Travel Bulletin 13th September 2013 by Alain Charles Publishing

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September 13 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,841 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Agents!dge at

r knowle y Test you Discover win the USA hance to c a r o f Program prizes including f a range o tickets & a mini a i. m VIP Will. age 10 tablet! P Y DISCOVER M A R PROG

Australasia

G'day sport! Australia highlights sporting options to entice adventurous clients

this week news 3 new survey delves into suitcases to unveil packing essentials

puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for a chance to win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher

russia

operators respond to growing demand with new tours for 2014

short breaks sell your clients a quick getaway with new deals & promotions

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newsbulletin

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT…The Saint Lucia Tourist Board and British Airways recently joined forces to offer a ‘Dine in the Sky’ event in Brighton for friends of Saint Lucia, the media and passers-by, with the opportunity to sample Creole cuisine at an elevation of 100ft. The event was held to promote the tourist board’s new positioning statement, ‘Lift Your Senses’ and BA’s daily flights to the destination from November. The inaugural flight departed at 10am with passengers including Marc James, British Airways; Edward Light, Caribtours; and Lynn Girling, Windjammer Landings; as well as members of key UK tour operators and people from the Saint Lucian community. The group was hosted by Atlyn Forde and Jean-Marc Flambert from the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, as well as Sophie McKinstrie from British Airways.

For details see www.stlucia.org or call 020-7341 7000.

Cover Pictures: Main - Tourism Australia The Kimberley, WA credit Delaware North Companies

Inset - Uspensky Cathedral, Vladimir

This Week 3

news

at home with eileen

agent bulletin

puzzle bulletin

cruise bulletin

bulletin briefing

personality bulletin

new survey delves into suitcases to unveil packing essentials

Eileen has a new idea for a directory for the disabled the latest competitions, offers and training for agents

play Su Doku for a chance to win a £50 M&S voucher American Cruise Lines introduces new range of festive cruises ANTOR offers an insight into the role of tourist boards

which BDM would like to trade places with Michael Palin?

russia

australasia

short breaks

operators respond to growing demand with new tours for 2014

Australia highlights sporting options to entice adventurous clients

sell your clients a quick getaway with new deals & promotions

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Monarch delves into Britain’s suitcases to unveil packing essentials MONARCH HAS been taking a closer look into holidaymakers’ suitcases to find out what essential items its customers can’t leave at home when jetting off on their holidays. The recent survey by the airline, where more than 1,360 people were polled, asked: ‘What is the one thing you can’t live without and always take with you on holiday?’ The responses revealed that more than 12% cannot leave home without their favourite piece of electronic equipment, including phones, tablet computers and music

players. More than 8% always have a book or an e-reader with them and the same percentage have to take tea bags to ensure they can enjoy a ‘proper cup of tea’. Whilst some were concerned about what they are drinking, the same percentage were thinking more of the way they look, with another 8% making sure they packed a hair dryer or hair straighteners. For some, essentials included mayonnaise, mint sauce, slippers and toilet paper, while a few were a little more romantic with

4% saying they couldn’t leave home without their partner! When asked ‘What is the most unusual thing you packed for your last holiday?’ among the responses were 14 packets of instant noodles, 24 curry pot noodles, mustard powder, 2kg jelly babies, dog food and custard powder. Non-food items were a little unusual too with 1% packing a hot water bottle and others taking a bath plug, a shower attachment, a long handled shoe horn and an extension lead.

October half-term escapes from Belleair Holidays BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is offering deals on selected departures for October half-term to some of its popular family properties in Malta. Example packages include a seven-night breakfast stay at the four-star Qawra Palace from £2,519 per family including flights from Gatwick, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction. The property is located on the seafront and offers panoramic views of Salina Bay. Meanwhile, a seven-night breakfast stay at the four-star Seabank Resort and Spa costs from £2,864 per family. It includes flights from Manchester, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction. The hotel is located in front of the beach and guest rooms offer views of the bay, the pool or the countryside. Recently refurbished and renovated, the modern hotel offers a range of facilities and comforts suitable for families and couples alike. Both offers are subject to availability and are based on two adults and two children on an October 26 departure. For further information visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

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newsbulletin Seabourn presents winter Caribbean collection from £1,796 per person for seven days SEABOURN IS offering value Caribbean sailings over the winter months, with a series of cruises leading in at £1,796 per person. The line’s ships will carry travellers to more than 25 ports on voyages ranging from seven to 21 days in length, offering a variety of itineraries, including more than five harbours inaccessible to larger ships. An example of itineraries is a seven-day Caribbean Yacht Harbors tour, which departs on November 30 and December 14 and travels from Bridgetown, Barbados to Philipsburg (St. Maarten). Ports of call include Bequia and the Grenadines; Roseau, Dominica; Deshaies, Guadeloupe; St. Johns, Antigua; Road Bay, Anguilla; Prickly Pear Island, British Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Netherlands Antilles. Prices start from £1,769 per person, based on two people sharing a suite and are inclusive of all tips and gratuities, dining, open bars and a fully stocked mini bar. The company is also offering a range of Signature Delights, which include Marina Days where guests can experience a number of complimentary watersports in the secluded waterways of the Caribbean, or Champagne & Caviar in the Surf which includes a beach barbecue at Prickly Pear Island or Isla Catalina, where staff offer trays of Champagne and caviar to guests. For more information call 0843-373 2000 or visit www.seabourn.co.uk

BACK TO SKOOL… In a bid to soften the blow of the end of the summer holidays, Attraction World’s Zoe Holt (second from left) visited Althams in Bury to give away free family tickets to Alton Towers theme park. Pictured enjoying the retro treats with Zoe are, from the left: the agency’s Carole Hallows, Suzanne Willett and Beth Ward.

Wendy Wu offers early booking incentive for group tours from 2014/15 brochure WENDY WU Tours has issued its new China brochure which features the company's largest range of China products with a range of new destinations and more comprehensive itineraries. Including new 'Special Interest' trips, clients can now pursue their passions in China with experts leading culinary, botanical and photography tours or join ‘Panda Ambassador’ John Craven in Chengdu to meet the Giant Panda. Those looking for off-the-beaten-track programmes can experience new “undiscovered secrets”, sold exclusively by the operator, including the Round Houses of Xiamen, Ciqikou Ancient town and Black Mountain Valley. Fully-inclusive group tours start from £1,690 per person including flights, transport, accommodation, all meals, touring with guides, entrance fees and visa fees for EU passport holders.

September 13 2013

Also new for winter 2013/14 is the company's Chinese New Year itineraries offering the chance to spend New Year on a dragon boat in the company of Wendy Wu herself, as well as a range of family friendly itineraries running over the school holiday periods. Deluxe tours are also available for the more discerning traveller. For bookings made by October 31 the company is offering savings of up to £300 per couple on selected China group tours departing between March 1 and August 31, 2014. For more information visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-499 3899.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● INTORUSSIA’S (formerly IntouristUK) 2014

brochure features exciting new tours and old favourites with HALF PRICE VISAS on all 2014 bookings for a limited time! Call 0844 875 4026 or visit www.into-russia.co.uk

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

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newsbulletin Travel Bulletin welcomes Jetset as latest Star Awards sponsor JETSET HAS become the latest sponsor of Travel Bulletin's Star Awards, which this year takes place at the five-star Landmark Hotel in London on Monday October 7. The operator's chairman John Bond said: "Jetset is delighted to sponsor the Travel Bulletin Star Awards which we believe is a true reflection of travel agents’ opinion of the operators, principals and organisations who help them win the sale when they are face to face John Bond with their customers. With the travel agent nominating their favourite supplier for awards in the various categories, we feel these awards provide a valuable endorsement of the services and products provided throughout the year to our trading partners. "As an independent company, Jetset only trade through our travel agents so such an accolade means a lot to us. We continually strive to make it easier for our travel agents by delivering the ability to meet the latest changes and challenges from ATOLs to baggage allowance, from uncertainty to full protection on all our products, with ease and choice of access with Booking Basket or PackagePal, and we also have a friendly efficient UK call centre.” SAFE BET…Leeds Bradford Airport has been awarded the national ‘Safe Parking’ award. Run by Park Mark, an Association of Chief Police Officers initiative, the scheme is also supported by the Home Office and British Parking Association. To receive the accolade, the parking facilities must provide good access control, safe entries and exits and comprehensive CCTV coverage. Pictured presenting the award to the airport’s chief financial officer, Sophie Brown, and car park team member, Kuldip Mudhar (right) is Phil Taylor, the North Eastern area manager for the scheme. Prices for an eight-day stay in the car park start from £40. The airport also recently launched a free 30-minute Wi-Fi service in the terminal for all passengers.

Savings of up to £1,660 in Funway’s September sale FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched a new sale this month for destinations including New York, Las Vegas, Florida, California, Hawaii, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, with savings of up to £1,660 per couple. For every booking made online travel agents will receive £10 on their Funway MoneyCard, with £5 for every booking made

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via the Funway reservations team. In addition, the first 50 agents that make a New York booking (flight and accommodation) during the sale period will receive an additional £10 on their MoneyCard which means they could earn up to £20 per booking. For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 0626.

‘Three Generations Package’ in Gstaad AN IDEAL bolt-hole to explore the Swiss Alps, Gstaad is an alpine playground suitable for all ages. Until December 15, the resort in the Bern Canton is offering a ‘Three Generations Package’ for holidaymakers in search of an affordable break with their extended family. It includes bed-andbreakfast accommodation in a selection of three-, four- and five-star hotels with parents paying 100% of the room rate, grandparents paying 50% and children up to 16 years staying for free. For a small supplement, guests can choose to stay on a halfboard basis and include the Gstaad easyaccess card in the package, where mountain railways, various other public transport services, as well as different leisure activities are included. A two-night break leads in at approximately £372 in a three-star hotel and approximately £791 in a five-star hotel, based on a family with two grandparents, two parents and two children for a minimum two-night stay. For more information visit www.gstaad.ch

September 13 2013

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @WeGiveUTheWorld Fancy €10 to spend @SiamPark? Then good news, we've extended our FREE spending money offer for September! #Tenerife http://ow.ly/i/32T9d @cottages4you Recharge your batteries without missing a thing – 25% of our handpicked UK holiday cottages offer free Wi-Fi. http://bit.ly/13SHsQH @STATravel_UK Super Latin America flight deals with Air Europa! Fly to Brazil fr £499, Peru fr £639, Argentina fr £665 and more! http://sta.travel/15A8Sgb @ClassicHols Luxury Deal of the Day, 5* Real Marina Resort & Spa, Algarve, 7 nights, B&B deptarting from 12 Oct, from £449pp http://www.classic-collection.co.uk/deal-of-the-day @ParkResorts Park Resorts visitors will soon be able to access superfast internet connections in the comfort of their holiday home http://po.st/wifi

Rediscover the World adds tenday Romania tour REDISCOVER THE World has issued a new ten-day 'Beauty of Yesterday in Romania' tour departing on October 2. It includes visits to Piatra Neamt, the “Pearl of Moldova”; Bucovina, the “monastic archipelago”, housing the famous painted churches; Viseu de Sus the land of wooden churches; a journey by steam train through the Vaser Valley; Viscri, a UNESCO World Heritage Village; Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a World Heritage site; and a visit to Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle). Included in the tour are nine nights' full board accommodation; transfers; guides; admission fees to museums, monasteries and castles; round-trip tickets for the steam train and horse carriage ride in Viscri; and all local taxes. A net rate is available to travel agents. For details email Andy at holidays@rediscover.co.uk or call 01989-730552.

Newsbites ●

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NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS has launched three new incentives for agents to sell to their clients this month: £25 per person off all 2014 air holidays, £25 off river cruising and £25 off child prices for its December 2013 Lapland day trips. The operator has also released four new brochures - Coaching in the UK and Europe, Escorted Air Holidays, River Cruising and Far and Away. For details see www.newmarket.travel/agent ACCOR IS offering free Wi-Fi in bedrooms and public spaces across 194 hotels in the UK including ibis, Mercure, Novotel, MGallery and Pullman hotels. THE CHARLES Dickens Museum has joined more than 60 other top attractions included in the London Pass. AITO HAS announced that it will hold its overseas conference in Malta from November 28-December 1. BRITTANY FERRIES is now offering free Wi-Fi on its ships. For details see www.brittany-ferries.co.uk or call 0871-244 1400. VISITBLACKPOOL HAS launched a new website at www.visitblackpool.com CRUSINGEXCURSIONS.COM HAS extended its private and shuttle port transfer service and has also introduced a price match pledge. Eight additional port transfers have been added – Miami, Genoa, Port Canveral, Fort Lauderdale, Singapore, Bridgetown, Cozumel and Freeport, with transfers starting from £35 one-way. DFDS SEAWAYS has become a member of TIPTO. HAWAII HAS signed a new policy to include all of its beaches to be smoke-free. The policy will be enforced by beach lifeguards.

New weekend break from The Spanish Thyme Traveller THE SPANISH Thyme Traveller has launched a new weekend break that takes guests on a cava tasting experience in Valencia. The trip will familiarise clients with different styles of cava including how it is made and why it is called cava. Prices lead in at 495 per person, based on two sharing, and include two nights' breakfast accommodation in four-star

boutique hotels, one tapas and cava tasting session, one midday meal with wine, an excursion including visits to two wineries, wine tasting and outdoor paella and a tour leader. A single supplement of €90 applies. The tour departs on September 27-29, October 25-27 and November 22-24. For more information see www.thespanishthymetraveller.com

Flexible Car Hire launches new site to boost service for travel industry partners FLEXIBLE CAR Hire has launched a new website to make it easier for travel industry partners to book car hire for clients. The launch comes as the UK-based car-hire company, which has been operating for more than seven years, seeks to increase its awareness amongst the trade and drive higher

service standards within the car-hire industry. Providing a simple interface, the site is now easier to navigate and offers a faster search speed. For a fully transparent experience, agents can now research prices, outlining excess details and fuel policies through real-time car availability and supplier

September 13 2013

terms and conditions and confirmation through its XML integration. Agents can also see which supplier has been quoted before they confirm the all-inclusive booking which is available without amendment or cancellation fees or deposit. The company also offers fully bespoke B2B solutions including a white label

booking engine and a secure VPN service to help clients generate additional revenue. A dedicated UK-based call centre to help with both sales and support enquiries is also available to agents, as well as email support with a 24-hour turnaround. For details call 0844-477 9255 or email info@flexiblecarhire.com

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newsbulletin Xmas markets from Fred.\ FRED.\ HAS launched its first ‘Christmas Markets and Winter Breaks’ brochure featuring European Christmas markets and winter city breaks for 2013/14. More than 35 towns and cities are featured in destinations including Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Finland, as well as river cruising. A full tailor-made service is also available. Prices lead-in at £239 per person for a two-night Christmas market break to Prague, including flights and two nights’ breakfast accommodation. For details call 0808-159 5256.

BIRMINGHAM BEAUTIES... Superbreak recently teamed up with Birmingham Airport to run a duty free shopping night for ten TUI agents from the Birmingham central region. The agents enjoyed a night of discount shopping in duty free, a makeover and refreshments in the No.1 Executive Lounge. Pictured having a MAC Makeover are, from the left: Tracey Quirk, Birmingham Airport; Scott James, Superbreak; the MAC make-up artist; and Jessica Andrews and Estelle Peakman from TUI.

Titan issues 2014 ‘Worldwide’ brochure with early booking discounts TITAN HAS unveiled its 2014 ‘Worldwide’ tour brochure, with many itineraries benefiting from reduced single supplements and early booking discounts of between £40 and £500 per person for reservations made before October 31. European highlights include an eight-day ‘Sultans of Spain’ itinerary which journeys through the southern regions of Murcia and Andalucia and includes a visit to Granada and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Alhambra Palace. The tour leads in at £1,095 per person including transfers, flights, half-

board accommodation, the services of a tour manager and all sightseeing. Further afield, a ‘Wonders of the Golden West’ itinerary in the US is a new and improved version of the ‘California & The Golden West’ tour. The 16-day itinerary takes in key attractions in San Francisco, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, with accommodation included. It costs from £2,595 per person if booked before October 31 or £2,795 per person thereafter. For more information call 0800-988 5858 or visit www.titantravel.co.uk

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newsbulletin

e m o h At ..

. n e e l i E h t i w

MOVERS ● TOURISM MALAYSIA has appointed Junus bin Suhid as

director, UK and Ireland. ● SAINT LUCIA’S deputy director of tourism Tracey Warner-

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ileen orker E w e m o as h th? What h p to this mon u n e be

HOPE you’ve all been making the most of the wonderful weather we’ve had for the last couple of months. We’re now into September and fortunately the warm weather seems to be hanging on in there for the time being at least. August is usually a bit of a quiet month for me but this year has been different. I’ve had a real mixed bag of enquiries including a few last minute holidays for families wanting to get away before the kids go back to school. One enquiry I had was for a family with a severely disabled son who were looking for a holiday at a UK seaside hotel. This proved quite difficult and time consuming as it pretty much meant I had to check out each individual hotel to see if they offered suitable facilities. After an exhaustive search, I finally found suitable accommodation and availability at Butlins Wave hotel in Bognor Regis. It made me think - wouldn’t it be a really great idea to produce some sort of directory showing UK hotels that offer facilities for the disabled? Cruises are still proving popular as they offer such great value for money. I’ve just booked clients on a 13 night cruise from the UK to the Canaries and am now working on an enquiry for a cruise around New Zealand. This year, cruises are the cheapest I’ve seen them. Could it be that the prices are being reduced because there are just too many cabins to fill with all these huge ships being launched? Despite having a few last minute enquiries, I’ve noticed that customers seem to be planning and booking ahead more than I’ve seen for some time and at the moment, I’m working on quite a few tailor-made enquiries for 2014 to USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Did you by any chance read earlier this week about the man caught trying to smuggle live tropical fish into New Zealand? Airport officials suspected something was “fishy” after spotting water seeping from his bulging trouser pockets. The passenger reportedly said he was just carrying water for the plane journey but when customs officials questioned him further, they discovered seven fish hidden in plastic bags in his pockets. This incident comes hot on the heels of other recent reports of a man who concealed his pet rat down his trousers and another who tried to smuggle a turtle onto a plane, disguised as a KFC burger! As a vegetarian I’ve never had a KFC burger but I’m guessing you could probably notice the difference?

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Arnold has been promoted to head of the tourist board's marketing team. ABTA HAS reshuffled its public affairs team following confirmation that its head of public affairs, Luke Pollard has been selected as the Labour and Co-operative Parliamentary Candidate in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport for the next General Election. Stephen D’Alfonso will take up the role of head of public affairs, while Luke Pollard will take up an interim role as head of European development. GARETH BANNER has joined the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel as general manager. HF HOLIDAYS has appointed Jim Forward as chief executive designate, effective from October 14. JURYS INN Chelsea has appointed Anthony Barrett as general manager.

Winter brochure launch by Jet2holidays JET2HOLIDAYS HAS launched its first dedicated winter holidays brochure featuring 191 handpicked hotels and eight beach destinations. ATOL protected breaks start from £269 per person for seven nights' breakfast stay at the four-star Hotel Polynesia, Benalmadena in the Costa del Sol. For more information call 0800-408 5587 or download a copy of the brochure at https://tradesite.jet2holidays.com

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Brochure of The Week: IntoRussia 2014 can be viewed in digital format on www.travelbulletin.co.uk

●

Buy tickets for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2013 online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/reserve-tickets

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Missed our annual All About Luxury Holidays supplement? You can still view it in digital format at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travel-bulletinback-issues

All this and more at: by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

September 13 2013

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

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agentbulletin

AGENTOFFERS ● TRAVEL AGENTS who bring in a minimum of US$10,000 of bookings following a special Khiri Travel fam trip to any combination of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, will have their trip costs refunded in full. Agents can choose to join the full 15-day LaosVietnam-Cambodia tour or just opt in for specific parts: four days in Luang Prabang, eight days in Vietnam or five days in Cambodia. Prices for land arrangements, based on a twin share, start from $220 per person for the Cambodia trip, rising to $1,225 to join the whole three-country itinerary. The fam trips commence with the four-day Laos trip on Saturday September 28. To book or for details email enquiries@khiri.com ●

TO CELEBRATE National Cruise Week, All Leisure Group is offering agents the opportunity to win a Waitrose Sparkling Tea Time Hamper. Agents who arrange an afternoon tea or morning coffee for their customers promoting National Cruise Week will be entered into the draw and, in addition, agents who make any cruise bookings across all the company's brands (Hebridean Island Cruises, Swan Hellenic, Voyages of Discovery) from September 21-29 will be entered into a daily prize draw. To enter, send details (name, ABTA and booking reference) with “Cruise Week Daily Draw” in the subject line to agencysales@allleisuregroup.com

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN International and Celebrity Cruises are giving away £1,000 a day in lifestyle vouchers to mark National Cruise Week. Agents can win one of ten £100 lifestyle vouchers each day – five from each of the cruise lines. In addition, Celebrity Cruises is giving away two iPad 4s during National Cruise Week and Royal Caribbean International will be giving away two cases of wine daily plus the chance to win two places on the new ship, Quantum of the Seas, when it launches in 2014. A range of special offers is also available to encourage consumer bookings during the week. The offers are in addition to the existing incentive offers as part of the current WOW Sale campaign for Royal Caribbean International and Exceptional Extras campaign for Celebrity Cruises, and agents who make a booking during National Cruise Week will have the additional chance to win. For details see www.cruisingpower.co.uk

Agent competition BOOKABED HAS launched a 'Facebookabed.co.uk' campaign dedicated to the UK trade. The site enables agent partners to keep updated with new developments and announcements and, to coincide with the launch, the company is giving away a two-night stay at a four-star hotel in London. For a chance to win the prize agents need to visit the new site and 'like' the page. The winner will be announced at the end of October.

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Agent training JA RESORTS & Hotels has launched a new online training programme, specifically designed for travel agents. It allows agents in multiple markets to familiarise themselves with the company's brand and learn more about recent developments. Agents can complete the Discover JA programme module by module, with each segment covering a different property. On completion, in addition to a number of prizes on offer, agents become a JA Ambassador. For details see www.discover-ja.com PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has announced another series of agent roadshows on the evenings of September 23-26 in Bournemouth, Oxford, St Albans and London. The events, supported by eight of the company's trade partners, will offer agents the chance to learn more about properties and destinations featured by the operator. The events commence at 18:30 with an educational workshop followed by dinner, with the chance to win a number of holiday prizes. Agents interested in attending should email Emma Pine at epine@prestigeholidays.co.uk

GIFT OF THE GAB... Funway Holidays recently ran a travel agent Facebook incentive to win a £100 Marks and Spencer gift card. Pictured is the winner, Leanne Penleth , from Thomson in Livings ton receiving her prize from the operator's development manager, Gary McIntr yre. September 13 2013

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S03 TB1309 News 2_Layout 1 11/09/2013 10:36 Page 11

puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 127

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

Ice Soiree Or Up

A➠

B➠

This cruise operator specialises in European Cruises and first name bares similarity to the famous French pastry.

C➠

Nag Eve

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9. Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, September 19th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 30th August is Susan Lockhart, Thomson in Dumfries & Galloway. August 30 Solution: A=7 B=4 C=3 D=8

Crossword

One of the ‘……. Conventions’ was signed here in 1949

Where Am I?

Greek thoroughfares?

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

Number: 127

Across 1. Carrier based in Atlanta (5) 4. State capital of Oregon (5) 6. Popular Jamaican destination, Montego ___ (3) 7. Catherine Zeta-Jones was born in this city (7) 9. Intourist specialise in holidays to this country (6) 11. American singer-songwriter, Alicia (4) 14. Nickname of ex Baywatch star, The ___ (4) 15. P&O cruise ship (6) 17. Charlie Brown and Snoopy are characters from this comic strip (7) 18. Number of dimes in a dollar (3) 19. Koblenz is located on both banks of this river (5) 20. Capital of Jordan (5)

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Down 1. First name of the Dragon taking to the Strictly dance floor (7) 2. London City airport code (3) 3. State capital of Texas (6) 4. Airline alliance (4) 5. Lebanon's national carrier (3) 8. City in Tuscany which regularly hosts the Palio (5) 10. Capital of Bulgaria (5) 12. Irish airport and river (7) 13. City breaks specialist, part of Thomas Cook (6) 16. English actor, ___ Law (4) 17. Cornish coastal town, sounds like a sporting term (3) 18. First name of Mission Impossible star (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 September 13 2013

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newsbulletin Ski Safari expands portfolio with 14 new resorts for 2013/14 winter programme SKI SAFARI is welcoming the 2013/14 season with numerous additions to its winter programme. With a strong team of dedicated skiers and snowboarders behind the scenes, the selection of new countries, resorts and safaris have been carefully planned to match the desires of those looking for a skiing holiday. The operator is expanding closer to home by adding Austria and Italy to its existing European portfolio. Scandinavia was new last season and, following its success, the family resort

of Tyrsil in Norway has been introduced, while the Red and Whitewater safari and the all-American ‘Classic Colorado’ safari are other new additions for 2013/14. As an example of prices, a seven-night stay at the five-star Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy on a bed-and-breakfast basis leads in at £1,389 per person including flights and transfers. For more information call 01273-224060 or visit www.skisafari.com

Medina Palms opens new Kenyan property with seven nights from £1,880 MEDINA PALMS has announced the launch of its new property on Watamu Beach, Kenya. The property, which is set on seven acres of land with its own private beach area, is surrounded by the protected Watamu Marine National Park. Accommodation is a choice of one- or twobedroom suites, twobedroom Penthouses or three-bedroom Ocean Lodges, the latter two of which feature private rooftop terraces with plunge pools. Alternatively, three- to five-bedroom Luxury Villas are available, which contain separate living areas, kitchens and

rooftop terraces with plunge pools. Facilities at the property include an à la carte rooftop restaurant serving North African and Asian cuisine, a tapas bar and a tree-top lounge. The Sakina Ocean Spa meanwhile offers rooftop views and has four treatment rooms and an aqua room. A range of activities are also available including scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and deep sea sport fishing (tag and release), as well as a kite surfing school from the Tribe Watersports Centre. Sunset dhow cruises are also available, which are followed by seafood lunch

Keeping an i on Apps AS released THOMSON H new and app 2.0 with MyThomson The nctionality. improved fu ne stop provided a ‘o original app as flight ch su formation in r fo ’ op sh ce, maps age allowan details, lugg d has now weather an and current a holiday ded to offer been upgra , where ey avel mon checklist; tr ange ch ex t eck ou users can ch er; more ency convert rates; a curr rs can se g, where u social sharin ination; st de d hotel an share their alerts and holiday

Medina Palms, Watamu Beach

barbecues, with dolphin spotting being a highlight between September and March. The beach experience can also be combined with a safari at Tsavo East National Park, where the Big Five roam. Red Savannah is offering seven nights’ breakfast

S KO B B L E R HAS launch ed a travel guid e map app called ForeverMa p 2 which a llows users to acc ess worldw ide maps anywhere, even witho ut an internet co nnection. T he app also feature s an extensi ve travel guid e (Wiki trave l), so users can o btain inform ation about thou sands of destination s, landmark s, restaurants , shopping areas, and other p oints of inte rest around the world. The app uses OpenStreetM ap and is a vailable for £1.99 fr om https://itun es.apple.co m/app/id 394763737

September 13 2013

accommodation at the property from £1,880 per person, including flights, transfers, VAT and taxes. It is based on two sharing a one-bedroom apartment. For more information call 01242-787800 or see www.redsavannah.com or www.medinapalms.com

ed T HAS launch TRAVELPOR for t n ge A ile ob Travelport M rtAll Travelpo . an sp ld or W the g n si ents u connected ag an GDS sp ld or W llo or Galileo, Apo e new th n download access platforms ca to ts lows agen al h ic h w p ap -the-go via bookings on and modify uch or hone, iPod To y's n their iPad, iP pa m ces. The co ctor Android devi re di g in d manag lport UK & Irelan ve ra “T : id uson sa Simon Ferg el av t ensures tr Mobile Agen ve in a ti ti pe m co be agents can ds highly an m ry that de 24/7 indust rvice. I customer se responsive application bt that this have no dou l in the u as successf will be just ” regions. Worldspan

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cruisebulletin American Cruise Lines introduces new range of festive cruises

GIFTO’S GIFT…Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) recently held a training day at Boreham House in Chelmsford, Essex for the Global Travel Group. The event, attended by 34 agents, included an insight into the new brochure and the separate ‘Astor’ programme. Pictured receiving a prize of luxury chocolates is Charrie Redondo from Gifto Travel (right) with Nicky Graham, the line’s business development manager, Southern England and Wales.

RSSC announces refurbishment plans for Voyager REGENT SEVEN Seas Cruises has announced that Seven Seas Voyager will receive a multi-million dollar refurbishment at the ship’s scheduled dry dock next month. The all-balcony, all-suite 700-guest capacity vessel will enter dry dock on October 14 in Marseille, France with her new look set to be revealed on October 23 when she sets sail on the ten-night ‘Lands of Myths, Seas of Fables’ cruise from Rome to Venice. The company will re-decorate the ship with new furniture, carpeting, curtains, wall coverings, lighting, original artwork and outdoor furniture. Outside, new teak will be installed on all balconies including the outdoor relaxation area on Deck 11, while the Observation Lounge on Deck 12 will receive new resort-style furniture and decor. To receive a brochure or for more information call 02380-682280 or visit www.rssc.com

Holland America Line commemorates centenary of the Panama Canal TO CELEBRATE the Panama Canal’s 100th anniversary, six Holland America Line ships will sail 28 full and partial transits of the Panama Canal from this month until April. The ‘Amsterdam’, ‘Statendam’, ‘Veendam’, ‘Westerdam’, ‘Zaandam’ and ‘Zuiderdam’ will transit the canal from six departure cities, including Veendam’s new departure from Boston, going between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Panama Canal cruise-only fares range from £589 per person for a ten-day itinerary to £1,704 per person for an 18-day voyage.

September 13 2013

Examples include a 14-night Mexico and Costa Rica fly/cruise from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale from £2,169 per person. Guests can explore Cabo San Lucas, Santa Cruz, Huatulco and Puerto Chiapas, Mexico and Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica. A whole day is then spent travelling along the Panama Canal from Balboa to Cristobal before the ship travels to its final port of call, Cartagena in Colombia. The price excludes taxes and is based on two people sharing an inside cabin, departing on September 19. For more information visit www.hollandamerica.com

AMERICAN CRUISE Lines has announced new Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises. As examples, ‘Southern Christmas’ is offered on Historic South & Golden Isles Cruises on December 21 and offers excursions including an oyster roast on the beach at Sapelo Island, a tour of the Ritz Carlton’s famous gingerbread houses on Amelia Island, a tour at the Jekyll Island Club, the Charleston Festival of Lights and a holiday décor mansion tour in Charleston. A ‘Cajun Christmas’ tour is offered on Lower Mississippi River Cruises and also departs on December 21, with both Christmas cruises featuring gingerbread house- and ornamentmaking, Christmas cookies served throughout the cruise, a Christmas carol singalong and gifts for guests who are 18 or under. Meanwhile, an ‘Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve’ itinerary is offered on Historic South & Golden Isles cruises along the Lower Mississippi River and departs on December 28. The tour features a fireworks display over Savannah and lights tours at Oak Alley and Houmas House Plantations along the Lower Mississippi River, while on board a New Year’s Eve dinner will be served, with entertainment and a midnight countdown with a Champagne toast. Other festive cruises include Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. For more information see www.americancruiselines. com

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BOOK YOUR SEATS NOW Monday 7th October 2013 TThe hee Landmark, 222 M Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ Dress Code: Black Tie

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by... TRACEY POGGIO, UK marketing & communications, Gibraltar Tourist Board and chair of ANTOR offers an insight into the role of tourist boards in a modern world

N THIS modern age of advancing technology and constant draw down of information, mixed with official and non-official commentary, the traditional role of a tourist board - to promote tourism as an export earner, and job creator to control the flow of tourism revenue - is frequently called into question. What is the modern expectation of a tourist board, and can its role satisfy the diverse requirements of the travel trade, the media and ultimately the buying public? The majority of officially recognised tourist boards are directed by national or regional structures and follow policies of the home country. A tourist board’s role essentially remains to provide market intelligence for the travel trade to allocate its resources more effectively, while engaging the media and public, with a developed distinctiveness and appeal for the destination. With this comes a continuous measurement of visitor satisfaction for improvement or change of tactics. Inevitably, there are good times and lean times, driven by environmental and socioeconomic factors. Tourist board directors are not politicians, and yet they are employed by them. Activity is largely funded by the public purse and with this comes immense responsibility and accountability. In this age of austerity, decisions cannot be taken lightly and frequently not without rounds of approval to be met in advance.

"A tourist board’s role essentially remains to provide market intelligence for the travel trade to allocate its resources more effectively, while engaging the media and public, with a developed distinctiveness and appeal for the destination" www.travelbulletin.co.uk

“Tourist board directors are not politicians, and yet they are employed by them. Activity is largely funded by the public purse and with this comes immense responsibility and accountability” So why is a body like ANTOR, which brings together a community of tourist board professionals, needed in this environment? My answer to this is simple. It isn’t a case of why do I need to belong, but how can I not be part of an exclusive club whose members share the same unique experiences, issues and enlightenment, that are consistently the same whether the home country has ten million visitors a year, or 5,000? Our strength remains in knowledge share, be it media buying, exhibition presence or crisis management. Driven by these common denominators, ANTOR has drawn up a Code of Conduct which we believe manages the expectation of a modern day role for a tourist board, while guaranteeing key deliverables. Ultimately, our members offer an unbiased and professional service, and while not every enquiry can be answered directly, it will be directed to the place where the information can be sourced. Still going strong after 60 years, ANTOR is a unique fraternity, providing its members with a forum to share its challenges, as well as its successes. More importantly, by keeping on the pulse of our members needs and thinking, it offers the industry we work in, the media and the public a fast route to the heart of the market place.

For more information on our membership services and code of practise see www.antor.com or follow us on Twitter @ANTOR_Travel and Facebook www.facebook.com/ANTORMembership September 13 2013

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personalitybulletin

Joan Jones The business development manager of Haslemere Travel goes with her gut instinct and wouldn’t mind trading places with Michael Palin…

Who is your ideal travelling companion? Gary Barlow.

“I wish consumers would appreciate the value and knowledge of a great travel agent”

What's your earliest childhood memory? Going on nature walks with my school aged six. Where was your last work-related trip? Marrakech with BA and Four Seasons an interesting experience with a mule and a hail storm in the Atlas Mountains. If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Michael Palin so I could experience some of the amazing destinations and experiences that he has. What three words would your friends use to describe you? Kind, fun and generous. What have your travels taught you? That the best experiences in life can be in the most remote places and cost absolutely nothing.

Career path ● ● ●

● ● ●

2013: Business development manager - Haslemere Travel 2008-2012: Homeworker & consultant - Designer Travel 2002-2008: Part-time & project to set up Going Places for You homeworking model 1997-2000: Area sales manager Going Places (Essex and East Anglia) 1996-1997: Shop manager - Going Places 1987-1996: Area manager, manager, assistant manager & tailor made consultant - Intatravel

What is the best advice you recall? Always trust your gut instinct. If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be? Happiness. If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be? That pricing was transparent and equal so the people who work the hardest and care the most about their clients have an equal chance of winning a sale. I also wish consumers would appreciate the value and knowledge of a great travel agent and that bonding and financial protection was simple and clear for clients and operators/agents alike.

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? Tony Bennet ex MD of Going Places – he was passionate, honest and spoke from the heart. He really knew how to get the best out of people. What's your favourite city and why? Sydney, Australia. I love the setting, the sights and the hidden bays that people never ever find unless they truly explore. If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing? Travelling the world.

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What is your motto in life? Live each day as if it’s the last. What is your favourite mode of travel? Boat – I love the ocean and the waves. If you had a super power what would it be and why? To press a button and give all my friends and family an abundance of happiness. What item do you always take with you when travelling? Underwear. What's your favourite airline and why? BA as they managed to allocate me a flat bed next to a very handsome man! How do you deal with stress? Exercise or a walk outdoors. Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? Salaries are not always reflective of the knowledge and experience of the individual. What special skill do you have? I love seeing people succeed and motivating them to be the best they can be. I am a great listener. How do you cope with the advances in technology? Embrace them - I just developed HT’s cloud based online system with all files online and built an Intranet page using Google apps for the whole team. If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you? Catherine Zeta Jones – she has long dark hair too. What do you love about your job? The company, the people, the variety and the challenges.

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russia

WORLD TRAIN Travel is highlighting a range of itineraries on The Golden Eagle. As examples, a Moscow via Murmansk to St Petersburg journey, departing from December 23 to January 2, leads in at £6,595 per person, while a St Petersburg via Murmansk to Moscow journey, departing from December 28 to January 6, costs from £6,395. Itineraries are commissionable to registered travel agents. For details see www.worldtraintravel.com/register/travel-agent

IntouristUK announces name change and launches 2014 brochure INTOURISTUK HAS changed its name to IntoRussia. The company's director of outgoing business Kristi Rorison said: "Now in our 76th year in business, it is more important than ever for us to continue evolving and improving. While Intourist in Russia remains a trusted partner, we are a completely independent company from them, and have been for many years now. We also have many well established relationships with suppliers and hotels all over the country and

beyond. This allows us to choose from the very best services available throughout Russia and the former USSR. "The name IntouristUK is still recognised by many by reputation as the sole supplier of travel services to Russia for a number of decades until the early 1990s. However as generations pass and technology advances, we would like people to be certain of what we offer by just looking at the brand name and logo." The operator has also issued its 2014

Christmas & New Year tour from GRJ

Uspensky Cathedral, Vladimir

GREAT RAIL Journeys has added a new Russia tour where guests can spend Christmas and New Year exploring the country's towns and cities. Travelling through the classic wintry landscapes of Dr Zhivago, the itinerary takes guests into the Arctic Circle to look for the Northern Lights, before enjoying New Year in St Petersburg. The 17-day tour leads in at £7,795 per person. For more information see www.greatrail.com

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brochure featuring new adventure tours, rail journeys and a new Beyond Moscow & St Petersburg section which showcases alternative destinations including Volgograd, Kazan and Rostov-on-Don. New adventure tours include bear watching, trekking, helicopter tours and volcanoes and the company is also offering an expanded river cruising section, replacing MS Peter the First with MS Tolstoy and MS Pushkin. For details see www.intorussia.com.uk or call 0844-875 4026.

Collette Worldwide adds new ‘Heart of Russia’ tour for 2014 COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays has added a new 12day itinerary in Russia for next year. The ‘Heart of Russia’ tour offers visitors the chance to discover Moscow and St Petersburg, as well as the culture and beauty of rural Russia, on a cruise between the two cities. It includes two nights in Moscow to discover highlights such as Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin; a river cruise ship for seven nights, which travels along the Volga and through picturesque Lake Onega. On board, guests can experience handicraft workshops, musical performances, cookery demonstrations and vodka tasting, as well as stopping en route for visits to villages and rural towns. The tour ends with two nights in St Petersburg including visits to the Hermitage Museum and Catherine Palace. Prices lead in at £2,529 per person including flights, transfers and transport, breakfast and many other meals, the services of a tour manager and door-to-door pick-up within 100miles of the UK departure airport. For more information visit www.colletteworldwide.com or call 0800-804 8700.

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russia INSIGHT VACATIONS is highlighting four itineraries in Russia. Russia, Warsaw & the Baltic States is a 14-day discovery tour, which takes guests to explore the Gothic castle of Trakai, cruise to Peter the Great’s Summer Palace, tour the Hermitage Museum and take in the Kremlin, with prices from £2,135 per person. An 11-day Russia and the Golden Ring takes guests at a leisurely pace from St Petersburg to Moscow, and then out to the historic ‘Golden Ring’ of oncefortified cities, with prices from £2,370. Easy Pace Russia is an eight-day escorted journey, following a similar path to Russia and the Golden Ring, but at a more relaxed pace, with prices from £1,535. The final tour, Northern Capitals and Russia, is an 18-day discovery tour, travelling by train and boat across eight countries; Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. For details see www.insightvacations.com

Exodus promotes eight-day Moscow-St Petersburg itinerary EXODUS IS highlighting an eight-day tour which travels from Moscow to St Petersburg. Visitors take in Moscow's gold onion-domed churches, Stalin's gothic Seven Sisters, along with the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum and St Basil's before

heading to Novgorod, Russia's oldest city and home to ancient buildings such as St Sofia's Cathedral. In St Petersburg guests will visit a range of museums, palaces and parks including the Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress and the River

Neva. Prices lead in at £1,299 per person including flights, accommodation and most meals. To book or for more information visit www.exodustravels.com or call 0845-863 9601.

Leger Holidays adds Moscow & St Petersburg air and rail tour popular tourist attractions, including the LEGER HOLIDAYS has launched a new tour, metro system, decorated with chandeliers, Moscow & St. Petersburg by air and rail. ornate mosaics and fine marble. Optional Departing this month, the eight-day excursions to the Moscow Kremlin and itinerary leads in at £1,045 per person and Armoury are also available. includes breakfast St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow Following the two days in accommodation, seven Moscow, a scenic journey on evening meals, flights (from the high speed Sapsan train Heathrow, Gatwick and will transfer travellers to St. Manchester), taxes and Petersburg for the next four excursions. nights. Here, a guided During the trip, travellers sightseeing tour and will visit the capital city of dedicated leisure time unveils Moscow to take in the sights, the famous landmarks, and will also be invited to history and culture of the city. spend time absorbing the Before returning to atmosphere in the Red Moscow, travellers will take Square, home to the in the sights of the Hermitage colourful, onion-domed St. Museum and the imperial palace of Basil’s Cathedral and the Mausoleum, which Petrodvorets. houses Lenin’s embalmed body. An included guided sightseeing tour For full details visit www.leger.co.uk ensures a comprehensive viewing of all the or call 0844-324 9256.

September 13 2013

Marriott Hotels announces debut property in Novosibirsk MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL has signed a management agreement with CJSC Globus to open its first property in Novosibirsk, Russia, the 175-room Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel. The property is expected to open next year and the announcement follows the recent signing of the Courtyard by Marriott Ulyanovsk and grows the current pipeline in Russia to nine new properties over the next three years. Other upcoming openings include the 234room Moscow Marriott Novy Arbat in 2014, and the Courtyard by Marriott Sochi Plaza Hotel and Krasnaya Polyana Marriott Hotel in Sochi, host city of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The company's president and managing director Amy McPherson said: “Last October we announced plans to grow our portfolio in Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States by more than 50% by 2015 and signing the Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel is another important step in reaching that goal. We are excited about the growth in travel throughout the region and the expanding demand for our hotels and brands.” The company's Novosibirsk hotel will be positioned in a prime location on Lenin Square opposite the city’s Opera House. It will feature a leisure club, indoor pool, 454sq.ft of meeting space, a casual dining restaurant, a Lobby Lounge & Bar and a business centre. For more information visit www.marriott.com

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australasia Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW

TOURISM AUSTRALIA has launched a new module as part of its Aussie Specialist Programme. The module aims to educate agents on Australia’s collection of independently owned and operated luxury lodges and camps. For details see www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au

Malaysia Airlines resumes services to Darwin from November with fares from £799 MALAYSIA AIRLINES will soon count Darwin among its Australian destinations. Launching on November 1, the route initially closed in 2002 has been reinstated to provide passengers, particularly those travelling from the UK, easier access to Australia’s Northern Territory. Darwin’s return to the network means that the carrier will now serve a total of seven destinations across Australia and New Zealand. UK travellers will also be able to discover the Top End of Northern

Australia via a double daily A380 service from Heathrow direct to Kuala Lumpur, followed by a connecting flight to Darwin. Between Kuala Lumpur and Darwin, the national carrier will operate a five times weekly service on the new and improved 160seater Boeing 737-800. The aircraft has a configuration of 16 Business and 144 Economy seats, including ondemand in-flight entertainment system for every seat.

Blumenthal and Stein headline Margaret River's food festival HESTON BLUMENTHAL and Rick Stein will headline this year’s Margaret River Gourmet Escape, Western Australia’s new beachside food and wine festival. The event, which runs from November 22-24, brings together 25 of the world’s best chefs, wine critics and celebrities in Australia’s Margaret River wine region. Visitors will be able to cook up with Stein who will host private master classes using seafood straight from the Indian Ocean, attend a Q&A session with Heston or dine in a pop-up version of Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar & Grill in a picturesque winery, supported with live music. There will also be cooking demonstrations, tastings, an event held in a secret forest location and a series of lunch and dinners serving local produce and bush tucker. For further details visit www.gourmetescape.com.au

September 13 2013

To mark the relaunch of the service, the airline is offering return fares from Heathrow from £799 in Economy for travel between December 24 and March 21, 2014 and April 16 to June 15, 2014. The airline’s UK & Ireland area manager Yuzrizal Mohd Yousuf said: “We are really pleased to provide exciting new services to our growing client base. Operating across key Australian destinations is an important part of our offering and the Darwin

route will enable our passengers to fly directly to the Northern Territory.” Andrew McEvoy, managing director of Tourism Australia, said: “This service heralds a fantastic opening for UK tourism in Darwin and the Northern Territory. We know British travellers love to explore and get off the beaten track. They’ll now have easy and direct access to the wonders of the Top End, including lush rainforests, exceptional wildlife and ancient rock art galleries.”

Lizard Island gears up for fishing event DUBBED THE ‘Formula One of Fishing’, the 27th Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic will take place from October 12-19. Lizard Island (www.lizardisland.com.au) is Australia’s northernmost resort and lies at the top end of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns. As well as being a fishing playground, the island offers dive and snorkelling sites. Meanwhile, the Heron Island (www.heronisland.com) Great Barrier Reef Swim will take place from October 10-14. Now in its third year, the swim is held in partnership with Oceanswims.com and involves a competitive swim around the island for a distance of approximately three kilometres as well as shorter course options. There is also a swim clinic and a range of social events. For more information visit www.heronisland.com

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australasia

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW

New Zealand reports increase in UK visitor numbers TOURISM NEW Zealand reports that UK visitor numbers in the first half of this year were up 3.3% compared with the same time last year. Justin Watson, acting chief executive of the tourism board, said: “When we look at the first six months of the year we see a strong picture for arrivals - with total arrivals up 5.8% against the same period last year and holiday arrivals up 10%. “This puts the industry in a great place ahead of the 2013 ski season which has already seen a solid start – with record levels of snow to all ski-fields and Australian arrivals up 17% for the month. We anticipate seeing further growth over the coming months.” “It is encouraging to see this growth from our traditional long-haul markets after what has been a difficult few years for the industry. The underlying growth from the long-haul markets further supports the positive impact seen from the investment in marketing New Zealand’s association with the Hobbit trilogy. “Our 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign continues to achieve its objectives providing the additional motivation and reason to convert interest in a holiday to New Zealand into an actual booking.”

Papua New Guinea trek from Exodus Travels EXODUS TRAVELS is offering a trek through the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, following the trail the Japanese used to launch their attack against the Australians during World War II. Starting at the village of Kokoda, the new trek travels through villages, across the Owen Stanley Ranges and into rainforests and over creeks and rivers. Along the way, travellers will pay homage at the main battle sites, with the trip ending in a visit to the Bomana War Cemetery. Prices start from £2,975 for 11 days, landonly, including accommodation and all meals.

8HOTELS' NEWEST property, 1888 Hotel, is set to open in Pyrmont, Sydney. Named after the year Kodak launched its first cameras, the hotel will honour the evolution of photography by offering Instagram-friendly walking maps for the Pyrmont area, a revolving series of Instagram images in the Mac space at reception featuring photos taken by guests and a ‘selfie space’ within the property. The hotel is also offering a free night to any Instagram users with more than 10,000 followers. In addition, each month the guest who has snapped the best Instagram picture while staying at the hotel will score a free night’s stay to be claimed at any time. For details see www.1888hotel.com.au

Australia promotes cricket trips with new iPhone app TOURISM AUSTRALIA is promoting the Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series to cricket fans in the UK with its Go Ashes iPhone app. The app is an update of the one designed for the 2010/11 Series and encourages users to book for the series starting in Brisbane in November. It features ideas of things to do in each host city and provides cricket news, stats, live scores, Twitter feeds, a game, plus videos featuring tips from

Aussie cricket legends Michael Bevan, Darren Lehman and Damien Fleming. The app can be downloaded from iTunes. The tourist board reports that overall arrivals from the UK, including visiting friends and relatives, surged 65% in June to 40,500, an increase of 15,900 on June last year. These figures helped lift total June visitor arrivals for Australia by 6.9% compared to the same period last year, while New

South Wales saw a US$50m impact as a result of the Lions Tour, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Meanwhile, agents can now complete the Great Golf Courses of Australia module in the Aussie Specialist Program to learn about the country’s golf courses, including its six World Top 100 courses. For more information about all of the above visit www.tourism.australia.com

Off Piste 4WD Tours explores the Fleurieu’s hidden treasures with full & half-day options OFF PISTE 4WD Tours is now offering full- and half-day tours exploring the McLaren Vale wine region, Coorong and Murray mouth, as well as the Fleurieu’s coastline, beaches and national parks. The tours, which include food from local chefs and artisans, also visit producers and boutique wineries where guests can sample wine straight from the barrel. Owner Benjamin Neville said the tours take visitors on old horse tracks, fire breaks, cattle runs and disused roads he discovered as a child while staying at his family’s Port Willunga holiday house.

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Meanwhile, Moreton Island Adventures has unveiled its new cluster of ‘glampsites’, with packages including 4WD tours and breakfast and dinner packs. The sites feature two- and four-person tents with queensize beds, private en-suites and verandas. Two-person tents lead in at $80 per night in low season, while a four-person tent starts from $110 per night in low season. For further details see www.moretonislandadventures.com.au

September 13 2013

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australasia Hilton Queenstown launches new spa package TWO YEARS after its opening, Hilton Queenstown has reestablished itself as Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa. Andrew Nisbet, general manager of the resort said: “We felt somewhat confined by the original name, which didn’t quite communicate the expansiveness of the guest experience here. “As a resort and spa, we’re really embracing this destination as a place to experience some of the greatest natural wonders and most exhilarating pursuits available in all New Zealand.” Situated in the foothills of the Remarkables mountain range, the property is a jumping off point for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and biking trails in the summer, as well as numerous adventure sports in the surrounding area, including bungee jumping. In celebration of its new conception, the resort has unveiled a new spa package, ‘Escape to eforea’, which includes accommodation for two in a lake-view room which features a private balcony and a schist stone fireplace; two half-hour massages with 20% discounts on additional treatments; and buffet breakfast at Wakatipu Grill. Guests can opt for treatments such as the Meditation Massage using deep aromatic oils, or select from three spa packages – Essentials, Escape and Men’s. The three-level spa includes a 25m heated pool, hot tub, sauna, steam rooms and fitness centre.

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CRUISE & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is entering the Australian cruise market this November when the 20,606 gross tonne ASTOR joins the fleet. Astor was originally launched on the British market back in 1987 as a five star luxury ‘soft adventure’ product and since her inception has undergone a number of refits including a recent £14m upgrade in 2010. The vessel now offers 289 cabins including 42 suites with 70% of accommodation comprising an ocean view. As an example of itineraries, a 40-night Southbound Voyage via the Cape to Australia, departing on November 5, 2014 from Tilbury, leads in at £2,889 per person. For details see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

Emirates and Qantas launch joint New Zealand network EMIRATES AND Qantas have announced their new schedule between New Zealand and Australia. Qantas has retimed its existing Christchurch-Sydney service, enabling more international connections from Sydney, and has launched a new PerthAuckland service. Emirates will meanwhile continue to operate 28 flights a week to New Zealand, with daily flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane alongside its daily flight between Sydney and Christchurch. Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, said: “These are the first significant signs of the Qantas-Emirates partnership at work across the Tasman and the advantages for our customers will continue to increase as the relationship grows. “We can expect to see benefits for the tourism industry as well, and that has got to be good news all round. Through the

partnership, the Emirates network has now been opened up to include Queenstown and Wellington in New Zealand in addition to the 55 destinations in Australia already on offer to our customers.” Qantas Group chief executive officer, Alan Joyce, said: “Our new AucklandPerth service will cater for demand over the busy holiday season and our new trans-Tasman schedule offers better flight times and more connections to flights both in Australia and around the world. “The new Qantas and Emirates schedule offers around 130 services per week from Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown across the Tasman to a joint network covering more than 175 destinations in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the UK and Europe.” Australia’s national airline operates Boeing 737-800s, while the Middle Eastern airline operates Airbus A380s.

Hidden Secrets Tours adds Golden Mile Walk in Melbourne HIDDEN SECRETS Tours has launched a new Golden Mile Walk itinerary in Melbourne which takes visitors on a journey through the legacy of the Victorian gold rush days. The daily two-hour walk takes guests past Melbourne’s most famous historic buildings, following golden markers embedded in the walkways. Tours depart daily at 10:00 from the Melbourne Visitor’s Centre and prices are from $29 for adults and $23 for concessions. For more information visit www.goldenmilewalks.rezdy.com

September 13 2013

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australasia Air New Zealand sees profits more than double & commits to $1.8billion investment AIR NEW Zealand has announced its earnings before tax have reached $256m for the 2013 financial year, an increase of 172% on the previous year and the company’s best result in five years. Operating cashflow was the highest ever at $750m, and the company reported cash holdings of $1.15bn. Chairman John Palmer said: “We are focused on further improving on this result in the 2014 financial year. Based on the airline’s forecast of market demand and fuel prices at current levels, early results and forward bookings are encouraging. “This result is one that investors, Air New Zealanders, customers and our nation can be proud of. It marks the start of an exciting new phase as chief executive officer,

Christopher Luxon, and his management team drive their Go Beyond strategy to grow the airline. “Strong results allow us to reinvest in products, services, training and development to further enhance the customer experience and to connect more people and businesses than ever to, from and within New Zealand.” The airline has committed to investing $1.8bn in aircraft over the next three years. Chief executive officer Christopher Luxon said: “We have 11,000 people working together with the goal of growing Air New Zealand and further enhancing our award-winning customer experience. We have a range of initiatives that will roll out during the 2014 financial year as we reinvest in the business to keep us ahead of the competition."

VIP holiday to Sunshine State up for grabs from Travel 2 for most creative agent TRAVEL 2 has teamed up with Queensland Rail Travel to give agents the chance to win a VIP trip for two to discover the ‘Sunshine State’. Queensland Rail Travel recently launched its own dedicated module on T2 Academy where agents can learn more about what

Australia’s most northeastern province has to offer rail aficionados; from stops in the capital of Brisbane to the sandy shores of Fraser Island and the tropical haven of Cairns. The winners of the prize will travel in Queenslander Class on The Sunlander train, spend two nights in

the Whitsunday Islands and experience a Great Barrier Reef Cruise. To be in with a chance to win this once in a lifetime holiday agents are being urged to swot up on everything Queensland. To qualify, agents must complete the new Queensland Rail Travel on module at T2 Academy, and

Austravel promotes Sydney packages for Good Food Month plus new savings AUSTRAVEL IS offering Sydney packages from £1,119 for clients looking to experience Good Food Month, which takes place next month. Restaurants, bars and food businesses throughout the city will be showcasing their offerings in a number of events, parties and pop-ups across the city. Signature events include the Asian-inspired Night Noodle Markets, a landmark of the annual event since its inception in 1998 and offering up to 40 food stalls, bars and nightly entertainment. A six-day Sydney holiday with the operator starts from £1,119 per person, including five nights at the four-star Mercure Hotel in Potts Point and flights from Heathrow with Etihad Airways, based on departures from October 21-25. The operator is also offering savings for holidays such as the nine-day package to Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, which leads in at £1,295 per person with a saving of £150 per couple. The price includes four nights at the Mercure Potts Point Hotel in Sydney and four nights at the Blue Lagoon, Trinity Beach. Flights from Heathrow with Qantas are included, based on November departures. For further information call 0800-988 4834 or visit www.austravel.com

Sydney

September 13 2013

then send their best Queensland itinerary and 50 words on why they should become the ‘Queensland Rail Travel Guru’. Entries should be sent to QLDGuru@travel2.com by September 30. Visit www.travel2.com to see the full terms and conditions.

STA Travel & Tourism New Zealand offer A-level students £50 off STA TRAVEL has teamed up with Tourism New Zealand to offer every student £50 off any trip booking on presentation of their A-level results certificate in store. The prize also includes a Kiwi Experience ‘Sheepdog’ hop-on-hop-off bus pass which takes in the sights of both the North and South Islands. The scratch-card competition is also available online by ‘liking’ the operator’s UK Facebook page. The £50 discount is valid on bookings with a minimum value of £500, and must include either return flights plus three nights’ accommodation or flights plus a tour booking. The operator is also offering up to 50% off accommodation and hop-on hop-off bus passes in destinations worldwide.

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Fiji Airways, formerly Air Pacific, Fiji’s national airline, has been connecting the world to Fiji and the Pacific Islands for over 60 years. With a route network that spans 15 destinations in 10 countries, the airline provides unequaled access to the Pacific through its hub in Nadi, Fiji, to destinations such as Los Angeles, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Australia, New

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Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The rebranding of Fiji Airways from Air Pacific took place in June 2013. This coincided with a fresh new brand identity, a new fleet of Airbus 330-200 aircraft and an enhanced in flight experience. For more details and the latest fares and schedules, call Fiji Airways Reservations on 01603 211426.

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s k a e r b t r sho A NEW ‘Snow and Aurora Break’ is being offered from Taber Holidays with prices leading in at £795 per person. With strong chances of seeing the Northern Lights and a range of activities available, the company offers three nights at Ripan Lodge (pictured). Optional excursions include a reindeer encounter, Northern Lights hunt by snowmobile or dog sled, a moose safari and visit to the aurora sky station. Prices are based on four adults sharing or £2,822 for a family of four (two adults and two children under 12), including flights, transfers and three nights' breakfast accommodation. The break departs daily until April 30, 2014.

New Scottish tours from Superbreak AGENTS BOOKING short breaks in Scotland can now take advantage of a range of new add-on excursions that Superbreak has introduced. Bookable when staying in the cities of either Glasgow or Edinburgh, the tours highlight more of the local area and will ensure customers get to see more whilst away. All tours are fully commissionable and bookable in conjunction with a overnight hotel stay. As examples, new tours include a Highland Glens, Castles and Whisky Tour from £32, departing from Glasgow; Highland Whisky, Woodland and Waterfall Tour from £35, from Edinburgh; Loch Lomond, The Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle from £32 from Glasgow; and a St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife Tour from £35 from Edinburgh. For more information see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Three-night Marrakech package at new property from £995 with Cox & Kings COX & Kings is offering a four-day/three-night break at the newly opened Taj Marrakech. Prices lead in at £995 per person including flights, transfers and a Riad Garden double room with breakfast daily. The property offers panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and gardens of the Palmeraie district and features 161 rooms. Located 20 minutes from the centre of Marrakech, guests can discover the city’s historical treasures with a tour of sights such as the Koutoubia Mosque, Granada’s Alhambra-inspired El Badi Palace and the UNESCOprotected square Jemaa el-Fna. Thrill-seekers can venture to the Atlas Mountains for trekking and climbing to 4,000 metres or go quad-biking through the desert.

Short break variety from Classic Collection HAVING THE flexibility to give instant price quotations for holidays from any UK departure airport with any airline for any duration, means that Classic Collection Holidays offers a range of short break holidays from a large number of UK airports. Athens, Dubrovnik, Lisbon, Palma, Malta, Ibiza, Rome, Pisa and Naples are all featured by the operator and offered with direct flights from multiple UK domestic airports. Departures for various dates in September include the Berg Luxury Hotel Rome from £899 and the Costa Azul Hotel in Palma from £699. The Divani Palace Acropolis, Athens starts from £769 per person, the Palacio Estoril Hotel, Lisbon from £699, the Villa Garden Hotel, Sorrento from £734 and the Hotel More, Dubrovnik from £799. All prices are based on two adults sharing for three nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis and include direct flights and private transfers. Meanwhile, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro are the most recent additions for the operator, and tipped as ideal three-, four- or five-night destinations.

September 13 2013

Rovinj, Croatia

The company offers 12 four- and five-star hotels in Dubrovnik and the coastal resorts of Orasac, Cavtat, Slano and Lopud Island. Suggestions for short breaks include a five-night twin-centre holiday, combining three nights in Dubrovnik with two nights in neighbouring Montenegro. For further information call 0800-008 7288.

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shortbreaks Butlins highlights Halloween breaks across resorts for October half-term HAUNTING HOLIDAYS are happening this half-term as Butlins’ three seaside resorts unleash some fiendish fun over the October Halloween break. Guests can take part in the ‘Trick or Treat Trail’; a Halloween treasure hunt where family super sleuths can solve the spooky clues on the mystery trail around the resorts and compete for Halloween treats. Families at the Minehead and Skegness resorts can get up close and personal with some real scary, crawly and slithering creatures in an interactive Creepy Crawlers show, with professionals on hand to give guests the chance to learn some amazing facts about their new friends. Some tamer terror is available for tots with ‘Billy's Frightfully Fun Halloween Show’ where the company's own Billy Bear celebrates all things spine-chillingly spooky for the whole family to enjoy. Halloween fun with the Skyline Gang and their ‘Spooktacular Show’ will also be available as little ones can find out what ghouls and guests will be joining them on stage when they throw a Halloween party. Less frightening fun available at the three resorts over the half term break includes Splash Waterworld, Traditional Funfair Rides and West-End quality shows. A three-night Halloween break costs from £95 per person departing on October 25, based on two adults and two children sharing a Silver self-catering apartment at Minehead. A three-night Halloween & Fireworks

Weekend break from November 1-4 costs from £90 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing a Silver self-catering apartment at Skegness. For further information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

Fred.\ promotes Eastern European two-night break from £1,199 FRED.\ is promoting its Eastern Europe rail tour which features Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Munich from £1,199 per person. Overall short break prices lead in at £259 per person for a two-night short break to Berlin staying at the three-star Alt-Berlin Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including flights. For more information call 0808-159 5256 or e-mail lawrence@fred.travel

Italian highlights from Citalia CITALIA IS highlighting short break holidays to Italy’s capital from £199 per person. As an example, for couples looking for a romantic Rome getaway, a three-night break leads in at £199 per person, offering a 23% saving. The trip includes a free night, three nights' breakfast stay at the Hotel Augustea and flights from Gatwick with easyJet. The price is based on a November 7 departure. Meanwhile, a three-night stay in Venice lead in at £245 per person - long enough to explore the network of canals and bridges by boat, the chance to take in the piazzas, markets and ornate architecture. The offer includes a free night, flights from Gatwick with British Airways and three nights' breakfast accommodation at the four-star Bonvecchiati, based on a November 10 departure. For details or to book call 0843-770 4443 or see www.citalia.com

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Morocco Breathtaking

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shortbreaks We asked our staff the following question this week: Who would be your choice for celebrity of the year? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Usain Bolt

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

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk

BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is offering a four-night breakfast stay at the five-star Hilton Malta from £379 per person. It includes direct flights from Gatwick, accommodation in a deluxe marina room, private transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction. The offer is subject to availability and is based on two adults sharing, valid for travel on December 6. For details see www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

Angelina Jolie for her courage over publicising her breast cancer and raising awareness, oh, and looking great

InBrief

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Has to be Mo Farah

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Can I be dull and say Andy Murray?

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Alan Partridge, for his big-screen mime to Roachford's "Cuddly Toy"

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Peter Kay

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk Kerry Katona

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Tiesto

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk Lebron James

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Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk Genaro Santos

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

● NIRA CALEDONIA in Edinburgh has launched The Ultimate Shopping Experience, a

three-night package for shopaholics with discerning taste. It includes an hour's exclusive access to Harvey Nichols with a budget of £3,000 to spend, plus a range of privileges at other shops in the city. The package also includes 15% off a hair-do at Vidal Sassoon and a £50 discount at Castle Fine Art gallery. Agents benefit from 10% commission on the package price. Prices lead in at £4,390 per couple for a three-night stay in a suite and is valid until December 30. ● GRAND UK Holidays has boosted its range of Christmas and New Year holidays in its new 2013/14 brochure to cater for growing demand. New destinations and hotels in the UK have also been added, as well as Turkey & Tinsel favourites, and Christmas markets at home and abroad. Trips to see Christmas markets in the UK and Europe start from £189 per person for four days, and include new choices such as Festive Folkestone and Bruges Christmas Market. Call 01603-619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com ● ARBLASTER & Clarke is offering a Lyons Wine & City Break from £650 per person, which departs from October 24-27. It includes two nights' three-star accommodation with breakfast, two days' private guided wine tour, return train from Lyons-Tain and one lunch with wine. The company is also highlighting a Bordeaux Wine & City Weekend from November 14-17 from £599. It includes two nights' three-star hotel with breakfast, two chateaux lunches with wines, an introductory tasting and a wine Guide. For details see www.winetours.co.uk ● VIP SKI is offering short ski breaks in Val d’Isere and St Anton between December 1 and 22. As an example, a long weekend break, arriving on a Thursday and leaving on a Sunday (with three days skiing) costs from £447 at Aspen Lodge in Val d’Isere. It includes catered chalet accommodation including cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, a three-course evening meal followed by cheese board, coffee, mints and house wine; daily newspapers; and complimentary toiletries. Flights and transport are excluded but can be arranged at a supplement. For details call 0844-557 3119 or see www.vip-chalets.com

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. DELTA, 4. SALEM, 6. BAY, 7. SWANSEA, 9. RUSSIA, 11. KEYS, 14. HOFF, 15. ORIANA, 17. PEANUTS, 18. TEN, 19. RHINE, 20. AMMAN. Down: 1. DEBORAH, 2. LCY, 3. AUSTIN, 4. STAR, 5. MEA, 8. SIENA, 10. SOFIA, 12. SHANNON, 13. CRESTA, 16. JUDE, 17. PAR, 18. TOM.

Highlighted Word: MAINE Travagrams: (top) Croisie Europe

(bottom) Geneva

Where Am I?: Rhodes

September 13 2013

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