Travel Bulletin 9th November 2012

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November 9 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,802 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Croatia Top tips to help you sell year-round holidays

this week

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puzzle bulletin complete the crossword for a chance to win a ÂŁ50 Pizza Express voucher hotel bulletin Nappy Valley effect fuels Travelodge growth plans

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dynamic packaging A2B Transfers examines lessons learned for the year ahead

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winter sun escape the cold with a round-up of new offers & programme additions

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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.

P.O. Box: 43500, Abu Dhabi, UAE T: +971 (0)2 644 4412, F: +971 (0)2 644 4413, head.ofďŹ ce@rotana.com

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newsbulletin PwC survey reveals holidays becoming spending priority

STAND AND DELIVER...Villa Select recently took a group of Travel Counsellors on a fam to Pollensa and Cala D’or, Mallorca. Pictured topping up their tans as they showcase the operator's latest brochure are, from the left: Donna Meredith, Travel Counsellors; Alison Repoulios, Villa Select; Laraine Drage, Travel Counsellors; Jon White, Villa Select; Sophie Bayo, Nichola Scott, Elaine Blatcher and Tom Morris, Travel Counsellors.

Cover Pictures: Main - Dubrovnik, Croatian National Tourist Office

Inset - Your Car Hire

This Week 3

news

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agent bulletin

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agent review

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new survey reveals holidays are becoming spending priority

Travelodge reveals the most bizarre requests it receives

FINDINGS OF a recent PwC consumer behaviour and travel survey show the changing holiday habits of consumers. When asked about expectations on spending over the next year, almost all consumers are more positive than this time last year.

The survey shows that consumers continue to see holidays as an important spending priority, although somewhat paradoxically it remains an area to reduce expenditure, given the prominence of holiday spending in the household discretionary spending budget.

The findings have unearthed several different behavioural trends, when comparing each consumer group by age. Each consumer group cites different areas for spending and cutting back; but seniors across all social groups prioritise holiday spending.

The 55+ age group are most positive about spending on holidays next year, with it being their main spending priority; the 18-34 age group cite saving for a new home and credit card or loan repayments, and the 35-54 age group cite mortgage repayments, credit card or loan ● continues on next page

Less tthan ha n a m onth tto og o Less month go u ntil V oya age g r llaunches! aunches! until Voyager Voy Voyager ager sets sail on her inaugural season to the Caribbean C ibb and dS South th America A i on 4th December D b 2012.

2012 Find out more at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

find out what one agent thought of her fam to Turkey

puzzle bulletin complete the crossword for a chance to win a £50 Pizza Express voucher

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hotel bulletin

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personality bulletin

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croatia

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dynamic packaging

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winter sun

Darwin Lounge

Explorer Club

Nappy Valley effect fuels Travelodge growth plans

which MD was known as Crystal Tips at school because of her curly hair?

CNTO highlights top ten tips for selling year-round holidays

n contact: For agency sales information Brian Langford Mobile: 07740 540304

Tim Fleming Mobile: 07894 394488

Email: b.langford@allleisuregroup.com

DZȱ ǯĚ ȓ ǯ DZȱ ǯĚ ȓ ǯ

A2B Transfers examines lessons learned for the year ahead

escape the cold with a round-up of new offers & programme additions

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Details of improvements artists impressions aree ccorrect improvements and ar tists impr essions ar orrect at time of print but subject to change. VVoyages oyages of Discovery is a trading name of All LLeisure eisure Holidays Ltdd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897

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repayments and home improvements as their spending priority.

Over the next 12 months, those surveyed are more likely to spend less on dining out, takeaways and clothing, shoes and accessories rather than cut down on their main holiday or short breaks.

Partner at PwC David Trunkfield said: “The elderly and retired are the most

positive about spending on holidays next year. Consumers have also eased back a little from some of the more radical ‘coping strategies’ they have adopted to reduce holiday spending over the past three years.

"With declines in inflation over the past few months, the picture for discretionary consumer spending is looking a little more positive, and it looks like consumers are done with

cutting back on holiday spend and are looking to cut back on other areas, like clothing, if they have to.

“The poor British summer is also likely to encourage increased foreign holidays, which remain some way below their pre-recession peak. The average number of holidays taken remains around 20% below what respondents see as normal whilst a third report not taking a holiday at all.”

New villa collection from CV Travel CV TRAVEL has launched its 2013 collection with a new brochure, `Villas’, which showcases a hand-picked selection of villas in the Greek Islands, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal & the Caribbean, ranging from mansions, historic farmhouses and country retreats to villas and traditional cottages.

Prices start from £620 per week for a seven-night stay in a beachside property for four people in Corfu, with rentals for the most exclusive houses in the Caribbean rising to thousands of pounds per week. The new 212-page brochure also features ten villas in the operator's Private Collection, which is made up of the world’s most luxurious, fully staffed villas, ranging in price from £10,000 - £40,000 per week.

For more information visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

A SLICE OF THE ACTION...pictured marking easyJet's new route from Belfast to Birmingham, which operates twice daily from Monday-Friday and daily on Saturday and Sunday, are, from the left: John Doran, Belfast Airport; Ali Gayward, easyJet and Minister Danny Kennedy.

Jordan & Burma additions from W&O WESTERN & Oriental has issued its new Beaches & Retreats programme for 2013 with new destinations Jordan and Myanmar-Burma.

The brochure also includes new historical hotels for the Italian collection and new properties in the Indian Ocean where new hotels offer in-room iPads, a kite-surfing school and an under-water music club.

Abu Dhabi dominates the new entries for the Arabian Gulf while the newest hotel openings in Thailand and Vietnam boost the Far East pages.

Prices start from £865 per person for five nights at the Shangri-La in Oman and £896 per person for a week at Grace Mykonos.

The brochure features more than 90 luxury resorts, hotels and tailor-made journeys covering the Caribbean, India Ocean, Arabian Gulf, Far East and Europe.

For more information visit www.wandotravel.com

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Former ghost town receives renovation RENOVATED FROM a former ghost town, Dunton Hot Springs is a new five-star resort located in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. The resort houses 12 private log cabins, each accommodating between two and ten guests, along with one luxury tent.

Facilities include a saloon serving local and regional culinary creations, a private spa and a restored 19th century bathhouse.

Winter and summer activities range from trails, rafting, horseback riding, fly-fishing, ice-skating, snow shoeing and dog sledding.

Prices lead in at US$550 (approximately £440) per night based on double occupancy, including all meals and beverages (excluding fine liquors and vintage wines on the Reserve list). Rates are subject to tax and service charges.

For more information visit www.duntonhotsprings.com

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week

READY FOR TAKE OFF...Monarch Airlines has announced that skis can be carried free of charge on its new routes to key ski regions for winter 2012/13, for passengers booking before 31 December, offering a saving of £39.98. The new routes include Grenoble in France, Innsbruck in Austria and Friedrichshafen and Munich airports in Germany. The carrier has also launched a range of new offers and add-ons on a new ski Website, www.monarch.co.uk/ski, together with a host of information, resort guides and regular blogs by number one British woman skier, Chemmy Alcott (pictured), brand ambassador for Monarch ski.

Who’s saying what on Twitter... @ACEtweeting Lueftner Cruises Announce Amadeus Elegant will be at ACE River Cruise Expo 2012 http://bit.ly/SitqTX @VisitBritain Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will hit London stage next summer!

Scrumdiddlyumptious! http://bit.ly/ORo0mm @Accorhotels Book at least 30 days in advance and get up to 30% off! http://bit.ly/MoB3an #hotel #deal @AmericanAir As a gesture of appreciation, we’re offering @AAdvantage members double elite-qualifying miles thru Dec. 31, 2012: http://bit.ly/AAThanksY0u @clubmedofficial In need of a last-minute escape? Some of our resort deals are up to 35% off! Exotic experiences await! :) http://trib.al/QrYwfl

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

New Haven brochure showcases improved facilities & new entertainment programme THIS MONTH sees the launch of Haven Holiday’s new 2013 brochure which features information on new improved facilities, a new entertainment programme as well as early booking offers to help agents secure bookings and save their customers’ money.

New additions for next year include a refurbished and extended indoor swimming pool at Golden Sands in Lincolnshire; a refurbished indoor pool with toddler area and a new changing area at Seaview in Dorset and a new terrace overlooking the sea at Craig Tara’s Mash and Barrel bar and restaurant in Scotland.

Other parks offering new food outlets for 2013 include Greenacres in North Wales, Rockley Park in Dorset, Wild Duck in Norfolk and Perran Sands in Cornwall, whilst Presthaven Sands in North Wales has a new Live Lounge entertainment venue.

Meanwhile, pool kayaking is launching across all parks (with the exception of Lydstep Beach), where customers can learn the basics of pool kayaking for a small charge, before

putting their new skills to use in a series of pool games.

Next year also sees a line up of new entertainment including a Sounds of the 60’s show, Clockwork and TV Talent where guests can enjoy the vocal talents of X Factor finalist Lucie Jones and comedy from Kevin Cruise from Britain’s Got Talent. During the summer, parks will host a new seaside musical where customers can join Cinders on her journey to find her Prince Charming.

Guests booking before January 31 can save up to 50% on stays of seven nights or more in spring, May, June, early July and autumn or up to 30% on all other dates and short breaks, as well as deposits from £50 per holiday home.

Prices lead in at £109 per unit based on a three-night stay in a Superior two-bedroom self-catering caravan that sleeps up to six people at Blue Dolphin holiday park in Yorkshire.

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

Cruise & Maritime Voyages issues second edition 2013/14 brochure CRUISE & Maritime Voyages has published its second edition brochure for 2013/14 offering a range of itineraries and special promotional fares offering savings of up to 25% when booked by December 3.

Discovery will join the fleet in 2013 and the 700-passenger vessel will sail alongside Marco Polo from next February after a winter dry-docking and refurbishment programme.

The new brochure includes a choice of 80 cruise holidays sailing from seven British ports covering

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departures from February 2013 through to May 2014. Highlights include durations from one-night mini-cruises to 42 nights, with itineraries to the fjords, British Isles, Iceland, Baltic & St Petersburg, Canaries & Madeira and Europe; an additional Discovery Northern Lights cruise from Bristol on February 28; new Marco Polo ‘Escape the Winter’ West Indies cruise sailing from Tilbury and Bristol; five new Discovery sailings from Harwich including an 18-night Summer

Solstice & White Sea voyage to the Russian Arctic; UK no-fly cruises from a choice of seven British ports including Tilbury, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Hull, Liverpool and Harwich; new fly/cruises featuring Discovery from September – October with various options to the Mediterranean and Black Sea; and an increase in speakers, crafts, guest acts and new entertainment ideas.

For more information or to book see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

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newsbulletin ALL AGENTS who voted in Travel Bulletin’s 2012 Star Awards were entered into a free prize draw to win one of three super prizes donated

by Jetset. Pictured are the winners collecting their prizes…

JOHN HALL (left) from Carri ck Travel in Leamington Spa wo n top prize of two retur n Economy tickets to any Spanish destination. Joh n is pictured with Jetset’s nationa l sales manager, Paul Molyneux.

PENNY BONES (left) from Southern Cross Travel in Wadhurst won second prize of a mixed case of wine. Pictured presenting the prize is Jetset’s Nisha Tailor.

JETSET’S PAUL Molyneux presents Sarah Clewlow of Regent Travel in Staffs with third prize - a mixed case of wine.

Orient-Express issues new-look Trains & Cruises brochures with new itineraries ORIENT-EXPRESS has launched a new look and format to each of its Trains and Cruises 2013 brochures.

They cover the Eastern & Oriental Express, Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, The Royal Scotsman, Afloat in France, Road to Mandalay and a joint brochure for UK Day Trains, the Northern Belle and British Pullman.

An individual brochure for the company’s river cruise offering in Myanmar, Orcaella, is also available.

The ship will begin sailings in July, with prices starting from £3,270 per person for a seven-night cruise.

Reintroduced to The Royal Scotsman’s schedule is a four-night Country House and Garden journey, departing

Edinburgh Waverley on June 7. The tour, led by writer, Sue Shivers, and artistic photographer, Patsy Floyd, looks at some of Scotland’s finest homes and gardens along the eastern coast. Prices start from £4,660 per person.

For more information call 0845-077 2222 or see www.orient-express.com

Cresta issues 2013 brochure editions & debuts long-haul options CRESTA HAS launched the 2013 editions of its Cities, France and Italy brochures, each featuring a new look along with fresh destinations and experiences across Europe and now beyond.

Customers can chose from a range of flexible transport options including scheduled airlines, low-cost flights, exclusive Eurostar deals, flexible European rail options and a range of offers on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The operator's Cities brochure (November 2012 – December 2013) offers

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value city breaks in some of the most popular destinations worldwide.

New additions to the shorthaul programme include the Belgian cities of Ypres, Antwerp and Ghent, while New York, Las Vegas and Dubai also appear as the operator features long-haul options for the first time.

New pre-bookable city experiences also feature prominently next year including cooking lessons in Rome, a night at the Venice opera, a Tour de France wine tasting tour and a Gastro Bus in Barcelona. A key addition to

November 9 2012

the company's France programme for 2013 is Corsica, where eight hotels are now available on the island destination located between the French and Italian mainlands.

A wider selection of hotels has been introduced in the destinations of Toulouse, Rennes, Cannes, Mandelieu and Saint Raphael, plus new affordable hotels are available in a range of other popular French cities.

Alongside new family apartments in Northern and Southern France, additional European rail options are

available offering reliable and efficient travel and value for money.

In its Italy brochure, a wider selection of hotels is available in Sorrento, Sicily, Lake Garda and Tuscany, while new affordable accommodation options have been added in all the top Italian cities.

New pre-bookable tours and excursions include cookery experiences in Rome, nights at the opera in Venice and Verona, Chianti wine tasting in Tuscany and the Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery tour in Florence.

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newsbulletin Northern Lights itineraries from Kirker KIRKER HAS launched Northern Lights itineraries to give clients the best possible opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis this winter, along with Christmas market breaks.

New destinations include Norway, which combines a visit to Oslo with a trip to the Arctic Circle over five nights.

Prices lead in at £2,170 per person, based on two sharing and include flights from London, transfers, breakfast accommodation, evening meals on the Lofoten Islands and excursions.

Alternatively, trips to Sweden are available from £1,298 per person or to Iceland from £1,674 per person.

Meanwhile, the operator is highlighting Christmas market breaks across Europe, including flights or Eurostar travel, private transfers (except Bruges), breakfast accommodation, guide notes and the services of a concierge. Prices lead in at £359 per person for a three-night break in Tallinn, Estonia, staying at the four-star Hotel St Petersbourg.

For details call 020-7593 2283 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

Newsbites ●

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THE NEW national carrier for The Gambia, Gambia Bird Airlines Ltd. has launched flights from Gatwick to Banjul. The Airbus A319-100 seats 138 passengers in Premium and Economy Class and offers a full range of in-flight hospitality.

For details see www.gambiabird.com TRAVELTRADEUK HAS been named the UK representative of Aymara Turismo, a specialised wine; adventure, incentive and specialised DMC established in Mendoza, Argentina.

AIR FRANCE and Flybe have joined forces to increase travel options from East Midlands Airport. Air France has launched a new service from the airport to the rest of the world via Paris through a new code share partnership with Flybe.

EXPEDIA HAS announced the launch of ‘Expedia Traveller Preference’ programme, which offers travellers the choice to pay either at the time of booking or upon check out at the hotel directly.

REGALDIVE HAS launched a new Website which has replaced the production of the specialist operator’s traditional printed brochure.

See www.regaldive.co.uk SPANISH HOTEL chain Fiesta Hotel Group has rebranded to Palladium Hotel Group.

LEGOLAND FLORIDA has opened its new LEGO Star Wars Miniland Model Display today (November 9). It includes a scene from each of the six live-action Star Wars movies, as well as a scene from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, all created from more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks and built in 1:20 scale.

NORWEGIAN AIR Shuttle has announced it is to establish a new base at Gatwick Airport in spring next year to increase the frequency of existing routes to Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki, as well as introducing 14 new direct routes from London to the Mediterranean, including Nice and Rome.

CLASSICAL SINGING star Russell Watson is to perform on two short breaks run by P&O Cruises in 2013. The tenor will appear on new three- and four-night sailings from Southampton in May and June. The first departure is a three-night cruise to Belgium and Guernsey departing on Aurora on May 18 with prices starting at £299 per person. The second sailing will see Watson perform on superliner Azura on a four-night cruise departing on June 5, calling at the same destinations. Prices are from £399.

Call 0843-374 0111 or visit www.pocruises.co.uk

Grand UK Holidays adds more than 40 new options for 2013 GRAND UK Holidays has added more than 40 new options to its 2013 range.

The upgraded programme ranges from escorted coach tours in the UK and Europe to river and ocean cruises, as well as rail and self-drive breaks.

New UK holidays include a five-day Adam’s Farm and TV Footsteps tour, visiting the farm featured in ‘Countryfile’, as well as sites associated with ‘Cranford’ and ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’, leading in at £339 per person.

A new range with HF Holidays offers a selection of themed self-drive breaks from £329 per person, while the latest European tours include the Dubrovnik Riviera & A Taste of Montenegro tour from £499 per person; the Valkenburg and Highlights of Three Countries tour from £549 per person; and the Alpine Panoramas tour, from £649 per person, all based on an eight-night stay.

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

Crystal Cruises opens bookings for 2014/15 with itineraries from seven to 89 nights CRYSTAL CRUISES has opened bookings for its 2014 and early 2015 itineraries.

New seven- to 89-night cruises in 2014 are among the 61 sailings on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, with 16 maiden calls, 194 ports and 68 countries.

Meanwhile, 2015 bookings are open for journeys taking place until mid-April,

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including 15 cruises as well as nine maiden calls.

Highlights of 2014 include the line's first cruises to and from Bangkok, including a new round-trip Holiday voyage on December 21, spending Christmas and Hanukkah in Vietnam and New Year’s Eve overnight in Hong Kong.

2015 marks the company’s 25th anniversary, with virtually all itineraries from

January to mid-April being new introductions.

Highlights include Serenity’s complete circumnavigation of the world from Miami, with the company’s 20th annual World Cruise. Six voyages sailing through Miami, Callao, Auckland, Perth, Cape Town and Rio comprise the 108night tour.

All-inclusive book now

fares for spring 2014 through to spring 2015 are available until April 30, 2013 and offer savings of up to £5,625 per person for the 2015 World Cruise and up to £938 per person for individual sevento 21-night voyages. Sailings start from £1,366 per person based on double occupancy.

For more information or to book call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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newsbulletin Paul Gauguin reduces price on Tahiti & The Society Islands sailings FOR A limited time, Paul Gauguin Cruises has reduced the price of select sailings of its most popular voyage, Tahiti & the Society Islands, when booked before November 30. Prices for the sevennight voyages, with departures on January 12, February 23 and March 2, 2013, start from £3,819 per person, offering a saving of £555 per person.

The seven-night Tahiti & the Society Islands voyages start and finish in Papeete and visit Raiatea, Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora (overnight) and Moorea (overnight) in the Society Islands.

The price of £3,819 per person is valid on the February 23 and March 2 departures and includes scheduled flights, transfers and seven nights' accommodation in an Ocean View stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For more information or to book call 020-7434 0089 or visit www.pgcruises.com

New agent roadshows from Anatolian Sky THROUGHOUT THIS month Anatolian Sky Holidays is hosting six luxury roadshows for agents.

Each event will offer a chance for agents to find out more about the operator's expanded offering for 2013 from the core products in Turkey and North Cyprus to Egypt, Morocco and Jordan, plus the recently launched Madeira & Porto Santo programme and the newly launched Croatia programme.

The evening events, which start at 19:15, are designed to be informative, motivational and fun and will include a two/three-course meal with wine, a presentation on what’s new for 2013, a free holiday giveaway and spot prizes, plus music and dancing.

The events take place in Bristol on November 13, Gatwick on 14th, Stansted on 15th, Birmingham on 19th, Manchester on 20th and Newcastle on 21st.

Agents interested in attending should contact Stephanie Robins, agency sales manager by calling 0121-764 3552 or e-mail stephanie@anatoliansky. co.uk

Norwegian amends commission to 10% NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced that it will amend its base commission to 10% in the UK market effective from January 1, 2013.

The line says the move reinforces its commitment to the UK trade, through its Partners First philosophy, as it develops new ways to ensure fairness, greater price parity, less confusion for customers and an increase in the number of agents selling cruises. In addition, the company will reward agents with incremental earning opportunities through performance-based incentives.

For 2013, the company will continue to make major investments into joint marketing funds as a further commitment to the travel trade. To further reinforce its commitment to price parity in the market, the company will remove its 5% online discount on www.ncl.co.uk from January 1.

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IT'S SHOWTIME...The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) joined forces with British Airways to celebrate its new direct route from Gatwick. The new service is operated by a threecabin Boeing 777 complete with a Club World (Business Class) cabin with six foot fully flat beds. It is the second direct route to Las Vegas from the UK with BA, which also runs a daily service from Heathrow. Pictured marking the new route is BA's Melanie Evans with LVCVA showgirls.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Make sure you enter our weekly crossword, sponsored by The Holiday Team. Full details can be found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of this issue. You could be the lucky winner of £50 of Pizza Express vouchers.

Send your entries to www.travelbulletin.co.uk

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Did you know...?

TRAVELODGE CONDUCTED a poll among its 523 hotels about the most bizarre requests it had received. The top business traveller requests included: Can I use my Oyster Card to book a limousine?; Could someone iron my shirt? I have an important meeting to attend; Is it possible for the changing of the guards to change days? and how do you cross the M25? Other strange requests have included one guest staying in Birmingham’s Bull Ring Travelodge asking where the Wi-fi was in their room because he couldn’t “see” it. A guest in Newcastle Central Travelodge also asked the night receptionist for a bedtime story to help her nod off.

Booking incentives ●

SILVERSEA HAS announced a new agent incentive where agents booking a cruise before November 16 for any departure sailing up to March 31, 2013, will receive £50 per booking in Love2Shop vouchers. There is no minimum number of bookings that are required and agents can earn a voucher with one booking. There is also no limit to the number of bookings that can be claimed. All claims must be submitted to the line's sales department no later than Friday November 30 by emailing your completed form to salesuk@silversea.com

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TITAN HAS launched a new festive agent booking incentive. Agents booking any Titan, Uniworld or Saga holiday by December 31 for any departure will be able to pick a present from under the Titan Christmas tree! Prizes include a family ticket to ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Hyde Park, London for a festive night out; tea for two at Harrods; a spa treatment; a £50 Love2Shop voucher; and a Toni and Guy voucher.

To claim, email your booking reference within seven days of making the booking to agentadmin@titantravel.co.uk

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TRAVEL 2 has introduced Your Passport to Winter Sun – a campaign launched in partnership with BA to

promote holidays to warmer climates in Florida, Las Vegas and the Caribbean. As part of the incentive agents can win a stylish travel kit, containing an iPod Touch, £100 designer sunglasses voucher, £50 designer luggage voucher, £10 book voucher and suntan lotion. To qualify agents must make a booking with Travel 2, flying on British Airways to Florida, Las Vegas or the Caribbean with a minimum of three nights accommodation by November 30.

For details see www.travel2.com ●

SUPERBREAK IS giving agents the chance to win a weekend break in Liverpool when they make a booking to the city before the end of this month. The prize is for two people and includes two nights' breakfast accommodation at the four-star Hard Days Night Hotel. Also included is entry to The Beatles Story, tickets for the Mersey Ferry, tickets for the Yellow Duckmarine Tour and the Magical Mystery Tour and entry on the Saturday to see the Beatles Show at the Cavern Club, plus two meals for two at an Albert Dock restaurant.

Each Liverpool booking will automatically be logged and entered into the draw.

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

TRAINING CAMP...AITO Specialist Travel Agents held a product training event at Stansted Airport last month. The event was part of a series across England to update its membership base with important developments, such as new operators within the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), and saw a mix of dinners and speed-dating style workshops. Pictured being updated on product news from Stephen Smith of Beachcomber Tours is Lydia Alexander (left) and Lorna Tissier from Mayflower Luxury Travel.

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newsbulletin Contiki offers Backstage Pass to Europe

agentreview Colette Glazier from Departure Zone in Essex went on a seven-night fam to Turkey with Anatolian Sky. Here she gives her review on the hotels she visited…

First impressions ................................9/10 Very friendly staff at all hotels.

Comfort ............................................8.5/10 All the hotels were clean. We travelled to many different areas and each place we stayed in gave me a different perspective of Turkey.

Quality..............................................8.5/10 We stayed in three- to five-star hotels. Some places were very remote with all different types of customers. The Hilton Dalaman was a true five-star but I think it was aimed more for the business traveller. The pool was huge but I didn’t feel it was very personal. The Keskin Hotel was a three-plus star and offered good size rooms in peaceful surroundings, close to the shops. Ece Saray was a beautiful five-star property perfect for weddings and the gullet cruise was a lot nicer than expected – very relaxing and the food was lovely.

Affordability ........................................7/10 I think some of the hotel prices could come down – I don’t think I would pay full price for all the hotels, especially the Orange Hotel.

CONTIKI HOLIDAYS is challenging 18-35’s to start living, with the launch of its new Europe brochure and is offering young travellers a Backstage Pass on its Europe tours with exclusive access to Europe’s iconic sights with plenty of time to explore.

New additions include Sailing in Turkey, Greek Flotilla Sailing and Croatian Island Hoppers, for those looking to relax, while the Best of Russia is aimed at those interested in more adventure holidays.

Prices for an eight-day Turkish Sailing itinerary start from £294 including seven nights' boat accommodation and 20 included meals, while an eight-day Best of Russia itinerary costs from £834 including hotel accommodation and ten meals.

For more information visit www.contiki.com and www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk or call 020-7468 4335.

Canada launch from Prestige Holidays PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has issued its largest Canada and Beyond programme featuring new wildlife watching breaks, two new escorted tours and an escorted tour of Eastern Canada that can be combined with a New England cruise.

Holidays lead in at £1,366 per person for a three-night Vancouver city break including flights from London, a trolley tour of the city and sightseeing trip to Victoria.

For more information call 01502-567222 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

Service ................................................9/10 Staff were always courteous and Anatolian Sky were very good in organising the trip. Their staff couldn’t do enough for you and whatever the request, they sorted it out.

Overall scoring: ........................................

Take comfortable walking shoes! Overall, I had an amazing time and explored a lot of Turkey.

9/ 10

Colette receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for her review.

If you'd like to take part and receive a free Love2Shop voucher please email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

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November 9 2012

Up to £500 savings in Thomas Cook Tours' 2013 brochure TO CELEBRATE a selection of new fully-escorted tours in its 2013 brochure, Thomas Cook Tours is offering up to £500 off per couple on all bookings made for next year.

New tours include an 11day Gorillas of Uganda tour from £3,995 per person, offering two nights at Lake Kyaninga, two nights at Queen Elizabeth National Park, two nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and two nights in Lake Mburo National Park. Prices include flights with Kenya Airways, transfers and accommodation on various board bases.

Also new for 2013 is an eight-day Lake Garda, The Dolomites and Venice tour,

which costs from £645 per person, including five nights in Garda, Lake Garda and two nights in Selva di Val Gardena (The Dolomites). The tour includes flights with BA, transfers, breakfast accommodation, a day visit to Venice, a tour of the Dolomites and a stop in the town of Bolzano.

Other new tours include a 15-day Wonder of the West Coast tour from £1,725 per person, a 17-day Australia’s East Coast Splendours from £3,295 per person and a 26day Latin America: Cruising Antarctica and South America tour from £5,495 per person.

For more information call 0844-871 0677 or visit www.tcs4agents.com

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 088

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

Ham Corn

A➠

B➠ An Airline fit for royalty

C➠

Clue Rug I Is

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

The winner for 26th October is Karen Wills, Thomas Cook in Kettering.

October 26 Solution: A=6 B=5 C=1 D=9

Crossword

Sponsored By

Pingu lived in one of these

Where Am I?

Prince Charles visted this country last week the capital being Port Moresby.

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

Closing date for entries is Thursday November 15th.

Down Across 1. Chart-topping singer-songwriter, sounds like a 1. Tour operator, sounds like a star sign (5) maze (8) 4. A Fairmont managed hotel on the Strand (5) 2. Fred Olsen cruise ship (7) 6. Airport operator (3) 3. Search engine, ___ Jeeves (3) 7. Topeka is the state capital (6) 4. Dakar is the capital of this African country (7) 9. Turkish city (5) 5. By way of (3) 11. Picturesque Italian lake (5) 8. City on Lake Geneva (8) 13. Ajaccio airport code (3) 10. State capital of North Carolina (7) 14. Innsbruck is the capital of this region (5) 12. Best-selling author, JK ____ (7) 15. Stornoway is the main town on this isle (5) 17. Web address indicator, initially (3) 16. Call sign, sounds like a Shakespearean 18. High speed train (3) character (6) 19. Hotel chain, Premier ___ (3) 20. X Factor judge Louis (5) 21. Glossy fashion magazine (5)

Number: 088

Congratulations to Clare Wilkinson, Wallace Arnold Travel who won the 26st October crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

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

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 November 9 2012

11

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newsbulletin New collection of trips in Australia & New Zealand for 2013 from G Adventures G ADVENTURES has launched a comprehensive collection of trips in Australia and New Zealand for the first time, which complete the company’s product line-up as the seventh and last continent it operates tours on.

The Australia and New Zealand programme consists

of four major routes: Sydney to Cairns and Melbourne to Darwin in Australia, and the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.

Travellers can focus on one entire route or combine sections to create a customised itinerary. Tours vary from three to 21 days and are available in Yolo (18-

Sing a song of Christmas with City Cruises PASSENGERS SAILING on the Thames with City Cruises can sing along to their favourite carols this Christmas.

Guests will be provided with a glass of mulled wine on arrival, before spending a 90-minute journey sailing from Westminster to Tower Bridge and back.

Live performers will lead passengers in a chorus of classic Christmas tunes, while attendees will be provided with festive Christmas crackers and song sheets.

Tickets are £19.99 per person for the cruise, operating Sunday December 9 and 16. Guests are advised to book early to secure seats, departing Westminster Pier at 16:30pm, returning at 18:00.

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

35) and G-Plus (comfort) trip styles.

As an example, on a three-day Northern Aboriginal Experience, travellers learn about Aboriginal history, culture and contemporary life from the indigenous people. There are opportunities to study ancient traditions, make

native artwork, learn how to hunt, and wander the beaches and lush valleys along the Daintree River.

Prices lead in at £399 per person excluding flights and the tours commence from January.

For more information call 0844-272 2040 or visit www.gadventures.co.uk

Alitalia launches promotion fares UNTIL NOVEMBER 19, Alitalia is releasing tickets for sale at special promotional fares for travel up to March 24, 2013 from London to Italy and, with convenient connections from Rome and Milan, to many other destinations on the carrier's international and intercontinental network.

Fares lead in at £109 to Rome and £112 to all other Italian destinations. Fares to Athens, Malta and Malaga start from £132, while flights to Abu Dhabi, a new destination commencing on December 11, costs from £272.

For more information or to book see www.alitalia.co.uk or call 0871-424 1424.

PRIDE OF YORKSHIRE….after helping Yorkshire Wildlife Park rescue 13 lions from Romania and flying them to their new home in 2010, Jet2.com has recently donated £1,800 to the Doncaster park, allowing keepers to buy and plant 12 trees in the park’s ten-acre Lion Country Reserve. As a tribute to the airline’s efforts, the head of the pride was named Jettoo Johnny. Since February 2011, soft-toy versions of Jettoo have been sold on all the carrier's flights, with some of the proceeds going to the park.

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November 9 2012

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hotelbulletin HOTEL HAS THE X FACTOR… Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, Dubai, has launched two ‘As seen on X Factor’ holiday packages following its debut on X Factor last month. The hotel was featured in the Judges’ Houses stage, playing host to judge Nicole Scherzinger and guest judge Ne-Yo. The Royal and Deluxe Packages will offer guests the chance to replicate the experience of the celebrities and contestants and are available as an add-on to a minimum three-night stay.

The X Factor Contestants

InBrief ● HYATT HOTELS has announced that a

● CENTARA POSTE Lafayette Resort &

Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Sinolanka Hotels and Spa Private Limited for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Hyatt Regency Colombo will be the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Sri Lanka and is expected to open in 2014.

Spa Mauritius will open on December 15 and agents booking online for clients will be able to offer a halfboard plus rate that includes room, breakfast and dinner together with an open bar for three hours during the evening meal, with prices from US$152 per night for a Superior room for up to two people.

Email reservations@chr.co.th or see www.centarahotelsresorts.com/crm

● THE GEORGE Hotel in Edinburgh has

launched a new package, 50 Shades of Passion, inspired by the bestselling novel 50 Shades of Grey. The two-night break includes a stay in a Premium Deluxe room and guests receive chocolates, strawberries, scattered rose petals and massage oil on arrival, plus a £20 La Senza shopping voucher. Prices lead in at £559 for two.

For details call 0131-225 1251 or see www.thegeorgehoteledinburgh.co.uk

● UNTIL NOVEMBER 30 Focus Hotels is

offering a one-night breakfast stay with a welcome drink and a bottle of house wine from £27 per night. The offer also includes a free room upgrade, subject to availability, plus free use of onsite facilities, Wi-fi and parking. It is available in Altrincham, Blackburn, Bristol, Chester, Hatfield, Heathrow, Hull, Northampton,

Stafford, Swindon, Telford, Wigan, and Wolverhampton.

See www.mynextbreak.co.uk ● DOUBLETREE

BY Hilton has announced the opening of its seventh London property, located in Marble Arch.

For details visit www.doubletree.com or call 0870-590 9090.

● LONDON’S TRAFALGAR Hotel has

launched a corporate Christmas package with a difference. A choice of five distinct spaces are available, from canapés on the roof to sit-down private dining. There will also be a choice of entertainment including exclusive performances from cheeky burlesque twosome, Pandora’s Box. Prices lead in at £45 per person.

For details see www.thetrafalgar.com

Nappy Valley effect fuels growth plans for Travelodge AT THE launch of the recent opening of the £10million London Clapham Junction Travelodge hotel, the hotelier announced that it is seeking to open a further three hotels within the Wandsworth area, in response to the ‘Nappy Valley’ effect. The term applies to a specific area of Battersea, between Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common, South London with a "cafe culture" of middle-class, affluent families.

During the last 12 months, Travelodge hotels located in the South West district of London which includes Fulham and Battersea have experienced a new trend of consumers coming through their doors. In the past, the hotels were full of business travellers and tourists but now local residents are taking advantage of the low cost rooms and booking in visiting grandparents and family members due to lack of space at home.

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The company's UK development director Tony O’Brien said: “Our Fulham and Battersea hotels enjoy enormous success right throughout the year, and the assumption was that this was primarily due to business customers as well as tourists.

“However, our hotel staff are now saying that more than a third of customers tell them they are actually in London to visit their children and grandchildren. With so many young people in London, especially in Nappy Valley, starting their families whilst living in small flats and houses, the only option for Granny and Granddad to come and visit is to stay in a nearby hotel. It is a remarkable trend, but one that we are poised to capitalise on as part of our wider growth story in London.”

The company is now on the look out for at least another three further locations within the Wandsworth area; Battersea Old Town, Clapham Common and Clapham Old Town/Lavender Hill.

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personalitybulletin

Suzel Taber-Shaw The managing director of Taber Holidays can touch-type at the speed of light and says the whole celebrity thing is a bore...

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

In all honesty it would have to be my husband and colleague, Terry. He always has a plan of action which is usually followed by good food and wine. This suits me perfectly as I like someone else to make all the arrangements when I go on holiday.

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Family caravan holidays in Scotland and my sister painting seashells with pink nail varnish. In order to find the best ones for her we used to climb down the cliff-side by way of a treacherous rope ladder – I must have been about four at the time!

"Unnecessary and excessive discounting cheapens the product and suggests you were ripping people off in the first place"

Career path ● Taber Holidays: MD, January 1988 –

present Where was your last work-related trip?

Malmö in Sweden. It was to attend the annual Swedish Workshop where buyers and suppliers get together to meet up and discuss tourism to Sweden. I really like Malmö, it's a city full of contrasts and, as it's just across the Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen, it works well when you combine the two.

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

I wouldn't! Sorry to be blunt but the whole celebrity thing is a bore to me. I admire lots of people for lots of things but not for being good at becoming famous. Please!

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

I had to ask them and the gist of it was; curly, level-headed, spirited.

What have your travels taught you?

That the more I travel the more I want to travel and the more I want to see and do.

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November 9 2012

● Travelling

in America: July – December 1987 ● Champneys: Therapist, May 1985 – July 1987

What is the best advice you recall?

Never let an accountant try to run your business!

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

Family and friends, past and present. I have a really diverse set of friends and it would be great to see how they all got along!

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

All-inclusives – give the local economy a chance. The new ATOL Certificate – what was wrong with the old ATOL Confirmation Invoice apart from the fact that it wasn't yellow? Awareness of Scandinavia as a fabulous summer destination – there is more to it than huskies and the Northern Lights!

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career?

Awww, my Dad. He's the reason why I'm in the industry. He always told me 'You can't do business with people just because you like them, but you don't have to do business with those you don't'. Works for me.

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

I would still be working in the Leisure Industry, most probably in spa and wellness as this is where I started and I loved it. I really do believe the time for spa and wellness is NOW! What is your motto in life?

That nothing worth having is easily come by. Both my parents were real grafters and exponents of the value of hard work and effort; however, they were also frequently exhausted and stressed out!

So I would add to this by saying you should also remember that many wonderful things take little effort at all and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to grab them.

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

To be a healer. To be able to lay your hands on the sick and suffering and make them better………wow. Well, you did ask.

What was your nickname at school and why?

Crystal Tips because of my curly hair.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?

Unnecessary and excessive discounting. It cheapens the product and suggests you were ripping people off in the first place.

What special skill do you have?

I can touch-type at the speed of light. It's one of the most useful things I ever learnt how to do.

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croatia r a e y g in ll e s r o f s Top ten tip ia t a o r C o t s y a d li o h round Meri Matešić

e , UK director of th

by MERI MATEŠIĆ l Tourist Board Croatian Nationa

1. Year-round destination With more than 1,244 islands strung along its stunning Adriatic coast, it’s easy to sell Croatia as the traditional sun, sea and sand destination. However, Croatia offers more than just beautiful coastline and with its mild Mediterranean climate, visitors can explore its 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eight national parks and packed calendar of festivals all year-round.

2. Family-friendly holidays Just a two-hour flight away from the UK and with more regional flights scheduled next year from Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle, Liverpool and Edinburgh, Croatia is a quick and easy getaway ideal for families with young children. With new holiday packages from providers like Jet2 and Thomson for 2013 and its well established range of child-friendly restaurants and activities, Croatia is fast becoming known as a top family-friendly destination.

3. Affordable breaks A memorable holiday can be had in Croatia whatever your budget, with £1 getting you more than nine Croatian Kunas.

Whether it’s a four-star hotel with a sea view room for the ultimate romantic getaway, a stylish design hotel for an important conference or a boutique B&B for a chic city break with the girls, Croatia caters for every traveller’s needs.

4. Gastronomic delights Croatia is attracting more and more UK holidaymakers with its array of home-grown gastronomic pleasures, including award-winning olive oils and local delicacies such as Slavonia’s Fish Paprikash, Pag cheese, chestnuts from Lovran and the freshest seafood around. Wine lovers will also not be disappointed as Croatia’s wineries are pushing boundaries and winning coveted international awards, including the prestigious 2012 Decanter World Wine Awards.

Why not indulge in your very own Croatian wine odyssey and enjoy indigenous quality wines matched with delicious local dishes in Istria or Central Croatia?

5. History buffs Steeped in Venetian and Roman history, Croatia will unearth the historian in you. Walk the impressive Dubrovnik city walls, book tickets for the new classical sightseeing tour of Pula or head to Split during the Days of the Diocletian festival for a truly immersive cultural experience. The Pre and post summer season is a great time to take in historic cities and main attractions including St Mark’s Church in Zagreb, Trogir’s Cathedral of St Lovro and Zagorje’s recently renovated Renaissance castle of Veliki Tabor.

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6. Festivals & events With an eclectic mix of festivals and events happening all year-round, why not combine a break to Croatia with a festival? Apart from all the well-known electronic festivals based on Murter Island, such as the Garden Festival and Soundwave, there’s also Rijeka’s colourful Carnival in February, Vodice Jazz festival in July and the Jaska Wine festival in September to enjoy. Combining the fun of a festival with a chilled out beach holiday or a cultural fix is not only easy and affordable in Croatia; it’s also a refreshing alternative to the UK festival circuit.

7. Adventure Croatia is the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing sun-soaked holiday, but it’s also geared up for the adventure traveller. The landscapes of inland Croatia are ideal for extreme sports such as rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and abseiling. Opt for a jeep safari tour of the rugged Velebit Mountains or hop aboard a boat trip to the Kornati Islands National Park to truly get back to nature. Alternatively, see Croatia’s historic cities by bike or for a magical winter adventure, head to the frozen waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes.

8. Island hopping Island hopping has always been popular with UK visitors and with more than 1,244 islands to choose from, there’s an island to suit every type of holiday and interest. From celeb spotting on Hvar, diving off the coast of Vis or skinny dipping in Rab, island hopping by ferry or boat is a great way to see Croatia’s pristine coastline.

9. Luxury spas For the ultimate pampering experience, visit one of Croatia’s oldest and most scenic thermal spas, Varaždinske Toplice.

Whilst there, take a trip to the nearby baroque city of Varaždin, the former capital of Croatia, renowned for its idyllic way of life. For a more modern experience, head to the recently opened Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera in Zadar which boasts the largest spa of its kind in Croatia.

10.Yachting and sailing For an unforgettable family holiday, charter your own boat or luxurious yacht and sail around the Kvarner Riviera or the Dalmatian coastline. For a more laid back option, join a cruise to truly appreciate the best of Croatia from both land and sea.

With its calm waters, ‘lazy lines’ for easy berthing and more than 50 marinas and 4,500 dry docks to choose from, Croatia offers a gentle introduction to sailing for all ages. ✦

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croatia Essentially Prestige expands in Croatia for 2013 ESSENTIALLY PRESTIGE has introduced a Love Croatia brochure for 2013 following a 256% increase in bookings to the destination this year.

New options include the island of Veliki Brijun (big Brijuni) in the Istria region, the islands of Cres and Krk in the Kvarner region and holidays in the Dalmatian town of Omis.

The operator is also featuring a new five-star suite hotel in Dubrovnik, a seven-night cruise from Split, holidays in the Plitvice Lakes National Park plus a new fly/drive. Croatia’s neighbour, Montenegro, is also on offer for the first time, as are two-centre trips to Dubrovnink and Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The operator’s chairman and managing director John Dixon said: “Croatia is our star destination for 2012 and we are delighted with its success. It seems that our clients want more and we are giving them an increased range of holiday choices for 2013 with more than 100 places to stay across 34 resorts, including nine islands. We are also offering four cruises, four fly/drives, a coach tour and have featured all our self-catering options in a separate section at the start of the brochure.

“We are aiming for a 30% increase in business next year. To help facilitate this we are planning a series of fam trips, roadshows, competitions and individual agent events.”

Brochure prices lead in at £315 per person staying at the self-catering Villas Plat Apartments in Plat on the Dubrovnik Riviera, based on an April departure. It includes roomonly accommodation, BA flights from Gatwick and transfers, plus a free night’s stay, saving £33 per couple.

Hotel stays lead in at £328 per person at Bluesun Kastelet in Tucepi, Makarska, including breakfast accommodation, flights from Gatwick and transfers.

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

Split

CNTB sees 22% increase in UK visitors THE CROATIAN National Tourist Board reports that the first nine months of this year have seen a significant number of UK visitors holiday in Croatia. A total of 299,155 UK visitors travelled to Croatia between January and September this year, up 22% on the same time last year.

Meri Matesic, UK & Ireland director of the tourist office, said: “It’s fantastic to see more Brits than ever choosing Croatia as their summer holiday destination. This year we’re on target to reach 300,000 UK visitors, which clearly shows that we can return to our record-breaking figure of 500,000 in 1990.

“I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow in 2013, especially with the introduction of more flights, new routes and holiday packages from providers like Jet2, giving UK travellers greater flexibility and choice when booking a holiday to Croatia.”

Meanwhile, Zagreb’s first bed-and-breakfast studio, Kairos, has opened. The studio can accommodate 12 people in its four rooms, each decorated to reflect the city’s history. For details see www.studio-kairos.com For more information visit www.croatia.hr or call 020-3440 8930.

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G Adventures offers new Croatia trips G ADVENTURES has launched its first programme in Croatia, comprising new sailing trips, an active break and a Local Living trip.

The eight-day Croatia Sailing Adventure offers a round trip from Dubrovnik to Split, departing from May to September and leads in at £799 per person.

Alternatively, an eight-day Local Living trip visits the island of Krk, including accommodation in a historic stone house, residing alongside other like-minded travellers. Guests can witness wine-making and olive oil processing, cycle to Roman ruins, hit the beach or head out on day trips to nearby islands. Prices start from £599 per person.

Meanwhile, an eight-day Croatia Active Adventure enables travellers to experience a guided seakayaking excursion around Dubrovnik city walls, cycling in the Konavle Valley, hiking along Dalmatian cliffs and visits to the Kolocep Island and Dubrovnik Old Town.

Prices lead in at £799 per person.

Christmas spa getaway at Dubrovnik Palace Hotel ADRIATIC LUXURY Hotels is offering a three-day winter spa break package at Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, starting from €540 (approximately £438) per person.

The ‘In the Zone’ package includes breakfast accommodation in a selected room for up to two people; spa treatments at the Comfort Zone Spa including an Aromasoul Ritual Scrub and an Aromasoul Massage; access to fitness and spa facilities; a basket of fruit and bottled water in the room; and late check-out, depending on availability.

The hotel is located on the peninsula of Lapad, below the Petka woods with a view of the Elaphite islands. It offers 308 rooms/suites, each with a private balcony and sea views and is located a short distance from the Old Town of Dubrovnik.

The hotel chain also offers the 91-room Hotel Bellevue, located on a clifftop 30m above Miramare Bay. The hotel features a nautical theme and offers suites with Jacuzzis, along with sea-view balconies. Alternatively, the nearby Hotel Excelsior offers 141 rooms and 17 suites with a choice of gourmet restaurants.

For more information visit www.alh.hr or email reservations@alh.hr

November 9 2012

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croatia Pula’s Park Plaza Medulin to be couples-only AS OF next year, the newlyopened Park Plaza Medulin in Pula will be a couplesonly resort.

Located on the Istrian peninsula, a two-hour flight from London, the Roman market town sits on a stretch of coastline.

Guests can explore Brijuni National Park and its safari park, visit the Roman amphitheatre, as well as experiencing popular scuba diving locations.

The hotel offers a fitness centre, outdoor pool and bar, on-site spa therapist, outdoor terrace restaurant and weekly themed Istrian dinners, showcasing local produce and delicacies.

For more information see www.parkplaza.com

Shearings adds new Venice, Croatia & Lake Garda tour SHEARINGS HAS introduced a new nine-day Venice, Croatia and Lake Garda tour for 2013.

Highlights include trips to Lake Garda and Venice, with a four-night stay in the Croatian coastal town of Porec and visits to Mostar and the Plitvice Lake National Park.

Patricia Birmingham, the company’s Europe and worldwide product manager, said: “Croatia is proving to be a very popular

destination as its location offers an easy way to make day trips across the Adriatic to Italy, meaning customers can enjoy visiting two countries while on their holiday.”

The tour leads in at £459 per person, including six nights’ half-board accommodation and overnight coach travel.

Departures are available from May to October.

Dedicated brochure launch from Anatolian Sky Holidays ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays has unveiled a dedicated Croatia programme of beach and city breaks, tailor-made holidays, escorted tours and cruises to Croatia for 2013.

The brochure offers a range of options for visitors looking to explore the country’s coastline and national parks, as well as its historic cities.

The new programme includes Adriatic cruising on Princess Aloha; coastal cities including Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and the Cavtac resort; beach and island breaks to Hvar, Brač, Mljet, Korcula and their neighbours; tailor-made itineraries including three trips to Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar; an itinerary that incorporates Zagreb and neighbouring Bosnia & Herzegovina; and two escorted tours with guaranteed weekly departures, including visits to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

C RO AT I A

The capital city of the cravat welcomes you!

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croatia River Cruise Line adds eight-day coast & islands option from ÂŁ1,499 THE RIVER Cruise Line has introduced a new Croatian Coast & Islands itinerary for 2013.

The eight-day cruise, priced from £1,499 per person, offers an opportunity to journey around the Adriatic, taking in several of Croatia’s historic coastal cities and islands.

Starting and finishing in Dubrovnik, the itinerary takes in the islands of Mljet and Hvar before travelling on to Split, the largest city on the Adriatic coast, where a guided tour takes place.

The return journey takes in the islands of BraÄ? and KorÄ?ula and ends with a Dubrovnik guided tour. The cruise takes place on MS Mendula, a two-masted yacht that accommodates up to 35 people.

Included in the price are flights from Gatwick, seven nights’ accommodation with many meals included; guided tours of Split and Dubrovnik; and visits to the islands. Departures are available in June and September.

For more information call 0844-544 7580 or see www.sellingrivercruises.com

BraÄ? Island

Classic issues Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro 2013 brochure CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays will be unveiling a new Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro brochure in early January next year.

The operator will feature 44 hotels across Dubrovnik, Catvat, Slano the Island of Lopod, Makarska Riviera, Sibernik, Split, Hvar, Istria, Kvarner Riviera, Ljubliana, Portoroz, Bled, Bohinj and Montenegro.

The operator’s deputy managing director Matt Rice said: “We introduced Croatia in 2010 and sales have grown steadily over the last couple of seasons. “Croatia sits very well with our specialist profile and the addition of Slovenia and Montenegro to our portfolio of destinations is appropriate and timely. “In producing our new brochure we have

maintained a winning formula of offering a great product and exemplary service at an unbeatable price. “With around 2,000 independent travel agencies nationwide marketing our product we are confident that our latest brochure will quickly establish itself as a firm favourite amongst both agents and customers alike.�

The brochure offers departures from January to December and accommodation is four-star and upwards.

All holidays are tailormade with twin-centre, multi-centre and Adriatic cruise options available.

For details call 0800-008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

CROATIA FROM ÂŁ315 THE Croatia specialist operator for Travel Agents.

Largest selection of boutique 3,4 & 5 star hotels, apartments, villas, lighthouses, city breaks, coach tours, cruising and multi-centres Flexible durations and flights from most UK airports NEW for 2013 - Montenegro Love To Shop vouchers for each booking made.

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

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croatia Family sailing options from The Adventure Company THE ADVENTURE Company has introduced family sailing holidays in Croatia and Turkey for next summer.

A week-long Croatia Sailing Adventure departs from Split for a voyage along the Dalmatian coast and is suitable for families with children aged eight and above.

The itinerary sails on a modern catamaran, staffed with a hostess who cooks lunches and ensures children are entertained with a range of activities and games.

The boat moors each evening so that families can dine in the area’s restaurants before heading back to the catamaran for the night.

Prices lead in at £1,829 per child and £1,999 per adult including flights, accommodation, excursions, breakfasts and lunches.

Regent Holidays adds two new tours for 2013 REGENT HOLIDAYS has added two new trips to its 2013 Croatia programme.

The eight-day Dalmatian Highlights Cruise on MS Nikola offers trips to Dubrovnik and Split as well as the Dalmatian Islands of Mljet, Hvar and Korcula.

Prices lead in at £935 per person including flights from Gatwick, transfers, half-board accommodation, taxes and a mini guide book. Departures are available from May 5 to October 6.

Meanwhile, a nine-day Croatia Express Group Tour takes guests from Zagreb to Dubrovnik via the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split and Hvar. Leading in at £1,130 per person, the tour includes accommodation with many meals included; transfers and transport; the services of a tour director; sightseeing with guides; and entrance fees.

Flights are excluded.

For more information call 020-7666 1244 or visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk

Dalmation Coast

Balkan adds eightday coach tour BALKAN HOLIDAYS has added a new tour of Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia to its 2013 summer programme, departing in May, June and September.

The eight-day tour by coach incorporates a visit to Sarajevo, Zagreb and Ljubljana and also visits Mostar, the city of bridges; the Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Zadar; Split; and the Postojna Cave.

Each tour is accompanied by an English-speaking guide and accommodation en-route is on a half-board basis in three- and four-star properties.

Prices start from £884 per person and there is a choice of flights from nine regional UK airports to Dubrovnik, where the tour begins.

The operator also offers cruises from Dubrovnik and Split and will be featuring three- and four-night breaks from these destinations to a choice of locations next year.

For details call 0845-130 1114 or see www.balkanholidays.co.uk/ agents

Cruise, accommodation & tailor-made additions from Completely Croatia COMPLETELY CROATIA is continuing to expand its tailormade and bespoke product, with the addition of more small boutique style properties and upmarket cruises.

For the first time, the operator is featuring the region of Kvarner in the north of the country to offer visitors a different experience from that of Split and Dubrovnik.

The company reports that it is seeing a marked increase in demand for group travel to the destination as well from walkers, hikers, artists, mountain bikers and culture vultures.

For more information see www.completelycroatia.co.uk or call 0800-970 9149.

Escape this winter to Dubrovnik Sun Gardens!

Holiday packages available from 139 EUR per person. www.radissonblu.com/resort-dubrovnik 20

November 9 2012

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dynamicpackaging Lessons learned f o r t h e ye a r a h e a d sales director,

by PHIL NORRIS, A2B Transfers

I

T’S THE time of year when many of us in travel take stock of the summer just gone and what lessons can be learned for the year ahead. Fortunately, my well used salesman’s “Book of Excuses” stayed firmly in the drawer as the recession, political unrest, European Championships, Olympics, Wimbledon and Ryder Cup failed to make any negative impact in the demand for holidays in 2012.

In the Dynamic Packaging sector, countries such as Egypt and Greece have sold particularly well despite economic and political unrest in these destinations and demonstrate that a good flight price matched with a great value hotel overcomes most travellers other concerns. The only slight blip has come from the shortage of seats to some of these destinations, or to put it correctly the shortage of aircraft seats at a cheap price in September and October which has led to a softening of demand at the a latter end of what has been a pretty good summer overall.

Strong contenders Turkey, Mallorca, Costa Blanca and the Canary Islands have all remained strong sellers for us this year, although the Costa Brava has dropped mainly due to flight capacity changes. I would like to think that our own trends are typical across the DP market and some of our big winners this year have been Dubai, Naples (for Sorrento) and Dubrovnik in Croatia, which is a great destination for the short breaks market and excellent timing as it’s ABTA’s chosen venue for next year’s Travel Convention.

The growth of tailor made fly/cruises and ‘cruise-and-stay’ options continues unabated as overcapacity in the cruise market means agents can put together some great value products out of ports such as Venice, Rome and Barcelona.

This also presents an option to sell something different from the herd by combining a few nights in a city or beach destination and offering a product which cannot be price checked on any comparison site.

Certainly our agent partners have been relatively happy as both prices and volumes have held up well this year but as the often quoted business mantra states “If you’re not moving forward you’re going backwards”, we all need to plan ahead for what we hope will be an even better 2013.

Adding to the bottom line Permanently on the development list of agents is the selling of more extras and how they want to grow their ancillary sales

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and make extra and non discounted margins to add straight to their bottom line.

Agents are still keen to get additional income and ironically as the market slows down towards winter, sales of some holiday essentials such airport parking continue to sell strongly as agents have more time to email and call their customers before travel.

Many of the larger travel agents and call centres have invested in an “after sales team” to follow up after the booking has been made and with great results in the sales of extras such as excursions, lounge passes, insurance and airport parking. It doesn’t matter what size of business you are, getting a simple and regular system in place is the key to making more sales of these products.

This includes a range of disciplines including incentivising staff, targeted emails with offers and lead in prices and advertising these services on your website. It’s the drip drip effect that means everyone in the business is focused on selling much more than a flight and hotel.

To sell high volumes you cannot beat including travel extras at the time of booking and the successful salesperson seems to able to do this with ease. However, this is usually with the aid of technology and if agents selling systems are linked with XML feeds for ancillary products such as airport parking, just switching these feeds on and showing staff that they are available on their in-house system at the time of booking will lead to an increase in sales.

Customers seldom realise that by booking products like airport parking early can lead to significant savings, compared to last-minute bookings. It’s ironic that clients will spend hours saving a few quid on a flight and lose this money by making a last minute airport parking booking!

Agents should also highlight the excellent value “meet and greet” valet parking offers which take the stress out of the airport arrival experience and these are often at prices similar to on and off-airport car parks.

Other systems can be put in place much quicker with website white label links to the supplier’s site where additional commission can be earned without any work on the agent’s side. Either way a strategy to focus on sales extras on websites and via the sales staff can bring in £1,000’s in increased commission.

So whatever is in your growth and development plans for 2013, make sure that travel extras are on the list and are not relegated to the bottom for yet another year! ✦

November 9 2012

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dynamicpackaging Rock’s Gadget Insurance extended to travel trade partners ROCK INSURANCE is offering travel trade partners a new, fast growing income stream in the form of gadget insurance.

The company’s gadget insurance business – mygadgetbuddy.com – was launched a year ago and is available either as an add-on to the company’s travel insurance products covering gadgets whilst overseas, or as a standalone insurance policy providing cover for gadgets 365 days a year in the UK and overseas.

The company’s managing director Antony Martin said: “Gadget insurance is a fast growing revenue stream for us and has the potential to generate substantial commissions for our clients. To be nominated for the prestigious What Mobile award in our first year of trading is phenomenal and we want to share our success by rolling the product out to our travel trade partners.”

The company created the mygadgetbuddy.com brand and product after extensive research into the gadget sector which identified that, regardless of economic climate, consumers continue to purchase feel good gadgets such as the iPhone 5, iPad and Kindle. The research also highlighted that due to the high purchase costs, consumers are taking out additional cover – usually at inflated prices at the same time as they purchase their gadget. The research went on to show that travellers are taking an average of £1,500 worth of gadgets on holiday, in most cases with inadequate insurance on a standard travel policy.

Benefits of selling for agents include the product is easy to sell as it is packaged online; it creates a monthly income stream for agents since the majority of mygadgetbuddy.com product is purchased on monthly direct debit; commissions for agents are higher than typical travel insurance commissions as the transaction value is significantly higher for gadget insurance; and agents also receive on-going support from the company’s in-house team of insurance and technology specialists.

For details visit www.mygadgetbuddy.com or call 0844-482 9544.

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dynamicpackaging StressFreeAirportParking launches dedicated agents’ sales channel STRESSFREEAIRPORTPARKING.COM, WHICH operates its own facilities at six UK airports and sells at all other major UK airports, plus one UK port, has guaranteed market-leading commission rates for agents with the launch of a dedicated sales channel.

The company, which to date has sold direct-toconsumers online, believes that the airport meet and greet concept is now significant enough both in market size and consumer understanding to launch through travel agents.

The company says that agents have a significant role to play in expanding the meet and greet sector – figures released recently from airport parking price comparison site Looking4Parking.com showed that the meet and greet sector grew from 49.17% in 2011 to 58.72% in 2012, an increase of 9.6% of all airport parking.

The growth was at the expense of park and ride schemes which lost 5.2% of the overall share (down from 36.08% to 30.92%) and onsite parking which lost 4.4% (down from 14.75% to 10.37%).

Martin Mansell, the company’s managing director, said: “The airport parking sector has seen little innovation over the years, but meet and greet is a significant development for the industry and is experiencing rapid, year-on-year growth.

“Having someone collect your car at the airport terminal before you travel and deliver it on your return, used to be perceived as a luxury, but in many cases it is no more expensive than standard airport car parking.

We believe that savvy, online consumers have worked this out for themselves and this is driving significant growth in the sector.

“We’re now opening up a sales channel for agents as we know that this will broaden our reach and expand the industry in the UK. We liken the sector to the airport lounge upgrade that was once perceived as an unaffordable luxury used only by business travellers, but actually in some airports, for about the same price as standard airport parking, you can start your holiday stress-free.

“The same is now true of the airport meet and greet service – agents can up-sell a more refined and relaxed start and end to a customer holiday or business trip, but with little extra cost compared to standard airport parking. As we provide more meet and greet facilities than any other company, and because we have our own

facilities at six UK airports – as well as Southampton port – we’re unique in terms of scale and expertise so we can drive the lowest prices meaning we can support travel agents by offering market-leading commissions.”

Prices start from £30 per car, per day, rising to £40 for a weekend, and £55 for one week.

The company operates its own facilities for Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Heathrow, Luton and Southampton, sells at all other major UK airports, plus one UK port, Southampton.

Travellers are greeted by uniformed staff immediately outside the airport terminal, who park the customer’s car in a secure parking bay. The car is returned to the customer outside the terminal when they return home.

For more information visit www.stressfreeairportparking.com/travel-agent-loginr

New Harrods tour from Superbreak

Attraction World highlights popular add-ons

SUPERBREAK HAS added a new ‘Harrods Vintage Bus Tour, River Cruise and Unlimited Buffet Lunch’ tour, which can be added to any hotel booking in London. The tour offers the chance to travel on Harrods’ vintage double decker bus and see London’s highlights, followed by a cruise on the Thames before heading to Harrods for a buffet lunch.

The bus, a former 1960's route master that has been restored, visits sights including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, St. Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge and the Tower of London.

Prices lead in at £49 per person when added to a hotel booking.

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

ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting a selection of its most popular add-ons. In Florida, the company's top selling add-on is The ONE, which offers customers unlimited admission to all the main Florida theme parks and attractions for 14 days. Prices lead in at £472 per adult and £432 per child, aged two-nine.

In Tenerife the operator's Loro Parque & Siam Park Twin Ticket remains its most popular add-on. Prices lead in at £50 for adults and £34 for kids aged six-11.

And in Salou the top selling attraction is a two-day PortAventura ticket, which costs £50 for adults and £41 for kids aged four-ten. The UK exclusive ticket offers two consecutive days’ entry into the theme park and savings off gate rates.

All attractions are fully commissionable to agents.

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dynamicpackaging ACH partners with Great Little Breaks AFFORDABLE CAR Hire has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with UK short break specialist Great Little Breaks.

The deal means that clients booking packages in the UK and Ireland through the operator’s website and call centre will also be able to add car rental.

Angela Day, CEO for Affordable Car Hire, said the new partnership would also enable the two companies to jointly develop a range of selected short break and car hire packages that will be promoted through their respective Websites and databases.

She said: “This is another great opportunity for Affordable Car Hire as we explore new markets and continue to increase our brand awareness. We are very pleased to be working with the Great Little Breaks and look forward to a successful partnership.

“It will be of huge benefit to anyone looking to book a short break with car hire in the UK and Ireland. Not only will the clients be guaranteed superb service when they hire a car through us, they will also have access to some very good deals.”

Vivienne Hudson, managing director of Great Little Breaks, said: “As a leisure brand we already offer packages that include attraction passes, entrance to heritage properties and spa treatments, so the introduction of car hire through a respected brand such as Affordable Car Hire gives our customers even more options.”

For more information see www.greatlittlebreaks.com and www.affordablecarhire.com

YCH offers up to 20% commission YOUR CAR Hire reports that despite the increased paperwork created by the ATOL Flight-Plus, agents can take the opportunity to turn the extra paperwork into profit.

The company's managing director Ruth Bligh said: "Canny agents can now promote the financial protection offered with Flight-Plus. Dynamic packaging earns agents commission, or margins, on all sorts of holiday components, one of the biggest being car hire. We provide commission levels, or net rates, to suit the agent’s particular business model.

"We have an online training package offering handy advice from sales to bookings, with lots of tips in between. We are also offering great agent incentives, so there is every reason to get the bookings and the paperwork piling up."

As well as offering agents up to 20% commission, the company also pays agents £5/£10 in Love2Shop vouchers for bookings that include Damage/Super Damage Excess Waivers, payable automatically, on a monthly basis. Cancellations are also free up to 48hours prior to the hire date, enabling agents to secure the booking for their clients with no obligation.

Lead in prices for a week's group A car hire include £36 in Faro, £43 in Malaga, £57 in Alicante, £49 in Palma, £57 in Cyprus and £99 in Tenerife.

For details visit www.your-carhire.com

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wintersun

THE HYATT Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Estero Bay, south west Florida has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation and is scheduled to reopen this winter. The resort overlooks the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and has multiple pools; a Stillwater Spa; a Championship Raptor Bay golf course; hot tubs; a plunge waterfall; kayak and bike rentals; and four restaurants. A stay from November 16-23 leads in at £1,050, based on two people sharing a double room.

For details or to book see http://coconutpoint.hyatt.com

Winter sun savings of up to £810 per couple from Sovereign Luxury Travel GUESTS CAN make a range of savings when booking winter breaks with Sovereign Luxury Travel.

Examples include the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa in Tenerife, which offers a free night, one complimentary spa entrance per person and an online discount, saving up to £218 per couple. Seven nights’ breakfast accommodation costs from £699 per person, departing on December 4. The price includes Thomson flights from Gatwick and private transfers.

Meanwhile, guests staying at the Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos in Cyprus are being offered a guaranteed room upgrade, 10% early booking discount, online discount and an exclusive complimentary upgrade to half-board, saving up to £633 per couple. A seven-night stay costs from £599 per person, departing on November 22. The price includes easyJet flights from Manchester and

private transfers.

Also in Cyprus, the Columbia Beach Resort is offering complimentary half-board, two Christmas Eve gala dinners and an online discount, with savings of up to £810 per couple. Ten nights’ half-board accommodation leads in at £1,045 per person, departing on December 20 and includes easyJet flights from Gatwick and private transfers.

Alternatively, the Insotel Club Punta Prima in Menorca is offering a free child place, 12% early booking discount and an online discount, saving up to £371 per family of three. Seven nights lead in at £1,589 per family of three on an all-inclusive basis, departing on May 3, 2013. It also includes Thomson flights from Stansted and private transfers.

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

Mosaic highlights Egypt & Morocco winter breaks in new brochure MOSAIC HOLIDAYS has launched a new brochure featuring holidays to Egypt and Morocco, while destinations including Jordan and Turkey are still proving popular with winter travellers.

Moroccan breaks include the new Taj Palace Marrakech, due to open next month, while the brochure also features a number of options for clients looking to explore Egypt.

Sabina Shaida, the operator's founder and managing director, said: “The majority of our destinations are ideal for winter sun getaways. Bestselling holidays for us this winter

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include Egypt, Jordan and Turkey and we believe the best value destination this winter to be Egypt, due to the many special offers being promoted in order to attract the UK market back to the destination.”

Guests can save up to 30% on accommodation for a seven-night Cairo & Nile Cruise in Style itinerary, with prices leading in at £1,359 per adult and £919 per child including flights from Heathrow. Three nights’ breakfast accommodation is offered at the five-star Mena House Oberoi Hotel, with the remaining four nights on the Sonesta St George Nile Cruise

with full-board accommodation. Prices are based on a January 25, 2013 departure.

Alternatively, customers can save up to 25% on accommodation for A Simply Red Christmas in Sharm el Sheikh, with prices starting from £1,399 per adult and £1,059 per child.

It includes seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel and easyJet flights from Gatwick. Prices are based on a December 20 departure.

For more information call 020-8574 4000 or visit www.mosaicholidays.co.uk

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wintersun

CLIENTS BOOKING a stay at CLC Holidays’ Encantada Resort by December 31 can benefit from a 14-day Disney World Florida Ultimate Ticket for the price of a seven-day ticket. The pass gives guests entry to four Disney theme parks, two Disney water parks as well as golf courses and sports complexes. Tickets cost £257 per adult and £231 per child (aged three-nine) for use this year, or £269 per adult and £248 per child for holidays booked next year.

For details call 0800-009 6020 or visit www.clcholidays.com

Hayes & Jarvis highlights Far East value destinations this winter HAYES & Jarvis is encouraging agents to utilise the findings of the 2012 Long Haul Report by Post Office Travel Money – which it helped to compile – to recommend luxury trips at affordable prices this winter.

The report, an industry barometer of the best value longhaul destinations, suggests that holidaymakers should turn their attention East, singling out Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bali and Thailand as offering the lowest cost of living.

The results of the operator’s own trend report revealed a 44% increase in bookings for Vietnam this year, which it says has been fuelled by the opening of several new beach resorts and the availability of direct flights from Gatwick.

One of these resorts is the all pool villa-style Fusion Maia Da Nang, set on My Khe Beach, 15 minutes from Da Nang,

Shearings offers optional extras on Lake Como winter tours SHEARINGS IS offering a range of optional add-on experiences for guests embarking on a Lake Como winter tour.

The operator's Europe and worldwide product manager Patricia Birmingham said: “Lake Como is consistently one of our best-selling holidays, and this year we have enhanced our all-inclusive winter sun package for our customers to offer even better value for money.

“For holidays through to April next year we are offering a range of extras such as complimentary Italian pasta and pizza tasting experiences, plus the chance to enjoy Italian-style bingo and a fun quiz night.”

The nine-day all-inclusive itinerary leads in at £299 per person, with highlights including trips to Como Market and Milan.

The price includes six nights’ all-inclusive accommodation and overnight coach travel.

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

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where seven-night packages start from around £1,669 per person including flights.

The operator has also added a range of exclusive Thailand resorts, following the destination’s recent comeback after a dip in bookings earlier this year.

These include the newly-opened four-star plus Beyond Resort Khao Lak on Pakweeb Beach, which offers all-villa accommodation. The centre of Khao Lak is a short shuttle ride away, while onsite facilities include three pools, a spa and massage centre, non-motorised watersports and two restaurants. Seven-night flight-inclusive holidays lead in at £1,349 per person.

For more information call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.com

Savings of up to £3,000 per couple at The Beach House, Iruveli Maldives THE BEACH House at Iruveli Maldives is a private island retreat featuring 83 thatched villas, suites and pavilions, each with a private pool and a villa host.

There is a selection of three restaurants, a spa, dive centre, fitness centre, yoga facilities and two swimming pools.

Excursions are offered on a Maldivian Dhoni or speedboat, with visits to local inhabited islands as well as fishing and snorkelling trips.

Seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the recently relaunched five-star resort leads in at £2,083 per person, saving approximately £1,500 per person.

Valid for selected departures until December 25, the price includes accommodation in a luxury water villa with a private pool, a 45-minute jetlag massage, complimentary watersports, an introductory dive, complimentary nonalcoholic mini-bar beverages, BA flights from Gatwick and VIP seaplane transfers with use of a dedicated airport lounge.

For more information call 020 - 7407 5122 or visit www.hummingbirdtravel.co.uk

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Tenerife adds new walking trails in ‘Volcanoes of Life’ programme A SERIES of new volcano trails have been created in Tenerife, giving self-guided walkers the opportunity to explore the island’s volcanic landscape.

The five walking areas are focused on Ancient Volcanoes; Large Landscapes; Historic Volcanoes; Explosive Volcanoes; and the Abeque Ridge.

The walking routes have been launched as part of the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s ongoing initiative, ‘Tenerife, Volcanoes of Life’, which aims to provide tourists with an authentic holiday experience.

The programme, run in partnership with the Council of Tenerife, scientists from the Canary Islands Institute of Volcanology (Involcan) and the Technological Institute of Renewable Energy (ITER), focuses on measures for reducing volcanic risk and ways in which the volcanoes can enhance holiday experiences for visitors to Tenerife.

Carlos Alonso, CEO of the Tenerife Tourism Corporation, said: “Our goal is to introduce more tourists to one of our major holiday attractions and really showcase Tenerife’s volcanic landscape. There are a range of ways to enjoy this unique attribute of our islands – visitors can scuba dive and see volcanic seascapes, hike along the trails and learn more about the lava flows, or fly in a hang glider and take in the views of volcanoes from above, where some of the most amazing geological formations in the Atlantic can be viewed.”

The island is home to the world’s highest volcanic cone and more than 100 craters and badlands, which are barren lava surfaces that have eroded over time.

For further exploration of Tenerife’s volcanic origins, visitors can head underground to explore volcanic tubes, such as the Cueva del Viento, which are formed when lava flow has cooled and hardened on the outside but has continued to flow inside.

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25 YEARS 1987~2012

SERVING THE GAMBIA

Discover the smiling coast

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Teide National Park

Exotic African culture, unique and boutique hotels, friendly people and a warm welcome awaits you in The Gambia

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wintersun Soak up the sun this winter in Recife - the 'Venice of Brazil' TRAVELLERS CAN escape the British weather this winter by heading to Recife in Brazil.

The city offers year-round sunshine with an average temperature of 25˚C and is known locally as the ‘Venice of Brazil’, offering long sandy beaches and waterways throughout the city.

Recife is the country’s fifth largest city and is the capital of the State of Pernambuco. Located in North East Brazil, it will be one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with matches to be played in the new £152million Pernambuco Arena.

For those looking to experience city culture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Olinda offers cobbled streets, churches and historic buildings and squares.

Flights to Recife are available from TAP Portugal, departing from London, with return fares starting from £657 including taxes.

Alternatively, Fernando de Noronha – another UNESCO World Heritage Site – is an archipelago 545km off the coast of Recife. The island is divided into a National Marine Park and an Environmental Protection Area. Visitor numbers are therefore restricted, so booking in advance is essential.

Other popular winter destinations include the fishing

Recife

village of Trancoso; the Porto de Galinhas resort on the Pernambuco State coastline; and the colonial town of Paraty.

For more information see www.visitbrasil.com

Visit Calvia promotes hiking & biking programmes to UK market CALVIA, A municipality located in the southwest of Mallorca, is promoting its range of winter products to the UK market.

Although most well-known for being home to Magaluf, Calvia offers five other resorts, including Palmanova, Portal Nous, Illetes, Santa Ponca and Peguera, all situated approximately 20 minutes from Palma de Mallorca Airport.

With an average winter temperature of 15°, Calvia is being promoted as ideal for hikers and cyclists.

Last month, the destination launched a dedicated cycling programme, with bike-stations located at a range of hotels in the region, which stored up to 300 bikes. Visitcalvia.com’s new bike

programme launches seven different routes of different intensities throughout the region. Visitors can explore the borough of Calvia on the Calvia’s Landscapes route; ride through the landscapes of Peguera on Enjoy Peguera; cycle along the coast on the Palmanova-Magaluf route; experience panoramic views on Sunset Tramuntama; and follow a route through the almond and winery areas on Almond Blossom and Wineries.

For the more adventurous, Torrent de Santa Ponca and Es Capdella-Galatzo are mountain bike routes that begin at the region’s main mountain bike ride starting point, Es Capdella, and take visitors through the mountains to

Galatzo, 1,000m above sea level.

A new hiking programme has also been launched which includes 11 routes through the region, including the GR221-internationally recognised route from Es Capdella to Estellencs. The route takes visitors through small towns, crosses Galatzo estate and meanders through mountains and farmland, uncovering Bronze Age archaeological sites and architecture. easyJet offers flights to Palam until March 2013, with prices starting from £64.98 per person.

For more information or to book visit www.easyjet.com or call 0843-104 5000.

For details on Calvia see www.visitcalvia.com

Classic Collection sees Morocco sales increase by 14% year-on-year CLASSIC COLLECTION reports that winter sales to Morocco are currently 14% up year-on-year, with the beach resort of Agadir putting in a strong performance.

The operator's purchasing manager for Morocco Joanne Colchester said: “Agadir is one of the most reliable winter destinations for warm sunshine from what is still a genuine short–haul flight. The climate is very similar to that of the Canary Islands, making the beach and pool a real possibility for holidaymakers even during December, January and February.

“Lately there have been a number of improvements made to the infrastructure of the town and there is a much improved hotel stock, including the boutique-style Riad Villa Blanche and the very smart Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa. Given the quality of accommodation offered by these hotels, they remain very competitively priced. There is also a huge number of

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restaurants in the resort, so plenty of choice when dining out and sterling goes a long way when converted into Moroccan Dirhams.

“As a contrast to Agadir’s modern layout and architecture, the resort affords opportunities to visit areas with a more authentic Moroccan feel, including Taroudant, a mini-Marrakech. The foothills of the Atlas mountains are also accessible and offer areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the waterfalls at Immouzer.’

In February 2013, seven nights at the Riad Villa Blanche in Agadir leads in at £705 per person and seven nights at the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa costs from £756. Prices are based on two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including flights from Gatwick and private transfers.

For more information call 0800-008 7288.

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wintersun Beat the winter blues with a stay at St Lucia's blu hotel

Tenerife & Maldives savings from Carrier

THE NEWLY-RENOVATED blu hotel in St Lucia has launched two offers for the winter season.

BA is offering seven nights at the four-star hotel from £1,129 per person for departures this month, including flights from Gatwick and all-inclusive accommodation.

Alternatively, guests who book before November 30 for travel until January 31, 2013 will receive a free upgrade from bed-and-breakfast to all-inclusive.

Features of the 72-room hotel include swimming pools, a pool terrace restaurant bar and grill, a spa, beauty salon and a fitness centre.

To book or for more information call 0844-493 0758 or visit www.ba.com/stlucia Full terms and conditions of offers are available at www.harlequinblu.com/specialoffers

Free nights on selected departures from Funway FUNWAY HOLIDAYS offers a range of winter sun breaks to destinations such as Dubai, the Caribbean and the Far East, with discounts and free nights on selected departures.

Three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the five-star Sofitel Jumeirah leads in at £959 per person, based on a January 17, 2013 departure and two adults sharing. The price includes Economy Virgin Atlantic flights, taxes, fuel surcharge and transfers. A room discount of 50% is also offered for breaks taking place between December 1526.

Meanwhile, ten nights at Sandals Carlyle on an all-inclusive basis between January and March 2013 leads in at £1,535 per person, including Economy Virgin Atlantic flights and taxes, based on two adults sharing. It includes 25% off and one free night’s accommodation, based on a January 20 departure.

The company is also offering seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the fourstar Holiday Inn Penang Resort, Malaysia, from £925 per person, which includes two nights’ free accommodation. The price is based on two adults sharing, on a January 10 departure, and includes Economy flights with Malaysia Airlines and transfers.

For details visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

Exsus offers eight-night beach & safari break from £3,675 ‘SECRET SEASON’ heralds the last of the dry months in the Selous Game Reserve, where herds of thirsty animals, from lion to kudu, cluster around watering holes, waiting for the start of the rains.

Exsus is offering an eight-night safari and beach holiday from £3,675 per person (£760 cheaper than travelling in peak season). Valid for selected departures until December 14, the itinerary includes flights from Heathrow with

British Airways, three nights at the Jongomero in Ruaha National Park and three nights at the Selous Safari Camp, with game drives in opensided 4x4 vehicles, daily game walks and boat safaris (at the Selous Safari Camp) plus a further two nights at Ras Kutani.

Also included are internal transfers, taxes and surcharges.

For more information or to book call 020-7337 9010 or visit www.exsus.com

CARRIER IS offering savings on long-haul sunshine at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives and Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort in Tenerife.

In the Maldives, savings of up to £2,110 per couple are available on seven-night stays at Huvafen Fushi, with prices leading in at £2,975 per person. The offer includes seven nights for the price of six in a Beach Bungalow with a private pool based on two sharing on a halfboard basis. It also includes flights from Heathrow and speedboat transfers and is valid for travel until December 23.

In Tenerife couples can save up to £630 on seven-night stays at Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort. The price, which includes seven nights for the price of five, based on two sharing on a bedand-breakfast basis, leads in at £1,055 per person. It also includes flights from Gatwick and private transfers and is valid for travel from November 17 – December 15 and April 530, 2013.

To book or for more information see www.carrier.co.uk

Discover your own paradise with Fly from

London to Madrid,

For the latest offers please contact our UK Reservations team on:

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0871 222 9122

Latin America and the Caribbean

uksales@air-europa.com To discover more about Air Europa visit: www.aireuropaexperts.com

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FLIGHTS TO Goa will commence as part of Monarch’s winter flight schedule from tomorrow (November 10). The Alila Diwa Goa resort (pictured) is located close to Majorda beach and offers an infinity pool and a Spice Studio restaurant. Cosmos Holidays offers seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the five-diamond rated resort from £899 per person, including flights and transfers, based on a December 8 departure.

For details call 0844-573 4261 or visit www.cosmos.co.uk

Egypt deals top Olympic Holidays’ winter offering OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is offering its most comprehensive Egypt winter deals for 2012/13, with product split between Cairo, the Red Sea resort, Luxor and Nile cruising.

Photis Lambrianides, the operator's commercial director, said: “From the Red Sea and the River Nile to the capital Cairo, Egypt delivers a superb holiday experience at readily affordable prices.

“The Red Sea’s popularity has grown dramatically in recent years and we now feature 11 resorts, while Nile cruising is a unique product that continues to evolve year-on-year. Cairo, meanwhile, makes a wonderful city break or add-on.”

Red Sea additions this winter include the five-star Movenpick Resort Hurghada and the four-star Seagull Resort in Hurghada, the four-star Ibis Styles Dahab Lagoon in Dahab and the three-star Falcon Naama Star Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh.

The company has also introduced the resort of Ain Sokhna, with five-star hotel offerings including the Movenpick El Sokhna, Stella di Mare Grand Hotel and Stella di Mare Golf Hotel.

Short Red Sea breaks in Sharm el Sheikh have also been added this winter, made possible by a combination of increased scheduled air capacity and low hotel rates.

Lambrianides said: “A short break on the Red Sea is the ideal way to escape winter in the UK and with hotels extremely well-priced there are many good deals available.”

Short break Red Sea prices lead in at £294 per person for three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the three-star Falcon Hills Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, sharing a standard inland view room.

On the Nile, eight four- and five-star ships will journey on the seven-night Luxor-Aswan and return itinerary.

The cruise can also be combined with a 14-night package, with seven nights at the five-star Pyramisa Island Resort & Spa in Aswan. Prices for the seven-night cruise start at £635 per person.

In Cyprus, new additions include hotels in Paphos and Limassol, including the five-star Coral Beach, four-star Aloe, three-star Veronica and selfcatering Louis King Jason in Paphos. New additions in Limassol include the three-star Kanikla Pantheon and the Moniatis in Yermasoyia village.

The operator’s new Winter Sun 2012/13 brochure also features Malta and the charter-based destinations of Goa and The Gambia, with hotels ranging from budget to five-star.

Additions in Goa include the three-star Victor Exotica Beach Resort and Dona Terezinha Resort, both in Calangute, and the three-star Casablanca Resort in Candolim. The three-star Golden Beach Hotel in Bijilo has also been added to The Gambia portfolio.

Packages for a seven-night breakfast stay at the five-star Movenpick Resort Hurghada lead in at £599 per person in January next year, based on two sharing a standard room. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

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

puzzlesolutions Travagrams: (top) Monarch

(bottom) Iglu Cruise

Where Am I?: Papua New Guinea

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