Travel Bulletin 13th January 2012 by Alain Charles Publishing

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January 13 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,761 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

this week

puzzle bulletin can you solve the new anagram puzzles?

skal the world over NEW! members of Skal share their travel experiences and success stories from around the globe

Southern Africa Zambia reaches new heights in the popularity stakes

uk & ireland a round-up of the latest programme launches & new offers

red sea budget-conscious Brits seek value for money deals

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DEALS BY FUNWAY

FFUNWAY U N WAY W WINTER I N T E R SSALE A LE U P TO TO 45%! 4 5% ! S AV E UP SAVE PP H ALF P RICE D EPOSIT – N OW ONLY O N LY £75 £ 7 5 PP HALF PRICE DEPOSIT NOW

USA USA

FLORIDA FLORIDA

CARIBBEAN CARIBBEAN

T THAILAND HAIL AND

DUBAI DUBAI

ffrom rom

£4 £449 49

£ £599 599

£995 £995

£599 £599

£499 £4 99

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THERE’S SO MUCH TO EXPLORE...

B BEACH EACH HOL HOLIDAYS IDAY YS

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TA AKE AD DV VA ANTAGE A OF OUR SALE AND SAV AVE R BOOKING £100 PER

4 nights fr ro om

£599PP – Kids stay FREE!

7 nights

frrom o £995 £9 PP – Kids staay FREE!

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Trraavel based on: 2nd October 2012 T

SHERA ATON JUMEIRAH BEACH RESOR RT DUBAI

CENT TARA A GRAND GRAN MIRAGE BEACH RESOR RT PA ATTAYA

4 nights fr ro om £689PP – Including a saavving of 10%!

8 nights fr ro om £2729 £27 per family of 4 – Including 4 nights FREE REE and a FREE room upgrade! PLUS kids staay FREE!

THE BEST EST CHOICE ;I SJJIV XLI YPXMQEXI ¾I\MFMPMX] [MXL E ZEWX range of hotels across all of our products – superb choice of air lines;; variety of hotels all EX JERXEWXMG TVMGIW ;I [SV O LEVH XS IRWYVI you haave the choice . This only gives a small WIPIGXMSR SJ XLI HIWXMREXMSRW ERH LSXIPW [I JIEXYVI TPIEWI GLIGO SYV [IFWMXI SV GEPP YW fo or up to date availability v y.

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0 0844 8 4 4 5557 57 00626 626 FFOR OR T THE HE U USA, SA , C CARIBBEAN ARIBBE AN A AND ND M MEXICO, E X I CO, OR OR 0 0844 8 4 4 5557 57 31 3131 31 FFOR OR T THE H E FAR FA R EAST E A S T OR O R MIDDLE M I D D L E EAST E AST

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LET US TAKE YOU THERE...

SSPA PA B BREAKS REAKS

C CITY ITY B BREAKS REAKS

M MULTICENTRES ULLTICENTRES

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE HILLTON SAN DIEGO RESOR RT & SPA SAN DIEGO

THE BOSTON PARK A PLAZA HOTEL BOSTON

3 NIGHTS – MGM GRAND 3 NIGHTS – BEVERLLY GARLAND’S 2 NIGHTS – HOTEL CARLLTON

7 nights fr rom o £899PP Including an exclusive rate reduction!

4 nights fr ro om £449 £ PP – Including 1 night FREE!

Tra ravel based on: 1st Febr uar y 2012

Tra ravel based on: 9th Febr uar y 2012

AKYRA CHURA KO OH SAMUI

HARBOUR PLAZA NOR RTH POINT HONG KONG

3 NIGHTS – DUSIT THANI BANGKOK O 8 NIGHTS – DUSIT THANI HUA HIN

7 nights fr rom o £919PP – Including a FREE room upgrade and a FREE 30 minute beach spa massage!

4 nights fr ro om £729 £7 PP – Including 1 night FREE and a FREE room upgrade!

11 nights fr ro om £985PP – Including 5 nights FREE!

Tra ravel based on: 10th May 2012

Tra ravel based on: 16th May 2012

8 nights

frrom o £899PP

Tra ravel based on: 8th Febr uar y 2012

BANGKO OK & HUA HIN

Tra ravel based on: 15th May 2012

OR BOOK BOOK ONLINE ONLINE A AT T

www.FUNWAY4AGENTS.co.uk www ww w.F . UNW WAY4AGENTS.co.uk

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newsbulletin

This Week 3

news

W-AITO-Go!

Inset - Somerville Hotel

the latest news & views from AITO Agents

agent bulletin £50 in Capital Bonds vouchers for every sevennight break booked from Caribtours

puzzle bulletin

agent review

Cover Pictures: Main - Jill Sayles

why 2012 could be make or break year for UK tour operators

can you solve our new anagram puzzles? find out what one agent thought of his 12-night Royal Caribbean Cruise

Skal The World Over our new feature gives members of Skal the chance to share their travel experiences and success stories from around the globe

personality bulletin

uk & ireland

spain & her islands

southern africa

which director of sales would like to foresee the future? a round-up of the latest programme launches & new offers spain’s latest tourism stats show increased growth from the UK why it's time to recommend a visit to Zambia

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

FUNWAY FUNDRAISERS...Funway Holidays' staff have raised nearly £600 for charity as the operator focuses its efforts on working with two charities - ABTA Lifeline Charity and Children in Need. Almost £160 was raised for ABTA Lifeline Charity with a raffle last month including prizes sponsored by SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando and Maverick Helicopters and California Tourism, while a further £410 has been raised for Children in Need by the tour operator’s staff during a bake sale and auction. Pictured are, from the left: Niki Jordan and Charlotte Souto from Universal with Nandita Patel from Funway.

2012 could be make or break year for UK tour operators A NUMBER of UK travel companies and tour operators will struggle to survive in 2012 unless they radically change their business models and adapt to a fundamentally new market environment, according to advisory firm KPMG. The company says that the phenomenal rise of low-cost carriers, online travel booking and the challenging economic backdrop, combined with fuel and Air Passenger Duty increases could make 2012 one of the most challenging years yet. Since the beginning of last year 24 ATOL registered tour operators have gone into administration and the number of tour operator businesses facing 'critical distress' is estimated to have risen by 49% in the past year. Given that the economic cycle in the industry typically leads to cash reserves being at their lowest between November and January, operators find themselves now in the most risky part of the year. The company's head of travel, leisure and tourism, Richard Hathaway, said: “The traditional high-volume tour operating model based on customers pre-booking flights and accommodation packages well in advance is in long term decline as more travellers opt for self-packaging online and niche solutions. To survive, operators must ensure that they are flexible and in a position of financial strength. Operators who do not adapt their business model to meet the demands of today’s holidaymakers will face increased risks in the next year, including takeover or business failure. The company advises operators to ensure that they are looking closely at the underlying economic cycle, changing customer demographics, current business plans and seasonality of cash flow to make sure they have the full picture of risk in their business. In order to cope with these risks, tour operators should consider doing the following: 1. Ensuring a spread of strong brands in high margin spaces, whether niche or otherwise 2. Invest in a strong online and mobile channel, exploiting the latest technology 3. Offer products which are dynamic and adaptable to ever changing customer preferences 4. Put a significant focus on cost reduction and cash management 5. Take steps to ensure a healthy balance sheet Hathaway said: “Businesses who fail to take appropriate action are likely to have problems in the short to medium term. Operators with significant costs tied up in High Street retail operations or those focused exclusively in the commoditised end of the market will be more exposed than others to the economic and market uncertainty of the coming years."

January 13 2012

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newsbulletin ABTA publishes 2012 Travel Trends Report

THE BEST OF THE BUNCH...The Best of British event took place at Lords Cricket Ground last month to celebrate some of the sports personalities of the year. Pictured marking the occasion are, from the left: Bill Coad, Travel Bulletin; Mags Oliver, Tropical Sky; Hilary Modest, Antigua Tourist Board; David 'the Haymaker' Haye; and Colin Pegler, Resort Marketing International.

MOVERS TUI UK & Ireland has announced new appointments to its board. Jeremy Ellis has been appointed as marketing director; Garry Wilson is appointed product and purchasing director; and Andrew Flintham is appointed planning and trading director. ● Nick Brooks-Sykes has been appointed as chief executive of the destination marketing organisation for Bath and the surrounding area, Bath Tourism Plus. ● Oman Air has appointed Saleem Bin Amanullah Bin Abdul Hussain to the new role of general manager customer services. ● Michael Meade has been appointed as acting CEO of Tourism Fiji. ● Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has appointed John Atkins as director of Airport City, the £650m major Enterprise Zone development project at Manchester Airport. ● Oman Air has appointed Wayne Pearce as the chief executive officer. ●

ABTA HAS released its Travel Trends Report 2012, developed in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, predicting that holidaymakers will be seeking value for money but not necessarily the cheapest holiday this year. While the mid-market is expected to be squeezed, holidays that offer an authentic or specialist experience, and luxury and all-inclusive breaks, are all set to be popular. The association's chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said: “Last year was a challenging year but the British public showed resilience when it came to their holidays and we expect a similar picture in 2012. The squeeze on household spending looks set to continue and this is likely to see holidaymakers become more discerning about where they spend their money and what they get for it. This presents a good opportunity for travel companies to offer tailored, specialist and authentic experiences, as well as allinclusive packages for the budget conscious, that provide great value for money.” Key trends that have been identified include a growth in demand for specialist holidays such as cruising, adventure, exploration, learning and activity holidays; a good performance for luxury and budget breaks; baby boomers are set to fuel the market; changes on the High Street although consolidation saw overall shop numbers decline last year, bookings were up, with 25% of the public booking their foreign holiday on the High Street compared to 17% in 2010; and tried and tested destinations are likely to be popular. Early booking figures for summer 2012 suggest that destinations such as France, Greece, Italy, Spain and the US will all prove popular this year. The report also identifies “hot destinations” for 2012 which include Jordan; Colombia; Cape Verde and Poland/Ukraine.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include:

20% commission for agents selling small group tours to Zanzibar MEMBERS OF the TTA, Zanzibar Festival Tours, is offering 20% commission to agents on all tour seats sold for its Zanzibar Festival Tours. As an example, the upcoming Sautiza Busara Music Festival Tour, which runs between February 7-16, is an all-inclusive, fully hosted land-only option. A nine-night stay includes three nights at the Sultan Sands Beach Resort, while a six-night stay between February 7-13 excluding the beach extension is offered from £850 per person based on two sharing and includes an early booking discount of £250. Prices include accommodation, excursions, all itinerary meals, a tour leader and guide, transfers and festival VIP pass to all festival events. Flights, alcoholic drinks, tips and airport departure tax are excluded. For more information call 020-8858 1038, email info@zanzibarfestivaltours.com or visit www.zanzibarfestivaltours.com

January 13 2012

● Transun have released their 2012 Santa’s Lapland

programme, with day trips from £449 per person or a selection of two, three and four night breaks from £799 per person, with free and half price child discounts available. Departing from various regional airports to remote locations in Finnish Lapland from mid-November, the trips are perfect for all the family. In addition to flights, transfers, meals and drinks, there are a range of excursions included, from husky and snowmobile rides to a thrilling private search for Santa. Call 01865 265200 or visit www.transun.co.uk for reservations. ● Cyprus Tourist Office have launched their latest

newsletter bringing you all the news from Aphrodite's island. Further details on 020 7569 8800 or visit www.visitcyprus.com For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... Travelbag UK Easter eggs now in shopsa reminder that now's the time to book your Easter holiday. travelbag.co.uk 0871 703 4240 for latest offers. National Trust SE RT @nationaltrust: Eaten too much? Here's our 30 day guide to getting fit using the great outdoors come rain or shine bit.ly/t83zjZ On The Beach Here's another unmissable deal to round off the week! Stay 7 nights all inclusive at the excellent Palma Bay... fb.me/1ePgGB90u Tropical Sky holiday What’s on our iPod holiday playlist? Just ask Stephanie! bit.ly/yBqz4f Travelodge UK Our deal of the week is for our brand new London Greenwich hotel. £49 per night for a whole month 9th Feb - 9th March bit.ly/A56871 FCO travel advice ow.ly/8kbZV we no longer advise against travel to La Restinga on the island of El Hierro, Canary Islands.

Sunvil Discovery launches 2012 Portugal & Madeira brochure SUNVIL DISCOVERY has launched its 2012 real Portugal & Madeira brochure offering a selection of accommodation options and flexible itineraries to the lesser-known areas. The operator has announced that its exclusive flight to Beja in the heart of the Alentejo will continue this year, departing from Heathrow once a week. Following the success of the flight and an expanded Alentejo programme last year, a new section detailing what to do and see in the region is now featured. New properties include manor house Casa do Sezim, set in its own vineyard just outside Guimaraes, European Capital of Culture for 2012, and the five-star Onyria Marinha Edition Hotel & Thalasso near Cascais, complete with golf course that offers views over the Atlantic and Sintra mountain range. The lead-in price is from £490 per person based on two sharing at the Casa da Eira in Vila Nova de Milfontes on the coast of the Alentejo. The price includes flights, transfers and seven nights’ breakfast accommodation. For more information call 020-8758 4747 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

Newsbites ●

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INTREPID TRAVEL is reintroducing trips to Burma from March and has 19 departures scheduled until March 2013. See www.intrepidtravel.com/landing/newtrips2012 A NEW Website has been launched for people wanting to research and book a trip to the US. The Visit USA Association contracted Navigate Design to complete the project. See www.visitusa.org.uk ADVANTAGE TRAVEL Centres has introduced QR codes to its window materials using them for the first time as part of the current ‘We add…’ turn of year campaign. The smart phone readable QR codes will link to the Advantage Love Your Travel Agent Website (www.loveyourtravelagent.com) for customers to access the latest offers on holidays worldwide. IF ONLY... has become a member of AITO - the Association of Independent Tour Operators. AIRASIA has abolished the counter check-in fees for all international flights throughout its route network. THE FIVE-star Dukes London has rejoined Small Luxury Hotels Of The World (SLH). INSIGHT VACATIONS has launched its debut 2012/13 India & Nepal programme featuring 12 itineraries in total. Visit www.insightvacations.com for details.

Budapest Airport has announced the launch of a third route from Jet2.com. The new twice-weekly flights from Budapest to Leeds are scheduled to begin on March 29 and will depart on Thursdays and Sundays. The new service will run in addition to the existing regular flights to Edinburgh, and the daily schedule operating between Budapest and Manchester. Fares start from €49.49 one-way including taxes.

January promotional deal from Wendy Wu offers savings of £100 WENDY WU Tours has launched a January promotional offer where savings of £100 per person can be made on each fully inclusive group tour bookings made until January 31. The operator has a series of new tours departing this month including two new private tours to China and three new group tours to Indochina and its first India itinerary. Visas for UK passport holders are included in the price and all group tours are fully inclusive. As an example of prices, a ten-day China Experience group tour takes in China’s three most famous cities Shanghai, Xian and Beijing as well as a

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trip to the historic canal town of Wuzhen. The itinerary shows the contrast between Wuzhen’s old-world charm and cosmopolitan Shanghai and Beijing and also includes a cruise on the Huangpu River and a visit of the unique Temple of Heaven. If booked this month a fully inclusive group tour costs from £1,490 per person for a February 6 departure or from £1,590 when departing between February 18-27. For more information or to book visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-875 2433.

January 13 2012

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go! by OLIVER BROAD

AITO Agents encourages a celebration of independence at its 11th domestic conference with the theme ‘Do it now!’ sit writing this at a desk scattered full of notes on the final preparations for the 11th AITO Agents’ Domestic Conference in Warwickshire on 14-15 January 2012. It’s a daunting task, one which I am not alone in handling, thank goodness. During busy times like this, I am thankful for such a dedicated and hardworking team at AITO and amongst our panel and members who are helping to put together this mammoth event.

This will be the largest get-together from the UK’s independent travel sector. No other event has so many truly independent agents and operators in one place. It is a great opportunity for AITO members, agents and affiliates to network, to keep up with the latest trends and to see what is in store for the year ahead.

"Now is a better time than ever before to brainstorm and see what you can plan for 2012 to avoid getting trapped in our bad economy" It is also pleasing to know that more delegates will be attending this year than ever before. It seems that, when times get tough, one realises the importance of networking more than ever before and one thus seeks inspiration to help survive difficult times. The theme of the weekend is ‘Do it now!’ I often use the excuse ‘I don’t have time for that’. But when is there a good time for anything as we rush around, working late, blurring the lines between work life and home life? And so at our conference I will be suggesting that there really is no time like the present. Now is a better time than ever before to brainstorm, take the team out of their day-today environment, have a glass of wine to loosen up the idea bank and see what you can plan for 2012 to avoid getting trapped in our bad economy. There are certainly enough events happening with the Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee to get the ideas started. To help our members in 2012, we have lined up a number of new initiatives at our domestic conference this weekend. Firstly we will be holding a new small-scale ‘speed dating’ session that will feature new AITO operator members. Our popular market place on the Sunday afternoon is huge and so this smaller, more focused

January 13 2012

session will offer quality time with those agents able to arrive early. A new ‘Beginners Guide to AITO’ will provide new members of staff - and those needing a refresher with basic yet vital information about AITO, including how they can get the most out of our unique Closer Ties partnership. The finals of our AITO Mastermind 2011 competition will take place prior to our Gala Dinner – crowning the brainiest AITO Agent in the land! And the highlight of the weekend will be the AITO All Stars incentive scheme awards’ ceremony which will once again reward regional and national winners with some fantastic prizes and that all-important trophy to display in-store. On Sunday morning we will welcome Andy Cohen from the CAA who will no doubt stir up some questions as he gives us an update on ATOL reform and what we, as agents, need to prepare for. Lorraine Barnes Burton will then present some interesting findings from TravelVision 2012, the largest consumer research project undertaken by the British Travel Awards. This unique insight will focus on the future of the High Street and how we can tap into the consumers of tomorrow. A panel discussion to pinpoint how our members successfully harness the web and use it to drive clients to them, will see some of our own members take to the stage to discuss their own projects. And finally, AITO chairman Derek Moore and I will join forces once again to announce the location for our 2012 overseas conference in June. I think we are definitely packing in more than we ever have done within our short 24-hour domestic conference and, with attendance so high, it’s a true sign that the independent sector may well be stronger than some say it is.

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

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

Cruising the South China Sea on Sunday 15th January at 14:30 on The Travel Channel Cheryl Baker hops aboard the Azamara Quest for a tour of the exotic Far East. Beginning her journey in Hong Kong, Cheryl has just enough time to sample some Michelin-starred dim sum before the Azamara Quest ups anchor and sails south to Vietnam. Here Cheryl visits the town of Hoi An, before heading to Bangkok to take in the golden temples and street food.

New Zealand savings from Cox & Kings FOR ALL departures on the Pacific Escapade, a non-exclusive group tour of both North and South Islands, Cox & Kings is offering a £1,000 discount per person. The 18-day itinerary explores New Zealand’s scenery and with the discount leads in at £2,499 per person including breakfast accommodation, transfers and excursions. Flights are excluded. A discounted price is valid for all new bookings made until February 28 for any departure between April 1 and March 31, 2013. Payment must be made in full for all bookings before June 30. For details call 020-7873 5000 or see www.coxandkings.co.uk

River cruises from £1,525 with Swan FOLLOWING INCREASED demand for river cruises, Swan Hellenic is offering a selection of diverse itineraries next spring. Prices lead in at £1,525 per person for a Cruising the Danube itinerary which includes flights, transfers and an eight-day cruise departing from Passau and calling at Melk, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Durnstein. The price is based on an April 29 departure. Prices for all cruises include meals and entertainment, gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. For more information or to book visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844-8220679.

Nine-night Carnival fly/cruise from £1,099 CARNIVAL’S FUN Ship, Carnival Dream, will commence a nine-night Caribbean itinerary on March 2 from Port Canaveral to the Western Caribbean, visiting Cozumel, Belize, Isla Roatan and Costa Maya. The fly/cruise leads in at £1,099 per person including scheduled flights, one night pre-cruise hotel (roomonly) and a seven-night cruise on a full board basis.

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The 3,646-passenger ship features a range of facilities including 18 bars and lounges; a duty-free shopping mall; a health spa and gym, including a hydrotherapy pool; a casino, a 2,400sq.ft children’s area; four swimming pools; and several cascading water slides. For more information or to book see www.carnivalcruise.co.uk or call 0845-351 0556.

New property additions from Sardinian Places SARDINIAN PLACES has released its 2012 brochure offering its largest collection of villas, apartments, residences and hotels, with more than 80 choices. Highlights for 2012 include ten new property additions, a new Manchester to Olbia flight service on Sundays along with a second Gatwick to Olbia flight on Saturdays in the high season from mid-July. Booking incentives on holidays booked by January 31 include savings of up to £150 per person on package bookings; savings of up to 20% per person on hotelbased bookings and a 10% low deposit offer. Seven-night holidays start from £399 per person, based on eight sharing self-catering accommodation at the four-bedroom Sardinian villa, La Mendula, located in the seaside resort of Cannigione. The price includes flights, car hire and a welcome hamper. For details call 0845-330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Trade to sell Berlin sightseeing passes LEISURE PASS Group is rolling out sales of its new Berlin Sightseeing Pass to the trade this year. The pre-paid ‘smart card’ pass will be available for sale via agents from this month, opening up a new potential source of ancilliary income on city-breaks to the German capital. The Berlin Pass offers entry to 53 of the city’s leading attractions, including the Pergamon museum, The Jewish Museum and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Users also get free access to the Berlin public transport network, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and a river cruise. Customers will able to collect their passes in the city for the first time this year and a new redemption centre in central Berlin, has just opened. The pass is available in two- and three-day durations and costs €79 for adults and €39 for children (two days) or €89 for adults and €45 for children (three days). Users also receive a 96-page city sightseeing guide. For more information email peter@leisurepassgroup.com

Leger offers city breaks from £99 LEGER HOLIDAYS has launched a range of value getaways this year; including a three-day city break to Paris from £99 and a three-day tour through Belgium, visiting Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels, for £109. Optional extras, such as Silver Service travel and excursions to some of the continent’s most popular tourist hot spots, are available and for a bit extra clients can upgrade to luxury Silver Service coach travel plus extra guided sight-seeing. The three-day Paris Weekend City Break, which departs on August 4, includes free pick-up from a local collection point, two nights' breakfast accommodation, ferry crossings and the chance to explore the city at leisure or join one of the two optional guided sightseeing tours: the landmarks by day – including the Eiffel Tower and l’Arc de Triomphe – and a visit to Paris’ Latin Quarter by night. For details call 0844-504 6250 or visit www.leger.co.uk

January 13 2012

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newsbulletin Freewheel Holidays adds new cycling options across seven countries FREEWHEEL HOLIDAYS has introduced a wider choice of cycling holidays across seven European countries – Austria, France, Holland, Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic. The new 2012 brochure features a selection of holidays including coastal, mountain and river valley routes, with six new cycling programmes in France. These include La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré - a twincentre holiday in the popular Charente Maritime; Bordeaux Vineyards - The Medoc route through vineyards with sampling opportunities; Bordeaux to Arcachon – Vineyards to the Sea; Highlights of North Burgundy - a scenic, circular tour from the cathedral city of Auxerre; Burgundy Waterways - a journey of river and canalside cycling; and Burgundy Wine Lands - a tour through south Burgundy’s

wine heart land – Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges. The types of cycling holiday vary and can be hosted, supported, self-guided, a guided group, or ‘Boat & Bike’, where guests stay on a river barge in a group of 15-25 people with all meals prepared by a chef. Depending on preference and experience, holidaymakers can select from family-friendly holidays, leisurely holidays with an emphasis on culture, coastal cycling with beaches and views, or countryside cycling. As an example of prices, a four-night break in the Loire Valley costs £399 for adults and £329 for children under 13. For more information call 0116-255 8417, email enquiries@freewheelholidays.com or visit www.freewheelholidays.com

Tailor Made Travel launches programme of independent Canada & Alaska breaks TAILOR MADE Travel has unveiled its programme of holidays to Canada and Alaska for 2012 covering British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, Yukon and the US state of Alaska. Designed to offer an extensive menu of options from which clients can custom build their ideal itinerary, the brochure features a

range of options from flexible multicentre and self-drive itineraries to wildlife-watching, cultural experiences, journeys by rail and cruises through Alaska's Inside Passage. As an example of prices, a new 12day Eastern Explorer tours from Toronto to Halifax, travelling by train for the entire journey. The itinerary

includes guided tours in Toronto and Montreal, plus a chance to climb aboard the famous Maid of the Mist to witness the Niagara Falls. Packages cost £2,039 per person including flights, accommodation, sightseeing and a VIP Home Departure service. For more information call 0845-456 8050 or visit www.tailor-made.co.uk

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WEBSCLUSIVES

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering adults an experience at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for £22 – the same price as a child ticket. The offer includes one day admission to the Visitor Complex, Astronaut Hall of Fame and Simulator Station and is valid on all new bookings made up until March 31 for travel any time up until December 8. For details see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

January 13 2012

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Air Europa – Win places on an intensive salsa workshop for two by entering the Air Europa competition on www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Kirra Holidays – View the Kirra Holidays 2012/13 Complete Travel Guide in digital format at www.travelbulletin.co.uk.

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All About The Indian Ocean – View Travel Bulletin’s annual Indian Ocean supplement in digital format at www.travelbulletin.co.uk

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ● FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is celebrating this month to mark its 20th birthday and is offering agents the chance to win a bottle of Champagne by making a Far East booking by March 31. For every booking worth more than £2,000 during the celebration period, agents will also be entered into a prize draw to earn £20 of shopping vouchers. Agents should email win@funway.co.uk stating their Far East booking reference to claim their Champagne before March 31. For details see ww.funway4agents.co.uk ●

CARIBTOURS HAS launched its January Winter Campaign and is giving away £50 Capital Bonds vouchers for every seven-night holiday booked this month for two adults including flights. Bookings must be with either Caribtours or The Private Travel Company. The operator's Winter Sale also gives agents the chance to offer clients savings of up to £7,255 per family and £3,375 per couple. Both companies are also offering a complimentary chauffeur driven airport transfer for all holidays for travel until March 31 and a low booking deposit of £100 per person for 2012 bookings made by January 31. To claim the vouchers, agents should email werewardagents@caribtours.co.uk by February 10 with the booking reference.

Did you know...

GATES 12 and 14 at Heathrow ’s Terminal 4 are at opposite ends of the buildin g so superstitious flyers don’t not ice gate 13 is missing and think gate 14 is ‘really’ gate 13, and hence unlucky. ALL AIR traffic control commu nication is in English so a plane can unders tand instructions to another pilot. A Chinese con troller will speak to a Chinese plane in English. THE WORLD Meteorological Organisation changed the cloud numbering system. Originally it ran from 1 to 9, but became 1 to 10. Soon after, though, for rom antic reasons, it was changed again to go fro m 0 to 9. The highest topped cloud was ori ginally cloud 9, hence the expression ‘on clo ud 9.’ When they added an extra type it spoiled the saying, so they changed the system to keep cloud 9 the tops. Source: Inflight Science by Bri an Clegg

Holidaymakers say the funniest things... PERFECT GETAWAYS has revealed details of the most bizarre requests made by holidaymakers booking accommodation. They included: A toupee stand - the holidaymaker complained when the owner didn't have one that every respectable beach house should have one; Hot water bottles in the villa - a request made in Costa Blanca for the last two weeks in July where the outside temperature was 24 degrees...at night!; a pot for the poo - after speaking to the holidaymakers the owner determined it was a potty they wanted for their three year old child; are clothes compulsory? The owner advised that public nudity was banned in Barbados although they were ok to walk around naked in the property. The holidaymakers requested that as the owner lived on site they would expect her to comply with their (none) dress code in the property.

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A TRIO OF TREATS...Co-op Travel’s Amie Biknell (centre) will be shopping ‘til she drops after winning Keycamp's online training incentive. Amie received £500 Selfridges vouchers and a personal shopping experience at the retailer’s London store and is pictured at the Co-op Travel Wall Heath branch with colleagues Emma Armson (left) and Jodie Millard. More prizes are on offer for agents completing the operator's online training by February 29, including an iPad and three seven-night holidays. See www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk/keycamp/home.aspx and www.keycamp4agents.co.uk

January 13 2012

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newsbulletin Second edition Florida launch from Funway

Regent adds Arctic Gems tour

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched its second edition Florida Brochure 2012/13 featuring a range of holiday options including fly/drives, family holidays, beach and city breaks plus a wide selection of properties. The 36-page brochure features Orlando, the Gulf Coast and the South Coast. New additions to the programme, which is valid for departures until March 31, 2013 include an accommodation boost in Legoland Florida and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (opens May 12); a range of promotions and special offers including a free night offer on North American Vacation Homes in Orlando; free lounge passes per person at Gatwick and Manchester; a 5% discount on Alamo car rentals for Florida and California bookings made by February 8 for travel throughout 2012; a price match promise for all Florida holidays; and upgrades to Premium Economy from £229 per person one-way. Prices lead in at £779 per person for a seven-night stay at Quality Inn International, Orlando including flights with Virgin and a free lounge pass, based on two sharing. Meanwhile, the operator has launched its ‘EAST by Funway’ 2012/13 brochure, which showcases Middle East and Far East programmes including new hotels, destinations and airline partners. Prices lead in at £525 per person based on three nights' breakfast accommodation at the three-star Arabian Park, including flights, transfers and tax and fuel surcharges. For more information visit www.funway4sgents.co.uk or call 0844-557 3131.

REGENT HOLIDAYS has launched a new escorted tour that explores Iceland's scenery and natural wonders at a relaxed pace. The nine-day tour takes in both north and south Iceland and costs from £1,640 per person, including highlights such as the Northern town of Siglufjorour; waterfalls; fjords; the Vatnajokull glacier; lava fields, hot springs; and bathing in the Blue Lagoon. Departures are available in May, June, July and August and prices include flights, transfers, transport, entrance fees, sightseeing tours, breakfast accommodation and six dinners. For more information visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk or call 0117-921 1711.

Cyplon launches Fly & Stay Cruises CYPLON HOLIDAYS has introduced its cruising programme for 2012 in co-operation with Louis Cruises covering Greece and her islands and Turkey. The new programme is part of the dynamic packaging feature that the operator is promoting, whereby agents can offer their clients the flexibility of planning departures, accommodation and landbased activities independently of one another. Cruises start from £399 per person for a four-night trip including flights from Heathrow and the programme offers extensive land-based activities and journey extensions including Cyprus, Nile cruises and the Red Sea Riviera. For details visit www.cyplon.co.uk, call 0800-074 8888 or email sales@cyplon.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 047

Auk Plural Mu

A➠

B➠ This city is home to twin towers

C➠

Spin Not

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 operator’s mascot is a crocodile!

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, January 19th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winners for 9th and 16th December will be announced in next week’s issue.

Wombling river in South America

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

Number: 047

Across 1. Part of the Thomas Cook group (7) 4. Airport operator, initially (3) 6. Take a punt on this river (3) 7. Online message (5) 8. Spielberg movie showing at a cinema near you (3,5) 10. Caribbean island (8) 12. The longest river in France (5) 13. Flag carrier of Lebanon (3) 14. Currency of Albania (3) 15. Capital of Uganda (7)

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Down 1. Holly Branson was recently married on this island (6) 2. Found in the Irish Sea, initially (3) 3. Former ferry operator in news (9) 4. Actor Brian, with a booming voice (7) 5. Travel industry association, initially (4) 7. Norwegian city (9) 8. English city with a famous castle (7) 9. Capital of Bahrain (6) 11. Carrier operating from Ben Gurion international airport (2,2) 13. Miami international airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 34 January 13 2012

S03 TB1301 News 2_Layout 1 11/01/2012 12:54 Page 12

newsbulletin Dedicated cycling brochure from Explore

agentreview Les Young from Thomas Cook Travel in Knutsford, Cheshire took a 12-night Royal Caribbean Cruise on Independence of the Seas with his partner. Here's what he thought of the trip...

First impressions ..................................10/10 Awesome! This ship is absolutely stunning and huge. Our luggage was at our stateroom when we got there. Very clean & lovely staff welcomed us.

Comfort ..................................................10/10 Staterooms were big and we had a balcony which was quite large with a table and 2 comfy chairs. Best sleep ever on really comfy beds and plenty of space for your clothes.

Quality ....................................................10/10 So much to do and even if you just want to chill out and sunbathe there is so much space. We spent the majority of the cruise in the adults-only solarium area. The food was fabulous. We did Mytime dining and the King Lear restaurant was superb. Also had nightly a la carte meals served by two waiters who look after you like royalty.

Affordability ..........................................10/10 Great value for money and we paid for the drinks package onboard which was great value. Would definitely recommend paying for a stateroom balcony.

Service ..................................................10/10 The staff all over the ship are amazing. Service is like a fivestar service - they simply can't do enough for you.

Good to know .................................................. Make sure if you go to Lisbon to get up early to see the ship go under the famous bridge with the horn on the ship blasting out at 6 in the morning - it's hilarious watching other people jump!

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

January 13 2012

Youhotels.com moves to agency status FOLLOWING A review of the current marketplace and consultation with key clients, Youhotels.com has announced it will be switching from principal status to agency status early this year. The announcement brings the accommodation-only supplier in line with the majority of UK-based bed banks and reflects the changing attitudes to principal status within the industry. The company's UK managing director, Matt Cheevers, said: “We are one of the last remaining accommodationonly suppliers to operate as a principal and it no longer makes business sense to continue to do so. We can’t continue to offer our clients fantastic prices if we have to absorb the costs associated with principal status.

Diamond Jubilee deals from Superbreak

10 / 10

Les receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for his 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.

EXPLORE HAS released a brochure dedicated to its cycling portfolio which features trips for all experience and activity levels and includes an increased focus on challenging tours for keen cyclists. As well as a number of new tours in Europe, the operator has responded to customer demand for more cycling trips further afield, with new trips in Burma, India, Cuba, Sri Lanka, as well as a trip that journeys through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The company is also offering 5% off any of the 19 new cycling tours, when booked by January 31 - a saving which agents can pass on to their customers. As an example of new tours, an eight-day Cycle Albania tour is graded moderate to strenuous and 365km is covered on quiet, undulating roads, with some steeper sections. Prices lead in at £997 per person including flights; accommodation, mostly on a bed-and-breakfast basis; three dinners; hybrid bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle. For more information visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844-499 0901.

THIS YEAR marks 60 years of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign and Superbreak has launched packages to the Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle, which is part of the overall celebrations. The event will take place over three evenings, from May 10-13, in the grounds of Windsor Castle and celebrates the 250-plus State and Commonwealth visits that The Queen has made during her 60-year reign. The operator is offering packages to the pageant that include tickets to see the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle and overnight accommodation in a four-star hotel. Tickets also allow access to The Jubilee Royal Windsor Horse Show which takes place in the same showground during the day. Guests will be able to view the action in the outside competition rings (three in total) and there is shopping village with more than 200 shops, cafes and bars available. Prices lead in at £125 per person staying one night at the four-star Beaumont Estate hotel in Windsor and a ticket to the pageant. For more information or to book call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

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SELL 2, SAIL FREE

Sell 2 staterooms on Crystal Serenity and you and a guest sail free*

SELL 2 STATEROOMS ON THE FOLLOWING CRYSTAL SERENITY VOYAGES: 2308 | New York to Dover Trans-Atlantic 2309 – 2326 | European Itineraries 2327 | Barcelona to Miami Trans-Atlantic

Choose your free cruise from: Crystal Symphony | 2202 – 2204 Panama Canal / South America | 2206 – 2231 South America, Europe & Trans-Atlantic, New England & Canada, Panama Canal & Mexican Riviera, South Pacific & Australasia Crystal Serenity | 2307 – 2328 Panama Canal, Europe & Trans-Atlantic APPLICABLE VOYAGES FOR FREE TRAVEL AGENT REDEMPTION CURRENTLY INCLUDE ALL 2012 VOYAGES EXCEPT 2201, 2205, 2301 & WORLD CRUISE AND ITS SEGMENTS (2302-2306).

Voted “The World’s Best” more than any other cruise line, resort or hotel in history

www.discovercrystal.co.uk

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newsbulletin SKÅL THE VER WORLD O Members of Skål - the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals - share their travel experiences and success stories from around the globe. This month's feature highlights the benefits of becoming a member of Young Skål... HEN IZZY McHarg joined Young Skål International, the global association for travel and tourism professionals aged between 20 and 30 years of age and who have been in the industry for at least two years, little did she realise that it would soon be helping her to develop her career on the other side of the world. Izzy, aged 24 and with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Adventure Tourism, and her partner James, recently decided to seek their fortunes in Australia and so she contacted Ian Hawkes, the current UK president of Skål International, to ask if he could help her find work in Sydney, their destination of choice Down Under. Ian quickly made contact with two senior Skål colleagues in Sydney; his opposite number, Russell Butler, president of Skål Australia and national sales manager for Avis Cars, and Melinda Brown, marketing manager for the Australian Federation of Travel Agents, asking if they could help Izzy when she arrives this month. As a result of this request, Russell immediately offered to set up opportunities for Izzy to meet with prospective employers when she arrives in Sydney and Melinda will provide Izzy with additional travel industry networking opportunities and one-to-one career development advice. Melinda will also put Izzy in touch with the youth branch of the Australian Tourism Export Council, whose deputy managing director is also an active Sydney Skål member. Ian Hawkes said: “This is a perfect example of the Skål International at its best. When Izzy arrives in Sydney, she will be welcomed into the local Skål tourism community and be provided with career and professional support. She will also become a minor celebrity as we think she will be Sydney’s first ‘Young Skål’ member! “I want to use my year as UK president to raise awareness of Skål International as the world’s premier organisation for travel and tourism professionals and I especially want to develop membership of Young Skål UK, which represents the future of our industry. “I therefore urge all young professionals working or training in travel and tourism in the UK to join Young Skål UK by going to Linkedin and visiting the ‘Young Skål UK ‘ group, or they can contact me at ian@skal-oxford.org.uk.”

January 13 2012

Worldwide brochure launch from H&J HAYES & Jarvis has set out to explain exactly what is on offer at all 79 resorts featuring in its new Worldwide All Inclusive 2012/13 brochure by taking the small print and making it the big print. The company's largest 92-page brochure makes the ‘what’s included’ section of the package offer into the focal point on the page for each of the 79 resorts featured across 18 destinations worldwide. Valid for bookings until March 31, 2013, the brochure features all of the operator’s top selling all-inclusive hotels, with choices to cater for all budgets from threestar accommodation to luxury five-star resorts. Prices start from £649 per person for a six-night allinclusive package at the four-star plus Jaz Mirabel Club in Sharm el Sheikh, based on two sharing this month. Alongside the more familiar Caribbean, Latin American and Indian Ocean choices, the company has added Dubai, together with a range of optional allinclusive packages in Thailand and Bali. For details call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

Inghams expands 2012/13 ski options INGHAMS HAS launched its new ski holiday programme for 2012/13. The brochure features eight more chalets and one new chalet hotel, taking the total to 73 properties on catered board across Europe. The four new ‘Mountain Lodge’ chalets will offer modern and spacious living in the resort of St Anton, while the new Chalet Hotel ‘du Montet’ is in popular Val d’Isère and is a newlyrenovated stone built property. The main cable-car and pistes are approximately four minutes’ walk away and experienced skiers can ski back to the property. Prices lead in at £589 including flights, transfers and seven nights’ catered board. The operator has also extended its ‘Inghams Plus’

added-value offers. The twofor-one ski and board hire offer is valid in all chalets and chalet hotels across the season, and only for bookings made from the preview brochure. The company's ‘Cash-Back’ promotion gives savings of up to £100 per couple off brochure prices on most dates and properties, for a limited time. Meanwhile, new for 2012/13 the operator has introduced value inclusive ski packages in Austria and Andorra which include lift passes and other extras. For example, Chalet Hotel Elisabeth, Kühtai, includes flights, transfers, seven nights' catered board, packed lunch for six days, a six-day lift pass, six-day ski & boot hire and three days’ tuition from £699 per adult and £350 per child.

Dedicated Hawai’i Website for travel agents HAWAI’I TOURISM Europe has created the UK's Hawai’i Travel Trade Resource Center – a travel professionals' onestop-shop for the latest communications, sales, and marketing tools on the Islands of Aloha. The site includes the latest communications, marketing tools, downloadable print materials, destination information and sales support. A tiered self study training programme is also available that allows travel agents to familiarise themselves with the islands, gain selling tips and help them become an Hawai’i expert. Visit www.travelagentportal.net

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THINK CANADA, THINK TITAN! NEW 2012-2013 WORLDWIDE BROCHURE OUT NOW _ NEW LOWER PRICES ON SELECTED TOURS BOOK BY 31 JANUARY 2012 AND SAVE UP TO £300pp INCLUDING DOOR TO DOOR TRANSFERS WITH TITAN’S VIP HOME DEPARTURE SERVICE®

To request the NEW Worldwide brochure please visit

www.trade-gate.co.uk or visit

ABTA No.Y174X

www.titanagents.co.uk

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personalitybulletin

Maggi Nixon The director of sales at RIRTL’s Maharajas’ Express always takes her jewellery with her when travelling and enjoys good company mixed with good food and wine

“My motto in life? To be loyal, honest, hard working and well dressed”

What's your earliest childhood memory? Travelling to our summer cottage in Northern Ontario. Where was your last workrelated trip? PURE, Marrakech. If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – intelligent, charming, professional.

Career path ● ● ●

What is the best advice you recall? To be totally honest.

What item do you always take with you when travelling? My jewellery.

1982-1985: Sales manager - Loews Representation International 1985-2009: Director of sales - The Oberoi Group 2009-present: Director of sales RIRTL’s Maharajas’ Express

How do you deal with stress? Plenty of early nights. What song would you have played at your funeral? The Lord’s My Shepherd - Crimond. Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? Impolite people.

If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be? My friends with good food and wine. If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be? Massive discounting, improvements at UK airports and quicker responses to emails. Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? My mother – she brought me up to work hard, be charming and polite under all circumstances. My father died when my twin sister and I were very young.

What was your nickname at school and why? Maggi instead of Margaret.

What's your favourite airline and why? Singapore Airlines – style and efficiency.

What three words would your friends use to describe you? Kind, generous and fun. What have your travels taught you? Calmness and understanding.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? To foresee the future.

January 13 2012

What's your favourite city and why? Udaipur, the Venice of Asia. The five Lakes, the Old City, City Palace and Ganesh Emporium. If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing? Another sales position in the luxury segment of the travel industry, hopefully. What is your motto in life? Be loyal, honest, hard working and well dressed. What is your favourite mode of travel? Train.

What special skills do you have? Sales skills and attention to detail. How do you cope with the advances in technology? Fairly well, could do better! What’s your favourite movie of all time? The King’s Speech. What’s your favourite programme on the TV right now? Frozen Planet. If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you? Kristen Scott Thomas.

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uk&ireland

‘Born to Run’ to the Isle of Wight Festival 2012 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the E Street Band will headline Sunday night at the 11th Isle of Wight Festival, which takes place from June 22-24 at Seaclose Park, Newport. Wightlink has allocations of the three-day festival passes and is offering these in a range of ‘ticket and travel’ weekend packages for the event. Three-day non-camping festival and travel tickets cost from £183.70 for foot passengers and £255.50 for a car and driver. This means that four people travelling together by car will pay a total of £806.60 – or £201.65 each. Camping-inclusive packages are also available priced from £214.70 per person for foot passengers and £286.50 for a car and driver, while four adults travelling in one car will pay £930.60 (£232.65 per person). Special rates are available for motorbikes and children aged 15 or under, while a special delivery charge of £7.50 will be added to each booking. The company’s marketing manager, Kerry Jackson, said: “Demand has already been strong since we started selling tickets in November. We advise agents booking for customers travelling from the mainland to make ferry reservations as soon as possible. Every year we have cases of ticketholders who have forgotten to book ferry crossings until the last minute, which means that they are severely restricted on the times that they can travel. Booking early means that festival-goers can choose to travel when it best suits them.” For more information call 0871-376 1000 or visit www.wightlink.co.uk

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York Mystery Play

GRJ & Treyn highlight selection of rail experience breaks GREAT RAIL Journeys and sister company Treyn are promoting a number of rail experience holidays in the UK for this year. The companies' marketing and sales director, Alex Roberts, said: “We are seeing an interesting and sustained growth in our UK rail holidays, with a particular trend for people - the average age of our customers is 63 - going back to places they holidayed as a child, such as Yorkshire and Norfolk. "Last year more than 4,500 of our customers

travelled on one of our Yorkshire tours. I’d say that the trend, perhaps because of the current economic climate, means that people have an affinity with the nostalgia and comfort of the past and again, I predict huge growth in this sort of product. For example, Yorkshire By Steam is one of Treyn’s best selling tours.” As an example of prices, Treyn's five-day Yorkshire by Steam tour to Yorkshire includes four nights’ breakfast accommodation, four dinners, a guided tour of York, a journey on the

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, a visit to the Brontë Parsonage, a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a visit to Whitby and the services of a tour manager. Another highlight for this year includes the York Mystery Plays. Performed once every ten years, the Mystery Plays bring to life the history of humanity and Treyn is offering a five-day tour from £365 per person. For more information call GRJ on 01904-521980 or see www.greatrail.com and Treyn on 01904-734940 or visit www.railholidays.com

Get on your bike with new London tours from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD is inviting customers to get on their bikes by offering guided cycling tours of London. There are two new tours on offer - a Royal London Bike Tour where guests can learn about kings, queens and princesses; palaces, parks and parliament, with prices from £21 per person and a Royal Thames Bike Tour where guests explore London’s ‘liquid history’ and urban landscapes by cycling both banks of The Thames, with prices from £31.

Meanwhile, the operator has added a range of new tours in Dublin and Belfast to offer agents a greater selection of tours to offer customers booking city breaks. New tours include Blarney Castle for £68 and a full day tour to Kilkenny for £28 in Dublin and a Giants Causeway tour from Belfast for £37 plus a Cork and Blarney tour for £52. For more information visit www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

January 13 2012

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uk&ireland Kirker adds new itineraries to cultural tours & music holidays programme KIRKER HAS added a range of new options to its programme for this year including short breaks, cultural tours and music holidays. The operator has added The Royal Scotsman to its UK programme where guests can choose from a selection of rail itineraries that range from a two-night ‘Highland Journey’ (taking in the Dalwhinnie Distillery and Culloden Battlefield enroute) to a seven-night ‘Grand North Western Journey’ that includes the Spean Bridge, Wemyss Bridge (for the Isle of Bute) and Dunkfeld (for Glamis Castle). Also featured in the company's Scottish selection are the five-star deluxe Gleneagles Hotel where two nights' stay costs from £296 per person and the five-star Cameron House on the shores of Loch Lomond, where two nights lead in at £156. In its Cultural Tours and Music Holidays selection the operator has added a four-night Gardens of Cornwall tour, staying at the celebrated Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes. The itinerary takes in some of the county’s unforgettable gardens, from well-known spots such as the National Trust’s Glendurgan and sub-tropical Trebah on the Helford River. the tour departs on May 13 and prices lead in at £1,198 per person. Also new is the Kirker Music Festival at Boughton House which leads in at £889 for three nights departing on October 7 and the Chamber Music at Coworth Park, Ascot which costs from £894 for a two-night break departing on July 1. For more information call 020-7593 2288 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

SINGER AND reality TV star Peter Andre has announced he will be bringing his 'Up Close and Personal' tour to Butlins Minehead this year. Joined by a host of unannounced 'special guests', Andre will perform live at the resort's Skyline Pavilion, which accommodates 5,000 people, in November. Prices start from £119 per person for a three-night family entertainment break from November 16-19, based on four people sharing a Silver selfcatering apartment. For tickets closest to the front, agents should book the best accommodation and add a dining plan as seats will be allocated according to the cost of the break. For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

VisitGuernsey keen to promote special interest breaks The tourist office’s manager – trade & media relations, Wendy Crame, said: “Traditionally visitors come to Guernsey with the idea of relaxing and exploring at their own pace the many different things the island has to offer. However, the success of events like our Photography Festival, the Tennerfest food festival and our spring and autumn walking weeks proves that there is also another kind of visitor who will spend two or three days here to focus on a particular personal interest. “We think dedicated themed short

VISITGUERNSEY AIMS to work closely with its tour operator partners to offer more themed special interest breaks this year. The tourist office says that while the traditional Guernsey holidaymaker typically wants to unwind and spend time exploring all of the different aspects of the island, it is also keen to target the growing number of consumers looking to build a short break around a specific activity or pastime, such as cycling, photography and gastronomy breaks.

breaks could be a good way to help us capture those travellers on a yearround basis. “Special interest operators and mainstream operators interested in developing special interest product are being encouraged to attend the Guernsey Trade Workshop, taking place from May 16-18. Operators currently featuring Guernsey include Premier Holidays, Preston Holidays, Travelsmith and Prestige Holidays.” For more information see www.visitguernsey.com

“

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January 13 2012

For more information visit BourneLeisureSales.co.uk

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uk&ireland Join the 2012 ‘Great Escape’ campaign to boost tourism to the Peak District

Superbreak promotes Harry Potter Warner Bros tour in Hertfordshire

VISIT PEAK District & Derbyshire is urging all its tourismrelated businesses to register with VisitEngland’s ‘20.12% off or better’ campaign to give visitors a greater incentive to join the ‘Great Escape’ to the area during Olympic year. The tourist board is encouraging businesses – particularly those along the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route in June 2012 – to capitalise by investing in special promotions, offers and events to attract more tourists. Special offers and promotions will be posted on VisitEngland’s Website at www.visitengland.org.uk

AFTER TEN years and eight feature films, Harry Potter fans will soon be able to learn how the magic is created on a new Warner Bros Studio Tour ‘The Making of Harry Potter’, which will open on March 31 in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. The studio tour will take place at Warner Bros Studios, where the films were in production for more than a decade. Guests will tour the original sets and see costumes, animatronics, special effects and props used in all eight of the films. The tour takes in two sound stages and will include some of the most recognisable sets including the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, the

Seven-day Channel Island itinerary by Insight INSIGHT VACATIONS has introduced an Easy Pace Channel Islands itinerary that allows travellers free time and a relaxed style of touring to explore the islands at a gentle pace. The seven-day option leads in at £1,425 staying at the five-star Old Government House in the centre of St. Peter’s Port and the Pomme D’Or, located in the centre of St. Helier, overlooking Liberation Square and the yacht marina. Highlights include a ferry excursion to Sark, a visit to Elizabeth Castle and the Royal Square in St Helier and a trip to the Jersey War Tunnels and German Underground Hospital. Prices start from £1,425 per person and include private transfers, accommodation, lunches and dinners (13 meals in total) travel in luxury coaches and sightseeing. Call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

Gryffindor common room and Hagrid’s hut. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see animatronics in a Creature Effects workshop, including Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Aragog, the giant spider, Fawkes the phoenix and the Basilisk head. Superbreak is selling tour tickets alongside accommodation to offer new family short breaks. A package, which is valid in April, costs from £181 per family of four staying one night in a family room at the Travelodge Watford. It includes breakfast for the adults (children pay locally) and a studio tour. For more information call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/ agents

ABTA No. Y0662

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January 13 2012

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uk&ireland

Boost in staycations for Grand UK as operator launches new ‘Gold’ deals GRAND UK Holidays reports that sales of its UK and Ireland holidays, especially its premium ‘Gold’ products, are outperforming trends elsewhere in the travel trade. The operator’s sales director Harold Burke said: “We’ve seen bad news across the industry, with brands such as Astraeus Airlines, SeaFrance and von Essen Hotels going into administration. In the coach holiday sector, we’ve seen the demise of coach holiday brands such as Diamond Holidays and Harrison Holidays. “Here at Grand UK Holidays, we’re not immune from the economic situation affecting holidaymakers but we are well placed to ride out the storm.” The operator’s focus on domestic holidays means that it can take advantage of the ‘staycation’ boom, according to Burke. He said: “We’ve got the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and

Olympics this year so these trends for domestic breaks will continue. Our new ‘Gold’ programme of upmarket coach tours in the UK and Ireland are an example of how our customers still want to travel and treat themselves. Since we launched them in October, sales have continued to be very strong and we have had great feedback from our travel agency partners about the tours.” The 2012 brochure features 45 new tours - mainly in the UK and Ireland - ranging from special interest and themed breaks to a new holiday by train. New hobby holidays have also been added, including bowling and ballroom dancing, to cater for the growing demand for special interest breaks. For bookings or more information call 01603-619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com

Belfast properties offer 'Titanic' deals TO CELEBRATE the opening of Titanic Belfast in March, hotels across Belfast are organising special offers. As examples, the four-star Europa Hotel is offering a two-night breakfast stay with dinner on the first evening and a special edition Titanic Duck in guest rooms from £110 per person. See www.hastingshotels.com/europa-belfast The four-star Stormont Hotel is also offering a two-night breakfast stay including entrance to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum’s Titanica exhibition from £80. See www.hastingshotels.com/stormont-hotel All packages are based on two adults sharing a standard twin or double room and are valid from March 31 to May 31.

‘Closer to Home’ brochure by Prestige PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has launched its 2012 ‘Closer to home’ UK programme under its "Essentially Prestige" brand. Initially established five years ago to feature the Isles of Scilly, the operator then added Guernsey and the lesser known Channel Islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm, while Jersey joins the line up for this year. The company’s Essentially Prestige deputy managing director, David Nash, said: ‘’Our domestic ‘Closer to home’ sales last year were up around 30% . We’ve now rebranded it as an ‘Essentially Prestige’ programme to reflect ‘Closer to Home’s’ specialist status as well as its value for money and a wide range of accommodation." UK breaks lead in at £259 for a three-night stay at the Crebinick Guest House in the Isles of Scilly including sea crossing from Penzance and breakfast accommodation based on two sharing. For more information visit www.prestigegrouptravel.co.uk or call 01425-480600.

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uk&ireland Agents should follow 2011 trends for booking success, says Hoseasons TRAVEL AGENTS need to look at booking trends last year to make the most of the opportunities presented by domestic holidays according to Hoseasons. The company's vicepresident for lodges, parks, boating and apartments, Pali Badwal, says that trends which have developed over the past few years are likely to continue this year – and understanding them will be the key to taking advantage of sustained demand for UK holidays. He said: “The continued squeeze on family finances, combined with ongoing economic uncertainty, means that there are likely to be some booking habits which will continue into 2012.

“The past few years have seen a huge growth in short breaks, as families look to stay closer to home to cut down on travelling expenditure, as well as reducing cost with shorter durations. At Hoseasons, we have again increased our range of short breaks to take account of this demand. “Another ongoing trend has been a polarisation of booking habits: Brits are either booking early to secure the exact unit of accommodation they want, or else leaving it very late, either to try to find a discount or simply because they don’t want to commit to expenditure in advance at a time of economic uncertainty. “But as the economic situation remains difficult,

perhaps the most important message for travel agents is that hardpressed families are looking to obtain the very best value for money at all price points, to squeeze the most out of their tight holiday budgets. It isn’t that they are necessarily going for the very cheapest holidays – but they do want to make sure they are getting as much for their holiday pound as they possibly can.” Badwal says that understanding these trends is the key to tapping into the growing market for holidays at home. He said: “Over the past few years agents have come to realise that there is much business to be had in domestic holidays – a market which in the past

the trade has sometimes not prioritised. But like any product, understanding the needs and aspirations of your market is vital to make the most of the business opportunities it presents. “Since 2009 – the year of the ‘staycation’ – holidaying in the UK has established itself as a viable and attractive option right across the marketplace. “Knowing the type of holidays people are looking for – and their likely booking habits – will allow travel agents to make UK holidays an important part of their business throughout this year.” For more information call 0844-847 1144 or visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/ agents.

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uk&ireland

Somerville Hotel

Preston Holidays offers selection of new deals in Jersey PRESTON HOLIDAYS' best winter offers in Jersey include a two-night break including flights at the four-star Somerville hotel in St Brelades from £279 per person. The hotel overlooks the yachting harbour in the village of St Aubin and the Jersey landmark Elizabeth Castle. It is only a few

minutes’ walk away from the bars and restaurants of the harbour and 200m from the beach. The package price is based on selected dates this month and next with departures from Gatwick. For details or to make a booking call 0844-770 8084.

Irish Ferries Holidays expands accommodation options

Early booking savings of up to 50% and 33% savings from Bourne Leisure

IRISH FERRIES continues to be the only carrier operating a fast ferry to Ireland over the autumn and winter, with the Dublin Swift operating twice daily in each direction. The company's other ships, the cruise-ferry Ulysses and the Isle of Inishmore also operate year round which means that travellers have a choice of two Irish Ferries routes with six return sailings to Ireland daily. Irish Ferries Holidays is offering an expanded choice of hotel, self-catering and bed-and-breakfast accommodation across Ireland on its recently launched new Website, where all ferry/accommodation holidays booked by agents receive commission of 10%. Highlights of the 2012 programme include savings of up to 15% on seven-night cottage holidays booked by February 29; free child places on hotel breaks and selfcatering holidays; most three- and four-star hotels offer a third night free; and complimentary evening meal at selected hotels. Two weeks for the price of one offers on self-catering holidays, along with a £50 deposit for bookings made by February 29 are also available. For more information or to book call 0871-730 0400 or visit www.irishferries.com/holidays

January 13 2012

Bourne Leisure is offering a range of early booking discounts across its Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels brands. Butlins is offering early birds savings of up to 50% on term time midweek and seven-night breaks and up to a third off school holiday and term time weekend breaks when booked by January 31. At Haven guests can receive savings on a wide selection of holidays when booked by January 31. As examples, savings of up to 50% are available on seven-night breaks in spring, May, June, July and autumn and up to 33% off breaks of seven nights or more over the bank and school holidays and three- or four-night short breaks throughout this year. Warner Leisure Hotels is offering guests the opportunity to save up to 50% off all durations at all hotels and villages plus half price room upgrades for bookings made before January 31. Customers booking before February 29 can also save up to 33% off breaks of all durations at all hotels and villages and up to 50% off seven-night holidays in July and August. For more information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call Butlins on 0845070 4742, Haven on 0871-230 1919 or Warner Leisure Hotels on 0808-141 1111.

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INNTRAVEL HAS introduced a new discovery walk in Spain for this year that explores the Three Faces of Green Spain - Asturias, Burgos and the Basque Country in the north. With the freedom of a hire car, guests discover the three contrasting corners of northern Spain with varied walking. The itinerary begins by discovering Asturias, a region of grasslands, woodland and rich cultural traditions before heading to the little-known Zamanzas Valley in Burgos, with hidden valleys and villages to explore. Prices lead in at £835 per person based on two sharing and include nine nights’ breakfast accommodation, six dinners, car hire, walking maps and notes. Flights are extra. For details visit www.inntravel.co.uk

PortAventura announces new roller-coaster PORTAVENTURA, THE theme park resort near Barcelona, has announced that this year will see the unveiling of a new €25million rollercoaster in the theme park. The new rollercoaster will rise to 76m then drop 78m to become Europe’s highest rollercoaster, taking visitors to huge altitudes, terrifying descents and on a journey through dark tunnels and mountain lakes. For details see www.portaventura.com

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MSC Cruises increases operations in Spain MSC CRUISES has increased the number of embarkation points and ports of call throughout Spain to include Bilbao and A Coruña. The company has also increased the ports of call to include Cartagena, Ceuta, Mahon and Palamos. The cruise line has positive forecasts for the future with several of its new cruises from Spain, including the new winter 2011/2012 Mediterranean cruise on MSC Splendida of eight days departing Barcelona weekly, and the MSC Fantasia ship which has 12-day cruises departing Barcelona throughout the winter until March. For more information visit www.msccruises.co.uk

Costa Almeria debut from Cosmos Holidays COSMOS HOLIDAYS has added the Costa Almeria on mainland Spain for the first time. Featuring the resorts of Roquetas de Mar and Mojacar, a range of hotels have been introduced offering bed-and-breakfast, half-board and all-inclusive options. Prices are from £319 per person for seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the threediamond rated Hotel Best Indalo in Mojacar, while all-inclusive prices start from £399 per person based on seven nights at the Hotel Evenia Zoraida Park in Roquetas de Mar. Flights are offered on scheduled services from both Gatwick and Birmingham. New hotels are also introduced to the Mallorca programme in the resorts of Puig de Ross, Puerto Pollensa, Porto Colom and Palma Nova. Prices at the newly introduced three-diamond rated Apartments Las Velas in Puerto Pollensa are from £229 per person based on a seven-night self-catering stay. This summer also sees the introduction of new hotels in Menorca, Ibiza, Lanzarote and on the Costa del Sol.

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spain&herislands New municipal company takes over from Promoción Madrid and the Tourist Board The City of Madrid has regrouped its tourism promotion and services into a single organisation. The Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau (Madrid VCB) is the new municipal company taking over responsibility for the work done up to now by Promoción Madrid and the Tourist

Board. The objective is to make the best use of resources (financial, technical and human) and boost tourism to the city. The new municipal firm will be dealing with promotion, tourist services, information and visitor loyalty, and Madrid City Council is confident that the

new name will be more in keeping with organisations in other cities with similar responsibilities for tourism and will secure a higher international profile for the city. The new organisation will have a budget of €27.1million for this year.

Spain’s latest tourism stats show increased growth from the UK THE SPANISH Tourist Office reports that last October was another successful month for tourism from the UK, with monthly visitor arrivals up more than 12% year-on-year. Cumulatively from January to October, Spain welcomed in excess of 12.4million UK tourism arrivals, up 9, 5% year-onyear. Meanwhile, the tourist office has announced that Cadiz

will be hosting numerous cultural events throughout this year to celebrate the passing of the first Liberal Constitution in Europe in 1812, known as ‘La Pepa’. Events will include shows, parades, historical recreations, congresses, concerts, boat rallies, fashion shows and food tasting events. For more information visit www.cadiz2012.es

Deals on short breaks and cycling options in Mallorca MALLORCA HAS seen an increase in demand for cycling short breaks and Hotel Mar I Vent, on the south west coast at Banyalbufar, is being highlighted as ideal for exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, recently awarded UNESCO heritage status. The village hotel has several mountain bikes available for guests’ use, as well as offering advice on cycle and walking routes, which are on the doorstep. The property offers 29 seaview rooms, a pool terrace and traditional home cooking, with rates leading in at €98 on a bed & breakfast basis. For details see www.hotelmarivent.com Meanwhile, clients looking for a shopping break in Mallorca will be spoilt for choice in Palma, which combines small specialist boutiques with designer names and High Street favourites. The city also has several shops which offer traditional

Mar I Vent & Banyalbufar village

January 13 2012

artisan gifts from the island such as hand woven fabrics from “Quesada” in Paseo del Born. Hotel Tres features 41 rooms and offers a central location in the heart of the city. Facilities include a rooftop plunge pool, sauna and sundeck. Double room rates start from €215 on a bed & breakfast basis. See www.hoteltres.com For a classic resort option, Classic Collection Holidays features three-night breaks at Hotel Bonsol Resort & Spa in Illetes from £451 (seven nights for £483) on a half-board basis in a double room, including flights and private transfers. Ideal for a relaxing spa break, the hotel is 8km west of Palma and offers a secluded beach cove, heated outdoor pool and leisure & spa facilities. For more information see www.hotelbonsol.es and www.classiccollection.co.uk or call 0800-294 9315.

Jet2.com announces new seats for Tenerife JET2.COM IS offering a 15.7% seat increase to Tenerife this year to complement its existing flights to the destination from Manchester, Blackpool, East Midlands, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford and Glasgow. The Tenerife Tourism Corporation has been working closely with the carrier to market Tenerife’s wide appeal and says that while the island’s year-round sunshine and family-friendly beaches have always been popular with UK travellers,more holidaymakers are beginning to discover there is more to the island than winter sun beach holidays. The airline's managing director, Ian Doubtfire, said: "Tenerife is the most popular destination in the Canaries for the UK market. With our additional seat capacity the island is becoming more accessible than ever to British travellers – and we are confident that our new joint advertising campaign will ensure that the upward trend can be maintained in the New Year and beyond.” For more information visit www.jet2.com, www.jet2holidays.com and www.webtenerife.com

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spain&herislands 20% commission to travel trade for Tenerife Golf Trophy bookings THE ASSOCIATION of Golf Courses in Tenerife is offering 20% commission to travel trade partners on special golf packages, designed to gather amateur golf players during the Tenerife Golf Trophy 2012, taking place from April 21-28. With the aim to congregate golf enthusiasts in an informal and fun environment, the competition offers the opportunity to play at three of Tenerife’s championship golf courses; Abama Golf, Golf Costa Adeje and Golf Las Americas. To take part, visitors must book a golfer package, which

includes a seven-night stay at any of the participating hotels, three green fees (with a picnic included), transfers to the courses throughout the tournament and a closing awards gala dinner. Of varying budgets, packages include stays at Sheraton La Caleta, Iberostar Anthelia, Hotel Jardin Tropical, Arona Gran Hotel, Sandos San Blas Hotel and Compostela Beach Apartments. Non-golfer packages are also available. For more information visit http://en.tenerifeisladegolf.com/tenerife-golf-trophy

Trafalgar adds ten-day Spanish Island Serenade option following demand TRAFALGAR HAS doubled its “At Leisure” programme in Europe for this year following demand. The itineraries allow guests more time in each destination to explore at their leisure and make the most of their free time and relaxation, with no departures before 09:00. One such itinerary is the new Spanish Island Serenade which leads in at £1,799 per person for ten days. Guests have the chance to explore

Spain’s favourite islands beginning in Barcelona and then on to Palma in Mallorca and Ibiza. The itinerary includes a visit to the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s famous landmarks such as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the Ramblas, or guests can choose an optional trip to the Black Madonna shrine at Montserrat. Other highlights include a Be My Guest dinner near Palma with typical Mallorcan cuisine; a guided sightseeing

tour of Ibiza taking in the old town and the 14th century cathedral of Santa Maria d’Eivissa; and a visit to the Botanical Gardens in Palma. Prices include private transfers, accommodation, a number of highlighted lunches and dinners (13 meals in total), travel in luxury coaches and sightseeing. For more information call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

Great Rail Journeys adds new ten-day tour through Andalucia GREAT RAIL Journeys has introduced a new ten-day tour through Andalucia on the newly restored five-star Belle Epoque train. The tour, which leads in at £3,658 per person, includes First Class rail travel and transfers (Standard Premier

Class on Eurostar journeys with meals and drinks); three nights’ breakfast accommodation in a hotel with two dinners; five nights in Standard Suite accommodation on ‘Al Andalus’ hotel train with all meals; a guided tour of

Cordoba; an excursion to the Museum of Olive Oil; a sightseeing tour of Baeza Old Town; a sightseeing tour of Ubeda; an excursion to the Alhambra in Granada; and guided tours of the Albayzin and Granada Old Towns, Ronda. Other

highlights of the tour include sherry tasting in Jerez, a visit to the Royal School of Equestrian Art, a Guadalquivir River Cruise and a sightseeing tour of Seville. For more information visit www.greatrail.com

Alhambra, Granada

January 13 2012

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redsea Mosaic Holidays welcomes return of discerning holidaymakers MOSAIC HOLIDAYS reports encouraging signs for the Red Sea resorts of Egypt, as holidaymakers seek added value at high quality hotels, with the high season seeing strong bookings for Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Soma Bay. The company’s managing director, Sabina Shaida, said: “With the reduced flight capacity from the UK, prices were able to be maintained but once again, high season flight availability has been scarce.” The operator also reports that holidaymakers remain wary of combining Cairo with Egypt’s Red Sea and cruise options, although tailor-made enquiries and bookings remain steady. Shaida said: “We are getting enquiries from agents looking for top end holidays and this shows that confidence may be coming back which is very encouraging. “Soma Bay is attracting holidaymakers looking for Red Sea without the commercialism and we have seen an increase in sales to quality hotels including the five-star La Residence Des Cascades, whish features its own golf course and spa on site. “This appeals to

the more discerning guests who do not require deluxe hotels, but do want genuine five-star and excellent value.” As an example of prices, the operator is offering seven nights at La Residence Des Cascades from £929 per person next month including breakfast accommodation, flights and transfers. Meanwhile, the operator reports that sales to Jordan’s Red Sea resorts of Aqaba and Tala Bay are showing positive booking trends as people seek to combine sightseeing with rest and relaxation. Shaida said: “Jordan’s Red Sea resorts of Aqaba and Tala Bay offer excellent touring possibilities including Petra and Wadi Rum, combined with all you’d expect of a fabulous Red Sea beach holiday. A seven-night breakfast stay at the Kempinski Aqaba including flights and transfers leads in at £1,399 per person for departures until May 9, while a seven-night breakfast stay at the Movenpick Tala Bay including flights and transfers costs from £1,299 for departures until May 9. For more information visit www.mosaicholidays.co.uk

Kempinski Aqaba

Rain refund for guests at the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay THE KEMPINSKI Hotel Soma Bay in Egypt is offering all guests a 'rain refund’ - a way to reimburse guests for any lost sunshine by offering a complimentary night for every day of rain during their stay on the same board basis, to be taken within six months. The property's general manager,

Hany Abdelmoneim, said: "We created this offer as a fun way to help guests enjoy their holiday even if it does rain. Soma Bay enjoys sunshine for 365 days a year but if in the unlikely case rain does make an appearance, guests can make light of it and are rewarded a complimentary night.” The property features 325 guest

rooms and suites, a private beach and an outdoor pool, waterfall and lagoon area. Nightly rates are from €200 (approximately £173) based on two sharing a Deluxe double room with breakfast. For more information visit www.kempinski.com/somabay

Standalone brochure launch from Cyplon offers golf, diving & Nile cruise options CYPLON HOLIDAYS has launched a standalone brochure to Egypt featuring the destinations of the Red Sea Riviera, Cairo, Luxor and Alexandria. A range of golf and diving holidays are featured and Nile cruises and stays at heritage sites and beach resorts are also available.

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As an example of prices, a seven-night fly/cruise departing from Gatwick to Luxor, including flights and private transfers, leads in at £1,185 per person. The cruise includes all excursions and entrance to sites featured in the itinerary and is on a full board basis. For more information visit www.cyplon.co.uk

January 13 2012

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Experience Egypt with the Egyptian experts Enjoy the many faces of Egypt with Red Sea Holidays. We only sell holidays to Egypt that’s why we’re the Egyptian experts. Best advice

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We believe that there is no substitute for experience and local knowledge. That’s why our travel advisers regularly visit our resorts and hotels to ensure they can answer your questions with facts, not guesses.

Our hand-picked selection of predominantly 4+ and 5+ hotels has been vetted personally by our team for quality, service, location and value.

We’re not just saying that: we were voted it in the 2011 British Travel Awards, plus a silver award for best small tour operator of the year. Try our award winning service for yourself.

Best value We only sell holidays to Egypt. That lets us build strong relationships which we can use to get the best deals for you; not just better prices, but better quality too. Our holidays also include more in the price, with free transfers, in-ﬂight meals on many ﬂights, and a generous luggage allowance as standard.

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redsea Budget-conscious Brits seek value for money deals according to Olympic Holidays DESPITE THE recent unrest on the streets of Cairo, people will still book a Red Sea holiday if the price is right, according to Olympic Holidays’ commercial director Photis Lambrianides. He said: “Our level of Red Sea sales is pretty good considering what's been happening elsewhere in Egypt. But the resorts have not been affected and people are wise to that fact. "In the present economic climate, people are seeking out good deals more than ever and they are happy to book a Red Sea holiday if they perceive the price to be good. "There is still good demand for the Red Sea as people know it's a quality product. The recent street protests in Cairo have not cut demand for immediate late availability departures. "Hotels in all the Red Sea resorts have also come up with good offers and added-value deals. Though it's unrealistic to expect a surge in demand for the Red Sea in the immediate future, the region is

selling as well as I expected it would under the circumstances." The operator’s winter sun programme features the resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Nuweiba, Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib, Quseir, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, El Gouna, Dahab, Taba and Taba Heights. Lambrianides says that people considering a Red Sea holiday in the immediate future may be more tempted by the larger and more established resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. He said: "People are more inclined to go for resorts they've heard of, such as Sharm and Hurghada, until full normality returns. That goes for hotels, too, with bigger brands such as Hilton, Radisson, Movenpick and Hyatt more in favour. "The Hiltons have always been popular and the Sharm Dreams, Sharm Waterfalls and Shark's Bay Resort properties are doing especially well for us at the moment." Newly brochured Red Sea properties this winter include the Marina Lodge at

Hilton Sharm Waterfall Hotel

Port Ghalib (Marsa Alam), Harmony Makadi Bay Resort, Hilton Hurghada Resort and Pyramisa Blue Lagoon, Hurghada. A further 12 hotels have been added in Sharm el Sheikh in what Lambrianides says is "easily our most comprehensive Egyptian Winter Sun offering to date." As an example of prices, a sevennight all-inclusive stay at the five-star Hilton Sharm Waterfalls in Sharm el Sheikh this month and next costs £689 per person based on two sharing a standard room. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. For more information call 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

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redsea Red Sea Holidays offers up to £100 savings on early booking deals RED SEA Holidays reports that it will continue its comprehensive education programme this year to give agents the chance to experience the main Red Sea resorts and the company’s new cruise offerings that include Luxor. The operator’s sales director, Jason Hilton, said: “Our newly expanded range of cruise and stay options allow clients to combine a Nile cruise with a relaxing stay by the Red Sea, or to experience more of Egypt’s history and culture in Luxor and Cairo. “We believe there is no substitute for experience and local knowledge, which is why our travel advisers regularly visit our resorts and hotels to ensure they can answer client’s questions. Our exclusive access to some of the best bed stock in the Red Sea allows us to provide a quality service for guests to enjoy.” The operator has compiled a range of offers to tempt early sales. Clients can save up to

£100 per booking and pay a low deposit of £50 per person across all seasons. In addition there are guaranteed child prices on Red Sea Hotels and Grand Cruises, subject to exceptions. All these offers must be booked by February 29. As an example of prices, a seven-night allinclusive stay in Sharm el Sheikh, based at the four-star Sun Sharm Resort, costs from £399 person based on two sharing and including flights. The offer is valid for travel during December. Meanwhile, a ten-night Cruise and Stay package, also based on travel in December, leads in at £999 and takes in Cairo and Luxor. The package is based on two adults sharing and includes flights and transfers. For more information visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk or call 0845-072 2477.

Series of new boat trips & tours from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD has launched a series of new boat trips and tours for summer including snorkelling, dolphin spotting and island hopping. As examples, a three-hour snorkelling trip in El Gouna leads in at £18 per person; a dolphin spotting & snorkelling option in El Gouna costs £26; a Four Island Trip in Hurghada costs £36; and an Oceans Classic Boat Trip in Sharm el Sheikh costs £36. All are fully commissionable to agents. For more information see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

New Star Trek theme park in Aqaba to open in 2014 A NEW Star Trek-themed park in Aqaba has received $1.5billion funding. The ambitious 184-acre site will be called the Red Sea Astrarium and will be located in Aqaba. It will feature four hotels and Star Trek-themed attractions, including a state-of-the-art 'spaceflight adventure' simulator ride. Other attractions include Jordan's Nabatean, Babylonian, British and Roman influences, along with theatrical productions, night-time shows, restaurants and shops. Construction on the park is expected to begin in March with the opening scheduled for 2014.

iPad 2 giveaway from Longwood Holidays LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS is incentivising Egypt bookings by offering agents the chance to win one of three iPads 2 between January 16 and March 31. Agents will be entered into one of three draws every time they make an Egypt package holiday booking through the operator and the more bookings made, the more chance of winning. Bookings must be for Egypt packages with a minimum duration of seven nights and for minimum of two passengers. The company's business development manager, Alan Meadows, said: Now is a great time to book a trip to the Red Sea. Our packages offer incredible value and the yearround sunny climate combined with the Egypt’s ancient treasures and the sensational underwater marine life makes the Red Sea an ideal holiday destination”. The operator now flies to Sharm el Sheikh from 11 additional airports in the UK including Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster and Sheffield, East Midlands, Exeter, Glasgow, Luton, Newcastle and Stansted and to Hurghada from Birmingham. Other Red Sea destinations, such as Taba, are also accessible by the operator’s current departures points, which include Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. Meadows said: “This will prove beneficial to agents, as they are now able to offer their clients much more convenient departure points in addition to flexible durations, such as ten or 11 nights and consequently generate more sales.” For more information visit www.longwoodholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0844-770 0450.

January 13 2012

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southernafrica

s t h ig e h w e n s e h c a e Zambia r s e k a t s y it r la u p in the po by JILL SAYLES

round 60,000 British tourists visit Zambia every year according to the Zambia Tourist Board and UK tour operators report a steady increase in bookings as holidaymakers to Southern Africa look for a new destination to visit.

Safari so good The fact that Zambia has generally been peaceful compared to some of its neighbours has been one of the draws of the destination and visitors can sample its growing safari product as well as attractions and activities along the Zambezi River and at the Victoria Falls. Fiona Malan, marketing manager UK & Ireland at Sun International, which has two properties there - The Zambezi Sun and The Royal Livingstone, said: “Zambia is a beautiful, peaceful African country with gentle people, a beautiful climate and no end of natural beauty. In the mild winter months like May for example, the river is at its highest levels and the Victoria falls are at their most glorious and magnificent with the full might of the river crashing into the gorge. In the hotter, drier months the water levels are lower and water safaris offer guests great game viewing on the river or around waterholes. "Livingstone’s proximity to the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River make it an easy access destination in the heart of Africa which delivers a once in a lifetime experience. Livingstone is an hour and a half from Johannesburg by air with either SAA or British Airways. This is an easy connection midmorning following an overnight flight from London." An emerging trend Meanwhile, operators report that they have seen a significant increase in bookings to Zambia as holidaymakers look to try something new. Lucy Cook, product manager at Visions of Africa, said: "Zambia's growth is slow and steady as it becomes recognised as a safari destination and particularly popular with return visitors - those who, for example, have visited another African destination such as South Africa which has given them the taste to explore somewhere new and perhaps less well known." African Pride also reveals that return visitors have been seeking something more unique on their visit to Southern Africa. The operator's general manager, Liz Hall, said: "As more and more people travel to, and fall in love with, Africa the more they want to explore the whole continent. African Pride Zambia sells particularly well to couples who have maybe already ‘done’ South Africa and want a different experience. And there are plenty of experiences to be had in Zambia - from

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safaris at Mosi-O-Tunya National Wildlife Park for example to adventures at the Victoria Falls near the town of Livingstone." On the wish list So, who else would a visit to Zambia suit? There are a number of safari companies catering for family safaris and it is also popular with older couples looking for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience - Victoria Falls being top of their list of things to see, according to Cook. She said: "Couples young and old can enjoy sunset cruises on the Zambezi and the railway safari experience on the Royal Livingstone Express steam train. The luxury Sun International Royal Livingstone resort is ideal for couples and set within the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Wildlife Park, where animals such as zebra and giraffe roam freely throughout the grounds and where hippo can be viewed from the river bank." Meanwhile, the destination is gaining popularity with adrenaline seekers. Vivian McCarthy, general manager of Acacia Africa, said: "Zambia suits a wide range of travellers but it has sure-fire appeal for the more adventurous. "Many of these activities can be enjoyed at the falls such as a bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, a micro-light ride or a challenging swim up to a rock pool right on the edge. Less adrenaline producing activities to view the cascades can be had from helicopter rides to walks along the lip of the falls during dry season." SALES TIPS ● Zambia isn't always a first choice safari destination but would be perfect for someone wanting a slightly different safari and who has already experienced a safari elsewhere. Lucy Cook, Visions of Africa ● If you have clients who want to know the best time to see Victoria Falls don’t necessarily recommend when it’s at full flow between May and October. Some find it a more memorable experience when the flow is lower and you can see the sheer scale of the waterfall rather than simply hear it through a cloud of mist. From next month Emirates will be flying into Lusaka from Dubai which means easier access from regional airports such as Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and Glasgow. Liz Hall, African Pride ● Never undersell Zambia as it’s suited to a broad range of clients. Of course, Zambia is perhaps best known for the adventure capital of Livingstone where there are opportunities to go bungee jumping, white-water rafting and river boarding, however, it’s worth pointing out that there are options for the more sedate traveller too. Vivian McCarthy, Acacia Africa ✦

January 13 2012

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southernafrica Rainbow Tours receives growing interest in KwaZulu Natal RAINBOW TOURS’ 2012 Africa brochure features 17 African and Indian Ocean destinations, and as well as offering insider knowledge to travelling across the better known countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Namibia. The brochure offers insights into emerging tourist destinations including Sierra Leone, Uganda and the tiny Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Rodrigues. Steve O’Loughlin, head of trade sales at Western and Oriental Travel, said: “The company has grown its trade business with Rainbow Tours by 30% this year, which is exceptional. We are thankful to the agents who have supported us in this growth. As the UK’s leading operator to this incredible island, Rainbow is perfectly placed to give agents strong support when planning trips and advising clients. “We always receive tremendous feedback from agents on the product knowledge that the team have across the whole of Africa and I believe this is why we have grown so much. Our plans for this year are for further growth with our agency partners and to invest in two or three fam trips as well as more training sessions.” This year, the operator is featuring the new Delicious hotel in Franschhoek, South Africa which opened on December 1. The property is recommended as an ideal good value option for those touring the Cape and Garden Route, particularly as part of a self-drive itinerary. Meanwhile, the operator reports that it is seeing growing interest in KwaZulu Natal as people begin to realise that there’s more to South Africa than Cape Town and the Garden Route. The company’s Africa product manager, Lisa Fisher, said: “The region is less visited than other parts of South Africa but really accessible as the roads are good and people are very welcoming. “It’s great for self-drive trips which are excellent value, as well as enabling visitors to see much more of the country and get a hands-on experience. The region has everything from dramatic mountains and beautiful coastal parks to historic battlefields and good quality game viewing. There’s also growth in interest from families wanting to give the kids a really authentic experience, as well as honeymooners who are looking for a more active and varied trip.” For details call 020-7666 1250 or visit www.rainbowtours.co.uk

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve repositions as an independent brand KWANDWE PRIVATE Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, which has been part of the &Beyond stable for more than ten years, has announced that it will begin to operate as an independent brand from February 1. A handover of reservations and lodge operations has also been completed and from January 16 all reservations will be made directly with the property. In addition to traditional safari activities,

guests can participate in rhino darting safaris, carnivore research programmes, fixed-wing flights that follow the route taken by early settlers, historical talks and cultural visits. Full board accommodation including safari activities cost from R4,110 (approximately £325) per person. For more information email reservations@kwandwe.co.za or see www.kwandwe.com

Acacia Africa sees surge in special interest group bookings ACACIA AFRICA, which offers overland expeditions and small group safaris throughout Southern Africa, reports that it has seen a surge of special interest groups, birders, animal enthusiasts and hikers looking to design more bespoke itineraries. As an example of packages, a seven-day Rediscover Zimbabwe small group safari includes a visit to the Hwange National Park, said to house the largest number of wildlife in southern Africa. The location is ideal for budding conservationists, as a visit to the Wild Dog Conservation Project features on the itinerary. Bush walks to view rhino and antelope are available in Matopos National Park, while visitors get even closer to Africa’s animal kingdom while walking with lions and swimming with elephants in Gweru. Prices lead in at £445 per person plus a local payment from £218. The price includes transport, camping accommodation, most meals and services of tour guide/driver but excludes flights. For more information call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or see www.acacia-africa.com

New three-day walking safari in Zambia from Sanctuary Retreats SANCTUARY RETREATS has launched its first walking safari, Sanctuary Zebra Plains Walking Safari in Zambia. Guests are taken on the three-day walking safari with the legendary Garth Hovell, who describes the experience as a ‘sensory safari’. As well as seeing the animals you would expect from a normal safari, Hovell shows guests sights they might normally miss, such as plants villagers use for healing to recently made scratches on a tree. The bush around camp is home to a variety of animals including more than

January 13 2012

400 bird species. Guests can also retrace the steps of David Attenborough's documentary ‘Life’ in the new walking safari and explore the wilderness of the South Luangwa, all while staying in luxury classic canvas style tents, with prices from £1,450 for three nights. Carrier is offering a five-night stay, including two nights fully inclusive at Sanctuary Chichele Presidential and three nights’ fully-inclusive at Sanctuary Zebra Plains from £3,080 per person, based on two sharing. The price is based on departures in June and includes

A luxury lodge

flights and transfers. For more information visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com and www.carrier.co.uk or call 0161-492 1353.

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southernafrica THE ADVENTURE Company is promoting a new 12-day tour for this year called Meerkats & Wildcats. The programme offers close-up experiences with cheetahs, meerkats and elephants and includes a tour of South Africa’s coasts, landscapes and wildlife, a visit to a Cheetah Outreach Project, a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, whale spotting along the Garden Route and exploring Cape Town. Prices lead in at £2,359 for adults and £1,999 for children (minimum age of nine) and include flights, nine nights’ accommodation, transport, some meals (nine breakfasts & four lunches) and a local group leader. For details call 0845-287 1198 or see www.adventurecompany.co.uk

We asked our staff the following question this week: What's your New Year's resolution? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk To become a multimillionaire and seek treatment for my delusional disorder

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Improve my DIY skills, do more exercise, eat healthy and drink more water

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Improve my photography skills

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk To come up with a resolution on the first of every month, and then stick to it

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk To lose some of the weight that I gained when giving up smoking in 2011

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk To give all my advertisers the best deal possible!

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk To answer these questions more succinctly.....

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk To get back into a pair of 28" waist jeans again!

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com To stop smoking

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Get 8 hours of sleep every night ... zzz

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

Wineland boost from Hayes & Jarvis WITH THE growing popularity of South African wine in the UK, Hayes & Jarvis has boosted the visibility of its Cape Winelands programme in its 2012 Worldwide brochure. Designed to be combined with stays in Cape Town or a self-drive trip along the Whale Coast, the operator features three prime hotels in the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek along the Cape Wine Route. Set in the culinary capital of the Cape, the company’s five-star option Le Franschhoek Hotel is described as an ideal stopping point for gastronomes with three gourmet restaurants to try. Prices start from £74 per person for one night’s breakfast stay. At budget level in Stellenbosch, the three-star River Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa is a restored boutique property in the heart of the wine capital. Prices start from £53 per person for a night’s breakfast stay. Nearby, the four-star Spier Hotel has been designed to recreate the atmosphere of a small village and has its own wine centre, offering tastings. Prices start from £52 per person for one night’s breakfast stay. The operator has also boosted its Cape Town programme with the addition of the Mount Nelson Hotel and has also strengthened its product offer on the V&A Waterfront by adding the four-star Southern Sun Waterfront. For more information or to book call 0871-200 2211 or visit www.hayesandjarvis.com

Air Namibia launches new routes AIR NAMIBIA has announced the launch of two new routes - Windhoek to Harare and Gaborone. The airline has also revealed that its Frankfurt–Windhoek service (currently six times weekly), will become a daily service in March. The carrier says that its continued improvements and developments are part of its mandate to provide reliable access and connections to the vast reaches of the destination. For more information email sales@air-namibia.co.uk

Play sport on a regular basis again

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com

Three KwaZulu-Natal fam trips to be won

My New Year resolution is not to make one

AGENTS COMPLETING KwaZulu-Natal’s online training programme are in with a chance of winning a place on one of three fam trips with departure dates in March. Agents booking a holiday with South African Airways that include KwaZulu-Natal are also in with a chance to win a holiday for two, including flights. For more information visit www.kwazuluexperts.com

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

Crossword: Across: 1. NEILSON, 4. BAA, 6. CAM, 7. TWEET, 8. WAR HORSE, 10. TRINIDAD, 12. LOIRE, 13. MEA, 14. LEK, 15. KAMPALA. Down: 1. NECKER, 2. IOM, 3. SEAFRANCE, 4. BLESSED, 5. AITO, 7. TRONDHEIM, 8. WARWICK, 9. MANAMA, 11. EL AL, 13. MIA.

Subscriptions are £95 p.a. for tour operators and others, plus additional ABTA, IATA copies. Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £125 ISSN: 0956-2419

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Audit Bureau of Circulations Business magazines

January 13 2012

Highlighted Word: AMERICA Travagrams: (Top) Kuala Lumpur

(Bottom) Pontins

Where Am I?: Orinoco

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Get booking and WIN your way to an amazing 12 day adventure holiday to Namibia!

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance to win an incredible self-drive holiday for two exploring the awe inspiring scenery of Namibia. During your stay you will visit the famous AfriCAT Foundation, sleep in the wilderness of the Namibian sand dunes, go on safari in the famous Etosha National Park and also experience the wonder of Namibiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skeleton Coast! What you get: Two return flights courtesy of South African Airways 4x4 vehicle rental courtesy of Namibia Car Rental Accommodation & itinerary courtesy of Naturally Namibia See the full itinerary on www.travelnamibia.co.uk/trade To win this amazing holiday for you and your friend, simply book a holiday to Namibia and then log that booking at:

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