Travel Bulletin 10th August 2012

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August 10 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,790 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

East Africa Operators launch new tour options as Kenya welcomes wildebeest migration

this week brainstorm bulletin agents offer their tips on how to get clients to book

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middle east operators launch new brochures, destinations & tours

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christmas markets new destinations, cruises & tours as operators expand their programmes

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cruising new cruise passenger terminal welcomes visitors to Malaga

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ABTA No.Y1256

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£60 DEPOSIT Per person. On bookings made 10 weeks or more from date of departure.

NEW ‘CITY BREAKS’ WINTER 2012/13 & SUMMER 2013 BROCHURE!

NEW ‘INDULGENT ESCAPES’ SUMMER 2013 BROCHURE!

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Single parent offers – use promo code J2HSPF50 to get an extra £50 discount*

ORDER YOUR SUPPLY VIA TRADE-GATE.CO.UK TODAY! LOCAL DEPARTURE AIRPORTS: Belfast

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* Terms and Conditions apply. See tradesite.jet2holidays.com for details.

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This Week news 3

Cover Pictures: Main - Kenya Tourist Board UK & Ireland

Inset - River Cruise Line, Trier Weihnachtsmarkt

a round-up of the latest industry updates, news & developments

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

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brainstorm bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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personality bulletin

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middle east

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east africa

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xmas markets

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cruising

find out what the owner of Sandy Travel has been up to lately earn up to £150 in shopping vouchers with Premier Holidays agents offer their tips on how to get clients to book you could win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the prize Su Doku puzzle which MD says he'd like to don an Iron Man suit? operators launch new brochures, destinations & tours operators launch new tour options as Kenya welcomes wildebeest migration operators expand brochures with new destinations, cruises & tours new cruise passenger terminal welcomes visitors to Malaga

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

COOKING UP A TREAT...on a five-day fam trip to South West Mauritius, hosted by Heritage Resorts and British Airways, are from the left: Michael Sugden, Gold Medal; Kris Roberts, Quartz Travel; Lynsey Smith, Bath Travel; Lynsey McKinstry, Heritage Resorts; Karen Flood, Travelbag; Lucy Wesley, British Airways; Maria Foxwell, Travel Counsellors; Caroline Lumley, Lets Go 2; and Darren Varnum, Escape Worldwide.

'Over 55s living for the weekend' according to Shearings GRANDPARENTS ARE increasingly setting off on holiday during the busier weekend periods, debunking the trend for mid-week departures, according to Shearings, which reports a 43% rise in bookings for weekend breaks in the last five years, representing an increase of nearly a fifth in the proportion of bookings.

Key weekend hotspots for the over 55s include Whitby, Llandudno and Torquay. The operator believes the increase can be linked to an increasingly busy and active older generation, who are working for longer and also often take on major childcare responsibilities for grandchildren, while parents work during the week.

The company's commercial director, Caroline Brown, said: “It’s estimated that

grandparents save parents £1,800 a year in free childcare, but this also means that for many over 55s, they may have to also fit their holiday arrangements around these responsibilities.

Combine this with the number of older people who continue to work during the week, and it’s clear to see that weekends become a very precious time to get away for a well-deserved break.

“We’ve seen the proportion of weekend bookings increase steadily over the past five years, with many of our customers choosing convenient self-drive breaks to some of our best hotels across the UK. “It’s a trend that we expect to continue as grandparents look to juggle childcare, work and leisure time while keeping costs affordable.”

The operator's latest UK weekend breaks can be

found in its recently launched autumn and winter brochure.

British weekend breaks include Party Weekends, which have been reintroduced to the 2012/13 programme due to demand from customers.

The four-day half-board breaks stay in the operator's Bay hotels and include four free drinks and a gala dinner on the Saturday. The holidays depart in January and February and lead in at £89 per person.

The brochure also includes a range of escorted tours and river cruises across the UK and Europe, including the company's Christmas and New Year holidays. A 10% discount is offered on bookings made by July 31, as well as an additional £10 saving per couple who book two or more holidays at the same time.

For more information visit www.shearings.com

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Newsbites ●

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KARTING AROUND....Alitalia held its fourth Go Karting event in Greenwich Docklands recently, which saw 18 travel agents take part. Pictured are, Patrizia Gallo (seated) from EMEA with, from the left, the operator's Gianni Leone, Simone Scannella, Saadia Usman and Marco Carnevale.

KUONI IS offering seven nights for the price of five at Six Senses Samui, Thailand, with prices from £1,209 per person. The deal offers a saving of £688 per couple and is based on two sharing a Hideaway Villa on a bed-andbreakfast basis. The price includes flights with Thai Airways from Heathrow and private transfers. Bookings must be made by October 5.

For details call 01306-747008 or visit www.kuoni.co.uk THE SIX star Constance Le Prince Maurice hotel in Mauritius is undergoing an extensive refurbishment and is currently closed until September. As part of the upgrade, the company has announced that it is building a new wine cellar that will hold up to 15,000 bottles and will be made accessible to guests.

For details see www.princemaurice.com TRAVELPORT HAS launched Travelport Mobile Agent through its Developer Network, a mobile app which enables Travelport-connected agencies to gain full access to the Galileo platform directly on their mobile device. The app is available via Apple’s app store. The company has also announced a continuation to its global content agreement with Bulgaria Air. The agreement sees Galileo, Apollo and Worldspan connected travel agency customers across the globe continue to have full access to Bulgaria Air’s published fares.

ATTRACTION WORLD is now selling Up at the O2, an exhilarating climb to a central observation platform via a 380m long fabric walkway suspended between the 02’s distinctive yellow masts, 52m above ground level. Tickets cost £22 per person (aged ten years and above).

Travel Alberta announces new packages with Canadian Sky & Powder Byrne TRAVEL ALBERTA has announced three new packages available with tour operators, Canadian Sky and Powder Byrne. Working with Brewster Travel Canada, the packages showcase the diversity of Alberta experiences and adventures available for all ages, and are part of Travel Alberta’s ongoing aim to introduce new product to the UK market through the travel trade.

The packages include Canadian Sky's Rockies & Aurora Borealis option- a nine-night break which leads in at £1,899

MW introduces BA flights to winter programme MARK WARNER has extended its partnership with British Airways in signing an agreement which will see the airline operate 65% of the operator’s Heathrow and Gatwick charter flights into Grenoble, Geneva and Friedrichafen for the 2012/13 ski season.

It is also confirmed that Monarch will operate an additional Gatwick flight in addition to its existing Birmingham service for the operator, whilst Jet2 will operate the company's charter service from Manchester.

Meanwhile, after a successful couple of seasons operating into Grenoble airport for Val d’Isere, Tignes and Les Deux Alpes, the operator is moving all flights serving its French resorts to Grenoble for winter 2012/2013 allowing faster transfer time and improved customer experience.

For bookings or more information call 0844-273 6826.

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per person including flights, accommodation and transfers; Canadian Sky's Special Places of Alberta, a ten-night option costing from £1,499 per person including flights, accommodation and specific activities; and Powder Byrne's Spectacular Canadian Rockies, a ten-day itinerary that costs from £4,375.

For more information visit www.travelalberta.com, www.canadiansky.co.uk and www.powderbyrne.com

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Variety Cruises - Small Ships – Great Cruises. Island hopping in style on the deluxe mega- yachts of Variety Cruise. Cruise the Greek Isles, Turkey, Croatia, Western Mediterranean, plus exotic destinations including Cuba, The Seychelles and West Africa. www.seafarercruises.com 020-8324 3118 ● COX & KINGS’ NEW FAR EAST 2013 BROCHURE With escorted small-group tours accompanied by expert guides, and tailormade travel ideas to suit all budgets, you’ll find our holidays are very much up to scratch. Reservations: 020-7873 5000.

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @vikingriveruk Sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery on a Viking River Cruise request a 2013 brochure today: http://bit.ly/M0F85P @BritishAirways Food tastes differently at 30,000 feet. See your taste preferences & how they’re impacted by altitude: http://t.co/i3VD0vZF @Butlins We love these 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. A great way to keep your kids entertained over the summer hols... http://bit.ly/QpLdfZ :) @richardbranson Hopefully @VirginGalactic will one day contribute in getting people to Mars.

After all, it is known as the red planet! @eurolinesuk If you are in Paris this month, check out the open-air cinema festival @parcvillette 36 films for free until Aug 26. Fares to Paris from £58

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

DECADE MADE...pictured marking Flybe's tenth anniversary since it launched operations from Leeds Bradford Airport is the airport's commercial director, Tony Hallwood (centre) with captain Andrew Robertson and senior cabin crew, Helena Hibbs.

Friendship Travel adds new destinations for winter 2012/13 FRIENDSHIP TRAVEL has added Cyprus and Australia to its new winter 2012/13 brochure for the first time. The company, which reports an increase in demand from singles seeking wintersun getaways, has added the four-star boutique-style Louis King Jason Hotel in Paphos, along with an additional hotel – the four-star Lanzarote Princess – to its porfolio in the Canaries.

Prices for a seven-night holiday in Cyprus, on a choice of dates between October and March, lead in at £565 per person including flights, transfers, breakfast accommodation, four dinners and the services of a travel host.

The company has also added a 15-day tour of Australia, taking in sights such as Uluru, the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef and Bondi Beach. Prices lead in at £4,175 per person including flights from Heathrow, transfers, three and four-star hotel accommodation - with sole occupancy of a double or twin room, breakfast and selected lunches and excursions.

Other ideas in the new programme include walking holidays in the UK, city breaks in Madrid, Istanbul and Marrakech, cruising, long-haul options – such as Goa and the Caribbean – plus a range of Christmas ideas both at home and overseas.

For more information call 0871-200 2035 or see www.friendshiptravel.com

GSR teams with Bridge The World to offer new packages Down Under GREAT SOUTHERN Rail, which operates The Ghan and Indian Pacific, has teamed up with Bridge The World to offer a series of packages showcasing Australia’s beauty and diversity, both on and off the rails.

As examples, a six-day Exceptional Kangaroo Island package starts off with a trip on the Indian Pacific through Sydney’s Blue Mountains and across outback Broken Hill into Adelaide and South Australia, where guests spend three nights exploring the city.

The final two days are spent on Kangaroo Island, known as Australia’s fourth icon, for the chance to see abundant bird life, dolphins, sea lions, kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and penguins. Prices lead in at

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£1,900 for a Gold Service cabin on the Indian Pacific, two days touring on Kangaroo Island with accommodation, flights from Adelaide and three night’s accommodation in Adelaide.

A five-day Flinders Ranges Adventure offers guests the chance to see the Flinders Ranges, as well as the Katherine Gorge, Alice Springs and Adelaide, whilst travelling on The Ghan from Darwin to Port Augusta, with prices leading in at £2,258 per person.

Both prices exclude international flights.

For more information visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au and www.bridgetheworld.com or call 0871-781 2959.

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newsbulletin Balkan offers breaks to Istria from Newcastle BALKAN HOLIDAYS is offering holidays from Newcastle to Pula on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula this summer.

The operator is featuring seven- and 14-night holidays in the Adriatic resorts of Rovinj, Porec, Vrsar and also Pula, utilising the new Jet 2 service, departing every Tuesday until the end of this month.

A wide range of accommodation is available, ranging from four-star hotels to self-catering apartments, and a sevennight break in a self-catering apartment in Porec costs from around £460 per person, which includes accommodation, flights and transfers.

Holidaymakers flying from Newcastle to Istria can also combine their break with a twin-centre holiday in Slovenia.

They can also fly to Dubrovnik and have the option of a twincentre break with Montenegro.

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

Letter to the Editor Dear Lauretta, I read with interest Sandy Murray’s comments about Crete in her column (Notes from Normanton - July 6) as I have just returned from my first holiday in Crete.

Sandy, as a Cyprus and Greece and Her Islands specialist tour operator, and with a bias for my native Cyprus, I have to admit how pleasant it was in Crete to rediscover a lifestyle reminiscent of Cyprus years ago. We stayed at the fabulous fivestar Aldemar Royal Mare in Anissaras on the outskirts of Heraklion, and enjoyed this hotel's easy access from the airport and superb modern facilities. It was also fantastic for families with children of all ages.

As a result we will be developing a specialist programme to Crete, and we will keep you advised.

Perhaps your next visit to Crete could be with Cyplon Holidays and I am sure that Aldemar Hotels & Spa would be equally delighted to host you!

Tass Anastasi, Sales & Marketing Director, Cyplon Rovinj

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newsbulletin Butlins announces Mike the Knight to entertainment line-up MIKE THE Knight, the new character for HIT Entertainment, is now performing in his own show ‘Mike the Knight and the Royal performance’ at all three Butlins resorts.

Mike is an energetic and adventurous young knight-in-training with a passion for helping others and a desire to be the best knight he can be. Mike discovers the power of responsibility when he is put in charge of helping Queen Martha protect

the Kingdom of Glendragon whilst his father the King is away.

The 20-minute show will appear on all midweek breaks at Bognor, Minehead and Skegness resorts for the rest of the year.

Agents can earn a £5 Love2Shop voucher for every Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels booking made by August 31.

For more information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

Cosmos adds new Lapland resort with two itineraries COSMOS HAS launched its second edition Lapland brochure with the new resort of Olos featuring a new itinerary ‘Santa’s Tinsel Trail’, as well as a new Santa’s Post Office experience in the existing resort of Levi Fell.

The Santa's Tinsel Trail package is available for three-, four- and five-night stays from Gatwick and Manchester with hotel or traditional log cabin accommodation. The trips include a treasure hunt where guests take part in the extended activities whilst looking for clues left by the elves, as well as a private meeting with Santa and a trip to the post office.

Early booking offers include a low deposit of £99 per person on all bookings made before September 30. An introductory first child price of £199 per person on the Santa’s Tinsel Trail is also available, as well as a further £100 per child off on both featured itineraries (conditions apply). Other included benefits are a free kids' club, free soft drinks at mealtimes and free entrance per stay to the amazing Spa water world for guests at the Hotel Levitunturi, Levi Fell.

A three-night ‘Ready, Steady, Snow’ trip leads in at £699 per adult and £599 per child and departures are available throughout December, with flights available on Monarch charter flights from both Gatwick and Manchester to Kittila.

Thailand beach sale from Funway FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched its ‘Thailand Beach Sale’ in conjunction with Centara Hotels & Resorts and Thai Airways, with savings of up to £660 per person.

As examples of prices, an eight-night stay at the three-star Centra Ashlee Patong in Phuket costs from £769 per person including flights with Thai Airways, while in Koh Samui an eight-night stay at the three-and-a-halfstar Centara Villas Samui costs from £799 including flights.

Bookings must be made by August 15 for travel up to December 24.

For more information or to book call 0844-557 0626 or visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

to e e r f * Fly a ud m r e B FAM FRIENDS...Emirates Tours recently took a group of travel agents on a fam trip to Sri Lanka. Pictured taking in the sights are, from the left: Richard Reed, Prestige Holidays; Kevin Burton, Travel Talk; Reena Thomas, Emirates Tours; Mark Beattie, Off Broadway Travel; and Michelle Taylor, PSK Travel.

H WR WK DQ Á \ F X k R in RXUV \ with p O\ K tlantic nial ,Q RQ A lo e o h l of t ters, c a h w jewe a, wit uoise nd sp s, turq a d lf n o C a s ry g g 29 , luxu ragin charm s ave e r u er t era ctob temp ril to O p A from o

Brazil launches new global campaign BRAZIL HAS launched its new international campaign entitled “The World Meets in Brazil. Come Celebrate Life”. The campaign has been created to promote the destination as the host of major sporting events including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and will present Brazil as a culturally unique country that offers diverse experiences for all visitors.

The current ‘Brazil at Heart’ exhibition, which demonstrates the country’s ability to host mega-events with innovative products and services as well as its growing potential for tourism, is open to the public until September 2.

For more information visit www.visitbrasil.com

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*Book by 6 Sep for travel between 23 Aug-15 Dec 2012 and clients buying one British Airways Economy Class return ticket get a second return ticket with the compliments of the Bermuda Department of Tourism and Bermuda Hotels Association.

Call 0800 008 7288

www.classic-collection.co.uk August 10 2012

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Newsbites ●

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N ELL WHAT can I say? The GREAT has been put back into Great Britain – I don’t want to read or hear any doom or gloom – I want to see fantastic headlines! Yes of course I am talking about the Olympics! And as I write this we are actually 3rd on the leader board. And I have to say if the leader board was broken down even more Yorkshire would be 10th! How cool is that? The ‘feel good’ factor in the UK must be the best it has ever been. I wish it could be bottled and given out like we used to do with milk to kids at school (yes I know I am going back a long time!), though I do feel sorry for all the shops in London that are losing out, but I do feel that is down to poor management of info put out. I thought the opening ceremony was brilliant and I always love to see it when all the countries come out with their flags. Let’s hope that the feel good factor continues and makes people want to go away on holiday and enjoy themselves! I have to say I am not really interested in sport much but even I can’t help but get swept along with all the excitement. Well done Team GB! Because of the Olympics I have renamed each day of the week – Momentous Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Thrilling Thursday, Fantastic Friday, Sensational Saturday and Supersonic Sunday (it would be with Usain Bolt wouldn’t it!)

If you still haven’t sent me an email about which day is most popular to have the Yorks Ball - a Thursday or a Friday - email me at sandra@sandytravel.co.uk because at the moment both days are equal!

Our next Yorks & North Mids ABTA Meeting is on Wednesday the 3rd October at Leeds Bradford Airport so put it in your diary! There will be lots of interesting stuff and of course updates on the ATOL situation. You can also see how Leeds Bradford International Airport has progressed – all good stuff.

‘Love always wins, kindness always prevails, and smiles always disarm’ and ‘If you have health you have hope and if you have hope, you have everything’.

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KLM ROYAL Dutch Airlines has launched a new microsite dedicated to world Pride events for the Gay and Lesbian community.

See www.klmpridegetaway.co.uk THIS SUMMER Butlins’ Redcoats are going green as the company launches an initiative with The Wildlife Trust to encourage visiting families to explore the beaches at its three resorts with the help of Greencoat Guides.

See www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE'S ROBIN Hood Festival takes place from August 13-19 in Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. The festival, which is free to attend, features archery, falconry displays, a medieval rat catcher and other performers, musicians and entertainers.

See www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhood THE KENYA Tourist Board has announced that Kenya is to welcome Africa’s first underwater museum. Designs for the museum have already begun and it is expected to open in 2014 in the Malindi Marine National Park. Visit www.magicalkenya.com or call 020-7367 0931.

ICELAND EXPRESS and Flexible Flights, part of TUI’s Specialist Holidays Group (SHG), have signed a partnership agreement to offer more options to Brits travelling to Iceland.

See www.icelandexpress.com or call 0118-321 8384.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win a 4 nights half-board stay in a 4-star Benidorm hotel, courtesy of our competition with Visit Benidorm. The prize also includes theme park tickets and entrance to the Benidorm Palace nightclub. To enter, all you have to do is answer 3 quick questions. Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Agents can win either a 4 night holiday in New Orleans or a £50 Love2Shop vouchers courtesy of the two competitions that Funway are running on the Travel Bulletin website. Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Agents can win a 7night cruise with MSC Cruises, on full board basis. Enter the competition at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

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

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

AGENTS CAN earn up to £150 in shopping vouchers with every inclusive Australia booking made with Premier Holidays. The offer is valid year round.

Visit www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7900.

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VILLA SELECT has teamed up with Nando’s to offer a £40 meal voucher for every travel agent booking made to the Algarve. The offer is valid until September 21 and a minimum booking value of £1,000 applies.

For details see www.villaselect.com

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ALL DISCOVERY Cruising is offering agents the chance to win a musical break in the capital with a luxury hotel stay for two and tickets to the BBC Proms in the Park on Saturday September 8. Agents who book any Voyages of Discovery, Swan Hellenic or Hebridean Island Cruises itinerary before the August 25 will be entered into a prize draw when they send an email with their name, agency name, ABTA number and booking reference to prizedraw@alldiscoverycruising.com.

For details see www. www.alldiscoverycruising.com

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ONE STOP Touring Shop (1STS) is offering double reward points for agents that book any escorted touring holiday from its three USA and Canada brochures from Insight Vacations, Trafalgar and Contiki Holidays before the end of this month.

The rewards scheme also gives agents the opportunity to earn points for successfully completing its training. Points can be redeemed against a variety of prizes, from cinema tickets to designer handbags and iPads.

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

NEW WORLD WONDER...Vietnam Airlines recently hosted a fam to Vietnam to promote the airline and Vietnam as a beach destination. Pictured visiting the New World Saigon Hotel are, from the left: (back row) Oscar Lopera, W&O Travel; Sandra Lowther, Eden Luxury Group; Michael Codd, Turquoise Holidays; Myra Jones, Elegant Resorts; Lynne Raw, Bales Worldwide; and Emma Fountain , ITC UK, with (front row) Ngan Nguyen, New World Saigon Hotel; Lucy D’Silva, Vietnam Airlines; Victoria Douglas, Scott Dunn; Jennifer Parker, Rickshaw Travel; and Bruce Taylor, Emerald Global. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Agent offer IN A move to reward agents for their support and loyalty, Hurtigruten has launched a new ‘Best Partners’ programme to say thank you to key agents for excellent sales. Initially set up for independent agents, members will receive special privileges such as additional marketing funds, a place on a fam trip and an invitation to a gala dinner. To qualify, agencies must have generated more than £100k of sales revenue in the previous year.

For more information see www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ agents

2013 BROCHURE REVEALED • 11 nights in Indonesia from £2,995 • 13 escorted small group tour itineraries • Reduced single supplements • New improved tailor-made section

For holidays that are up to scratch...

020 7873 5000 www.coxandkings.co.uk

August 10 2012

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brainstormbulletin BRAINSTORMBULLETIN ENCOURAGES travel agents to work together by pooling your ideas and sharing your problems and solutions.

This week, Tammy Le Noury from Wayfarers Travel in Guernsey, asked for your feedback on the following...

What are the tips and tricks that other agents use to close a sale so that they don’t lose the customer to the internet?

Here's what some of you thought...

WE DON'T get a lot of footfall of clients and so we have to judge carefully when they are in the office if they are just calling in for advice/brochures. It wouldn't work for us to ask there and then if the client is ready to book because it may come across the wrong way.

Normally by the time we get to close of sale/decision stage we have established a rapport, have an understanding of the

I ALWAYS remind my clients that they have a booking history with me and they know I am available 24/7 without having to call a premium line and/or sit on hold for ages. My clients know that when I am away on holidays and fam trips, that a colleague is always on hand to assist with details on my out-ofoffice voicemail and email – so they are well cared for.

I also stress to my clients that I attend a lot of agent events and over the years have built up excellent contacts to try and get clients added value on their trip. If it’s an itinerary I have made up myself, I stress that the internet can offer prices, but it cannot think up the itinerary I have just given, nor can it lend opinion in contrast to the 20 years experience I have. Luckily, many of my clients might look at the internet for prices but they’d come back to me to take a second look – essentially they just want to keep me on my toes.

JACK LEAF, TRAVEL COUNSELLORS

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client and know the client and have made the client feel that their holiday is important to us.

We put great emphasis on our service and of course ATOL protection/security. We also emphasise that our service doesn't end once they have done the booking.

CLAIRE HUNT, JOURNEYS A LA CARTE

I ALWAYS inform my clients of the great financial protection we offer, reassuring them that everything booked with Travel Counsellors is financially protected, giving them complete peace of mind that their money is in safe hands. With the internet this is not always the case and spending a lot of money on a holiday who would want to take any risk of losing their money?

LESLEY CLEMENTS, TRAVEL COUNSELLORS

STAR RESPONSE

WINS a £10 op Love2Sher vouch

I THINK I would firstly comment that it is really difficult to compete in the ‘lower’ end of the market. So if someone is looking at a Thomson or Thomas Cook holiday or similar then the only difference that we have to offer is advice and service. My advice is if you can't package together the holiday yourself then you may have to walk away from this type of business.

However, in the higher end of the market when you are booking bespoke travel and tailormaking, advice and service plays an important part. Tips we would give in this area include highlighting to the client that you can provide exceptional service, that you wouldn't ‘hard’ sell and that you are independent (if this is the case), so you are able to quote from a whole range of operators not just the multiples.

We would try not to reveal who the quotes are with so that they could not go and try and get another travel agent to quote and give a discount. We also explain that we are fully bonded and we will look after a customer no matter what and that we have been operating for 37 years.

We are going to try the idea that was suggested at the AITO conference to get clients to pay a fee of say £50 – this will be when we have done several quotes for them and we can call it a fee of their intent to travel.

TRACEY CARTER, CARRICK TRAVEL

THE NEXT BRAINSTORM QUESTION IS: How do agents get clients to take their travel insurance when so many people have it with their banks etc? (Send your response to lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk) If you have a dilemma or question that you would like to ask other agents then please email lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk with the subject 'Brainstorm'.

August 10 2012

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 076

Bin Lust

A➠

B➠ Belinda Carlisle’s song ‘Heaven is a place on earth’ was the advert theme tune for this holiday company

C➠

salvages 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:

This City makes 9 billion dollars in revenue every year

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, August 16th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 20th July is Carl Whitby, Voyager Travel Direct in Sheffield.

July 20 Solution: A=2 B=7 C=4 D=9

This principality is famous for being a tax haven, its casinos and Grand Prix

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

Across 1. This company’s cruise ships have trademark yellow funnels (5)

Down 1. Team GB's Olympic flag-bearer (5,3)

3. English county location for the filming of War Horse (5)

3. First name of comedienne and recent Superstar judge (4)

5. Derbyshire town, famous for tarts (8)

4. London Olympic venue, nicknamed The Pringle (9)

7. Portuguese destination renowned for its fairytale palaces (6)

2. European capital city (6)

5. Capital of the Indian state of Karnataka (9)

8. European river (4)

6. Seaside resort with a Royal Pavilion (8)

10. Muscat is the capital (4)

9. Asian river (6)

11. Wrap-around beachwear (6)

12. Tourist attraction Project in Cornwall (4)

13. Popular tourist area of France (8) 14. Celebrity chef, Rick (5)

Number: 076

15. Winners of the Euro Cup 2012 (5)

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For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 34 August 10 2012

11

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S03 TB1008 News 2_Layout 1 08/08/2012 10:46 Page 14

personalitybulletin

Ian Mills The managing director of Avenue Sales & Marketing says he loves messing about on the water in boats and wants an Iron Man suit...

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Holding on to the tail of our family dog, Mitzi.

"Always be kind to everyone on your way up the ladder"

Where was your last work-related trip?

Hong Kong. I took a fam trip for the weekend to The Langham Hong Kong and The Langham Place Mongkok.

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

George Clooney because he has everything - the charm, the looks and experience.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Optimistic, amusing and kind.

What have your travels taught you?

That kids are the same the world over.

What is the best advice you recall?

Never be the last to leave the party.

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

Boats. I LOVE messing about on the water!

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

Better airports in the UK, reintroduce Supersonic aircraft and get rid of visa requirements.

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

My first boss at American Express, John Ramsbotham. He encouraged me and gave me my first real break. Also Sir Richard Branson – I like his style and Isadore Sharp, who started Four Seasons Hotels - he was inspirational.

What's your favourite city and why?

Hong Kong - it’s so dynamic and exciting!

14

August 10 2012

Career path ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1974-76: American Express – travel counter clerk 1976-82: Pan American World Airways - ticket agent 1982-88: Air New Zealand - ticket office manager 1988-92: Regent International Hotels - regional sales manager 1992-95: Four Seasons Resorts regional director of sales 1995-2000: Marco Polo Hotels European director of sales 2000-2012: Avenue Sales and Marketing/Langham Hotels and Centara Hotels - managing director

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

Earplugs.

What's your favourite airline and why?

Air New Zealand - best flat bed in the sky.

What special skill do you have?

Communication skills - I am a good listener.

How do you cope with the advances in technology?

My kids keep me up to date.

What do you love about your job?

I get to sell parts of the world I am passionate about.

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

Lecturing in travel and tourism.

What is your motto in life?

Always be kind to everyone on your way up the ladder.

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

I want an Iron Man suit. They’d be no check in or hanging around at airports just kick off and fly through the sky – how cool is that?

What was your nickname at school and why?

Millsy. Every boy at grammar school was known by their surname.

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S04 TB1008 Middle East_Layout 1 08/08/2012 10:50 Page 15

middleeast

EASTERN MANGROVES Hotel & Spa is Anantara’s latest retreat in the Middle East which offers an urban location with a waterfront setting, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport. The hotel is part of an integrated marina, retail and residential destination, situated along a 1.2km stretch of protected mangrove reserve. The property offers kayak hire, five restaurants and bars, a rooftop lounge and spa.

For more information email easternmangroves@anantara.com

Attraction World highlights selection of ME tours for agents to promote ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting a variety of tours for agents to offer clients when booking Middle Eastern destinations.

In Dubai, guests can embark on a sunset safari, followed by a barbecue dinner and the opportunity to go on a camel ride.

Prices lead in at £49 for adults and £38 for children. Alternatively, guests can experience both modern

and ancient Dubai with a Dubai city tour, which leads in at £27 for adults and £19 for children.

In Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World features 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions and a collection of more than 30 vintage and contemporary Ferraris. Prices lead in at £44 for adults and £32 for children. A hop on/off bus tour is also available for visitors to take in

the city's landmarks, which costs £35 for adults and £17 for children.

Meanwhile, guests visiting Jerusalem can embark on a Caesarea, Acre, Rosh Hanikra fullday tour, which takes guests along the northern shore, from the Roman port city of Caesarea through to the caves of Rosh Hanikra and the old port city of Acre, with prices starting from £45.

G Adventures celebrates Petra anniversary with savings on three tours to Jordan G ADVENTURES is offering 15% off three of its popular Jordan tours as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of Petra’s rediscovery this month.

Founder of the company, Bruce Poon, said: “Jordan is a fascinating country and Petra should be on everyone’s list of places to see. We have seen many travellers express an interest in visiting Jordan this summer because of this special occasion.”

The anniversary marks the 1812 "discovery" of the city by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

The offer includes the Egypt & Jordan Adventure, which explores the archaeological and historical secrets of the ancient sites of Petra; Luxor; and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

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The 17-day itinerary, departing from Cairo, costs £1,620 per person on selected departures.

Also included is a Cairo to Amman on a Shoestring tour. The nine-day itinerary, which departs from Cairo, explores Wadi Rum and the ruins at Petra, with desert camping and beach huts. Prices lead in at £552 per person on selected departures.

Meanwhile, a Highlights of Jordan itinerary has guests staying in a Bedouin tent, with the opportunity to dine with the locals in Wadi Rum, as well as discovering Petra's history. The eight-day trip costs from £595 per person.

To receive 15% off, the promotion code BZ-JOR15 must be quoted when booking, and the offer ends on August 15.

For more information visit see www.gadventures.com

August 10 2012

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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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middleeast Cox & Kings issues 2013 brochure showcasing escorted group tours & tailor-made itineraries COX & Kings has launched its new Middle East brochure featuring a programme of escorted group tours and private tailor-made travel to the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Gulf.

Group tours lead in at £995 per person and new for next year is a group tour to Morocco, a new Nile cruise from Cairo to Aswan and new group tours to Egypt and Jordan.

The company's product manager, Peter Hilton, said: “After a turbulent time for the Middle East region, there is increased interest for destinations such as Morocco and Uzbekistan. We have seen a 15% increase in bookings for our Heart of Central Asia group tour for bookings for 2012 compared with 2011 and for 2013 we are introducing new tours to Egypt and Jordan, as well as a group tour to Morocco.”

The new Nile Discovery tour includes a 14-night cruise from Cairo to Aswan, offering passengers a chance to explore the lower Nile, which has been reopened to vessels after a 15-year hiatus. Prices lead in at £1,995 per person including flights with BA, transfers, guided excursions, breakfast accommodation and full-board on the cruise.

Travel 2 issues Dubai mini brochure TRAVEL 2 has launched its latest mini brochure for Dubai, with offers including free nights, free half-board and free room upgrades.

The operator has secured a range of packages to the city, offering breaks that accommodate all tastes, and the brochure highlights packages to select properties including the five-star Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach and four-star Towers Rotana, all including Etihad flights.

The brochure, which is valid through to September 30, also features a guide to the destination, covering everything from sport, food and culture, plus key dates in the calendar such as Ramadan.

As examples, five nights at the four-star Towers Rotana leads in at £639 per person including breakfast and a free room upgrade for travel through to September, while five nights at the five-star Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach costs from £749, including a free upgrade to half-board for travel until September.

For more information or to view the brochure see www.travel2.com or email marketing@travel2.com

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Essential Egypt is a new seven-night escorted group tour that combines the sights of Cairo with a four-night Nile cruise. Prices lead in at £995 per person and include flights with Egyptair, transfers, guided excursions, breakfast accommodation and full-board on the cruise.

Meanwhile, guests can also explore the cities of Fez, Rabat, Meknes and Marrakech with a new tour, Splendours of Morocco. Offering four-star accommodation, prices start from £995 per person for seven nights and include flights with Royal Air Maroc, transfers, guided excursions and breakfast accommodation.

The operator is also introducing Essential Jordan next year, a six-night tour priced from £1,095 per person. Meanwhile, a seven-night Splendours of Jordan tour leads in at £1,395 and includes two days to explore Petra, staying at five-star Marriott properties. Both tours include flights with Royal Jordanian, transfers, excursions and breakfast accommodation.

For more information see www.coxandkings.co.uk/middle-east

Qatar Tourism Authority promotes Qatar in 48-hour campaign THE QATAR Tourism Authority reports that the destination attracts a high percentage of business travellers as well as leisure travellers en-route to various long-haul destinations, and as such has produced an itinerary to showcase how travellers can make the most of their time in the country over two days.

The campaign emphasises the cultural experiences to be had in the country, such as going to the Souq Waqif, a well known market in the region; visiting the Museum of Islamic Art; sampling Qatari cuisine; taking a desert safari and participating in camel racing.

For more information visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa

Abu Dhabi welcomes sailing centre additions VISITORS TO Abu Dhabi will soon be able to enjoy a wider choice of watersport facilities, as several leading internationally-accredited sailing centres expand their facilities.

The increased development of on-water activities marks the emirate’s ongoing pursuit of establishing itself as a premier winter watersports destination and follows the Volvo Ocean Race, held in Abu Dhabi in January.

Abu Dhabi’s watersports activity is led by the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club (ADSYC), based at the 55,000m² Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village site on the Corniche breakwater.

The company will open its Sailing & Rowing Academy with a winter training programme in September and all instructors will be certified by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Within a year, the centre will be RYA recognised, allowing it to provide students with internationallyaccepted certificates at the end of courses.

Majed Ateeq Al Mehairi, CEO of the company, said: “One of our objectives is to create a development path which allows and encourages young sailors to progress in the maritime industry as shore crew, sailing instructors and all the way up to professional yachtsmen. For this we are working to develop certification programmes and host keel boating, match racing and yachting regattas in Abu Dhabi.

“In addition, given Abu Dhabi’s increased prominence as an emerging sailing destination, we want to facilitate ease of access for inbound tourists looking to have their own on-water experiences.

“For visitors looking to gain additional qualifications during a holiday, they can now take a course with us that will be valid overseas – this gives the emirate a greater depth of offering and spreads our global appeal.”

In addition, the UK-based Pelican Racing expects to open its Pelican Marine Sports Academy (PMSA) at the Al Bandar Marina, which will be its first international sailing school outside of Britain.

According to Abu Dhabi’s 2030 plan, the government hopes to develop 45 marinas with enough space to cater for 10,000 luxury yachts, as well as the current six that expect to serve up to 1,600 vessels over the next 20 years.

This is in line with the destination's hotel guest projections, which anticipate that the emirate will welcome 7.9million guests a year by 2030.

August 10 2012

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middleeast New development in Jabal Akhdar mountain region from Alila Hotels & Resorts ALILA HOTELS & Resorts is to expand into Oman late next year with the opening of Alila Jabal Akhdar, the first luxury resort development in the Jabal Akhdar region of Oman.

Set 2,000m above sea level and two hours’ drive from Muscat, the resort will provide access to one of Oman’s most unexplored areas and is being sensitively developed to appeal to the international tourism market.

Overlooking a gorge and with views of the Hajar mountains, the resort will be ideally positioned to explore the region’s landscapes.

Facilities will include 78 rooms, six suites and two royal villas along with a cliff-side restaurant, pool, spa, fitness centre and events space. The project is managed

by Omran, the government owned tourism development company.

Mark Edleson, president of the company, said: “The Jabal Akhdar region is the perfect location for our first foray into the Middle East. Its combination of interesting natural eco-systems, physical beauty and intriguing history and culture perfectly fit within our development philosophy.”

Mosaic Holidays reports increased interest in Jordan MOSAIC HOLIDAYS has reported steady bookings to Jordan after heavy investment from the company in to the trade. There are now more bookings involving easyJet and, whilst the operator remains loyal to Royal Jordanian, price is an increasingly important factor.

Sabina Shaida, managing director of Mosaic Holidays, said, “We have seen a shift in demand from the traditional scheduled carriers such as Royal Jordanian and bmi, to the more priceconscious easyJet. Whilst the experience is not the same, people often save considerable amounts by flying from Gatwick on easyJet to Amman.

“We have taken a good number of agents on fam trips to Jordan over the last year. All trips included the Dead Sea and Red Sea and this has enabled agents to confidently sell more complicated itineraries. Royal Jordanian’s flights into Amman and returning from Aqaba lend themselves to this excellently.”

The company also said that twinand multi-centre holidays are on the increase and this is where Royal

Jordanian has benefitted. The operator has a number of suggested itineraries in its brochure but is happy to tailor to the clients’ needs, as well as being able to offer first-hand advice.

Offers include a three-night stay at the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Hotel and then four nights at the Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea Hotel from £1099 per person for seven nights on a breakfast basis, including flights from London Gatwick and transfers.

The operator’s programme to Abu Dhabi is also showing steady figures, with the help of some special offers from the hotels, including a saving of up to £530 per person at the luxury Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas.

One of their late offers is a sevennight stay at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas from £1099 per person on a breakfast basis. This offer is valid through to the end of August and includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

Meanwhile, the operator has launched its 2012/14 Jordan brochure which runs through to March 2014 and focuses on tailor-made itineraries,

with an emphasis on style, luxury and adventure.

Prices include land-only options for holidaymakers who have already bought their flights and insider tips (Our Man In), a feature that offers recommendations on restaurants, bars and shops.

Shaida said: “'Our Man In' has certainly been a feature that travel agents praise us for. It is bold, informative and gives agents the power to sell through information by enabling them to impress their clients."

The new brochure features different price categories, including three categories for tours - Classic, Budget and Spoil Yourself and new twincentre options including the Dead Sea with the Red Sea where seven nights leads in at £1,399.

Israel has also been introduced for the first time, with a focus on Jerusalem. An eight-night combined tour features as an inclusive itinerary featuring five nights in Jordan followed by three nights in Israel.

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

Pool at Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Hotel

18

August 10 2012

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eastafrica Wildebeest migration

Operators launch new tour options as Kenya welcomes wildebeest migration to Maasai Mara plains FROM JULY to October each year, more than 1.5million wildebeest and zebra migrate to the Maasai Mara and a selection of tour operators offer visitors the chance to witness the migration with specialised trips to Kenya.

Tribes Travel is offering an eight-day holiday with one night at the Wildebeest Camp and a six-night camping experience. The trip includes a visit to a traditional Maasai village and day and evening game drives. The package is based on six days' full board and one-day breakfast accommodation. Prices start from £1,135 per person excluding flights or £1,635 including flights from Heathrow. The offer is valid until October, subject to availability.

For details call 01728-685971 or visit www.tribes.co.uk Dial a Flight is offering a nine-night experience, with two nights at the four-star Governors Main Camp Masai Mara on a full board basis, and seven nights at the Baobab Beach resort on an allinclusive basis. Prices start from £2,050 per person and the offer is valid until August 31, with daily flights from Heathrow.

For details call 0844-811 4444 or see www.dialaflight.com Explore is offering a nine-day safari experience staying in fourstar accommodation in a mixture of hotels and lodges on a fullboard basis, with the exception of one lunch and one dinner. The offer includes the chance to view the wilderness from the air, with a hot air balloon ride available to book, and is valid from August 24, with prices starting from £1,986 per person, including flights.

For details call 0844-499 0901 or visit www.explore.co.uk Tropical Sky is offering a seven-night Magical Kenya Safari from £2,299 per person with a saving of £100 per person. The price includes flights with Kenya Airways from Heathrow, seven breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners, as well as game drives available to book for exclusive use. The deal is valid from August 13 to September 30.

For details call 0844-332 9349 or see www.africasky.co.uk Natural World Safaris and World Big Cat Safaris are offering a seven-day safari camp holiday, staying at Kicheche Valley Camp and Karen Blixen Camp on a full-board basis. Prices start from £3,535 per person with a 'three nights for the price of two' offer at Kicheche Valley Camp included in the price of the itinerary, based on two adults sharing. The price includes flights, transfers, park fees, shared game drives and shared guided game walks. The price applies to departures until August 31, with September 1-30 departures also available, subject to availability.

Call 01273-691642 or visit www.worldbigcatsafaris.com and www.naturalworldsafaris.com 2 by 2 Holidays has a nine-night wildebeest migration package valid until September, staying at Mara Sopa, Mara Serena or Mara Ngenche, with a coastal stay at Turtle Bay Beach Resort in Watamu. Prices start from £2,110 per person, offering a saving of £100 per couple and includes accommodation on a full-board basis in the Mara and all-inclusive at Turtle Bay, transfers, flights

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and two game drives daily when on safari.

Call 01582-766122 or see www.2by2holidays.co.uk In the Saddle has an eight-night horse riding safari travelling from August 22-31. Prices start from £5,213 per person, offering a saving of £400 per person. The price includes flights from Heathrow, full board accommodation in the Maasai Mara, horseriding safaris, game drives, park fees and transfers.

Call 01299-272997 or visit www.inthesaddle.com Carrier is offering a six-night Kenyan escape from £3,435 per person, with a saving of £85. The package includes stays at Kicheche Laikipia and Kicheche Mara luxury camps on an allinclusive basis, flights, park fees, accommodation and transfers. The price is based on a September 12 departure, subject to availability.

Call 01614-921353 or visit www.carrier.co.uk Africa Travel is offering an eight-night safari experience from £3,450 per adult and from £2,735 per child (aged eight-16 years), staying in five-star lodge and tented camp accommodation in Loisaba and Governors Il Moran on an all-inclusive basis. The price includes flights, six nights’ accommodation, transfers, game drives and horse riding and mountain bike activities in Loisaba. The offer is valid for departures until September 27.

Call 020-7843 3500 or see www.africatravel.co.uk Cedarberg African Travel is offering a ten-night experience, with five nights at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara luxury tented camp on an all-inclusive basis and five nights at the four-star Hemingways Watamu on a half-board basis. The offer includes transfers, flights, conservancy fees, laundry service on safari and wireless internet. The offer is valid until October 15, with prices starting at £3,280 per person sharing.

Call 020-8898 8533 or visit www.cedarberg-travel.com Rainbow Tours is offering six nights at Offbeat Meru and Offbeat Mara, staying in four-star accommodation with all meals, local drinks, scheduled lodge activities, park fees, flights and transfers all included for £3,450 per person. The offer is valid until October 31.

Call 020-7666 1250 or visit www.rainbowtours.co.uk Meanwhile, Virgin Holidays is offering a seven-night Taste of Kenya Tour, including scheduled flights with Kenya Airways.

Accommodation is on a mixed-board basis and guests visit Nairobi, Amboseli, Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, the Maasai Mara and spend two nights at Mara Sopa Lodge. The price, which includes transfers, costs from £1,839 per person based on two sharing a standard room on an August 26 departure, and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change.

Call 0844-557 3859 or visit www.virginholidays.co.uk For more information visit www.magicalkenya.com or call 020-7367 0931.

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eastafrica Selous Safari Company designs safari calendar for Southern Tanzania THE SELOUS Safari Company has created a calendar to provide information on the best times to embark on a safari in Southern Tanzania.

The operator says that from January until March, the climate is hot, humid and approaching the rainy season, which encourages various forms of wildlife, and that its Jongomero Camp

in the Ruaha National Park Game Reserve offers a prime wildlifewatching base.

The camp is now open until September, but for 2013 summer holidays low-season rates are currently being offered for early bookings.

November to December is the socalled ‘secret season’ because it is one

of the cheapest months to go on safari.

On November 1 the company lowers its prices, but wildlife can still be seen.

For those wanting to spend Christmas away, the company offers a safari at Jongomero Camp and the opportunity to spot game around the camp's private lake, where guests can also opt for a boat safari to experience the crocodile- and hippo-infested waters.

Four Seasons sets up camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park FOUR SEASONS Hotels and Resorts has signed a longterm management agreement with the owners of Bilila Lodge, a resort in the Serengeti National Park. The resort will be renamed the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and upgrading will begin in the autumn.

The company's president and CEO, Kathleen Taylor, said: “We have long wanted to expand into Sub-Saharan Africa and offer new outdoor adventure experiences to our guests. We’re thrilled to have an outstanding location

and partners who share our vision to create a worldclass lodge like no other in the heart of Africa’s finest safari region.”

The company's veteran, James Kostecky, who has recently been appointed general manager, said: “This lodge will be an excellent opportunity for first time safari travellers, families and groups to experience the natural beauty, astounding wildlife and fascinating culture of the Serengeti.

Africa Odyssey offers triple-centre Tanzania breaks with discounts of up to £800 AFRICA ODYSSEY has introduced a range of triple-centre breaks to Tanzania.

Valid for selected departures until March 2013, the company’s itineraries offer discounts of up to £800 per person and include flights, transfers and full-board accommodation.

As an example, a 12-night Southern Tanzania option leads in at £3,840 per person and includes a stay at Ras Kutani on the shores of the Indian Ocean, a visit to the Selous Game Reserve with a four-night stay at the

Selous Safari Camp and four nights at Ras Nungwi on the isle of Zanzibar.

The operator is also giving visitors the opportunity to experience the Serengeti, with a tour that offers four nights at Ras Kutani before a visit to Alex Walker’s Serian Camp in the Northern Serengeti, followed by four nights at Ras Nungwi. The 12-night itinerary costs from £4,400 per person.

Also on offer is an 'Ultra-Luxe Tanzania Triple-

Centre' itinerary, which begins with four nights at Baraza Beach Resort & Spa, followed by a four-night safari experience at Beho Beho camp and four nights at Ras Kutani. The 12-night itinerary costs from £5,800 per person.

For more information call 020-7471 8780 or see www.africaodyssey.com

A Bull elephant at Alex Walker’s Serian Camp

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eastafrica Hayes & Jarvis encourages agents to promote wildebeest migration HAYES & Jarvis is urging agents to take advantage of the wildebeest migration to recommend Kenya trips to clients.

Every year an estimated 1.4million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelles migrate from the short grass plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Although the precise timing of the migration varies from year to year, a good time to see the wildebeest in the Maasai Mara is in September and October, before they begin their journey back to the Serengeti.

The operator suggests a September safari for holidaymakers keen to witness the annual event, when both prices and visitor numbers are lower.

Departing from Heathrow on September 7, the company offers a multi-centre safari-beach break available from £1,799 per person. The holiday begins with a night’s breakfast accommodation at the three-star Safari Park Hotel, followed by a twonight safari at the Keekorok Lodge in the Maasai Mara, before finishing with five nights at the four-star all-inclusive

Keekorok Lodge, Kenya

Voyager Beach Resort. The package includes Kenya Airways flights, airport lounge access (subject to availability) and transfers.

Alternatively, a six-night Kenya Classic Safari, combining Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, is available for £1,799 per

person, including full-board accommodation, game drives, Qatar Airways' flights from Heathrow on September 11, airport lounge access and transfers.

For more information call 0871-220 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

Exsus offers £775 savings on seven-night safari & beach break

Ras Kutani

EXSUS IS offering a seven-night safari and beach holiday from £2,932 per person, offering a saving £775 per person.

Valid for selected departures in September, the itinerary includes flights from Heathrow with British Airways, three nights at the boutique Selous Safari Camp with game drives, daily walking and boat safaris plus a further four nights at the beach retreat of Ras Kutani on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Also included are internal transfers, taxes and surcharges.

The camp is an ideal base from which to explore the Selous Game Reserve, which is home to more than a million large animals and half of Tanzania’s elephant population. After the safari adventure, Ras Kutani offers a castaway experience with long stretches of white-sand beaches and lagoon forests to explore.

For more details call 020-7337 9010 or see www.exsus.com

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s t e k r a m s a xm

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS Markets are open from November 29 to January 6 and will offer fireworks, lights, funfairs and Santa himself.

On November 29, the well-known ‘Light Night’ celebration kicks things off with a fireworks display. The highlight of the show is a ‘surprise’ spectacular set to music which in previous years has included a French aerial trapeze troupe and a 14m high snow queen.

For more information visit www.edinburghschristmas.com

The River Cruise Line launches new Christmas Markets cruise THE RIVER Cruise Line has increased its programme of popular festive breaks with the addition of a new Christmas Markets itinerary for 2012/13.

The new five-day Magical Moselle Christmas Markets cruise meanders down the Moselle Valley from Koblenz, the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, to

Alken one of the oldest towns in the region. Enroute the itinerary takes in the Christmas market at Cochem and there is also an option to visit Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Prices start from £329 per person for departures on December 10 and 14.

The company also offers a popular four-day German

Christmas Markets cruise along the Rhine Gorge which costs from £329 per person, as well as a Christmas Markets Extravaganza trip incorporating the best Christmas markets in France, Belgium, Germany and Holland over four days, with prices from £269 per person. All prices are based

on two sharing an ensuite cabin on a full board basis and include coach transfers from a selection of regional departure points, ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and coach onwards to join the ship.

For more information or to book call 0844-544 7280 or visit www.sellingrivercruises.com

Cresta adds new destinations to Christmas Markets & Winter Breaks brochure CRESTA HOLIDAYS has expanded its latest Christmas Markets and Winter Breaks brochure with new destinations, including Reykjavik, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Istanbul, Dublin, Monte Carlo and the Ice Hotel in Sweden.

Popular itineraries include the Christmas markets of Prague, Vienna and Berlin as well as a range of new destinations.

For each of the new additions, the brochure highlights a range of holiday options available during the winter months, including winter sun breaks in Monte Carlo, Christmas shopping activities in Paris, Amsterdam and Reykjavik and the festive markets in Barcelona. As examples of prices, a Christmas

Markets break in Berlin costs from £235 per person and includes three nights breakfast stay at the Hotel Altberlin Am Potsdamer Platz and flights with British Airways from Heathrow, valid for travel on December 11.

A trip to Vienna for the festive markets costs from £315 per person and includes four nights' breakfast accommodation at the Best Western Das Trigra and flights with Austrian Airlines from Heathrow, valid for travel on December 15. Both prices are based on two adults sharing a standard room.

For more information visit www.bctagent.co.uk or call 0844-800 7017.

Inntravel adds Christmas market short breaks to Gothenburg & Fuschl INNTRAVEL IS introducing two new Christmas Market short breaks this year in Gothenburg and Fuschl.

Gothenburg features a Lane of Light, a 3km-long stretch of Christmas lights leading from the port to the Christmas markets at Liseberg, where aromas of glögg (Swedish mulled wine) and freshly-made waffles fill the air. Guests stay at the centrally located Vanilla hotel

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in a quiet location, ideal for exploring Gothenburg’s gastronomic scene. Prices lead in at £498 per person based on two sharing including three nights' breakfast accommodation and flights.

Fuschl in Austria’s Lake District, close to St. Gilgen, is the starting point for the Wolfgangsee Advent. Guests stay at the Hotel Seerose, 6kms from St. Gilgen where the Christmas markets are

located. Other nearby attractions include St Wolfgang to view the 20m-high floating lantern on the lake and the Gandl gingerbread bakery. Prices start from £465 per person, based on two sharing and include three nights' halfboard accommodation and flights.

For more information call 01653-617000 or visit www.inntravel.co.uk

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xmasmarkets New Christmas market breaks from Dertour

Christmas cruise offers from AmaWaterways

Nuremberg Christmas market

Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg

DERTOUR HAS added new short break product to its Christmas markets breaks – including Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Every year Rothenburg is transformed into a winter wonderland and the city’s Christmas Market, known as the "Reiterlesmarkt", dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in Germany.

Prices for Rothenburg ob der Tauber start from £339 per person for flights and two nights' breakfast accommodation at the four-star Hotel Reichs Kuechenmeister plus transfers.

Other new Christmas product includes a rail tour of the Franconia, Rhine, Harzm, Thuringia and the Moselle regions.

New Christmas market breaks include Venice where a break in Vienna is also included.

The company's head of sales, Lawrence Peachey, said: “Our Christmas market product is very popular, so we are thrilled to introduce Rothenburg which will appeal to agents with clients looking for an alternative traditional Christmas market destination. Our new Christmas rail tours are also a great option for clients looking to explore a number of markets in the one trip.”

For more information call 020-3131 2895 or visit www.dertour.co.uk

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FROM THE end of November until the New Year, AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruisers offer trips to the Christmas markets of various European cities and villages.

The company's Christmas Time excursion offers a sevennight sailing between Nuremberg and Budapest on ten departure dates, from the end of November until just after Christmas, and allows guests to explore the markets of Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna and Budapest.

Meanwhile, a seven-night Christmas on the Rhine cruise departs throughout November and December and stops at the Black Forest region, Strasbourg, Heidelberg and Cologne.

Both cruises offer a selection of onboard activities, including the option of participating in carol singing and party games, along with experiencing local entertainment from visiting performers and Father Christmas.

Prices for both itineraries lead in at £1,265 per person, excluding flights.

For more details call 0808-223 5009 or see www.amawaterways.co.uk

Superbreak puts Christmas market breaks on sale SUPERBREAK HAS put its festive products on sale which includes options for the UK and European Christmas Markets.

The operator has picked out the key cities where annual markets are held and provided the dates they operate with lead-in hotel prices.

Examples include Winchester from November 22 – December 23 from £27.98 per person per night; Lincoln from December 6-9 from £26.25; Cardiff from November 15 – December 23 from £30.50; Bruges from November 23 – January 1 from £36.50; Lille from November 19 – December 30 from £62.50; and Vienna from November 13 – December 24 from £38.50.

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

Regent adds Prague Christmas Market package REGENT HOLIDAYS has announced details of its first 2012 Christmas Market package in Prague. Prices start from £325 per person for a three-night break including flights, threestar breakfast accommodation and a guided walking tour, including a visit to the Christmas markets plus complimentary mulled wine.

The company's product manager, Andrea Godfrey, said: “Prague is one of our most popular Christmas Market destinations and always sells incredibly well, not least because it is such a beautiful city and looks so very festive covered in snow.”

Frankfurt am Main A City Rich in Contrasts

Frankfurt Christmas Market 26th November – 23rd December 2012 Hot apple wine, historical steam train rides, “Bethmännchen” marzipan candies and Germany’s tallest Christmas tree: It’s time for the Frankfurt Christmas Market again!

Come and visit one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets, scenically situated on the Römerberg’s mediaeval market square! Guided market tours, held daily for FITs, are also bookable for groups. Special tours for blind and vision-impaired guests are also available.

Frankfurt Tourist+Congress Board Phone: +49 (0) 69/21 23 03 98 E-Mail: tourismus@infofrankfurt.de

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xmasmarkets Shearings Holidays launches selection of Christmas market coach breaks SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has launched a range of new Christmas Market coach breaks, departing throughout November and December.

Itineraries include the Edinburgh Christmas Market, which costs from £149 per person for five days. Highlights include a trip to Edinburgh to browse the Christmas markets and an excursion to the Border Country.

A Royal Leamington Spa Yuletide Fayre trip starts from £229 per person for five days and includes an excursion to Royal Leamington Spa to visit the Victorian Yuletide Fayre, a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and an excursion to Warwick.

Meanwhile, a Truro Victorian Christmas Market costs from £179 for five days. Highlights include an excursion to Truro and visits to the Victorian Christmas market and the Flambards Experience.

All UK excursions include four nights’ half-board accommodation and depart throughout November and December.

The company is also offering European excursions, including Normandy and Northern France from £339 for five days, departing in November and December.

Highlights include visits to the markets of Rouen, Amiens and Caen and the price includes three nights’ half-board breakfast accommodation at Mercure Deauville, Pont L’Eveque.

A Reims and Alsace break leads in at £459 for seven days and offers visits to the markets of Alsace, Metz, Reims and Strasbourg. Four nights’ half-board accommodation at Hotel de

CZT_210x150_Prague_UK.indd 1

Cologne

l’Ange in Guebwiller is included, along with overnight accommodation en- and post-route.

French and Belgian markets can be explored from £339 for five days, visiting Lille, Bruges, Brussels and Ostend. Four nights’ accommodation at Apollo Arthotel, Bruges, is included, with four breakfasts and three dinners.

Meanwhile, a Prague, Nuremburg and Markets break costs from £399 for seven days and includes visits to the Kutna Hora and Nuremburg markets, in addition to excursions to Prague and Melnik Castle.

Also included are four nights’ half-board accommodation at the Park Inn in Prague.

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

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cruising

Free shore excursions on Seabourn Quest's 2013 World Cruise GUESTS SAILING on Seabourn Quest’s 116-day World Cruise departing Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2013 will be treated to ten experiences ashore, alongside access to a line-up of guest speakers, onboard credit and a range of additional benefits.

The World Cruise calls at 27 countries and 49 ports of call in the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean, and ends in Venice on May 3. Ten overnight visits are also featured in marquis ports such as Hong Kong, Sydney, Bangkok and Mumbai.

Five of the ten free experiences are reserved for those booked on the full world cruise, and the remaining five are open to all guests sailing on that

particular segment of the voyage.

Full World Cruise events include a viewing of the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks operation; an exclusive “dinner in the sky” above Sydney, Australia; afternoon tea in the Members Enclosure at a Hong Kong horse-racing track; a desert sunset in the world’s highest restaurant at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa; and a Turkish festival dinner in Bodrum.

The five experiences to which all guests are invited include a barbecue on a Polynesian motu off Bora Bora; a cultural festival on Bali; a private visit to the Prasart collection of antique Thai arts and crafts in Bangkok; an afternoon among elephants and floating markets at Phuket’s Village of Four Regions; and a performance of Croatian folk music and dance in

Dubrovnik’s medieval Revelin Fortress.

The experiences will be supplemented by a selection of special guest entertainers, celebrity chef demonstrations and a series of gala parties and festivities throughout the voyage.

Rates for the entire World Cruise start from £31,520 per person, based on double occupancy, including round trip air, private transfers and a range of other complimentary amenities.

Shorter segments are available from 26 days, with rates starting at £6,499 per person based on two sharing, and include flights. All prices are fully inclusive of tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and a fully stocked mini bar.

For details call 0845-070 0500 or visit www.seabourn.com

Early Advantage Programme for 2013 bookings from Holland America Line HOLLAND AMERICA Line has launched a new Early Advantage Programme to encourage guests to book early for 2013 cruises and receive lower fares, free upgrades and flexible deposit terms whereby guests can make changes to their booking and pricing without penalty, prior to the balance due date.

The line's managing director UK, Lynn Narraway, said: “Summer 2012 has been very successful for us and we have achieved a healthy growth in UK business, although we have seen a predominantly later booking pattern. At this time, we want to assure guests of the advantages of booking early and give agents the opportunity to benefit by promoting these early booking offers to their clients.

“By booking early, clients can already plan ahead and receive the accommodation of their choice and on selected sailings can benefit from 'early advantage' special reduced fares, free upgrades and a new flexible deposit policy.”

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As examples of prices, a seven-night Norse Legends itinerary departs on May 4, 2013 from Dover on MS Ryndam and leads in at £699 per person. The price includes a free upgrade from inside to ocean view accommodation. A tennight Panama Canal Sunfarer cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale on MS Zuiderdam on February 15 leads in at £1,049 cruise-only for an inside stateroom and £1,249 for an ocean view cabin with a free upgrade from ocean view to a verandah stateroom.

Guests booking 2013 cruises will now pay a lower 15% deposit and those booking early on selected cruises are eligible for the company's new flexible deposit policy, which allows them to make changes to their booking at no charge up until 90 days prior to sailing or final payment date whichever is first.

For more information or to book see www.hollandamerica.co.uk or call 0843-374 2300.

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Advertisement Feature

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cruising Hapag-Lloyd offers two new expedition trips in Madagascar & Southern Africa HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises is offering two expedition trips through Madagascar and Southern Africa this December and December 2013 on MS Hanseatic and the MS Bremen, with maiden calls on both itineraries.

The five-star Hanseatic will make stops at six new ports this December, which include Maroantsetra, Nosy Hara, Morondava, Nosy Ve, and Toliara and a first time stop in Mozambique, at the

city of Ilha dos Portugueses.

Optional shore excursions include hiking in Masoala National Park to see lemurs in the rainforest, canoeing to Lokobe Nature Reserve, zodiac landings on Nosy Lakandava and Nosy Hara for swimming between coral reefs and rock formations, a safari in Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa, and a visit to the Addo Elephant Park, also in South Africa.

The 16-day itinerary departs on December 3 from

Port Louis/Mauritius to Cape Town, with prices leading in at £4,520 per person for an outside cabin.

In winter next year guests can join Bremen as she calls on the west coast of Madagascar for the first time. New ports of call in Madagascar include Nosy Hara, Mahajanga, Morondava and Nosy Be. Optional shore excursions include hiking in Lokobe Nature Reserve to admire gigantic trees and bird

watching; a boat ride to Nosy Komba, also know as “lemur island”; snorkelling on Nosy Lakandava and Nosy Hara; a visit to the Zulu village of Kwabhekithunga in South Africa; and a safari to view the Big Five, also in South Africa.

The 17-day itinerary departs on December 1 from Port Louis to Cape Town and prices start from £4,570 per person for an outside cabin.

For more information visit www.hl-cruises.com

ORBITAL TRAVEL has added the five-star deluxe HS Nile Vision to its winter 2012/13 Nile cruise programme, which offers 56 cabins including Deluxe Cabins and Superior Suites. All cruises are fully escorted by an Egyptologist and prices lead in at £399 per person on full board and £499 all-inclusive and include seven nights’ accommodation, transfers and 12 excursions. Flights are excluded and the cruise is commissionable at 15%.

For details email greg@orbitaltravel.co.uk

Voyage to the ‘unknown’ with Hebridean Island Cruises’ new mystery cruise HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises is launching a new mystery cruise on Hebridean Surprise this autumn, featuring a new itinerary each day and taking guests around Scotland’s West coast and the Western Isles.

Prices lead in at £2,640 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin for a September 25 departure.

For clients looking to book for next year, the Hebridean Surprise itinerary also departs on October 8, 2013 and costs

from £2,890 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin.

Prices for both cruises include transfers to and from Glasgow and the ship, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees and single trip holiday insurance.

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

River Cruise Line issues dedicated four-star programme THE RIVER Cruise Line has announced the launch of a dedicated four-star river cruising programme for 2013 on the latest addition to the fleet, the MS Switzerland II. The programme offers passengers a choice of ten itineraries in seven countries throughout Europe, including Rhine Highlights – a seven-day trip from Cologne to Düsseldorf via Koblenz, Andernach and Rüdesheim, with prices from £949 per person;

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Rhine Cruise & Swiss Highlights – a nine-day trip from Cologne via the Rhine Gorge and historic cities including Bonn, Mannheim and Strasbourg, into the Swiss landscape, with prices from £1,179; and up the Rhine and down the Danube – a 16-day journey from Nijmegen in Holland to Budapest, cruising through five countries and visiting cities including Cologne, Würzburg, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, with prices from £1,995.

All prices are based on two sharing and include accommodation on a full board basis. Flexible joining arrangements are available with free coach travel from joining points nationwide on many itineraries with options to join at Dover, Hull and Newcastle ferry ports as well as flight and rail connections.

For more information call 0844-544 7280 or visit www.sellingrivercruises.com

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cruising Hurtigruten offers Trans-Atlantic voyages from £1,615 HURTIGRUTEN IS featuring 17-day TransAtlantic Voyages, with three departure dates for 2012/13 and prices leading in at £1,615 per person.

MS Fram will start her winter repositioning journey from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to Buenos Aires on October 14, in order to begin sailing around Antarctica. She will then return again on March 12, ready to sail around Europe next summer, before making her way back across the Atlantic once again on October 18, 2013.

The company's head of sales UK & Ireland, Maxine Dunsdon, said: "Our TransAtlantic voyages offer a unique experience

for customers who want to really unwind and get away from it all. We featured it for the first time in our brochure this year travelling south and it proved so popular that we decided to add the return journey from Buenos Aires to Las Palmas for next spring.

"With fewer guests on board, it offers the opportunity to mingle with the crew and find out what life is like for them on board MS Fram, which sails through some of the world’s most remote waters."

Prices are based on two sharing on a full board basis and exclude flights.

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

All Discovery Cruising promotes music themed Baltic cruise VOYAGES OF Discovery is highlighting a 14-day Baltic Symphony on MV Discovery which leads in at £1,699 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin.

Guests can discover the Baltic, home to renowned musicians Brahms and Rachmaninov, accompanied by a group of musicians who will perform a series of concerts and recitals on the ship. Highlights include a visit to St Petersburg where Tchaikovsky began his career, as well as a trip to the Hermitage Music Academy for a classical music recital.

The cruise departs from Harwich on May 22, 2013 and prices include all gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a comprehensive guest speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board.

Meanwhile, the line has introduced a new complimentary chauffeur service to the airport or port of departure for every guest choosing a higher grade cabin on summer 2013 bookings (a superior cabin - category F or above - on Discovery or a Deluxe Cabin or above on Voyager.

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

RIVIERA TRAVEL is offering a choice of nine cruises that visit sights including Cologne, the Rhine Gorge, Trier, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Basel, Lucerne, Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, Dresden, Amsterdam, Avignon, Arles or Bruges. All cruises include return rail connections (on selected dates); standard class reserved seats on Eurostar from St. Pancras or flights from a choice of regional airports at a supplement; cabins featuring private bathrooms and river views; full board cuisine throughout; an inclusive touring programme; and the services of a cruise manager. Five days lead in at £599 per person, while a 14-day cruise costs from £2,099.

For details visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk

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Crystal Cruises introduces Magic Castle at Sea programme CRYSTAL CRUISES has launched a new programme entitled Magic Castle at Sea, where magicians from Hollywood’s renowned private magicians’ club, the Magic Castle, will entertain guests onboard.

The evening shows have been introduced to 13 luxury European cruises this year and every voyage next year.

The new affiliation also offers complimentary classes for adults to develop their own magical acts, educational enrichment on subjects like Houdini, and children’s shows on select summer and holiday sailings.

Like at the Magic Castle itself, onboard performances are invitation-only, with advance, free tickets available at the ships’ libraries. Guests can choose from multiple, half-hour performances over the course of several nights and attendance is limited to 25 guests to offer an upclose look at tricks.

Once the holiday is over, invitations can further be used for onetime access to the real Magic Castle in Hollywood. Show attendees must call the number on the back of their used ticket to reserve entry then present the same ticket upon arrival.

The line's European season includes Baltic and Northern European cruises until September and Mediterranean sailings until December.

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

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cruising New cruise passenger terminal welcomes visitors to Malaga THE CITY of Malaga has opened a new passenger terminal as part of the recent extensive development of its seaport area.

The new terminal The 900sq.m terminal is set at Malaga port over two floors and can accommodate cruise ships of up to 200m in length. It also has a specially designed mobile passenger loading bridge which connects to the cruise liner from the pier.

Part of Quay Two’s Palmeral de las Sorpresas (Palm Groove promenade) features a promenade with gardens, shaded areas and a children’s play area. The passenger terminal is located just outside the city centre and visitors can reach the main High Street and the cultural and commercial district in five minutes on foot.

The first cruise liner arrived at the new terminal late last month and is the first of almost 70 luxury cruises that have already planned calls and turnarounds at the new terminal in the next few months.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced that the five-time Tony Award nominated musical Rock of Ages (pictured) will be featured on Norwegian Breakaway, along with two additional Broadway shows: the dance sensation Burn The Floor and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy. The line has also introduced a variety of entertainment acts and venues that will debut on the ship, including comedy troupe The Second City and Howl at the Moon at Headliners Comedy Club and New York’s own Slam Allen in Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club.

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

Viking River Cruises orders two more ships for 2013 VIKING RIVER Cruises has announced that it has placed an order for two additional Viking Longships in 2013, bringing the number of new ships launching next year to eight - and a total of 14 new Longships for the company over a two-year period.

The company's chairman, Torstein Hagen, said: "As the fastest-growing segment of travel, river cruising is inspiring more vacation plans than ever before. We are very pleased by the response we have seen to our new Viking Longships, and we are continuing our expansion to meet that demand."

The ships combine cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends, including two Explorer Suites, each featuring a separate living room, bedroom and private wraparound veranda, offering 270-degree views; seven two-room Veranda Suites; 39 Veranda Staterooms; 22 French Balcony Staterooms; a new all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, allowing guests to enjoy the

scenery and dine al fresco; new premium in-cabin amenities that include heated bathroom floors and mirrors, HD TVs and premium bath products; and sustainability upgrades, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energyefficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations for a smooth ride.

Accommodating 190 passengers, the ships are scheduled to sail four of the line's most popular European itineraries, including the ten-day Tulips & Windmills, eight-day Romantic Danube, 15-day Grand European Tour and eight-day Danube Waltz.

The two newest ships, Viking Jarl and Viking Atla, will host guests on the eight-day Rhine Getaway cruise sailing from Amsterdam to Basel. Each of the new Longships will be 443ft long and will feature 95 staterooms.

For more information see www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or call 020-8780 7995.

Swan Hellenic plans five new river cruises on the Danube & Rhône for 2013 SWAN HELLENIC has announced five new European river cruises for 2013, sailing on the Danube and the Rhône.

The company's sales and marketing director, Geoff Lawrence, said: "Customer feedback shows that more than 60% of our ocean cruise passengers want to try a river cruise . We’ve focussed our 2013 programme to meet the demand for these passengers who are passionate about discovering more hidden secrets in their favourite European towns and cities.”

The five 2013 itineraries depart throughout May and September and each river

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cruise will be accompanied by a specialist guest speaker. A programme of tailor-made shore excursions such as wine tastings and city walks are also included in the fare.

As examples, an eight-day Cruising the Danube itinerary sails through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Highlights include a full day in Dürnstein where guests can visit the ruins of a castle said to be the former prison of King Richard the Lion Heart. The cruise departs from the UK on May 11 and September 21 and prices start from £1,595 per person.

An eight-day Cruising the Rhône option, which sails north from Lyon to Châlonsur-Sâone before cruising to the Mediterranean, offers the chance for guests to visit the vineyards of Burgundy, before exploring the historic cities of Mâcon and Viviers. The cruise departs on June 22, September 7 and 14 and prices lead in at £1,695.

Guest speakers for the new programme include Professor Ian Beckett (River Danube, May 11) who specialises in military history and is well known for his work on the Great

War and the British Army and Professor Alexei Leporc (River Danube, September 21) whose special interests include Austrian Expressionism, contemporary architecture and garden history.

Prices include a shore excursion programme, all gratuities on board and ashore, all meals, flights from London, transfers or escorted travel by train (Rhône only) and all port taxes and charges.

For more information or to book visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844-822 0679.

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cruising Travelsphere issues dedicated Cruise Selection brochure TRAVELSPHERE HAS launched its new Cruise Selection 2012 & 2013 brochure, providing a number of new cruise itineraries as well as the chance to book early for 2013.

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

New for next year is a Lands of Fire and Ice cruise which combines Hawaii and Alaska. The 17-day cruise is fully inclusive and starts with seven nights’ on Pride of America followed by seven nights’ on Norwegian Pearl.

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

Other new itineraries for next year include, Japan and Alaska, a 21-day tour on MS Volendam, from £2,999 departing in April and the Greek Isles from Crete, a ten-day exploration taking in the volcanic island of Santorini, the islands of Kos and Mykonos, as well as Rhodes - available from £1,299 departing from June to September.

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

IN CELEBRATION of its new GSA partnership with Spanish cruise operator, Pullmantur, Major Travel is inviting travel agents on Pullmantur’s Empress ship for a live ‘Cruise Clinic’ where ‘Dr’ McKenna will be on hand to discuss industry related issues and topics, as well as to offer advice on getting the best from selling. The forum will be followed by a tour of the recently refurbished liner and a Mediterranean lunch. Agents are encouraged to bring their regular and prospective clients with them to learn about the Pullmantur offering. There will also be special offers for those wishing to book, as well as incentives for agents and a prize draw to win a place on a subsequent cruise. For details see www.major4agents.co.uk or call 0800-035 5686. Pictured marking the new partnership is the operator's ‘Dr’ Andrew McKenna with Giorgia Cappabianca from Pullmantur.

Princess Cruises unveils Royal Princess fitness facilities PRINCESS CRUISES has revealed the sports and fitness features that will be featured on the new Royal Princess when the ship debuts next June.

Passengers of all athletic abilities can keep in shape with a new outdoor jogging track and additional circuit exercises, the multi-activity Princess Sports Central, plus a fitness centre featuring the latest equipment with a private aerobics studio for special classes.

The Princess Sports Central features a multi-sport area on decks 18 and 19 and has been designed to offer a collection of fun options, including court games, lawn activities and a lounge for virtual gaming. The Centre Court can be used for basketball, tennis, volleyball and badminton, while baseball fans can practise their swing at the portable batting cage. Golfers are also catered for with a driving range facility, while the simulated laser shooting range offers a new onboard activity.

On the upper level, the Lawn Court offers a grassy area for putting, bocce ball, croquet and lawn bowling. The Game Lounge will offer a space for guests to meet up for games, including table tennis and virtual gaming with Kinect systems, and staff will be on hand to organise sports competitions and group games.

For more information and video previews see www.princess.com/royalprincess

Oceania Cruises’ newest ship debuts North America for winter 2012 RIVIERA, OCEANIA Cruises’ newest ship in the upperpremium cruise segment, starts her winter 2012 season from her homeport of Miami on November 29 for her inaugural winter season. Riviera will sail five Caribbean voyages over 12 departure dates.

Examples include a ten-night Mayan Mystique itinerary roundtrip from Miami. Ports of call include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Santo Tomas, Guatemala; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Key West, Florida. Prices lead in at £1,502, based on a March 18 departure and include all meals, bottled water

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and soft drinks, plus flights for bookings made by September 30.

A 14-night Island Holiday sailing roundtrip from Miami, calls at Charlestown, Nevis; St. John’s, Antigua; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Bridgetown, Barbados; St. George’s, Grenada; Gustavia, St. Barts; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Prices cost from £2,312, including all meals, bottled water and soft drinks, plus flights for bookings made by September 30.

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

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cruising Fine wine cruising on Paul Gauguin’s Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises’ MS Paul Gauguin is offering guests the opportunity to learn about fine wines from Larry Maguire of Napa Valley’s Far Niente Winery on the ship’s October 6 Tahiti & the Society Islands voyage.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the fine wine industry, Maguire brings a wealth of knowledge about wine to share with guests on the trip.

Passionate about wine, he regularly visits the great wine regions of the world, tasting wines in the cellars and homes of some of the world’s most acclaimed vintners.

Maguire will present a lecture on wine and conduct a tasting of Far Niente wines during the voyage.

The seven-night itinerary cruises round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti, visiting Raiatea, Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Bora

Bora (overnight) and Moorea (overnight) in the Society Islands.

Prices lead in at £4,140 per person including scheduled flights, transfers and 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

REGENT SEVEN Seas Cruises’ 490-guest, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator has emerged from dry-dock following renovations that have included the complete redecoration of the ship’s eight Grand Suites and Master Suites and the debut of Sette Mari at La Veranda, an intimate Italian dining experience offering both buffet and a la carte service. Renovation of the ship’s Grand Suites and Master Suites includes new built-in cabinetry, custom-crafted furnishings including new headboards and bedding, balcony furniture, designer accessories and original art. The company has also rolled out a range of new perks and privileges for concierge-level and above suites that include priority shore excursion and restaurant reservations and new and enhanced amenities such as Illy coffeemakers. New concierge-level amenities and perks are also available fleet wide on the line’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager.

For details visit www.rssc.com or call 02380-682280.

Cruisingexcursions.com announces partnership with Advantage CRUSINGEXCURSIONS.COM HAS announced a new partnership with Advantage Travel Centres, which will see Advantage selling the company’s range of excursions, which now exceed 5,000 at more than 600 ports worldwide.

A 16-page ‘shore-trip’ sampler brochure has been produced for agents to give to clients, with incentives for the booking to be made through the agent, rather than direct.

The company’s managing director, Simon Purchase, said: “Advantage agents provide their customers with exceptional service and some of the keenest cruise prices and therefore it is only natural that they would want to offer their customers the opportunity to save up to 60% on their shore trip excursions and tour costs by pre booking before they sail.

“Our research shows that like many holiday essentials, such as airport car parking, transfers and car hire, the customer is aware that it makes economic sense to pre book and save, rather than pay high prices on the day. The customers are fully protected with our non-porting money back guarantee - if the ship doesn’t port then the customer receives a full refund. In addition, in the very unlikely event that we can’t get a passenger back on board before the ship departs, and it’s not the passengers fault, then we will transport passengers free of charge to the next port of call.”

For more information see www.cruisingexcursions.com or call 0800-091 8274.

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August 10 2012

Silversea introduces edible golf leaf to menu SILVERSEA HAS introduced gold leaf risotto to the menu at its fine-dining restaurant Le Champagne.

Since the partnership was introduced in 1996, Le Champagne has become the only restaurant by Relais & Châteaux at sea, which showcases renowned world wine regions.

The restaurant offers a wide range of exclusive dishes and features four regionally and seasonally inspired menus.

The all-inclusive liner welcomes guests to experience fine dining for a reservations fee of $30 per person.

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

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IN INTRODUCING NTRODUC CING OUR OUR AMAZING AMAZIN NG NEW BRO BROCHURE OCHURE FOR 201 2013 3

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cruising Fred. Olsen goes ‘all-inclusive’ and launches early booking ‘Price Pledge’ We asked our staff the following question this week: Which event should be added to the Olympics?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Skateboarding or Speed Climbing......my son really enjoys both so one day a medal could be hanging round his neck!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Snooker - we'd have a good chance of getting a Gold medal!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Men's sychronized swimming - it began as a sport for men in the 1800s...

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Bankers versus Boxers, or Guinness Pouring

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

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

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Running With Scissors. Or even better, Parkour With Scissors

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk The Tug of War!

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

TO REFLECT the growth in the ‘all-inclusive’ holiday market, and following the successful introduction of its ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package on four limited availability 2013 Canaries fly/cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is extending its offer. If guests book by September 30 for all cruise departures on, or after April 6, 2013 and featured in its current 2013/14 Worldwide Cruises’ brochure (excluding the 2014 Balmoral and Black Watch ‘Grand Voyages’ and their sectors, and full-charter Boudicca cruise JMGD1321), they will automatically qualify for a free upgrade to an ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, including beers, wine, spirits and soft drinks.

The pledge will be added to all applicable bookings retrospectively but future cruise guests will need to be quick to secure their place, as the offer is limited to the first 100 bookings per sailing taken between now and the end of September.

The line's sales and marketing director, Nathan Philpot, said: “We know that many of our guests are on a tight budget in this challenging economic climate, and with this ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, our 2013/14 cruise programme is even better value for money. Our ‘drinks inclusive’ package on the four selected 2013 Canaries fly/cruises, which we launched earlier this year, has proven extremely popular, and sold out three times as quickly as our cruises without this valuable add-on."

The pledge means that if the price of the cruise is reduced for the cabin grade booked, the company will refund the difference through one – or a combination – of measures: a cabin upgrade; onboard spending credit; or a cash refund, all at the line's discretion. Philpot said: “We have been discussing a ‘Fred. Olsen Price Pledge’ with our key trade partners for a number of weeks, and this is one of a range of options that we are introducing to help to restore confidence in the cruise market to encourage guests to book early. We want to offer our guests the best possible deal on their cruise with us, and by booking early they will have the peace of mind that, should the cruise price reduce, then we will make up the difference, whilst they will be able to secure the best choice of cruise and cabins.

“We would ask all our travel agent colleagues to get behind our new ‘Price Pledge’, which aims to put an end to unsustainable pricing for cruise holidays in the marketplace. This, we believe, is in the best interests of all within the cruise industry and will help to bring about increased returns for agents.”

The price pledge applies to the cruise element of the holiday, and not to other package components, such as flights, hotels and transfers.

For more information visit www.fredolsencruises.com or call 01473-742424.

Either Queuing or Jousting on The Mall

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Dodgeball

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Mario Kart

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com It has got to be Bog Snorkelling

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited Subscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

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August 10 2012

Star Clippers announces 2013 / 14 sailing schedules STAR CLIPPERS has announced its 2013/14 sailing schedule, showcasing voyages on the line’s three ships, Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper.

Next summer all three ships will sail in Europe: The flagship Royal Clipper will be in the western and eastern Mediterranean; Star Clipper in the western Mediterranean and Aegean; and Star Flyer in the Baltic and southern Spain.

Highlights of the sailings include new taster cruises in the Baltic from £589 per person for three nights, ten- and 11-night sailings on Star Flyer from Stockholm to St Petersburg, a return to Monaco for Star Clipper with three round-trip sailings in April and May, new round-trip Venice sailings for Royal Clipper from £554 for three nights and Andalucia and North Africa cruises on Star Flyer from £1,152 for a week.

Prices include full board on the ship but exclude port taxes and flights.

For details call 0845-200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. COSTA, 3. DEVON, 5. BAKEWELL, 7. SINTRA, 8. ODER, 10. OMAN, 11. SARONG, 13. DORDOGNE, 14.

STEIN, 15. SPAIN. Down: 1. CHRIS HOY, 2. ANKARA, 3. DAWN, 4. VELODROME, 5. BANGALORE, 6. BRIGHTON, 9. GANGES, 12. EDEN.

Highlighted Word: COLORADO Travagrams: (top) Butlins

(bottom) Las Vegas

Where Am I?: Monaco

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Agents News to Use! Message from Wendy Lahmich – Director of Sales, UK & Ireland Here’s some 2012/3 news and sales tips from Holland America Line!

For 2013, we have more itineraries and fabulous cruise destinations than ever before, including more from the UK! Further afield, popular exotic cruises include Australia, New Zealand, Asia & Pacific and South America, and the most comprehensive Alaska programme available anywhere – so get your clients to book these “once in a lifetime” holidays early to ensure the best accommodation and fares!

2013 NOW ON SALE Simply visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk to see the huge choice of destinations and itineraries on offer:Alaska • Australia & New Zealand • Asia & South Pacific • Canada & New England • Caribbean • Mediterranean & Black Sea • Northern Europe & Baltic • Hawaii • Mexico Panama Canal • South America & Antarctica • Grand Voyages

MORE CRUISING FROM THE UK FOR 2012/13 WENDY’S TIPS ON HOW TO SELL PREMIUM…

Holland America Line now offers:• Voyages from Southampton: – 32-night Caribbean Odyssey departing 03/11/12 – 88-night Passage to Asia departing 10/01/13 • Cruises from Dover: – 7-14-night Norwegian Fjords, Arctic & Baltic cruises from May to August • Round Britain cruising from Tilbury onboard our “elegant explorer” ms Prinsendam.

HAL ACADEMY – HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET? • Designed to provide YOU with the tools and sales techniques you need to achieve greater sales success.

• Utilizing video and the latest interactive technology, HAL Academy is conducted completely on-line at the student’s own pace.

• Subjects covered include:– An introduction to premium cruising – Identifying Holland America Line and cruise prospects – Destination overview – Sales support overview – An introduction to Group sales ALL AGENTS: Log onto www.halacademy.co.uk, no passwords required!

ACE MEMBERS: Log onto www.cruiseexperts.org and receive extra rewards!

Holland America Line is the acknowledged leader in “Premium” cruising, offering all those special touches and services that your customers will love. Just look and see how much is included in our cruises and how much value we offer our guests; - Modern ships feature intimate, elegant lounges adorned with beautiful antiques, paintings and fresh flowers - Staterooms that are 25% larger – even standard staterooms measure 197 square feet - against the industry average of 147 – and sea-view accommodation offers both tub and shower, as well as hairdryers, fresh fruit, twice daily ice service and bathrobes.

- Complimentary extras – hot and cold hors d’oeuvres served at cocktail hour, lemonade and iced tea on deck mid-afternoon, fruit baskets, terry robes and twice daily ice service in staterooms, handdipped chocolates after dinner in the Explorer’s Lounge - Enrichment programmes – like our Culinary Arts programme and our Digital Workshops powered by Windows!

- Longer time in port – full days ashore and leisurely overnights in cities like Venice, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Sydney and Shanghai - SELL UP... Sell in the bonuses of superior accommodation. Ensure your customer knows the advantages of having a balcony or sea view. And make sure they know it’s only xx per person per day to upgrade! (work this out according to the cruise itinerary and fare).

MEET THE HOLLAND AMERICA LINE SALES TEAM Our new and expanded sales team is available to help you!

• Wendy Lahmich - Director of Sales: wendy.lahmich@hollandamerica.co.uk • Dani Scannella - Business Development Manager South: dani.scannella@hollandamerica.co.uk • Vikki Courtman - Business Development Manager Midlands: vikki.courtman@hollandamerica.co.uk

• Rebecca Skipp - Business Development Manager North: rebecca.skipp@hollandamerica.co.uk • Lucy Morris - Business Development Representative North: lucy.morris@hollandamerica.co.uk • Katie Brickell - Business Development Representative South: katie.brickell@hollandamerica.co.uk

Send us an e-mail SALESSUPPORT@hollandamerica.co.uk

Verandah Suite

Call Holland America Line Reservations on 0844 338 8600 www.hollandamerica.co.uk

Thermal Suite, Greenhouse Spa

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