Travel Bulletin 9th March 2012

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March 9 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,769 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Czech Republic

How to make the UNESCO Heritage sites your secret selling weapon

this week

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agent bulletin Resort Hoppa launches new agent booking incentive

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personality bulletin find out which director of sales is a big fan of Apple gadgets

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spain & her islands a round-up of property launches, new tours & the latest deals

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far east how new marketing initiatives have contributed to recordbreaking UK arrivals to the Philippines

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EASY DOES IT....easyJet celebrated a decade of service at Gatwick Airport recently. Pictured with some of the airline's employees are, in the centre, from the left: Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport, with the airline's director, Catherine Lynne, and head of easyJet at Gatwick, Jason Holt.

This Week news 3

Cover Pictures: Main - Czech Tourism

Inset - Poniente Beach, Benidorm

the latest industry reports, deals & discounts

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agent bulletin

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W-AITO-Go!

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puzzle bulletin

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personality bulletin

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czech republic

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middle east

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spain & her islands

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far east

Resort Hoppa launches new agent booking incentive the latest news & views from Oliver Broad, chair of AITO Agents can you solve this week’s anagrams? find out which director of sales is a big fan of Apple gadgets how to make the 12 UNESCO Heritage sites your secret selling weapon

Abu Dhabi turns in record year for hotel guests

a round-up of property launches, new touring options & the latest deals how marketing initiatives & trade focused activities have contributed to record-breaking UK arrivals to the Philippines

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New research reveals ‘Bleasure Stay’ trend hits the UK RESEARCH FROM Hilton HHonors Platinum Visa, compiled in association with Judith Chalmers, reveals a growing new trend to ‘Bleasure Stay’ - combining business and pleasure trips - among UK business travellers.

The research found that one in three UK employees are now inviting partners and families along on their business trip, so they can enjoy a weekend mini-break and quality time together.

According to the research, employees are increasingly trying to combine work and family time rather than dreading the time spent away from their homes and families.The study found that more than half (52%) of the UK workforce is travelling on business more now than they did five years ago, meaning a growing demand to do more than just work on business trips.

The study also found that 82% of British

workers felt their personal relationships are being affected by the amount of business travel they were doing, which explains the sudden surge in requests from employees to extend time while on business trips. The study also found that businesses are becoming more sympathetic to employees creating their own ‘Bleasure stays’, with 45% of UK employers involved in the survey reporting that they will support the new trend, as long as it doesn’t interfere with work.

To help support the new trend, Hilton HHonors, the loyalty programme for Hilton Worldwide’s ten hotel brands, and Barclaycard have partnered to create the Hilton HHonors Platinum Visa, which allows travellers to increase their points with every purchase, making it even easier to gain points for free nights and room upgrades.

For more information visit www.hhonors.com

Survey reveals what Brits would do in their last year on earth THE ANCIENT Mayan calendar ends on December 21 and many believe this signifies the end of the world. But what would Brits do with their last year on earth? New independent research commissioned by First Choice questioned more than 2,000 people and found that more than a fifth of people wanted to jet off and see the world (22%).

According to a separate survey of 21 travel bloggers, India was the top destination on peoples’ bucket lists, with Iceland and China coming second and third. A third of those questioned also wanted to be in a beautiful place alone or with family, the moment the world ended.

Family is where the heart is for most Brits, as more than half of the people surveyed (51%) chose spending time with loved ones as the number one thing to do in their final months. Some 6% of respondents said that they wanted to party and just 7% would most like to quit their job and relax.

The second survey of travel bloggers revealed that 47.5% of people would use social media to communicate with their friends, if they were the first person to know when the world was going to end.

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newsbulletin Rock Insurance rolls out enhanced trade products to give agents more options to sell ROCK INSURANCE has enhanced its range of trade products to reflect changes in the way holidays are sold through the trade.

The company's managing director, Antony Martin, said: “We have identified a number of areas where we feel travellers need more protection or greater value from their insurance and introduced a series of optional add-ons

to ensure each customer has the perfect policy for their travels. Each of the add-ons is competitively priced and includes agent commission to encourage the trade to offer their customers the best cover available.”

Major changes to policies include optional gadget cover across all levels of cover; optional collision damage waiver excess protection across all

levels; enhanced optional wedding cover to offer greater financial protection to those marrying overseas; optional pre-paid booking cover; and inhouse medical screening to simplify and speed up the medical screening process.

For more information visit www.rockinsurance.com, call 0844-482 0660 or email info@rockinsurance.com

Peregrine Adventures highlights selection of culinary tours PEREGRINE ADVENTURES is offering three culinary tours in its latest programme, each of which is delivered by local english-speaking tour guides.

A Vietnam Culinary Journey costs from £1,250 per person and takes in 'must see' sights of Vietnam while tantalising the taste buds with some of south-east Asia's finest cuisine. Highlights include a boat cruise in Halong Bay, the streets of Saigon, meeting market traders in Hoi An, visiting Hanoi, a traditional 'royal' dinner, and cooking classes.

A 15-day Gourmet China option, which costs from £2,090, has been designed to satisfy passengers wanting a true China cooking experience on a tour. Guests will learn and taste the specialities in each region and highlights include visits to the Great Wall, The Forbidden

City, Chengdu's Giant Pandas, Shanghai and the cooking schools of Yangshuo and Chengdu.

Meanwhile, a ten-day Thailand Master Cookery Tour is also being offered and costs from £895. Guests will visit the Grand Palace, Wat Po, the floating market and stay in a traditional Thai Teak House.

There are opportunities to prepare food for monks and take cooking classes. Highlights include the Chiang Mai cooking school, a bike ride among the ruins of Sukhothai, a rice barge cruise and the dawn monk procession in the former capital of the Siamese empire Ayuthaya.

For more information visit www.peregrineadventures.com (Far East feature - p27)

New luggage benefit for flights to Southampton from Norwich Airport NORWICH INTERNATIONAL has announced that Flybe/Loganair will now guarantee a second piece of luggage to all passengers booking flights to Southampton from Norwich, if this option is taken at the time of booking.

Flights to Southampton will operate weekly on Saturdays from May 19 to October 27.

The service, leaving Norwich at 09:00 and taking 50 minutes, is designed to allow cruise passengers travelling on the extensive range of sailings available from Southampton to enjoy a trouble-free and speedy start to their holiday.

For more information visit www.flybe.com

Curtain Bluff promotes Tennis Week

WINE WATCHERS...TRAVEL AGENTS from six Flight Centre stores in London enjoyed special-made Aussie cupcakes recently when a team from Tourism Australia (TA), the South Australia Tourism Commission (SATC) and Tourism Tasmania (TTAS) visited to promote the new ‘Discover your Australia’ campaign. Pictured with Kylie the koala, who was handing out cupcakes, are Amy Thomas (left) from South Australia Tourism Commission with Claudia from Flight Centre, Euston Rd. As part of the campaign, the Flight Centre agent who sells the most trips to South Australia and Tasmania combined (based on room nights) will win their weight in wine.

For details see www.aussiespecialist.com

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CURTAIN BLUFF is the home of Antigua Tennis Week from May 5-12.

For seven days, guests can participate in tennis training at the all-inclusive resort.

The property offers a package which includes stroke and strategy clinics with the pros, free court time on its four courts (including balls and rackets) and the chance to participate in Pro-Am tournaments, exhibitions and lessons.

Guests are also free to participate in activities including scuba diving, deep sea fishing and reef snorkelling. Meals and drinks are included and rates start at US$745 a night for a deluxe room with an ocean view.

For more information visit: www.antiguatennisweek.com and www.curtainbluff.com

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Newsbites ●

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SKYTEAM, THE global airline alliance, has launched a Go Africa Pass which provides savings and flexibility on flights operated by Kenya Airways within Africa. The pass is available to business and leisure travelers flying with any of the company's 15 member airlines on an intercontinental round-trip to Africa or a Go Round the World ticket.

For details see www.skyteam.com ROYAL CARIBBEAN International is giving away an extra 5,000 free flights on selected cruises this spring and summer. The offer has been extended to March 15 and agents can continue to offer extras such as free car parking or coach transfer on all UK departures.

For details see www.cruisingpower.co.uk WIZZ AIR has announced that it will commence a threetimes weekly service to Debrecen Airport in Hungary from Luton from June 18.

ABTA’S UK Tourism and Leisure Committee has announced the venue for the fifth annual Travel Brit Awards. Hosted at Warner Leisure Hotels Grade I listed Thoresby Hall Hotel in Nottinghamshire, the event will take place on June 24.

ICELAND EXPRESS will be flying to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik from Edinburgh on Mondays and Thursdays from June 21. Flights are bookable online and cost from £89 one-way including taxes, surcharges, check-in, seat allocation, a 20kg bag in the hold and 10kg hand luggage.

For details see www.icelandexpress.com or call 0118-321 8384.

LONDON LAUNCH...pictured marking the launch of Superbreak's 2012/13 first edition London brochure, which features a new page dedicated to the Hilton hotels in London plus five new West End shows, new attractions and experiences, is the operator's sales executives, Scott James (Midlands), and Amy Sneade (North West/Yorkshire).

Explore responds to demand for Burma by increasing tour departures TO MEET increased demand, Explore has increased the number of Burma departures it offers by adding an extra 70 tour dates for its Burma trips, more than double the number on offer on last year.

The operator features four different tours to the country – a two-week Burma Highlights trip, a more thorough Burma In Depth trip, a two-week Cycling holiday and a two-week family adventure.

The operator reports that its 14-day Burma Highlights tour is proving particularly popular. Departures are

available until April and between July and December, with prices leading in at £1,853 per person, including flights, 13 nights’ breakfast accommodation, two other meals, transport and a tour leader and driver.

For clients looking to immerse themselves in the destination, the operator's new 23-day Burma in Depth tour goes beyond the classic highlights.

Giving customers the opportunity to learn about Mon Culture, the tour explores Burma’s ancient temples and

tribes, travels to the fabled city of Mandalay and sees the floating gardens, stilt villages and leg-rowers of the Inle Lake.

Departures are available this month, October, November and December and prices start from £2,690 per person, including flights, 20 nights’ breakfast accommodation, one other meal transport and the services of a tour leader.

For more information or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844-499 0901.

Leger Holidays launches two new cruise itineraries for 2012 LEGER HOLIDAYS has announced two new cruise itineraries to run alongside the returning favourite Springtime Garden Cruise.

The Majestic Fjordland Cruise sails alongside the outskirts of Norway and includes opportunities to visit some of the country’s historic towns and ride the famous Flåmsbane mountain railway. The eight-day tour includes travel by coach from local joining points to join the cruise at Hull and the next departure is on April 27.

Prices start from £429 per person, including seven nights’ accommodation on Ocean Countess with all meals included, stops at Ulvik, Bergen, Flåm and Stavanger with a lecture on Norway given on board by an expert.

The Scottish Highlands & Islands Experience cruise offers

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some of the most famous cities and sights in Scotland over a nine-day tour that includes the Spring and Jubilee Bank Holidays. Optional excursions include Loch Ness, John O’ Groats and Castle of Mey – the Queen Mother’s former residence. The tour includes travel by coach from local joining points to join the cruise at Liverpool and the next departure date is May 29.

Prices start from £459 per person including eight nights’ accommodation on Ocean Countess with all meals included.

All cruises offer full board accommodation on Ocean Countess, one of the Cruise & Maritime Voyages' fleet, which has recently undergone a £3million refit.

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

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newsbulletin h c t a W o Ones t grammes travel pro p to e th A pick of ant to miss... w you don't

Our Man In… on Thursday 15th March at 22:00 on Channel 4 A documentary providing unprecedented access to the work of British consular staff in Spain. The problems caused by lost and stolen passports, and the costs and consequences of failing to buy holiday insurance, are just two of the biggest calamities for residents and holidaymakers who turn to the British Consulates for help. This episode focuses on Barcelona and Tenerife where crime has its effects on visitors and on the workload of the consulates. Street robberies and stolen passports lead to inconvenience, distress and unexpected costs for holidaymakers. Meanwhile consular staff are also busy helping some of the people who need it most – expat prisoners & homeless Brits who simply want to go home.

ATTRACTION WORLD has added a Uluru Balloon Flight to its Australian product portfolio. The flight lasts for around 30-40 minutes and takes passengers across the outback to take in views of the natural desert and bush land of the Patji region south of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Breakfast is included and all bookings are fully commissionable to agents. Prices lead in at £329 per adult and £265 per child, aged six-16.

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

C&K adds Switzerland & Swaziland

Spring offers on Seabourn cruises

COX & KINGS has added a seven-day Classic Switzerland private tour which costs from £2,125 and combines some of the country’s natural attractions, mountains, lakes and waterfalls with the Bernina and Glacier express trains and towns of Montreux, Zermatt and St Moritz before ending in Milan. The price includes BA flights from Heathrow, transfers, train travel throughout and breakfast accommodation.

To celebrate the new addition the operator is offering £130 per person off any of the private tours online if travelling in April, May, September and October.

A new ten-day Kingdom of Swaziland private tour costs from £4,955 per person and encompasses some of the best sites and wildlife of the country.

The price includes flights via Johannesburg with South African Airways, transfers, a private guide and breakfast accommodation. The trip can also be done as a self-drive.

For more information call 020-7873 5000 or visit www.coxandkings.co.uk

SEABOURN IS offering spring deals on selected popular cruise and fly/cruise itineraries around the Far East and Asian subcontinent.

Both departures take advantage of the more intimate size of Seabourn’s ships by accessing the smaller ports in the region, such as the small volcanic island of Palau Weh in Indonesia, a new addition to the company's programme this year. The cruises are also able to visit the small Goan city of Marmagao in India and Belawan in Sumatra, Indonesia.

An 18-day Jewels of India and Arabia, which sails from Singapore to Dubai, departs on March 28 and leads in at £3,099 per person cruise-only and £3,899 for a fly/cruise.

A 20-day World Segment cruise departs on March 13 and sails from Hong Kong to Dubai. Prices lead in at £4,299 per person cruiseonly or £5,769 for the fly/cruise.

Prices are based on double occupancy and are fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine-dining, open bars and mini-bar.

For more information visit www.seabourn.com

Haven's second edition brochure launch offers savings of up to 40% HAVEN’S NEW and improved second edition 2012 brochure offers savings of up to 40%, details of new accommodation options, new activities and entertainment and the latest developments across the company's portfolio.

New for this year is ‘Summer House’ accommodation - contemporary beach style caravans with a central living area.

Also new are the ‘Retreats’ - caravans that have an internal covered deck area to sit out on. Both new styles are available at selected parks across the operator's portfolio.

In addition, Deluxe Plus has been added as a new accommodation grade – these models are the same as the

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Deluxe option but are never older than two years and have heating in the bedrooms and bathroom. Meanwhile, for guests wanting the latest accommodation option, it’s now possible to guarantee a 2012 caravan model with double glazing and central heating for £5 extra.

For children, the new brochure includes a range of new entertainment and activities including meeting Bradley and Rory for Funky Lunch and making a meal to munch before banging, shaking and grooving to the lunch time rhythm.

The T-Co Zone for 13-16 year olds has also added Hoopin Urban and Jump Rope Urban activities.

Also new for this year is a Talented

Seaside competition which takes place during all school holidays with a grand prize of a VIP trip to London or a cash alternative of £1,000, and Soap Star to Pop Star where soap stars from the biggest TV soaps will be appearing live on stage to entertain guests with their musical and vocal skills.

The new brochure has a range of early booking deals offering savings of up to 40% on holidays of seven nights or more on selected dates in spring, May, June, July and autumn, as well as savings of up to 25% on selected shorter breaks or those over Bank Holidays.

For more information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0871-230 1919.

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

Advantage Travel Unbelievable Value on Thailand Holidays - Up to 6 FREE nights and deals from £689 for 12Nights 4* bit.ly/z6RpdX OnlineTravelTraining New! Complete the Cox & Kings Australia & NZ modules to win a £10 Love2Shop voucher: bit.ly/oXgzWA Superbreak Don’t miss the amazing The Lion King musical as it heads on UK Tour!

Manchester and Bristol tickets now available bit.ly/ztgj8B Hoseasons Holidays Did you know our Europarks have Easter getaways from as little as £159* per family per week? bit.ly/pdlMSO Door2Tour More good news folks! Get £25 OFF selected European and Worldwide air holidays this March.

Selected tours apply door2tour.com

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

New JacTravel booking site lifts trade sales JACTRAVEL HAS launched a newly designed hotel booking site for the travel trade, offering more than 7,000 hotels in more than 550 cities worldwide.

The site features improved navigation and searches, easy booking amendments, the option to manage the mark-up to bookings and increased user security.

The company reports that in the first two weeks since it went live, the value of business increased by 127% over the same period last year and the number of bookings increased 78%.

Users have the option to view hotel search results on a map or as a listing organised by property name or price. Further filtering can be done by star rating, room amenities and hotel facilities.

There is also an option to view a condensed listing with name and price alone. New administration features also make it easier for agents to apply an additional mark-up to bookings and to manage permissions for their staff, improving site security.

For details see www.jachotels.co.uk

PARKING PALS...Balkan Holidays is offering free, on-site parking at Leeds Bradford Airport on holidays booked before March 31. LBA’s weekly Friday flight to Bulgaria will operate this summer (from May to September), with holiday prices starting from £289 per person.

Pictured marking the new announcement is Tracy Burke (left) of Balkan Holidays with Emma Holliday from LBA.

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Gold Medal launches new and improved Farebank Rewards scheme GOLD MEDAL has announced the relaunch of its Farebank Rewards scheme and the operator is confident that the new look scheme is what agents want.

Since the launch of the scheme in 1996, the operator has given away the equivalent of more than £5million in rewards to agents in the form of High Street vouchers and agent travel.

One of the major changes is a shift from earning Farebank Points to Farebank Pounds. This move came following consultation with agents late last year which revealed that some users felt the points system sometimes didn’t make it clear exactly what was being earned. Each Farebank Pound is of equivalent value to a real pound and the operator is confident this makes earnings much easier to track.

Other enhancements include a new look Farebank Website featuring a more streamlined shopping experience allowing agents to spend their Farebank pounds with greater ease. On the new system users can: Redeem their rewards against High Street vouchers or their own holiday booked via the company's agent travel team; use the new ‘Reward Calculator’ to calculate how many Farebank Pounds a booking will earn; view pounds earned by booking reference and passenger name; redeem earnings within 24 hours for confirmed bookings and within 24 hours for on request bookings being confirmed; and keep track of a running total of rewards and redeems using the itemised transaction view.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Brochure of the Week: Castaways – Top level service, up to 15% commission and now you can earn a Hotel Chocolat Easter Egg by booking before 6th April.

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Photographs from Travel Bulletin’s Southern & East Africa Showcase event can be viewed on www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Throughout January/February Air Europa ran a competition on www.travelbulletin.co.uk offering travel agents one of two prizes to shake off the winter blues. The two lucky winners were: Kelly Russell of Flight Centre, Bath, who wins an intensive Salsa Workshop for two in London and Cathie O’Dea of Travel Counsellors who wins an afternoon tea at a boutique venue.

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 ●

RESORT HOPPA has announced the launch of a £5 Love2Shop voucher per booking for all transfers booked through its lowcostbeds dedicated agents' Website. Agents making a transfer booking combined with a lowcostbeds hotel will qualify for the incentive. To make a claim agents should book on the lowcostbeds Website and send the booking reference to love2Shop@lowcostbeds.com Agents can sign up at www.lowcostbeds.com to create an account and start making bookings.

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FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is giving agents the chance to win an eight-night holiday for two to Thailand for every booking made to the destination (which includes flights with EVA Air and Bangkok Airways)

by March 31. The prize includes four nights at the four-and-a-half-star Chaweng Regent Beach Resort in Koh Samui; four nights at the five-star Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort in Phuket; transfers and flights. To enter, fax 0844-557 0349 or email win@funway.co.uk and include the booking reference, name, agency, ABTA number and email address.

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TRAVEL 2, in conjunction with British Airways, is giving away VIP tickets for the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park in July, which features Rihanna. The incentive is part of the operator's 30th birthday celebrations running throughout this year, and to be in with a chance of winning tickets agents need to book a package holiday with the company this month, flying with British Airways, American Airlines or Iberia to the Caribbean, Latin America or the US for a minimum of five nights accommodation, touring or car hire. If agents book clients in Premium Class they will earn two entries into the draw. Included in the package is reserved tiered VIP seating, private access to the exclusive chill-out area which features a resident DJ, free bar, barbecue area with hot and cold platters and dedicated event hosts.

For details visit www.travel2.com

Agent offer BUTLINS IS offering travel agents the chance to take a three- or four-night family break at any of its three seaside resorts for £20 per unit per night.

The offer is based on two adults and two children sharing a Silver self-catering apartment at Bognor Regis, Minehead or Skegness on a variety of dates until May 21. For more information visit the 'For You’ section at www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or email your details and chosen break to the agency sales team at agency.sales@bourne-leisure.co.uk Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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Fancy a fam?

VBRATA HAS launched a new online training course designed specifically for UK travel agents. The bite-size course, www.brazilonlinetraining.com contains information on how to sell Brazil including sections on carnival, food, culture, the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 & Olympic & Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The course launches with an additional module dedicated to the state of Pernambuco, one of VBRATA’s ‘destinations of the year’. Agents completing the course will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four fam trips to Brazil. There are also four runner-up prizes of dinner for two at a traditional Brazilian restaurant.

MERVIN'S MAGIC...Mervin Willard (right) from Baldwins Travel in Tunbridge Wells has won Longwood Holidays' iPad incentive prize.

Agents still have the chance to win an iPad 2 when they book an Egypt package of at least seven nights for a minimum of two people by March 31. Pictured with Mervin is the operator’s business development manager, Alan Meadows.

See www.longwoodholidays.co.uk/agents March 9 2012

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!

by OLIVER BROAD

Oliver highlights the importance of finding the right needle in the haystack T SEEMS to me that certain areas of our industry are flooded with suppliers. Take the luxury market, for example – and, increasingly, the adventure market too.

As an independent agent it really can be a ‘needle in a haystack’ situation when choosing an operator with which to deal. The longer you work with your suppliers, of course, the more you realise their strengths and weaknesses – but it does still seem as if certain areas are over-supplied.

Don’t get me wrong. The more choice the better for agents, as each supplier in my experience has strengths in different parts of the trip or destination - even if there are a handful working in the same market. But it does mean that sales tactics come into play - higher commission, competitions, vouchers and overrides. I do worry that some may be losing sight of what is important – the need to ensure that the client is booked on the most suitable holiday for their individual needs.

Being a member of AITO gives a head start to my sales force – it immediately gives us a list of operators who we know are tried and trusted. This can really help in markets such as luxury, where there are so many suppliers to choose from. A recent analysis of the number of operators I could have used for a week at the Abama in Tenerife provided me with at least 13 options. Only six of these were in AITO so, straight away, I was left with a much smaller group of suppliers from which to choose.

Calling all six would have taken far too long and so I picked the three that I knew had strengths in this area, and away I went. Good service, good pricing and no hard selling along the way – just what I needed. Receiving a voucher for the booking a week later was a lovely bonus I’ll be dining in for a tenner this weekend...

A similar problem cropped up with a trip to South America for a more adventurous client. There were six operators offering a similar tour but only four were in AITO and so, once again, our AITO links helped me to make an informed decision about which to look at in more detail.

What simply didn’t occur to me was how much I personally would receive from these companies if I booked with them. I did get a voucher, but I didn’t know about this in advance and so it really was a nice surprise.

Using vouchers to coax agents to book with you is, in my mind, unethical and an agent falling into this trap should also question whether they are using the best supplier for their clients’ needs. We do not work in the best-paid

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industry, but surely fam trips and training are much more positive and enriching schemes via which to incentivise a sales force?

These flooded markets also seem to be suffering, increasingly, from squeezed margins. Having spoken to a number of operators in February, it was apparent that January, whilst a busy and positive month, was at the same time a period when margins and discounts were an increasing problem. At AITO we are fiercely against discounting. Our unique Closer Ties agreement was groundbreaking when it was launched six years ago, but now some of its attributes - such as encouraging our operator partners to withdraw their direct discounting policies - are being replicated elsewhere, outside of AITO. I think this is testament to the fact that we were, again, ahead of the times. It is this unique, mutual respect that is at the heart of AITO Agents and I hope this ethical method of trading will assist in keeping margins at a sensible level.

There will be, I am sure, a big debate about these issues at our conference in Madeira in June, especially in light of the new bribery laws coming out. We are working hard with our panel on putting together a comprehensive programme to address hot topics affecting both tour operators and agents. This will include ATOL reform, the financial climate, the independent sector and how to make the most of modern marketing methods amongst others.

Attendance at the event is already looking healthy and the early bird booking deadline for our agent members is March 16, 2012 - so I do encourage members to sign up quickly.

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

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 055

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

Chained Bob

A➠

B➠ This Australian beach is famous for its sun, sea and surfing

C➠

Gain Oats

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, March 15th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 24th February is Lucy Aitken, First Choice in Derby.

February 24 Solution: A=3 B=5 C=6 D=8

Crossword

This capital is located in a country full of the spice of life

Where Am I?

Horse riding trousers found in India

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

Number: 055

Across 1. Tour operator, part of the Monarch group (6) 4. African country (4) 8. Asian currency (3) 9. German city, sounds like a royal house (7) 10. Journey or stumble (4) 11. Traditional Greek island in the Aegean (6) 14. Popular city break destination (6) 16. Colorado ski resort (4) 19. They operate parcs throughout Europe (7) 20. British high dive champion, ___ Daley (3) 21. What the Austrians call their capital (4) 22. US state capital, ___ City (6)

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Down 1. Billy, host of the 2012 Oscars, sounds like a tour operator (7) 2. Desert and Mount (5) 3. Hawaiian island (4) 5. Part of the Bourne Leisure Group (5) 6. Durban airport code (3) 7. South American mountain chain (5) 12. Our Queen is also monarch of these Pacific islands (7) 13. Independent safari specialist (5) 15. Tour operator, part of Thomas Cook (5) 17. Leisure car hire company, Holiday ___ (5) 18. Capital of Samoa (4) 19. Sounds like you may have to form a line to visit these famous gardens (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 March 9 2012

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personalitybulletin

Leslie Peden The director of sales, EMEA at Rocky Mountaineer says he’s addicted to cruising and loves Apple gadgets

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

My wife because she’s in the travel industry and might be reading this!

"I quite like the idea of property development but unless I win the lottery next week it’s a dream that won’t be realised anytime soon"

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Growing up in South Africa. I have wonderful early memories of exciting childhood adventures like safaris and camping in the bush.

Where was your last work-related trip?

The magnificent ski resort of Whistler for our annual global sales conference. I stayed in an amazing resort, ate in fabulous restaurants & participated in cool team-building activities such as eco zip-trekking.

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

My old boss, Sir Richard Branson. As entrepreneurs go, he’s one of the best and demonstrates what determination and vision can achieve. His incredible creativity and boundless energy are an inspiration to those in the travel industry and beyond.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Honest, innovative and outgoing.

What have your travels taught you?

That the world is a small place. I have unexpectedly bumped into friends and industry colleagues all over the globe at airports, hotels and even on ships, often in fairly remote places.

What is the best advice you recall?

Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

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

Apple gadgets (not the fruit variety!) – the more the merrier.

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Career path ● ● ● ● ● ●

2011-present: Director sales, EMEA Rocky Mountaineer 2009-2010: Managing director, Virgin Holidays Cruises 2006-2009: Sales director, Island Cruises 2004-2005: Sales director, American Airlines 2002-2004: Sales director, Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises 1989-2001: Various roles during 12 years with Virgin Atlantic. Last position held was regional manager, Central USA based in Chicago

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

Abolish APD. Ensure personal service & customer engagement aren’t lost fully to technology. Improve industry contingency plans for “out of the blue” happenings such as ash clouds, strikes & weather disruption.

What's your favourite city and why?

Chicago – I lived downtown for three years and loved every minute – it has a real buzz about it. Stunning architecture, incredible lake views, fabulous blues bars and special events all year round.

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

I quite like the idea of property development but unless I win the lottery next week it’s a dream that won’t be realised anytime soon.

What is your motto in life?

Don’t delay until tomorrow what can be done today.

What is your favourite mode of travel?

Trains and ships. I’m addicted to cruising and can’t think of a more relaxing way to travel between new and exciting destinations. Being able to combine a cruise with a rail journey is perfect for me.

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

Definitely flying – no more sitting on the M25 for hours on end.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

My iPad2.

How do you deal with stress?

An hour at the gym and I’m calm and re-energised.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?

Discounting. My mantra would be “Don’t lower your price, add value and raise your awareness.”

How do you cope with the advances in technology?

I embrace it fully - it can greatly enhance business practice & efficiency. I would be lost without my iPhone. As a company, we adopt new technology such as the CRM system Sales Force.

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czechrepublic How to make the 12 UNESCO Heritage sites your secret selling weapon

by JAN MLCAK, director UK & Ireland, Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism

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HERE IS no doubt that the Czech Republic is a UNESCO World Heritage Superpower. In fact it has one of the highest densities of UNESCO Heritage monuments found anywhere in the world. The first Czech site was inaugurated some 20 years ago and to mark this fact this year the Czech Republic is launching a campaign called 20 years, 12 monuments, 1 country. The drive will highlight the Prague historical centre as well as 11 other monuments and heritage sites and will offer programmes for tourists, schools and others. It will also feature exhibitions, competitions and more.

The Czech heritage sites range from whole historical sections of towns to individual buildings, and were a tourist to visit the country for these sites alone they would not be disappointed. The Czechs are rightly proud of the historical legacy of their country and the UNESCO symbol cements this fact by proclaiming to the world that the given site is of unique and exceptional importance, not just to them, but to the whole global community and that we should strive to protect it for the generations to come.

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Litomysl: the main attraction in this east Bohemian town is the Renaissance chateau with exceptional examples of original Italian architecture.

Activities to suggest: Classical music fans might be interested in the annual international opera festival, Smetana Litomysl – see www.litomysl.cz or www.smetanovalitomysl.cz/ Alternatively, suggest your clients climb up the Red Tower to get a great view of the town or visit the chateau underground vaults for a bit of an adventure www.zamek-litomysl.cz

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Zdar Nad Sazavou: This heritage site features the remarkable five-point star structure of the local monastery built in the 18th century to commemorate the famous Czech martyr, John of Nepomuk. This unique architectural gem is still used as a pilgrimage site.

Activities to suggest: Zdar nad Sazavou is located in the heart of the Vysocina region popular with hikers, cyclists and skiers. International championships in cross-country skiing take place here regularly. and next year the destination is hosting the World Biathlon Championship.

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Lednice and Valtice: This complex in south Moravia consists of various chateau buildings and decorative garden structures set amidst ponds and woods.

Activities to suggest: The area is criss-crossed with a dense network of hiking and biking trails and is perfect for exploring in combination with winetasting - see www.jizni-morava.cz

Telc, Czech Republic

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czechrepublic Zdar nad Sazavou

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Cesky Krumlov: There's a charming atmosphere in this historic town in South Bohemia, which attracts thousands of visitors each year making it one of the top tourist attractions in the region. The town is located on the Vltava river below Cesky Krumlov castle.

Activities to suggest: Get to know the town and its surroundings or opt for rafting, nordic walking or cycling see www.ckrumlov.info or visit the Egon Schiele Art Centre – see www.schieleartcentrum.cz

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Kromeriz: The splendid Kromeriz chateau and its beautiful gardens in Central Moravia are considered an exceptional and superbly preserved example of Baroque design.

Actitivities to suggest: Walk through the chateau gardens or take a houseboat cruise on the Bata canal - see www.batacanal.cz or www.vychodni-morava.cz/en

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Trebic: Trebic is renowned for its Jewish Quarter and the town was once an important centre of Jewish culture in Moravia. Visitors can see preserved examples of Jewish ghetto and walk through atmospheric medieval streets whilst taking in the Romanesque-Gothic Basilica of St. Procope and the Trebic chateau.

Activities to suggest: A boat cruise to the Dalesicka Dam – see www.dalesickaprehrada.cz or for something more energetic take on the outdoor rope climbing centre - see http://pavouk.unas.cz

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Kutna Hora: a lovely town near Prague that used to be a centre of silver mining in Medieval times. It features some of the best examples of gothic and baroque architecture in the country – churches, castles and mansions. Visitors can admire the silver mining museum or take a ghost tour to the Ossuary – “Bone Church” - with a crypt from the 17th century entirely decorated with human bones.

Activities to suggest: Visit the local wine making company which has a 1,000-year tradition www.vinokutnahora.cz or the Alchemy Museum www.alchemy.cz/museum or take a bobsleigh ride www.bobovadrahakutnahora.cz Telc: Telc is a picturesque town located in the centre of the Vysocina region and is famous for its huge square that

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showcases a unique complex of Renaissance and Baroque houses.

Activities to suggest: The region is ideal for outdoor actitivities such as horse-riding, cycling and walking - see www.telc.eu ●

Holasovice: This village is considered a true pearl of rustic Baroque style. Its 22 painted farmhouses are situated around a central pond which was used for breeding freshwater fish. In fact, the entire area is still known for its fishing industry.

Activities to suggest: Learn about the life of local people at the folklore museum or explore the area on horseback or in the comfort of a carriage - see www.selsky-dvurholasovice.cz/kontakt/

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Olomouc: A Moravian city that boasts collections of Baroque architecture second only to Prague. The most precious monument is the Baroque column located in the main historic square - see www.olomouc.eu Activities to suggest: Go rafting on the Morava river or take a night cruise. Numerous day trips out of the city are also available - see www.perej.cz

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Brno: The Moravian capital Brno was added to the UNESCO list thanks to Villa Tugendhat. This structure, built between the world wars, is outstanding and is a milestone in the development of modern architecture – see www.villatugendhat.eu Activities to suggest: Explore the city on the segway tours see www.segwayguidedtours.com

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Prague: At the end of our list and the top attraction is the Czech capital city. A stroll through Prague can be compared to a walk through the history of European architecture Prague Castle and Old Town Square are just the cream on top of this delicious cake.

Activities to suggest: Apart from city walking tours don’t miss boat cruises or a climb up the Petrin tower for a new perspective – see www.praguewelcome.com ✦

For more information visit www.czechtourism.com

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WELCOME TO THE

UNESCO COUNTRY 1 | Litomyšl, 2 | Žďár nad Sázavou, 3 | Lednice and Valtice, 4 | Český Krumlov, 5 | Kroměříž, 6 | Třebíč, 7 | Kutná Hora, 8 | Telč, 9 | Holašovice, 10 | Olomouc, 11 | Brno, 12 | Prague

CzechTourism, 13 Harley Street, London W1G 9QG, uk.czechtourism.com

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czechrepublic DERTOUR IS promoting a special ‘four nights for the price of three’ break to Prague. It costs from £399 per person and includes bed-and-breakfast accommodation at the five-star Hotel President and flights.

For details call 020-3131 2895, email tours@dertour.co.uk or see www.dertour.co.uk/travel-agents

Titan highlights selection of tours for agents to promote TITAN OFFERS a number of itineraries that include destinations within the Czech Republic.

The operator's ten-day Prague, Vienna and Budapest tour costs from £1,495 per person and includes three nights in the historic capital before embarking on a journey south through the Czech countryside to Vienna.

Similarly, from £1,395 per person, the company's ten-day Prague, Dresden and Berlin tour also offers three nights in the

Czech city before heading north to Germany.

For a unique alternative, agents can suggest their clients try a river cruise on the operator's Prague and the Delights of the Danube option, which leads in at £2,125 for ten days.

Each of the itineraries features a number of included excursions and a VIP door-to-door transfer service.

For more information visit www.titanagents.co.uk

UTRACKS IS featuring an eight-day Prague to Vienna cycle route. The Greenways cycle trails are a collection of routes linking Prague and Vienna and this specially designed trip follows the section south of Prague, from the hills of Cesky Krumlov to the east along the Austrian border. Passing numerous medieval towns where castles and impressive squares dominate, the route traverses national parks and wine country.

Crossing the border at historical Mikulov, the route heads south through Austrian vineyards, fields and villages before reaching Vienna. Prices lead in at £850 for a departure between April 1 and October 3 including accommodation, most meals, equipment rental, guides, luggage transfers between hotels and maps. Flights are excluded but can be booked on request.

For details call 0845-241 7599 or visit www.utracks.com

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New PragueBudapest cycle ride from Exodus EXODUS OFFERS both cultural and walking adventure holidays to the Czech Republic and new for this year, the operator has added a Prague to Budapest bike ride, giving guests the opportunity to cycle by the River Danube, see four historic European capitals (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia) and try different local cuisines, wines and beer.

The trip combines peaceful country lanes with well-marked cycle paths, including sections along the Danube, to showcase the best of Central Europe.

The riding is not challenging, although there are some long days as the route meanders past castles, through rustic villages and along rivers and lakes.

The 11-day tour leads in at £1,299 including flights and the next departures are on June 21, July 16 and August 16.

For more information visit www.exodus.co.uk or call 0845-805 9217.

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ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting a Prague city tour, the Grand City Tour of Prague, which takes visitors on a journey into the history and culture of the city. Mixing the old and the new, the tour offers an insight into Prague’s historic architecture, with highlights including the Old Town, Josefov, New Town, Lesser Town and the grounds of Prague Castle. Commissionable to agents, prices lead in at £31 for adults and £18 for children aged two to 12.

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

12 HTS 20 G I L H G E HI PRAGU Festivals United Islands - June 21-23 2012 United Islands, the Prague International Music Festival, the largest open-air festival on the islands of the Vltava River.

Prague Proms - June & July 2012 Prague Proms brings a series of best quality concerts, now in its eighth year. Full of classical, jazz, musical or film music, with inspiring performances to complement the summer mood.

Navalis - July 2012 The Vltava River baroque extravaganza to commemorate St. John of Nepomuk following the tradition of the “Water Music” with spectacular concerts, Venetian gondolas, historical boats, fireworks and much more.

COME TO SEE US IN LONDON There is still a chance to get to know Prague before the summer Olympics - during its special May 2012 presentation in London.

Detailed program of all events will be available at www.praha.eu, www.praguewelcome.com and www.london.czechcentres.cz/.

Advertisement Feature Prague – Summer Night's Dream - July 2012 This music, dance and entertainment festival will dominate the centre of Prague for the entire week.

Strings of Autumn - Sep. to Nov. 2012 Strings of Autumn festival is a musical crossroads where genre meets genre and tradition meets experiment, presenting some of the most important figures on the contemporary music scene.

Gastronomy Czech Beer Festival - May 17 to June 2 2012 A unique chance to taste more than 70 brands of Czech beer as well as a varied selection of the best from Czech chefs, butchers and bakers.

Sport Prague International Marathon - May 13 2012 The Prague International Marathon is one of the most beautiful marathon courses, ranking among the top 10 best marathons in the world.

Exhibitions The Prague Museum Night - June 9 2012 Museum Night Fever! A perfect summer night, with museums and galleries full of visitors savouring a cultural experience at an unconventional hour - for free. Discover how the institutions enliven with music, turn into cinemas, art studios, creative workshops or theatre stages.

The Prague Design Days – Designblok 12 - Sep. 2012 This annual international show of new developments and products in the fields of furniture design, home accessories, fashion and lifestyle is held in selected Prague showrooms, shops and galleries – all boasting exceptional architecture.

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middleeast Savings of £750 on Egypt & Jordan breaks from Discover Egypt LOW COST Flights with easyJet to Luxor and Amman mean that travellers can make big savings on holiday packages to Egypt and Jordan with the announcement that Discover Egypt has reduced prices on many of its packages until October.

A five-night holiday leads in at £1,249 per person, flying from Gatwick to Amman on May 24, with a three-night stay at the five-star Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, a spa resort next to the Dead Sea. Here guests can try the adult-only Anantara Spa that offers more than 20 treatment rooms, outdoor therapy lounges, 28 spa suites, Hammam pools and ice cave, as well as offering Ayurvedic therapies and local salt and mud treatments. One of the treatments on offer is a complimentary beachside mud bath using the mud from the Dead Sea. The stay at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar can be followed by two nights at the Marriott Petra, an ideal location to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra carved from the rock over a thousand years ago. The package also includes a day’s entrance to Petra.

The seven-night ‘Classic Jordan’ tour costs from £1,499 per person and offers a saving of £750 per person, based on two people travelling.

Highlights include a visit to the capital, Amman, bathing in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, a private escorted tour to the ruins of Petra and a stay in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba.

Meanwhile, travellers that want to combine Egypt and Jordan in one holiday could opt for the 15-night ‘Spectacular Egypt and Jordan’ tour, which has been reduced to £1,999 per person (from £2,599). Highlights include a seven-night cruise down the Nile, visiting the Pyramids and Sphinx, followed by a tour of the ruins at Petra and some time relaxing at Aqaba.

All prices include flights from Gatwick, transfers and tour as per the itinerary, bed-and-breakfast accommodation in four- or five-star hotels and are based on travel until October .

For information and bookings call 0844-880 0461 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

Pool at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Jordan

Emirates Tours promotes Dubai & Oman short break packages EMIRATES TOURS is highlighting two short break packages for agents to promote to clients - one in Dubai and the other in Oman.

The operator is offering three nights at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Residences from £619 per person, saving up to £180 per couple.

The price is based on two people staying on a bed-and-breakfast basis in a Studio Sea View and includes Economy Class flights from Gatwick and private transfers. It is valid for departures from June 15 to July 15 and August 11-31 for bookings made by March 31.

A five-night stay is offered for the price of four nights at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, with prices leading in at

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£1,295 per person, offering a saving of up to £1,450 per couple.

The price is based on two people staying in a Pool Villa on half-board and includes Economy Class flights from Gatwick and private transfers in Oman.

It is valid for travel from April 16 to July 15 and August 11 to September 30.

The operator's product & marketing manager, Beth Alcorn, said: “The confidence in Dubai is returning and the booking pace is looking particularly positive for the destination this year. We continue to see positive growth year-onyear with traditional resorts such as One&Only Royal Mirage and Madinat Jumeirah remaining popular due to fantastic special offers available throughout the year.

“Luxury apartments such as the newly opened Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Residences and Grosvenor House are also proving popular as they offer an affordable alternative, particularly for families and those who want to selfcater. The rise of the value conscious traveller has also meant that we have seen an increase in demand for allinclusive holidays to Dubai, allowing clients to budget prior to travel.

“Elsewhere in the Middle East, Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman is performing particularly well, again due to some excellent offers available to the resort.”

For more information see www.emiratestours.co.uk or call 020-7590 1450.

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middleeast Holiday Designers adds tailor-made packages to El Gouna & Taba Heights HOLIDAY DESIGNERS is now offering tailor-made holiday packages to the Red Sea resorts of El Gouna and Taba Heights.

Dedicated to designing unique holidays for each customer, the company offers competitive packages for a range of three- to five-star hotels in both resorts, including the Captain’s Inn, Mosaique Hotel, Mövenpick Resort and Spa, Sheraton Miramar Resort and Steigenberger Golf Resort in El Gouna, and the Hyatt Regency, InterContinental, Sofitel, Three Corners El Wekala Golf Resort and Taba Heights Marriott Red Sea Resort in Taba Heights.

Customers can also take advantage of the operator’s exclusive Hyatt Holiday Bonus package at the fivestar Hyatt Regency in Taba Heights, which includes a free upgrade to a sea view room, daily meal credits and reduced rates on a range of activities.

All products are commissionable to agents at 10%.

For more information call 020-3384 0023 or visit www.holiday-designers.com

Jumeirah Group launches pearl diving experiences in Dubai THE JUMEIRAH Group has announced details of a new pearl diving experience available to travellers staying in hotels in Dubai.

Guests staying at the company's hotels and resorts are invited to learn more about historic pearling traditions that once provided the main source of income for people living in the region.

The tours begin with a meeting at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and a bus trip to Palm Jebel Ali, where guests will be briefed and given their traditional diving attire before boarding the Dhow boat.

After singing, storytelling and a typical Emirati fish and rice dish for lunch, guests can opt to dive to depths of three to five metres in search of pearls that can be kept as souvenirs.

The activity is run by the Pavilion Dive Centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in partnership with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group.

New gourmet options in Lebanon from Trip Feast TRIP FEAST has announced two new food adventures which discover the rich flavours of the Levant.

The operator's Gourmet Lebanon itinerary includes a cooking class at Le Bristol Hotel in Beirut as well as a lesson in the art of sweet-making.

Guests can also sample wine in the natural caves of Ksara winery and visit the archaeological site of Byblos, birthplace of the alphabet.

The temple complex of

Baalbek and the Jeita Grotto caves are also included in the cultural food tour, which offers an intimate taste of the Levant through its dishes.

The eight-day tour departs on April 20 and October 5 and costs from £1,695 per person including flights.

Meanwhile, a Taste of Rural Lebanon is an eightday tour departing on May 5 and October 6 and costs from £1,645 per person including flights.\ Guests on the itinerary

visit Beirut to sample its top restaurants and nightlife, before learning the culinary secrets of rural Lebanon.

Highlights include preparing a traditional mezze in the village of Ehden, a visit to an organic farm in Deir El Ahmar and visiting temples, mosques, courtyards and statues of the Roman site of Baalbek.

For more information or to book visit http://tripfeast.com/tours

Oman launches new campaign to attract stopover visitors OMAN AIR, along with Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, resorts, hotels and tour companies, have joined forces to launch a One Free Night in Oman campaign to entice stopovers on the carrier's international network.

The campaign runs until December 22 and the offer is available on all classes of travel.

The airline's chief executive, Wayne Pearce, said: “The campaign is well timed and takes advantage of Oman Air’s international strategy and growing transit passenger market.

“The campaign adds value to our customers and will attract new business to the airline and Oman. It clearly demonstrates the synergy of the airline and destination joint promotion and enhanced competitiveness, enticing transit passengers to stop over and enjoy Oman.”

EMIRATES AIRLINE will add more than 2,000 seats a week to and from Newcastle when it introduces a larger aircraft on its daily flight to Dubai from September 1. A 428-seat Boeing 777300ER will replace a 278-seat Airbus A330-200 on the route, to offer a capacity increase of more than 50%. The airline will offer a two-class configuration with a choice of 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 386 seats in Economy Class.

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middleeast Abu Dhabi turns in record year for hotel guests

JEBEL ALI Golf Resort & Spa in Dubai is currently upgrading its watersports centre following its partnership with Watercooled. The resort sees the addition of Watercooled innovative watersports including dinghy sailing, catamaran and yoga on stand-up paddle boards. Watercooled will refurbish the 128-acre resort’s existing facilities and create new activities as well as a comprehensive sailing programme. The works are expected to be completed by mid-March.

For details see www.watercooleddubai.com and www.jebelali-international.com

Dubai Delights tour from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting its Dubai Delights tour, which combines several excursions.

These include a Dubai City Tour, which visits landmarks in the city, including the Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeira Beach, Sheikh Saeed's Palace, The Wind Towers and The Spice Souk and the Glittering Gold Souk; a Sunset Safari & Barbecue Dinner; and a two-hour Dhow cruise with dinner, including transfers.

Prices lead in at £135 for adults and £109 for children aged three-11 years.

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

Mӧvenpick Hotels & Resorts announces new wave of hotel launches MӦVENPICK HOTELS & Resorts is to open new properties in nine different destinations over the next few years, with a significant number of new properties opening in the Middle East.

This year's launches include Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai – a city hotel located close to the city’s business and leisure hubs and featuring 168 rooms and 307 apartments, as well as a private residence club; Oceana in Dubai, which is located on the ‘trunk’ of the Palm and will offer 187 rooms and suites as well as a private club lounge and 137 serviced apartments for long stay guests; and

Residences at the Square in Dubai, which will offer 180 rooms.

Next year sees the opening of the 293-room Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa in Dubai, on the crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, as well as Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, a 445-room business hotel which features four restaurants, an extensive banqueting ball room and a bridal suite.

In 2014 the company will add Salalah in Oman to its portfolio, a 391-room hotel in the southern province of Dhofar, offering extensive culinary options, a range of leisure facilities and comprehensive meeting and business facilities.

The same year also sees the addition of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, a 500-room hotel on Yas Island, close to the theme parks, shopping malls and the F1 race track; and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, which will offer 190 rooms, eight restaurants and bars and extensive leisure and business facilities.

New openings for 2015 include Al Reem Island and Al Raha Beach - both in Abu Dhabi. The former is a mixed use development of 713 guestrooms, suites and apartments and the latter is a beach resort of 400 rooms and suites located on Al Raha island.

Shearings promotes Jordan, Petra & Dead Sea tour SHEARINGS IS highlighting a new eight-day Jordan, Petra and the Dead Sea tour, where guests can experience the history and landscape of Jordan.

Highlights include a Jeep ride through the Red Desert, a trip to the Dead Sea and a visit to Petra.

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Prices lead in at £1,199 per person for seven nights' breakfast accommodation, six excursions, flights and transfers.

Departure dates are available from April to November.

For more information call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

ABU DHABI has recorded its most successful year ever in terms of hotel guest arrivals with some 2,111,611 people staying in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments – beating its 2011 stretch target of two million by 6.5% or more than 100,000 guests.

Europe’s growth rate was primarily influenced by the UK, which remains Abu Dhabi’s biggest international source market accounting for 139,319 – an increase of 18%.

Annual growth was recorded across a number of key metrics including: guest nights, which were up 22% to 6.3 million; occupancy levels, which rose 7% to 69%; revenue, which rose 3% to US$1.2billion; and length of stay which expanded 5% to 2.97 nights.

Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahya, said: “This is a highly encouraging result in a year which has seen substantial additions to our hotel and resort inventory, including several five-star beach properties which have opened up Saadiyat Island to guests.

“There is a clear correlation between this increase, our opening of offices in Russia and the US, our heightened focus on the Asian markets, a vibrant calendar of worldclass events, increased air access with the arrival into Abu Dhabi of new carriers and the expansion of Etihad Airways’ network.

“It leaves us well placed to build for 2012 for which we initially had a target of 2.3million but, in conjunction with stakeholders, will now reassess to see if this too, can be stretched.”

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Treasured Time.

Our promise to you.

At Rotana, we have chosen to acknowledge how precious time is to you by making all time spent with us, Treasured Time. This means that we pledge to understand and meet the individual needs of all our guests. In so doing, we have evolved our product brands to include, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Centro Hotels by Rotana and Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana.

150 Minories, EC3N 1LS, London, UK T : +44 207 347 5391, F : +44 207 347 5392, oso.london@rotana.com

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s d n a l s i r e h & spain Ibiza nightlife a surprise hit for Classic in the Balearics WITH A well-established programme to Mallorca and a popular selection of family hotels on Menorca, the latest success for Classic Collection Holidays in the Balearics has come as something of a surprise according to the operator.

Sales to Ibiza increased by more than 40% year-on-year for last year and summer sales for this year are already more than double on last year.

The operator attributes the majority of the growth in bookings to the popularity of Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel in Playa d’en Bossa.

The property is renowned for its lively pool and beach-club parties and is regarded by many as the hotel which leads Ibiza’s beachfront nightlife scene.

Live entertainment is the main feature of the hotel - a stage area is set by the pool and beach and features DJ sessions, fashion shows and music concerts from international artists.

As examples, this year’s opening parties on May 26 & 27 have Luciano and Fatboy Slim as headline acts.

As the hotel is located on the seafront in Playa d’en Bossa there are further opportunities for clubbing nearby, once the parties at the hotel are over.

The operator is featuring seven nights from £1,026 per person during the opening parties.

The price includes flights, private transfers and breakfast accommodation in a Superior room.

For more information call 0800-008 7288.

Sheraton to open first hotel in Madrid STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts has announced plans for a new Sheraton hotel to open in Madrid. The Sheraton Madrid Mirasierra Hotel & Spa is set to open this spring following the conversion and adaptation of the existing Mirasierra Suites Hotel.

The five-star property is located in Mirasierra, a residential area in the North of Madrid, close to the financial district and the Convention Centre (IFEMA).

The hotel will offer 180 bedrooms, a restaurant, lobby bar, lounge and terrace and a pool and bar as well as Health Club Sheraton Fitness powered

by Core Performance and spa with both an indoor and outdoor pool.

For more information visit www.starwoodhotels.com/ sheraton

Prestige report strong booking growth for summer PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports that it is seeing a strong growth in bookings to Spain for summer, with a 48% increase in sales to Southern Spain and a 22% rise in bookings to Mallorca.

The company's marketing manager, Nicky Shafe, said: "After a steady couple of years Spain is definitely picking up. Our top selling properties are the Kempinski Hotel Bahia Marbella Estepona which is very popular with our family clients and the Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa, which appeals to families as well as couples. Don Carlos also suits those seeking luxury as it

offers 24 Deluxe one- and two-bedroom villas with private check-in, butler service and swimming pool."

Children under six years old can stay free on a bed-andbreakfast basis at the Kempinski outside of high season this summer. As well as an early booking discount, the operator has free nights and free child stay offers at Don Carlos on selected dates throughout summer.

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

Shearings adds new tour options to Grand Tourer programme SHEARINGS HAS introduced new touring itineraries to its Grand Tourer programme for this year, including a Grand Tour of Spain and Treasures of Morocco and Southern Spain.

The operator's product manager for Spain, Julie Winder, said: "Spanish holidays have always been key products in our market and their continuing popularity is reflected in the wide range of itineraries we provide.

“Our attractively priced overnight coach tours to the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada continue to see good growth and we have introduced many new tours into

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March 9 2012

this programme to support this, particularly on an all- inclusive basis.

Our all-inclusive air programme to Mallorca, Salou and Benidorm is also proving successful.”

A 16-day Grand Tour of Spain break leads in at £1,349 per person including 15 nights' half-board accommodation, touring itinerary and travel by coach.

Highlights include trips to Madrid, Barcelona, the Moorish city of Cordoba and a visit to Alhambra Palace.

Departures are available from June to October.

Alternatively, a nine-day Spain’s

Golden Coast option leads in at £319 and explores the Costa Dorada. Highlights include visits to Barcelona, the medieval town walls of Montblanc and historic Tarragona.

The price includes six nights' allinclusive accommodation, three excursions and coach travel and the holiday is also available as a 16-day option from £614.

Departures are available through to April and between October and November.

For more information call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

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spain&herislands Your Car Hire encourages early bookings while prices are low YOUR CAR Hire currently has lead in prices for seven days in low summer season from ÂŁ92 in the Canary Islands and from ÂŁ104 on the mainland and Mallorca, including 15% commission for agents.

The company says that prices are

set to increase by at least 50% as suppliers sell out and that the message to agents is to encourage clients to book early to secure the best price and availability.

The company offers free cancellation and amendments up to 48-hours prior

to the hire date and is currently promoting its Million Pound Giveaway, where agents will earn ÂŁ5 for every Damage Excess Waiver they sell and ÂŁ10 for every Super Damage Excess Waiver, payable automatically, on a monthly basis, in Love2Shop vouchers.

Great Rail Journeys adds new ten-day Andalucia tour from ÂŁ3,658 per person GREAT RAIL Journeys has launched a new tour that travels through Andalucia on the five-star Belle Epoque train.

The ten-day itinerary, which leads in at ÂŁ3,658 per person, includes First Class rail travel and transfers (Standard Premier Class on Eurostar journeys with meals and drinks); three nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and two dinners; five nights in a Standard Suite on ‘Al Andalus’ hotel The Alhambra in Granada

train with all meals; a guided tour of Cordoba; an excursion to the Museum of Olive Oil and a sightseeing tour of Baeza Old Town; a sightseeing tour of Ubeda; an excursion to the Alhambra in Granada; a guided tour of the Albayzin and Granada Old Town; a guided tour of Ronda; sherry tasting in Jerez; a visit to the Royal School of Equestrian Art; a Guadalquivir River Cruise; a sightseeing tour of Seville and the services of a tour manager.

For more information call 01904-521 980 or visit www.greatrail.com

CANARY ISLANDS

Prestige Holidays offer a superb selection of hand picked 4 &5 star hotels, something for every client, from boutique hotels, rural properties to larger resort hotels with spa and golf.

Ask about all our latest offers including early booking offers, reduced rates, excellent child discounts, free nights and room upgrades.

FREE HALF BOARD at Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort between 31 March - 14 April, booked by 13 March 2012, saving ÂŁ432 per couple.

Many flights from local airports‌.how can we help your clients?

Marks & Spencer’s vouchers for each booking made.

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

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spain&herislands Princesa Yaiza launches new 'Kids' Kits'

Tuck into an Easter treat at La Manga Club SPAIN'S LA Manga Club is inviting families to book a stay at the property during the Easter holidays and benefit from a special price of €1,239 for a seven-night stay for a family of four.

The package includes accommodation in the resort’s fully-serviced twobedroom apartments in Las Lomas Village and the chance to experience a wide range of activities.

Prices at the venue’s fivestar Hotel La Manga Club Principe Felipe have also been reduced and lead in at €1,657 for a family of four staying seven nights.

As part of the packages, children aged between three and 12-years-old can take part in free sessions in the resort’s junior club.

The breaks, which can be booked until March 31, entitle families to full access to the spa, pool, saunas, steam rooms and fitness centre, while there is complimentary use of the resort’s internal shuttle bus and free meals for children under five.

Prices are based on two people sharing a double room and include VAT and breakfast.

For more information email reserve@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com

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THE PRINCESA Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort on Lanzarote is launching new 'Kids' Kits', which includes a range of useful extras for children.

The free kits will be available for all bookings made for travel from the May 1 when staying at the specially designed Royal Kiko Suites.

Parents with young infants (0-three years) will receive a Babies Kit which includes a baby bath with changing table, a baby bath seat, baby monitors, a sterilizer for baby bottles, steamer and food processor, play-pen, pushchair and highchair.

The new Kiko ‘Kids Kit’ (for ages three– 12 years) includes a Playstation 3 with games, a DVD player with dvds, a night light, bathroom step-up, WC kids' seat, Kiko bathroom toiletries and a surprise welcome gift.

The Royal Kiko Family Suites feature two bedrooms, one of which is designed for children with colourful contemporary motifs, Play Stations and beanbags. Guests staying in a Royal Kiko Suite also receive two hours' complimentary babysitting or a thalassotherapy treatment at the hotel spa.

Sovereign Luxury Travel is offering one free child place, a 10% early-booking offer and an online discount for seven nights from £1,899 per family of three on a bed-and-breakfast basis, departing on July 5. The price includes flights from Gatwick and private transfers and offers a saving of up to £880 for a family of three.

Call 0844-415 1936 or visit www.sovereign.com Meanwhile, the five-star resort is offering a new couples' getaway package, which includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, a bottle of Cava and a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries in the room, dinner under the stars at the gourmet Isla de Lobos restaurant, a free cocktail at the Cocktails & Music Bar 4 Lunas and use of the spa facilities including a ‘Princesa Yaiza’ water-circuit, a hydrating, relaxing Cleopatra bath or anti-aging grape bath.

The package costs from €325 (approximately £272) for two guests for two nights’ bed-and-breakfast accommodation.

For more information visit www.princesayaiza.com

Overnight visitors to Valencia increases by 8% VALENCIA GREW 8% in overnight stays last year compared to 2010 to reach 3,874,332, the highest figure in the history of tourism in the city.

The economic impact generated by tourism in Valencia was close to €1,500million, higher than the €1.396million recorded in 2010.

Valencia Tourism reports that the key to success has been the impetus of leisure tourism, which accounts for more than 65% of travellers visiting the city and the improved internationalisation of the city’s tourism.

The average nights stayed in Valencia has also increased - from 1.99 in 2010 to 2.12 nights last year. With 126 hotels and more than 17,500 hotel rooms, average occupancy in the city of Valencia has also improved; achieving 62.4%, up from 61.2% last year.

Meanwhile, the strategic plan developed by Valencia Tourism for the next four years aims to generate a cumulative economic impact of between 7,000 and 8,000million euros, which would translate into an average annual impact of 2,000million.

The tourist board also expects to reach five million overnight stays, of which 57% are international, 6% more than in 2011.

For more information visit www.turisvalencia.es

March 9 2012

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spain&herislands Spain reveals UK visitors up by 9.4%

Tenerife celebrates record UK figures

LAST YEAR Spain welcomed in excess of 13.6million UK tourists, up 9.4% year-on-year.

UK visitors represented the largest share (24%) of all international arrivals, followed by Germany (15.9%) and France (15%).

The Spanish Tourist Office reports that throughout last year UK visitor numbers were up every month with December alone welcoming more than 585,000 tourists, an increase of 14.6% year-on-year. In terms of destinations, the Canaries attracted the most UK visitors in 2011 (26%) followed by the Balearics (22%) and Andalucía (18.3%). The Region of Valencia also proved popular, attracting 16.1% of all UK visitors.

Meanwhile, the tourist office has created a new training module for agents called The Estaciones Nauticas, in conjunction with the Association of Estaciones Nauticas of Spain and OTT (Online Travel Training).

The Spanish Association of Nautical Stations represents 30 premium Spanish destinations with a long tradition in nautical and family tourism. The course will run throughout this year and will offer agents a range of prizes as incentives for those completing the module. Visit www.estacionesnauticasexperts.com for details.

The tourist office has also announced that on July 1 Spain will return to Regent Street for the first ‘Discover Spain in Regent Street’ festival, replacing the former ‘A Taste of Spain’.

The newly branded event will offer a new spin for 2012, aimed at whisking visitors off to Spain for a day with a series of themed areas.

For more information visit www.spain.info

OFFICIAL END of year figures released by the Tenerife Tourism Corporation (TTC) show that 2011 was a record year for tourists to the island, with the UK showing an increase of 10.6% compared to 2010.

Some 1,658,315 holidaymakers visited from the UK, representing the highest annual figure since 2008. The largest increase was seen in September with a 34% growth year-on-year.

In terms of accommodation choices, the largest increase was seen in the hotel sector, with 14% more tourists staying in hotels, compared to 7.6% more tourists staying in nonhotel properties.

Tenerife also welcomed a 6.3% increase in tourist arrivals in winter 2010/11, its highest level in recent years.

Furthermore, figures on the rise over the past few months indicate a promising outlook for the current winter season.

Last year’s summer period alone saw an increase of 21.2%, which in comparison to previous years, indicates that the destination is becoming increasingly

popular as a summer holiday destination.

In response to the positive findings, Pia Louw, travel trade industry director at the TTC, said: “We’re extremely pleased to see a come-back in British tourists, which demonstrates confidence is gradually being restored.

“Nonetheless, in such uncertain conditions and in such a highly competitive environment, we will continue to work hard to maintain our position as a top holiday choice for UK visitors, who represent our most important source market.”

Meanwhile, the TTC has announced the launch of a new tourism strategy which will be put into practice with immediate effect over the next four years.

The document detailing the new 2012–2015 strategy outlines 11 objectives which cover areas varying from product development to promotional activities, such as the regeneration of tourist areas, building closer ties with partners, implementing more online initiatives and boosting social media presence.

Benidorm unveils Tourism Foundation BENIDORM IS stepping up its promotional activities to the travel trade, under the newly formed Benidorm Tourist Foundation (marketed as ‘VisitBenidorm’). Determined to reinforce its position by reminding holidaymakers that ‘there’s more to Benidorm than you might think’, the new director of tourism, Yolanda Pickett Fernàndez, said that the time has come for agents to remind holidaymakers that Benidorm has changed dramatically in the last decade.

She said: “We have seen the construction of three new fivestar hotels and the renovation and modernisation of 90% of others. A dramatic new seafront promenade designed by Carlos Ferrater to emulate sea waves on Poniente Beach has attracted more redevelopment with new restaurants, cafes and tapas bars to this part of the town. There are also worldclass theme parks and award-winning restaurants, not to mention our pristine Blue Flag beaches. All this makes Benidorm even greater value as a holiday destination for British visitors.

“Benidorm remains a summer destination for young people and families and a winter spot for older visitors, taking advantage of its winter sun and mild climate. Now with the vast choice of hotels, bars, restaurants, attractions and sporting activities, Spain’s number one destination is set to attract even more UK visitors.”

For more information see www.visitbenidorm.es

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March 9 2012

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fareast How strong marketing initiatives & trade focused activities have contributed to record-breaking UK arrivals to the Philippines

by ROSARIO AFUANG, director of the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT)

F

OR THE first time in history, tourism arrivals from the UK reached 104,466 last year, which was 7.78% higher than the registered visitors of 96,925 in 2010.

Arrivals from the UK contributed to a record-breaking 3.917million foreign visitors to the Philippines in 2011.

These figures alone demonstrate that the Philippines is becoming a more sought-after destination with UK visitors and is continuing to gain a stronger market share.

Driving the message home In the face of the economic downturn experienced across Europe, we have been tirelessly implementing innovative promotional projects and marketing campaigns to drive tourists to the country.

Last year we assisted and organised no fewer than three dozen individual fam, press and filming trips for TV personalities, journalists and photographers. The results speak for themselves. TV celebrities such as Carol McGiffin of Loose Women, Camilla Andersen of Travel Channel and Professor Brian Cox experienced the numerous attractions of the country and raved about it online, in magazines and on their respective shows with entire episodes devoted to the Philippines.

We also embarked on multi-platform advertising campaigns to raise awareness for the destination in the UK; the most prominent of which are the 50 London taxi cabs and four routemaster buses carrying the Philippines tourism banner. Numerous competitions were also run on TV and broadsheets like the ‘Holiday of a Lifetime’ aired on the Travel Channel, with 300 30-second spots for a month.

We also focused on strengthening our core activity markets; diving publicity for the Philippines was at an alltime high with the destination almost a constant feature in Dive, Diver and Sport Diver magazines every month.

Almost all UK diving operators that specialise in Asia

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report that the Philippines is in their top five selling destinations.

Another integral part of our projects is internet marketing strategies, with our social media accounts generating huge interest. Members of the Tourism Philippines UK Facebook fan page exceeded 7,500 last year and video views on YouTube totalled 200,000. Meanwhile, our Website - www.tourismphilippines.co.uk - generated 286,120 page views last year and each month, the enewsletter reaches 12,000 consumers, travel trade and media subscribers.

Forging new trade relationships PDOT London fostered stronger relationships with the travel trade by implementing more joint-promotional activities last year than in recent years.

The office conducted staff training for Audley Travel, Black Tomato, Kenwood Travel, Kuoni and Luxury Holidays. Further sales calls and meetings were also held with more than two dozen operators throughout the year at trade events like the PATA Exchange and Taste of PATA. Many operators were also invited to the country for special events such as the Philippine Travel Exchange and Dive Seafari, resulting in the inclusion of the destination in their brochures.

Trade and consumer shows have also proved very effective, with the country gaining massive exposure.

The Philippines is usually nominated as the destination of choice by attendees at various events like the London Dive Show, Dive Birmingham, Destinations Holiday and Travel Show and the World Travel Market, to name a few. At these shows, huge quantities of promotional DVDs, destination flyers, maps and brochures, all produced by the office, are distributed.

This sustained drive of PDOT London to implement the most effective marketing programme, especially with the new tourism brand campaign --- “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” will hopefully see tourism arrivals in 2012 climb even higher. ✦

For more information visit tourismphilippines.co.uk

March 9 2012

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fareast Premier predicts increased demand for Indochina PREMIER HOLIDAYS reveals that it has seen an increase in Far East bookings across the board with cumulative business up 6% for passengers and 3% for revenue.

Bookings to Thailand, Indochina and Malaysia were up 36%, 20% and 11% respectively and the operator says that there has also been a trend for high value business to the region.

The company’s head of Faraway product, David Carlaw, said: “Asia always represents good value and there are some particularly great deals for travel to Thailand, even during the high season.

“This year, we have so far run very successful campaigns for Thailand, in January, and Malaysia, in February. Both campaigns featured special offers and a booking discount, as well as an agent

booking incentive. We predict Indochina will come into its own this year – people are looking for a holiday with a difference, places they may not have visited before, that are now more accessible.

Agents booking Far East packages can still earn up to £150 worth of shopping vouchers, which is a great incentive.”

As an example of prices, seven nights in Phuket coupled with nine nights in Elephant Hills costs from £1,129 per person and offers a saving of £252 per person. The price includes accommodation and flights and is based on two adults sharing, valid for travel until October 31.

For more information or to book visit www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7444.

Taipei opens four new hiking trails FOUR NEW hiking trails have been introduced in Taiwan’s capital Taipei, giving walkers the chance to experience different districts of the city.

The Tiger Mountain Ecology Trail in Xinyi, the Green Mountain Trail in Shilin and the Wind’s Tail and Waterwheel Hut Trails in Beitou opened last month and all offer loop trails with gentle gradients and recently established observation decks, suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.

The destination now features more than 100km of hiking trails, most with easy public transport links. A dedicated walking app, ‘GoHikingTaipei’, is available for Android and Windows phones, with an iPhone version imminent.

For more information visit www.taiwan.net.tw

Shearings responds to increased demand from over 50s market

THE EXCELSIOR, Hong Kong is offering an Easter Getaway package between April 1-10, with prices leading in at £162 per person. It includes one night’s accommodation in a Superior Side Harbour View room; £40 dining credit at any of the hotel’s restaurants and bars per room, per stay; a box of chocolates on arrival; 10% discount on any spa treatment at the property's fitness centre; and a special rate of £48 supplement for an upgrade to a Deluxe Harbour View Room Executive Floor, £81 supplement for an grade to Executive Floor or £163 to a Suite. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and a minimum stay of two consecutive nights is required.

For details email exhkg-reservations@mohg.com or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/excelsior

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March 9 2012

ACCORDING TO Shearings, there has been increased demand from the over 50’s market for holidays to more exotic destinations, and as such, the operator has added to its selection of itineraries.

The company’s Europe & Worldwide holidays manager, Patricia Birmingham, said: “Success of holidays such as the Mighty Yangtze River have encouraged us to explore new destinations, such as Vietnam and Cambodia.“Agents selling to this market should be aware that over 50’s are looking for holidays which give them a chance to explore new countries and experience different cultures.”

As an example of prices, the 13-day China and the mighty Yangtze River leads in at £2,149 and takes in China’s top sights, including Shanghai, Beijing and the Great Wall.

Also included is a four-night cruise on MV Century Star, which takes in the Three Gorges Dam and the Yangtze river.

The cost of the holiday covers four nights full board cruise, seven nights’ hotel accommodation, several meals, 14 included excursions, flights and transfers. Departures are available between June and October.

To book or for more information call 0844-209 7143 or visit www.shearings.com

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fareast Real Gap Experience launches new Bangkok to Bali route REAL GAP Experience has launched a new trip, Bangkok to Bali, offering a range of experiences in a short space of time.

The 28-day trip takes guests through Bangkok and Singapore before arriving in Bali. Highlights include a night in the wilds of Khao Sok, one of Thailand’s National Parks and a trek up Mt Bromo.

Prices start from £1,970 per person including accommodation; some meals (six breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners); transfers; a tour guide; and 24-hour support.

For more information visit www.realgap.co.uk or call 01892-516164.

Burma debut from Wendy Wu Tours WENDY WU Tours has launched its first fully inclusive tour to Burma.

The 13-day ‘Burma Explorer’ tour takes in the country’s main sights and prices lead in at £2,390 per person including flights, local transport, accommodation, all meals, daily touring with guides, entrance fees and visas for UK passport holders.

Prices are based on selected departures and twin rooms.

For more information visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-875 2436.

Mandalay's U Bein Bridge

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fareast Collette Worldwide We asked our staff the following question this week: If you could move to anywhere in the world where would it be?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

HOLIDAYS’ 2012 programme includes a new addition to the Indo-China programme, called Three Kingdoms of Indo China. The 20-day itinerary brings together the highlights of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, including the iconic Angkor Wat. There are several scenic cruises incorporated within the tour – one along the Mekong Delta to see floating markets, fruit orchards and the Mekong River Islands and another on the Perfume River in Vietnam and a third overnight cruise on a luxury junk boat in Vietnam’s Halong Bay. A cooking class in Hoi An is an integral part of the tour and guests will also have the chance to enjoy an optional sunrise photography class in Hoi An. Prices start from £3674 per person, based on two sharing and including 41 meals, flights, transfers, a tour manager throughout and free door to door pick up within 100-miles of the departure airport.

A Cornish coastal village

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk

Vietnam expansion by Hayes & Jarvis

Perth or somewhere in the US

FOLLOWING THE launch of direct flights from the UK, Vietnam looks set to be the next must-have destination for holidaymakers looking for a culture and beach fix, according to Hayes & Jarvis. As a result the operator has boosted its programme to the destination by adding 12 beach hotels in the destinations of Hoi An and Danang – with plans to expand further this year.

The company’s lead regional product manager, Andrea Loddo, suggests steering clear of beach resorts frequented by growing numbers of Russians in favour of Danang Beach, located 30-minutes from the old town of Hoi An. He recommends agents suggest to their clients that they try Fusion Maya on Danang Beach as it offers stylish and contemporary surroundings with a concept of an all-inclusive spa, with a

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Berlin or New York at this stage in my life. I've already lived in Greece, France and Australia.

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk San Francisco

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk South of France

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Thailand

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk A holiday home on Queensland's Sunshine Coast would be nice each winter

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Manly, Australia

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

minimum of two treatments included in the day rate.

He said: “When the Fusion Maya opened in 2010 it set new standards in Vietnam. With Danang International Airport opening very soon, the whole of Danang Beach is seeing new developments of five-star properties - Hyatt Regency recently opened and Le Meridien is under construction.

Fusion Maya is different boutiquey, not part of a chain, with personal outstanding service.”

Other new introductions include the Furama in Danang Beach, the Victoria Hoi An, Palm Garden and Ancient House River Resort in Hoi An and the Centara Chen Sea Resort in Phu Quoc.

For more information call 0871-200 2211 or visit www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

Beverly Hills - so I can live like a film star

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com

Fleewinter adds Thailand to growing portfolio

Philippines

FLEEWINTER HAS introduced Thailand to its programme, with the main areas offered including Bangkok and the surrounding area, Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai and lesser-known Mae Hong Son District), Koh Samui & the Gulf of Thailand, and Phuket & the Andaman Coast.

Accommodation is varied and ranges from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroomed villas and boutique hotels.

The Thailand section of the operator’s Website also features ideas for activities including diving, junk cruising, rock climbing and Thai cooking lessons.

The operator’s managing director, Alisdair Luxmoore, said: “The past two years have been particularly challenging with the economy and world events but despite this we have managed to grow and develop our portfolio.

“Kate Glover, our Thailand product manager, spent considerable time in Thailand, personally researching all the accommodation and activities which are now on the website.”

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com The O.C.

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com Back to California

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant 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.

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

30

Audit Bureau of Circulations Business magazines

March 9 2012

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. COSMOS, 4. CHAD, 8. YEN, 9. HANOVER, 10. TRIP, 11. LEMNOS, 14. LISBON, 16. VAIL, 19. KEYCAMP, 20.

TOM, 21. WIEN, 22. CARSON. Down:1. CRYSTAL, 2. SINAI, 3. OAHU, 5. HAVEN, 6. DUR, 7. ANDES, 12. SOLOMON, 13. SOMAK, 15. STYLE, 17.

AUTOS, 18. APIA, 19. KEW.

Highlighted Word: CALAIS Travagrams: (top) Bondi Beach

(bottom) Santiago

Where Am I?: Jodhpur

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