Travel Bulletin 3rd February 2012

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February 3 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,764 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Australasia

How to capitalise on increased demand for New Zealand this week agent bulletin 9 Shearings' booking incentive gives agents the chance to win an iPad 2

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holiday parks how to rekindle your clients' love affair with the great British holiday park

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greece a round-up of the latest product launches & offers

cruising demand outstrips supply on key river cruise itineraries

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^ The prize draw is open to all UK resident Travel Agents. Entrants must be over 18 years. Prize is non transferable with no cash alternative. Brand names noted are not participants or sponsors of this promotion. For the Promoter details and full terms and conditions of the prize draw visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdfs/tenweekgiveaway

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AGENTS' PRIDE...African Pride recently took a group of six agents on a fam to South Africa, visiting Cape Town, the Winelands, Hermanus and the Cederberg.

Pictured enjoying a ‘sundowner’ at Bushman’s Kloof are, from the left: Alan Oram, The Travel Shop; Bob Mortimore, Ultimate Destinations; Katie Baker, Bath Travel; Zenobia van Dyk (ranger); Vicky Sharp, Travelbox; Linda Shotter, Ashdown Travel; Alison Jones, Beaver Travel; and David Holland, African Pride.

Cover Pictures: Main - Kirra Tours Australasia Maori Wood Carving

Inset - Kontokoli Bay Resort & Spa

This Week 3

news

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

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Skal The World Over

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puzzle bulletin

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personality bulletin

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holiday parks

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greece

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australasia

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cruising

the latest reports, product launches and deals throughout the industry find out what Sandy has been up to lately win an iPad 2 in Shearings’ booking incentive views from the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals win a £50 M&S voucher in the prize Su Doku puzzle which sales & marketing director would like a room full of 3D TVs?

how to rekindle your clients' love affair with the great British holiday park new brochure launches & accommodation updates from operators how to capitalise on increased demand for New Zealand the rise and rise of river cruising

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

STA Travel predicts UK youth travel will soar by 20% this year YOUTH TRAVEL specialist STA Travel is predicting an unprecedented boom in student travel this year as youth unemployment soars and the reality of university fees bite.

Recent research estimates that 2.5million young people in the UK will be planning a gap year trip this year. However, STA puts this figure at nearer three million, largely due to a swathe of young people who have had to make changes to their plans, either due to thwarted university plans or ongoing struggles to find employment.

The company's group managing director, John Constable, said: “For many young people, 2012 will be their ‘year of travel’ as they re-evaluate future plans. Young people have used travel to broaden their horizons for many years, however this avenue has become more formalised with many young people incorporating some sort of skill and CV-boosting activity while they’re away.

“Never before has gap travel been so meticulously planned. Traditionally gap trips were a full 12 months, however for our customers last year the average trip length was 54 days, which indicates a leaning towards a series of shorter blasts of travel - or ‘snap gaps’.

Usually these mini-gap trips are for a specific reason, such as to take part in a volunteer project, go to a festival or go on a language or skill course overseas.”

The company says that it has seen the number of students heading overseas to work, study and take part in volunteer projects rise by more than one-third in the past 12 months, as they look to alternative means of bolstering their CV and skill-set in a bid to appeal to future employers.

Australia & the US are two most popular destinations for Brits according to new poll from Holiday Extras A NEW poll from Holiday Extras has found that the US and Australia are the two most popular destinations for Brits, despite their relatively high costs.

According to the survey, 21% of people would most like to visit the US with a further 12% keen to explore Australia.

But they will find themselves counting their pennies afterwards as new figures from the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer has found Australia to be the most expensive holiday destination and the US not far behind, with popular tourist items costing almost four times more than in the cheapest holiday destination – Sri Lanka.

A mere 1% of people surveyed by the company wanted to visit Bulgaria, making it the least popular holiday destination. However, figures show Bulgaria is one of the cheapest ● continues on next page

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places to go on holiday; so ideal for those looking for a budget winter break. Some 5% of people said they would like to visit South America but they would need to choose their country carefully if they are watching the budget as holidaying in Brazil would cost nearly double that of the more southerly Argentina.

Seamus McCauley, the company's editor in chief, said: “It appears that holiday travellers would prefer to follow their dreams rather than look at financial practicalities.

Long-haul travel seems to be most desirable for our customers at present with almost half preferring far flung destinations – it must be the dreary European winter."

Guernsey Trade Workshop announced TOUR OPERATORS and the Guernsey travel industry can now register online to participate in the 2012 Guernsey Trade Workshop.

Taking place from May 16-18, the event will include full-day business meeting and networking sessions at the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre in St Peter Port, halfday fam trips and evening functions.

VisitGuernsey is organising a full itinerary including hospitality, meeting schedules and business networking sessions.

For more information or to register visit www.guernseytradeworkshop.com

Newsbites ●

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NEW FOR this year, Mercury Direct is offering holidays to the Maldives. Prices start from £975 per person for a week's four-star all-inclusive accommodation, with eight hotels to choose from. The company offers 10% commission to agents.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO Resort in Florida will be celebrating Mardi Gras on Saturdays and select nights from February 11 to April 14. The celebrations include a parade, New Orleans' bands, Cajun cuisine and live performances including Kelly Clarkson, Plain White T’s and KC & The Sunshine Band.

AMADEUS AND HRS have announced a strategic alliance to distribute HRS’s hotel content through Amadeus. This is the first time the hotel portal will make its content available through a global distribution system.

CRYSTAL CRUISES has launched a new Fast-Track Check-In process to ease embarkation procedures for guests. Effective in every Crystal embarkation port, the new system eliminates 100% of ship check-in procedures in port terminal waiting areas, transitioning guests from dock security to the line's Symphony and Serenity lounges.

AIRASIA X has announced a realignment of its network with a focus on its core markets. The move will see the carrier withdrawing services to India (Mumbai and Delhi) and Europe (Paris, London) from its Kuala Lumpur hub.

Savings of up to £2,120 from Carrier CARRIER IS offering nine nights for the price of eight from £4,450 per person – a saving of £2,210 per couple on a South African itinerary. It includes four nights at Cape Grace, one night on The Blue Train and four nights at the Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve.

The price includes flights from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, private transfers and charter flights and is valid from February 10 to March 31.

For details call 0161-492 1353 or see www.carrier.co.uk

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Amathus Hotels latest newsletter with all the hotel

WAKEFIELD WATCH...Aldemar Hotels & Spa is supporting a fortnight’s travel trade promotion with Jet2holidays to promote early booking savings. Althams Travel in Wakefield was one of the retailers visited by the operator's trade executive, Kieran Jackson, to promote the special offers, which include a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Aldemar Paradise Mare in Rhodes for £2,929, based on two adults and two hildren sharing a family room and including flights from Leeds on June 6, transfers and 22kg luggage per passenger.

Pictured with Kieran is the agency's Ruth O'Shea (middle) and Katy Hyde.

For details see www.aldemarhotels.com and www.jet2holidays.co.uk

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developments, full of all the details on the hotels and their upgrades for 2012. For further details on the special agent offers and what the hotels have to offer visit www.amathus-hotels.com ● Expedia's Travel Agents Affiliate Programme

newsletter, with details on the latest events to sign up for, plus a chance to win a lunchtime pizza for your office, see the flyer for full details.

For further details on the TAAP details www.expedia.co.uk/travelagents For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter...

Voyages to Antiquity Titan Travel unveils its ‘Cruises to Ancient Civilisations’ - Welcome to our new partner. Have a look at their site bit.ly/yn2GQm ABTAtravel ABTA Reveals Brits' Summer Holiday Plans During the Olympics bit.ly/AnaoZ9 ACE Regent Seven Seas Cruises is to use the Travel Channel ‘Cruise Today’ programme in February, to show their flagship Seven Seas Voyager.

Hoseasons Holidays Experience love in the city with Valentine's breaks from £15pppn. Cosy up with your loved one in a fabulous apartment bit.ly/wkwKzH PATA Singapore Airlines A380 Now Serving Frankfurt and New York ow.ly/8I31G Bristol Zoo Gardens We're more than just a day out. Did you know that we work across the globe to protect species for future generations? bit.ly/w9pLPa

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

HAIR WE GO...a Lancashire travel agent is on the ‘hairway to heaven’ after winning the first in a series of ten weekly prizes in Hoseasons’ ‘Win Win Win’ promotion. Sam Fisher (seated) from Discovery Travel in Mossley, Lancs, was presented with her prize by the operator's head of sales, Zena Calderbank (right) and regional sales executive for the north, Sarah Smith, during a visit to the agency last week.

Sam won a GHD Scarlet Deluxe Limited Edition Collection, including hair straighteners, GHD clutch and travel hairdryer. Every confirmed booking made by agents until March 12 will be entered into the weekly draws. See www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdf s/tenweekgiveaway

Advantage reveals conference leisure breakout sessions A DIRECT marketing masterclass, is your online strategy fit for purpose, and taking a long hard look at your business are just some of the sessions announced for the Advantage Conference in Malta from April 26-29.

Advantage has also extended an open invitation to all independent travel agents, who are currently not members of a consortium, to attend the conference.

The direct marketing masterclass will address the importance for members of retaining customers in the face of repeat business sitting at around just 20%.

Facilitated by direct marketing experts Martin Chillcott of Radar and Carolyn Hardy, the consortium's direct marketing manager, the session will cover: key lessons learnt from the three direct marketing pilots with members in 2011, how retaining customers is far more cost effective and has a much better response than obtaining new customers and the practical steps members need to take to ensure direct marketing activity achieves maximum impact.

With John Lewis and Marks & Spencer now transacting 30% of their business online,

New cruise Website from IntouristUK INTOURISTUK HAS launched a new cruising Website at www.russia-cruises.co.uk The operator's bestselling and favourite cruises are featured on the site, while 'cruise and stay' packages are new to the programme this year, with two itineraries to choose from.

In addition to a wide range of cruises from Moscow to St Petersburg, the company also arranges cruises that sail in central Russia and Siberia.

For more information call 0844-875 4026.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Advantage asks ‘is your online strategy fit for purpose?’

For members seeking clear guidance on what online plan to follow, the session, facilitated by online promotions manager, Wendy Missenden and preferred online business partners, will consider whether a bookable or non-bookable Web presence is the right way to go, how to create a web strategy that largely matches a member’s overall business expertise and what role Facebook, Twitter, customers and staff play in improving online customer appeal.

The conference will also ask members: are you making the most of the good ideas around you? Delegates will look at putting into practice the good ideas learnt from Advantage conferences and events.

The Advantage Conference Golf Day will take place on Sunday April 29 from 09:30 at The Royal Malta Golf Club.

Places are limited so delegates who are interested are asked to email Emma Smith at emmas@advantagetravelcentres.com For more information visit www.advantageconference.co.uk

Atlantic Holidays adds additional flight to Madeira from Belfast in July ATLANTIC HOLIDAYS has announced an additional flight from Belfast to Madeira on July 9.

As an example of prices, a seven-night stay at the fivestar Pestana Casino Park hotel with a free upgrade to half-board and a garden view room upgrade costs from £769 per person.

For details call 01452-381888 or visit www.atlanticholidays.net

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newsbulletin h c t a W o Ones t rammes avel prog tr p to e th A pick of ant to miss... w 't n o d u o y

Airline: The Story of Pan Am on BBC iPlayer (available until 26th February) DOCUMENTARY TELLING the story of how Pan American World Airways kickstarted the jet-age and shrank the globe. Real-life 'Pan Am girls' recall a high-life of luxury and glamour; rubbing shoulders with celebrity passengers, international romances and having to wear the now infamous girdle.

MOVERS Serenity Holidays has appointed Gill Sealey to its agency trade team to further boost support for travel agent partners. ● Kettering based Affinion International Travel has appointed Simon Applebaum as its new online manager. ● Focus Hotels has appointed John Collis as finance director. ● The Grenada Board of Tourism has appointed Sola Thomson as sales & training manager. ● Katherine Gershon has been appointed group sales & marketing director for Abercrombie & Kent. ● Great Rail Journeys has appointed Sue Cooper as sales representative for the South of England. ● Steve Nettlemill has been appointed by Holidaybreak Camping Division as head of sales and marketing for UK and Ireland. He will oversee the management of the Eurocamp and Keycamp brands. ●

Cosmos launches Lapland 2012 brochure marking 25-year anniversary COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its 2012 brochure marking 25 years of operating Lapland Adventures in Finnish Lapland.

The new programme features an increase in capacity of the most popular option of three- and fournight stays with a choice of two itineraries in the Finnish Lapland resorts of Levi Fell (Ready, Steady, Snow) and Yllasjarvi (Santastic Secret Forest) from Gatwick and Manchester.

A range of four- and five-diamond rated hotels, apartments and log cabins are available on three-, fourand five-night trips, which includes a Christmas departure (five nights) and a New Year break (four nights).

Departures are from December 6-28.

Early booking offers for holidays made before February 28 include a low deposit of £100 per person and for those made before June 30 a saving of £70 per child is available at Hotel Yllasrinne as the first

child stays and eats for free. Family deals include single parent family offers available at selected hotels for departures on December 6, 9 and 12 and third and fourth adult reductions at selected hotels.

Prices for a three-night stay lead in at £829 per adult and £659 per child; a fournight stay from £899 per adult and £699 per child; a five-night Christmas stay from £999 per adult and £749 per child and the New Year trips from £915 per adult and £699 per child.

To help agents sell the specialist holidays more easily, several new pages have been added to the brochure which highlight factual information including an overview of the range of trips for easy comparison, what’s included in the holiday price, the range of extra activities available in resort as well as value offers.

For more information visit www.cosmos-holidays.co.uk

Prestige expands UK holiday options

SERENA HOTELS has officially took over the helm of The Royal Palm Hotel in Tanzania’s capital (previously managed by Mövenpick) and relaunched it as the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel. The 230-room hotel will be positioned as a premier upmarket five-star hotel in Dar and brings the company’s portfolio up to 25 properties.

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PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has expanded its range of UK holiday options for this year. Jersey is the latest destination to join its UK collection which also features: Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm in the Channel Islands and St Mary’s, Bryher, Tresco and St Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly.

Breaks start from £265 for a three-night stay in its new Guernsey property Cobo Bay Hotel. The family-run boutique hotel is located on the West Coast near St Peter Port and the package includes flights from Southampton using Flybe services, transfers and bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a standard room.

Prices in Jersey start at £320 for a three-night break at the Merton Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis with flights from Southampton and transfers.

For more information call 01425-480600 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

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newsbulletin Irish Ferries Holidays offers free child places and free nights IRISH FERRIES Holidays has increased its online presence for 2012 with an expanded range of hotels, holiday cottages and bed-and-breakfast properties.

Every hotel featured in this year's programme is offering a free night deal. For example, three nights for the price of two are available year-round at most hotels while at others, there’s a four nights for the price of three available in peak season.

Free places for children are also highlighted throughout the year with up to two children free at hotels when sharing with two adults (age limits vary), and up to four children under 16 free at all holiday cottages when accompanied by two adults For bookings made by February 29 for any 2012 date, clients can save 10% off all ferry-inclusive holidays.

For more information call 0871-730 0400 or see www.irishferries.com/holidays

Med cruise from £799 from HAL HOLLAND AMERICA Line is offering a spring Mediterranean cruise from £799 per person. The deal offers flights to Rome on April 27 before transferring to Civitavecchia to join the line’s Eurodam for a sevennight cruise that takes in a range of destinations including Palermo, Tunis, Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Santa Margherita.

Prices are based on two sharing a twin inside stateroom and include flights, transfers and the cruise on a full board basis. Upgrades to a room with a view are available for an extra £50 per person and family deals are also offered from £399 per person fly/cruise, based on two children sharing with their parents.

For more information call 0845-351 0557.

New Cape Town bus tours from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD has launched two new tours in Cape Town - the Red City Tour and the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour, both of which depart from the V&A Waterfront.

A 24-hour ticket for the Double-Decker City Sightseeing tour costs £14 for adults and £7 for children aged three-12 years, while a 48-hour ticket costs £22 and £13 respectively. All tours are fully commissionable to agents.

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

* Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit www.tttandt.com/incentives.aspx for details ** Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.tttandt.com/incentives.aspx for details.

Travel Trade Tickets and Tours is a trading name of NAR UK Ltd, an ABTA bonded tour operator established 1981.

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newsbulletin New Seoul service from Korean Air

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N ust correct something I got wrong in my last column regarding TUI not playing fair with their costings on their website. I said their own shops were in the same boat as us but no, they are able to match the website prices and get the benefit of low deposit of £75 whereas for the rest of us it is £175!

Saw some fantastic brochures this week; more like classy magazines – Inntravel; the Slow Holiday people have brochures including Walking & More – Europe and beyond; Cycling & More – idyllic journeys on two wheels; Villas, Cottages & More – active and relaxed holidays in beautiful scenery; and Skiing and much more. They are based in York and if you want to have a look at them go on www.inntravel.co.uk - you won’t be disappointed.

Our next Yorks ABTA Meeting is on Wed 7th March at Cedar Court Hotel Wakefield. Leeds Bradford Airport are sponsoring it and also Mark Tanzar and Simon Bunce will be coming up from ABTA to update us so do please try and attend – let me know at sandra@sandytravel.co.uk Talking about Leeds Bradford Airport, have you seen Balkan have a new direct flight every Friday to Bourgas?

They have low deposits of £70 which is great and also a 5% loyalty discount - can’t get much better than that so get booking them and support both LBA and Balkan.

The Yorks ABTA Ball is on Thursday, the 12th July this year so put it in your diary – usual place at Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, M62 Huddersfield and we are going with the Oscar theme again!

I am not going to even mention cruising – I have been telling my customers they are in more danger driving a car! So let’s keep it in perspective - over 4,000 people got off safely which is fantastic.

‘Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen’ and ‘Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else’.

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KOREAN AIR is expanding services from Gatwick to Korea with an extra three flights a week from April 29.

Flights will depart at 10:30, arriving in Seoul Incheon at 05:25 the following day. The inbound flight will depart Seoul Incheon at 18:40, arriving into Gatwick at 22:35 the same day.

The aircraft will be a Boeing 777 offering a total of 261 seats – eight First Class fully flat Kosmo Sleeper seats; 28 Prestige Plus seats; and 225 Economy seats.

For more information visit www.koreanair.com

New destinations from Ranch Rider RANCH RIDER, which features the destinations of the US, Canada, South Africa, Botswana and Argentina, has added five new ranch stays covering the US, a five-star safari lodge in South Africa and a luxury camp in Botswana to its 2012 brochure.

As examples, The Padlock Ranch is a luxury-working ranch in Wyoming, with prices leading in at £1,189 per person for five nights room-only, based on two sharing between May and October.

Montana’s Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch has also been added to the programme, where a seven-night stay costs from £1,119 per person, based on two sharing, for departures between May and October.

For more information or to book call 01509-618 811 or see ranchrider.com

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Banish those winter blues one way or another by winning the Air Europa competition. Agents who successfully answer all seven questions could win an intensive salsa workshop for two, or how about a genteel Afternoon Tea at one of 50 boutique venues up and down the UK? To enter, visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

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Three chances to win with Villa Select’s brand new agent competition, hosted at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions. 1st Prize: One week’s accommodation at a Villa Select property. 2nd Prize: £100 in Love2Shop vouchers. 3rd Prize: A luxury hamper.

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Great deals on All-Inclusive Mexico holidays, courtesy of Funway Holidays. Just click the ad featured throughout the Travel Bulletin website.

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

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

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

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CYPLON HAS launched a Supreme Club – a rewards club for agents who make more than ten bookings.

Once agents reach this target, they will automatically be enrolled into the club where benefits include complimentary hampers, first option on educationals, 50/50 local advertising support and an annual staff dinner.

For details see www.cyplon.co.uk, call 0800-074 8888 or email sales@cyplon.co.uk AGENTS CAN win one of six Luxury Included holidays in a Sandals ‘Love Nest’ Suite plus Sweet Hampers Worth £150 in a new incentive which runs until February 28. The promotion offers travel agents the opportunity to win one of six Luxury Included holidays for two with Virgin flights, staying in a ‘Love Nest’ suite. To be in with a chance of winning, agents must complete the online training at www.sellingsandals.co.uk and register one new ‘Love Nest’ suite booking during the campaign. Qualifying agents will also be entered into a weekly draw to win

a sweet hamper.

For details see www.sellingsandals.co.uk or call 020-7590 0210. ●

SHEARINGS IS marking the launch of its 2012 second edition brochures by offering agents the chance to win an iPad 2. Agents who book customers on one of the operator's breaks by February 29 will be automatically entered into a weekly prize draw to win one of eight iPad 2’s.

For details call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

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THE GREATER Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched a dedicated travel agent incentive to win a range of prizes. Up for grabs are two sets of £200 Love2Shop vouchers and two Bliss Spa packages worth £300 each. To have a chance of winning, agents should log their bookings to Fort Lauderdale before February 19.

For details visit www.sunny.org/trade

Did you know...

Planes now make much use of GPS which demonstrates Einstein’s rel ativity – but if it weren’t for corrections for time being speeded up by the low gravity on the satellite, in just a day the GPS position would be several kilometres out.

The tallest mountain is not Everest, it’s Mauna Kea on Hawaii, if you count the bit under the sea.

It’s 10,200 metres to Everes t’s 8,800. The Mariana trench under the ocean off Japan and the Philippines dwarfs the Grand Canyon at 11,000 metres deep, com pared with the canyon’s 1,830 metres. The bigges t mountain range is underwater. The mid-ocea n ridge runs for over 55,000 kilometres.

GOODWIN's GOOD WIN...Silversea has awarded a student of the Silversea Academy, its online training site, with the prize of a complimentary cruise for two. The annual prize is given to show the line's appreciation for the support of the trade and to encourage agents to learn about its product. Pictured receiving his certificate and prize confirmation is Sean Goodwin (right) of Bath Travel in Highcliffe, with the line's sales manager, Jon Knight.

For more information visit www.silverseaacademy.com

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Because special relativity means that time goes slower when you are travel ling, after 40 years of crossing the Atlantic weekl y you would be one thousandth of a second you nger than an identical twin. Not someth ing for the anti-ageing cream manufacturers to wo rry about, then.

Source: Inflight Science by

Brian Clegg

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newsbulletin SKÅL THE VER WORLD O Members of Skål - the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals - share their travel experiences and success stories from around the globe. This month vice president, Karine Coulanges, explains how Young Skål is attracting a new generation of professionals.

1 What is young Skål?

Young Skål is a category of Skål International specially for students and young professionals directly related to the travel and tourism industry.

2. Who is eligible for membership?

Young Skål is open to all young professionals training for or working in the industry who are at least 20 years old and not older than 29 and who have been in the industry for a minimum of two years.

3. Why should Clubs recruit Young Skål members?

The idea behind Young Skål is to ensure that Clubs attract new and young professionals training for or working in the industry who, when qualified, will automatically graduate to Active membership, thus ensuring a continuous supply of new members.

4. How much does it cost?

The international fee for Young Skål membership is 10 Euros and the Club annual membership does not normally exceed 50 Euros.

5. In which industries and training organisations must Young Skål members be employed or be currently undertaking study?

Applicants for Young Skål membership should be training in a recognised university or travel school or working in one of the approved classifications as set out in the Skål International By-laws.

6. Can Young Skål members take an executive role in their local Club?

Skål Clubs are encouraged to co-opt at least one Young Skål member in their Club to the Committee of the Club so that the Young Skål members are aware of the workings of the Club and are able to pass on information to other Young Skål members.

7. What are the benefits for a Young Skål member?

Members will have the opportunity to participate in areas related to the travel and tourism industry, but also in cultural, sports, travel and PR activities. They will be able to participate in Skål activities and meet members, cooperating voluntarily in the success of the overall Skål aims. Members will obtain the support of the local Skål Club for training opportunities and to acquire professional experience. They will have an opportunity to participate in an international network.

8. What happens to a young Skålleague when they reach the age of 29?

Members who have reached their 29th birthday may remain Young Skål Associate members until their 35th birthday by which time they should qualify for Active membership.

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Sardatur marks anniversary with new brochure SARDATUR HOLIDAYS, which celebrates its 25th birthday this year, has launched a new 145-page brochure of holidays to Sardinia with the introduction of a new weekly flight from Manchester to Olbia in Northern Sardinia and an expanded choice of hotels on the island.

The new direct Sunday flights from Manchester commence on May 27 and operate every week throughout the summer until September 23. This follows the introduction of more seats on the operator's direct Saturday charter flight with BA from Heathrow to Cagliari and to Olbia, as well as direct flights from Manchester to Cagliari in southern Sardinia.

The company has also expanded its programme of accommodation with 11 additional properties, ranging from self-catering and four-star hotels to five-star deluxe properties.

As an example of prices, a seven-night stay at the Hotel & Residence Cormoran in Villasimus costs from £574 per person including flights and transfers.

For more information call 020-8973 2290 or see www.sardatur-holidays.co.uk

Leger Silver Service roadshow is back FOLLOWING LEGER Holidays’ Silver Service roadshow last year, the coach operator will again be dispatching its luxury coaches to towns and cities across the country.

Visiting approximately 40 locations throughout the year, the interactive initiative will give travel enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the company's luxury coach offering firsthand, talk to holiday experts about the latest tours across the continent and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

The first four scheduled visits, each between 09:00 and 16:00 are: The New Square Area, Chesterfield: Tuesday February 7; The Old Town Hall, Mansfield: Wednesday February 8; St. Peter’s Street, Derby: Thursday February 9; and The Market Place, Newark: Friday February 10.

Silver Service coaches include extra legroom, reclining seats, on board entertainment and a lounge area for relaxation. Tours also accommodate a smaller group for a more personal experience and offer extra included excursions and porterage at all hotels.

For more information call 0844-504 6250 or visit www.leger.co.uk

Free registration for PATA Exchange THE 2012 PATA Exchange will take place in London on Monday March 12 and operators and travel agents interested in increasing their business to the Pacific Asia region are invited to register for free.

Sponsored by Tourism Australia, the event brings together a collection of tourist boards including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, India, Hong Kong, Macau, Samoa, Vanuatu and the Philippines, as well as hotel groups and destination management companies with product managers from specialist and niche tour operators to the main stream, major players who sell the Pacific Asia region.

The appointment only event will be held at the Lansdowne Club, 9 Fitzmaurice Place, London W1J 5JD and is timed to take advantage of a number of companies who are in Europe for ITB in Berlin.

For more information visit www.pata.org.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 050

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

Captain Yam

A➠

B➠ This capital city sells traditional brimmed straw hats

C➠

Anyway Should If

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, February 9th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 20th January is Jacqueline Sully, Travel Angels in Chard.

January 20 Solution: A=6 B=8 C=2 D=4

Crossword

Are you having fun with this operator?

Where Am I?

I'm at the 'King's' home in Memphis!

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

Number: 050

Across 1. Holiday Parks operator (5) 3. An Asian country which could be North or South (5) 6. Tourist centre in the Highlands, Fort ___ (7) 8. Bangalore International airport code (3) 9. Landlocked US state (5) 10. Popular Bali beach resort (4) 11. Airport operator, initially (3) 13. City home of the Toulouse-Lautrec museum (4) 15. Actor / comedian, ___ Gervais, (5) 18. Part of Australia, initially (3) 19. Hugh of Wolverine fame (7) 20. Capital of Belarus (5) 21. Courmayeur is a popular ski resort in this country (5)

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Down 1. Picture perfect location for George Clooney's latest movie (6) 2. East African capital city (7) 3. European airline (3) 4. Capital of Morocco (5) 5. Low cost flights operator (4) 7. Larnaca airport code (3) 10. The largest city of Pakistan (7) 12. Popular long-haul city destination (6) 14. UK airport (5) 16. Magdalene College and King's College are on the banks of this river (3) 17. Desert city in California, ___ Springs (4) 19. New York airport, initially (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 February 3 2012

11

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newsbulletin Early booking savings at Aldemar Hotels AGENTS CAN save their clients' money when making a booking before March 31 at Aldemar Hotels & Spa, which features a total of eight, four- and five-star properties in Greece.

As an example, Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights at the Aldemar Royal Mare, Crete from £695 per person, based on two adults sharing a garden view room on a halfboard basis, including flights from Gatwick and private transfers.

The holiday departs on May 8 and early bookings offer savings of up to £154 per couple per week.

For families looking for family rooms at a fivestar beachside resort on an all-inclusive basis, the operator features seven nights at Aldemar Knossos Royal for a family of four from £3,518 for June half-term.

The price is based on two adults and two children sharing a family room on a half-board basis including flights and private transfers and offers savings of up to £212 per family per week.

For more information or to book visit www.aldemarhotels.com and www.classiccollection.co.uk or call 0800-008 7288.

WINCHESTER LAUNCH...Kuoni Winchester had an opening party recently, sponsored by Jet Airways who donated two Economy tickets to India as a prize draw for guests attending the event. Pictured marking the launch are the store's new team, from the left: Amy Biddlecombe, Mike Good, Marianne Hayward-Pinney (store manager), Natalie Mills and Jade Parsons (assistant store manager).

Shearings promotes new Secret Islands of the Aegean cruise SHEARINGS’ NEW cruise gives customers the chance to explore the culture and history of Greece with stops in Rhodes, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Delos, Mykonos and Athens.

The eight-day itinerary leads in at £1,399 per person and includes flights, transfers and seven nights' full board river cruise.

Highlights include a trip to the ancient sites of Athens, a visit to Santorini, the chance to explore the Cycladic Islands and a trip to discover the Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. Departure dates are available in July and August.

Also new for this year is a 16-day Treasures of Ancient Greece option, which leads in at £1,799.

The tour combines time to relax on the beach visits to historical sites and highlights include a guided tour of Athens, a visit to Delphi, time to relax at the beach resort of Tolo and a trip to Olympia.

Customers can also choose from a range of optional excursions, including visits to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, as well as a cruise to the Saronic Islands.

The price includes 15 nights’ half-board accommodation, touring itinerary, travel by Grand Tourer luxury coach and the services of a tour manager and departures are available from May to October.

For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com (Greece feature - page 21)

Silversea Cruises introduces Slow Food Adventure in Tuscany land option SILVERSEA CRUISES has created a new "Slow Food Adventure in Tuscany" land option that will debut on three Mediterranean voyages this year.

In collaboration with Slow Food Italy, the company has designed an exclusive three-night programme that will highlight the culinary and cultural traditions of Tuscany and introduce participants to local wine producers

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and products that adhere to the Slow Food philosophy of preserving biodiversity and gastronomic traditions.

Prices lead in at £2,269 per person, based on double occupancy and the option is offered as a pre-cruise option on Silver Wind's April 30 voyage from Rome to Venice and Silver Spirit's October 22 sailing from Rome to

Barcelona. It is also available as a post-cruise option on Silver Wind's April 17 voyage from Barcelona to Rome.

The price includes all transport, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals.

For details call 0844-770 9030, visit www.silversea.com or email salesuk@silversea.com

February 3 2012

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personalitybulletin

Tass Anastasi The sales & marketing director at Cyplon Holidays enjoys computer games, his iPad and 3D TVs!

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

My wife (honest).

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Playing football in my street (not many cars around at that time) until it got so dark we could not see the ball, or until mum was hanging out of the window shouting dinner is ready.

Where was your last work-related trip?

I took an educational trip to Cyprus - we had some lovely amazing characters that spiced it up a bit. You know who you are if you are reading this!

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why?

The Prime Minister so I can ban parking restrictions and congestion charges which are killing retailers.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?

Healing - to heal people and animals.

"Computers were made to play games on"

What is the best advice you recall?

Don’t try & change anyone - accept them for who they are and life will be a lot easier.

If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?

3D televisions.

If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be?

1. Bring good old BSP back with 30-day

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February 3 2012

What's your favourite airline and why?

Tam Airlines. A group of ten of us had ten internal flights in Brazil and two international within a 14-day period. All were on time and had all our baggage.

How do you deal with stress?

Put Magic Radio on my PC.

Career path ● ● ●

Left education married the Cyplon Holidays boss’s daughter in 1980 got drafted into the business the next day and I’m still here. (Help)

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Amazing, fantastic, extraordinary. Not of this world.

What have your travels taught you?

It’s better to have a chip & pin passport.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

A waterproof watch.

airline credit facilities. 2. Go back to dialling up for internet connection. 3. Ban selling flights and holidays on the internet.

What's your favourite city and why?

Marrakech for the colours, the smells, the market places, the camels and the spicy flavoured food - it’s like no other ordinary city.

What is your favourite mode of travel?

Snow jet skis.

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing?

Fishing.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?

All the fun has gone and the profit margins.

What special skill do you have?

Listening to my wife whilst playing on the iPad (not easy).

How do you cope with the advances in technology?

Computers were made to play games on.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Pretty Woman.

What’s your favorite programme on the TV right now?

Master Chef.

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you?

Richard Gere?

What do you love about your job?

I have the ability to do anything and everything, every day is different.

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S04 TB0302 Holiday Parks_Layout 1 01/02/2012 12:52 Page 15

holidayparks How to rekindle your clients' love t a e r g e h t h it w ir affa k r a p y a d li o h h is it r B INE, managing

by CARL CASTLED sorts director, Away Re

or a number of years now, a holiday in the UK has been seen as the poorer relation to the annual summer two-week, fly-and-flop break overseas.

Many people, particularly families, have been reluctant to plan their main holiday in the UK, citing the unreliable British weather as one of the main reasons why they choose the Costa Blanca over Cornwall every year.

But the tides are starting to turn as the UK’s affordability factor – particularly when up against the rising cost of air travel – and diversity of holiday experiences are helping us to rekindle our love affair with the great British holiday park, whether that be for two weeks in the summer or short breaks over half-terms and Easter.

And with the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee taking place this year, there has never been a better opportunity for travel agents to rise to the challenge and promote holidays in good old blighty – and be financially rewarded for all their hard work at the same time.

So when a client comes into your agency with a limited budget in mind for their family holiday, why don’t you suggest they consider a holiday in the UK? Here are a number of tips to help you close that sale and earn a decent commission on the booking

Whitecliffe Bay

F

Bargain Britain Budget-conscious Brits can holiday on a shoestring but enjoy all the trappings of an expensive getaway. There is an enormous variety of accommodation on offer, from the basic tent pitch – with some available for as little as £29 for seven nights’ camping for a family of four – to luxury lodges with all the mod cons. And that’s before we have even mentioned the glamping options: from yurts, tipis and bell tents to vintage caravans and treehouses, camping in the UK these days can come with all the comfort of a hotel but without the big bill at the end of the week.

No travel traumas Forget the costly airport parking, the long check-in

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queues and the lost luggage at the other end, a holiday in the UK takes the stress out of travelling – apart from the “Are we nearly there yet?” from the kids. A short journey in the car can open a world of experiences on our doorstep.

It’s a dog’s life Many holiday parks allow guests to bring their dogs with them, which again makes a holiday in the UK more affordable as families won’t have to leave their pets at home.

From coastal locations to lake-side retreats Holiday parks can be found at all different locations in the UK with each setting having its own unique selling point. Lake-side parks offer guests a wide variety of activities, from jet-skiing and water-skiing to pedaloes and fishing, while parks on the coast guarantee the traditional seaside holiday experience, which, let’s face it, are what all our childhood memories of great summers are made of.

All the way from the West End stage...

UK holiday parks have really raised their game when it ● continues on next page

February 3 2012

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holidayparks ● continued from previous page

comes to providing evening entertainment for all the family.

While many parks have X Factor finalists and stars from the ‘70s and ‘80s keeping the crowds happy during the summer months, some holiday villages have enlisted the help of stars from West End productions to put together their very own shows. Movies under the stars and festival-style entertainment in the shape of live bands on outdoor stages during the summer months are also helping to put parks

on the map with families, who may have presumed that holiday park entertainment was all about glamorous grannies and knobbly knees competitions.

So remember, holidaying in the UK isn’t a downgrade from international travel, and if you are keen to increase your sales of UK holidays, the team at Away Resorts are keen to help you – and with 15% commission available, it’s certainly worth your while getting in touch.

For details see www.away-resorts.com ✦

Grand UK Holidays adds Norfolk park plus 45 new tours including themed breaks GRAND UK Holidays has added Mundesley Holiday Village to its range of UK holiday parks for 2012.

Set on the North Norfolk coast, the resort offers nightly entertainment and sports facilities.

Five-day holidays start from £239 per person on a full-board basis including coach travel and excursions to Cromer, Norwich and the Norfolk Broads.

The over-55s operator features several other holiday parks for this year, including the South Downs Holiday Village, Croyde Bay Holiday Village and Warner Norton Grange Coastal Resort. According to the

operator, the parks are proving popular options for customers seeking a domestic break with a range of activities on their doorstep.

The company's sales director, Harold Burke, said: “These options are always great value and popular with our customers.

“Warner also tells us the parks are a big attraction for the coach tours market.”

Holiday parks also provide ideal accommodation for the operator's annual reunion, which this year will take place at the Mill Rythe Holiday Village on Hayling Island.

The five-day reunion departs on

February 27 and costs £169 per person, including coach travel, daytime and evening entertainment, optional sightseeing excursions and half-board accommodation.

The company's latest brochure features a total of 45 new tours mainly in the UK and Ireland - ranging from special interest and themed breaks to a new holiday by train.

New hobby holidays have also been added, including bowling and ballroom dancing, to cater for the growing demand for special interest breaks.

For more information or to book call 01603-619933 or visit www.grandukholidays.com

Easter breaks from £129* for the whole family

To learn more, visit our “online training course at HavenSpecialist.co.uk ” To book visit BourneLeisureSales.co.uk or call 0871 230 1919 Terms and conditions: price based on up to 6 people sharing Standard accommodation, arriving 30/03/12 for 3 nights at selected Haven Holiday Parks. Full terms and conditions apply as stated in the current Haven brochure. Offers apply to new bookings only and are strictly subject to promotional availability.

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February 3 2012

CANVAS COUP...Holidays from European mobile home and camping operator, Canvas Holidays are to be made available for sale by the travel trade this year, with support for the product from the Hoseasons' trade sales team. The operator, which like Hoseasons is part of the Wyndham Vacations Rentals family of brands, operates self-catering holidays across more than 90 campsites in eight European countries. The operator offers a range of accommodation ranging from luxury tents, mobiles homes and lodges, as well as more unusual accommodation types such as star-gazing cabins.

Launched to travel agents as part of the Hoseasons' trade portfolio for 2012, Canvas has produced a bespoke brochure for travel agents, which is available via tradegate.com. Sales support, merchandising and product training will be offered by the Hoseasons trade sales team of five. Pictured marking the trade launch is Hoseasons' head of sales Zena Calderbank (right) and Nichola Meadows, branch manager of Co-operative Travel in Sale.

For details see www.canvasholidays.co.uk or call 0844-847 1144.

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holidayparks Keycamp offers savings of up to 20% plus 20% agent commission KEYCAMP HAS introduced new developments this year including savings of up to 20% for customers who book before February 29, with 20% commission for agents on all low season holidays booked by the same date.

Also new is the company's exclusive lake house at Château des Ormes in Northern Brittany.

Situated on the parc’s own lake, the new accommodation is constructed on a floating platform and attached to the shore by a rope, with access via a walkway.

Suitable for adults and children aged six-12 years, it comes equipped with one double bed, a bunk bed and a decked terrace. Facilities include a waterpark, indoor pool complex, outdoor wave pool, entertainment, tennis courts, gyms and spas, plus a bar, terrace and restaurant.

A three-night break from May 22 costs from £170, including DoverCalais ferry crossings and the early booking discount.

The company has also added three new tree houses at its International parc

in Paris. Constructed around the tree trunk and accessed via a spiral staircase, the accommodation offers a unique opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Paris at the same time as

enjoying an adventure in the treetops.

A four-night break from May 5 staying in a tree house sleeping up to five people costs from £231, including Dover-Calais ferry crossings and the early booking discount.

Meanwhile, with four new parcs added to its portfolio for this year, the operator offers self-catering holidays to a total of 99 parcs across ten European countries.

Two new parcs are added to its French

offering – La Serraz at Annecy and Camping Atlantique at La Palmyre; while a new parc on the Coasta Dorada in Spain, Camping La Siesta, offers an ideal base to explore the Mediterranean coastline.

The operator's national sales manager, Michelle Betley Jones, said: " For a holiday which offers complete freedom and flexibility, the parc lifestyle is the ideal option.

From choosing a way to travel, to arriving and leaving on the most convenient date and deciding whether to spend time on-parc or explore further afield, it’s possible to tailor a trip to meet the needs of families of all ages as well as couples.

"This can also result in a great value break, with the opportunity to take advantage of cheaper mid-week travel and self-drive options, which is borne out in the continuing popularity of Keycamp holidays in northern France, with parcs in Paris and south Brittany in particular performing well year-on-year."

For further information visit www.keycamp4agents.co.uk

ABTA No. Y0662

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holidayparks Butlins launches Country & Western festival breaks BUTLINS’ COUNTRY & Western Festivals are being launched this March with a new line up of entertainment.

Following demand the operator has added two festival dates – the first at its Minehead resort from March 2-5 and the second from March 16-19 at Butlins Skegness.

During these adult-only weekends, guests will be able to experience live acoustic acts in a festival atmosphere.

Headlining at Minehead are two Texan born artists country rock and ballad singer Collin Raye and fiddle artist John Permenter. Supporting acts include Dirty Hat Band, Stu Page Band, The Jive Aces, Hayley Oliver Band, Darren Busby Big Band, Nashville Rose and Gary Perkins & The Breeze Award winning country music singer Crystal Gayle & Her All American Band will be headlining the stage at Skegness alongside Boomer McLennan and his six piece band. Supporting artists include Jellico Road, Katie Rhodes, Fools Gold, Henry Smith Band, Loco Boys, Gary Perkins & The Breeze and Texas Tornados.

Guests will also have the chance to take part in a linedancing class and there will also be couple dancing available on the March 2-5 break at Butlins Minehead.

Country & Western breaks start from £42 per person, based on four sharing a Standard self-catering apartment for a March 16 arrival at the Skegness Resort.

For more information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

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February 3 2012

Crystal Gayle

Pierre & Vacances rebrands Holiday Villages PIERRE & Vacances’ Holiday Villages have undergone a rebrand with the aim of providing guests with further onsite facilities, à la carte services and integrated regional activities.

Extensive refurbishments have also recently been completed.

As examples, Port Bourgenay, which is located on the Atlantic Coast near Nantes, is offering additional free activities including a five free activities pass available per booking ranging from bike hire to discovering circus skills and activities for the whole family including fitness sessions, sports tournaments and evening shows. There are also two half-day excursions per week, a weekly evening event that explains the region’s culture and a regional market once a week in the village. New for the Village is a range of Premium accommodation, food delivery services to apartments and themed kids' clubs including athletics, artists, adventurers and scientists. Pre-bookable children’s clubs are offered and improved baby kits will be available including items such as a night light and mosquito net.

A three-bedroom house sleeping up to eight people from August 25 to September 1 costs £1,177.

The operator is also running early booking offers of up to 15% off at all its Holiday Villages, valid for bookings in the peak holiday periods. The discounts are available for bookings made before March 31 for holidays from April to August and until May 31 for holidays from September to November.

For example, a week’s stay in a two-bedroom Sea View apartment sleeping up to six people from June 2-9 (May halfterm) at Cap Esterel costs £933. With the 15% early booking, discount the price is reduced to £794.

Cap Esterel is located in the south of France a short distance from Saint-Raphael. The 210-hectare village is ideal for families looking for a safe, friendly holiday destination. The village has a selection of shops and ten restaurants and accommodation is divided into three ‘quartiers’.

Accommodation is available in apartments or houses and 132 apartments have been renovated for this year. Facilities include swimming pools, an aqua fun area with hot tubs, wave machines and waterslides, a private beach, two lakes including a water sports base, 15 tennis courts and a multi sports area. Activities for this year include the rental of electric bikes, scooters, electric mopeds and mehari rides.

For bookings visit http://trade.pv-holidays.com

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holidayparks Hoseasons launches new luxury family lodge product, Evermore A NEW luxury family lodge holiday concept has been unveiled for 2012 by Hoseasons. Called Evermore, the new concept offers six locations spread across England, Scotland and Wales, and is expected to attract new audiences to the holiday lodges sector, as well as offering the operator's existing customers something different.

The product is designed to offer exclusive high quality secluded lodge accommodation with facilities such as hot tubs, i-pods, free Wi-fi and flat screen TVs, and was launched following extensive consumer research, which identified a gap in the market for top-quality lodge holidays in exclusive locations.

The research revealed that UK holidaymakers perceive lodge holidays as being positioned between cottages and holiday parks – and that there was no company offering luxury, personalised accommodation combined with the reassurance of a trusted brand.

The company's vice president for

lodges, parks, boating and apartments, Pali Badwal, said: “Quality time with the

family is the number one priority for this audience, but they also want to explore the local environment, rather than simply staying on the park for the duration of their holiday.

“Space and privacy are also important concerns, together with things like a

gastropub close by and outdoor activities such as cycling and walking on the doorstep.”

Stonerush Lakes Lodges near Fowey in Cornwall is one of the six Evermore locations, situated in a secluded Cornish valley surrounded by wildlife and nature.

With the emphasis on contemporary family living, each lodge has been designed to enhance the location, with uninterrupted views over the countryside and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The one- and two-bedroom lodges have private outdoor hot tubs, flat screen TVs, DVDs, i-Pod docking stations, a verandah with barbecue, Nintendo Wiis and a selection of traditional board games on hand.

A short break at Stonerush for a family of four costs from £295, with a week leading in at £575.

For more information visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0844-847 1144.

SALE now on!

Early Booking Discounts Save £100 per couple Free upgrades

Unspoilt Turkey & North Cyprus with your award winning specialist tour operator Specialising in boutique, family-run and luxury hotels in authentic resorts plus tailor-made itineraries and guided tours for your clients to really explore our destinations.

Remember we pay £5 Love2Shop vouchers for every package holiday you book, plus fantastic prizes for the top selling agents.

Visit www.anatolianskyexpert.co.uk to take our online training course!

For expert advice, reservations and agency support call:

08445 71 91 12 or visit

www.anatoliansky.co.uk.

To order brochures visit www.trade-gate.co.uk

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February 3 2012

Viewdata ASK#

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S05 TB0302 Greece_Layout 1 01/02/2012 12:55 Page 21

greece

MARBELLA BEACH Hotel on Corfu has announced the start of a two-year renovation project with a goal to transforming the hotel and put it on the map as Corfu’s luxury all-inclusive resort. The renovation is due to take place in two phases, the first of which is due to be completed in May and the second in 2013. The first phase will see the unveiling of 265 renovated rooms and suites and the property will also be upgrading the beach area. Phase two will see the remaining 119 rooms undergo renovation during winter 2012/13, bringing the total complement to 384. The hotel’s public areas will also be upgraded along with a new restaurant, spa and gym. Sovereign Luxury Travel is offering a sevennight all-inclusive stay from £519 per person departing on May 1. The price includes a free room upgrade, flights and private transfers and offers a saving of up to £698 per couple.

For details call 0844-415 1936 or see www.sovereign.com and www.marbella.gr

Accommodation boost in Rhodes, Kos & Santorini from Olympic Holidays OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has expanded its Greece programme for summer, with new properties offered in many of the 24 Greek islands featured by the operator.

The second edition Summer Sun brochure adds hotels of three- to five-stars and many self-catering apartments across the destination.

Key islands for expansion are Rhodes, Kos and Santorini.

In Rhodes, five-star additions in the popular resort of Ixia include the Atrium Platinum Hotel and Capsis Hotel.

Two more five-star hotels are added in Kos – the Diamond Deluxe and Carad Beach – while new for Santorini are the four-star San Antonio and three-star Alesahne Beach and Thera Mare Boutique hotels.

The operator's commercial director, Photis Lambrianides, said: "Although we've expanded into other Mediterranean countries of late, Greece remains our biggest destination by a large margin.

"For summer 2012, we are seeing a booking pattern and level of sales for Greece similar to recent years, with more people leaving making their holiday arrangements until

much later. Faced with current budgetary constraints and longer-term economic uncertainty, clients are delaying booking until the last minute, but we are fairly satisfied with sales so far."

Crete and Rhodes remain the strongest-selling islands for the operator and all-inclusive properties have been given increased prominence in the latest brochure, with nearly 100 ranging from three-star up to five-star. There are 38 featured in Crete and 24 in Rhodes.

Lambrianides said: "All-inclusives are a vitally important part of our Greek product mix and are especially popular in Crete and Rhodes, larger islands where the capacity is greatest."

As an example of prices, a seven-night breakfast stay at the newly featured three-star Thera Mare Boutique Hotel on Santorini costs £475 per person, based on two sharing a twin room. The price is for departures in June and includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

For more information call 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

'Real Greece' brochure from Sunvil Holidays offers holidays to authentic locations SUNVIL HOLIDAYS has launched its 2012 real Greece brochure, featuring a mix of holidays to the more authentic parts of the country.

New for this year is the emerald isle of Thassos, featuring the four-star Ilio Mare Hotel located on a Blue Flag beach, and the Geni peninsular on Lefkas. Sea kayaking safaris around the island of Alonissos are also on offer for the first time.

Prices for a stay at the Ilio Mare Hotel on Thassos lead in at £750 per person, based on two sharing and include flights, breakfast accommodation (free

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half-board in low season) and transfers.

Nearly 40 new properties have also been added to the programme, with more choice on the islands of Alonissos, Ithaca and Tilos, and in Sivota, Pelion and Kardamili on the mainland.

The brochure lead-in price is £481 per person, which includes an early booking discount, for seven nights’ selfcatering at the Villa Irene in Aghios Gordis, Corfu, including flights and transfers. The price is based on four sharing in May. Early booking offers include two weeks for the price of one and

reductions of up to £40 per person on one-week holidays, applicable to offpeak stays when booked by February 29.

The operator's programme director, Dudley der Parthog, said: “I believe 2012 will actually be a good year to visit Greece. The nation’s economic woes should mean quieter beaches and tavernas, and an even warmer welcome than usual. Whatever the situation in central Athens, traditional life continues as it always has done on the islands and in the villages."

For more information call 020-8758 4747 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

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greece Classic Collection Holidays expands programme to include Corfu and Spetses CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has expanded its programme to Greece for this summer, offering holidays to Corfu and Spetses for the first time.

On the small island of Spetses, the operator is featuring the Poseidonion Grand Hotel which has recently undergone a restoration. Three-night prices in April start from £617 per person, based on two sharing a deluxe room on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including private

transfers, hydrofoil crossing and flights.

The company's head of purchasing, Gary Boyer, said: "Spetses is a charming and elegant addition to our Greek portfolio. The island boasts wonderful beaches, secluded bays, beautiful architecture and a picturesque port. We are confident that it will be successful with our guests as a destination in its own right or as part of a twincentre holiday coupled with our popular city breaks to Athens."

Mark Warner introduces Rhodes beach resort MARK WARNER is launching a five-star hotel on Levante Beach, Rhodes, on May 19.

The property is the second five-star resort that the company has added to its portfolio of properties around Europe and will feature a range of facilities, including watersports, tennis and childcare.

The property is in the resort of Afandou Beach and has a total of 80 twin/double rooms, (30 of which are interconnecting), 70 family suites, and ten larger suites (eight of which have private swimming pools). All the rooms come with balcony or terrace, en-suite bath or shower, airconditioning and satellite TV. The operator's managing director, David Hopkins, said: “This is another leap forward for our summer product. During the summer season of 2011 we introduced two new five-star properties to our programme which were an overwhelming success. We are also extremely pleased to be working with British Airways in operating a direct charter service into Rhodes.” Prices start from £765 per person based on seven nights, staying on a half-board basis with BA flights. A full board upgrade is also available from £75.

For more information visit www.markwarner.co.uk

On Corfu the operator is featuring six properties in Corfu Town, Kanoni, Kontokali Bay, Nissaki and Agios Ioannis Peristeron.

One of the island's most luxury hotels, the KontoKali Bay Resort & Spa, is featured from £537 per person for a seven-night breakfast stay in May. Boyer said: "As Corfu enjoys a very strong following from the UK and has excellent regional flying we felt it timely to include the island in our expanded

Greece programme for 2012.

We have secured some luxurious beach side properties, with all-inclusive options, which are ideal for families as well as some smaller hotels in Corfu Town which will appeal principally to couples and those looking for a short stay in a fascinating capital with numerous landmarks and sites to explore."

For more information or to book call 0800-008 7288 or 01903 823 088 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

Mainland debut in GIC The Villa Collection’s 2012 brochure launch GREEK VILLA specialist GIC The Villa Collection has launched its 2012 brochure, featuring a selection of handpicked villas chosen for either their private, getaway-from-it-all location or for their stylish modern furnishings and close proximity to shops and tavernas.

New for this year, the operator is featuring the Greek mainland for the first time. Sivota is located in Epirus on Greece’s north-west coast, where four new properties are featured - the Senses Villas located a few hundred metres from Sivota village, and the Villas Diamond and Pearl, each featuring their own gyms and helipad.

Free child places are offered on selected villa holidays for the first time this year and apply to one child (aged under 12) per booking.

As an example, seven nights at Villa Aphrodite in Crete, departing on May 1 costs £582 per person, based on four sharing, including one free child place. The price offers a saving of £482 per family of four and includes flights, car hire where applicable or transfers, a complimentary welcome pack, maid service and linen change twiceweekly.

For more information or to book call 020-8232 9780 or visit www.gicthevillacollection.com

Ionian Island Holidays marks tenth anniversary IONIAN ISLAND Holidays has announced the release of its tenth anniversary holiday brochure featuring a collection of exclusive properties across locations in Greece and her islands.

The brochure features a range of accommodation including waterside apartments, villas with pools and boutique hotels in destinations that include Kefalonia, Ithaka, Lefkada, Meganisi, Corfu, Paxos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and the lesser known Pelion Peninsula.

New and exclusive to the company for this year are new villas on Kefalonia, Ithaka, Lefkada, Paxos, Corfu, Skopelos and Alonissos.

Seven-night prices lead in at less than £500 per person including car hire.

For details call 020-8459 0777 or visit www.ionianislandholidays.com

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australasia n o e s li a it p a c o t w Ho r o f d n a m e d d e s a e r c in New Zealand , UK manager,

by HAYLEY BRYAN Kirra Holidays

EW ZEALAND continues to be one of the top destinations for people from the UK - particularly during our cold and wet winter months when the chance to bask in warm sunshine becomes more appealing by the day.

Whilst New Zealand is around the same size as the UK, only four million people live there. They speak the same language as us, their weather is similar to ours, they are a sporting nation - and they even drive on the left hand side of the road, all of which help to make visitors feel at home as soon as they get there.

Although the flight takes 24-hours, the journey to New Zealand can include a number of stopover destinations, with most airlines including at least one break at no extra cost, so it’s possible to include a holiday within a holiday.

Small wonder then that every year thousands of visitors are drawn to New Zealand's snow-capped mountains; majestic fjords; bubbling mud pools; geothermal valleys; endless miles of golden sandy beaches; turquoise lakes and dramatic coastlines.

New Zealand is made up of two main islands - the North Island and the South Island, with the smaller Stewart Island to the South - and every town and city has something unique to offer.

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Tourism growth leads to new itineraries With tourism now New Zealand's largest industry, many regions are coming up with numerous new and exciting itineraries for both first time and repeat visitors to New Zealand to tempt visitors away from the more traditional routes. These include the Coramandel Peninsular; Stewart Island; the Catlins and Tongariro National Park.

Holidays for all tastes In New Zealand, people are drawn to the outdoor lifestyle and there are endless opportunities to experience the numerous activities on offer. Specialist itineraries can be arranged to cater for an extremely wide variety of interests.

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Escorted coach tours are ideal for those people who wish to let someone else do the driving and ensure that all the most popular attractions and activities are included.

Self-drive holidays offer a comprehensive choice of accommodation ranging from farm stays, self-contained motels and hotels to unique bed-and-breakfasts and world class lodges – all of which are perfect for the independent traveller.

For freedom and flexibility New Zealand is a motorhomer's dream, with wide open roads and very few large cities

Selling tips Ideally your clients need to spend at three to four weeks in New Zealand to get the best out of the country.

However, for shorter trips of two weeks or less we recommend that they visit just one island. ● For shorter visits, recommend coach touring holidays which include all the ‘must see’ attractions. A wide range of flexible coach touring options are available. ● Recommend staying two nights in areas that are of specific interest to allow enough time to explore. ● Why not mix and match the type of holiday and accommodation? For example, your clients can take an all-inclusive coach tour on one island and a self-drive (car or motorhome) holiday on another. ● Although December to February is New Zealand's summer months, the shoulder season months of November, March and early April can offer fantastic weather but without the crowds. Other benefits include cheaper prices for flights, accommodation and transport. ● For the busy holiday period between November and April, recommend pre-booking entire itineraries. Many of the excursions and adventures are extremely popular so, to avoid disappointment, it is best not to leave it to chance.✦ ●

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australasia New National Landscapes module in Aussie Specialist Programme THIS YEAR Tourism Australia is continuing to invest in the Aussie Specialist Programme, training agents to be Australia destination experts with a focus on the key experiences of nature, coastal and cities, which are key to motivating travel to Australia.

The new National Landscapes module is a niche module, designed to increase agents’ knowledge on distinctively Australian natural, cultural and spiritual experiences.

Agents will learn about the key features of each of the landscapes and the main selling points. Suggested downloadable itineraries are included in the module to help agents when

designing itineraries for their customers. Further itineraries and city maps can be found under the sales tools section on the Website.

The tourist office is also partnering with STA travel in an integrated campaign to help motivate student/youth audiences to travel to Australia.

The online Facebook campaign, which runs for five months from February to June, will focus on attracting working holidaymakers to Australia, highlighting the benefits of working abroad in terms of future employability in the current economic climate.

For more information visit www.aussiespecialist.com and www.australia.com

Win a fam to Samoa

TO MARK its 21st anniversary, the Prairie Hotel, in Australia's Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges, has added new upgrades and options. These include accommodation upgrades to extend across the road to the 'Overflow' accommodation including the old Fettlers Cabins, as well as the Captain's Cottage, nestled 35km further east into the Flinders Ranges at Blinman; the option to take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound; plus activities which range from day trips into the desert, gorges and mountain ranges, to flying, walking and riding across the landscape. The hotel offers a number of tours plus tailor-made tours for travellers wanting to put their own itinerary together, including bushwalking, mountain biking, 4WD touring and Aboriginal cultural tours. Prices start from AUD$175 (around £110) per room per night based on two people sharing an en-suite double cabin.

For details see www.prairiehotel.com.au

AGENTS ARE being invited to complete two online training modules at www.sellsamoa.com to have a chance to win a place on a fam to the South Pacific to experience Samoa.

The modules give agents the opportunity to discover more about Samoa's culture, diverse landscape, its wide range of accommodation and events happening this year, as the nation marks its 50th year of Independence.

The last date to enter to win a place is February 10.

Australian travellers are becoming more independent according to Austravel AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS are becoming more independent according to Austravel, which reports a sharp rise in self drives and motorhome hire as traditional holidaymakers look for more adventure and flexibility.

The operator says that the growth has seen a rise of more than 20% in travellers choosing to take the independent approach.

The company’s managing director, Joel Saunders, said: “So much has been the growth that we have introduced more independent travel options across our programme. We’ve seen a real mix of customers, from those just wanting our most popular four-berth motorhome to those desiring a little more luxury - whilst still having the independence. The new luxury, eco-friendly Kea motorhomes were introduced this year as well as the iconic Spaceships – a uniquely designed vehicle that drives like a car, but has the features of a campervan.

“We have all seen the requirements of the typical British holidaymaker change over the last few years and we’ve all had to re-look at what we offer to meet these demands.

Motorhomes offer the ultimate holiday option in this market,

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particularly within the diversity of Australia and are becoming extremely popular.

“New South Wales and Queensland, by far account for a large proportion of our holidays consuming 70% of sales, equally split. However South and Western Australia have been increasing gradually over recent years, attributed to areas like the Kimberley’s that have now seen greater access.

“A tip for success in 2012 has already seen Gold Coast sales explode in January with growth up 230% compared to last year.

Wildlife is abundant in this area and new tours were added as an increase for those wanting to see unique Australian wildlife such as the Dugongs has been seen. Similarly the less known Kangaroo Island has seen an enormous growth of more than 300%.”

According to the operator, the Cook Islands and Fiji are also expected to do well this year as stopover destinations, where a 30% rise in numbers has been seen and additional hotels have been added to the programme to meet the demand.

For more information call 0800-988 4834 or visit www.austravel.com

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australasia Shearings highlights new Australian Explorer itinerary CUSTOMERS CAN discover Australia’s scenery, culture, wildlife and famous landmarks on Shearings’ new tour.

The 13-day Australian Explorer itinerary leads in at £4,399 per person and highlights include a visit to Sydney, a cruise of the Great Barrier Reef, a cableway ride through the rainforest and a sunset trip to Ayers Rock.

The price includes ten nights’ breakfast accommodation, five lunches and dinners, a touring itinerary, flights and transfers. Departures are available through to November.

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

AUSTRALIA’S KIMBERLEY Region will welcome four new luxury properties opening in April, when 'Berkeley River' opens. The multi-million dollar tourism development is located around 150km north of Wyndham in the East Kimberley. The remote property will feature 20 suites, all with ocean views, and a main lodge with conference facilities. Next to the Berkeley River, guests will be able to experience relaxation or adventure, with activities such as boat cruises, bush and beach walks, fishing and helicopter journeys. All four properties will be available through Bridge & Wickers.

For details call 020-7483 6555 or see www.bridgeandwickers.com

Inteprid Travel highlights best-selling Red Centre tour INTREPID TRAVEL reports that its most popular trip is Central Rock & Canyon – a three-day tour of the Red Centre that starts and ends in Alice Springs, and takes in the iconic sights of Uluru at sunset, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) at sunrise, and a day hiking in Kings Canyon, staying in tented campsite accommodation. The usual price is £485 (excluding flights), but the company is offering a saving of 20% off departures on February 12 and March 2.

Gold Medal partners with YHA Australia

Sydney Harbour YHA

IN A move which sees it target the lucrative youth/budget traveller market for the first time, Gold Medal has partnered with YHA Australia to offer independent agents access to a range of high quality budget accommodation in Australia.

It is hoped that the deal between the two companies will allow independent agents to tap into this growing market, which was previously only the realm of youth/budget travel specialists.

Options range from the Syndey Central YHA to the more rural Halls Gap YHA in the Grampians Region of Victoria and the Queensland beach location of Magnetic Island YHA. YHA Australia marketing manager for Europe, Mandy Monk, said: “We are very pleased to partner with Gold Medal to provide a range of products that are easily accessible to our growing number of customers via the High Street.

“The budget and backpacker segment is continuing to grow and despite common misconceptions these travellers have disposable income, a strong propensity to travel and are generally less affected by issues such as the global financial crisis, making them an ideal target group in these more difficult times. We welcome the foresight shown by Gold Medal to tap into this lucrative segment through its independent agent partners.”

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australasia

InBrief ● THIS YEAR will see the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

celebrate its 20th anniversary with 20 days of eating and drinking between March 2-21. Held at locations all over the city, the festival showcases more than 250 gourmet events, including free tastings and masterclasses from both international and local chefs. Flight Centre is offering a seven-night package to Melbourne during the festival from £1,499 per person. It includes flights from Heathrow, transfers and seven nights’ accommodation at the five-star Art Series Blackman Hotel.

For details call 0800-587 0058 and quote MELLONPAC11.

Mate" which will be available for download prior to ATE, suitable for use onsite. Features include real time access to appointment schedules, announcements and access to the floor plans. ● EMIRATES HAS welcomed its 20th Airbus A380 to its

expanding fleet by announcing Melbourne and Tokyo as two new destinations for its flagship aircraft this year. The airline now operates three daily flights from Dubai to Melbourne, one non-stop, one via Singapore and the other via Kuala Lumpur. The A380 will operate as EK406, the non-stop flight from Dubai to Melbourne and on to Auckland from October 1.

● THE ANNUAL turtle nesting season has begun again on

Queensland’s Heron Island, with early sightings of green turtles coming ashore to nest on the Great Barrier Reef coral cay. In celebration of the annual occurrence, Heron Island Resort owners, Delaware North Companies, has partnered with the Sea Turtle Foundation, a non-profit, nongovernment organisation that is dedicated to safeguarding sea turtle populations, migration routes and habitats, to provide guests with a greater opportunity to understand and support the creatures.

For details see www.heronisland.com ● QANTAS HOLIDAYS is offering a free experience on

packages booked throughout this month based around iconic Australian cities. Guests booking a minimum of three nights at selected accommodation in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or Melbourne, along can experience a free local experience. As an example, guests staying three nights at the Travelodge Sydney, from £55 per person per night based on twin share, can opt for a two-hour beginner’s surf lesson on Bondi Beach.

For details see www.qantas.com.au/agents ● THE AUSTRALIAN Tourism Exchange (ATE) is being held at

the Perth Convention and Exhibition centre from June 1521. Australia's Outback will be the central theme of ATE 2012, demonstrating the destination’s strong identification with iconic outback landscapes, people and experiences.

Tourism Australia has developed a new trade events mobile Website and an iPhone/iPad app known as "Trade Events

● DARWIN, AUSTRALIA will enjoy improved connectivity

thanks to a new direct service with SilkAir, a wholly owned subsidary of Singapore Airlines, from March 26 when the carrier commences a four times weekly service between Singapore and Darwin. Virgin Australia will complement the new service by offering a new daily domestic service between Sydney and Darwin, effective from April 2.

For details see www.silkair.com ● AUSTRALIA’S HERON Island has announced details of its

2012 Dive Festival, which takes place from July 25-29.

Combining a range of diving opportunities with workshops and lectures, the festival is aimed at avid divers who have the option to take part in two dives daily, along with the option of night dives. There will also be a series of lectures and workshops to provide guests with more information about their environment.

See www.heronisland.com/Dive-Festival.aspx or email travel@dncinc.com ● DARWIN IS poised to welcome a new AU$40million Lagoon

resort. The new luxury villa beachside resort will complement the existing 120-room SkyCity hotel complex at Mindil Beach – home to the popular sunset markets. The resort will see the creation of a lagoon swimming pool with a pool bar and beach at one end. The new property will offer two super villas as well as 32-luxury guestrooms, some offering a swim-up, swim-out experience.

For details see www.skycitydarwin.com.au ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting its city tour of Melbourne which takes in Captain Cook's Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park - home of the Australian Grand Prix.

Guests can take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, see the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square, plus the Southbank waterfront precinct and some of the city's architecture before crossing the Bolte Bridge for views over the city. Prices lead in at £46 for adults and £23 for children, aged three-15 years.

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

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cruising The rise and rise of river cruising

by NEIL BARCLAY, head of sales, Viking River Cruises F ALL the sectors in the travel industry, few are enjoying such huge growth as river cruising. Last year was a massive one for river cruise companies and their agents, and this year looks set to be even bigger, with demand outstripping supply on key itineraries. With more and more players coming into the market, consumers are turning to those who deliver on destination and quality, new ships. Price is important but not the major incentive. Good value, however, is. If you’re not already familiar with the many benefits of selling river cruising, it’s time you jumped on board.

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Why is river cruising becoming so popular?

A river cruise is a great way to see a lot of different places – in a relaxed and easy fashion - and unpack just once.

Unlike an ocean cruise, a river cruise sails right into the heart of each destination and guests enjoy step ashore access with no long queues to disembark. No long days at sea, and no wave motion (so no sea-sickness) are also big advantages. Today’s river cruise ships incorporate luxurious, state-of-the-art design and engineering, and provide the ultimate in comfort and style.

As well as offering a more relaxed travel experience, guests enjoy a casual dress code, with no dinner jacket required and an open seating restaurant, so they can choose to sit where they like, whilst dining on the finest on board cuisine.

Who takes a river cruise?

Anyone and everyone is a potential river cruise customer.

Many river cruise passengers have taken land-based rail or coach tours and are looking for a more comfortable way to explore the world’s great cities, towns and countryside.

River cruising is also attracting ocean cruise passengers who are fed up with the all-singing, all-dancing mega ships on which they have to queue for everything. Carrying between 120 and 260 passengers, a river cruise offers a more relaxed and personal experience. Most river cruise companies don’t allow children on board; the age range is varied but it’s usually 50 plus and comprises of couples or friends travelling together, and inter-generational (mother and daughter etc). Singles are also welcome.

Introducing the new Viking Longships May sees the launch of four new Viking Longships, with more planned for the future. These revolutionary new

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ships feature spacious Veranda Staterooms, French Balcony Staterooms with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, Veranda Suites and two Explorer Suites that offer 270° views at the aft of the ship. Dining alfresco, surrounded by beautiful scenery on the Aquavit Terrace is another big draw of the new Viking Longships and Staterooms are selling fast.

More inspiring itineraries, more exciting destinations Budapest, St. Petersburg, Cologne, Vienna, Amsterdam, Prague – so many of the world’s great cities were built on the river, so that they were accessible. On a river cruise, guests can enjoy spending more time enjoying the history and culture of each place and less time travelling. The Rhine, the Elbe, the Danube, the Douro, Volga, the Yangtze, the Mekong – guests are treated to a new and different view from the river and, unlike an ocean cruise, the view is constantly changing. As well as daily shore excursions, many companies now offer interactive workshops and lectures.

Advantages of selling river cruises Fast growing in popularity, there’s never been a better time to sell river cruising. Earnings from commission are high and there’s no reason to discount – customers look for advice and knowledge rather than big savings. River cruising is a great value product, with just about everything included in the price.

Sales tips • With just about everything included, it’s important to tell your customers that they’ll have minimal financial outlay once on board. As an example, the price of a Viking river cruise includes flights, transfers, meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch, dinner and daily excursions. Tips are discretionary.

• If your clients have never river cruised, simply ask the question: "Have you thought about a river cruise?" They can enjoy seeing several countries on one trip, in relaxed and comfortable surroundings. From stunning European cities like Vienna and Budapest, or combining fascinating places like Moscow and St. Petersburg, they can enjoy a wealth of culture, history and magnificent, ever-changing scenery along the way.

Why wouldn’t you choose a river cruise? ✦

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cruising Cyplon launches Fly & Stay cruises CYPLON HOLIDAYS is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special cruising programme in cooperation with Louis Cruises. The programme is part of the dynamic packaging features that the operator is promoting, where travel agents can offer clients the flexibility of departures, accommodation basis and land-based activities.

Cruises are available to Greece, her islands and Turkey, with prices leading in at £564 per person. The programme also offers extensive land-based activities and journey extensions to include; Cyprus, Nile cruise, Red Sea Riviera and Dubai.

The operator’s sales and marketing director, Tass Anastasi, said: “It is extremely exciting for us to be here, celebrating 40 years in the industry. Our brochures and especially our cruise programme is packed with ideas for journey extensions, land based trips and of course incentives for our most value allies – our travel agents.”

There are three ships by Louis Cruises that offer three-, four- and sevennight cruises in Greece, the Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Rhodes and Crete as well as stops in Kusudasi and Istanbul in Turkey.

The Fly & Stay cruises offer flights to Athens, private transfers, one night’s breakfast stay at the five-star Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel and full board basis.

Brochure prices are based on Aegean Airlines flights but alternative flights to Athens are available from UK airports.

For details call 0800-074 888 or visit www.cyplon.co.uk

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SHEARINGS IS helping agents to capitalise on this year’s Jubilee celebrations by launching a royal-themed cruise based around the British Isles to coincide with the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year on the throne. The cruise, on MV Athena, will explore St Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, the 17th-century harbour of Honfleur in Normandy, Dublin and the Scottish Islands of Orkney and Mull. Highlights include a Captain’s Jubilee Gala Dinner and a traditional village fete, as well as a trip to London for the Jubilee celebrations. The 14-day itinerary departs on June 4 and costs from £1,498 per person. Departures are available from destinations across the UK via free Cruise Connect to port by coach. Customers who book before February 29 can also save 20% on the brochure price.

For details call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

CMV issues 2012/13 brochure with new pricing structure CRUISE & Maritime Voyages has launched its 2012/13 brochure offering 63 different cruises departing from six alternative UK ports.

The company’s sales manager, Michelle Daniels, said: “Thanks to remarkable agent’s support, CMV is sold out for the current winter season and we already have limited availability on many popular sailings for 2012. This is reflected in our pricing in our new main brochure which offers up to 25% off published fares on certain cruises as an incentive for bookings made before February 29.”

Prices start from £199 for a three-night mini-cruise, the Dutch Bulbfields Weekend, departing on Marco Polo from Tilbury on March 30. On Ocean Countess, prices start from £299 for a fournight Bank Holiday Break cruise to Amsterdam and Hamburg departing from Hull on May 4.

This year will see the cruise line adding new regional departures to meet demand from agents, with the Marco Polo cruising from Newcastle & Edinburgh (Leith) for the first time in addition to Tilbury. Ocean Countess will cruise from Liverpool, Greenock, Hull as well as Cobh (Cork) in Ireland.

New destinations and itineraries include an Emerald Isle Discovery cruise, a Maritime Heritage cruise that commemorates the Titanic journey, two Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration cruises, the Azores & Madeira, a French Leave Autumn cruise and a three-night Mystery Cruise.

Prices are per person based on two people sharing an inner cabin on a full board basis.

Evening entertainment and daytime activities are also included.

For details see www.cruiseandmaritime.com and www.cruiseandmaritime.tv or call 0844-414 6185.

Crystal’s VIP fireworks display to ring in New Year 2013 in Sydney CRYSTAL CRUISES is reminding travellers that it’s never too early to start planning New Year’s Eve by releasing details of an ultra-luxury, private floating party in Sydney Harbour to welcome in 2013. The celebration offers exclusive front-row “seats” to the world’s biggest New Year’s fireworks, free for guests of all ages on Crystal Symphony’s lavish culinary-themed seasonal cruise through New Zealand and Australia beginning on December 20.

The line has arranged VIP stationing under Sydney Harbour Bridge, inside the offlimits Harbour Exclusion Zone, for the pre-

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eminent fireworks vantage point. The intimate post-dinner soiree includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, premium open bar, music, dancing and a midnight Champagne countdown.

The 16-night Christmas and New Year sailing, from Auckland to Melbourne, costs from £8,005 per person when booked by February 28. The price is based on two sharing a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis.

For more information or to book call 020-7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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cruising RSSC unveils 2012/13 Grand Voyages brochure REGENT SEVEN Seas Cruises has launched its Grand Voyages 2012/13 collection which offers a series of sailings ranging from seven to 143 nights between October and June 2013.

The itineraries visit popular and culturally diverse destinations across the continents such as Halong Bay in Vietnam, Hobart in Tasmania and Antofagasta in Chile. Overnight stays are also offered in more than 25 major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka, Taipei, Mumbai, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Many cruises offer more than 40 free excursions, all of which are featured online and can be reserved up to 180 days before departure.

Other added value benefits include a free pre- or post-cruise land or hotel programme in cities such as

Singapore, Mumbai, Beijing and Hong Kong; a free one-, two- or three-night luxury hotel stay; and free experiences such as a three-day Taj Mahal land package.

Guests who choose a sailing longer than 50 nights (72-nights on Grand South America) will receive added benefits including Business Class flights, a pre-cruise overnight gala dinner and free visas. Preferential fares are also offered to guests who combine cruises.

As an example of prices, a 12-night Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro cruise departing on February 13, 2013 leads in at £6,379 per person. The price includes all suite accommodation, flights, transfers, free unlimited shore excursions, fine dining, premium spirits and wines, pre-cruise overnight stay and taxes.

For more information email salessupport@rssc.co.uk

Swan Hellenic highlights 14-day Med fly/cruise on new Minerva SWAN HELLENIC is promoting a 14-day ‘Postcard from the Mediterranean’ fly/cruise on its newly upgraded MV Minerva from £1,495 per person, based on inside cabin accommodation.

The price, which is based on a March 29 departure, includes flights, transfers and a 14-day voyage departing from Rome and calling at Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Sousse, Valletta, Piraeus and Istanbul. A programme of tailor-made shore excursions is also included in the price, as are talks by guest speakers, meals and entertainment, gratuities and all taxes.

Meanwhile, following the launch of “The Iron Lady” – the true story of Margaret Thatcher, Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic are offering passengers the chance to join a political debate at sea.

Clients can opt for a Venice and Adriatic cruise with Swan for £2,170 per person and hear first-hand from former Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Douglas Hurd. The price includes flights, transfers and a 15-day voyage departing from Valletta on August 15.

Voyages of Discovery’s Nordic Natural Wonders cruise leads in at £1,499 and offers political views from Sir Anthony Brenton, who worked for more than 30 years for the British Foreign Office.

The price is based on a July 12 departure from Harwich and prices for both cruises include meals, entertainment, on board gratuities, relevant taxes and guest speaker lectures.

For more information visit www.swanhellenic.com and www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

Norwegian Cruise Line introduces new youth programme NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced that it is revitalising its current youth programme and will implement a new best in class programme fleet wide. The re-branded programme will be introduced on Norwegian Gem in mid-February and will be rolled out to all of the line’s Freestyle Cruising ships subsequently.

The current programme, Norwegian’s Kid’s Crew, will be renamed and the age groups are being redefined to better address the skills and interests of children. The new age groups will be three to five years; six to eight years; nine to 12 years; along with two teen groups: 13 to 14 and 15 to 17 years.

There will also be programming for babies and toddlers aged six months to two years. The new curriculum, tailored to each age group, is being produced in conjunction with The King’s Foundation and Camps, a UK-based organisation that provides sport and activity programmes designed to make a positive impact on children. More focus will be placed on sporting activities, arts and crafts, theatre and technology.

The curriculum also includes creative themes, such as

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circus day, theatre /technology/sports and port of call day.

Meanwhile, the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, is to sail from New York to the Bahamas & Florida and the Caribbean in 2013/14.

Norwegian Epic Following a summer inaugural season sailing seven-night cruises from New York to Bermuda, the 4,000 passenger ship will embark on a series of 25 seven-night cruises to the Bahamas & Florida beginning on October 13, 2013. It will also sail two 12-night Southern Caribbean itineraries on January 5 and 19, 2014.

Call 0845-201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk

February 3 2012

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cruising We asked our staff the following question this week: What picture have you got as your desktop wallpaper?

DERTOUR HAS launched a new ‘Sea & Music’ cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and has a standalone brochure available on request for travel agents. Guests will sail the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on board MeinSchiff 1 and the itinerary visits Istanbul, Athens, Valetta and Ephesus. The programme includes chamber concerts by members of the ensemble on board and gala concerts under the direction of Herbert Blomstedt ashore. Prices start from £2,649 per person to include seven nights’ full board accommodation, flights, transfers, gratuities, port taxes and visas for onshore visits to concerts or as part of an organised excursion.

The itinerary departs from Heathrow on July 6 and prices are based on two sharing.

For details call 0203-131 2895 or see www.dertour.co.uk

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk My son with 19 of his friends at his 7th birthday party

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk My kids - Luis and Nadja

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk A cute picture of my sister's cat Willow

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Fowey estuary, Cornwall

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Stonehenge pic

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Our baby daughter Arissa

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk At work: Currently blank. At home: Our 6-month old niece

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Autumn landscape.. soon to be a spring landscape

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Spring deals on selected cruises from Hurtigruten AGENTS CAN now offer their customers the opportunity to save up to £456 per person on selected departures this spring with Hurtigruten.

Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage, seven-day Classic Voyage North and six-day Classic Voyage South, guests can take advantage of the special prices on various dates during March, April and May when booking an unspecified inside or

outside cabin before March 31, which will then be allocated on arrival.

The 12-day Classic Round Voyage leads in at £1,536 per person and offers a saving of up to £456.

The price is based on two sharing and includes full board on the ship and fuel supplement.

Flights are extra.

For more information or to book call 020-8846 2666 or see www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

Kolohe Andino pulling an air in Kai Nevilles latest surf film Lost Atlas

12-night Med cruise from £769 from Carnival

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com

CARNIVAL CRUISE Lines is offering a 12-night Mediterranean fly/cruise on its new 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze from £769 per person.

Departing from Barcelona, destination highlights include Naples, Dubrovnik, Venice, Sicily and the French Riviera.

The holiday departs London on October 13 and includes scheduled flights and a 12-night cruise on a full board basis, based on inside twin accommodation.

For more information or to book visit www.carnivalcruise.co.uk or call 0845-351 0556.

A solid blue background (how boring am I?)

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.

Crossword: Across: 1. HAVEN, 3. KOREA, 6. WILLIAM, 8. BLR, 9. IDAHO, 10. KUTA, 11. BAA, 13. ALBI, 15. RICKY, 18. ACT, 19.

JACKMAN, 20. MINSK, 21. ITALY. Down: 1. HAWAII, 2. NAIROBI, 3. KLM, 4. RABAT, 5. AVRO, 7. LCA, 10. KARACHI, 12. SYDNEY, 14. LUTON, 16. CAM, 17.

PALM, 19. JFK.

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

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

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February 3 2012

Highlighted Word: ALASKA Travagrams: (Top) Panama City

(Bottom) Funway Holidays

Where Am I?: Graceland

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