Travel Bulletin 8th June 2012

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June 8 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,782 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Dynamic packaging A round-up of the latest products & deals to offer your clients

this week agent bulletin 9 Pontins offers free onenight stay for agents & their families

NEW! fam feedback an agent’s experience of a KwaZulu-Natal fam trip

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event bulletin

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the night in pictures from our Greece & Cyprus showcase networking event

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romania Blue Air to start working with UK travel trade

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CARIBBEAN ESCAPADE...AITO Agents took a group of agents on a Caribbean fam trip recently to the island of Mustique. Sponsored by AITO operators, ITC Classics and Complete Caribbean, the trip was awarded to the top eight selling AITO Agents in the AITO All Stars incentive scheme over the first half of last year. Pictured taking in the sights are, from the left: Peter Holmes, Classic Travel; Chris Edwards, ITC Classics/Complete Caribbean; Caroline Peacock, Deva Travel; Gemma Antrobus, Haslemere Travel; Oliver Broad, Robert Broad Travel & AITO Agents' chairman; Graham Knight, The Travel Bureau; Sarah Rayner, ITC Classics; Rosie Doran, Edwin Doran Travel; Carolyn Lodge, Carolyn Lodge Travel; and Bryony Hordern, Tickets Anywhere.

This Week news 3

the latest industry trends, launches & offers

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Cover Pictures: Main - Affordable Car Hire

Inset - Fotoseeker

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agent bulletin Pontins is inviting agents and their families to a complimentary one-night stay at one of its five refurbished coastal holiday parks

NEW! fam feedback travel agent Yaksha Varia shares some of her experiences from her fam to KwaZulu-Natal

puzzle bulletin win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher by playing Su Doku

event bulletin the night in pictures from our Greece & Cyprus showcase event

dynamic packaging a round-up of the latest products & deals to offer your clients

romania Blue Air starts working with UK travel trade for the first time since commencing operations

israel new programme additions to entice your clients to book

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WTM conference analyses industry's long-term prospects THE TRAVEL and tourism industry’s longer term prospects are good, delegates were told at the recent WTM Vision Conference, which took place in Florence.

Despite the global financial problems which continue to impact the industry, Euromonitor International Travel and Tourism analyst, Angelo Rossini, predicted that the next five years will be brighter and highlighted the growing middle classes in the emerging countries, which now have the money and the hunger to travel.

He added tourists from developed countries would continue to travel but that they would just look for cheaper alternatives.

He said: “The long-term prospects are good for the travel and tourism industry. It is very hard for people to give up travelling, so they will look for cheaper options such as short breaks or low cost holidays.”

Meanwhile, the industry’s technology was criticised for being behind the times at the conference. Amadeus Italia marketing director, Tommaso Vincenzetti, said that the technology the industry currently uses makes it seem outdated.

He said: “Technology should bring advantages for us in our working lives as it does in our private lives. The industry works in a way which is way behind what people are used to.”

The WTM Vision Conference series has expanded this year, taking the number of events to five. The Florence event was the final in the series which has also travelled to Moscow, London, Dubai and Shanghai.

Research reveals nearly two thirds of British couples argue on holiday EBOOKERS.COM HAS undertaken research that reveals almost two thirds of British couples end up arguing while on holiday, with as many as a quarter (25%) arguing by the third day of their break.

Topping the list of factors contributing to holiday fall-outs are: Not agreeing how to spend time together (34%), spending too much time together (27%) and spending too much money (27%).

The research, which polled 2,000 Brits, delved into couples’ holiday habits revealing that arguments are starting before couples even set off on holiday, with not being able to agree on the holiday destination (52%) and the frustrations of the holiday booking process (37%) rocking the relationship boat. However, despite couples feeling the tension from ● Continues on next page

June 8 2012

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spending 24-hours a day with their loved one, more than half (56%) have come back from holiday feeling their relationship was stronger.

The research also found that women are more likely to blame alcohol (26%) for fueling arguments on holiday, compared to men who are more concerned with their partner eyeing up others on the beach (12%).

Newsbites ●

Taber adds Four Capitals Tour TABER HOLIDAYS has added a Four Capitals Tour which explores the Scandinavian capital cities.

The itinerary starts in Stockholm where guests spend the first two nights and highlights include the Royal Palace and the Old Town. The next night is spent sailing to Helsinki, where guests take a tour of the Finnish capital and also have free time before the return cruise to Stockholm and onward coach journey to Copenhagen – home for the next two nights. In addition to a city tour, highlights include dinner at the famous Tivoli Gardens.

The trip concludes with travel with DFDS Seaways to Oslo, which includes a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland Sculpture Park and free time.

Prices for this eight-night escorted tour lead in at £2,216 per person, based on two sharing, and include flights, transfers, accommodation, all sailings, the services of a tour escort and most meals. Departures are on selected dates in July and August.

Meanwhile, the company has launched its summer programme to Iceland and Greenland with the inclusion of three new tours. The extended portfolio now features the ‘Best of Iceland’, ‘Grand Tour of Greenland’ and ‘Viking Challenge’ itineraries, taking the total offered for both countries to 13. These include a mixture of fly/drive, city break, escorted, self-catering, self-guided, activity and specialist cruising options.

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

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ALASKAN DREAM Cruises has appointed sales and marketing agency Discover the World Marketing as its UK representative as it looks to sell through the trade and work closely with UK travel agents. The company provides small ship, intimate cruise experiences in Alaska’s wilderness, offering three-, six-, eight-, ten- and 13-day cruises on newly renovated 42 to 66 passenger ships. Cruises start from $899 for a three-day Glacier Bay Quest and all packages are commissionable at 10%.

For details call 020-7107 2303 or visit www.alaskandreamcruises.com NORWEGIAN HAS signed an agreement to lease two additional Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners for its future long-haul operations, with expected delivery in early 2014.

TAM AIRLINES’ passengers who want to travel toand-from China and Brazil now have a faster route option. With the expansion of the codeshare agreement between TAM and Air China, passengers can now fly to-and-from Beijing and Brazil through Paris, with a connection at Charles de Gaulle Airport, from where they will travel on flights of the Chinese airline.

TWO OF the management team at Attraction World have been announced as finalists in the Midlands heat of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Tony Seaman, group sales and marketing director and Paul Stobbs, managing director, will compete in the regional final in Birmingham on June 19.

The company has also added ‘Big Ticket’ for Blackpool - a combination ticket that offers access to a range of attractions.

See www.attractionworld.com TRAVELODGE HAS opened a 96-room hotel above Edinburgh’s largest Topshop store in the city’s Princes Street. The four-storey hotel, which represents an investment of £10million, has been built in Scotland’s first steel frame grade ll listed building.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: BODMIN BUDDIES...Ten members of Bright, including Kirker Holidays, 1st Class Holidays, Canadian Tourism, Jersey/Preston Travel, Cox & Kings, Mosaic Holidays, Veloso Tours, Viking River Cruises, Hurtigruten and Crystal Cruises, visited the Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club in Bodmin last week for a dinner and workshop for independent agents in Cornwall. Pictured receiving a warm welcome is Kerry Kitto (middle), Co-op Personal Travel Advisor from Jenny Rojas of Velso Travel and Andrew Schweitzer from Viking River Cruises.

For details on future events see www.brightconsortia.com

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June 8 2012

● Hurtigruten have launched their latest brochure - 'In

search of the Northern Lights' - further details on 020 8846 2666.

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

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @Travelbag1979 5 nights in #Florida (flights and accom) from £679 per person http://bit.ly/L22Sa1 @HaysTravel These are some great tips for staying fit and healthy on your jollies.

Includes everything from bites and stings to DVT http://bit.ly/JP7egW @CARIBTOURS Caribtours Summer Sale Offer: Couples Swept Away, Jamaica. 7 nights from £1,555 pp, based on All-Inclusive. http://bit.ly/IGdp9b @BigWeekends DANK BLOB CORN – London-based house music DJ, appearing at 90s Reloaded in Skegness this September. #ScrambleBands http://bit.ly/KsCDUv @LDNLutonAirport Do you paint, draw or take incredible pictures and want to get noticed?

Why not showcase your work in our Gallery? http://ow.ly/bgwsR

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

EXPRESS SUCCESS...pictured launching Heathrow Express' fully refurbished trains - part of a £16m investment into the brand that has seen a new corporate identity launched are, from the left: Colin Matthews, CEO of BAA; Keith Greenfield, managing director of Heathrow Express; John Holland-Kaye, commercial director, BAA; and Dan Smith, head of engineering, Heathrow Express.

Leger launches one-off battlefield tour LEGER HOLIDAYS has launched a one-off, exclusive tour which offers travellers access to a series of underground tunnels from the First World War for the first time.

The British Tunnelling Campaign of the Great War remained an official secret until 1962, when it was revealed that British and French soldiers carved tunnels to lay explosives which could damage the German defences above. It was dangerous work, both from the risk of collapse and explosions, but also because the Germans had their own series of tunnels, leading to fierce battles fought 100-feet below the surface of the ground.

On the company's ‘Underground War’ tour, which departs on September 21, passengers will have the opportunity to walk through tunnels below the battlefields of The Somme which are being reopened for the first time in almost a century and are currently closed to the general public.

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the people involved in the excavation of the lost labyrinth of tunnels running below the village of La Boisselle, and will be able to take a one-off guided tour through the tunnels, giving them the opportunity to discover firsthand more about their purpose and the lives of those who served in them. Prices lead in at £259 per person including three nights’ breakfast accommodation, travel by executive coach; free local joining points; a specialist battlefield guide; and all battlefield visits and excursions.

For more information visit http://battlefields.leger.co.uk or call 0844-504 6250.

New Cape Verde flights for Condor THE CAPE Verde islands of Sal and Boa Vista will be new additions to leisure Condor's winter timetable for 2012/13, in addition to the new destinations of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rangoon (Myanmar) and Siem Reap (Cambodia).

The carrier's Rio de Janeiro service is due to start in October and in the same month the airline will be increasing flight frequencies for some of its Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Cancun (Mexico), St. Lucia, Barbados, and Varadero (Cuba). After the initial flight in winter 2011/12, San Juan on Puerto Rico will keep its place in summer 2012, to become a year-round destination.

Titan issues Christmas & New Year brochure to trade featuring breaks in UK & abroad TITAN IS encouraging its trade partners to think ahead to this year’s winter festivities with the release of its Christmas and New Year brochure, which incorporates a range of tours - from traditional festive trips in the UK and Europe, to more exotic offerings in far-flung destinations.

As examples, guests can take in the Champs-Élysée and Eiffel Tower on a five-day Christmas in Paris option, which costs from £995 per person and rail journeys on the British Pullman, including Bath at Christmas, a three-day short break that explores the historic city, from £975 per person.

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For customers looking to holiday further afield, a Christmas and New Year Down Under option offers a 22day tour with enough time for Christmas shopping in Hong Kong. Other destinations visited on the trip include Uluru (Ayer's Rock) and Sydney, and prices start from £5,995 per person.

All holidays include scheduled flights, accommodation, a range of excursions, tour manager and door-to-door transfers.

For details call 0800-988 5166 or visit www.titanagents.co.uk

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newsbulletin Hurtigruten adds new Belfast departure for winter 2012/13 HURTIGRUTEN HAS added a direct departure from Belfast to its programme of flight inclusive packages for winter 2012/13.

This is the first time the operator has included a charter flight from Belfast and provides agents in Northern Ireland with a selling opportunity to promote Northern Lights voyages from their regional catchment.

The trip is a six-day ‘Arctic Highlights’ voyage from Tromso to Kirkenes in the far north of Norway and includes a range of

winter activities - from snowmobiling and husky dog sledging to a trip to North Cape and a visit to the Kirkenes Snow Hotel.

Prices lead in at £1,115 per person including flights from Belfast Airport to Tromso, three nights' half-board on the ship, two nights in a centrally located Tromso hotel with breakfast, transfers and taxes.

The price is based on a February 24, 2013 departure with two sharing.

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

DOUBLE CHEERS...pictured marking the unveiling and christening of two of Avalon Waterways' Suite Ships in Holland last month are, from the left: Andrew Gardner; cruise.co.uk; Terri Eaton, Cruise International Magazine; Alan MacLean, Avalon Waterways; Penny Guy, Passenger Shipping Association; and Barry Peters, Bluewater Holidays. The Avalon Visionary and Avalon Vista were docked alongside each other for a dual ceremony. The smaller 52 suite Avalon Visionary will sail eight-day ‘Romantic Rhine’ cruises (from £1,735 per person) and later in the year several Christmastime cruises on the Rhine and Danube. The Avalon Vista will sail the longer itineraries of the 15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ (from £2,895), the 11 day ‘Legendary Danube’ (£2,345) cruise and 13-day ‘Blue Danube Discovery’ (from £2,549) For 2013, both ships will sail an eight-day ‘Tulip Time’ cruise from Amsterdam (£1,865) and additionally the Avalon Visionary will sail the newly introduced eightday ‘Tulips of Northern Holland’ cruise (from £1,935).

CYPRUS £40

Quality accommodations from 3# Boutique Hotels to Villas with Pools matched by product knowledge & 40 years experience To request brochure or to booking call us on 020 8340 7612 Email: sales@cyplon.co.uk

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incentive for package holiday bookings (book by 30/6) Holidays Bookings over

£6,999

will receive an amazing gift of Bubbles & Truffles

June 8 2012

Collette issues 2013/14 preview brochure COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays has launched a preview brochure which features departures through to April 2014 and gives agents an opportunity to sell a choice of 18 escorted tours to destinations including Iceland, New Zealand, America, Canada, Costa Rica and Europe.

As an example, highlights include a new 'Exploring Australia' tour for 2013, which takes in Sydney, Melbourne, Barossa Valley Wine Region, Blue Mountains, Alice Springs, Uluru, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. The 18-day tour includes 23 meals and costs from £4,499 per person, including an early booking offer of £150 per person for bookings made

by July 31.

Agents also have the chance to offer special deals on 2012 tours, with savings up to £300 per person on October and November departures on an 'Exploring New Zealand' tour. Early booking offers are available on all tours booked before July 31.

For brochure supplies or more information call 0800-804 8700 or visit www.trade-gate.co.uk

New destinations from Germanwings GERMANWINGS HAS released its flight schedule for the 2012/13 travel season on www.germanwings.com with a range of booking offers, new destinations, optimised flying times and more frequent flights to a selection of destinations for its three hubs Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart and Dortmund.

This winter the carrier will also further develop the routes from its largest hub Cologne/Bonn to Italy’s third largest city, Naples, as well as Sicily’s second largest metropolis, Catania.

The connection to Heathrow will remain part of the programme, while the North-African cities of Nador and Tunis will also be served from the Rhine region this coming winter.

The new destinations of Bilbao, Bremen, Brussels, Heathrow, Milan and Manchester will also be served from Stuttgart in the 2012/13 winter flight.

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newsbulletin Association of Cruise Experts plans new e-learning modules for Website TRAVEL AGENTS specialising in selling cruise holidays will soon be able to benefit from additional e-learning modules to be unveiled on the new ACE website.

The five new modules will complement those which were launched in early May and include sections covering the onboard and destination experiences together with choosing the right room onboard and tips on the best places to cruise at certain times of the year.

The association has also revealed details of its first

Expedition Expo which includes agents visiting HapagLloyd’s Hanseatic while she’s moored on the River Thames on September 18. The ship, with up to 184 guests, visits remote, unpopulated regions of the world including Alaska, Asia and Antarctica. The Expo will also include a destination expert, companies specialising in expedition cruising together with representatives from various destinations.

For more information visit www.cruiseexperts.org

Cape Verde Experience adds tall ship tour for winter THE CAPE Verde Experience has announced the addition of a Tall Ship Tour to its island-hopping options for winter 2012/13. The 50m threemasted topsail schooner ‘Oosterschelde’ was built in the Netherlands in 1918 and its Cape Verde tours will provide passengers with the opportunity to view the archipelago while mixing a conventional sailing holiday with a voyage of discovery.

Departing from the island of Sal and visiting at least six islands during its travels, the itinerary comprises 11

nights on the ship and three nights in a Sal hotel. Landing places include Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Boa Vista.

Excursions with local guides are arranged on most islands and key attractions include a UNESCO World Heritage site, banana plantations, a volcanic crater, the remainder of a primeval forest in the mountains and Cape Verde’s cultural capital Mindelo.

Scheduled tour dates are December 1, 12 and 23 and January 3, 14 and 25 and February 5, 2013.

Prices lead in at £2,387 per person

and include flights from Gatwick to Sal, taxes, transfers, 11 nights’ accommodation on a full-board basis on the ship plus three nights' breakfast hotel accommodation.

For more information visit www.capeverde.co.uk/tallship or call 0845-330 2046.

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Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N UST THANK Beachcomber on behalf of Luella she has come back from her Mauritius educational on cloud 9 and says that she can’t wait to sell it – her enthusiasm is certainly catching!

Keith from North America Travel called in. He was saying they are doing the new flights Man–Washington direct with United and Heathrow-Vancouver with Virgin. If you have biker fans they have a great selection of selfdrive or guided motorcycle tours with Eaglerider who pioneered the Harley-Davidson rental concept back in 1992 and today they are the world’s largest motorcycle provider! They have also added El Monte RV motor homes which are luxury motor homes and look fantastic. Also, have you seen their American Safari Cruises? Their yachts are sleek and nimble and allow access to some of the most intricate and remote passages in North America! Keith said the Hairy Bikers were doing the Mississippi Delta – music and food, so that will be interesting. If you need any info or help contact them by email at travel.agents@nats-uk.com Have you seen the new Jet2 Families brochure? It’s just what we’ve been waiting for! It’s as if they’ve asked us what we think would be good and put it together for us. If you want to look for a free child place then go to the free child finder on the Website - it comes up with a huge range of offers so you don’t have to go into each individual flight. You can tell your client all the destinations and areas that have free child places – much easier for us!

Free child places are on family friendly flight times as well and infants travel free, flexible durations from 1nt to 42 nts and 2* to 5* plus single family parent holidays as well. They still have their no hidden extras and 22kg of luggage – so thank you Jet2 for listening to us and giving us what we have asked for - TUI and Thomas Cook please note!

‘I have found out that there is no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them!’ and ‘Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen’.

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by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

India & Nepal brochure from Insight INSIGHT VACATIONS has launched its second edition 2012/13 India & Nepal brochure, featuring prices up to 16% lower, which offers savings of up to £1,680 per couple.

The programme includes exclusive escorted journeys including an invitation to a gala dinner at the private residence of the Royal family of Jaipur and private behindthe-scenes tours of palaces.

As an example of prices, savings of up to £840 per person are offered on the 11-day Imperial Treasures of India Gold tour. Prices lead in at £4,425 per person based on a September 27 departure.

For details call 020-7468 4335 or see www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Crystal Cruises is offering agents the chance to win a fantastic Spa experience! To be with a chance of winning, enter via the Travel Bulletin website on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

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Win a kindle courtesy of the AMResorts competition on www.travelbulletin.co.uk. All you have to do is answer 3 questions on AMResorts’ brands (Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Now Resorts & Spas).

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Win a place on a fam trip to Hong Kong courtesy of Funway, BA and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. For details on how to enter, visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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

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RIU HOTELS and Resorts and the Tunisian Tourist Board held a special presentation evening for 40 TUI UK agents at the Crown Hotel in Bawtry recently. The event offered a mix of information, general discussion and a question and answer session to help agents understand more about Tunisia and the product range that Riu offers in the resort.

June 8 2012

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

TRAFALGAR IS celebrating its 65th birthday with a "Make my Cake" campaign. Agents can test their cake baking skills to be in with a chance of winning one of 15 birthday prizes from the operator including travel vouchers, Visa gift cards, cook books and Kobo e-readers. Agents can post a picture of their cakes on the company's Facebook page to win.

For details see www.tipto.co.uk

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TRAVEL 2 is continuing to celebrate its 30th birthday festivities with the launch of a new mini brochure ‘The Big 30 destinations of 2012’ and is giving agencies across the country the chance to join in the party with three cash prizes up for grabs. The prize money will be used as a contribution towards a staff treat, for example a day at the races, dining out or making the next staff party extra special. All bookings made before July 31 that include products featured in the new brochure will be automatically entered into the prize draw, which includes cash incentives of £1,000, £500 and £250. The mini brochure details the hottest holiday spots for 2012 covering city, beach and beyond locations.

To order a copy email marketing@travel2.com or for more information see www.travel2.com

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AGENTS HAVE the chance to win a theatre trip for two, £40 or £20 worth of Love2Shop when they make a booking with Newmarket Holidays this month and next. Each booking counts as an additional entry, so the more cruises sold, the higher the chance of winning.

See www.tipto.co.uk for details.

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SUPERBREAK IS offering agents a backstage pass to meet The Wanted & McFly who will be headlining at Blackpool’s newest open air venue the Tower Festival Headland on June 24. The prize includes overnight accommodation in Blackpool for two, tickets to the concert and backstage access. To enter agents need to make a booking for the concert and email their booking reference to sales@superbreak.com. Packages cost from £41.50 per person including overnight accommodation and admission to the concert. For details see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

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Fancy a fam?

PONTINS IS inviting agents and their families to a complimentary one-night sta y at one of its five refurbished coastal holiday par ks. To apply email jackie.taylor@pontins.com with your ABTA number, choice of park, dates and number in the party. The offer is subject to ava ilability and excludes holiday dates betwee n July 20 and August 31. Additional nights are available on request at a minimum charge .

a IPAD GLAD...Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ran Cruise competition for agents at the recent ACE ed in Convention, and four winners triumph nielle the test to win an iPad 3. Pictured is Da anne Cox (right) receiving her prize from Suz south.

Robinson , the line's area sales executive

OLYMPIC WINNER... Sophie Beldham (left) from Toucan Travel won a luxury chocolate hamper from Olympic Holidays in TIPTO's recent training competition. Pictured presenting the hamper is the operator's Carmel Sneyd.

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k c a b d e e f fam At Travel Bulletin’s inaugural networking Southern & East Africa showcase event, travel agent Yaksha Varia won a Tourism KwaZulu-Natal fam place in the free prize draw.

Here she shares some of her experiences from the trip...

African Wanderer (with Philip & Tommy)

Umkhumbi Lodge

On arrival at Durban airport we were welcomed by Philip and Tommy who took us to have lunch and refreshments.

Philip was not only the driver but also a very friendly, intelligent, and extremely knowledgeable guide. Tommy was a man with many abilities. Not only does he manage the Amangwane Lodge but is also an expert chef, life guard, an inspiring teacher (he taught me how to snorkel), tour guide with immense knowledge and experience. I was touched by the fact that he went the extra mile to make my own vegetarian meals with pride. I even managed to learn new dishes from him and have cooked them since. I name them Tommy’s recipes.

Protea Shakaland A two-hour drive from Durban and we arrived at Protea Shakaland where we watched a short film on Shakaland and King Zulu. Everyone was friendly and it was lovely to see children playing and posing for photos. Some of us took part in the Zulu dancing and a few men tried out the spears and stick fighting activities.

Umkhumbi Lodge is a great location to venture to different activities and sightseeing. On site we walked more than an hour for night game with Philip and saw several creatures, which was fun as we were all together in the dark.

St Lucia / Simangaliso Wetlands area I will be honest in saying that when I read the itinerary Kayaking on St Lucia Estuary. I just thought what distance I have to travel to row. Little did I know that I would be in same waters and meters away from a crocodiles and hippos. My heart was beating faster and faster, and I was rowing faster, I was scared for my life yet it was such a thrilling experience. We saw three hippos coming out of the water and it was an overwhelming experience. A visit to a crocodile centre was educational and the demonstration of how to catch a croc was incredible.

Elephant Interaction I have never come so close to elephants in their natural habitat. We learnt about how they live and survive, with the guide giving us a detailed insight into an elephant’s welfare. We had the opportunity not only to feed them through their trunk but also through their mouth and feel their tongue - a rewarding experience!

savannah and was excited to be in an open air jeep. We saw lions, buffalos and elephants from a distance but it was great to see giraffes close up as they crossed the path in front of us.

Princes Grant Golf Course We visited this 18-hole championship golf course set on beautiful grounds overlooking a private sandy beach. I would recommend this place to golfers considering it only cost around 285 rand for a round of golf, which is comparatively low for an exclusive standard of a golf course with so much adventure and exploration nearby.

My highlights The whole trip was very well planned and we were well looked after. We did so much in just one week - the trip to KwaZulu-Natal was exceptional and exceeded my expectations. I will be shining when I promote it to my clients. Up till now KZN was not on my mind and honestly South Africa never came to mind. Now KZN will be on the top of my list as it has so much to offer - it is full of diversity and has wonderful people who are proud of their province.✦

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve I was impressed by the beautiful lush, green, hilly scenery and it was not what I expected. I had imagined it to be flat with a dry

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June 8 2012

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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: 068

Man As At I

A➠

B➠ Home to a famous 90s cartoon character

C➠

Dare Am I

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, June 14th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 25th May is Gemma Scott, Rapid Travel in Southhamption.

May 25 Solution: A=8 B=1 C=6 D=2

This Portuguese archipelago shares its name with a tasty type of cake

Where Am I?

Capital city... sounds like the word wisdom in Greek

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

Number: 068

Across 1. Operator specialising in holidays to Egypt (8) 6. Formula One driver, ___ Hamilton (5) 8. Picturesque Corfu landmark, ___ Island (5) 9. Flows through Egypt (4) 10. US state, shares a border with Canada (5) 13. Venetian attraction, Bridge of ___ (5) 14. English climber Kenton, who recently took an Olympic medal to the summit of Mt Everest (4) 17. Safari specialist (5) 18. Castle in Kent, sounds like it should be in Yorkshire (5) 19. Volcanic island in the South Atlantic (2,6)

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Down 1. Co-host country of UEFA Euro 2012 (6) 2. Siberian city (4) 3. Hotels and resorts operator (6) 4. Canal connecting the Red Sea to the Med (4) 5. Four presidents appear on this Mount (8) 7. Robbie who recently performed at the Queen's concert (8) 11. Popular Thailand resort (6) 12. US state, known as The Last Frontier (6) 15. Scandinavian capital city (4) 16. European river (4)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 22 June 8 2012

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eventbulletin TRAVEL BULLETIN held its Greece & Cyprus showcase networking event on May 29 at The Elysée Restaurant in London’s West End. The event kicked off with a welcome reception, featuring a selection of canapes, followed by a speed networking session, before concluding in a delectable buffet meal, sponsored by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, as well as a free prize draw and entertainment which included plate smashing and a bellydancer. Here’s a snap shot of the night in pictures....

Photo coverage sponsored by

I NT ER NATIONA L

Photos by Colin Antill of www.fotoseeker.com

FORM FRIENDS...D arryl Rodrigues from Steamond Travel collects his £50 M&S voucher from publisher of Travel Bulletin, Jeanette Ratcliffe, after being picked as the winner in the feedback form prize draw.

IT'S IN THE BAG... Barbara Goodman (left) from Gadabouts Travel and Jayne Byott from JMB Associates guess what's in the Travel Bulletin goodie bag.

tique SO SANDRA...Sandra Bruce (left) from So White Bou Resort Suites/So Nice Boutique Suites/Porto Carras Grand catches up with Darrell Toakley and Sharon Billings from Darrell James Travel.

FOUR OF A KIND...swapping notes are, from the left: Anne-Charlotte Boutleux, Travel Intelligence; Andreas Vasiliou, InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel; Alan Meadows, Amathus Holidays; and Ella Mullings, Travesse.

RHODES TRIP...Anna Davies from Preston Travel won a seven-night holiday to Rhodes cour tesy of Cosmos Holidays. Pictured presenting her prize is the operator's Marek Serzeniewski.

Full photo coverage of the showcase event, with downloadable images, can be found at www.fotoseeker.com

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June 8 2012

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eventbulletin

GREEK TREAT...getting re ady for the evening's speed vel Tra ne from ) tw left or ki from ng d event are, from the left: Ya GREAT GREEKS...Simon Eddolls (secon vanna Arnold ayi Pan n lia Bl Lil an d an ch ft) ar (le d, is Th sell om Cat tas as Cos Co h ok ; Jonathan Andreades, Le Bulletin teams up wit Meridien from Limassol Spa & Resor iou hym Eft nis Yan d an tion isa an Org t; Yv rism et Tou te rus Fa Cyp rre r, Flight Centre ; and Tass of the Anastasi, Cyplon Holidays. s (AGTA). ent Ag vel Tra t rio Cyp ekGre of on ati the Associ

GOING FOR GOLD... Julian Pearl (middle) and Andrie Ioannou (right) from Olympic Holidays show travel counsellor, Karen Hobbs, their latest brochure.

A CLASSIC LINE UP...Vanda Bauer (left) from Classic Collection Holidays hooks up with , from the left: Lam Sim, Esther Jap and Annson Chong from Reliance Tours UK Ltd.

ONE OF A KIND-LE... Suzanne Warren from Prestige Holidays presents a Kindle Touch to prize winner Lee Kennealy of A SMASHING TIME...attendees make the most of the plate smashing tradition.

Rhino World Travel.

Full photo coverage of the showcase event, with downloadable images, can be found at www.fotoseeker.com

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June 8 2012

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Photos by Colin Antill of www.fotoseeker.com

LEARNING THE ROPES...about Cyp rus' Palm Beach hotel & Bungalows are, from the left : Karen Hobbs, Jack Leaf, Dennis Jacks and Marie Ray nor, all from Travel Counsellors.

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InBrief ● VOYAGES TO Antiquity has launched its 2013 brochure

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises' is highlighting its Gastronomic Tour of Skye option, which leads in at £3,995 per person. The five-night cruise gives guests the opportunity to sample oysters, dine at Skye’s ‘The Three Chimneys’ restaurant and Flodigarry Country House Hotel on Kyle of Lochalsh. Also included in the itinerary is lunch at the Michelin Starred Kinloch Lodge Hotel with the chance to learn more about Scottish cuisine during a cookery demonstration by Lady Claire Macdonald.

For details see www. hebridean.co.uk or call 01756-704700.

exploring ancient Mediterranean civilisations. The programme strengthens the company’s focus on history and culture with 16 cruises from March through to November 2013 including the new destinations of Carcassonne, Palma, Barcelona, The Island of Elba, Izmir and Jerusalem.

For details visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com ● SILVERSEA WILL debut new audio technology on select Mediterranean voyages this summer including shore excursions on Silver Spirit’s Mediterranean voyages. The ‘Silver Shore Sotto Voce’ will enable guests to wander freely around attractions while listening to their tour guide’s commentary via a single personal earpiece connected to a small wireless receiver. With a transmission range of up to 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) the device will eradicate the need for guests to huddle in a group in order to hear the guide’s insights. ● SWAN HELLENIC is highlighting its 29-day Grand Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise on Minerva which leads in at £3,382 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin. The price includes a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by guest speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

See www.swanhellenic.com for details.

Avalon Waterways launches 2013 brochure with new suite ships AVALON WATERWAYS’ 2013 full range of cruises featuring two new suite ships, a choice of new cruise itineraries and a new flexible river cruising concept is on sale now.

Early bookers can take advantage of savings of up to £1,200 per couple including £600 off per couple on cruises booked before August 31, as well as further discount of £600 per couple on selected cruise departures if booked by June 30.

Suite ships Avalon Expression and Avalon Artistry II will be launched into service in May 2013 bringing the total of suite ships in the fleet to five. All five ships feature two full decks of

Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall sliding panoramic windows opening to create an open air balcony.

Avalon Artistry II will sail the eightday 'Romantic Rhine’ cruise, which leads in at £1,855 per person, while Avalon Expression will sail the longer itineraries of the 13-day ‘Blue Danube Discovery’, which costs from £2,459, the 15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ (£3,035) and the 11-day ‘Legendary Danube’ (£2,459).

The new flexible approach to river cruising provides passengers with more choice relating to dining and sightseeing options. Sightseeing will be offered at three different levels: Leisurely Sightseeing where a certified local guide

shows the destination’s highlights in a relaxed and unhurried way; Traditional Sightseeing will be led by a certified local guide to explore a wide range of sights at a moderate pace and Essential Sightseeing will show the must-see sights, with plenty of time for guests to explore on their own.

The range of itineraries has also been increased with the introduction of four new cruises including the 13-day ‘Highlights of Germany’ on the Danube Canal, Main and Rhine rivers as well as the nine-day ‘Austrian Highlights & Bavaria’ and ten-day ‘Capitals of Central Europe’, which both sail the River Danube.

Carnival Cruise Lines survey reveals travel agents are in positive mood BRITISH TRAVEL agents are feeling upbeat and optimistic, despite the double dip recession and fragile UK economy, according to a new survey from Carnival Cruise Lines.

The nationwide poll found that 70% of agents are feeling confident about bookings this year and when asked how positive they were feeling about the industry, the majority of respondents rated their mood as more than six out of ten, with just 2% feeling very negative.

The survey also showed that almost two thirds (61%) of agents hit their sales targets in quarter one.

The findings are from the line's new Travel Agent Mood Index – a nationwide poll that aims to gauge the level of optimism in the UK travel trade.

More than anything else, holidaymakers are looking for value for money (93%) – while cruises, all-inclusive breaks

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June 8 2012

and package holidays were found to be driving most bookings.

This suggests that British travellers are keen to secure a fixed price including most expenses, making it easier to budget. The Mood Index also revealed that travel agents are more confident about booking cruises than any other holiday.

Despite the challenges faced by the cruise industry so far this year, more than 65% of agents said they were feeling positive about taking bookings for cruises.

Adolfo Perez, the company's managing director, said: “We’re encouraged by the feeling of optimism in the industry, and delighted the agents are so confident about booking cruises. While recent events have given the cruise industry a real challenge, we are really upbeat about the rest of the year, which will be boosted by the launch of our brand new ship, the Carnival Breeze, this month.”

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Luxury Eu European uro uis River Cru Cruises Danubee Maine Moselle Rhine Rhône Se Seine eine Yangtze Mek Mekong kong

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Save Save up up to to £1200 £1200 p per er ccouple ouple on on 2 2013 013 river river cruises cruises iiff b booked ooked by by 30 30 June June OR OR up up to to £600 £600 if if booked booked by by 31 31 August August ’12 ’12 New New SSuite uite sships hips Avalon Avalon EExpression xpression & A Artistry rtistry IIII o on n ssale ale ffor or 2 2013 0 New New iitineraries tineraries – 2 25 5h holidays olidays w with ith u up p tto o4 42 2 iitineraries tineraries o on no offer ff New New fflexible lexible d dining ining aand nd ssightseeing ightseeing o options ptions aavailable vailable ffor or 2013 201 FESTIVE FESTIVE AND AND T THEMED HEMED cruises cruises available available

For detailss of the early booking offers on o 2013 Avalon cruises or for contact brochures call 0800 668 1865 or cont tact

agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk agency ysales@avaloncruisses.co.uk

All air-inclusive pack packages kages are protected by ATOL. AvalonWaterways is a tradi trading ng name of Cosmos Coach Tours Ltd; Registered in En England gland No. 1175122. Registered Address: Avalon Wa aterways (trading name of Cosmos Coach Tours Ltd), Prosp pect House, ProspectWay, London Luton Airport, Luton, B Waterways Prospect Bedfordshire, edfordshire, LU2 9NU. *Lead in price is bas erary. These offers apply to new bookings only, ar subjecct to availability and cannot sed on the departure marked with an asterisk on each itine based itinerary. aree subject be used in conjuncti on with any other offers. AvalonWaterways reserves the rright ight to withdraw offers at any time. conjunction

S04 TB0806 Dynamic Packaging_Layout 1 06/06/2012 11:53 Page 16

g n i g a k c a p dynamic Summer of opportunity for agents selling London Sightseeing Pass THE LEISURE Pass Group is encouraging agents to make the most of London’s celebration-packed summer by cashing in on its lucrative attractions market.

The company’s London Pass gives access to more than 55 top tourist favourites including St Paul’s Cathedral, ZSL London Zoo, the Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms and The Tower of London.

The company's sales manager, Peter Muttitt, said: “After a strong start to the year we have high hopes for a successful summer. We know agents across the UK are doing huge amounts of city-break business around the Jubilee and Games, but there is also a big opportunity for that June and July period in between. London has been smartened up, looks great and is really buzzing. With all eyes on the two big events this summer there isn’t a better time to see the city."

“As well as offering agents great earning potential, the London Pass is a pretty easy sell to those on short breaks. It offers priority entrance at many of the featured attractions, which is going to be a great benefit this year. If retailers are selling London they have to be selling passes too.”

As well as priority access to avoid queues, pass users receive a free guide book and more than 40 additional deals and discounts.

For more information visit www.londonpass.com

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HOLIDAY EXTRAS is offering deals at four-star airport Hiltons this summer, with rooms starting from £45 a night. The offer is available to clients planning a getaway before September 30, flying from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester or Stansted. An overnight stay at the Hilton Manchester Airport, which is five minutes from the terminals, starts from as little as £45, or travellers who are planning to fly out of a London airport can book a night's stay from £51 at Stansted, £75 at the Gatwick Hilton and from £71 at the Heathrow Hiltons.

Superbreak adds new hotels on Costa Del Sol SUPERBREAK ADDS new hotels on Costa Del Sol Superbreak has added three new properties on the Costa Del Sol, which it says are ideal for agents to use when dynamically packaging trips to the area. All three are Pierre & Vacances' three-star properties – one in Benalmadana, one in Torremolinos and one in Estepona.

All three properties lead in at £111 for the unit, based on four people staying four nights on a Monday arrival.

Meanwhile, the company is encouraging agents to get the most out of the Olympics build-up period by focusing on London short break sales.

The operator's average lead in time for bookings to London is four weeks and combined with value rates there are still opportunities for agents to drive bookings before the Olympics starts.

The company's sales director, Jane Atkins, said: "We don't want agents to be confused about selling London this summer – there are still some great opportunities to be had. London is buzzing with activity and in the weeks running up to the Olympics this will only intensify. Agents need to remember that the Olympics are in fact only

June 8 2012

for two weeks and there is a great selling period between now and the opening day on July 27.

"Following the Jubilee celebrations the streets are awash with flags, the atmosphere is electric and I have no doubt the coming weeks will be one of the finest times to visit. I urge agents to communicate this to their customers via all channels such as direct mail, window displays, in-store communications and even calling customers or engaging with them social media to ensure they are doing everything to piggy back on the media attention London is receiving."

The operator is highlighting a range of deals including a three-star break at the Sidney Hotel in Victoria from £65 per person per night between July 1-23; a War Horse Theatre Break from £138 per person, including one night's breakfast stay at the three-star President Hotel plus a top priced ticket to see War Horse on July 21, and a four-star break at the St George Hotel on Langham Place from £90 per person per night, including breakfast between July 5-19.

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

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dynamicpackaging Avis reveals surge in luxury motor hire NEW RESEARCH from Avis highlights that, in the wake of the recession, we are increasingly becoming a nation of fakers to ‘Keep up with the Joneses’ and make a winning first impression.

The latest sales data for the company highlights a four-fold increase year-on-year of posh motor hires from its luxury Select Series range. Occasions Brits look to upgrade to a drive beyond their pay packet include attending a friend’s wedding (37%), going on a date (29%), attending a school reunion (28%), going for a job interview (26%), attending a party with an ‘ex’ on the guest list (19%) and meeting the in-laws (14%).

More than a third (35%) admit the reason for hiring a luxurious car would be to give the impression they are doing well for themselves, to stand out from the crowd (18%) and to be taken more seriously (14%). Brits also agree that appearing to lead a lavish lifestyle gives a better first impression (29%), means people are nicer to you (27%) and assume you earn more money (27%).

The company's managing director, Kaye Ceille, said: “Our research clearly shows that for Brits, first impressions really do count and when it comes to standing out from the crowd, having a flash set of wheels is the ultimate way to grab attention and get people talking. With this in mind, we’ve created profiles of our Select Series cars, whereby customers can understand what their choice of vehicle really says about them as a person and what reaction they can expect to receive from onlookers. We hope our customers will really reap the benefits from this additional insight and ensure they are picking the right motor for them.”

As examples of prices, a BMW 5 Series costs from £113 per day, an Audi A4 costs from £63 and a Volvo XC90 leads in at £81. Prices from the Prestige range include a Mercedes E Class Cabriolet for £124 per day, a Porsche Cayenne from £188 and a Ferrari 458 Italia from £841.

For more information call 0844-581 8181 or visit www.avis.co.uk

Affordable launches new initiatives to help agents drive new revenue opportunities AFFORDABLE CAR Hire has launched a range of initiatives and is investing in its “Complete Affordable Rental System” (CARS) to ensure that travel agency staff complete the full sales journey when planning clients’ holidays.

Angela Day, the company's CEO, says she understands why the car hire option can easily be overlooked by travel agents by the time they have run through the range of individual planning requirements of the holiday including flights, hotels/resorts, transfers and any attraction tickets.

She said: “We launched our new online booking website CARS to ensure that every hire booking made is a very simple and dynamic process. Agents benefit from an XML return time of just five seconds when they log the customer’s details and requirements into the system and it will show not only the prices, but the range of car hire suppliers for them to choose from.

“If there are any specific queries around the booking, there is a ‘livechat’ facility on the website which responds within 15 seconds.

The whole system, including our white label options, has been designed to make car hire easier to sell for the agents, by giving them and their clients real choice and flexibility in the service.”

To help agents maximise the car hire opportunity, the company's training academy offers online webinar sessions to build product knowledge and confidence and the operator has teamed up with ATP (Accredited Travel Professional) scheme in association with ABTA to deliver the training.

Day said: “The experience customers have when collecting the rental car can make or break the holiday, so it’s important agents have the knowledge and insight to guide them through the process, particularly where dynamic packaging is involved."

Speedy Transfers sees 200% sales growth & adds online registration for agents SPEEDY TRANSFERS reports that it has bucked the trend of the credit crunch with a 200% increase in business since the start of the year. The company offers transfer services from airport to accommodation in a variety of popular holiday destinations. Originally just

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concentrating their services and expertise in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, the company has expanded to include the mainland of Spain as well as the Balearic Islands. Turkey, Malta , Bulgaria and Cyprus. Whilst most of the business

to date has been via the direct client route, the operator has added the option for agents to register at www.speedytransfers.co.uk and earn commission on bookings.

For more information email chris@speedytransfers.co.uk

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romania

THE DANUBE Express is highlighting its Transylvanian East option, a land cruise between Budapest and Istanbul, taking in four countries in four days, including Romania, where passengers discover Sighişoara, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and rumoured birthplace of Dracula, as well as explore Braşov with nearby Bran Castle. Prices lead in at £2,790 per person based on two sharing a deluxe ensuite compartment, including three nights on the Danube Express with all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, all scheduled sightseeing, and the services of a train manager throughout. The next eastbound departure from Budapest is on September 5, while westbound journeys from Istanbul are available on September 9 and 23. The company can also arrange add-on packages for air or rail travel from the UK, transfers and a choice of four- or five-star accommodation.

For details call 01462-441400 or visit www.danube-express.com

Balkan Holidays highlights Black Sea coastal resorts for agents to promote BALKAN HOLIDAYS, which offers the three Black Sea coastal resorts of Mamaia, Neptun and Euforie, reports that most UK holidaymakers visit Romania in the summer to take advantage of the sandy beaches and value for money.

The company's sales and marketing manager, Rupert Diggins, said: Holidaymakers can either fly from Heathrow to Bucharest or take advantage of regional departures from Manchester and Luton to Varna in Bulgaria which is approximately a twohour transfer away.

"Mamaia is the biggest and liveliest resort with plenty of family activities, watersports and nightlife. Guests stay at the four-star Golden Tulip Hotel which is situated by the beach.

"Neptun is situated near a beautiful forest area, close to two fresh water lakes. Ceausescu’s former summer residence is a popular tourist destination and the resort offers plenty of restaurants and bars and excellent beaches in a picturesque setting. Eforie Nord is a fun year-round spa resort situated between Lake Techirghiol and the Black Sea. The lake provides a mineral-rich mud which is combined with the salty waters of the Black Sea to provide relaxing and therapeutic

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Poiana Brasov

treatments in the resort’s Spa & Wellness centre."

Holidaymakers looking to venture away from the resorts can take advantage of excursions to Bucharest, Transylvania and Dracula country, a trip on the Danube plus a wine tasting tour.

Meanwhile, in the winter, Romania’s mountain scenery comes into its own and the operator features skiing holidays at Poiana Brasov which is 1,200 metres above sea level. The

resort offers a skating rink, sports fields and a Gondola ski lift with a capacity of up to 2,000 skiers per hour.

As well as an Olympic ski track, two 80-metre high ski jumps and 12 downhill slalom runs, there are more than 12km of marked ski runs and 9km of cross country trails, plus floodlit skiing.

For more information visit www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-130 1114.

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romania Ten-day Rural Romania experience from Untravelled Paths for £790 per person CLIENTS LOOKING to explore rural Romania can now do so with Untravelled Paths. The operator is highlighting its tenday tour of the Maramures region, with prices leading in at £790 per person including nine nights' full board accommodation, transfers, excursions and activities.

Staying in rural guesthouses that are hosted by locals, guests are invited to share peasant customs and traditions with the opportunity to get involved in village life helping farmers herd buffalo and getting their hands dirty making jam from freshly picked berries.

Other highlights of the trip include wildlife walks, bear watching, a day's hike, pottery making masterclass, visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites and a steam train ride through the Vasser Valley.

For more information visit www.untravelledpaths.com

At the sheepfold

Blue Air to work with trade ROMANIA'S LOW-COST carrier Blue Air has announced that it will start working with the UK travel trade for the first time since it commenced operations in 2004.

The airline operates scheduled flights from Luton to Bucharest-Otopeni Airport and also to Bacau, situated in the historic region of Moldavia in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.

The carrier's fleet currently consists of Boeing 737 modern aircrafts, 737-300 series, 737-400 series and 737-500 series, with capacities between 126 and 170 seats. Agents can now apply for a dedicated login to enable them to book flights for clients. To request a login email blueair@flightdirectors.com Vikki Joyce, UK head of sales for Flight directors, said: "Blue Air is now fully supporting the UK trade and I am confident that this will provide a major boost to the airline's successful operations between Luton and Romania.

For details visit www.blueairweb.com or call 01293-874926.

Seven-day tour from £749 by G Adventures G ADVENTURES is offering a week in the land of Dracula, Romania, including a Halloween party at Hunyad Castle, which played host to the paranormal TV programme Most Haunted Live.

The trip also visits Sibiu where the group will walk the 1,400 steps to Poienari Castle, one of Vlad III the Impaler's (also known as Dracula) main fortresses, visit Sighisoara, rumoured to be his birthplace, and Bran Castle ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

Tours of Sibiu, the Retezat National Park, Sighisoara, Brasov and Bucharest are included in the seven-day trip from Bucharest to Bucharest, which departs on October 29 and costs from £749 per person.

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israel Israel Government Tourist Office releases Hidden Gems volumes online FOLLOWING THE launch of volume I and II of the Hidden Gems, released in November 2011 and March 2012 respectively, the Israel Government Tourist Office has released both volumes online at www.thinkisrael.com The first volume is entitled North and focuses on places such as Galilee, The Carmel Coast and Hula Valley.

Readers will gain insight into the unique Hidden Gems

section of Israel, which includes Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. By far the two most well known cities in Israel, the second online book aims to look beyond what is typically known and more towards the lesser known local treasures.

The tourist office will be issuing a third volume of the book, focusing on the south, to be released this month.

each city and area has to offer through experiential activities, from participating in an orientation seminar on Jewish mysticism to discovering the secluded coves along Israel’s coast line, or sampling local liquors and produce at independent restaurants.

Volume II - Centre - informs readers of the central

Sea of Galilee

supplementcalendar All about

Tenerife

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All about

Cruising

All about

Malta & Gozo

June

June

July

15

29

13

All about

Luxury Holidays

August

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israel Western Wall, Jerusalem

Journey to Jerusalem option from Intrepid Travel INTREPID TRAVEL has scheduled an eight-day 'Journey to Jerusalem' tour of Israel to coincide with the celebration of Rosh Hashana, or Jewish New Year which this year begins at sunset on September 16 and continues until nightfall on September 18.

The tour begins in Tel Aviv, before travelling by train to Haifa to soak up coastal views, gardens and a growing arts

and cultural scene. It visits holy sites in Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea en-route to Jerusalem, where travellers can visit a range of significant Jewish, Muslim and Christian sites, including the Western Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The tour departs Tel Aviv on September 15 and costs £1,090 per person excluding flights.

Attraction World promotes Massada & Dead Sea tour from £67 per person FOR MANY visitors to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, a visit to the Dead Sea is on their must-do list. Through Attraction World, agents can prebook customers a one-day tour that includes a tour of Massada and the chance to float in the Dead Sea. En-route to Massada, the tour will visit the inn of the Good Samaritan.

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This 19th century Turkish building now houses one of the world’s largest Mosaic museums. Once in Massada, guests can ascend the mountain by cable car, to tour the 2,000-year old palace built by King Herod.

At the Dead Sea, there is the opportunity to relax and float in the

mineral-rich sea, located at the lowest place on earth, at 400m below sea level.

From Jerusalem the tour leads in at £67 per person and from Tel Aviv costs £72.

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

June 8 2012

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israel LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS is highlighting city breaks to Tel Aviv. Packages start from £699 per person based on four nights' breakfast accommodation at the four-star Metropolitan Tel Aviv departing from Luton in July.

For more information see www.longwoodholidays.co.uk or call 0844-375 8000.

We asked our staff the following question this week: Who is your favourite comedian?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk I have two...Lee Mack and Simon Eddolls.

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk The one and only Michael McIntyre

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Victoria Wood

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Tim Vine

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Stand Up: Eddie Izzard

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk David Cameron, sort out APD, or Eddie Izzard

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Vic & Bob in their early 'Big Night Out' days. But Izzard, McIntyre and Brand (Russell) all come close....

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Tommy Cooper

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

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Eddie Murphy

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Chris Rock

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com Robin (Na-Nu Na-Nu) Williams - Shazbot!

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited - Travel Bulletin is published weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA & GTG agent.

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

El Al launches new Economy Class Plus service EL AL has launched a new service class, at the front of the Economy Cabin, which offers passengers an improved seating with extra legroom (36” instead of 32”), a 33% increase in seat-back recline, exclusive check-in counters and pampering extras on board.

During the first stages, the carrier is offering the new service on its Boeing 747-400 aircraft, mainly serving the New York, London and Paris routes and will offer between 34-40 seats on each aircraft, depending on the aircraft type.

Prices lead in at $80 one-way for European flights and $150 on longhaul flights.

Top Platinum, Platinum and Gold members of the airline's Matmid Frequent Flyer Club, as well as customers purchasing upgradeable tickets (according to class regulations), will be eligible for the special seats when reserving, at no extra cost.

Elyezer Shkedy, the carrier's president and CEO, said: “We recognise our passengers' needs and expectation and do all we can to provide appropriate responses so as to offer the ultimate flying experience. The new service class expands the range of products offered by EL AL, thus providing quality, exclusive service to a variety of passengers.

"We have set out sights on extremely high service standards to enable us to cope successfully with the competition and to preserve our status as the first and preferred choice of passengers flying to and from Israel.”

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. PELTOURS, 6. LEWIS, 8. MOUSE, 9. NILE, 10. IDAHO, 13. SIGHS, 14. COOL, 17. SOMAK, 18. LEEDS, 19. ST HELENA. Down: 1. POLAND, 2. OMSK, 3. RAMADA, 4. SUEZ, 5. RUSHMORE, 7. WILLIAMS, 11. PHUKET, 12. ALASKA, 15.

OSLO, 16. ELBE.

Highlighted Word: LINCOLN

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

22

Audit Bureau of Circulations Business magazines

June 8 2012

Travagrams: (top) Tasmania

(bottom) Madeira

Where Am I?: Sofia

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S06 TB0806 Israel_Layout 1 06/06/2012 12:09 Page 23

S06 TB0806 Israel_Layout 1 06/06/2012 12:09 Page 24

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