Travel Bulletin 12th October 2012

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October 12 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,798 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Escorted Trips How to capitalise on youth market trends

this week agent review 8 find out what one agent thought of her fam to St Lucia

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agent bulletin win a 3G Kindle from Crystal Ski

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hotel bulletin a round-up of the latest hotel openings & offers

middle east get on trend by selling alternative family breaks

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RUSSIA AND BEYOND 2013 CITY BREAKS, RIVER CRUISING, TRANS SIBERIAN JOURNEYS & TAILOR MADE TRAVEL

BROCHURE

OUT NOW!

75th Anniversary Incentive ÂŁ75 Love2Shop voucher for our top seller each month

Order your copies from trade-gate.co.uk T 0844 875 4026 E info@intouristuk.com www.intouristuk.com

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newsbulletin

A CUT ABOVE...The Midcounties Co-op Travel has launched its new concept branch in Shrewsbury. Pictured marking the opening of the new High Street store, to be branded cooptravel.co.uk, is Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall (middle) who plays Tyrone Dobbs with, from the left: the agency's Natalie Turner, Sue Reid, Wendy Hudson and Alistair Rowland.

Cover Pictures: Main - Paris, Contiki

Inset - Dubai, The Holiday Team

This Week 3

news

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agent review

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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hotel bulletin

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middle east

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escorted trips

this week's latest industry news & announcements find out what one agent thought of her fam to St Lucia win a 3G Kindle by completing Crystal Ski's elearning programme

play the crossword for a chance to win £50 Pizza Express vouchers

a round-up of the latest hotel openings & offers

get on trend by selling alternative family breaks to clients

how to capitalise on youth market trends in escorted touring

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Hayes & Jarvis' Long Haul Trend Report reveals Far East gains ground ACCORDING TO the latest Long Haul Trend Report from Hayes & Jarvis, Thailand is back in favour with holidaymakers after a year when national carrier Thai Airways went all out to offer a series of specially-priced fares that helped to secure a spike in bookings for the destination. The report also reveals that Vietnam has been another big winner for this year, but, while the Far East gained ground as the year progressed, New York trumped the opposition to emerge as the most popular destination worldwide.

In what the operator describes as an “extremely strong short breaks market”, New York benefited from heavy demand for summer trips, Christmas shopping breaks, twin-centre holidays with Boston, linked by Amtrak, and even early bookings for 2013. Las Vegas was not far behind in fourth place with holiday bookings boosted by high demand for trips combining Sin City with San Francisco or Hawaii.

However, after the company's last trend update six months ago when holidays travelling westward to the US, Caribbean and Mexico were outperforming traditional favourites in the east, Far East destinations have gone a long way to redress the balance.

Thailand is back in the top ten in the runner up

position after recovering well from a poor performance earlier this year.

The operator's commercial director, Niel Alobaidi, says that the recovery has been helped by a “determined long term policy by Thai Airways to offer the kind of prices that have enabled us to offer seven-night packages from as little as £599 per person.”

He said: "This autumn canny travellers can find Thailand prices down by as much as 12% compared with last year on the Andaman coast provided they are flexible about their resort.

For example, a four-star flight-inclusive package to Krabi in November costs £699 compared with £795 12 months ago in Phuket.

"Growth in demand for multi-centre breaks combining Thailand with other destinations in either the Middle East or Far East is another factor that has helped to account for an 8% boost to bookings this year – rising to 20% for bookings that include Thai Airways flights.

Smaller Far East destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia and Japan have also done well.

Japan has recovered well from turmoil in 2011 with a 44% increase in bookings while Vietnam, already a rising star, has put on growth of 41% year-on-year on the back of direct flights and attractively-priced packages."

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newsbulletin ABTA launches checklist & advice for consumers on financial protection ABTA HAS launched a new checklist for consumers offering advice on what paperwork to look for when booking travel arrangements. The checklist is intended to help consumers understand the impact of the changes brought in by the Government reforms to the ATOL scheme of financial protection, including the introduction of ATOL certificates from the beginning of this month.

The “Your Protection Checklist” provides advice to consumers on the booking process and outlines what documentation consumers should receive when booking travel arrangements.

The association's chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said: “ABTA welcomes the implementation of ATOL Certificates as a helpful step forward in providing consumers with evidence

of their protection under the ATOL system of financial protection and also for streamlining the ATOL claims process.

However, there is still much confusion about what holiday arrangements are or are not protected by ATOL and therefore what paperwork consumers should expect to receive.

ATOL certificates are only evidence of ATOL protected holidays. We estimate that around 50% of holiday

arrangements sit outside of the ATOL scheme. Some of these will be ABTA protected, for example cruise and rail holidays, some may not be protected at all. The “Your Protection Checklist” will help holidaymakers to understand what to look for and what documentation they need.

We also advise consumers to always check what is protected when making a booking.”

Prestige Holidays adds 13 new hotels across eight destinations for 2013 PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS’ annual 2013 “Destinations” brochure features new hotels in the Algarve, Turkey, Crete, Tenerife, La Palma, Mallorca, Marbella and Morocco. The operator is offering more family friendly and all-inclusive options and, for the first time, a “star buy” guide which highlights hotels that offer particularly good value in 2013.

Also new for next year are QR bar codes on each resort intro page. When scanned, these take customers direct to the relevant resort page on the company Website where they can read more about the destination.

Holidays lead in at £357 per person for a week's breakfast stay at the Holiday Inn in the Algarve including flights from London, the services of a local representative and private transfers.

Also new to the Algarve programme is the family owned Belavista da Luz located above a sandy beach in Praia da Luz, where prices start from £518 per person.

New in Turkey are the "Design Hotel" Hillside SU Resort near Antalya and the Hilton Bodrum. As an example of prices, a

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week's stay at the Hillside SU next summer costs from £566 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including flights and transfers. The price also includes an early booking saving of £33 per person if booked by March 31, 2013.

Two hotels make an entrance in Crete - the Grecotel Meli Palace and the all-inclusive Iberostar Creta Panorama, where a week's stay next summer costs from £699 per person including flights and private transfers if booked by December 31.

Meanwhile, a new addition in the Canaries is the adults-only Hacienda de Abajo on La Palma. The restored 17th Century sugar estate features a pool and a spa and offers 32 rooms. A week’s stay with flights and transfers costs from £883 per person including a free night, saving £70 per person.

The new brochure also features holidays in Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Lanzarote in the Canaries as well as breaks to Malta, Gozo, Cyprus, the Italian Lakes, Madeira and Morocco.

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

October 12 2012

COLSON'S COUP...Andrew Schweitzer from Viking River Cruises, presents the winner of the ‘Big Viking Giveaway’, Jan Colson from Symphony World Travel, with a bottle of Champagne. The incentive gave agents the chance to win a prize each day for seven days when they correctly answered a question included in the daily Viking agent email.

To sign up for the email and be in with a chance to win visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/agents

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Mainstreet Travel Group - Disney Dining - Stay

between 1st Jan -19th March 2013 & 7th April 8th Dec 2013 to take advantage of FREE dining for the whole family. You also receive $100 Disney Dollars per room and 14 day Ultimate Park Pass for the cost of 7 days.

Call 0191-384 5500.

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

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newsbulletin Qatar Airways announces new Chicago route QATAR AIRWAYS is to introduce daily passenger flights to Chicago from April 10. The carrier, which currently operates twice-weekly cargo flights to Chicago O’Hare, will use its Boeing 777-300 Extended Range passenger aircraft on the new Doha-Chicago route, with an approximate flying time of 15 hours.

The aircraft will feature 335 seats in a two-class configuration of 42 Business Class seats and 293 Economy seats.

Flights will depart Doha at 09:15 and arrive in Chicago at 15:50. Flights from Chicago will depart at 21:30, arriving in Doha at 19:00 the next day.

Visit www.qatarairways.com

Transun offers free child places on Christmas breaks TRANSUN IS offering a range of Christmas breaks this winter with a number of free child places available and direct flights from Luton.

Examples include Santa’s Lapland Day Break in the Arctic Circle, where guests can mush husky sleds, drive snowmobiles, ride reindeer sleighs and visit Santa Claus. Prices lead in at £449 for adults and £399 for children, departing on December 23.

The company is also offering Santa’s Lapland Short Break where guests can track down Santa in his cabin with the help of his reindeers and teams of huskies. Departing on December 21, prices lead in at £1,119 for

adults and £1,039 for children, including a stay in a hotel or log cabin.

Alternatively a Northern Lights short break flies directly to Enontekio in the Arctic Circle on December 21, where guests will have the chance to mush a team of huskies, embark on a snowmobile safari and visit a reindeer camp.

Prices start from £899 per person and include full-board accommodation, thermal suits and boots plus transfers.

Free child places are subject to availability and subject to terms and conditions.

For more information or to book call 01865-265200 or visit www.transun.co.uk

Two-for-one full board offer from Cap Maison CAP MAISON in St Lucia is enticing guests with a 'two for one' full board meal plan, which offers savings on its lunch and dinner menu, and also includes a free daily beverage credit of USD$75 per room daily.

Available as a daily supplement of $150 to the bed-and-breakfast rate for two people, the new 'Wining & Dining' gourmet package is ideal for guests looking to indulge in fine dining cuisine for less during their stay, and is valid for all stays of a minimum of five nights until December 19.

The package is also combinable with the property's “Summer Free Night”, a special offer that represents savings of up to 40% on a summer break.

For more information call 020-8977 6099 or visit www.capmaison.com

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week

BETWEEN NOW and October 31, Universal Orlando is hosting selected Halloween Horror Nights. This year’s event features several themed haunted houses and a reinvented street experience. A Frequent Fear Pass costs £60 which offers up to 15 horror nights.

For details visit www.universalorlando.co.uk

Who’s saying what on Twitter... @VisitBritain Historical horror, thrilling theatrics and ghostly goings-on. There's no scarier place than London for Halloween 2012 http://bit.ly/SxRsxe @LBIAirport Great family 4* deal for next summer from http://jet2holidays.com snap it up now! 14 nights from £1535 http://fb.me/24BvAKkIq @GermanyTourism New app for walkers! Find detailed information etc. on your chosen route in the Berchtesgardener Land http://bit.ly/SnrRXP #Germany @FredOlsenCruise Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines improved its e-tickets http://bit.ly/UgWZeB @coxandkingsUK Cox & Kings might not spring to mind when you think of #Rhodes but read our 72-hour guide on the blog today http://bit.ly/QWHR2S @BristolZooGdns Find out more about our Halloween festival here: http://bit.ly/QJqQst

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

October half-term deals from Sovereign Luxury Travel SOVEREIGN LUXURY Travel has announced its latest October half-term holidays, with offers including free child places and free meals for children.

Examples include an online discount and free child place in a one-bedroom suite when staying seven nights at the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Lanzarote, departing on October 28. Prices lead in at £3,225 for a family of three, including flights from Manchester, transfers and bed-andbreakfast accommodation. The offer provides savings of up to £470 per family of three.

Alternatively, a free child place and online discount is offered on a seven-night stay at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa in the Algarve, also departing on October 28. Prices start from £3,295 per family of four on a bed-and-breakfast basis and include flights from Gatwick and private transfers, offering a saving of up to £374 per family.

For more details or to book visit www.sovereign.com

Volunteering additions from Bales Worldwide BALES WORLDWIDE is launching new worldwide volunteering trips for next year, which offer a mix of adventure travel with culture.

As an example, a ten-day Kenya option includes flights and a week's volunteering project, and costs from £3,495 per person. Departures are on November 11, January 6 and February 10, 2013.

For more information call 0845-057 0600 or visit www.balesworldwide.com

New range of semi-inclusive golf packages from Spain's La Manga Club SPAIN’S LA Manga Club has introduced a range of semiinclusive golf packages.

With three 18-hole championship courses, the five-star resort offers a four-night stay including three rounds of golf from €411 per person.

Available for three months from November 1, including Christmas and New Year, the break features golf on any of the club’s lay-outs, accommodation and breakfast in the four-star Las Lomas Village apartments.

A similar length stay at the club’s five-star hotel costs €507 per person. The package also offers guests half-

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price golf buggy hire, a two-course dinner each night at any of the restaurants, unlimited drinks in the evening and complimentary use of the spa and fitness centre.

Golfers seeking a longer stay can take a seven-night break including five rounds of golf from €713 per person, with all prices including VAT and based on two people sharing a room, while groups of eight or more will receive one free place.

For more information or to book email reserve@lamangaclub.com or visit the property’s Website at www.lamangaclub.com

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newsbulletin Celebrate New Year at Romania's Ice Hotel

Essential Travel launches insurance add-on

UNTRAVELLED PATHS is offering a four-night stay at Romania’s Ice Hotel in the Fagaras Mountains for £479 per person over the New Year period.

During their stay, guests can explore Bucharest and Brasov, along with visiting the Bran Castle, and on New Year’s Eve, a four-course dinner is available before the countdown to the New Year begins and a firework display takes place.

The offer includes four nights’ breakfast accommodation, transfers, excursions, an Englishspeaking guide and the the ‘Ice Hotel Dining Experience’.

For more information visit www.untravelledpaths.com

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL has launched a new travel insurance add-on which has been specifically designed for cruises and can be added to any single or annual travel insurance policy.

The new option provides extended baggage cover of up to £3,500, up to £500 cover for missed shore trips, up to £600 cover for cabin confinement (due to illness) and up to £700 for valuables.

Additional cruise insurance starts at £4.74 for an 18-year-old, £6.90 for a 42-year-old, £7.32 for a 60-year-old and £10.77 for a 70-year old-traveller.

For more information visit www.essentialtravel.co.uk

SHIP MATES...Major Travel recently hosted a group of agents on a visit to the ‘Empress’ Pullmantur cruise ship in Dover. The day included a ‘cruise clinic’ Q&A session followed by a tour of the ship and buffet lunch. Pictured are: Emma Hughes (top left), Natasha Jones (top right) and Dawn Tompkins from TUI with Andrew McKenna from Major.

For more information visit www.majorcruise.co.uk

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MOVERS THE 240-room, London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch has appointed Richard Hider as director of sales and marketing. ● BRENDAN DWYER has joined the Hyatt Global Sales Office in London as the new director of global sales for the UK & Ireland. ● VISIT YORK has appointed Jane Gibson as its new chair. ● DIRECTLINE HOLIDAYS has appointed Gareth Scurlock as head of content. ● DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS appointed Daniel Clynburn as northern sales manager. ● AIRBERLIN HAS appointed Wolfgang Prock-Schauer as chief strategy and network planning officer (CSPO) and Dr Martina Niemann, the airline’s chief human resources officer, to its management board. ● KATHRYN ROBERTSON has joined Air New Zealand as sales and market development manager for the UK. ● JET2.COM HAS appointed Trevor Caplis as tour operator sales manager. ● INTREPID TRAVEL and The Adventure Company (TAC) have appointed Claire Wilson as regional director for Intrepid UK & Ireland, Daniel Pawlyn as sales director for both brands and Antony Barton, formerly head of sales for TAC, takes on a new role leading private group sales.

Agents will be supported by four business development managers including the newly appointed Sarah Whibley, who is responsible for supporting agents based in the Midlands, North, Scotland and Ireland. Jon Barber from TAC will lead the industry sales support team, joined by newly appointed Callen McGarringle. ●

agentreview Rachel Crangle from Pinnacle Worldwide in Lurgan, Northern Ireland went on a seven-night fam to St Lucia with the St Lucia Tourist Board to view properties specialising in destination weddings. Here's what she thought...

First impressions ..................................10/10 The flight with BA was great - I was so excited I really didn’t notice the time go. Half way through our journey one of the crew found out we were agents on a fam and brought Champagne for the group - a lovely little touch!

Comfort ..................................................10/10 We arrived at the Rendezvous Hotel to commence our first two nights, I was lucky enough to have an ocean view room with a beautiful four-poster bed. For me the highlight was returning from a night out to find my room covered in candles, rose petals and a platter of chocolates. Such a treat I can only imagine how honeymoon clients might feel to receive this.

Quality ....................................................10/10 I would rate Rendezvous as a very good four-star hotel and give it 8/10. iPod docking stations in each room were a lovely addition. The Stonefield Villa Estate offers amazing views and would suit both families and couples alike.

Affordability ..........................................10/10 Prices in St Lucia were extremely reasonable so visitors don’t necessarily have to go down the all-inclusive route. Although all our meals were very generously hosted by the hoteliers I was told a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine would work out at approx £60.

Go

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Service ..................................................10/10

WEBSCLUSIVES

Service was exceptional and always with a smile - nothing seemed to be too much bother.

Good to know ........................

Go to a street party if you want a taste of authentic St Lucia. And if you aren’t afraid of heights the zip-lining in the rain forest is a fantastic day out!

10 / 10

Rachel receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for her review.

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

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Make sure you enter our crossword, sponsored

by The Holiday Team. Full details can be found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of this issue. You could be the lucky winner of £50 of Pizza Express vouchers.

Send your entries to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword

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Destination Asia: Up to 50% hotel discounts and great incentives to be won on properties in China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore with Travelcube.

Go to www.travelcube.com

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Training incentives ●

BOTSWANA TOURISM has launched its updated training course which features interactive and useful information designed to enhance agents’ knowledge of the country. Agents completing the six new modules by October 19, which offer the tools needed to sell the destination, will be automatically entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a goody bag. Each entry will also receive a free invitation to attend World Travel Market on Monday November 5.

Visit www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk

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TOURISM IRELAND has launched a new module as part of its Shamrock Agents online training programme, which focuses on Northern Ireland.

Agents completing the module by October 31 will be entered in to a draw to win one of 50 luxury travel bags.

See www.shamrockagents.com

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CRYSTAL SKI has re-launched its agent e– learning programme and is giving agents who complete the course by October 31, the chance to win a 3G Kindle, £75 Love2Shop vouchers and £50 Love2Shop vouchers.

Visit www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk

Win a £10 Love2Shop voucher

TAKE PART in our Brainstorm Bulletin featu re where you can help other agents with their questions. This month's question is: How do other agents get clients to take their travel insu rance when so many people have it with their banks etc?

To respond, just email lauretta.wright@t ravelbulletin.co.uk by October 22. The star resp onse wins a £10 Love2Shop voucher.

Booking incentive TO CELEBRATE the launch of Carrier's 2013 brochures, the operator is giving agents the chance to win a luxury holiday to Las Vegas, including five nights at Wynn Las Vegas & Encore with Virgin Atlantic flights. Agents booking any holiday over the value of £2,500 before October 31 will be entered into the prize draw, with each booking counting as one entry. To increase the chances of winning, agents booking Virgin Atlantic flights will receive two entries per booking.

WINE TIME…Ramsey World Travel in Kirkcaldy recently won an inter-agency incentive run by Superbreak by achieving the highest percentage growth above its target of all five of the company’s branches. Pictured presenting six bottles of wine to the agency's Ryan Hamilton and Louise Hamilton (right) is the operator's Wendy Cameron.

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newsbulletin New Discovery Weekends from Jet2holidays JET2HOLIDAYS HAS launched Discovery Weekends to three new destinations, Marrakech, Iceland and St Petersburg.

The packages, which include direct flights, transfers and three- to five-star hotels, depart in April and May 2013 from Leeds Bradford, Newcastle and Edinburgh airports.

As examples, a three-night Magical Marrakech package from Leeds costs from £359 per person, with flights from £229, while a three-night awe-inspiring Iceland package from Newcastle leads in at £415, with flights from £279.

For more information or to request a copy of the brochure call 0800-408 5587 or visit https://tradesite.jet2holidays.com

Newsbites ●

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NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line’s newest ship will have a two-level spa with a fitness centre and a salt room at sea. Breakaway, due to launch at the end of April next year, will offer salt room therapy, which has reportedly been proven to alleviate respiratory and skin ailments, strengthen the immune system, promote better sleep and have a long-term positive impact on overall lung function. The thermal suite will offer 13 heated loungers, a vitality pool, sauna, solarium, steam room and whirlpools.

The ship’s 22 treatment rooms will feature more than 50 signature services for both men and women, including Elemis facials, Thai Herbal Poultice Massages and a Bamboo Massage. It will also offer acupuncture, teeth whitening and cosmetic medical treatments such as Botox, performed by a licensed medi-spa doctor.

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

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BANGKOK AIRWAYS has introduced an eco-friendly e-boarding pass service to reduce check-in times.

Passengers can check-in between two- and 24hours prior to departure on domestic flights.

For details see www.bangkokair.com CRESTA MOWANA Safari Resort and Spa has appointed Talking Stick as its UK and Ireland marketing company.

ADVANTAGE HAS announced that Simon Reeve, presenter of BBC series Indian Ocean, will address delegates at its 2013 conference, which takes place in Malaga from May 9-12.

THE FOURTH annual Miami Attractions Month takes place this month, with 19 attractions in Greater Miami offering buy one, get one free admissions and other special deals until October 31.

See www.miamiattractionsmonth.com FOLLOWING THE launch of TAP Portugal’s Manchester service last year, the airline is commencing daily Lisbon flights from the airport on October 28.

CRUISE & Maritime Voyages has published a new brochure for 2013/14 which gives details of its ‘New Additions Programme’, including new forms of entertainment, guest speakers and activities.

See www.cruiseandmaritime.com ESTONIAN AIR, in partnership with Optiontown, is offering passengers the chance to secure empty seats next to their seat for a nominal fee, affording them more space on their journey.

For details see www.estonian-air.ee/en TOURISM AUSTRALIA, in partnership with Qantas, has announced that Cairns is to be the host city of Corroboree Europe 2013, which takes place from May 15-26.

Half-term offers from Donnafugata Golf & Spa Resort SICILY’S DONNAFUGATA Golf & Spa Resort has launched a selection of October half-term packages.

The resort’s Family Deal offers a 25% discount for a family of four, offering a saving of €798 per week, plus a 50% discount on a second room, with seven nights’ breakfast

accommodation for two adults and two children under 18 costing €2,394, including taxes.

Also new for October is a ‘Five-Star Dream’ spa package, comprising sevennights’ breakfast accommodation with prices leading in at €895 per person. It includes two

massages, four days’ access to the spa circuit, threecourse dinners, three lunches and taxes. Prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double standard room.

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

Maldives' Taj Exotica Resort re-opens following renovation THE TAJ Exotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives has recently re-opened after a $400,000 renovation of its Rehendi Presidential Suite.

The new Suite offers a 500sq.ft sand-deck, which stretches into a large lagoon, as well as a glass-walled bathroom, a 15ft infinity pool, hammocks, plus an open air salas.

Prices for a night's stay start from US$5,500.

For more information visit www.tajhotels.com

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New Iceland service from WOW Air GATWICK AIRPORT has welcomed the launch of WOW Air's twice-weekly service to Reykjavik.

Departing from Gatwick every Monday at 13:15, the flight arrives in Reykjavik at 15:25. The return flight departs Reykjavik every Friday at 16:20, arriving at Gatwick at 20:20.

Gatwick will operate eight flights to Reykjavik every week in the summer season, with flights increasing to 15 flights a week in the peak season with three different carriers.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 084

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

Savour Criticise

A➠

B➠ This cruise line shares its name with royalty and a well-loved sponge cake!

C➠

Renewal Son

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, October 18th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 28th September is Ian Butters, Anders Travel in Hove.

September 28 Solution: A=4 B=7 C=3 D=9

Crossword

Sponsored By

The birthplace of jazz that shares its name and culture with a city in France.

Where Am I?

'Carry On' up this mountain pass!

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

Closing date for entries is Thursday October 18th.

Across 1. Tour operator, specialising in safaris (5) 4. Title, sounds like a pantomime character (4) 7. Europe beat this country to win the Ryder Cup (3) 8. Historic IOW House (7) 9. Greek peninsula and popular holiday destination (9) 12. Luxury travel operator, part of TUI (9) 15. Resort near Lisbon, well known for its casino (7) 16. Black jewellery, sounds like an airplane (3) 17. Capital of Qatar (4) 18. Canadian territory, site of the Klondike gold rush (5)

Down 1. YouTube phenomenon Psy is from this country (5,5) 2. Flag carrier of Lebanon (3) 3. Tailor-made luxury holiday operator (5) 4. The operators at 12 Across and 3 Down can take you to this Middle East destination (5) 5. 007 has been drinking this at the movies for the last 50 years (7) 6. Antipodean city (10) 10. Maseru is the capital (7) 11. UK river, sounds like a letter (3) 13. Popular Bulgarian resort on the Black Sea (5) 14. Actress Lisa, currently performing on Strictly (5) 16. New York airport, initially (3)

Number: 084

Congratulations to Anna Cass, Martin's World Travel who won the 28th September crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

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

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 26 October 12 2012

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newsbulletin Christmas shopping cruise from C&M

SUPER SHOW...Superbreak recently treated agents to a night out in London’s West End to see hit musical Les Miserables.

Pictured getting ready to enjoy the show are John Sullivan (left), head of commercial at Advantage and Graham Balmforth, national sales manager at Superbreak.

CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages is highlighting a three-night Christmas shopping cruise on Marco Polo, which departs from Tilbury on December 16 to take in Antwerp and Amsterdam.

Fares lead in at £219 per person and guests can bring back their gifts with no hidden baggage charges.

The company is also offering a two-night mini cruise sailing to Amsterdam on January 3, with fares from £169.

For details see www.cruiseandmaritime. com or call 0844-414 6185.

Regent tour maximises chance of seeing Northern Lights REGENT HOLIDAYS has launched a new tour to increase the chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland.

The Northern Lights Explorer Tour includes six separate hunting expeditions over six nights in some of the country’s most remote locations.

Guests will also be able to attend nightly lectures from experts who will lead guided tours around the countryside of West and Southeast Iceland, from Snæfellsnes peninsula to Vatnajökull glacier.

The tour also includes trips to waterfalls, lava fields, fjords, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, icebergs, black lava

beaches and the Blue Lagoon. Prices lead in at £1,245 per person and departures take place on selected dates until March next year.

Included are flights from Heathrow or Glasgow with Icelandair, accommodation at a choice of hotels on a half-board basis, sightseeing with guides, entrance fees on sightseeing tours, a traditional Icelandic dinner at a Northern Light Inn and a Northern Lights Academy programme with six evenings of lectures, presentations, guided searches and midnight refreshments.

For details call 020-7666 1244 or see www.regent-holidays.co.uk

ITC Classics issues new touring brochure ITC CLASSICS has launched a new touring brochure, including new escorted tours and new solo traveller tours alongside the expansion of its existing touring portfolio.

New destinations for escorted tours include Africa, India, Peru and Iceland, while solo travellers can explore New York, Mexico, Marrakesh and South Africa.

An example of a new escorted tour is Peru in Luxury, a 15-day trip to Lima and Arequipa, where guests visit Lake Titicaca and ‘The Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu.

Prices lead in at £8,495 per person based on two sharing, with a maximum of 16 guests. Departure dates are on November 4 and May 5, 2013.

Also available is a Journey through India tour, which offers guests the chance to stay in royal palaces and explore Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur, with sights including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort of Agra. The Jodhpur leg of the tour has been arranged to coincide with the celebrations of Holi.

With a maximum of 16 guests, the tour costs from £11,495 per person, based on two sharing and departs on March 17, 2013.

For details call 01244-355527 or visit www.itcclassics.co.uk

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October 12 2012

New flights from Gatwick, Exeter & Norwich in Balkan's 2013 brochure A TOTAL of 19 new hotel and self-catering properties in Bulgaria, Montenegro and Croatia, plus a new weekly charter from Exeter and additional flights from Norwich to Bourgas, Bulgaria, are being featured for the first time in Balkan Holidays' second edition summer 2013 brochure, which is being issued on October 15.

Highlights in the brochure include new scheduled flights from Gatwick to Varna, Bulgaria; new low-cost flights from Leeds Bradford to Split and Pula, Croatia, in conjunction with the operator's packages; new low-cost flights from Newcastle to Dubrovnik and Pula, Croatia, in conjunction with packages; a new Exeter to Bourgas, Bulgaria charter flight from August 22 to September 26; a new tour of Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia; and more than 60 all-inclusive properties.

Prices lead in at £299 per person for seven nights' breakfast stay at the Hotel Arda, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria.

Early booking discounts of up to £498 per couple are also available, as well as special offers throughout the season, saving customers up to £300 per couple; a 5% loyalty bonus for previous bookers; free child places and child prices from £99; and free children’s insurance, plus no single supplements and group discounts.

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

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hotelbulletin Fiesta Hotel Group announces Ibiza hotel expansion FIESTA HOTEL Group has announced the opening of a new luxury complex in Ibiza, replacing the existing Fiesta Playa d’en Bossa with The Ushuaïa Tower; an eight floor property which forms part of an ambitious expansion project to extend the existing Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel.

The Ushuaïa Tower has been developed by the company in response to an increasing demand for premium style accommodation, particularly since the opening of Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel last year.

The new complex will comprise of two buildings The Ushuaïa Club (currently known as Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel) and The Ushuaïa Tower, scheduled to open in June 2013.

The property will house 181 suites, complimenting the existing 236 rooms. The rooms and suites will be divided into ten categories and decorated with a range of natural materials mixed with high-tech functionality.

All the new suites come with their own exterior terrace and Jacuzzi and also feature an LED system, enabling guests to change the room lighting according to their mood.

For details see www.ushuaiabeachhotel.com and www.fiestahotelgroup.com

KHWAI BEDOUIN Camp has been launched to offer authentic African accommodation in Botswana.

Situated near Moremi and the Okavango Delta, Khwai offers a diversity of animals and the camp itself features seven tents with twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. The camp meets all requirements for responsible tourism, with low environmental impact and is removed at the end of each season allowing for the ground to replenish itself.

To book or for more information email info@jenmansafaris.com

InBrief ● ALILA HOTELS and Resorts is to launch its own luxury wooden Phinisi in December which

will take guests on voyages of discovery and relaxation throughout the waters and islands of Indonesia. The inaugural sailing is on December 15 from Raja Ampat in Indonesia’s West Papua province. Guests will arrive by plane from Bali to Sorong for a six-day itinerary.

For details see www.alilahotels.com ● JEBEL ALI International Hotels has announced a strategic rebranding process with a new

logo and new name ‘JA Resorts & Hotels’. ● IBIS LONDON Shepherd’s Bush has opened this month. The hotel offers 128 rooms, all

featuring the new ergonomically-engineered concept bed: Sweet Bed by ibis, designed to deliver the ultimate night’s sleep. Nightly rates start from £69.

For details visit www.ibis.com ● WORLDHOTELS HAS added a unique hotel to its portfolio - the ss Rotterdam, located in

Rotterdam, Netherlands. The ship features 254 hotel rooms, designed to reflect its 1950s origins, which accommodate up to four people with working desks, flat-screen TVs, internet access and air-conditioning.

For details see www.worldhotels.com ● CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT is to re-name its center-strip resort currently known as

Imperial Palace to The Quad Resort & Casino. Although guests will begin to see the brand transformation on property as early as next month, the official conversion will be completed

by December 21, with renovation plans scheduled for completion by late 2013.

Early booking discounts of up to 10% & special deals from The Sarojin, Thailand THE SAROJIN, Phang Nga, Thailand, is encouraging customers to book early discounts to mark the beginning of Thailand’s dry season. Guests booking 45 days or more prior to their arrival will receive a 10% discount off the usual room rates and those booking from 21 to 44 days in advance will be rewarded with a 5% saving, valid until the end of the year.

The property is also continuing to offer one free night for every night booked for reservations made until October 31.

Next month also marks the relaunch of property's “Shipwrecked in Style” package, where guests can benefit from a private island dining excursion with a private butler and chef.

The package also includes a luxury all-day à la carte breakfast

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with sparkling wine, a journey through the jungle to a waterfall where guests will learn how to cook Thai food and a trip on the luxury yacht, the Lady Sarojin.

Prices start from approximately £240 per room per night, based on two sharing. Children ten years and above sharing with their parents go free and only pay for breakfast.

Prices for the “Shipwrecked in Style” package, available from November 1, cost approximately £2,000 for two people, including six nights’ accommodation in a luxurious Garden Residence, private transfers and the above mentioned activities.

Prices exclude taxes.

For more information visit www.sarojin.com

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middleeast g in ll e s y b d n e r t Get on s k a e r b y il m a f e iv t alterna , The Holiday Team

EY, sales director

by RAJAN SAWHN

I

T WASN’T too long ago that winter sun holidays were all about the Canaries and the Caribbean. Going back ten years, the idea of suggesting a family pack their bags and take their February half-term break in Abu Dhabi, for example, and you might have had some strange looks.

But I’d urge any travel agent unfamiliar with the region to take a closer look at how it has evolved and look at some of the alternatives to Dubai which are opening up, particularly for the family market. For rain-weary Britons, the quality and climate is a huge selling point.

The learning curve When I was chatting to a friend last week, she made a point that she really wanted to visit Egypt with her son, as he was about to start learning about ancient Egypt at his primary school. As well as the rest and relaxation, the history of the region was a big attraction for her.

It made me think that tapping into what children are learning at school could be a good selling tip for agents what better way to bring history to life than actually being there? With all the “horrible history” books, TV programmes and live shows, history is very cool for kids right now too. And there’s definitely evidence that children do influence their parents' choice of a holiday.

There’s no doubt that Dubai continues to be a best seller as it appeals to all ages - it’s a much more familiar and mature destination, so for families it continues to be the number one.

The resorts are out of this world, Altantis the Palm being just one which stands out.

But the capital of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi is also perfect for families and easy to explore with excellent familyfriendly hotels and a brilliant range of excursions. It’s certainly becoming one of our fastest growing destinations, snapping at the heels of the ever-popular Rajan Sawhney Dubai, and it’s easy to see why.

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One of a kind It’s not all about history of course. A big attraction for families in Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. The park tells the Ferrari story with more than 20 rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

As “alternative family winter sun” destinations the Middle East as a region is hard to beat. Between October and April the temperature drops to a glorious thirty-something of endless blue skies - and with the direct flight times averaging seven hours, depending on the destination, the region is attractive, affordable and high quality for a family.

It’s almost two years since the ‘Arab Spring’ swept through the Middle Eastern region, which resulted in a sharp decline in tourism that some worried may linger. But right now, we are seeing strong sales and confidence has certainly returned. There has certainly been investment in new resorts, infrastructure and marketing to woo the European market.

New contenders One of the up and coming winter destinations is Fujairah and I would suggest any agents unfamiliar with the area take a look at this option for a winter sun family break. With a stunning setting against a majestic mountain backdrop that leads down to the shores of the Gulf of Oman, sleepy Fujairah on the east coast is a low-key destination that is perfect for an affordable relaxing beach stay and family fun.

As well as sprawling beaches, with warm water and great coral reefs for snorkelling and diving, customers can also book excursions to the Hajar Mountains to see spectacular vistas, small oasis villages and deep canyon scenery.

Without question Dubai is the best seller, but for customers who want a taste of old Arabia with pristine beaches, excellent hotels and a vibrant culture, then Oman is hard to beat.

Where Dubai has Gap and M&S, Oman boasts 5,000 years of culture. It is the country where the Queen of Sheba had her legendary palace, Alexander the Great his headquarters, and from where Sinbad the Sailor set sail in a dhow.

Now that’s what I call a family holiday. The perfect blend of sunshine, sand and stories to keep all ages happy, entertained - with their eyes opened and horizons broadened. ✦

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middleeast PEGASUS AIRLINES is expanding its flight network with the introduction of four times weekly flights to Dubai from October 18. One-way fares from Stansted via Istanbul cost from £152.65 including taxes and charges. Passengers can also take advantage of the twin-centre connection, taking in Istanbul en-route.

For details see www.flypgs.com

Dubai bucks the trend in Q2 with 11% increase in hotel & apartment guest numbers DESPITE TOURISM figures highlighting a decline in UK outbound travel during Q2, Dubai continued to perform strongly as a destination, reporting an 11% increase in guest numbers during the quarter.

According to the latest report issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), hotel and apartment bookings in Dubai in Q2 were up 170,452 from 154,180 in 2011. Figures also show a 5% increase in the average length of stay with UK visitors now choosing to stay for seven nights.

Self-catering apartments saw the most dramatic surge in guest bookings, with year-on-year increases of 33% for

Q2. The DTCM says that the significant rise in the popularity of apartments can be attributed to the growing appeal of Dubai amongst the family market, as an increasing range of accommodation options gives families even more flexibility and makes holidays more affordable.

The DTCM's director UK & Ireland, Ian Scott, said: “We are delighted with the UK results for Q2 and we are confident that visitor numbers will continue to be positive throughout the year. Increasingly, families are realising that Dubai can offer them a fun and affordable family holiday with a relatively short flight time of only seven hours.”

Abu Dhabi on track to meet 2012 hotel guest target

JUMEIRAH CREEKSIDE Hotel in Dubai has opened this month featuring 292 rooms and suites, 23 meeting rooms, a ballroom, six restaurants and bars, an Executive club lounge, spa, tennis and indoor squash courts, two pools and a beach volleyball court.

The hotel offers architectural tours of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which include art galleries, cultural centres such as Bastakia, Shindaga and a Spice souk.

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October 12 2012

NEW FIGURES released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) show the emirate welcomed 1.37million hotel guests between January and July 2012 - an 11% increase over the corresponding period in 2011 - making it well placed to meet its annual target of 2.3million.

In total, 178,099 guests stayed at Abu Dhabi's hotels and hotel apartments in July of this year and the average length of stay rose to 2.84 days, an increase of 6% on the corresponding month last year, while full seven-month figures for guest nights and room nights show year-on-year increases of 7% and 6% respectively.

Europe delivered a 12% year-on-year hotel guest increase in July 2012 with the UK contributing 8,195 hotel guests.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general of TCA Abu Dhabi, said: "We remain on track as we enter our traditional busy season. With a packed entertainment schedule of world-class events and a host of new leisure attractions due to open across the emirate, including the UAE's largest water park, Yas Waterworld, we are confident momentum will rise and we'll reach our 2.3million hotel guest target."

Abu Dhabi now offers 128 hotels and hotel apartments accounting for 22,800 rooms. The figure is expected to exceed 24,000 by the end of the year.

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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 Mosaic Holidays reports sales boost to Jordan & urges agents to encourage early bookings MOSAIC HOLIDAYS, which is set to launch its latest Egypt and Morocco brochure at the end of this month, reports that sales to Jordan have continued to grow.

The operator's founder and managing director, Sabina Shaida, said: "The Middle East has obviously suffered considerably from a bookings perspective in the last 18 months. Jordan, however, is a niche destination and despite unrest in neighbouring countries, continues to go from strength to strength.

"The primary draw to the destination is the World Wonder that is Petra, in the spotlight even more this year with the Kingdom celebrating the 200th anniversary of the rediscovery of the Rose

Red City. Other destinations in Jordan are also becoming ever more popular as visitors tour this small and fascinating country discovering unique, spectacular and breathtaking scenery and sights such as that of the desert landscape of Wadi Rum or the awe-inspiring Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

"Jordan's Red Sea coast is also growing in popularity with an ever expanding tourism infrastructure for the discerning traveller. Jordan is an oasis of calm in the Middle East and an ideal destination for those looking for a midhaul, winter sun holiday, combining culture, adventure, luxury, as well as relaxation on the Red and Dead Seas.

“Another important destination in the region is Egypt, which is showing real signs of being on the road to recovery as bookings pick up gradually. Classical Egypt, including Cairo, Luxor, Nile cruises and private multi-centre tours are particularly popular. The key selling tip we can currently offer agents is to urge clients to go soon. Whilst tourism is recovering, take advantage of deals put out by hotels, resorts and cruise companies to attract tourists back to the destination, as the offers won’t last for long.”

For more information call 020-3393 8653 or visit www.mosaicholidays.co.uk

Hayes & Jarvis adds Abu Dhabi to flagship worldwide brochure HAYES & Jarvis has introduced Abu Dhabi to its flagship worldwide brochure, giving customers the option of another destination within the Indian Ocean.

Other recent introductions to the operator's brochure include the five-star luxury Banyan Tree Seychelles, the newlyopened four-star Movenpick Jumeirah in Dubai, the five-star Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta in Dubai, the four-star Chaaya Lagoon Hakura Huraa Maldives and the three-star Recife Attitude in Mauritius.

The company's head of product, Andrea Loddo said: "The popularity of Dubai and ongoing demand for Indian Ocean

twin-centre holidays has prompted us to feature Abu Dhabi in our worldwide brochure for the first time. We expect Abu Dhabi to be in strong demand as an alternative Emirate stopover, and also as a destination in its own right.”

As an example of prices, three-night packages at the Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta in Dubai lead in at £799 per person. The hotel, which offers the option of all-inclusive accommodation, gives guests free access and shuttle rides to the Oceana Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah.

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

Rotana predicts destinations to watch for 2013

DUBAI IS to welcome the opening of a four-star beach hotel on its coastline, as Jebel Ali International Hotels prepares to open the Ocean View Hotel on The Walk at JBR beach at the end of this year. The property will feature 341 guestrooms and suites and several interconnecting rooms will also be available for families.

Other facilities include five restaurants and bars, an executive lounge for guests staying in Club rooms and suites, a pool, spa, health club, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

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October 12 2012

ROTANA IS predicting the top destinations in the Middle East to watch for next year.

The company says that having been the host to numerous international sports tournaments in the last few years, Qatar is on the International radar. The destination offers a mix of modern buildings and a plethora of shopping malls, both of which will entice holidaymakers in the coming year.

Other destinations to watch include the Garden City of Al Ain in the UAE, which offers seven oases, a wildlife safari park and paradise gardens for nature lovers; and Bahrain, which is set to be the Capital of Arab tourism for 2013, with attractions such as the Al- Fatih Great Mosque and shopping opportunities in Bahrain city centre.

Meanwhile, the hotel management company is extending its Gulf portfolio with an additional nine properties by 2013.

The company will open its first properties in Bahrain and Oman, its second hotel in Qatar and will extend its portfolio in the UAE by an additional six developments, three of which are scheduled to open in October; Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai, Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana, Dubai and Centro Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi.

The company's president and CEO, Selim El Zyr, said: “One of the key areas for growth that we are currently addressing is development across the Gulf region. We will grow our portfolio of four brands by expanding into Bahrain and Oman and we will also be boosting our presence in the UAE and Qatar. Our growth is supported by our continued commitment to evolving our product offering in line with travel trends and guest preferences.”

For more information visit www.rotana.com

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middleeast Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Al Jadaf to open in 2015

THE FIVE-STAR Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is to host Coutts ‘Polo at the Palace’, a two-day tournament from November 23-24, inspired by popular London event ‘Polo in the Park’, which has pioneered the city polo series by bringing the classic sport to a contemporary cosmopolitan audience. Admission is restricted to a select 1,000 people per day and guests visiting ‘Polo at the Palace’ will be treated to an up-close view of the game along with lunch and refreshments. Tickets cost from AED1,600 per person per day.

To book email rachel@cityevents.uk.com or visit www.citypoloseries.com

THE CARLSON Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that the Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Al Jadaf, featuring 300 guest rooms, is scheduled to open in 2015.

The property is located in the Al Jadaf area, 5km from Dubai International airport, Downtown and Business Bay, and 3km from Dubai Festival City, Dubai International Financial Centre, the international exhibition centre and the traditional centres of Deira and Bur Dubai.

The hotel will be part of a new development that will comprise two further hotels that will cater to different market segments. It will also offer two restaurants, one lobby-lounge, one bar, a fitness centre and approximately 400sq.m. of meeting space.

Discover Egypt announces new Nile Cruise docking area outside Luxor DISCOVER EGYPT has unveiled a new private Nile Cruise docking area outside Luxor and is highlighting seven-night full board Nile cruises from £624 per person.

The operator's director, Philip Breckner, said: “We are experiencing strong demand for Egypt at the moment, especially classic Nile cruising and announced to the trade earlier this year that we had added extra allocation on the Monarch charters this autumn. We are one of very few tour operators operating two weekly cruise boats from Luxor and the extra flight capacity will help us cope with demand.

"Already the first eight months of 2012 have seen a 30% increase on last year in our traffic to Luxor and September passengers will double those of the same period last year. We are

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also pleased to announce that our lovely new dock area is ready for passengers and will make embarking on their boat much easier, as they will do it from the comfort of our exclusive dock, which we are sure our clients will greatly appreciate.

Passengers also have the added convenience of a free shuttle bus from the dock into Luxor, should they wish to visit the city before or after the cruises.”

The lead in price for a Nile cruise is from £749 for the first person and £499 for the second traveller departing on December 3 on the recently refurbished fivestar Viking Princess, including full board, flights from Gatwick, transfers and ten guided excursions.

Alternatively, a sevennight full board cruise

Royal Viking moored in new dock

departing on December 3 on the five-star deluxe Royal Viking leads in at £949 for the first person and £599 for the second traveller, which includes full board, flights, transfers and ten excursions.

A week’s city stay in Luxor in early December costs from £449 including flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation

at the four-star El Luxor with a free upgrade to a Nile view room.

The operator is also highlighting a selection of packages to Jordan including a seven-night Classic Jordan Tour which includes visits to Petra and Wadi Rum and costs from £1,399 per person.

For more information or to book call 0844-880 0461 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

October 12 2012

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S05 TB1210 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 10/10/2012 11:54 Page 23

escortedtrips n o e s li a it p a c o t w Ho s d n e r t t e k r a m h t u yo & , director of sales

by MATT FLETCHER ays rope, Contiki Holid Eu & K U g tin ke ar m

O

PERATING IN the youth travel sector keeps you on your toes - recent research has shown that 52% of people have been inspired to travel somewhere by seeing their friends’ photos on Facebook. And it’s not just Facebook and Twitter but a whole range of social media platforms including Pinterest, Instagram, Google+ - every technological development is changing the way we communicate, share ideas, memories and experiences. As sellers and marketers of holidays, we need to rapidly adapt to this or we lose not only market share, but also credibility, and, for want of a better expression, “cool” factor. The 18–35 audience is all across the latest trends and experiences, or certainly want to feel that they are, so every operator in this space needs to deliver a product that provides bragging rights to their clients.

The rise of social media Young people are communicating 24/7. They are connected all the time and engaged with the brand well before they leave on their tour. They are widely using Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms to share their excitement pre-trip, their experiences while on the road, and their memories when they get back. They are also using social media to research their trips. This up-to-the minute connectivity means agents should be aware of customers’ demands and conscious of selling high quality, otherwise they can be easily caught out on social media.

We’re also seeing that attending festivals has become increasingly popular with young travellers and they are now choosing to travel to certain destinations because of certain events, which can be anything from St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and Oktoberfest in Munich to music festivals such as BBK Live in Spain and Coachella in the US. Australia continues to be very popular for young travellers in the UK, where other destinations are struggling. Travelling in Australia continues to be a rite of passage for the UK youth market due to the working holiday visa scheme. In fact, in an increasingly competitive youth employment market, young people are regarding travelling - and more specifically working whilst travelling - as a great way to boost their CV, so we are finding that many people are combining a tour with the opportunity to work and travel Down Under.

Asia is also extremely popular, due the culture, food and authentic experiences and of course the weather. Many choose to go with a youth travel specialist so they can meet like-minded travellers of their own age looking for shared experiences whilst knowing their plans are being looked after and they won’t miss out on any of the must see places.

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Young people are more clued up than ever before. There is a wealth of information out there that young people have easy access to and customers can do their research independently, so while Australia remains popular, there's also an interest to travel further afield and discover new destinations from Russia and Eastern Europe to South America and Asia. Again, it comes back to bragging rights - young people want to share their travel stories with their friends and are taking more risks and looking for more adventure.

Selling tips you can count on Get to know the product as well as possible so that you can sell it to the best of your abilities; escorted packages have so many amazing experiences included that it’s worth taking the time to discover what makes each tour so special.

Work with a youth specialist operator – it means they are tapped in to the mindset of their clients - you can be confident they will deliver an amazing experience. More broad-ranged products can leave clients in groups that they have little in common with.

Remember the value for money aspect – the price might immediately look higher than clients were looking to pay, but with inclusions of all (and often varied) transport in the destination, lots of authentic meals, activities and sightseeing, it works out as fantastic value for money. Also agents can earn significant commission selling an escorted tour because of an upfront price paid by the client, which covers all the inclusions – a win-win for agent and client.

Don't forget to talk about the huge benefits of touring with a group of young like-minded people. It's as much about the social experience as it is about the destinations, so make sure you communicate to clients the emotional connection around the friends they’ll make on tour. It’s so much more than travelling from A to B. Take the time to get to know your audience and how they are communicating. Look for operators that are connecting well with them e.g. via apps, social forums etc. and providing platforms for their clients to connect with each other before, during and after they travel. As the youth audience is so tech savvy, it will keep them coming back for more.

Get your client excited about the product you are selling.

Tell them about all the great inclusions and exclusive options, the special stays in exclusive accommodation.

Communicate to them to make the most of their trip and experience all the optionals, so they're not missing out on anything on the tour and come back with no regrets. ✦

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escortedtrips 2013 additions from Great Rail Journeys GREAT RAIL journeys is offering new worldwide escorted tours for 2013, featured in the company's ‘Worldwide Holidays By Rail 2012/ 13’ brochure.

As an example, a 17day Southern India tour leads in at £3,548 per person and includes scheduled flights, rail and coach travel in India, 12 nights' half-board stay and three nights on the Golden Chariot Hotel Train including all meals and selected guided tours.

Highlights of the trip include a harbour cruise in Cochin and a Pillarai ceremony in Madurai.

Also new for next year is a nine-day tour of Ecuador. Prices lead in at £2,085 per person including scheduled flights, rail and coach travel, seven nights' breakfast accommodation, four lunches and five dinners, an excursion to Otavalo, a guided city tour of Quito, a railway journey through the Avenue of Volcanoes, an excursion to Chimborazo volcano and a journey on the Devil’s Nose Train.

For more information call 01904-521980 or visit www.greatrail.com/uk

Europe & North Africa launch from Cosmos Tours & Cruises COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched both its 2013 Europe & North Africa and North America & Worldwide programmes.

The operator's Europe & North Africa programme features a new holiday concept, ‘Relax & Explore’, to provide customers with the flexibility to book the holiday that suits them best. Based on single or twin centres in a choice of destinations, customers can set their own pace by adding excursions, in addition to the sightseeing already included in the holiday. The choice includes historical and cultural highlights of Europe from the four-day Venice Carnival (from £549) to the sub-tropical island of Madeira (eight-day Taste of Madeira from £735) to the volcanic landscape of Iceland (five days from £765) and eight-day Turkey’s Turquoise Coast (£579).

Early booking offers includes a saving of £50 per person on bookings made before October 31, while single travellers can take advantage of no single supplement to pay on a choice of tours on selected departures with a saving of up to £375 per person on a 16-day ‘Best of Europe’, which leads in at £1,175.

New tour itineraries include the 13-day ‘Mediterranean Flavours’, which costs from £1,259 and a nine-day ‘Lake Garda

by Rail’, from £1,169.

New cruise companies featured for next year include Amadeus, Pullman and Royal Crown and all holidays are packaged with flights and transfers or with free car parking at UK ports. New river, ocean and ‘tour & cruise’ itineraries featured for the first time include the 13-day ’Ukraine – Land of the Cossacks - from £1,779, an eight-day ‘Canaries Winter Adventure’ cruise from £1,249, an eight-day Croatian Coastal Cruises from £849 and an eight-day

Your carriage awaits this summer to an

ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY WHAT’S INCLUDED • Comfortable hotels in prime locations • All meals & drinks • Must-see sightseeing and excursions • Accompanied by a helpful Tour Manager

Inspiring withinyour your reach Inspiring destinations destinations within reach 24

October 12 2012

Relaxing Rhone cruise from £1,449.

Cruise offers on selected cruises include free cabin upgrades, free drinks vouchers and up to € 80 onboard credit per couple.

Meanwhile, the operator has introduced a private door- to-door home pick up service for customers on a wide selection of its holidays.

The company's head of product, David Binns, said: “As our range of holidays and worldwide destinations grows, our customers are travelling further afield and their journeys are becoming longer.

We want to make their journeys as easy and comfortable as possible and provide the flexibility of starting and finishing their journeys by being picked up in a privately chauffeured car. This added element of service means customers can start their their holiday as soon as they leave the front door.”

Special offers in the company's new USA, Canada & Worldwide brochure include an Airport Hotel offer of £29 per room available at a four-star rated airport hotel for a one night pre or post tour stay, which includes up to 14 nights' airport parking.

New holidays to North America include a tour to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King the 12-day ‘Footsteps of Martin Luther King’, which costs from £1,795, as well as a tour of Texas - the 14-day ‘Texas – the Lone Star State’, which leads in at £1,965.

The new brochure features more than 100 escorted tours, cruise, rail journeys, multi-centre and resort holidays in North, Central, South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia for departures until December 31, 2013.

For more information call 0844-573 0668 or to request the new brochures visit www.trade-gate.co.uk

From breathtaking views of Lake Como’s crystal blue waters to exuberant landscapes, picturesque towns and vibrant cities in the Austrian Tyrol. Your customers will delight in our all-inclusive holidays filled with the allure of magnificent landscapes and iconic rail excursions.

Our all-inclusive escorted holidays provide everything your customers will need to enjoy a relaxing break - all meals including packed lunches on day trips, drinks and a full programme of excursions within one great value price - we take care of everything.

Want to know more about selling Treyn holidays?

Contact agencysales@greatrail.com and we will be happy to discuss our full range of product and services. Brochure supplies are available via www.Trade-Gate.co.uk Alternatively please call: 01904 734888

TREYN www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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escortedtrips TABER HOLIDAYS is promoting its 'Hidden Powers of the South' Iceland escorted tour, which leads in at £1,376 per person. Highlights include digging up freshly baked hot spring bread in Geysir for lunch; a visit to Eyjafjallajökull; a bathe in the Blue Lagoon; and a trip to see the floating icebergs in the Jökulsárlon, Glacial Lagoon. The tour departs on November 13 and February 12 and March 12, 2013 from Heathrow and prices include flights, transfers, breakfast accommodation, some evening meals and a guided tour by mini-van.

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

Shearings marks 2013 brochure launch with £100 savings TO MARK the launch of its 2013 Grand Tourer brochure, Shearings is offering savings of up to £100 per couple on many itineraries booked before October 31.

A selection of new itineraries feature in the latest brochure including a nine-day Swiss Alpine Railways tour, which costs from £989.

Highlights include travel on the Glacier, Bernina Express and Golden Pass Railway, taking in some of Switzerland’s most picturesque spots such as the lake of Lucerne, Meiringen, and Davos, the highest city in Europe.

The price includes eight nights' half-board accommodation and luxury coach travel and departures are available from May to September.

Also new is a 12-day Grand Tour of France from £1,229, where highlights include visits to Chenonceau Chateau in the Loire Valley, Avignon & Aix-en-Provence in Provence and Monaco. The tour concludes with a two-night stay in Paris and includes half-board accommodation and luxury coach travel.

Departure dates are available from April to September.

Other new additions include a five-day Chantilly Chateau in the North of France from £479 and an eight-day Romantic Railways of the Rhine from £699.

The operator's European & Worldwide holidays manager, Patricia Birmingham, said:

“We have introduced new European Grand Tourer itineraries for 2013 due to a 20% increase in sales of our premium escorted tours product in the last year. Grand Tourer holidays offer a luxury travel experience, onboard coaches with extra leg room while staying at handpicked hotels.

“The fact that many added extras are included in the price of these holidays for free can be used by agents to secure sales. Grand Tourer holidays include home connect, taking customers from their front door to their coach, where available. To ensure that customers get the most out of their holiday, we have also introduced dedicated tour managers on even more of the itineraries.”

Meanwhile, the operator is introducing Grand Tourer holidays in England for the first time next year.

As examples, a five-day Houses & Gardens of Northumberland leads in at £369 and highlights include the Victorian house & gardens at Cragside, the gardens at Belsay Hall with a tour by the head gardener and Hadrian’s Wall Country. A five-day Yorkshire Delights option showcases the Yorkshire Dales, and highlights include the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Line, a guided tour of York Minster and a cream tea at the famous Betty’s tearooms. Prices lead in at £339.

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

Titan issues Cruise & Tour and River Cruise 2013 brochures TITAN HAS launched its Cruise & Tour 2013 brochure which features a range of new itineraries, many of which have been combined with land stays.

The company is offering free onboard credit of up to £200 per cabin and pre-paid gratuities included in the price on selected itineraries.

Meanwhile, the operator's new 2013 River Cruise brochure offers a selection of escorted and unescorted itineraries, including an 18-day Mighty Yangtze and Best of China option which leads in at £2,795 per person and a 12-day Waterways of The Tsars, which costs from £2,895.

New itineraries include the musically-inspired ten-day Danube Symphony on MS Mozart, which costs from £1,595 and the 15-day Grand Voyage Across Europe, which leads in at £2,595.

Many of the operator's itineraries include a full programme of excursions and all onboard meals, while every holiday includes scheduled flights, accommodation, a tour manager and doorto-door transfers.

For more information visit www.titanagents.co.uk

Collette Worldwide Holidays unveils 11 new tours in 2013/14 programme COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays has launched its 2013/14 programme with 11 new additions, taking the total number of escorted tours in the new brochure to more than 50.

New tours include a 19-day Exploring Australia option, with highlights including Sydney, Melbourne, Barossa Valley Wine Region, Blue Mountains, Alice Springs, Uluru, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Prices lead in at £4,499 per person. An 11-day Discovering Poland tour is also new and

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

highlights include an overnight stay in medieval Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Teutonic Knight’s Marienburg Fortress, the largest castle in the world; dining out in a choice of Krakow’s restaurants; and a visit to the Jasna Gora Monastery. Prices start from £1,699 per person, including 15 meals.

Other options include a 26-day Discover South America tour from £7,599, a nine-day Rockies Rail Highlights from £2,699, a nine-day Heart of the South and New Orleans option

from £1,849 per person and a ten-day Imperial Cities tour, featuring Prague, Vienna and Budapest from £1,549.

Prices are based on two sharing and include most meals, flights, door-to-door pick up within 100 miles of the departure airport and the services of a tour leader.

Early booking offers of up to £250 per person are available on all tours in the new brochure.

For more information or to book call 0800-804 8700 or visit www.colletteworldwide.com

October 12 2012

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escortedtrips Travel Indochina boosts Burma departures by up to 60% We asked our staff the following question this week: How do you spend your weekend?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Shopping, cleaning, taxi service to my son karaoke evening this Saturday!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk It's the usual household jobs, lunch with family, occasional shopping & watching TV

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk I catch up with friends, chores, exercise, eat out, parties, cinema etc but I'm often away visiting family and friends

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Relaxing, and if sunny a lingering lunch on the waterside terrace of The Old Quay House Hotel in Fowey, Cornwall

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Summer: Cooking, taxi service, cricket, sometimes golf and a beer on occasion. Winter: Same but no cricket!

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk On the beach

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Making plans for world domination (he laughed, evilly)

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Drink, eat, sleep, watch football/golf/rugby, OVER SLEEP!

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com Get up, cafe, betting office, beer, football, bed

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Polishing my Air Jordans

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

FOLLOWING AN increase in demand for travel to Burma, Travel Indochina has increased its number of departures for 2013, offering 60% more departures for its nine-day 'Highlights of Burma' tour and doubling the number of departures on its 13-day 'Burma Revealed' Small Group Journey.

From this month through to March 2013, 'Burma Revealed' will increase in frequency from monthly to weekly departures, offering visits to the regions of Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Pindaya Caves and Kalaw.

Highlights include exploring the temple-filled plains of Bagan by bicycle, visiting a small countryside school run by monks in Ava, sharing lunch with resident nuns in a convent outside Mandalay and travelling by local train from the hill station of Kalaw to Shwe Nyaung.

For more information visit www.travelindochina.co.uk

Intrepid adds new tours to 2013 brochure INTREPID TRAVEL has launched its 2013 programme of small group escorted tours in Australasia and Europe. New tours include a nine-day Ukraine Highlights option from £1,060 per person, which travels from Kyiv to Lviv by train and bus, discovering Ukraine’s history as it visits the Chernobyl Museum and explores the Caparthian Mountains. A new nineday Highlights of Central Europe tour is also new, which costs from £1,280 and visits Bohemian towns and cosmopolitan cities as it journeys from Munich to Budapest, via Prague and Vienna.

For details visit www.intrepidtravel.com

Ffestiniog Travel launches 2013 Rail Holidays of the World FFESTINIOG TRAVEL has launched its new Rail Holidays of the World 2013 brochure, featuring a range of escorted and tailor-made journeys.

New for next year are five Grand Rail Tours and three Connoisseur Rail Tours.

As an example of Grand Rail Tours, a 13-day tour of Bohemia takes guests from Prague to the lakes and forests of South Bohemia.

Prices lead in at £1,665 per person including flights (on September 28), transfers, guided excursions and breakfast accommodation.

Next year also sees the operator return to Spain and Japan after a break of several years. Departing on

June 13, Green Hills of Spain and La Rhune offers a 15-day holiday that combines the northern coastline with visits to several of Spain’s vibrant cities, plus a short trip to southwestern France.

Prices start from £1,625 per person.

A Japan – North to Hokkaido itinerary includes the Shinkansen Bullet Train and the Banetsu Monogatari steam train, as well as remote branch lines and departs on September 25.

Prices lead in at £5,187 per person.

For more information or to book call 01766-772030 or visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com

Perfecting my yodelling

Production: Jeremy Walters production@travelbulletin.co.uk

Cultural Tours & Music Holidays brochure from Kirker

I like to fly my kite when there’s wind

KIRKER HOLIDAYS has issued its 2013 Cultural Tours & Music Holidays brochure, featuring a range of new tours.

As an example, a Classic Tour of Bulgaria – Icons, Monasteries & Mountains departs on June 3 and September 30, with prices leading in at £1,747 per person for nine nights with no single supplement. The price includes BA flights from Heathrow, breakfast accommodation, sightseeing, nine dinners, three lunches and a guided tour.

Also new is a seven-night Tenerife – The Nature & History of a Volcanic Island option, which departs on January 21 and November 18. Prices lead in at £1,798 per person based on two sharing and includes flights from Gatwick, breakfast accommodation, six dinners, three lunches and a tour lecturer.

For details see www.kirkerholidays.com or call 020-7593 2284.

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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October 12 2012

puzzlesolutions Travagrams: (top) Victoria Cruises

(bottom) New Orleans

Where Am I?: Khyber

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