel and Apartments in Bognor Regis.

Agents who complete and pass the Butlins' online training course at www.butlinsspecialist.co.uk before July 31 will automatically be entered into a draw to win a free break for up to four people.

The hotel features a futuristic Games Port, DVD & Kindle library, walls that transform into 3D features with a special app, Wii consoles, iMacs, PS3s, iPod docks, inter-connecting rooms and cabin-style beds with built-in TVs. The Wave Hotel & Apartments

focus on providing an overview to the brand, the differentiated product, the family offering in detail, Style collection and extras such as the new in-flight meals.

Once a module is completed, participants are given immediate feedback on their performance.

Agents can access the training at www.thomascookexperts.com

Agents invited to join Sandals webinar on July 24 SANDALS RESORTS is inviting agents to join its first training webinar for the UK trade. Agents will be able to learn about the company's new developments, including its WeddingMoons concept, as well as a tutorial about the company's new Destination Wedding Designer, a new online design tool available to help agents and their customers to create the perfect wedding.

There are two webinars taking place on July 24 at 14:00 and 16:00. Places are limited so agents are advised to register quickly.

For more information call 020-7590 0210, email agencysales@sandals.co.uk or visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk

E-learning helps drive car hire sales according to Affordable Car Hire AFFORDABLE CAR Hire reports that travel agents are benefiting from the company’s e-learning programme.

CEO, Angela Day, said: “The development of our Affordable Training Academy has become a vital tool in helping agents achieve car hire sales more easily.

“Our weekly training webinar roadshow enables up to 100 agents to log in and receive training on the Complete Affordable Car Rental System (CARS) at a time, making it both accessible and cost-effective.

Once agents are trained in the complete Affordable Car Rental solution, they receive a certificate and an ‘I’m a Car Hire Expert’ badge."

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July 20 2012

Day says that although introducing e-learning was a key consideration, so was accreditation from the Accredited Travel Professional (ATP) scheme and ABTA. She said: “The course has been designed to be fun, but it is sufficiently rigorous to enable agents to be awarded eight ATP points, making the programme one of the highest marked courses in the industry.

“Education is crucial when it comes to selling car hire easily and with confidence. Our fun modules, which have been re-worked and include modules such as ‘up-selling optional extras’ and ‘overcoming objections to

purchasing car hire’, mean that agents are receiving high quality training in an engaging way.

“Car hire can be quite daunting for travel customers, especially if they are travelling to a new country, but our training can assist agents in helping their clients to make the right choice.”

Agents are offered a number of incentives to complete the course, including a year’s free ATP membership, which is worth £25.

Members are able to attain further industry skills and gain more ATP points by completing a range of professional development courses.

They also receive discounts to a number of retail stores.

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morocco What your clients t e g o t w o n k o t d nee ir e h t f o t u o t s o m e h t Moroccan adventure

ager, mmunications man co D, RA UJ BO AL

by JAM l Tourist Office Moroccan Nationa

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NIQUE IN its cultural diversity, balancing tradition with modernity, Morocco is a destination offering holidaymakers an unforgettable experience. From its beautiful beaches, fabulous flora and fauna to its colourful Kasbahs, tantalising tagines, magical music and sumptuous souks, bursting full of exquisite handicrafts, Morocco is a country which has inspired British travellers for centuries.

Today, UK tourists continue to make Morocco one of their top holiday destinations. We welcomed 510,000 UK visitors in 2011, with an expected rise of 6% this year. With exciting new hotels, restaurants and bars opening on a monthly basis, along with a wealth of fascinating cultural gems and experiences on offer, it’s no wonder that Morocco continues to be a favourite with British tourists.

Yet Morocco is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by holidaymakers. Here are my top picks for travel agents to give to their clients to encourage them to get the most out of their Moroccan adventure.

Shop ‘Til You Drop’ Pick up a unique memento or gift from your travels - no trip to Morocco would be complete without a visit to a souk where specialist crafts and products are sold. The custom of producing ordinary objects that are visually pleasing and enlivened with decoration is a deeply rooted tradition among Moroccan craftsmen, who inject beauty into the humblest of materials from leather, wood and clay to copper and wool.

Golf in Morocco With three international tournaments each year, 26 golf courses and 15 new sites under construction scheduled to open in 2015, Morocco is swiftly becoming the key place for golf enthusiasts. Benefiting from 300 days of sunshine per year, a temperature that is always mild and gorgeous beaches along a 10km long bay, Agadir in particular is a coveted golf destination enjoyed by the greatest international players.

Skiing and winter sports Perhaps not the first place one would consider for a skiing trip, Morocco has some breathtaking resorts for winter sports.

Ifrane, 60km from Fez, for example, has been named ‘The

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Little Moroccan Switzerland’ as here in the Middle Atlas Mountains at 1,650m, one can fish in the lakes, hike in the cedar forests and ski in the winter.

Well-being With sea and ocean-related tourism representing 70% of all hotel offerings in Morocco it is no wonder that Thalassotherapy (from Greek thalassa “sea” + therapeia “healing”) is becoming big news. More than 190,000 tourists visit Agadir each year where numerous treatments are available in the city’s spas, including hot oil massages, ghassoul wraps and black soap exfoliating. To experience the traditional hammam (‘bathhouse’), head to Marrakech, or if you are looking for traditional Moroccan argan oil, visit Essaouira. The 830,000 hectares covered with argan trees between Essaouira and Agadir have been granted the “Biospere Reserve” label by UNESCO. Extracted from the kernel of the fruit of the argan tree which exists in south-western Morocco only, argan oil has a high-grade content in vitamin E and is used in anti-ageing treatments as well as hair care.

Sales challenge To help broaden UK travel agents’ knowledge about Morocco and its key tourism assets, the Moroccan National Tourist Office has introduced an e-learning programme at www.moroccochampions-trade.com Those who register on the site now have the chance to compete in a sales challenge, rewarding those who have successfully completed at least five modules and sold the highest number of package holidays to Morocco. To be eligible, travel agents are requested to enter their sales performance of package holidays to Morocco in the ‘My Account’ section. The first five travel agents who achieve the best performance will then have the chance to win the following prizes: a four-night stay for two combining Marrakech and Essaouira on a halfboard basis including flights; a three-night stay for two in Agadir on a half-board basis including flights; an iPad; a Blue Ray DVD player; and an iPod. With so much to offer, and at only three hours’ flight away with no time difference, it is not hard to see why more and more Brits are choosing to visit Morocco. ✦

July 20 2012

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morocco Inntravel adds seven-night Cascades, Souks & Spices tour from £978 per person

THIS SUMMER, La Mamounia in Marrakech is opening its doors for ‘Day Pass’ visitors, which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy its facilities for the day. Access to the tennis court, fitness centre, swimming pool and restaurants is included and the pass, which costs approximately £68 per person, is available until September 21. Room rates start from approximately £456 in a Hivernage Classic Room, per room per night, excluding a daily tax of £4.

For details email information@mamounia.com

inspiring exotic breathtaking

MOROCCO Affordable luxury holidays, private tours & twin centres

INNTRAVEL IS introducing a new break to Morocco from September.

The Cascades, Souks & Spices tour has been designed to absorb the magic of Morocco by exploring the lower foothills to the east of Marrakech and a side of the Atlas that few experience.

Five nights are spent at the Kasbah Timdaf, where guests can immerse themselves in the Berber culture and join the hosts on a shopping trip to the souks before learning to prepare a tagine, briouate or messemen.

Other highlights include visiting the cattle souk of Attaouïa, discovering local pottery workshops; experiencing a traditional hammam; and a cycling tour.

Two guided walks are also included, taking in an Islamic school and mosque in the small village of Art Malad, exploring one of the last remaining ksars (fortified granaries) and visiting the colourful medina of Demnate.

Also included is a guided visit to the Ouzoud Waterfalls.

Prices lead in at £978 per person, based on two sharing and include seven nights’ breakfast accommodation, five dinners, five lunches, transfers, guided walks and a hammam.

For more information or to book see www.inntravel.co.uk or call 01653-617000.

Pullman opens first hotel in Marrakech

0800 008 7288 www.classic-collection.co.uk 5030

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July 20 2012

THE PULLMAN Marrakech Palmeraie Resort & Spa has opened in La Palmeraie in a 17 hectare olive grove, 30 minutes from the airport.

The 252-room hotel offers a range of facilities including free Wi-fi, a ‘Chill out Space’ and a deli-bar.

For more information visit www.pullmanresorts.com

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morocco Anatolian Sky Holidays adds five new Moroccan properties for 2013 ANATOLIAN SKY’S latest programme in Morocco features five new hotels including traditional riads, luxury beach hotels and a castle, alongside a varied programme of short breaks and multi-centre tailor-made trips.

In the High Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah Angor is a Berber castle in

a dramatic hill-top location, offering boutique accommodation, with prices from £499 per person including breakfast for three nights.

In Marrakech the operator has added Ksar Anika, a stylish and tranquil riad located against the walls of the old city, where a three-

night stay costs from £389 per person including breakfast.

In Essaouira the new programme features two new properties - Heure Bleue, a centrally located hotel with prices from £735 per person for three nights and the Riad Dar l’Oussia, a restored authentic riad where

prices start from £455 per person for three nights.

Meanwhile, in Agadir the Royal Decameron Tafoukt is new to the programme on an all-inclusive basis, with prices from £379 for three nights. All prices include flights, transfers and taxes.

For more information call 0844-273 3585 or visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk

Prestige reports high repeat visitor trends as holidaymakers capitalise on special offers PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports that it has seen a surge in Morocco bookings for summer 2012.

The operator’s chairman and managing director, John Dixon, said: "Summer business to Morocco is up 13% on last year. We have managed to secure an excellent range of offers from the hotel and riads we work with, particularly those we feature in Marrakech, making it a very affordable destination for a short break. Many of our clients are now

on their third or fourth visits as there is always more to discover. There is also an excellent range of flights to the city and this, combined with its history, shopping and year-round sunshine makes it an easy sell."

Special offers include free nights at La Sultana, La Maison Arabe, Es Saadi, Dar Anika, le Meridien N'Fis and Jardins de la Medina; free child stays at Kasbah Tamadot; and a special Argan Oil Experience at La Maison Arabe featuring a day trip to

Essaouira. The operator is also offering a summer perfume break at La Mamounia.

As an example of prices, a fivenight stay departing on July 27 costs from £809 per person.

The price includes flights from Gatwick with easyJet, private transfers and breakfast accommodation in a double room.

For more information or to book call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

MOROCCO – the Land of Wonders Tours – Hotels – RIADS & Leisure Breaks - Golf Holidays – SPA Holidays – Excursions & Transfers – Tailor Made Holidays....

10%

commis

sion

IMPERIAL CITIES TOUR - from £445: Departing every Saturday on full board basis – 7 Nights Accommodation + Tour Guide + Visits of MARRAKECH + CASABLANCA + FES + MEKNES + RABAT...

DISCOVERY OF MOROCCO TOUR - from £885: on full board basis – 10

Nights Accommodation + Tour Guide + Visits of Casablanca + Rabat + Meknes + Fez + Erfoud + Merzouga + Ouarzazate + Marrakech.....

MOROCCO GOLF FESTIVAL

£885

7 to 14 October 2012 MARRAKECH: per Golfer including: Flight + 7 Nights on B&B in 5 Star hotel + 5 days of Golf + Cocktail Parties + Gala Dinner.....

For Further details please contact: MENARA TRAVEL LTD 70 Shepherds Bush Road, London W6 7PH – England Tel: 020 7371 2030 Email: info@menaratravel.co.uk www.menaratravel.co.uk

morocco The Adventure Company launches new range of family photography tours FAMILY ADVENTURE specialist, The Adventure Company, has launched a new range of Young Photographer tours, which are aimed at enabling creative children to have fun and develop their skills while on a family holiday.

A professional photographer will join special departures of some of the

company's most popular and colourful trips in destinations including Morocco to give young photographers practical tips and daily challenges that will help them expand their skills.

An eight-day Kids in the Kasbahs Young Photography tour departs on October 21 and costs from ÂŁ949 for adults and ÂŁ939 for children, including

flights, transport, breakfast accommodation and tuition.

Families will also experience the souks and bazaars of Marrakech, explore Berber villages hidden away in the Atlas Mountains by donkey, and ride camels along the beach in coastal Essaouira.

For more information visit www.theadventurecompany.co.uk/family

Essaouira, Morocco

MOROCCO A place of contrasts - modern, chic and luxurious. Stay in hand picked exquisite Riads or larger 5 star resort hotels. Perhaps a few nights on the coast or in the beautiful countryside? Prestige Holidays can tailor-make the holiday to suit your clients.

We have many offers to tempt including free nights, free meals, free spa treatments...let us know your preference.

Don’t forget you will receive Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

morocco Classic Collection adds Four Seasons Marrakech to entice family bookings CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays is hoping to see increased family bookings to Marrakech with the inclusion of the Four Seasons Marrakech for this year.

The operator’s head of purchasing, Gary Boyer, said: “Marrakech has never been the first destination to spring to mind at the mention of a family holiday which is a missed opportunity given that this medieval city offers Raiders of the Lost Ark kudos during the day and Harry Potter type magic and mystery at night. However the opening of Four Seasons Marrakech means the city just got its very own familyfriendly five-star resort.

“As one might expect, the bedrooms and suites are supremely comfortable, spacious and exceptionally well-equipped. But where the hotel really comes into its

own is in catering for families.

Baby-sitting services are also available and cots are free of charge. Inter-connecting rooms can also be guaranteed at the time of booking, while each child receives a free booster seat to keep at the time of booking.”

The resort hotel features a kids’ club for younger children and an adults’ centre featuring computers, a

cinema room, X-box, books and magazines, pool table and table-top football. Other leisure facilities include three outdoor swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts and a spa and fitness centre.

Adult prices start from £1,668 and child prices from £366 for seven nights this October, including accommodation, flights and private transfers.

Attraction World introduces 15 new experiences ATTRACTION WORLD has added 15 new experiences in Marrakech to its portfolio.

As examples, a half-day Tajine Cooking Class costs £44 adult and £40 per child (ages six-11); a Medina, Palaces & Tombs option costs £24 per adult and £23 per child and explores the medina, visiting souks and learning about the different industries that make the old city unique; and a full day Marrakech City Discovery tour costs £41 for adults and £37 per child and visits souks, palaces, museums and mosques.

All tours are fully commissionable to agents.

For more information or to book visit www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

Acacia Africa adds new 15-day safari trek, The Moroccan Expedition ACACIA AFRICA reports that it is seeing more demand for experiential travel.

The company’s general manager, Vivian McCarthy, said: "More clients are in search of people and places as opposed to sun, sea and sand, and this change in interests places Morocco right at the forefront of travel.

“The country lends itself to experential adventure and there's the opportunity to delve deeper into a truly exotic culture.

“Included on our new 15-day Moroccan Expedition is the town of Chefchaouen, which is situated in the heart of Morocco's Rif Mountains and is definitely up and coming. Still on the backpacker trail, it's a very relaxed place with a rugged feel, and in off-the-beaten track locations such as this you can truly mingle with the locals.

“Essaouira, another highlight on our new short safari and trek, is a charming coastal beach town. Situated on the Atlantic Coast it's not really one for sunbathers but it's a very 'cool' place to relax for a few days and it's growing in popularity with adventurers keen on watersports, especially surfers."

The operator’s new 15-day short safari trek, The Moroccan Expedition, takes in the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the tallest religious building in the world; Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city; and the Atlas Mountains. There’s also the opportunity to sleep under the stars in a Berber camp and tour the famous Kasbah.

It costs from £925 per person, based on two sharing, and includes 13 nights’ accommodation, transport, most meals and the services of a tour leader. Flights are excluded.

For more information call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia – africa.com or see www.acacia-africa.com

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July 20 2012

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india

RIVIERA TRAVEL has launched a new itinerary called Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal & Amritsar’s Golden Temple. The lead in price is £1,699 for 14 days (12 nights’ accommodation) and includes guided tours of Amritsar, Agra and the Taj Mahal; a Jaipur city tour; a visit to Amber fort; a city tour of Pushkar, Jodhpur and Mehrangarh forts; a visit to Nagaur Fort and Ranakpur Temple, plus a Udaipur city tour.

Guests have the opportunity to upgrade to the white marble Udaipur Taj Lake Palace hotel (pictured).

The company is also offering an 11-day option from £1,169 (Northern India’s Golden Triangle), which includes visits to see the tigers of Ranthambore National Park, a stay at a heritage hotel in Rajasthan, visiting the major sights of Old and New Delhi and travel on the Shimla Railway. For details visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk

Taj Resorts Hotels & Palaces launches Monsoon package deal TAJ RESORTS Hotels & Palaces has announced the launch of a new Monsoon Package, available until September 30, at selected hotels within the Taj portfolio.

With selected summer discounts and extended stay options at a number of hotels across India, including the luxury Grand Palaces, Vivanta by Taj properties and The Gateway Hotels & Resorts, the monsoon season is an ideal time for clients seeking value for money deals to the company’s properties.

The Taj Mahal As examples, three nights for the price of two are available at select Vivanta by Taj hotels, as well as the Taj Grand Palaces of Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur; Rambagh Palace, Jaipur; Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur; and the Deccan’s ‘crowning jewel’ Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, when booking the Royal Retreat package.

Clients booking a three-night stay at selected properties in Goa, including Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada, Vivanta by Taj - Holiday Village and Taj Exotica, will receive a fourth night for free. The offer also includes a 20% discount for clients booking on a half-board basis and must be booked for a minimum of three nights. Rates start from 24,000 INR (approx £268) for three nights on a single occupancy basis.

For more information visit www.tajhotels.com

Attraction World highlights sightseeing options ATTRACTION WORLD is encouraging agents to pre-book city sightseeing tours for their clients across a range of cities to maximise their commission potential.

Hotel pick-ups from hotels in a 10km radius of the city are featured in the full day tours, which include a Chennai tour for £39 per person, a Bangalore tour for £35, Calcutta for £36, Delhi for £31, Hyderabad for £42, Mumbai for £39, Goa for £77 and an Agra and Taj Mahal tour from Delhi for £155.

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The company’s head of product and marketing, Gail Dunwoodie, said: “Pre-booking a sightseeing tour is a great way for visitors to get to grips with these often daunting cities. If it’s pre-booked for the first day of a customer’s stay, they will very quickly become orientated with the city which is great for the rest of their stay. By pre-booking everything is sorted and there is no need to search for a guide or tour on arrival.”

For details see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

New tours from Travel The Unknown TRAVEL THE Unknown is promoting two of its newest India tours.

A 14-day Festivals of North India option leads in at £1,995 and gives guests the chance to learn about Hindu culture and join millions of devotees as they celebrate the Hindu Festival of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Shakti in her various forms.

The tour, which departs on October 10, also takes in Delhi and India’s other important religious towns Amritsar, famed for Sikhism’s glittering Golden Temple, and the hill-station of Dharamsala, home to the exiled Dalai Lama and his Buddhist followers.

Meanwhile, an 11-day Kerala Snake Boat Race costs from £1,545 and takes guests to watch the Snake Boat Race in Kerala.

Other highlights include the unseen reaches of northern Kerala, the beaches of Bekal, Theyyam dancing in Tellicherry and the tropical mountain forests of Wayanad. The next departure is on August 3.

For more information visit www.traveltheunknown.com

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india ‘Jewel of Goa’ first edition launch from Jewel in the Crown JEWEL IN the Crown Holidays has launched its first edition 2012/13 ‘Jewel of Goa’ brochure, with prices leading in at £679 per person for a week and £705 per person for two weeks departing in early December and staying at the two-star Resort Village Royale, Calangute in North Goa on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

The operator’s managing director, Platon Loizou, said: “After nearly 30 years of arranging holidays to Goa I am still excited that the value and exuberance of Goa remains and provides us with great satisfaction levels. In today’s financial climate Goa offers attractive prices for an exotic holiday with a low level cost of living on essential items such as food and drinks.”

The dedicated brochure features more than 50 properties, ranging from one-star rated small guesthouses to five-star deluxe hotels across 16 resorts.

Loizou said “You do not need a maths degree to appreciate that the cost of the flight is the same for a two-week holiday to Goa. We can see more people opting for two weeks as it is only a small amount extra to pay.”

Among the key features of the 68-page brochure are two weekly departures (from Gatwick on Tuesdays and Manchester on Thursdays) from November through to April 2013.

For more information call 01293-533338 or visit www.jewelholidays.com

New walking itinerary in Kumaon Himalayas from TransIndus TRANSINDUS HAS introduced a new walking holiday in the Kumaon Himalayas, which is ideal for active travellers looking to get ‘off the beaten track’ and explore the Himalayan region of Kumaon on foot, whilst staying in modest village homes along the way.

The relatively unexplored region of Kumaon offers unique scenery in the Himalayas and is inhabited by spiritual people, who have been able to preserve their culture and traditions.

Guests can walk through unspoilt remote villages to experience rural Kumaon from close quarters and exchange stories with village elders over a cup of ‘chai’ or even help the men and women working in the fields.

A nine-night private tour costs from £2,490 per person, based on two sharing and includes flights, transfers, full board accommodation with drinks (except in Delhi) and an English speaking guide. Travel is between September and May 2013.

For more information see www.transindus.co.uk or call 020-8566 3739.

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THE ALILA Bangalore, which opened earlier this year, has unveiled its new spa, which features one double room, four single treatment rooms and steam rooms. Guests can choose from traditional Asian and European massage techniques and signature treatments, which including a Balinese Crème Bath and a 150-minute Beauty and Balance option.

For details www.alilahotels.com/bangalore

India & Beyond brochure from C&K COX & KINGS has launched its new India & Beyond brochure for 2013 featuring a range of escorted group tours and tailor-made private holidays to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives.

New tailor-made ideas have been developed across the region for clients wanting to explore lesser known areas and the operator has also introduced standard and superior departures on selected group tours.

As an example, the nine-day, seven-night Indian Experience tour of the Golden Triangle continues to be one of the company’s best-sellers and costs from £1,295 per person for the standard tour and £1,345 per person for the superior alternative. Both versions stay in four-star accommodation and visit Mehatab Bagh garden for a view of the Taj Mahal at sunset.

July 20 2012

The tailor-made section of the brochure offers suggestions on enhancing an itinerary with lesser-known experiences, such as a private Champagne tour of Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort with the museum curator, or afternoon tea at La Martinere College, the former country home of the British East India employee Major General Claude Martin.

This year the operator reports that it has seen a 60% increase in passengers travelling to Sri Lanka compared with 2010. The 14-day, 12-night escorted tour, Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island has an improved hotel at the end of the tour and will cost from £2,295 per person next year. It includes direct flights from London with Sri Lankan Airlines, transfers, excursions and breakfast accommodation.

For more information or to book visit www.coxandkings.co.uk/india-subcontinent

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india Treyn introduces new ‘India’s Tigers & Palaces’ option TREYN HAS added an 11day tour to India as part of its new worldwide programme.

Prices start from £1,715 per person and include scheduled flights, rail travel on the Shatabdi Express in airconditioned chairs, nine nights’ breakfast accommodation, three lunches, nine dinners, a sightseeing tour of Delhi, a guided tour of Agra, a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, two game drives at Ranthambore National Park, a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, a visit to the Amber Fort, a guided tour of Patan and Badal Mahal, all transfers and the services of a tour manager.

The tour operator’s marketing and sales director, Alex Roberts, said: “We’ve seen huge growth year-on-year for our long-haul rail holidays. “Our core market is the over 55s and they are becoming more adventurous. They identify strongly with the concept of ‘safe’ adventure in places further afield and there has been a huge growth in the India rail holidays market, where we’ve seen 150% growth yearon-year to India. It’s arguably the best way to see the country and we have some amazing luxury holidays at affordable prices.�

There is some availability left for the new tour on October 8, 22 and November 12, 2012.

For more information visit www.railholidays.com or call 01904-734939

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Cosmos Holidays issues ‘Distant Dreams’ & ‘Goa & Indian Ocean’ brochures COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its Distant Dreams and Goa & Indian Ocean brochures with a range of savings of up to ÂŁ165 per person on selected holidays in Goa, the Caribbean and Egypt. A deposit of ÂŁ100 per person on all bookings made from either brochure before July 31 is available, with nothing to pay until ten weeks prior to departure.

Savings in the Distant Dreams brochure, which offers departures from August through to October 2013, include up to ÂŁ165 per person on selected Goa holidays.

With the recent increase in flight capacity to Goa, the choice of hotels has also been expanded to include a choice of two- to five-star rated properties in popular resorts.

As an example, a seven-night stay at the two-diamond rated Lui Beach Hotel costs from ÂŁ729 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Also new is the four-diamond rated Ramada Caravela in Varca suitable for families, couples and golfers, where prices lead in at ÂŁ1,039 per person.

In the company’s Goa & Indian Ocean brochure, more flexibility is offered for different length durations in Goa. As well as the traditional seven-, 14- and 21-night stays, customers can now choose nine- and 12-night stays.

Meanwhile, customers wanting to see more of the Indian Ocean destinations, can choose from a wider choice of twin centre and tour & stay holidays in Goa, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

For more information or to book visit www.cosmos.co.uk

Goa

Kerala specialist launches escorted group tours KERALA TRAVEL Centre is giving visitors to South West India the opportunity to discover the highlights of Kerala with the launch of escorted group tours.

The tours have been introduced to give visitors the chance to discover a new destination in the company of a group while benefiting from the expertise and the knowledge of a handpicked tour guide.

The first escorted tour to be launched includes the port town of Cochin, backwaters of Kumarakom, tea plantations of Munnar, wildlife of Periyar, the houseboat cruise and the beaches of Mararikulam.

Highlights include visits to hill stations and spice plantations, a jeep safari and a night on a luxury private houseboat.

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July 20 2012

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cyprus

SOVEREIGN LUXURY Travel is offering a free upgrade to half-board at the Almyra Hotel in Cyprus, as well as free child flights and early booking discounts. Seven nights departing on July 24 leads in at £2,525 for a family of three, including easyJet flights from Gatwick and private transfers. The deal offers a saving of up to £1,549 per family of three.

For details call 0844-415 1936 or visit www.sovereign.com

The Almyra Hotel in Cyprus

Cyprus sales remain steady for Prestige as it continues to push added value deals PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has reported that Cyprus bookings remain steady.

The company’s chairman and managing director, John Dixon, said: “We still attract a lot of repeat business to Cyprus but bookings have remained on a par this year compared with last.

Our Cyprus programme features very high quality hotels and breaks in the Paphos and Limassol region, and we are

26

July 20 2012

working closely with agents to push our added value deals and discounts. These include free half-board at the Aphrodite Hills, Alymra, Le Meridien, Columbia Beach, Asimina Suites and Annabelle hotels, as well as free nights at a range of properties.”

As examples of prices, seven nights for the price of five is offered at the fivestar Anassa Hotel, offering a saving of

£420 per person throughout the summer for those booking before July 31.

A week's stay departing on September 5 costs from £1,679 per person including flights from Gatwick, private transfers and bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a Studio Suite.

For more information or to book visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480400.

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cyprus Cyprus Tourism Organisation promotes island’s sporting facilities & active breaks WITH YEAR-ROUND sunshine, top sporting facilities and a famously British-friendly infrastructure, Cyprus has long been a popular training ground for our Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth teams – a relationship underpinned during the 2004 Olympics when Team GB was based on the island for the Athens Games.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is highlighting the range of facilities the island offers – not just for professionals, but also for those seeking an active break. Hotels with

sporting connections include the Coral Beach Hotel, home to both Team GB and the BBC Olympic news crews in 2004 and still a popular destination for teams looking for winter training.

Offering top-level facilities including an Olympic pool and gym, which can be used by guests when not in use by professionals, the hotel also has an inhouse trainer who can put together tailored fitness programmes.

With its varied geography, Cyprus also offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from rock-

Olympic predicts strong family uptake OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS reports that it is expecting solid family business to Cyprus this summer, with bookings so far stronger for the family-led resorts of Protaras and Agia Napa than for other resorts on the island.

The operator's commercial director, Photis Lambrianides, said: "We saw a good level of sales in January and are looking for a bookings surge that will give our peak season numbers a boost.

"Protaras and Agia Napa are currently outselling the other resorts on the island and largely because of the family market, which traditionally is one of the earlier sectors to book. Families watching their budget closely are increasingly going self-catering and these two resorts have the largest concentrations of self-catering units in Cyprus.

"Overall, bookings for Cyprus are going as well. The fact UK travellers are getting more euro to their pound now is helping, as the positive shift in the exchange rate has put eurozone destinations back on holidaymakers' radar. Hoteliers have been proactive with offers and discounts and we are seeing sensible pricing that we can pass on to the consumer."

The operator also says that all-inclusives are again playing a major role this year and it is featuring 46 all-inclusive properties on the island. For winter 2012/13, the operator will be focusing on its core Cyprus winter product of four- and five-star hotels, targeting a market mix of couples and the older grey market.

As an example of prices, seven nights' breakfast accommodation at the three-star Kapetanios Bay Hotel in Protaras leads in at £489 per person, based on two sharing a twin room next month.

The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

For details call 0844-499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com

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climbing on the Akamas peninsula and diving in the island’s clear waters to hiking in the Troodos mountains and making the most of the watersports on offer around Agia Napa.

The island’s road network has also been popular with cyclists and the destination is the location of a number of international competitions, including the challenging Sunshine Cup and the Volkswagen Cycling Tour. Runners, particularly the more serious runners, can attempt the Cyprus International four-day challenge.

CYPRUS Widest selection of quality accommodations from 5 Boutique Hotels to Villas with Pools matched by product knowledge & 40 years experience

£40

incentive for every package holiday booking until further notice

To request brochure or booking call us on

020 8340 7612 Cyplon Supreme Agents Club

Holidays Bookings over

£7,000

will receive an amazing gift of Bubbles & Truffles

email sales on how to join and what the benefits are

Price Matching Will be Considered Book on line www.cyplon.co.uk or Email: sales@cyplon.co.uk

July 20 2012

27

cyprus Planet Holidays continues focus on high-end properties & weddings PLANET HOLIDAYS is launching its 2013 programme, due out by September, which will continue its focus on top end accommodation and weddings.

The company’s director, Harry Kyrillou, said: “We are looking to provide the trade with an affordable luxury product for both leisure sales and weddings, which is our strength.The British market has not performed so well for Cyprus but we are resilient and hoping that the disappointing UK summer weather may encourage travellers to book for the autumn and winter. We are also looking at niche markets for future growth."

The operator is keen for agents to encourage clients to make use of the early booking offers available at a range of popular five-star hotels for holidays booked at the end of October this year to March 2013. This includes the five-star Annabel in Paphos, where a seven-night break in November on a full board basis costs £667 per person including flights and transfers.

Kyrollou said: "The deal includes a free upgrade from bed-and-breakfast to full board and is worth a saving of €50 per person per day. This is great for couples looking to escape for a short seven-night break but even more attractive for retired couples considering a long stay of three or more weeks."

Facilities at the property Stunning beaches secluded coves include a selection of restaurants and bars, a spa, sports facilities and a kids’ club for children aged six months old to 16 years.

For weddings, the company’s director, Mathilde Robert reports healthy sales for both this year and next to rustic villages friendly people all parts of the island.

She said: "Agents support our wedding options on Cyprus as a result of demand. The cost savings and guaranteed weather, coupled by an unrivalled choice of venues, makes Cyprus a top choice for UK couples looking to tie the knot abroad."

Agents looking to arrange to meet the company and learn more about its products can do so at two National Wedding exhibitions this autumn Earls Court Wedding Show from September 28-30 and the Birmingham Wedding Show, from October 5-7.

For more information call 0871-871 2234 www.classic-collection.co.uk/cyprus or visit www.planetholidays.co.uk Bridge Gardens , Annabel Hotel, Paphos

AFFORDABLE

Luxury

Cyprus

the welcome in Cyprus is as warm as the year-round Med

the welcome in Cyprus is as warm as the year-round Mediterranean sun CALL 0800 008 7288 28

July 20 2012

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cyprus INNTRAVEL IS highlighting a seven-night tour of Cyprus which takes in the Krasochoria wine region and Neo Chorio, the gateway to Akamas.

Highlights include a nature trail to the Kaledonia Waterfall, the opportunity to visit the mosaics in Paphos and the ruins of the ancient city of Kourion. Prices lead in at ÂŁ485 per person, based on two sharing and include breakfast accommodation, three dinners, car hire and walking maps.

Flights are extra.

For details see www.inntravel.co.uk or call 01653-617000.

‘Just add flights’ option from Cyplon offers exclusive packages for agents to sell CYPLON HOLIDAYS is offering exclusive packages to agents where they can opt to ‘Just add flights’ or request the operator to do this for them.

The flights package cost remains the same and is valid from any airport on any flight the customer chooses.

The packages, which are commissionable to agents at 10%, include spa holidays in Cyprus, weddings in Cyprus and Greece, golf and bowls in Cyprus and Classical Tours of Greece.

The company is also giving agents the option to request personalised window posters and leaflets. If agents send their logo and contact details to sales@cyplon.co.uk, the operator

will personalise them and return them. Agents can then email or produce leaflets for their local clubs, associations and use in their window display.

The operator’s winter 2012/13 brochure is also now available.

As an example of prices, a seven-night breakfast stay at the four-star Athena Beach in Paphos between October 1 and April 30, 2013 leads in at ÂŁ200 per person excluding flights. The price is based on two sharing a twin inland view room and includes private transfers.

A free upgrade to a twin sea view during low season is also offered.

For more information or to book call 0800-074 8888.

CYPRUS Prestige Holidays offer a superb range of the best hotels in Cyprus, smaller boutique hotels to larger resort hotels, family friendly, spa and golf hotels.

Many offers including children stay free, free nights, free half board and free Spa treatments. Prices start from ÂŁ794 per person on B&B for a weeks stay in a 4 star hotel this summer.

Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

cyprus We asked our staff the following question this week: What are your top three pet hates?

Larnaka

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Johnny Vegas, motor racing and arrogant people

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Women who do their make-up on the train. Parents who don't comfort their screaming/crying babies & having to chase last-minute answers from staff for these questions every week! Come on guys - pick it up!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Only three?! Other people's "personal" music. Meaningless "Back in 10min" notes on shop doors - from when? Middle lane motorway hoggers

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Reality TV, indecision & not sure on the third one

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Supermarkets, people not getting ready to pay in supermarkets & supermarket trolleys that like going sideways

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Littering, mis-used apostrophes, and all this rain we're getting!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Commuting into London, still no Olympic tickets & the Police

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com Loud music, rudenss & see Lauretta's pet hate number 3

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com People not saying "thank you" when a door is held open for them, drivers not indicating when changing lanes or cornering, cats using my garden as their toilet.

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk 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 Limited - Travel Bulletin is published weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA & GTG agent.

Subscriptions are £105 p.a. for tour operators and others, plus additional ABTA, IATA copies.

Palm Beach Hotel sees demand from repeat visitors THE PALM Beach Hotel & Bungalows, located on the outskirts of Larnaka, continues to be a popular choice for UK holidaymakers.

The property’s general manager, Antonis Papakyriakou, said: "This year has been unpredictable, with highs and lows but we are seeing a rewarding high percentage of loyal, repeat bookings from the UK. This is excellent for us as one of the long established hotels on the island. There is plenty going on in Larnaka and in the nearby villages of the Larnaka District. Many of our clients are happy to combine their rest and relaxation part of their stay with us by also making time to visit all that Larnaka has to offer. From the completed public walkways, cycling lanes, plus the great shopping, cultural, music and art scene. There is something for all age groups."

The property, which is located on the beach, offers large gardens, three pools, a chapel and 188 front sea view rooms, garden view rooms and eight suites. Its bungalow complex, which comprises of 40 studios and suites, a lagoon shape pool and bar, is ideal for families.

Papakyriakou is highlighting a selection of events and attractions in Larnaka across the summer and autumn – from a small museum dedicated to the old way of life and traditional Cyprus to a new kitesurfing beach, summertime music events, the Volleyball SWATCH Youth World Championships and World Tourism Day on September 27.

Seven nights at the property in September or October cost from £700 based on two people sharing a garden view room, on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Flights with Monarch cost from £233 per person from Gatwick or Luton.

For more information visit www.palmbeachhotel.com, www.larnacaatnight.com and www.monarch.co.uk

Attraction World highlights popular tours & attractions ATTRACTION WORLD has revealed its most sought after tours and attractions in Cyprus.

They include Waterworld in Agia Napa, which leads in at £32 per adult and £18 per child (aged three-12); a Simply Cyprus Tour which costs £56 for adults and £38 per child (aged three-11) and visits three of the destination's attractions in one all-inclusive tour from Paphos; and a Troodos and Kykkos option, which costs £63 per adult and is limit to 20 people.

Also popular is a four-hour Paphos Cruise which costs £38. All tours are fully commissionable to agents.

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. JURYS INN, 6. MORECAMBE, 8. YELLOW, 10. ARNO, 12. ARAN, 13. GUYANA, 15. RADCLIFFE, 17. VESUVIUS. Down: 1. JONNY MARRAY, 2. RAM, 3. NICE, 4. BUENOS AIRES, 5. UMBRIA, 7. ROOK, 9. LUANDA, 11. GULF, 14. ELBE, 16. EDI.

Highlighted Word: JUNEAU

Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £155 ISSN: 0956-2419

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Travagrams: (top) Aurora Expeditions

(bottom) Nice

Where Am I?: Cardiff

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