Travel Bulletin 5th October 2012

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October 5 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,797 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

this week

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agent bulletin find out what’s in store for Libra this month?

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W-AITO-Go! how one travel agency is using ‘partnership for profit’ to boost sales

Cruising New itineraries & the latest offers to whet your clients' appetite

far east showcase

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the night in pictures from our latest networking event

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southern africa new tours & the latest trends from operators, airlines & hoteliers

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North Cyprus 2013 anatolian sky holidays your award-winning specialist operator

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newsbulletin

BROCHURE BASH...Caribtours and The Private Travel Company celebrated the launch of their 2013 brochures recently, with a black tie gala dinner at London hotel Claridge’s.

More than 100 agents attended the launch, which began with a Champagne reception. Caribtours' new addition to the 2013 brochure is Puerto Rico, and to celebrate this, special guest Sir Bruce Forsyth and his wife, Puerto Rican born Lady Wilnelia, joined the reception, to enthuse about the destination and treat agents to photo opportunities.Pictured with Peter Eastaugh (centre) from Travellers World who picked up the award for the biggest booking, are the operator's Rebecca Burgess and Paul Cleary.

For details visit www.caribtours.co.uk and www.theprivatetravelcompany.co.uk

Cover Pictures: Main - ACE

Inset - Fotoseeker

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news

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agent bulletin

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W-AITO-Go!

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puzzle bulletin

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far east showcase

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cruising

this week’s latest announcements & product launches what’s in store for Libra this month? how one agency is using partnership for profit to boost sales complete the crossword for your chance to win a £50 Pizza Express voucher the night in pictures from Travel Bulletin’s latest networking event a round-up of the latest offers, new itineraries & product announcements

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indian ocean

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gambia

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southern africa

Enchanting Holidays issues dedicated Mauritius brochure new programme additions from The Gambia Experience new tours, deals & the latest trends from operators, airlines & hoteliers

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

New research finds industry could do more to help disabled people DESPITE THE success of the London Paralympics, new research has revealed that 86% of disabled people who responded to a recent survey think the UK travel industry is still not providing sufficient information about disabled access and facilities.

The survey, which was carried out by Adapted Vehicle Hire and Tourism For All UK, also revealed that 87% of respondents had been prevented from travelling because of their disability. A further 77% consider disabled access to be ‘very important’ when planning where to go on holiday.

London was identified as the part of UK with the best disabled access and facilities but despite improvements made in the run up to the Paralympics, the Underground was singled out for criticism.

The UK’s airports and train stations also fared badly in the survey with respondents claiming more needed to be done to make them accessible for all.

However, more than 92% of respondents thought that disabled access had improved overall in the past ten years, with 28% saying that access was ‘significantly better’.

Lorraine Farnon, managing director of Adapted Vehicle Hire, said: “The results of this survey clearly demonstrate that despite gradual progress, more needs to be done to make the travel industry more accessible for disabled people.

“Following the outstanding success of the Paralympics which has brought disability issues increasingly into the mainstream, there is now an opportunity to make real improvements to access and facilities across the UK.”

Eight in ten consumers recognise ABTA Logo ABTA CONTINUES to be the most recognised travel industry trade body among UK consumers with a 78% public recognition factor, according to new research conducted

by Arkenford for ABTA. After ABTA, ATOL is the most recognised travel trade industry brand (47%) followed by IATA (30%) and AITO (15%).

Public awareness of ABTA has held steady over the past 12 months, even though it has been a year of relatively few high profile travel crises and company failures. This trend may

have resulted in a decline in awareness levels of other logos strongly associated with financial protection, for example ATOL which has seen a 6% fall in public recognition year on year (from 53% to 47%).

The findings also show that the ABTA brand has continued to improve its strong positive associations among consumers in the last year, following improvements in 2011.

Younger travellers in particular are more ● continues on next page

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newsbulletin Silversea offers South Pacific voyages & world cruise in 2013 brochures SILVERSEA HAS issued two new brochures which showcase more than 200 voyages sailing throughout 2013 to more than 450 destinations on seven continents.

The 176-page 2013 Voyages Atlas features the journeys of Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit and provides a snapshot of "What's New" followed by detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including shore excursion recommendations, descriptions of land programmes, deck plans and general information.

The company's Expeditions 2013 Voyages brochure has also been launched. Formerly included within the company's main Atlas, it is now available as a standalone 48-page guide to Silver Explorer's voyages of adventure, and highlights 27 expedition cruises sailing from pole to pole and to some of the world's most remote destinations in between.

The line's president UK, Europe and Asia Pacific, Steve Odell, said: "Our new brochures reveal the many unique elements that are woven together to create an extraordinary holiday experience for our guests. These include intimate ships, luxurious amenities, superb cuisine, amazing destinations, and the ability our guests have to personalise their experience with bespoke land adventures, options for customising their suites and a choice of cruise-only or all-inclusive pricing."

For copies of brochures or for more information visit www.silversea.com or email salesuk@silversea.com

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aware of and have more positive associations with ABTA from a year ago. Nearly one in four (38%) of those aged 15-24 are aware of the association, which represents a slight increase from 2011 when awareness was 36% and a 7% increase from 2010.

Awareness of ATOL among this age group stands at 30% (38% in 2011).

Consumers also continue to have a clear understanding of ABTA’s role with 84% seeing the association as representing its members, and 58% of people being aware of ABTA’s role in setting industry standards.

Six in ten (60%) see ABTA as representing consumer interests, an increase of 5% from 2011 and seven out of ten people regard ABTA membership as essential or important when booking their travel arrangements.

The association's chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said: "In a year when travel crises and financial protection issues have been less prominent in the news it is great to see that ABTA recognition remains steady, showing that consumers appreciate the broader role that ABTA plays. In the last 12 months we have launched a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening our profile among younger travellers in particular, and it is very encouraging to see these have had a positive impact.”

National Holidays expands Showtime & Special Events range FOLLOWING THE launch of its Showtime & Special Events short breaks last year, National Holidays has expanded its portfolio for this year.

The programme features a selection of two- and three-day breaks which allow customers to experience a selection of concerts, live shows, exhibitions and sporting events in the UK and Europe.

Each break offers reserved coach travel, halfboard accommodation, inclusive excursions and ticket admission to a chosen event in one package.

Clients can book now to see music acts such as Jennifer Lopez, Cheryl Cole, Justin Bieber and Madness, as well as comedians such as John Bishop and Michael McIntyre.

The company is also running theatre breaks to see productions such as the new ‘Viva Forever’ musical and ‘Matilda’, while the Special Events programme includes the Horse of the Year Show, The Good Food Show and the Chelsea Flower Show.

To request a copy of the new brochure call 0844-477 8000 or visit www.nationalholidays.com

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: SPICE UP YOUR LIFE...This December, VIVA FOREVER the new musical featuring the music of the Spice Girls hits the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End and Superbreak has launched packages that combine overnight accommodation and tickets for agents to promote, with prices starting from £118. Pictured getting ready to sell the new deals are: Carol Hunter (left) from Kyle Travel in Barnard Castle, Graham Balmforth from Superbreak and Beverley Moffatt from Thomas Cook in Sunderland.

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

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● Bourne Leisure's latest 'UK Today' newsletter is

out today with all the news, fun and chances to win with Butlins, Haven and Warner Holidays.

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

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newsbulletin Discovery Cove trainer experience from AW ATTRACTION WORLD is giving agents the chance to sell tickets to be a trainer for a day at Discovery Cove.

The experience includes a 30-minute dolphin session, an enhanced deep water session with a private photo shoot, a behind-thescenes tour of the dolphin areas, plus all day access to the Grand Reef, Explorer's Aviary, Serenity Bay and Wind-Away River.

Also included is breakfast and lunch, plus all snacks throughout the day.

The package includes 14 consecutive days' entrance to SeaWorld and Aquatica and prices start from £316 per person.

To book or for more information call 0871-700 8888.

Just You adds new tours for 2013 JUST YOU has launched its 2013 brochure, featuring new itineraries.

Examples include a 13-day ‘Florida – The Sunshine State’ tour, which leads in at £2,199 per person; a ‘Calabria’ tour which costs from £1,199; and a ‘Lille and Bruges Weekend by Rail’ tour, which costs from £459.

Meanwhile, a ten-day ‘Inspirational China’ itinerary includes some of the country's major highlights including Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, as well as the Terracotta Army and the world’s largest Buddha at Leshan. Prices start from £2,099 per person including nine nights’ four- and fivestar accommodation, flights, transfers, all meals, 14 excursions and the services of a tour manager.

Call 0844-567 3319 or see www.justyou.co.uk

Travelport & Gulf Air renew agreement TRAVELPORT AND Gulf Air have renewed their full content agreement, which will ensure that all agents within the business services provider's worldwide network continue to have access to the airline’s full range of published fares and inventory.

The deal ensures all travel agents using Travelport’s Galileo Worldspan and Apollo platforms, have full access to the most up-to-date routes and fares from Gulf Air.

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @FredOlsenCruise Agents training session on board Balmoral Fri 16th Nov in Soton http://bit.ly/Moi4tq

Royal Air Maroc increases services to Casablanca from LGW ROYAL AIR Maroc is to increase the frequency of its flights to Casablanca. The non-stop service from Gatwick will resume on March 27 with flights on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The new schedule will see ten direct flights weekly from the UK to Casablanca next summer.

The timings will also allow onward connections to other domestic and West African destinations.

Flights will depart from Gatwick at 19:50, arriving at Casablanca at 22:05, while flights depart from Casablanca at 14:50 and arrive at Gatwick at 19:00.

For more information see www.visitmorocco.com ANDREW AND Lori Hall have taken over as general managers of Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis. The couple will share responsibility for the day-to-day operations, staff training and sales and marketing efforts. To mark the Halls arrival, the property has launched a special offer of seven nights for the price of five for bookings made

by October 31, for travel by December 19. The deal includes breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner.

For details see visit www.nisbetplantation.com

@superbreak Ticket and hotel packages are now on sale for the sensational Russell Watson at Lytham Proms. http://bit.ly/SqcBVC @pandocruises Wonderful name suggestions coming in for our new ship. Keep them coming! The name will be officially announced in December... @Holidaysplease 36% said they would most like to sit next to Kate & Will on a flight in our survey. Who would you want to sit next to? http://bit.ly/zh11DA @Irish_Ferries Amazing deals on short breaks to France! One night hotel stay in Cherbourg, 2 nights on Oscar Wilde... http://fb.me/2iO30OSMs

See in the New Year in Norway with Taber Holidays THIS WINTER Taber Holidays is offering guests an ‘Exploring the Lofoten Islands’ tour in Norway.

The trip, which departs on December 28, includes a Viking feast followed by a firework extravaganza over the Arctic Archipelago.

Guests may also be able to see the Northern Lights and New Year’s Eve will be spent exploring the western part of the islands, visiting Stamsund and Leknes. Guests will then continue to the Viking Museum at Borg for a Viking feast in the Chieftain’s House, before returning to the hotel in Svolvær to take in a firework display to mark the New Year.

A number of optional excursions are also available.

The four-night break costs from £1,598 per person and includes direct flights from Gatwick to Evenes, transfers, taxes, accommodation at the Rica Svolvær Hotel on a full-board basis and a number of excursions, based on two sharing.

For more information call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

@vikingriveruk Europe's amazing cultural heritage is your view on a luxury Viking River Cruise. 2013 brochure: http://bitly.com/O8c63Q

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

Lofoten

TIPTO announces new tour dates for series of travel agent roadshows TIPTO HAS announced new dates and locations for its forthcoming series of travel agent roadshows.

The first series of roadshows will start in Crewe on October 15, followed by Lincoln on October 22, Southampton on November 21, Worcester on November 22 and Preston on November 28.

Changes have been made to the roadshow series this year following feedback from TIPTO agents. On the venue choices, the team has included a number of unusual venues this year

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including Sixways Rugby Club in Worcester as well as popular hotels in key cities. A number of roadshows will also be held on Monday for the first time.

The roadshow series will also include a number of dedicated events for groups of agents all working for one company or consortia.

For more information on the roadshow tour dates and venues visit www.tipto.co.uk or email kerri.thorpe@thenetwork-uk.com

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newsbulletin Flight & holiday savings of up to 27% from British Airways BA HAS launched a ‘Go after the Games’ sale, offering savings of up to 27% off flights and holidays from Leeds Bradford Airport.

The airline will launch flights from Leeds to Heathrow on December 9 and the sale, which is on now, means customers can connect with more than 90 destinations based on travel dates from now until July 12.

The all-inclusive fares include free luggage allowance, free online check-in and seat selection 24 hours before departure, along with complimentary food and drink on-board.

Holidays on offer include three nights in New York from £599 per person with flights from Leeds via Heathrow and three-star breakfast accommodation.

Alternatively, a two-night break in Amsterdam costs from £239 per person with flights from Leeds via Heathrow and four-star breakfast accommodation.

For more information on flights or to book call 0844-493 0787 or visit www.ba.com/sale For details on holiday packages call 0844-493 0758.

Olympic expands in Cyprus & adds Thassos to 2013 weddings brochure OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has launched its 2013 Weddings, Honeymoons & Renewal of Vows brochure covering Cyprus, Greece and Malta with more hotels and a range of new venues for ceremonies.

The operator has added five hotels in Cyprus, introduced the Greek island of Thassos and expanded the choice on Rhodes and Kos. The company now arranges weddings on ten different Greek islands, plus Cyprus.

Cyprus hotel additions include the new So Nice Boutique Suites and So White Boutique Suites. Couples

seeking a more unusual Cyprus venue to tie the knot can now opt for a castle by the sea in Paphos or Larnaca, the Kouyioka Water Mill in Paphos or the Hadjiantonas Winery in Limassol.

On Malta, the company offers a 200year-old farmhouse, the Villa Bologna, a family home dating from 1745, the Notre Dame Gate - an historic gateway to the Maltese town of Cottonera, and the Sacra Infermeria in Valletta.

For next year, the operator has cut the cost of its three-tier package of Cyprus wedding extras: gold now costs £599, silver £259 and bronze £199.

So White Boutique Suites, Cyprus

For more information call 0844-499 0055 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

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newsbulletin Estonian Air announces flights to London City Airport ESTONIAN AIR is introducing flights to London City Airport from Tallinn on March 1 next year, with three flights weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The carrier will add a Thursday flight from May 2 and, from June 1, the route will be served with six weekly flights daily except on Sunday.

Flights from Tallinn will depart at 07:30 and arrive at London City at 08:20, while flights from London City will depart at 08:50 and arrive at Tallinn at 13:30.

One-way fares start from €79.90.

For more information visit www.estonian-air.com

Cox & Kings issues 2013 Europe brochure with new group tours COX & KINGS has launched its Europe brochure for 2013, featuring new luxury group tours to Spain and Scandinavia, private tours to Portugal and Iceland, short breaks to Austria and new rail journeys across Western Europe, which has seen passenger number increases of 30% since last year.

Luxury tours range from the company's Classic Russia option, which leads in at £1,895 for eight days with a luxury upgrade, to new tours such as Land of the Fjords, which costs from £1,885 for eight days.

Tailor-made holidays are also featured, with suggestions for exploring regions in greater depth.

For more information visit www.coxandkings.co.uk/europe

Go

www.travelbulletin.co.uk ON YOUR BIKE...pictured marking a new cycle scheme launched by Nottingham City Council, which offers visitors bike hire from £4 per day to explore the city's sights, is Simon Redgate, manager of Nottingham Tourism Centre. The hire also includes unlimited use of city buses, trams and trains, giving tourists full use of transport links across the city. Bicycles are available from the Nottingham Tourism Centre and from the Broadmarsh Bus Station.

For details see www.experiencenottinghamshire.com

WEBSCLUSIVES ●

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

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Photo coverage, supplied by Fotoseeker, of Travel Bulletin’s Far East Showcase event from 25th September can be viewed on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/events

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The Benidorm Tourist Board competition that was recently held on www.travelbulletin.co.uk was won by Hannah Mair of Voyager Travel Direct.

Sunvil Traveller updates Latin America brochure SUNVIL TRAVELLER has restyled its Latin America brochure and has added new itineraries to its programme.

The brochure, which is presented in a new compact size, is split into two sections – Central America and South America and pages include ‘Traveller Tips’, a map of each area with key destinations marked, an ‘At a Glance’ summary and suggested itineraries with ‘guide’ prices rather than ‘from’ prices.

Recommendations for both romantic and family travel in Latin America are featured, along with 22 new hotels and a new cruise vessel, the Anahi catamaran, based near the Galapagos Islands.

Prices lead in at £2,756 per person for a trip to Costa Rica, based on two people sharing. It includes flights from Heathrow, private transfers, 14 nights’ breakfast accommodation and private excursions with Englishspeaking guides.

For more information or to book call 020-8758 4774 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

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All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ● AGENTS CAN win an iPad 3 courtesy of Simply Luxury by Travel 2 with its latest Cathay Pacific campaign. To enter the prize draw, agents must make a booking with Simply Luxury before October 9 including flights with Cathay Pacific. The more bookings made, the more chances agents have of winning. Agents also have the chance of winning an Apple Macbook Air with the operator's new incentive in partnership with Tourism Victoria, Tourism NT, Qantas and Tourism Australia. For a chance to win one of four Apple Macbook Airs, agents must make a booking to Melbourne, Victoria and the Northern Territory with Travel 2 including flights with Qantas before October 31.

For details visit www.travel2.com ●

THE LUFTHANSA Group is giving agents the chance to win a pair of Business Class tickets on completion of its training course, which helps agents learn about its four carriers Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines. Once agents have completed all five modules they will be entered into a draw to win one of four pairs of tickets to a variety of European destinations, along with a range of other prizes.

For details see www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk

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RIVIERA TRAVEL has launched a new eLearning course at www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk. Agents who complete the course before the end of the year will be entered into a competition to win a mini-tour to Bruges on the Eurostar.

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GOLD MEDAL has launched its latest incentive, the Golden Touch, which gives agents the opportunity to win £50 per week by identifying some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

During the 12-week promotion which runs through to December 2, one agent will also win an eight-night holiday to Malaysia for two.

Each week during the promotion period, the operator will be featuring an iconic photo on their offer emails that has been given the “golden touch”. Agents need to identify the destination in the photo to be in with a chance of winning the £50 Love2Shop voucher. In addition, agents entering the competition every week will also be entered into a grand prize draw to win a “golden” eight night multi centre holiday for two. To enter, agents should email the name of the “golden” destination to win@goldmedal.co.uk by the end of each Sunday to be in with a chance of winning the £50 voucher.

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It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Libra?

BE ON the look-out for networking opportunities this month - they can really help catapult your career.

You'll be in an especially contemplative mood this month, particularly when it comes to your social/love life. Don't let past experiences put you off planning your future as each new encounter will be different to what you expect it to be.

Lucky day: Friday Lucky number: 33

SEOUL WINNER...To mark its new service from Gatwick to Seoul, Korean Air teamed up with The W Hotel Seoul-Walkerhill & Regent Phuket Cape Panwa to offer one travel agent the chance to win a trip to Seoul & Phuket for two people by making a booking with the carrier. Pictured is Ji Young Lee (second from left) from H.I.S Travel Europe, who won first prize in the competition. Picture with Ji is, from the left: James Park, Korean Air; Joan Lee, Flight Centre Queensway; and Allan Ortiz, Emerald Travel.

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!

by ROBERT TURNER Hyde Barker Travel

Developing partnerships for profit & other ways to run a successful agency If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got,” – so says James P. Lewis in one of his 12 principles for achieving excellence in managing projects, teams and organisations.

“

He’s encouraging us to adapt our commercial practices and to present ourselves in fresh, exciting and pioneering ways. This is exactly the approach adopted by Hyde Barker Travel over recent months.

Founded in 1948 and situated in the picturesque Nottinghamshire Minster town of Southwell, we are one of the longest-established agencies in the country.

Following Hyde Barker’s acquisition by specialist tour operator Silver Fern Holidays in March 2011, the agency has been refurbished, re-branded and re-launched to meet the needs of the discerning traveller in today’s world. It’s interesting to reflect on how and why.

We focus on providing distinctive holidays and unique worldwide adventures to clients within the East Midlands.

We believe that perceptually this offers a clear, unique selling proposition. It will also hopefully attract younger clients - so necessary for the long-term sustainability of any business - and enable us to offer them inspiration, reassurance and quality, the same hallmarks and ethos as those underpinning AITO. During the autumn of 2011, we decided to concentrate on recommending and selling fewer tour operators.

Having identified our preferred business partners in every sector of our market - which were mainly AITO operators - we met with each one of them in order to develop closer commercial ties. We called this initiative ‘Partnership for Profit.’ This has resulted in the growth of our business with our key suppliers, particularly in the long-haul sector.

We also decided that our ground-floor sales office needed refurbishing. This has already seen an increase in footfall, and we are building upon this with our new travel lounge and research library. It features an extensive collection of maps and travel guides to give clients access to additional resources, going ‘beyond Google’ to provide the very best face-to-face advice and to enhance the overall booking process.

Interacting with the local community is something we take seriously. We’ve devised a series of informative talks under the banner “Around the World in 80 Minutes” on various destinations. These are held in our local library or the town’s Deli, with the emphasis on providing current

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and potential clients with information and fresh ideas.

We’ve also introduced an annual Southwell Travel Show every January (peak time, of course, for people thinking about booking a holiday), so named to make it a town event. Donations received as a result of these events are then given to our designated local charity.

Our Website has also been revamped and contains information about recommended hotels and resorts, but clients are always encouraged to make contact with us, as people always buy from people (as Ted Wake of Kirker so often reminds us!) and we know that the personal touch we provide is what truly adds value to the booking process and benefits the client.

Here are my top five tips for a successful agency, based on many years’ experience in this fascinating business of ours: ● Have an interest in people. In any sales job you need to display a genuine interest in helping people. ● Show enthusiasm. People buy from people they like. ● Work on your ability to judge well/your insight (in other words, build up good business acumen); put things right for clients quickly and effectively when things go wrong, as they sometimes do. ● Learn from others, especially those in the travel industry. Learning should be ongoing. ● Have good product knowledge. It is also essential to know those you are doing business with. AITO Agents and AITO operators know each other well, meaning a personal touch from start to finish.

To respond to any of Robert’s views email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 083

Hysterical Dido

A➠

B➠ A holiday with this tour operator will never go the long way round

C➠

Apron Zest

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, October 11th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 21st September is Sarah Jones, Barron Travel in Gwynedd.

September 21 Solution: A=2 B=5 C=1 D=3

Crossword

Sponsored By

This glitzy French city shares its name with a type of sun cream

Where Am I?

Second largest city in Portugal. UEFA Europa League winners 2011.

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword to submit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prize draw and one lucky winner will win £50 Pizza Express vouchers.

Closing date for entries is Thursday October 11th.

Across 1. Major car rental company (5) 3. West African country (4) 6. Polish airline (3) 8. Spanish city (7) 9. Scenic Slovenian lake (4) 10. Airline alliance (4) 13. Capital of the Algarve region (4) 14. TV sitcom, The Big ___ Theory (4) 16. Popular island holiday destination (7) 18. Stansted airport code (3) 19. Scandinavian capital city (4) 20. Rocky Mountain state (5)

Down 1. The Script's No1 single feat. Will I Am (4,2,4) 2. Capital of Croatia (6) 3. Asian based carrier, ___ Airways (4) 4. India's smallest state and popular tourist destination (3) 5. State capital of California (10) 7. Tour operator specialising in Scandinavia (5) 11. Flows through Lisbon (5) 12. Lilongwe is the capital of this African country (6) 15. Title of the first James Bond film (2,2) 17. British boy band (3)

Number: 083

Congratulations to Susan Shaw, Travel Experience who won the 21st September crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 October 5 2012

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eventbulletin TRAVEL BULLETIN held its Far East Showcase networking event on September 25 at The Lotus Floating Chinese Restaurant in London’s East End. The event kicked off with a welcome reception, featuring a selection of Chinese canapés, followed by a speed networking session, before concluding with a Chinese buffet meal as well as entertainment and a free prize draw. Here’s a snap shot of the night in pictures…

Photo coverage sponsored by

I N T E R N AT I ONA L

and Russell Small from ft) (le r ste eb W d vi Da BAGS OF FUN… Lician Beaupierre ith w ed ur ct pi e ar on gt Flight Centre Islin lletin collecting their Travel Bu el av Tr st Ju t No m fro Allen goodie bags.

CHINESE WHISPERS… catching up at the reception are, from the left: Jas Anand from Anand Collection, George Canakis from Secret Escapes, Ian Wilkinson fro m Cathay Pacific and Steph Cooke and Rich Smith from Secret Escapes

MISS SAIGON… Renee Shemw ell (second left) from An Lam Villas Vietna m showcases her product to Michelle Breen (le ft) from Thomas Cook Lewisham , Sylvia Shayler (middle) from Thomas Cook Am ersham and Amy Griffiths of Thomas Coo k Lewisham 12

October 5 2012

LOTUS BITES… enjoying the canapés are, from the left: Felipe Gomez from COMO Hotels & Resorts, Lesley Wright fromTravel Indochina and Andrew Hoskins from Bangkok Airways

THAI SMILES… Tunwa Kittikupt (far right), managing director Thailand at Surreal Holidays is pictured with, from the left: Jill Doherty, Karen Brooks and Tamara Taylor all from Travel-PA www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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FAR EAST FAM… Kayle igh Hunt from LJR Consultancy presents Dway ne Brown from Thomas Cook Ealing with his priz e of an eight-night complimentary fam trip for two to Thailand and Vietnam .

BIG IN JAPAN… Yumi Takakubo (second from right) from the Japan National Tourism Organisation showcases the latest attractions to, from the left: Mizue Kawai, Makiko Toyohara and Tsuneko Hayashi , all from AWL

DRAGONS’ DEN… attendees enj oy the entertainment during the buffet dinner at The Lotus Restaurant

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el (second TITAN-IC BROCHURE… Anisha Pat from Titan from left) and Ashley Rushman (left) bowale reveal their latest brochure to Tosin Sho d Clara from Peacock Travel and Tours Ltd an Browning from Flight Centre

BALI TIME…Sophie McCarthy from Alila Villas Bali presents Stephen Creaton from Round the World Experts – Team Atlas with two nights’ accommodation at Alila Manggis and a two-night stay at Alila Ubud for two people

READY STEADY COOK… Emem Godswill (right) from Peacock Travel and Tours Ltd collects her Indochina cookbook prize from Lesley Wright of Travel Indochina

WINNING BUBBLES… Dominic Carrick from If Only presents a monogrammed and personalised Aspinal of London passport cover and a bottle of Champagne to Chrissy Mackenzie-Cooper from Travel Counsellors October 5 2012

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Five Star Premium Cruising early ADVANTAGE

7 NIGHTS FROM

£699

book early and save

PER PERSON

FREE PARKING on roundtrip Dover cruises+

By booking early, your clients may experience the spectacular scenery of the Baltic or Norwegian Fjords in both style and value with premium Holland America Line in summer 2013.

Our spacious, mid-sized ships accommodate far fewer guests than most. Guests stepping onboard will find elegant lounges adorned with fine art and antiques; large, comfortable staterooms, most with ocean views, and many with private balconies; restaurants that sparkle with chandeliers, crystal and conversation – including the intimate “Pinnacle Grill”. Traditional features such as polished brassware and the wrap-around teak promenade deck.

All creating the ambience of a gracious hotel at sea, and featuring Holland America Line’s special “Signature of Excellence”.

• Early Advantage benefits include worry free deposit^, lower early booking fares and free upgrades!

• Spacious staterooms, many with private balcony • Nearly one crew member for every two guests • Fine dining with casual to formal options • Culinary Arts Centre, presented by Food & Wine magazine • Greenhouse Spa and Salon • Enrichment at sea and explorations ashore • Full days ashore and overnights in some ports 7-Night Viking Sagas

FL NO YI NG

ms Ryndam 11 May*; 8 Jun* & 3 Aug 2013 Roundrip Dover • Early Advantage fares from £699pp • Free upgrade from inside to ocean view • Worry free deposit means changes can be made without penalty^

7-Night Norse Legends

FL NO

FL NO YI NG

YI NG 14-Night Jewels of the Baltic

ms Ryndam 4 May*; 1 Jun*; 13 Jul 2013 Roundrip Dover • Early Advantage fares from £699pp • Free upgrade from inside to ocean view • Worry free deposit means changes can be made without penalty^

FL NO Y

IN 14-Night G Voyage of the Midnight Sun

ms Ryndam 18 May*; 29 Jun 2013 Roundrip Dover • • • •

ms Ryndam 15 Jun*; 20 Jul 2013 Roundrip Dover

Overnights in St Petersburg and Stockholm Early Advantage fares from £1,499pp Free upgrade from inside to ocean view Worry free deposit means changes can be made without penalty^

• • • •

Cruise beyond the Arctic Circle!

Early Advantage fares from £1,599pp Free upgrade from inside to ocean view Worry free deposit means changes can be made without penalty^

CRUISE ONLY FROM

CRUISE ONLY FROM

CRUISE ONLY FROM

CRUISE ONLY FROM

£699

£699

£1,499

£1,599

NO FLYING

EARLY ADVANTAGE FARE PP

Interior Stateroom £699 Ocean-view Stateroom £699 Verandah Suite £1,399 Deluxe Verandah Suite £1,699 *Lead in fares based on 11 May & 8 Jun 2013

NO FLYING

EARLY ADVANTAGE FARE PP

Interior Stateroom £699 Ocean-view Stateroom £699 Verandah Suite £1,399 Deluxe Verandah Suite £1,699 *Lead in fares based on 4 May & 1 Jun 2013

NO FLYING

EARLY ADVANTAGE FARE PP

Interior Stateroom Ocean-view Stateroom Verandah Suite Deluxe Verandah Suite *Lead in fares based on 18 May

Verandah Suite

£1,499 £1,499 £3,199 £4,499

NO FLYING

EARLY ADVANTAGE FARE PP

Interior Stateroom Ocean-view Stateroom Verandah Suite Deluxe Verandah Suite *Lead in fares based on 15 Jun

£1,599 £1,599 £3,199 £4,499

Thermal Suite, Greenhouse Spa

Reservations: 0844 338 8600. www.hollandamerica.co.uk Have you completed HAL Academy yet? visit www.halacademy.co.uk Fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only basis including taxes. Upgrade offers are valid on select sailings and in select categories only. For more information about stateroom categories and suite descriptions, to view deck plans please refer to www.hollandamerica.co.uk. For full Holland America Line terms and conditions, refer to the Holland America Line 2013-4 Worldwide Cruise Holidays brochure. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. It is the responsibility of guests to ensure they have a full passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date travel is to commence. + Free parking offer on request only applies to one vehicle per booking and is available on ocean view and above staterooms. ^ Worry Free Deposit: a 15% deposit is required for all cruise bookings. Changes to guest names, sailing date, accommodations booked and price promotion can be made up until 90 days prior to sailing (or final payment date), whichever is first.

Bookings cannot be changed within 90 days of sailing. Terms and conditions apply.

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cruising

DERTOUR IS increasing the number of MS Mozart sailings on the Danube from 12 to 25 next year. Two itineraries of eight and 15 days on the five-star ship are offered, with an option to take tailor-made holidays in Austria, Germany or Hungary. As an example, an eight-day itinerary includes Passau,Melk, Esztergram Budapest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Krems before returning to Passau. Cruise-only prices start from £668 per person including seven nights’ full-board accommodation, based on two sharing. A package including flights from Heathrow and transfers to the ship is also available from £1,109 per person.

For details call 020-3131 2895 or see www.dertour.co.uk

Findings from The Tourism Society's sustainability debate THE TOURISM Society’s recent debate on whether cruising is beneficial to all destinations, which was chaired by William Gibbons, director of the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), revealed diverse views from the panel on the possible impacts, good and bad, of visiting the world’s 1,000 ports across the seven continents.

Mark Watson from Tourism Concern made a comparison between cruising and allinclusive resorts, reporting that both stifle the growth of sustainable types of tourism, offer little benefits to host destinations and trap locals into making decisions to favour the multinationals. David Selby of Travelyields highlighted that cruising adds the benefit of increased access points to sites such as Petra in Jordan which are notoriously hard to reach.

This risk posed by taking large ships to small islands was another subject raised, and many panel members concluded that with a growing industry there was plenty of opportunity for cruise companies and local destinations to work together to create a long term solution.

For more information visit www.tourismsociety.org

Oceania Cruises increases ex-UK cruises for 2013 OCEANIA CRUISES has increased its ex-UK sailings for next year from four to 11.

The new sailings include a 14-night ‘Northern Knights’ tour round Britain sailing on Nautica and departing from Southampton on June 11, with a return to Tilbury, and two Britain ‘Isles & Fjords’ round trip sailings from Southampton on July 29 and August 15 on the 1,250-passenger ship, Marina.

Other ex-UK departures include two departures on the line's 11-night `Scandinavian Serenade’ from Southampton to Stockholm on June 11 and August 10, 2013 on Marina, calling at Norway, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Russia, where the ship spends two full

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days. On July 3 the company’s `Voyages of the Midnight Sun’ departs from Tilbury to cruise the west coast of Norway on Nautica, sailing to the glacial island of Longyearbyen (Spitzbergen), where guests can take in the midnight sun.

Two further sailings, both from Southampton to Barcelona, include Nautica’s `Continental Shores’ ten-night cruise around the west coast of France and Portugal, and Marina’s 12-night `Cultural Connoisseur’ sailing which follows a similar route and also takes in Bruges, Le Havre and St Malo.

For more information visit www.oceaniacruises.com or call 0845-505 1920.

Musicians jazz up Crystal Cruises’ South Pacific voyage CRYSTAL CRUISES’ Grand Pacific Interlude voyage, which departs on November 25, will feature live daily performances from a host of guest jazz musicians, while guest speakers will also appear as part of the line’s Visions Enrichment programme.

Until October 31, allinclusive 'book now' fares start from £5,714 per person.

Meanwhile, at New Year, guests can embark on a southern Australia ‘Experiences of Discovery’ itinerary, which departs on January 5 and features health and wellness experts who will lead complimentary classes and seminars. A 12-night allinclusive voyage costs from £4,340 per person.

Both cruises include flights, transfers, one night’s pre-cruise hotel accommodation, deluxe stateroom accommodation and all port taxes and gratuities.

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

October 5 2012

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cruising Hebridean Island Cruises joins forces with The Royal Scotsman

Jan Simpson, a Travel Counsellor from Southampton asks : “I have a client who always cruises over the Christmas and New Year period but isn’t sure if he should book now or wait a little longer for an even better deal?”

The Cruise Doc says: As with every holiday, in the end it always comes down to price; how to judge when you’ll get the best possible deal is always tricky and depends entirely on your client and their expectations.

We all know Christmas is a time when many people want to get away from the cold winter weather and judging by the past Summer there’ll be more people than ever looking for a break. In the past, the cruise industry has often offered the best discounts around 6 weeks prior to departure, looking to sell-off the remaining cabins. But this is changing as cruising becomes more popular. And one of the biggest problems everyone now faces is air availability and the increasingly expensive fuel costs, pushing air prices up and up. My advice would be to offer your client a good selection now, see which ones tick the boxes and then get the best deal you can. I’m sure one of my crew at Major Travel could help on 08000 355 686 or major4agents.co.uk Question for Dr McKenna?

E-mail on andrew@major4agents.co.uk

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HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises has Hebridean Princess teamed up with the Royal Scotsman train for the first time to offer guests a tour of Scotland.

New for next year, a choice of three- or four-night pre-cruise packages on The Royal Scotsman will take guests deep into the heart of the Highlands. The pre-cruise rail journeys will end with a chauffeur service to Oban for one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast at the five-star Isle of Eriska Hotel before guests board the Princess.

As an example of prices, a sevennight Hebridean Autumn cruise that incorporates The Western Journey, offers an additional three nights on The Royal Scotsman and also features a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, views from the West Highland Line, walking on the Morar Sands and a visit to Mount Stuart House. Prices lead in at £8,025 per person based on two people sharing a cabin and include transport to and from the ship, meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

All bookings for next year also come with free single trip travel insurance.

For more information call 01756-704704 or visit www.hebridean.co.uk

New poll reveals going on cruise is top priority in retirement plans NEW RESEARCH from www.bonvoyage.co.uk has revealed the top ten things people plan to do when they retire, with buying a villa abroad and going on a cruise top of the results.

The company conducted the poll of 1,785 people aged 45-60 in the UK, all of whom were still in employment. The study initially asked respondents: "Do you already have plans for when you retire?", to which 83% responded "Yes", and these people were then asked to specify exactly what they planned to do, and were able to choose from a list of multiple answers.

Buying a villa abroad came top with 52%, while going on a cruise was chosen by 41% of respondents.

Some 36% of the respondents who admitted to already having plans for their retirement stated that they had already started saving money towards their plans.

For more information see www.bonvoyage.co.uk

All Leisure Holidays & C&M Voyages team up ALL LEISURE Holidays has joined forces with Cruise & Maritime Voyages to offer cruises in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The line's 700-passenger ship, ‘Discovery’, which currently operates under the Voyages of Discovery banner, will now be operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages from February next year, following a scheduled extensive dry-dock and refurbishment.

The joint venture will offer regional departures and a small-ship traditional cruising experience to a UK-focused audience, with departures from ports across the country including Liverpool, Harwich, Hull, Bristol and the Port of Tyne, as well as fly/cruises from destinations in Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

Mini one-night cruises start from £69 per person, with a five-night cruise costing from £409 per person.

October 5 2012

Longer cruises from five to 18 nights are available, with a two-week cruise costing from £1,129 per person, including all meals and entertainment. Itineraries and destinations on offer include ‘Natural Wonders & Wildlife’ which tours Orkney, the Faroe Islands and Iceland and ‘Baltic Symphony’, calling at Estonia, Denmark and Russia.

Key additions to the ship during the refurbishment include the introduction of an explorer theme across the whole ship, a new piano bar – Scott’s Lounge, a new speciality restaurant, a ‘look-out’ lounge and an al fresco dining terrace with an allweather awning. Voyager will offer a choice of 270 cabins, almost 90% of which are outside cabins and 30 of which have balconies.

For more information call 0845-430 0274 or visit www.cruiseandmaritimevoyages.com

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cruising Alaska Inside Passage from ACL FOLLOWING THE success of its inaugural 2012 season in Alaska, American Cruise Lines has announced that its Alaska Inside Passage cruises will resume in June next year.

A complimentary shore tour package and precruise hotel stay will be offered on all Alaska cruises and ports of call include Glacier Bay, Icy Strait/Hoonah, Skagway, Petersburg and Tracy Arm. The ship, American Spirit, offers a range of amenities, including an elevator to all decks, glass-enclosed lounges and oversized staterooms, the majority of which have private balconies which offer views of the Alaskan scenery.

For more information visit www.americancruiselines.com

Bales Worldwide offers savings on cruise itineraries BALES WORLDWIDE has introduced a range of new offers across selected cruise itineraries.

Examples include an eight-day ‘Nostalgic Nile’ Egyptian itinerary on an exclusive ‘Dahabiyya’ cruise, with prices starting from £1,995 per person, based on two adults sharing mixed-board accommodation and departing on October 13.

Alternatively, a nine-day ‘New Peruvian Amazon Discovery’ itinerary offers

sightseeing in Lima, Iquitos and Nauta, Peru, with a stay on the MV Aria river boat.

Prices start from £4,190 per person, with two adults sharing mixed-board accommodation.

All tours include flights, guides, a private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and a sightseeing itinerary, including entrance fees.

For more information or to book call 0845057 0600 or visit www.balesworldwide.com

Titan issues World's Best River Cruises brochure TITAN HAS released the latest edition of ‘The World’s Best River Cruises’ 2013 brochure, featuring five-star river cruise products in exclusive partnership with Uniworld.

The brochure showcases 30 itineraries, including perennial favourites such as the eightday Castles Along The Rhine, which leads in at £2,099 per person.

New additions include an eight-day Venice & The Po River itinerary which costs from £2,199 and an 11-day Impressions of China & The Yangtze, which introduces a new vessel, the Century Legend, and costs from £3,699.

Also featured are two new festive itineraries, Grang Christmas & New Year's Cruise from £3,799 for 13 days and Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise from £2,999 for 11 days.

Clients booking before December 31 are offered early booking discounts of up to £500 per person, while members of the company's Privileged Client Club receive an additional £100 per person saving.

For more information visit www.titanagents.co.uk

AECO increases guidelines to protect arctic environment THE ASSOCIATION of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) is increasing the number of guidelines for specific sites in Spitsbergen from nine to 21 next year, to ensure the continued protection of this vulnerable destination in order for guests to continue visiting it in years to come.

Jørn Henriksen, environmental manager at Hurtigruten, said: "We welcome these new guidelines with open arms. We understand that we have a responsibility to be respectful of the waters and destinations we sail and to protect them to ensure they stay open to tourists. It is encouraging to see that specific areas of the eastern archipelago are now being studied by external scientific experts to ensure that we safeguard the area so people can continue to experience it. Our guests really like the fact that they help towards this by paying a small

Spitsbergen Fram

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October 5 2012

environmental fee as it’s their way of giving something back."

The company offers three itineraries in Spitsbergen on various dates in July and August 2013.

As an example of prices, a nine-day 'In the Realm of the Polar Bear' costs from £3,896 per person and offers a complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen. The price, which is based on two sharing, includes seven nights' full board on MS Fram, a night's prevoyage in Longyearbyen including breakfast and lunch, a city tour of Longyearbyen and landings and lectures by expedition team.

Flights are extra and a package including flights, taxes and transfers, costs from £792 per person.

For details call 0844-448 7601 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk

NCL renovates Pride of America NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced that its latest vessel in the company’s ship revitalisation programme, Pride of America, will enter dry dock in March for major enhancements, including the addition of 24 new luxury suites and four studio staterooms.

Dry-docking in Honolulu, Hawaii, the 2,124-passenger ship will also receive wireless internet connectivity; new carpeting; flat screen TVs in all staterooms; updated décor; upgrades to the fitness centre; new directional signage; and renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery.

The 24 new suites on Deck 13 will be outfitted with premium custom furnishings, fabrics, carpets and luxurious bathrooms, with two becoming Deluxe Owners Suites.

In addition, guests staying in a suite will receive a dedicated butler and concierge.

For details call 0845-201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Including early booking discounts and two new cruises

TRAVEL T TRA AV VEL AGE AGENT ENT INCENTIV INCENTIVE VE Book any late Uniworld cruise between 1 October and 31 December 20 2012 12 and choose a pr p present esent fr from om under the Titan T Christmas tr tree e ee To T o claim m yyour prize p e-mail: agentadmin@titantra agentadmin@titantravel.co.uk g avel.co.uk*

NEW NE EW 2ND EDITION BROCHURE OUT T NOW! For mor more e in information nformation please visit www.titanagents.co.uk www w.titanagents.co.uk or call 0800 988 5867 Terms T er e ms & Conditions: V Valid alid for new bookings made between 01 October Octo ober and 31 December 2012 for bookings dep departing parting befor before e 31 January 2013. T To o claim just email email your booking reference reference within 7 days of makin g the booking to agentadmin@titantravel.co.u ck your Secr ret e Santa present present from from under the tree! tree! e making agentadmin@titantravel.co.ukk with a choice of A B C D or E and we will pic pick Secret

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cruising Hapag-Lloyd Cruises sets sail with MS Europa 2 next year HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises has launched its first English language brochure, featuring information on the 516-passenger MS Europa 2, the sister ship of Europa, which will join the line’s fleet in May next year.

The brochure, which includes a price insert, offers details of the ship’s 26 itineraries from May 2013 to April 2014 across the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Asia.

It also offers an introduction to the ship's crew and facilities, which include eight restaurants, six bars, a culinary school, spa and fitness area, theatre and a jazz club.

A Veranda/Ocean Suite costs from £3,030 per person for a seven-night voyage from Monte Carlo to Valletta in Malta, departing on June 8, based on double occupancy.

For every booking made by a new customer, agents will receive 2% additional commission on the cruise-only price. This applies to all bookings for cruises on the ship departing next year.

For more information or to book visit www.hl-cruises.com

Silversea announces 113-day world cruise for 2014 calling at 29 countries SILVERSEA HAS announced that it will start 2014, which is its 20th anniversary year, with a 113-day World Cruise, which will encompass 54 ports in 29 countries, with 12 overnights and eight late departures.

Setting sail from Los Angeles on January 6 the voyage, on the 382guest Silver Whisper, will circumnavigate the entire globe calling at Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand before a two-day call at Sydney. The three days in Hong Kong and two days in Shanghai that follow will allow an extensive range of Overland Adventures, and a myriad of half and full day excursions.

Guests will then spend a month exploring Asia calling at Japan,

Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia before arriving at Myanmar. Silver Whisper will remain at dock in Yangon for three days to allow guests time to discover the colonial architecture of Burma’s largest city, monumental Shwedagon Pagoda, and Bagan with its 2,200 temples and pagodas. The antiquities and urban contrasts of India, Oman, Jordan and Egypt are followed by twin calls in the Holy Land.

The global journey concludes with a sweep of former capitals of empire Constantinople (Istanbul), Athens and Rome and Messina, Sorrento and Monte Carlo, while an overnight stay in Barcelona will conclude the World Cruise.

Options are also available to extend the journey, by adding a pre-cruise Panama Canal voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles (17 days), or extend from Barcelona to Lisbon (seven days) or Southampton (16 days).

Full World Cruise guests will enjoy a range of added benefits including a gala Bon Voyage evening at the Montage Beverly Hills (or similar), baggage valet service, inclusive air (or air credit), onboard spending credits, exclusive shoreside events including an overnight visit to Angkor Wat, with dinner in the shadows of Bayon Temple.

Prices start from £33,650 per person based on double occupancy.

For more information call 0844-770 9030 or visit www.silversea.com

Voyages of Discovery issues new ‘Price Promise’ for summer 2013 & winter 2013/14 VOYAGES OF Discovery has introduced a new ‘Price Promise’ – a pledge to customers and agents that if the cost of their cruise goes down in price at a later date, they will be offered an equivalent benefit in value.

The Price Promise applies to standard fares on all summer 2013 and winter 2013/14 sailings from April 29 2013, and means that, should the standard fare on a cruise reduce prior to departure, the company will refund the difference in the form of on board credit or a cabin upgrade to any passengers already booked.

Coinciding with the launch of the summer 2013 second edition brochure and the new Winter 2013/14 preview brochure, the Price

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Promise encourages passengers to book their cruise early to be assured of receiving the best value fare. Standard fares also feature a range of benefits including on board gratuities, service charges and coach transfer or free car parking at UK ports for no-fly cruises. All passengers booking a higher grade cabin on cruises from summer 2013 onwards will receive a complimentary chauffeur service within 75-miles to the port or airport.

The line's sales and marketing director, Geoff Lawrence, said: “We have always been committed to providing excellent value for our passengers and want to ensure that those who book

early get a great deal. The Price Promise means that customers who book next year’s cruise today won’t miss out on a better deal coming along at a later date, and also allows agents to assure their customers that prices won’t be undercut.

“While we may opt to introduce saver fares further down the line on specific cruises, early bookers can still be confident that they have received the best value for money as the saver fares will not include all the benefits available on our standard fares, nor will passengers be able to choose their preferred cabin and the fare will be payable in full at the time of booking.”

Meanwhile, the new winter 2013/14 season sees Voyager heading to the Far East with 21 new ports of call for the brand including Dubai, Tokyo and San Remo through to itineraries in India, China, Myanmar, South Korea and Japan.

Voyager will also call at Bangkok (Thailand) and berth in the heart of the city - a completely new venture for the line, made possible due to the small size of Voyager.

The company is also offering a 5% early booking discount on all winter 2013/14 bookings made by October 31.

For more information or to book call 0844-822 0820 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

October 5 2012

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cruising Travelsphere issues dedicated Cruise Selection brochure with new itineraries for 2012/13 TRAVELSPHERE HAS launched its new Cruise Selection 2012/13 brochure, which offers new cruise itineraries as well as the chance to book early for 2013.

The brochure offers a range of river, ocean and cruises from the UK, to destinations across the world, from Japan and Alaska to South America and the Greek Islands, with prices starting from £999 for nine days.

New for next year is the Lands of Fire and Ice cruise which combines Hawaii and Alaska. The 17-day cruise is

fully inclusive and starts with seven nights on Pride of America followed by seven nights on Norwegian Pearl.

Departures are available from May to September 2013 and prices lead in at £3,799 per person including flights, transfers, meals and on board entertainment.

Other new itineraries include, ‘Japan and Alaska’, a 21-day tour on MS Volendam, which costs from £2,999 departing in April 2013, and the ‘Greek Isles from Crete’ , a ten-day exploration taking in the volcanic island of Santorini, the islands of Kos and Mykonos, as well as

Rhodes - available from £1,299 departing from June to September 2013.

Meanwhile, the company is offering an eight-day ‘Christmas Markets aboard the AmaCerto’ cruise through the Wachau Valley for £1,749 per person, departing on December 13.

After a flight to Munich, the cruise boards in Nuremberg, with a day to explore the Christmas markets before embarking on a further seven days cruising. Highlights include the Christmas markets at Nuremberg, Regensburg, Linz, Vienna and Budapest; a sightseeing-

cruise of Budapest by night; a cruise through the Wachau Valley ; and optional excursions such as a Mozart & Strauss concert and a tour of Salzburg.

The price includes seven nights' full board accommodation, excursions as listed, complimentary bicycle hire, flights from Heathrow, transfers, special highlights including lectures, theme dinners and musical performances as well as welcome drinks and Captain’s Gala Dinner.

For more information visit www.travelsphere.co.uk or call 01858-588406.

Great Rail Journeys adds new river cruises in ‘Cruising By Rail 2012/13’ launch GREAT RAIL Journeys has introduced new river cruises in its ‘Cruising By Rail 2012/13’ brochure.

The holidays have various departure dates between December and October next year and the overall lead-in price is £528 per person for the six-day ‘Rhineland Markets’ cruise.

Other new itineraries include a ten-day ‘Mozart Danube’ cruise, priced from £1,675 per person, including First and Standard Class rail travel from St Pancras; a sevennight cruise on MS Mozart in a two-

berth cabin with all meals and wine with dinner; two nights’ half-board hotel accommodation; guided tours of Melk Abbey, Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna; visits to Esztergom, Dürnstein and Göttweig Abbey; winetasting in Krems, porterage for certain sections of the tour; and the services of a tour manager and cruise director.

Meanwhile, a 12-day ‘Rivers & Coasts of Andalucia’ tour costs from £2,575 per person, which includes First Class rail travel from St Pancras; one night on the overnight

MS Sea Spirit marks new programme with Thames sailing

Francisco de Goya sleeper service from Paris to Madrid in a two-berth compartment; three nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast; a seven-night cruise on MS Belle de Cadix; breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the cruise, including selected beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; sightseeing tours of Madrid and Barcelona; a fullday excursion to Granada; porterage for certain sections of the tour and the services of a tour manager.

For more information call 01904521980 or see www.greatrail.com MS Sea Spirit

QUARK EXPEDITIONS recently hosted agents and tour operators on MS Sea Spirit, as it sailed down the Thames. The event marked the company's announcement that from next year, Arctic passengers will be able to travel on Sea Spirit, the line's luxury all-suite adventure ship, on any of the Spitsbergen, Greenland or Iceland itineraries.

The ship, which has previously been used exclusively for the company's Antarctic season, features larger cabins, exterior views in every cabin and allinclusive beverages on every voyage.

For more information call 0808-120 2333 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com

Azamara Club Cruises announces 2014 deployment of twin ships AZAMARA CLUB Cruises has announced the 2014 deployment of its twin boutique ships Journey and Quest.

The line’s new programme will enable guests to experience the nightlife of destinations around the world that larger ships cannot reach, and includes 45 maiden port calls.

Highlights of 2014 include a 12- to 17-night voyage on Journey throughout the East and South China seas from January through April, alternating departures from Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mumbai and Chennai.

Meanwhile, a pair of trans-Panama Canal voyages between Miami and Costa Rica are examples of what will

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be offered on Quest, plus a new series of Sea of Cortez and Central America sailings, ranging from ten to 14 nights.

Guests on both ships will have more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff and shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available.

Prices lead in at £1,073 for a four-night Monaco Grand Prix sailing, based on two sharing an inside stateroom, departing on May 22 cruise-only.

For more information or to book call 0844-493 4016 or visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk

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indianocean THE SPA at Velassaru Maldives has been renovated to offer enhanced facilities and services to guests. Improvements include an extension on the degrees area, a revamp on the steam room and an upgraded relaxation lounge.

For details see www.velassaru.com

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts opens Sri Lankan property CINNAMON HOTELS & Resorts is due to open its new retreat, Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, this month. The 200-room property, which is located on the south west coast of Sri Lanka and close to the Sinharaja rain forest, offers a spa, two swimming pools, a gym and a range of dining outlets.

Other facilities include a VIP experience with an exclusive wing featuring 28 deluxe rooms and two suites with a balcony, plunge pool and a Jacuzzi.

The wing offers a dedicated lounge, check-in facilities, swimming pool and restaurant.

The property will also offer guests a range of local culture experiences and activities, with conservation a main focus. The resort supports the nearby turtle conservation project where guests are encouraged to help and are welcomed to support the release of baby turtles into the ocean.

Superior rooms cost from £126 per night on a bedand-breakfast basis.

For more information or to book visit www.cinnamonhotels.com

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Enchanting Holidays issues dedicated Mauritius brochure ENCHANTING HOLIDAYS has launched its 2013 dedicated Enchanting Mauritius brochure, which features 47 hotels and resorts on the island.

The operator's head of product, Shafique Cockar, said: "Our choice ranges from some of the most exclusive resorts to some of the most popular five-star luxury and medium standard hotels.

"We are dedicated to working strongly with our trade partners and provide travel agents with a basic commission of 13% with opportunities to earn even higher levels. Throughout the year we also offer numerous other financial incentives.

"Our programme to Mauritius is essentially a luxury product with an average booking value of around £5,000 per couple. Therefore, agents can earn some extremely rewarding commission levels. We encourage agents to talk to us and use our expertise on Mauritius.

Next year we will again be hosting some luxury fam trips to Mauritius. Agents should watch out for these and also for our regular and special agency staff booking incentives.”

New hotels on offer in the brochure include the Four Seasons Resort, Angsana Balaclava, the revamped Ambre and The St. Regis Mauritius, which opens next month.

The brochure also details a selection of special offers from early booking and wedding & honeymoon discounts to free nights and child deals. Flights are offered with Air Mauritius, British Airways and Emirates.

Cockar said: “Mauritius is a dynamic destination and with the recent influx of new up market properties the destination now offers a whole host of world-class hotels. This is great for the punter - the product is comprehensive and the stiff competition means more competitive prices. I am delighted that our Mauritius sales in 2012 have been outstanding.

We are 40% up on last year and our yield has also increased by around 9%. I thank our travel agent partners for their fantastic support.”

Spiritual Retreat launches at Shanti Maurice in Mauritius SHANTI MAURICE in Mauritius is to launch a new Spiritual Retreat this winter, offering an opportunity for guests to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate.

The property will play host to the first nonreligious Spiritual retreat, which takes place from November 19-25. The week-long break will run annually, focusing on spiritual, mental and physical wellness through various forms of yoga, guided meditation, mantra chanting, spiritual discourse, Reiki Healing, rejuvenating spa sessions and optional detox programmes.

This year's retreat will focus on ‘Inner Engineering’ a programme that helps to

establish a balance between the challenges of a hectic life and longing for inner wellbeing.

As well as the daily sessions, entertainment will be provided by Isha Foundation’s Music Team as well the African Drum Café.

The all-inclusive Spiritual Retreat includes either a five-hour ‘Spa Unlimited’ package, or a five-night Yoga Detox package.

Prices for the retreat experience lead in at €2,600 (approximately £2,036) per person and include up to eight hours of daily sessions.

Room rates start from €555 (approximately £434) for a Junior Suite per night, including breakfast.

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indianocean Vitality Experience from Lux Resorts LUX RESORTS has announced a new ‘Vitality Experience’, which is scheduled to launch in Mauritius and the Maldives in November.

Ranging from three to seven nights, the experience has been created to help guests relax, unwind and learn how to lead a healthier lifestyle by focusing on fitness, spa, diet and mind.

Guests will receive three personalised spa treatments, three fitness activities and three yoga sessions aimed at introducing lifestyle fitness changes.

It also features a healthy cooking class and eating plan to be followed throughout the stay as well as back home.

The experience costs from €500 and is available at the company's Belle Mare, Grand Gaube and Le Morne properties in Mauritius and its resort in the Maldives.

Autumn deal from Sri Lanka's Reef Villa & Spa REEF VILLA and Spa in Sri Lanka has announced a new autumn offer which offers guests US$250 credit per suite to spend in the spa, when booking any five-night stay between October 15 and November 15.

The property offers seven palatial suites, along with a pool, tennis facilities and private yoga lessons. Prices start from US$440 per night.

For more information visit www.reefvilla.com

New airport opens in Gaafu Alifu Atoll TO MARK the 40th anniversary of tourism to the Maldives, a new airport has launched in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, opening up the unexplored south of the Maldives, and allowing easier access to its resorts.

Domestic carrier Maldivian flies direct twice daily from Malé to Kooddoo Airport in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll in 45 minutes.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is one of Gaafu Alifu Atoll’s newest resorts.

Previously an hour’s flight and an hour’s speedboat ride from Malé, it is now accessible from Malé in just over an hour, cutting overall journey times by nearly half.

The resort has recently re-launched following extensive refurbishment and offers 50 contemporary villas; a 360degree beach; an interactive Island Grill restaurant; and a spa which uses the healing benefits of Dhivehibey, the traditional Maldivian medicinal practice.

For more information visit www.maldives.hadahaa.park .hyatt.com

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort marks December 12 with 12% discounts OLHUVELI BEACH & Spa Resort in the Maldives is offering exclusive deals from December 1 to December 18, in celebration of the rare occurrence of a triple digit date - 12.12.12.

The property is offering 12% off excursions - from snorkelling safaris to dolphin spotting on a sunset cruise, with prices starting from US$40 per person. Other 12% discounts apply to spa treatments and wedding celebrations, and 14 nights for the price of 12 plus a 12-course tasting menu are also being highlighted.

Rates lead in at US$320 per night, based on two sharing a Deluxe Beachfront room on a bedand-breakfast basis. Full access to the resort's facilities, which include an infinity pool, gym, spa, PADI dive centre, table tennis, volleyball court and a selection of restaurants and bars, are included in the price.

For more information visit www.olhuvelimaldives.com

THE FIVE-STAR deluxe Constance Le Prince Maurice Hotel in Mauritius has reopened after a major refurbishment, which includes an additional 12 family suites, a new spa and a floating bar. To celebrate the reopening, the hotel is offering a 30% discount off room rates, valid until December 23.

For details see www.princemaurice.com

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gambia New programme additions from The Gambia Experience THE GAMBIA Experience has added new options to its Experience Collection.

These include a Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, where two nights' full board costs from £375 per person (see www.gambia.co.uk/chimpcamp) as well as Birdwatching Tours, where threeday itineraries lead in at £425 per person - see www.gambia.co.uk/chrispackham.

The operator's product manager, Karen Durham, said: "We are pleased to announce that our bookings are up yearon-year with our Luxury and Unique Collections performing well, particularly the Kairaba Hotel and Ngala Lodge, and we have also increased our flight capacity for the forthcoming season.

"We are delighted to re-introduce the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project into our programme for this winter, which offers unique exploration upriver, as well as maintain exclusivity on many of our luxury features, including Premium Class flying and deluxe hotels such as the Coco Ocean Resort & Spa and award-winning Mandina Lodges at Makasutu.”

Meanwhile, the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this winter by donating £25,000 of flights and £25,000 of funds to good causes in The Gambia.

The complimentary flight seats will be selected at random during two draws; one of which takes place this month and the second in January. Up to 25 charitable and sustainable projects will be awarded the monetary funds, and these will

be announced along with the second draw.

The Gambia Experience is currently inviting charities to apply, by completing a form by October 28. The applicants will be assessed by a panel who are especially interested in educational or social causes that are making a positive difference within The Gambia.

The operator's managing director, Chris Rowles, said: “As of this winter, The Gambia Experience has been providing holidays to The Gambia for 25 years and is proud to remain the destination specialist.

In addition to our usual support we wanted to do something really special to mark this anniversary and support those who share our appreciation of ‘Africa’s smiling coast’.”

For more information visit www.gambia.co.uk/25years-donations and www.gambia.co.uk or call 0845-330 4567

Mandina Lodges, Makasutu

Fast Facts GAMBIA HAS become an increasingly popular tourist destination over the last few years, particularly appealing to Europeans seeking sun, sea and sand during the winter months. The country is also renowned for its variety of cultural experiences, including cuisine, craft markets and music. With a population of approximately 1.7million, the country is situated around the Gambia River, its namesake. One of the smallest countries in Africa, Gambia gained independence from Britain in 1965 and is a member of the Commonwealth.

Location: West Africa - surrounded by

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Senegal except for a short coastline on the Atlantic Ocean in the west.

Time: -1hour GMT during British summer time Language: English.

Area: 11,295 km² Population: 1.7million Capital: Banjul Currency: Dalasi Telephone code: +220 Flight time: Six hours (Gatwick to Banjul) Passport/visa requirements: UK citizens do not require visas Health requirements: Anti-malaria medicine is recommended and visitors are advised to take insect repellent, antifungal creams and disinfectant.

For more information visit: www.visitthegambia.gm

Intrepid offers new Nomadic West Africa tour INTREPID TRAVEL has added a new 36-day Nomadic West Africa tour to its portfolio. The tour will travel overland through Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Ghana, giving visitors a feel for the sights of West Africa.

Passengers can explore mangroves, trek across wild savanna to hidden waterfalls, and relax on beaches. Prices lead in at £1,550 per person.

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gambia New Gambia winter 2012/13 programme from Cosmos Holidays features new Eco Lodge COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its Gambia programme for winter 2012/13 with a range of two- to fourdiamond rated accommodation including an Eco Lodge.

The three-diamond rated Footsteps Eco Lodge has been awarded the Travelife gold award.

Located in the resort of Gunjur, the hotel grows 55% of its own produce, has West Africa’s only solar powered

fresh water reed filtered pool, has all of its power generated by solar or wind and its very own resident bird expert.

A seven-night breakfast stay leads in at £839 per person or guests can opt for a twin-centre seven-night stay combining three nights at Eco Lodge and four nights at threediamond rated Kombo Beach from £889 per person.

Prices include flights, bed-andbreakfast accommodation, transfers and 20 kilos per person baggage allowance. Flights are available from Gatwick.

Accommodation-only is available in Gambia through the operator's trade Website, somewhere2stay.com, and leads in at £12 per person per night based on the two-diamond plus Palma Rima in Kotu.

Kololi Beach

The Gambia ...too hot to ignore!

25 25 YEARS YEARS 1987~2012

SERVING THE GAMBIA

1987~2012

SERVING THE GAMBIA

Experience a superior holiday service with the West Africa specialists. Holidays to suit all including packages, multi-centres, tours and weddings. Choose from the widest collection of accommodation including boutique and spa hotels, all-inclusive resorts, plus exclusive unique lodges.

For brochures, trade log-ins & agency support call

0845 330 2066 Gambia.co.uk/Trade

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southernafrica

HAYES & Jarvis has recently added to its five-star Kruger National Park offering with the inclusion of Thornybush Game Reserve. The operator’s Africa product executive, Emma Mitchell, said: "Diversity is South Africa's biggest selling point, with the chance to see the Big Five, whales and winelands, and stay in some world-class hotels and game reserves.”

Full board accommodation and game drives cost from £303 per person, per night.

For more information visit www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

New photography safari in Botswana from TripAfrica TRIPAFRICA HAS teamed up with Pangolin Photo Safaris to offer a new nine-night trip, including a five-day wildlife photography course in Botswana.

The course is set in Chobe National Park where guests take part in the ‘Photographers Footsteps’ safari, which travels from Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta, in search of the perfect shot.

The Photographers Footprints safari runs monthly and costs from £4,465 per person. It includes accommodation at a range of lodges, a selection of excursions including a sunset boat trip on the Zambezi River, transfers and flights from Heathrow.

For more information email safari@tripafricatravel.com

Great Plains unveils new Bostwana camp GREAT PLAINS Conservation has opened Selinda Explorers Camp in the Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana.

The property offers four canvas tents and can accommodate a maximum of eight people.

Tents are designed in the style of the early explorers, with Campaign–style furniture, glass decanters, Persian rugs, flush toilets, copper sinks and bucket showers.

The camp is ecologically sensitive with 100% solar power, grey water treatment and fresh bore–hole water for drinking.

Guided walking and canoeing tours, as well as day and night game drives, are available to guests.

Rates start from US$368 per person in low season on an all-inclusive basis.

For more information see www.greatplainsconservation.com or email reservations@greatplainsconservation.com

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve introduces new safari for children KWANDWE PRIVATE Game Reserve has launched a safari exclusively for children. Horns & Stripes Wildlife aims to overcome the usual age restrictions imposed on game drives by introducing treasure hunts, finger painting and a complimentary child-minding service.

The reserve’s location in the malaria-free Eastern Cape has made it a popular destination for families and a range of wildlife centred activities have been added to keep children entertained. These include a wildlife drive that takes children five years and under out to spot non dangerous

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animals such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, tortoises and warthogs.

Children receive a ‘Rangers in Training’ backpack with a bug collectors jar, magnifying glass, a booklet for identifying wildlife, colouring pencils, sun hat and a special craft pack made by the community centre. On completion of the safari, children receive a certificate.

Kwandwe’s Ecca Lodge offers a family-friendly accommodation option, featuring six suites with lounge areas, private decks and plunge pools. A new policy allows two children aged 16 and

under to share with their parents. The lodge also offers a dedicated play area with TV & DVD player, books & puzzles, art & craft kits, a chalk board wall and a pool.

Prices start from approximately £340 per person based on two sharing on a full board basis, including drinks and safari activities. Children under six years and sharing with their parents stay for free, while children aged six16 pay half price.

For more information or to book email reservations@kwandwe.co.za or see www.kwandwe.com

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southernafrica New walking tour from Taj Cape Town TAJ CAPE Town has launched a guided walking tour, ‘Footsteps to Freedom’, to offer guests the opportunity to take in the city's sights.

It covers key heritage sites in Cape Town’s historic city centre and, in association with the Only Team - a specialist team of tour guides, offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the city’s history.

The tour, which runs from Tuesday to Saturday, lasts for two hours and costs R200 (approximately £16) per person.

South Africa property launch from Sun International SUN INTERNATIONAL is set to open The Grayston in Sandton, South Africa in December, following a £20million refurbishment.

The four-star deluxe hotel will offer 276 rooms plus a free shuttle service to the Sandton Gautrain and Tambo International Airport.

Facilities include conference and seminar options including private, open plan rooms with writeon walls, a barbers and a spa that specialises in African treatments, many specifically aimed at for business travellers.

Meanwhile, the company has invested R1billion to upgrade and provide new

New room at The Grayston

facilities at the Eastern Cape’s biggest entertainment complex, The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World, in Port Elizabeth.

The Boardwalk offers 24hour entertainment and, when completed in

December, will also offer casinos, underground parking facilities, a multipurpose conference facility and business centre, a fivestar hotel with a restaurant, spa and fitness centre.

For more information visit www.suninternational.com

CAPE TOWN Tourism has compiled a toolkit to help the travel trade promote the city.

It includes Web banners, posters and adverts available to download, as well as top reasons to visit to highlight to clients.

See www.capetown.travel/content/landing/travel-trade for details.

&Beyond unveils upgraded Ngala Tented Camp &BEYOND HAS announced the reopening of its Ngala Tented Camp in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

Having undergone a refurbishment, the camp now features six safari tents with outdoor showers, baths and private wooden decks overlooking the Timbavati riverbed.

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October 5 2012

The rebuild has been constructed with a light footprint, with each tent designed to incorporate existing trees, while the floors and roofs of the tented suites are made of double-lined canvas to reduce electricity usage.

For more information or to book visit www.ngala.co.za

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...no expense spared

Safaris Safar ris with luxury as stand standard. dard.

Indulge in an authentic Af Indulge African rican bush adventure adventure without compromising comp promising quality or c comfort. omfort.

Botsw Botswana wana the only choice for an ou outstanding utstanding safari.

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southernafrica We asked our staff the following question this week: Which charity would you play for on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays has added a new Southern Africa tour to its 2013/14 brochure. Part of the company’s ‘Explorations’ programme, which limits groups to a maximum of 20, the 15-day tour begins in Cape Town and includes seven wildlife safaris in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and a visit to Victoria Falls. Prices lead in at £4,249 per person based on two sharing, including meals, flights and transfers.

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk The Shooting Star Children's Hospice - they do some amazing work

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk STEPS - supports children & adults affected by a lower limb condition

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Alzheimer's Society

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk ChildLine

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Any cancer charity

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Cancer Research UK

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Macmillan Nurses

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com

New family experiences from Scott Dunn SCOTT DUNN has launched new family experiences in Africa, from islandhopping in Mozambique to private horse-riding in the Matlapeng Valley.

As an example, Camp Davidson, which features three decked canvas tents, offers exclusively to guests for a private horse-riding adventure.

During the stay guests set out across rugged tracks to spot hippo and giraffe, swim with the horses and share stories around the camp fire at nightfall.

Seven-night family riding safaris cost from £8,374 per family of four on an all-inclusive basis, including all riding activities, BA flights and transfers.

For more information see www.scottdunn.com or call 020-8682 5070.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL Skills Safari has launched a new mobile tented safari, which includes wilderness survival training. It explores The North Luangwa National Park, giving participants lessons on how to survive in the African bush. Safaris can be tailored to suit specific requests from clients and will run for between four and six people, although larger groups can be accommodated on request. A six-night all-inclusive Bush Survival Skills Safari costs £3,935 per person based on four travelling, including transfers and flights from Heathrow.

For details email safari@tripafricatravel.com

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puzzlesolutions Travagrams: (top) Direct Holidays

(below) San Tropez

Where Am I?: Porto

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