Travel Bulletin 13th December 2013

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December 13 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,854 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

this week

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showcase bulletin the night in pictures from our Indian Ocean Showcase event in Manchester

l l a h s i w o t We’d like y r e v a s r e d our rea

s a m t s i r h C y r r e M and a ! r a e Y w e N y p p Ha

training operators & tourist boards unveil their latest training events & online modules short breaks

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capitalise on the Xmas break by selling a quick getaway to your clients

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iceland Promote Iceland records 40% increase in British visitors

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Look out for your JADVENT calendar arriving after the 18th December . . .

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newsbulletin

This Week

Cover Pictures: Main - Esprit

Inset - Transun

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news a round-up of this week's industry news & developments

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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bulletin briefing

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showcase bulletin

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cruise bulletin

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training

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short breaks

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iceland

Sandy pays a visit to the new Jet2 offices

what's in store for Capricorn this month?

try your luck at Su Doku for a chance to win a £50 M&S voucher

Advantage unveils its new brand identity

the night in pictures from our Indian Ocean showcase event in Manchester

up to 30% savings on selected 2014/15 sailings with Fred. Olsen

operators & tourist boards unveil their latest training events & online modules

capitalise on the Xmas break by selling a quick getaway to your clients

Promote Iceland records 40% increase in British visitors

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

GET YOUR SKATES ON...Group travel organisers and coach tour operators, along with travel trade winter sports fans, recently had a preview of one of London's ice rinks, Skate at Somerset House. The rink is now open until January 5, 2014 from 10:00 or 08:45 on certain days. After dark, skaters can enjoy a live soundtrack with Club Nights and, new for this year, is Skate Extras offering Champagne and chocolates, dinner at Tom’s Kitchen or a luxury stay at The Savoy.

Tickets start from £7.50 per session.

To book groups of 20 or more, contact Ticketmaster’s dedicated group line on 0844-844 2121.

Industry shows lack of knowledge of online marketing according to new research from Axonn DEMAND FOR information when searching for holidays has never been higher, yet the travel industry is not making the most of this opportunity and is failing to provide engaging online content – according to new research from Axonn Research.

The research, entitled ‘Sun, Sea and Content Marketing: Producing the Right Content for Travellers’, quizzed more than 470 professionals in the sector about their online marketing habits.

The report, which took four months to compile, found firms across the industry were underusing online content to drive sales and increase the average conversion rate – currently just 3%. Many of those quizzed showed an understanding of the tools available to them, yet an unwillingness to use them. For example, more than half (53%) of those polled stated they saw the value in producing video content, yet none of them had chosen to use it to increase their online visibility.

Similarly, just over a third of firms (34%) said they produced non-English content, yet more than half (53%) are not pursuing a multilingual strategy. And a quarter of those polled said they would be interested in using video content even though the medium is among the most successful in driving web traffic.

Social media was found to be the most common form of online customer engagement with 85% of those polled using it to attract new customers. Some 60% of those quizzed said their companies produced online blog and news content, with more than eight in ten featuring content on their homepage.

Families were still the biggest target demographic, being prioritised by just under two-thirds of firms (65%), and 42% said they focused on attracting those interested in adventure holidays, with just over a quarter (28%) stating their focus was on green or budget getaways.

Joel Brandon-Bravo, UK managing director for Travelzoo, believes it is harder than ever to achieve customer retention in a market where brand loyalty is at an all-time low.

He said: “Consumers are doing more personal research than ever before they book a holiday yet this report shows firms are simply not doing enough to engage with and ultimately convert them into customers.

“With loyalty at an all-time low businesses need a differentiator and it seems many are turning a blind eye to the tools available to them to do so, which over time needs to change.”

Marc Turley, head of Axonn Research, said: “Gaining a better understanding of content marketing strategy is vital within the travel industry, especially when there is such a need to increase conversions from website visits.

“If those surveyed are willing to spend more time and resources implementing a strategy and being more adventurous when creating content, they will see the results they want.”

For more information or to access the full report visit www.axonn.co.uk/axonn-research

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newsbulletin Cosmos expands range of villas in second edition Florida programme COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its second edition 2014 Florida programme with new superior quality private villas to add to its existing choice of holiday options, as well as a range of early booking offers.

Customers can take advantage of a deposit offer of £49 per person as well as free kids insurance when adult premier travel insurance is taken out on bookings made before March 31 (for January 1 to October 31 departures).

Also available is a free ‘Wet ‘n Wild’ 14-day ticket on package bookings with accommodation at the Ramada Plaza Resort and Monarch charter flights for departures taken between May 1 and October 31. Package bookings made before February 28 including Monarch Premium Class flights are also eligible for free lounge passes at Sanford Orlando Airport.

Meanwhile, a choice of newly-featured superior private villas with pools now includes Trafalgar Village and West Haven (both from £685 per person), located in the Kissimmee area.

The company is also offering a range of pre-bookable theme park tickets, including Disney’s Ultimate with access to six parks in one ticket. Pre-bookable 14-day ticket prices are from £89 per person based on the three-park SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Aquatica option.

The Monarch charter flight programme from Gatwick and Manchester will run throughout the summer season with departures from Glasgow available on peak season dates for 14-night durations. Scheduled flights with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and Manchester are also available throughout the winter whilst flights from Gatwick to Tampa are available on a year-round basis.

Seven-night package prices lead in from £649 per adult and £299 per child, fly/drive from £599 and Walt Disney World Resort holidays from £889.

For more information call 0871-423 8518 or see www.trade-gate.co.uk

JA Resorts & Hotels promotes range of Easter & summer savings for 2014 JA RESORTS & Hotels has announced its Easter and summer promotions for early bird bookings.

The company, which owns Ocean View Hotel and Oasis Beach Tower, located on the popular Walk area of Dubai, as well as the JA Palm Tree Court and JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, is

offering agents taking bookings for 2014 the option of a 25% off discount or five nights for the price of four.

As examples, a stay at the JA Ocean View Hotel between April 22 and October 24, 2014 offers a 25% discount when booked by March 31.

A booking made by January 31 for a

stay at JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel (at JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort) will entitle clients to a five-night stay for the price of four nights in all room types for travel between March 31 and April 21.

For more information visit www.jaresortshotels.com

RCI survey reveals music is the key to happiness

YOUTH TRAVEL brand, Geckos is launching trips in Europe for the first time in 2014, with Berlin serving as the start or finish point for several of its trips. As an example, a 15-day Gothic Wiener Odyssey costs from £1,680 and visits six countries as it journeys from Barcelona to Berlin, taking in Avignon, Paris, Luxembourg, Brussels and Amsterdam along the way. For those who want to explore Eastern Europe, the Bohemian Rhapsody itinerary (15 days from £1,260) will journey from Berlin to Venice, covering the highlights of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovenia.

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BRITAIN IS a nation of happiness and inspiration seekers when it comes to music with nine out of ten people (95%) claiming that tunes have the power to evoke happy memories. Music’s ability to rouse and move also scored similarly highly with 93% of people regarding their favourite song as inspiring. The research, conducted on behalf of Royal Caribbean International, also found that we are a nation of passionate music lovers with three-quarters of people (74%) stating that music is important to them. People also agreed that music enhanced memories with more than a third (31%) re-living their favourite holiday memories on cue to a particular track.

The research coincides with the announcement that new ship, Anthem of the Seas, will become one of the most entertainment-dedicated and technologically advanced cruise ships to be based in the UK when it launches in spring 2015.

The new vessel will include a Music Hall, built to showcase the best in live music, and venue Two70°, named for its 270degree panoramic sea views provided by vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

The line's president and CEO, Adam Goldstein, said: “Brits have shaped the music world and really know their music, and our new ship, Anthem of the Seas, has music at its heart.

Basing a new ship in Southampton shows our commitment to the UK and is also a bold statement of our confidence to continue to be leaders of innovation in music and entertainment. We look forward to bringing Anthem of the Seas to the UK to deliver amazing memories and experiences.”

The new ship will sail from Southampton during the summer and autumn, before heading to Fort Lauderdale in Florida for the winter months. A sister-ship, Quantum of the Seas, will launch in November 2014.

For more information see www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

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newsbulletin Springtime Bulbfield Break from Leger Holidays

PING PALS.... Paul Staddon and Erika Vann from Flight Centre, Clapham attended a Contiki event at Ping in Earls Court recently to mark the launch of the operator's 2014 Europe brochure. It features new tours, a greater emphasis on its Backstage Pass to Europe and a doubling of the number of ‘Me Time’ options, rising from 50 to 100. Early booking savings of 10% are available on holidays booked by January 15. The company is also sponsoring Tournament Tuesdays at Ping on the second Tuesday of each month from January for six months, with a different trip up for grabs on the evening for the tournament winner.

For details see www.contiki.com

LEGER HOLIDAYS is highlighting its 'Bulbfields of Europe' tours, with four- or five-day tours starting from £189 per person, including an early booking discount.

The short breaks include the opportunity to see some of the world’s most spectacular floral displays, as well as offering the chance to explore the towns of Belgium or the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam.

Early booking discounts of up to £40 per person are available for bookings made before January 31.

For full details visit www.legerbreaks.info or call 0844-324 9256.

Free skiing for children at half-term & Easter with Abercrombie & Kent ABERCROMBIE & Kent is inviting families to enjoy a series of ‘children ski free’ offers in the peak school holiday seasons of half-term and Easter next year.

In the Dolomites, all children under eight years ski for free whilst nine-12 year olds receive a 50% discount on their lift passes. In Villars, all children aged under nine ski free, whilst in Lech every child under eight skis for free.

As examples, a week at Chalet Iergl in the Dolomites costs from £2,990 per person based on eight guests sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis, while a week's stay at Chalet L'Arole in Villars costs from £2,500 per person, based on 16 guests sharing on a fully catered basis.

For more information visit www.akvillas.com

Booking system enhancements from BookaBed INDEPENDENT BED-BANK supplier, BookaBed, has launched new booking system enhancements following a forum day with its top 20 UK agent partners.

Agents can now make several hotel bookings within the one reference number. When entering the guest's details, agents can click ‘Add Another Hotel’ and a new search box will appear enabling a search to be carried out. When all hotel reservations are made, agents will be shown the 'Shopping Basket' and can continue to confirm the booking as normal.

Another new addition has been a new icon added to popular hotels that are being booked on the website; previously this had only been available in the 'Most Popular' tab on the site, but is now visible in the general search.

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @visitlondon Need gift ideas? Browse the twinkling cabins at the Southbank #ChristmasMarket for fun presents for your loved ones! http://ow.ly/pqCgC @HKTourismUK Take a virtual tour of @cathaypacific's new lounge, The Bridge, now open in Hong Kong International; http://dld.bz/dd4KB @CosmosHolidays Have you checked out our very cheap Winter escapes to #Goa yet? http://bit.ly/1dNHzZ3 imtrav 25% off selected Asia trips! http://bit.ly/1bLWiAg @On_The_Go_Tours And D is for the Dead Sea...Book our Passage to Petra tour before 31 December and we’ll give you $100 off! @HolidayExtras Don't dread your flight with little ones this Christmas!

Check out @IrvAtLarge of @MotherAndBaby on our blog http://hxtrs.co/IDJ4dF

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

Big Bus Tours reveals new global brand BIG BUS Tours Ltd. has created one unifying global brand, Big Bus Tours, following the merger of The Big Bus Company and Les Cars Rouges in 2011. The new brand roll out is expected to be fully complete by the first quarter of next year.

Big Bus Tours becomes the single brand representing the merged operations of Les Cars Rouges, Open Top Sightseeing Tours and Big Bus Tours, and the company reports rapid growth in the last two months with new operations recently launched in Vienna and Istanbul.

Gerry Price, the company's commercial director, said: “Our new company branding and livery effectively communicates our new identity. We wanted to showcase our contemporary new look whilst retaining an element of the history and heritage sitting within the newly formed business. We were keen to create one consistent brand which can be easily recognised around the world and which reflects where the business has grown from."

The company currently operates in 15 cities across three continents – Europe, Asia and North America and has a combined fleet of more than 300 buses carrying in excess of four million passengers per year.

For details visit www.bigbustours.com or call 020-7976 4364.

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SILVERSEA CRUISES has added newspapers and lifestyle magazines to its complimentary onboard digital service which can be accessed on any Wi-Fi-enabled laptop, smartphone, tablet or e-book reader.

A NEW travel-themed social media website, talkholiday, has been launched to offer anyone going on holiday, attending an event or looking to create global or local interest groups the opportunity to see who else is going and build friendships before they travel.

THE LONDON Pass, which helps visitors save money and time on their city sightseeing, is offering better value with the addition of two new attractions - the Imperial War Museum and the Museum of London. Both museums are free to visit, but London Pass holders will also gain free entry into paying exhibitions running until early 2015.

For details see www.londonpass.com GATWICK HAS announced that Nando’s will open its first airport restaurant in the South Terminal next summer.

EUROPCAR AND Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship airline, have announced an exclusive strategic partnership for the next five years to provide car rental services to all Aeroflot business and leisure customers.

HESTON BLUMENTHAL and Heathrow have announced that the chef will launch a new restaurant at Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal in June 2014. The concept and menu, currently being developed, will showcase Heston's love for nostalgia and celebrate his pride of all things British, including our much loved and familiar dishes.

THE MACAU Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has unveiled four new walking tours designed to take visitors off the beaten tourist trail and help them discover lesser known communities, savour local cuisines and discover the city’s culture. Information on the new trails is available to download from www.macautourism.gov.mo WILDERNESS SAFARIS has introduced a new Child Travel Policy to make its family safari offering more affordable and flexible. Children will now receive a 65% discount during offpeak season and a 35% discount during peak season. The reduced rate has also been extended up to, and including, 16-year-olds when sharing with an adult.

BEST OF Britain & Ireland, the UK’s annual trade show for domestic tourism, has opened registration for its 2014 event which takes place at the NEC from March 12-13.

For details see www.bobievent.com PURPLE PARKING has taken over the operation of the 4,500 space car park at Gatwick Airport, previously operated by Airparks.

Kirker issues latest brochures for France & Spain & introduces Dordogne region KIRKER HOLIDAYS has launched the latest selection of short breaks and tailor-made itineraries to two of its most popular destinations, France and Spain.

The brochures offer inspiration for discerning travellers seeking experiences in one or more of the city, coastal and countryside options featured, including – and new for next year – France’s Dordogne region. Single or multi-centre options are available and the concierge team can arrange opera tickets, local guides or a table for dinner.

Many of the city breaks featured in the new brochures include complimentary added extras. As examples, visitors to Paris receive free entrance to more than 60 museums, monuments and galleries, a Seine river cruise and carnet of

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December 13 2013

Metro tickets, whilst a ‘Passport to Monaco’, featuring attractions such as the State Apartments of the Prince’s Palace and Villa Sauber, plus complimentary helicopter transfers (one-way from April 1, 2014) are included in all trips to the principality. In Spain, clients receive tickets to the Prado, Thyssen or Reina Sofia museums in Madrid, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, or a ‘Granada Card’ – offering entrance to city attractions that include the Alhambra Palace.

As an example of prices, a three-night stay at the threestar superior Château de la Fleunie in the Dordogne region, leads in at £498 per person.

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

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FR P O RIC M E £6 S 95 P

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COCOA BEACH

The Space Coast boasts 72 miles of beaches, the longest stretch in the state of Florida and is home to the famous beach resorts of Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay and Titusville. Home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the region obtained its name from its historic relationship with the nation’s space program.

WIN A FLY DRIVE HOLIDAY TO THE FLORIDA BEACHES* If you would like to escape the UK and ¾y with Virgin Atlantic to the Florida Beaches for a 7 night duration - look no further! With so many must-see destinations, a ¾y drive holiday is the perfect way to discover the true diversity that Florida has to offer.

To be in with a chance of winning one of our ¾y drive holidays, simply visit www.funway4agents.co.uk and complete our short survey. With 8 up for grabs, you have more chance than ever before! All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw with the winners being chosen at random shortly after the closing date.

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Cocoa Beach (5 nights) & Orlando (3 nights) & Tampa (2 Nights)

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To book visit funway4agents.co.uk or call our experienced travel advisors on 0844 557 0626

FLORIDA BEACHES 2014 & 2015

NEW FLORIDA BEACHES 2014 & 2015 BROCHURE OUT NOW DISCOVER 14 INCREDIBLE

*Terms and conditions may apply. All prices are correct at time of distribution.

We are 100% ½nancially protected - ATOL: 2853 / ABTA: V000X / IATA: 91273442

DESTINATIONS AND SAVOUR

THE SUNSHINE OF FLORIDA

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MOVERS ● CRUISE

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N

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XCITING DAY last Wednesday - a group of us were shown around the new Jet2 offices in Leeds. They are nicely spread out on three floors and a lovely atmosphere to work in. I then attended a brilliant evening organised by Jet2 for their ‘Dragons Den’ competition, hosted by Alan Cross. It was so entertaining watching the competitors doing their pitch to the Jet2 Dragons! Lovely meal and company – the room was filled with laughter the whole evening. Recession, what recession? Not when we have excellent nights of ‘appreciation to their travel agents’ and encouragement by Jet2 and as Brucie would say, ‘my favourites’ were Tony Mann & Julie - Idle Travel, Pat Thornes & Helen - High Ridings and Paul Williams & Caide – Wallace Arnold. Well done everyone who got to the finals.

Attended another coffee morning at High Ridings in Birstall with a presentation by Gemma Walker at Newmarket Holidays. I didn’t realise that Newmarket Holidays did such a variety of brochures, with air & coach trips plus some rail as well. They have a new brochure featuring the Orient Express and also have an America & Canada brochure, Faraway brochure plus European River Cruises & Escorted Holidays by Ai. They also do trips to the Xmas Markets in this country and Europe, as well as theatre breaks.

Read a really interesting bit in the Daily Mail ‘Want to beat the winter chill? Don’t wear a woolly hat’ which surprised me as I was always told when ski-ing always wear a hat so the heat doesn’t escape! But apparently you need to wear one that covers the ears and a fleece hat rather than a wool one is better. Other tips are warm your shoes for a few minutes on a radiator and drink decaf tea and coffee as caffeine blocks receptors in the blood vessels and prevents them from constricting in the cold. Ginger tea also has naturally warming properties.

‘One of the best ways of finding out if you like people or hate them is to travel with them’ and ‘When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then

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take half the clothes and twice the money’.

Lastly, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas & New Year and a prosperous 2014!

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AND Maritime Voyages has appointed Bob McGowan as head of customer services.

TUI UK & Ireland has announced that Helen Caron has been appointed as the new managing director of cruise.

PAUL MELLON has joined Funway Holidays as business development manager.

CHOOSE CHICAGO has appointed Shana Lee as the organisation’s chief marketing officer.

ANDY NORTH has joined StressFreeAirportParking.com as operations director.

POWDER WHITE has appointed Andrew Russell as business development director.

VISIT GUERNSEY has appointed Mike Hopkins as director of marketing and tourism.

ABTA - THE Travel Association has announced that Fraser Ellacott, customer operations director of TUI UK & Ireland, has joined its Board of Directors.

SEABOURN HAS appointed Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s only Two Michelin-starred chef, to host its ‘Culinary Conversations’ on Sojourn's 15-day World Voyage Sector, sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore, departing on March 14, 2014.

AIR MALTA has appointed Louis Giordimaina as designate chief executive officer.

RACHEL HEALEY has joined Abercrombie & Kent as UK sales manager.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Brochure of The Week: Carnival Cruise Holidays 2014-15. To view in digital format, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/brochures

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Win a 7 night stay in Mexico, courtesy of Sandos Hotels & Resorts. Just answer 4 simple questions.

Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a Kindle Fire courtesy of Prestige Holidays.

Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitons

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Keep up with your training over the Christmas period. Hit the TravelGym now at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travelgym

All this and more at:

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

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To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email jill. sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

December 13 2013

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

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agentbulletin Agent offers THE LITHUANIA Tourist Office has launched its first online quiz in a bid to increase traffic to the website during its European Presidency. Prizes to be won include several two-night breaks or a chart topping CD, and agents are able to enter to try their luck at winning. Each two-night stay includes an excursion to the historical castle of Trakai and a Vilnius City transport card. There are three stays to win at the fivestar Ramada Hotel, four-star Shakespeare Boutique Hotel or

three-star Comfort LT Hotel.

Three runners-up will be given a Martynas Levickis's self-titled debut album.

To enter see www.lithuania.travel/news/17326 HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES has launched an advent calendar on its B2B online portal, www.timeis-precious.com, giving agents the chance to win daily gifts.

Agents need to register on the site then visit the 'Fun' section to answer a question and be in with

a chance of winning. Prizes range from a model ship of the EUROPA 2, wine glasses and golf bags.

KR-LINE, which offers barge cruises in Belgium and commission on all sales, is offering agents special fam trip prices all season at an early booking rate, plus an extra 5% discount. Prices lead in at €1,375 per person for a week, based on two sharing.

For details email kris@kr-line.com

LEARNING THE ROPES...Travel and Tourism students at Weston College, North Somerse t, have launched a fully-operation travel agency under the management of Thomas William Travel. The agency gives students the chance to work in a real situation, taking bookings and arranging itineraries for students, staff and members of the public.

Pictured is Dr Paul Phillips (right), Weston College Principal and CEO, with students and Simon Dinham from Thomas William Travel.

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Capricorn?

YOU ARE becoming increasingly independent this month, but be careful not to wear yourself out or you run the risk of ill health. Try not to become embroiled in family disputes, particularly around Christmas.

You'll do yourself a favour if you are neutral in any discussions. Now is also a good time for organising yourself and your home and you may find yourself drawn to experiencing something new - so try a new decorating scheme or visiting somewhere new - you may be surprised at what opportunities it leads to.

Lucky number: 10

Booking incentive THE FIRST 30 agents to complete all four of the PATA Academy courses (Pacific Expert, Asia Expert, Airlines and Hotels) before the end of January will win a £20 Love2Shop voucher, with the added incentive of a further £10 from the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority.

Agents who complete all four courses before the end of next month will also be entered into a draw to win one of four prizes of either a case of wine from Tourism Australia, a bathrobe from Dusit Thani Hua Hin plus a Devarana Spa pack of bath gel and body lotion or a polo shirt from Dusit Thani Laguna Pucket, plus a Devarana Spa pack of bath gel and body lotion from Axis Travel Marketing.

For details see www.pataacademy.co.uk

Lucky day: Saturday

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December 13 2013

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newsbulletin Imaginative Traveller adds 62 new trips to brochure IMAGINATIVE TRAVELLER is showcasing 150 trips to more than 60 destinations in its new brochure, of which 62 are new, in destinations such as North America and Australia.

Trips in the brochure have been categorised into seven trip styles, including: Voyage (cruises and sailing adventures); Taste (culinary tours); Active (classic treks

Reopening of Almond Beach Resort Barbados BARBADOS' ALMOND Beach Resort in Bridgetown (formerly the Almond Beach Village) will reopen as a four-star family all-inclusive property from January 16, with 135 rooms on the southern half of the property.

Special opening rates for ocean view rooms at the resort start from US$185 per person, per night including taxes.

The property will be managed by Sun Group Hotels and represented in Europe by UK-based Resort Marketing International.

A $3million dollar renovation to pools, public areas, restaurants and rooms is currently underway and when reopened, will feature extensive on-site facilities and services.

Unlimited meals and drinks and a wide range of activities will be included in the resort’s rates, while guest rooms will offer a pool or ocean view. The resort will also feature three swimming pools, two restaurants, floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, a fitness centre and golf range.

Activities include selected watersports, glass bottom boat rides, shopping shuttles and a variety of onsite experiences for both children and adults.

For details see www.almondbarbados.com

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to cycling tours); Discovery (up-close and personal cultural and geographic exploration); Raw (budgetfriendly travel); Family (for families with children aged five upwards) and Overland (travelling in purpose-built trucks or 4x4’s).

Travellers also have three comfort levels to choose from: basic, standard and plus.

The new brochure also showcases the operator’s tailor-made service, tailormadeadventures.com, with sample trips including a one-week trip to Oman, an eight-day trip to Georgia and an active ten-day trip to Iceland.

For more information call 01728-885514 or visit www.imaginativetraveller.com

Jersey Boys weekend theatre trips from Superbreak from £160 FOR A limited time, Superbreak is offering Jersey Boys weekend theatre breaks in London for £160 per person.

Available throughout this month and next, this is an ideal opportunity for agents to sell the West End production whilst enjoying time in the capital, either pre- or post-Christmas.

The musical chronicles the journey of

Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi from the streets of New Jersey to becoming one of the biggest bands of all time.

As well as the theatre tickets, the package also includes a two-night stay at the four-star Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, including breakfast.

DUBAI HOSTS...Pictured marking the recent announcement that Dubai has won the bid to host Expo 2020 are, from the left: Tim Blostone, Elson Kakaire, Ferdinando Cutolo, Catherine Lamri, Carla May and Michaela Piehl, all from Dubai Tourism.

For details see www.expo2020dubai.ae

December 13 2013

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 140

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

Sad Hit Unit

A➠

B➠ This group specialises in hotels across the Far and Middle East

C➠

Mad Master

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, Decemeber 19th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 29th November is Kim Fazackerley, Althams Travel in Ramsbottom .

November 29 Solution: A=2 B=3 C=9 D=1

A city known for its brightly coloured district

Where Am I?

Resort in Cyprus where you can find Fig Tree Bay.

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

Number: 140

Across 1. P&O ship cruising the Caribbean this Christmas (5) 4. Viking offers tours on this river (5) 7. Spend them in 10 Across (5) 8. Sofia airport code (3) 9. Strictly presenter, Tess (4) 10. City on the French Riviera (6) 13. New Jersey airport, ___ Liberty International (6) 15. Number of Calling Birds in The Twelve Days of Christmas (4) 18. Flag carrier of Japan (3) 19. Former name of DR Congo (5) 20. Ms Boyle with a festive album, Home for Christmas (5) 21. He grants three wishes to 1 Down (5)

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Down 1. Pantomime character (7) 2. Major hotel representation company (5) 3. Low-cost flights operator, part of Monarch (4) 4. Capital of Dominica (6) 5. Cruise company, Fred. ___ (5) 6. One of Santa's little helpers (3) 11. Principal character in the Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol (7) 12. Disney animated movie at a cinema near you, sounds icy (6) 14. Country with a red dragon on its flag (5) 16. Cinema chain (5) 17. Mr Crosby, whose version of White Christmas is an all-time best-seller (4) 18. This band will say Goodbye at the O2 later this month (3)

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

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

'Re-labelling the tin' by Julia Lo Bue-Said, managing director of The Advantage Travel Partnership

NY ORGANISATION wishing to be successful and at the forefront of their industry needs to regularly review their business offering and the ability it has to deliver it.

At Advantage, we have spent a large part of the summer reviewing every aspect of our business, stopping wasteful or pointless activity and replacing it with activities that add real value to our members and business partners.

As part of that process, we have taken a long hard look at the Advantage brand and have concluded that currently we are not truly portraying what we mean to our members; stealing from that famous television advertisement – we are doing so much more than it currently says on our tin.

In order to better articulate what we mean to our current and potentially future members we have decided to reposition the organisation as The Advantage Travel Partnership.

A

Engaging, Creating, Delivering.

What we realised over the summer was a crucial few things: That our industry leading membership packages are only a small part of what we do for our members and that our engagement with them on an individual level was a crucial element of our central services offering – understanding their personal business needs and delivering individually rewarding solutions.

We needed to better describe the unique status all of our members hold the organisation in that they are the sole shareholders of the Advantage Travel Partnership business and so much more than passive members – they own the business.

We wanted to unify our leisure and corporate members under one collective brand and we believe our partnership approach achieves that.

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"As a partnership we work closely with our agents to provide them with the tools to offer their customers the most inspirational, yet affordable, range of travel product – and all with the full financial protection you would expect of an organisation of our size" Overall, we are confident that the changes have allowed us to better describe the relationship we have with our members and also how that connection can benefit the customers of each individual member – whether they are a holidaymaker or a business traveller.

In essence, the Advantage Travel Partnership can be summarised as: The UK’s largest independent travel agent partnership, the leisure and business travel agents who are part of the group are each independently owned, but as a collective they produce more than £3bn of travel sales each year, making us experts in every aspect of the travel industry.

We are extremely proud of our travel agency partners and although their skills and travel knowledge are as different as the individuals themselves, they all share a passion for travel and a desire to tailor their travel services to the individual needs of their customers.

As a partnership, we work closely with our agents to provide them with the tools to offer their customers the most inspirational, yet affordable, range of travel product – and all with the full financial protection you would expect of an organisation of our size.

The changes that Advantage has made this summer have gone so much further than a simple re-branding exercise and we feel that the identity we have created speaks so much more about what we are offering and the exciting business we can become in the future.

Businesses never really stand still – they either go backwards or forwards - at the Advantage Travel Partnership we know the direction in which we are heading. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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showcasebulletin TRAVEL BULLETIN hosted its latest Indian Ocean Showcase event in Manchester last month, where travel agents enjoyed presentations from specialist suppliers, authentic Maldivian food and the chance to win a range of prizes...

Left: STAR LINE-UP... Enjoying the welcome drinks are, from the left: Sarah Lake, Heritage Resorts; Anita Skibiel, Dusit Thani; Geraldine Perrier, Shanti Maurice Resort; and MarieChristin Strecker, Reunion Island Tourism.

Below: JANETTE'S JOY... Ailsa Tavares (left) of Desroches Island, Seychelles presents a prize of a stay on Desroches Island to Janette Ashby of Global Travel Bamber Bridge.

Left: LEARN WITH LISA... Lisa Darchambaud from Per Aquum Resorts ensures agents are kept up to speed with the company's latest developments, news and offers.

"We had a great evening on Monday - thank you! It was really informative and great fun, plus the food was fantastic. We're looking forward to the next event!"

Gemma Hewitt, Key Travel Above: HIGH FLIERS... Stefanie Bowes from Birmingham Airport gives agents a runthrough on destinations served by the airport.

Below: TABLE MANNERS...

Pictured are, from the left: Ailsa Tavares, Desroches Island, Seychelles; Maureen Johnson and Cheryl Johnson, Access World Travel.

Below: FLIGHT FRIENDS... learning the ropes from Stefanie Bowes (right) of Birmingham Airport are Liz Lomer (left) and Alex Harden from Flight Centre.

Above: LUX LEARNING... Lisa Balsom from Lux Resorts keeps agents abreast of the company's latest developments.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin SECRET INGREDIENTS...Agents and specialist Cypriot operators recently joined members of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and Association of Greek Cypriot Travel Agents (AGTA) for a night of cookery and conversation at L'Atelier des Chefs on Wigmore Street, London. Topics included Cyprus' agrotourism scene, new wedding venues, unique spa treatments, diving opportunities and responsible tourism.

Pictured ready to cook up a treat are, from the left: Gabi Birbeck, Rendezvous Travel; George Papandreou, Steamond Travel; Anna Davies, Preston Travel; Alexis Josephides, Sunvil Travel; and Lorna Tissier, Mayflower Travel.

Advantage unveils new brand identity - The Advantage Travel Partnership ADVANTAGE REVEALED a new brand identity – The Advantage Travel Partnership – at its annual Business Partner Briefing in London last month, which brings together the leisure and corporate members under one common identity.

Managing director Julia Lo Bue-Said explained the new identity better reflects the organisation Advantage has become, the relationship it has with its members and the company’s future aspirations.

Lo Bue-Said outlined how the decision was driven by the desire to: clearly articulate the beneficial relationship between Advantage and its members; create a professional and business-like central brand; unify leisure and corporate members under one identity; recognise that members are sole owners of Advantage; and reflect the heightened level of engagement with members and the increasingly consultative approach being adopted to business development.

She said: “We believe this is a significant step forward as The Advantage Travel Partnership better describes the special relationship we have with our members and more

clearly articulates to the customer, whether leisure holidaymaker or corporate traveller, the enhanced value we offer to the relationship they have with their Advantage member. We are truly excited about the emergence of this new and significantly more meaningful brand identity.”

In other sessions at the Business Partner Briefing, David Moon, head of business development talked about future member engagement and how Advantage can help members prepare their business for the future; the development opportunities provided by the Frontliners training days and the scope for delivering consultancy services with new partners.

Paul Nunn, head of operations presented on the Advantage Managed Services (AMS) offering including the benefits AMS provides to preferred suppliers such as protection of client money and sustained growth. He also outlined how expansion plans will focus on current members for retail AMS as well as the launch of corporate AMS. John Sullivan, head of commercial, announced the January launch of Commended and Highly Commended ratings for business partners based on

their service levels, discount policies, member engagement and ease of doing business; development of management information to centrally collate sales data to provide better intelligence and help secure relevant product; the success of Advantage Travel Gateway which has seen high double-digit sales growth in the last year; and the introduction in early 2014 of an ATOL solution, initially offering members the opportunity to package holidays with selected operators.

Mark Rowe, head of marketing, talked about the typical Advantage members' leisure customer, why they use a travel agent, how members add value, plus the marketing support provided by Advantage for both leisure and corporate members.

Meanwhile, Sonia Michaels, corporate relationship manager announced Advantage’s full IATA accreditation; the launch of a new fares and ticketing help desk for all Advantage members; and the introduction of a MICE initiative to provide members with the tools to venture into this potentially lucrative arena.

(Bulletin Briefing - page 12)

Wendy Wu launches 2014/15 brochures covering Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan & Nepal WENDY WU Tours has issued three new 2014/15 brochures, 'South East Asia', 'India & Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal' and 'Asia Inspirations'.

The South East Asia brochure offers new tours and destinations including a culinary tour in Vietnam, an Eastern & Oriental Express train trip from Bangkok to Singapore, river cruises on the Mekong and Irrawaddy and beach extensions across Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

A new Burma section is also featured offering a range of deluxe tours and private tours, which allows discerning travellers to explore the region with a personal guide.

Prices start from £2,690 for next summer's departures including flights to Rangoon, taxes, transport, accommodation, touring with guides and entrance fees, plus visa fees for UK & EU passport holders. The operator's India & Sri Lanka, Bhutan

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and Nepal brochure offers new tours to the rarely visited Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a cruise and houseboat stay in the backwaters of Kerala in South India and new experiences in Nepal.

As an example of prices, an 11-day Taste of Nepal tour – which takes travellers from the fertile Kathmandu Valley to the ancient town of Bhaktapur, costs from £2,290 per person.

Meanwhile, the company's 'Asia Inspirations' brochure sees the introduction of a new Northeast Asia section covering Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Mongolia as well as providing options to visit the Chinese municipality of Chongqing with its UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Dazu Rock Carvings and Wulong Karst landscape.

For more information visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-875 2436.

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cruisebulletin Up to 30% savings on selected 2014/15 departures with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines AS PART of its new ‘Turn of Year’ sales campaign, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched a ‘Cruise Sale’, running until February 28, 2014 and valid on cruises of six nights’ duration or more, aimed at encouraging guests to make multiple purchases in the same transaction and benefit from significant savings.

The scheme offers a 10% discount to customers who make a single cruise purchase, 20% off each cruise for clients making two cruise bookings

and 30% off for those making three bookings.

Customers who have already booked a cruise in 2014/15 will receive 25% off if they book a second cruise, or 30% off if they book a third.

Meanwhile, members of the line's Oceans loyalty club can save an extra 5% off the cost of cruises when booked in advance.

For more information or to book see www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800-035 5242.

Cruise savings from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Crystal Cruises highlights 'Extreme Thrill Seekers' experiences themed cruise CRYSTAL CRUISES’ new 'Extreme Thrill Seekers' Experiences of Discovery themed cruise will see guests hunting crocodiles, encountering great whites and sailing in a round-the-world yacht race - figuratively - via stories from expert guest speakers.

During a March 10 Singapore to Cape Town World Cruise segment, Crystal Serenity will feature British round-theworld yachtswoman and adventurer Rona Cant. Her inspiring story takes her from being a middle-aged secretary and single mother to sailing the world’s most difficult yacht race, the BT Global Challenge, as a novice sailor, to trekking Vancouver’s West Coast Trail (one of the world’s ten toughest trails) just two days after and dogsledding across a 600km Arctic path that had never before been traversed.

Shark diver Chris Fallows will also be onboard to discuss his encounters with Great White Sharks around South Africa’s Seal Island and other breaching grounds throughout the world, in an effort to both capture their striking images

on camera and educate others about the realities of the creatures and their conservation.

Meanwhile, 'Crocodile Mick' Pitman, considered a real-life Crocodile Dundee, will share his 30-plus years of dynamic Aussie Outback experience hunting and capturing crocodiles.

The cruise segment offers travellers a peek into the rugged terrain and exotic coastlines renowned for adventurous endeavours, first visiting Bangkok, Thailand and Siem Reap, Cambodia as part of a complimentary precruise land programme, then sailing from Singapore to Jakarta, Indonesia; Mauritius/Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius; and Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in South Africa.

All-inclusive fly/cruise fares start from £6,344 per person if booked by January 3, with shorter ‘Getaway’ cruise legs also available from Singapore to Mauritius and Mauritius to Cape Town.

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

InBrief ● SEABOURN HAS released a selection of offers for clients seeking a

getaway this winter. As an example, a 16-day Australia And New Zealand sailing, on Odyssey, departs on January 10 with cruise-only prices from £3,499 per person. The itinerary visits Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Akaroa, Port Chalmers and Oban in New Zealand and Australia's Melbourne, Geelong, Burnie and Sydney. Prices are based on two sharing a suite and include all tips and gratuities, fine dining, open bars and a mini bar. It also includes an upgrade to an Ocean View suite. ● MSC IS offering an 11-night cruise on Fantasia from £899 per person,

VIKING RIVER Cruises has increased its order for additional Viking Longships, bringing the total number of new ships launching in 2014 from 12 to 14 vessels, which will sail the company's most popular itineraries in Europe. Accommodating 190 passengers in 95 staterooms, the Longships feature a patented layout that allows for two Explorer Suites and seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom; 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas; and 22 French Balcony Staterooms. Additionally, all Longships have sustainability upgrades, such as onboard solar panels and organic herb gardens, plus energy-efficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations.

For details see www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk

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based on a December 17 departure. It includes flights from London plus one gift from a choice of an Allegrismo drinks package and tips, £200 on board credit per person, free flights from London or a free upgrade to a balcony cabin. The voyage calls in Genoa, Katakolon, Heraklon, Haifa, Piraeus, Civitavecchia and back to Genoa.

For details see www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844-561 195. ● ROYAL CARIBBEAN International has announced that guests on

Quantum of the Seas will enjoy MAMMA MIA! – the hit musical based on the songs of Swedish pop sensation ABBA – when she sails from New York in November 2014.

For details see www.royalcaribbean.com/quantumoftheseas

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trainingbulletin A WHALE OF A TIME...The Tenerife Tourism Corporation, in association with British Airways, recently organised a fam trip for a small group of tour operators, aimed at showcasing the island's luxury tourism offering and, in line with the Tenerife Tourism Corporation's new approach, the diverse range of authentic experiences available to visitors. The group had the opportunity to take part in different activities including whale-watching and hiking on Mount Teide. Pictured on a whale-watchng excursion are, from the left: Rachel McNally, Carrier; Niky Bicknell, Design Holidays; and Jacquie Jenke, Elegant Resorts.

Texas makes top ten in Lonely Planet's ‘Best in Travel 2014 Regions’ TEXAS HAS been named one of Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2014 Top 10 Regions' and agents can enter to win a range of prizes by taking Texas courses at Online Travel Training (OTT) and earn themselves a badge.

The course covers a range of information including culture, fine dining and live music, along with sites worth a mention to your clients such as the Riverwalk in San Antonio, the Space Center in Houston and the cowboy experience in Fort Worth.

For more information go to http://ott.travel/texpertacademy/home.aspx to take all of the courses.

Travel Indochina’s Asia Guru programme gives agents chance to win £50 vouchers TRAVEL INDOCHINA has developed a new online training programme for agents.

Asia Guru (www.asia-guru.com) provides training which covers three stages and supports agents in selling areas they may be less familiar with.

The first stage focuses on the company’s core destinations of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos where it is also operates as a ground handler.

On successful completion of this stage, each agent will become a ‘Bronze Tiger’ and if successfully completed by

December 31, will be in with the chance of winning one of ten Love2Shop vouchers worth £50.

Paul Hole, co-founder and managing director of the operator, said: “We developed the online training programme as we recognise the need to provide comprehensive destination and product information to agents to help them navigate the overwhelming choice in the market and provide the best outcome for their clients.”

Agents can also view video footage of the region through the eyes of the

operator’s team of Asia experts and its travellers – with footage revealing the operator’s range of ‘Insider Experiences’. Agents are also offered ‘Did You Know’ pop-ups, an ‘Agents Toolbox’ with destination information, an image library and cheat sheets.

Further courses will be made available to agents once they have completed the ‘Bronze Tiger’ stage, including ‘Silver Buffalo’ and ‘Golden Dragon’ stages. Successful completion of all three stages will reward agents with ‘Asia Guru’ status.

Food & Drink module addition from Brand USA BRAND USA has introduced a new Food & Drink module on the USA Discovery Program.

The new Specialist badge allows users to learn about diverse culinary specialities across the US, as well as local beer and wine highlights all the way from Washington to Massachusetts.

Agents will be able to find out more about famed American delicacies, such as the Philly cheesesteak, Texan barbeque and New England seafood, whilst also getting under the skin of some lesser known local flavours and the influence of global cuisine.

To celebrate the launch of the new module and the festive season, the company is running two prize giveaways this month where one agent will win a £100 restaurant voucher for two upon completion of the new module and agents completing any of the modules will have the chance to win an iPad mini.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

For details see www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk and www.discoveramerica.com

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showcase events

trainingbulletin Travel Bulletin unveils details of 2014 Showcase events TRAVEL BULLETIN'S Showcase events have seen phenomenal success with agents since they were first launched two years ago.

In 2014, we have organised our largest ever Destination Themed Showcase event calendar for agents to become equipped with the latest news and developments in popular destinations, with markets including the Far East, North America, Africa, Mediterranean Islands, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.

Southern & East Africa Showcase events will take place on February 17 in Exeter and February 18 in Chester. The North America showcase events are on March 17 in Birmingham and March 24 in Manchester. Caribbean events take place on April 14

New twice-weekly webinars from Affordable offer supplier information

in Birmingham and April 15 in Bristol. A Mediterranean Islands event is scheduled for June 9 in Birmingham and a Far East event takes place on July 7 in Manchester. The final event of the year, our Indian Ocean Showcase, takes place on November 24 in Bristol.

To promote the launch of our online training programme, the Travel Gym, which can be found at http://travelbulletin.co.uk/training/travel-gym, we will also run a range of Online Training Showcase evenings - on January 20 in London, May 12 in Manchester and October 20 in Birmingham.

For more information or to register to attend any of the Showcase events (as an agent or exhibitor) email jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

Love2Shop incentive for agents completing Explorer's Way module TOURISM NORTHERN Territory and The South Australian Tourism Commission are giving away £10 worth of Love2Shop vouchers to all agents who complete the new Explorer’s Way module within the Aussie Specialist programme before December 27.

The Explorer’s Way drive extends between Adelaide and Darwin, passing though some of the most pristine and untouched country in Australia along the route of explorer John MacDouall Stuart. The 3,016km outback journey passes from ancient mountain ranges and arid cattle stations of the Barkly region to Nitmiluk National Park and the wetlands of the northern tropics. Along the route, visitors can see Stuart’s

‘discoveries’ including Chambers Pillar, Finke River and Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). Other highlights include visiting Coober Pedy, exploring the fossil laden Flinders Ranges and sampling wines and cuisine made from local produce. The sealed route can also deviate to include the icons of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park.

The module takes agents through a suggested 14day itinerary, including a short introduction to each region, key experiences, accommodation options and top tips for agents to recommend to clients.

To complete the module visit http://tourismaustralianews.com/E66-1GO4B3NHNYO-KXTYE-1/c.aspx

Online training from LATAM Airlines NEW TWICE-WEEKLY webinars concentrating on car hire suppliers in three popular destinations have been rolled out by Affordable Car Hire.

Angela Day, the company’s CEO, said: “With agents earning an average of 15% commission when they book car hire through us, it is important that they understand how each of our suppliers work so they can answer any questions from their clients. The feedback from agents was that they wanted to learn more about what the leading suppliers in the most popular destinations can provide and how best to put together a car hire package for their clients.”

To register email agencysales@affordablecarhire.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

LATAM AIRLINES Group’s first agent training programme has been launched.

The new online programme is designed to give travel agents an overview of the company following the merger of LAN and TAM, as well as training on all specific products, services and the new South American Airpass.

Agents completing the course by March 31, 2014 will be entered into a draw to win one of 20 bags of goodies which include a case of 12 South American wines, a Brazilian football team t-shirt and a pair of original Havaianas.

For details see http://ott.travel/latamhome.aspx

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shortbreaks

FRED.\ IS encouraging short breaks to the Canary Island of La Gomera, where the new Ron Howard film, ‘The Heart of The Sea’ – which opens next year – is now being filmed. To coincide with actors Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw and director Ron Howard staying on La Gomera, the operator is promoting stays at the four-star Jardin Tecina Hotel. The property, which offers 434 rooms and suites, is situated on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with views of the neighbouring island of Tenerife. Prices start from £589 per person based on January 3-February 4 departures next year, including flights, three nights’ accommodation and transfers.

For more information visit www.fredhoteljardintecina.co.uk

Early booking offers from Bourne Leisure’s three brands BOURNE LEISURE has launched a range of early booking offers across its three UK brands - Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels - for guests holidaying in 2014.

Clients booking a holiday at Butlins resorts for February half-term can opt for a three-night break from £43 per person, based on four sharing a standard selfcatering apartment arriving on February 21. Guests can also save up to £150 on school holiday breaks and up to £75 on term-time breaks plus kids eat free on school holiday breaks when a dining plan has been added. The offers are applicable on breaks booked before January 31.

Haven is also offering deals for families with four-night breaks in March starting from £81 per family. The price is based on up to six people sharing a standard twobedroom caravan on a self-catering basis at selected parks, based on a March 24 arrival. Guests can save up to 30% on all other dates and short breaks and up to 50% on breaks of seven nights or more in spring, early summer and autumn. The

offers are applicable on breaks booked before February 9 and the company is also offering exclusive travel agent discounts where customers can receive an extra 10% off the early booking offers when booking through a travel agent before December 24.

Meanwhile, guests at Warner Leisure Hotels can save a guaranteed 50% on thousands of rooms across the brand’s 13 historic and coastal properties.

Prices for a two-night break start from £66 per person including a Simply Dine package of breakfast and a three-course meal. The price is based on two sharing a standard chalet at Corton Coastal Village in Suffolk, based on a January 13 arrival.

Customers can also save an extra £10 per person on seven-night holidays, an extra £5 per person on any three- or four-night break during January, February or March and secure their holiday for a deposit of £35 per person when booking by January 31.

For details or to book see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

Madonna & Michael Jackson mini cruise from Superbreak SUPERBREAK IS now offering agents the chance to book packages for a Madonna and Michael Jackson themed mini cruise next year.

The two-night P&O cruise sails from Hull to Amsterdam accompanied by Madonna and Michael Jackson tribute acts.

The ship departs at 17:00 on March 8 and will travel overnight to arrive in Rotterdam the following morning, where a transfer to Amsterdam is arranged. A full day is then spent in the city before the ship departs for Hull, returning on March 10 at 08:00.

Prices lead in at £79 per person for two nights.

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Belleair Holidays highlights winter breaks to Malta BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is offering a range of winter getaways on selected departures next month, which include mini-breaks for clients seeking winter sun destinations.

As examples, a four-night breakfast stay at the threestar Imperial Hotel costs from £265 per person including flights from Gatwick, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction.

A four-night breakfast stay at the four-star Qawra Palace Hotel costs from £305 including flights from Gatwick, transfers and entrance to a selected Malta attraction, while a fournight breakfast stay at the five-star Corinthia Hotel St.Georges Bay leads in at £387. It includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and entrance to a selected Malta attraction. All offers are subject to availability and are based on two adults sharing.

For more information see www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

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shortbreaks DoubleTree by Hilton promotes Christmas packages from £148 for two nights DOUBLETREE BY Hilton has a range of short breaks on offer over the festive period.

Examples include a two-night Christmas package at the chain’s London West End property. Valid from December 15 to January 12, prices lead in at £148 per person for two nights and include breakfast and a Christmas-themed afternoon tea for two.

Alternatively, the company's Dundee property is offering a two-night Christmas package from £195.

Guests will receive tea and cake on arrival on Christmas Eve, a three-course dinner and an afterdinner quiz. On Christmas Day, a four-course Christmas lunch is included, complete with a visit from

Santa, followed by mince pies while watching the Queen’s speech in The Lounge and a buffet dinner that evening. A full Scottish breakfast is also provided on Boxing Day. Meanwhile, at The Morrison Dublin in Ireland, a twonight package from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day costs from €249 (approximately £207) per person, including a three-course lunch, a buffet dinner on Christmas Day and breakfast daily. Clients travelling with children can take advantage of the kids’ zone available on Christmas Day afternoon.

For more information or to book call 0870-590 9090 or visit www.doubletree.com

Savings of up to 50% from Best Western for bookings made by January 31 BEST WESTERN has reduced the price of hundreds of rooms for bookings made by January 31, with discounts of up to 50% off overnight stays available from January 1 to March 31, 2014.

With a choice of 280

properties across Great Britain, prices lead in at £37.50 per night at selected properties.

The company's CEO Great Britain, Richard Lewis, said: "We are encouraging families, dog-owners, spalovers, wildlife fans and

those who would just like to indulge in a mini-break, to consider a night away in the first few months of 2014, and allow us to counteract the typically grey, cold and wet weather with a hotel stay packed with personality.

"With Christmas being an

expensive time for most people, we want to give everyone a chance to enjoy some quality time away and save up to 50% on our already, excellent value for money rates."

For details see www.bestwestern.co.uk

Five-day 'History of Stalingrad' Russian group tour from Regent Holidays REGENT HOLIDAYS’ new five-day ‘History of Stalingrad’ group tour in Russia offers an insight into Stalingrad, a city which was destroyed during the war and rebuilt before being renamed Volgograd.

Included in the tour is a full day tour of the city; visits to The Battle of Stalingrad museum, Soviet and German military cemeteries; visits to sites including Mamayev Hill, the Red October Factory, Lyudnikov’s Island and Kalach-on-Don; and a boat trip on the Volga, the longest and widest river in Europe.

It costs from £1,350 per person, based on a September 27 departure next year, and includes flights, breakfast accommodation in three-star hotels, lunches during sightseeing tours, entrance fees and a guide. Visa fees are excluded.

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

THE RIVER Cruise Line's 2014 programme includes a choice of four- and five-night breaks on the Dutch waterways, including a four-day ‘Bruges, Ghent, Ypres and the Battlefields’ cruise in April. The itinerary, which commemorates the centenary of World War One, begins in Bruges, where passengers have a chance to join an optional tour to the Half Moon Brewery, before setting off to Ghent and Antwerp. Here, passengers can join a full day excursion to the Battlefields, including Tyne Cot Cemetery, Sanctuary Wood and Ypres, to visit the Menin Gate and In Flanders Fields Museum. Prices lead in at £329 per person based on two sharing an en-suite cabin and include full-board accommodation; ferry crossings from Dover to Calais; transport to join the cruise; evening entertainment; the services of a cruise manager; and coach transfers from a selection of regional departure points.

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

Menin Gate

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Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad

December 13 2013

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shortbreaks

TOURISM SOUTH East’s guide to independent country pubs now covers short breaks in 17 counties. The website, www.greatcountrypubs.com, has been expanded to cover county-by-county guides, days out and short break ideas across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and the rest of the South East. Individual guides to pubs and inns highlight food and accommodation details plus local attractions and group options, while further search categories focus on families, dog-owners and activity seekers. The site’s ‘Group Friendly’ tools include an itinerary planner, pre-booking and discount information, plus locations particularly suited to coach parties or larger groups.

Festive promotions from Warner Leisure Hotels with four nights from £449 WARNER LEISURE Hotels is offering a range of festive breaks across its portfolio of 13 UK wide properties designed exclusively for adults wanting to relax over the Christmas and New Year period.

The company's Turkey and Tinsel and Dickensian Christmas four-night breaks take place throughout this month. On both breaks, guests are welcomed with

mulled wine and mince pies and a traditional Christmas dinner, plus a Christmas Music Quiz.

New for this year, and also available on both breaks, is a festive show called ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ – a sing-along to chart topping Christmas favourites.

Alternatively, guests can book either a four- or five-night Christmas Break starting on December 22 or 23 or opt for

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CITY & SHORT BREAKS

a three- or four-night New Year Party break starting on December 29 or 30.

Four-night Christmas breaks cost £449 on full board, based on two sharing standard accommodation at Norton Grange, Isle of Wight for a December 23 arrival.

For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141111.

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Brochure requests: www.trade-gate.co.uk * The price is based on a three night break to the Algarve on 4 May ’14 from Luton and includes return flights, three nights three diamond rated, self catering accommodation and airport transfers.

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S05 TB1312 Short Breaks_Layout 1 12/11/2013 12:26 PM Page 24

shortbreaks Winter sun deals from Expedia EXPEDIA.CO.UK HAS compiled a round-up of its popular winter sun destinations and latest deals.

As examples, a three-night stay in Egypt's Luxor costs from £569 per person, based on two sharing a classic room with a garden view at the five-star Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor.

The price includes flights with Egyptair from Heathrow departing on February 11.

Alternatively, five nights' all-inclusive stay in Barbados costs from £1,600 at the four-star Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotel, based on two sharing a junior suite. It includes flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick on January 13.

To book or for more information see www.expedia.co.uk or call 0800-783 2384.

The Spanish Thyme Traveller adds ‘Lovers and Ham in Teruel’ option THE SPANISH Thyme Traveller has added a three-night break, ‘Lovers and Ham in Teruel’ in Spain.

The tour focuses on getting to know the region and its cuisine, including its famous ham (Jamon Serrano), as well as taking in the natural environment and learning about the region’s history.

Prices per person, based on two sharing, lead in at €850.

For details see www.thespanishthymetraveller.com

New Year offers in the US from Funway FUNWAY IS highlighting special offers for breaks to the US in January.

As examples, a three-night stay at the three-star Essex Inn in Chicago leads in at £625 per person, based on two sharing. The deal includes flights with United Airlines and is based on a January 9 departure.

A three-night break to San Francisco, staying at the three-star Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, costs from £799 for a January 9 departure, including United Airlines flights.

For clients seeking a New York break, a three-night stay at the three-star Wellington Hotel costs from £565, with travel on January 9 and flights with United Airlines.

Transun offers three-night Northern Lights breaks from £849 TRANSUN IS offering clients the chance to see the Northern Lights from £849 per person this winter.

In early 2014, travellers can witness the Aurora Borealis on a forest trek before trying their hand at Arctic activities including husky sledding, snowmobiling and a visit to a Sami reindeer camp.

The three-night package costs from £849 per person based on two sharing accommodation and including flights from Gatwick, departing on January 2.

Specially chartered flights depart from regional airports such as Newcastle, East Midlands and Bristol throughout January, February and March.

The operator is also offering special trade rates on selected short family breaks to see Santa in Lapland, with discounts of up to £700 per person.

The new offers include a three-night Sleigh Bells Ringing package, departing from Gatwick, Luton, Bristol and Manchester; a four-night Heavenly Peace package, departing from Leeds Bradford; and a three-night Holly and the Ivy package, departing from Gatwick and Manchester.

All prices include flights, full-board accommodation, transfers, a private family meeting with Santa and an itinerary of Arctic activities including reindeer sleigh rides and husky sledding.

For further information or to book call 01865-265200 or visit www.transun.co.uk/agents

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December 13 2013

The Northern Lights

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iceland

ACCORDING TO the latest figures from Promote Iceland, British tourists made up a quarter of the 53,000 visitors to the destination in October, an increase of 40% when compared to the same period last year. The country has welcomed 700,000 tourists so far this year – an increase of 111,000 (19%), according to the tourist board. The destination hopes to encourage more visitors from the UK this month with its festive traditions and celebrations.

Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik offers breaks from £149 THE ICELANDAIR Hotel Reykjavik Marina is offering three nights’ breakfast accommodation for £149 per person, based on two sharing a double room and departing on January 5.

The hotel is located close to Elding Reykjavik Whale Watching and Reykjavik Harbour, popular for its whale-watching.

For more information or to book visit www.icelandairhotels.com Return flights from Luton to Reykjavik cost from £229 per person with Icelandair, based on a January 5 departure.

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

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Festive celebrations at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura THE ICELANDAIR Hotel Reykjavik Natura is offering a range of seasonal activities during the festive period.

From now until December 24, the 13 Santa brothers (Yule Lads) will bring goodies to hotel guests and tell stories of the Christmas folklore that has shaped Icelandic custom for centuries. Bedtime stories are also told every Thursday and Icelandic Christmas food is offered at the hotel’s Satt Restaurant.

A five-night stay at the hotel costs from £195 per person based on two sharing a double room, including breakfast and departing on December 22.

For more information or to book visit www.icelandairhotels.com Flights from Gatwick to Reykjavik with Icelandair cost from £275 per person based on a December 22 departure.

For further details and to book see www.icelandair.com

Cruise & Maritime Voyages highlights new itineraries for 2014 CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering three cruises to Iceland next year in June, July and August sailing from different UK departure ports and providing the opportunity to visit different places around Iceland including the capital Reykjavik.

The line's head of marketing, Mike Hall, said: “Selecting a CMV cruise means agents can offer their clients three or four destinations on a circumnavigation of Iceland. We offer a full programme of shore excursions visiting geysers, glaciers, lava flows, volcanic craters, bubbling mud pools, waterfalls and hot springs. The more adventurous can jump into kayaks, go off road in 4x4 jeeps or take a whale-watching trip. Also, the fact you are at sea means there are often sightings of whales and other wildlife such as puffins.”

As an example, an 11-night Iceland & Northern Islands itinerary departs from Bristol on June 7 and sails to the Outer Hebrides then on to the Faroe Islands before circumnavigating Iceland. Guests will visit Eskifjördur Akureyri, Isafjördur and Reykjavik.

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

December 13 2013

25

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iceland Four-day Northern Lights option from £475 from Tailor-madeadventures TAILOR-MADEADVENTURES HAS added a four-day Iceland Northern Lights itinerary to its portfolio. Arriving in Reykjavik, guests will have the option of a day tour, time permitting, followed by a visit to the UNESCO site of Þingvellir National Park, the waterhole of Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall to complete the ‘Golden Circle’. In the evening, the operator recommends travelling to the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula to search for the Northern Lights, plus a visit to the Blue Lagoon is also included. Accommodation is at Hotel Hilda (or similar) for three nights and the price leads in at £475 per person based on two people travelling, excluding flights.

The Northern Lights

WOW air to launch six times weekly Gatwick-Boston route next spring WOW AIR will add transatlantic flights to its schedule with the launch of new routes to Boston in spring next year.

The airline will fly to Boston from Gatwick via Reykjavik six times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Flights depart Gatwick at 12:20 to arrive in Boston at 18:25, while return flights depart at 20:10, arriving in Gatwick the next day at 10:50.

Direct flights to Boston from Reykjavik will depart at 16:30.

The new route will mark the airline’s first venture to the US and five new Airbus A320 aircraft will be introduced next year to accommodate the additional flights.

Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of the airline, said: “Our new flights to Boston mark a significant milestone for us. The continued growth of the company since its inception in 2011 has been really exciting to watch and we’re really looking forward to connecting the land of fire and ice with the land of opportunity.”

New excursion options from Superbreak

Hotel Ranga

HOTEL RANGA in the South of Iceland is offering a 30% discount on four-night stays. It includes a threecourse dinner, set menu, Northern Lights wake-up call, breakfast buffet and free Wi-Fi. Rates start from £160 including the discount. For details visit www.ghotw.com/hotel-ranga. Alternatively, The Grand Hotel Reykjavik is offering a Christmas deal which includes a three-night stay in a double room; free upgrade to a superior room; breakfast buffet; a Christmas brunch for two people (can be exchanged for lunch buffet on weekdays); spa entry for two; and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Room rates start from £110 including a discount.

For details visit www.ghotw.com/the-grand-hotel-reykjavik

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December 13 2013

SUPERBREAK HAS added two new excursions in Iceland that can be added when agents make a hotel booking to Reykjavik.

A Northern Lights boat trip and a whale-watching excursion are now available.

Prices for the boat trip lead in at £41 per adult and £21 per child and it is available until April 15, while the whale-watching excursion costs from £44 per adult and £21 per child and is available year-round.

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

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S06 TB1312 Iceland_Layout 1 10/12/2013 15:46 Page 27

iceland INTREPID TRAVEL and Geckos Adventures have teamed up to offer a new weekend break in Iceland, suitable for travellers on a range of budgets. As well as time to explore Reykjavik, passengers will spend a day touring Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ – the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs, and Thingvellir National Park. The rest of the trip is free to take optional activities such as whale-watching, horse-riding, swimming in the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights viewings. The four-day ‘Iceland Weekend Break’ with hotel accommodation costs from £355 per person, while the Comfort version comes with a higher standard of accommodation from £390 per person. Travellers on a tighter budget can opt for Geckos’ version of the tour, ‘Ice Ice Baby’ from £290 per person, which stays in a guesthouse. The trip departs weekly, year-round.

Spa options at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica a steam bath or an Ice and Fire treatment.

Three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the hotel costs from £225 per person, based on two sharing a double room departing on January 3.

For more information visit

www.reykjaviknordica.hilton.com Return flights from Luton to Reykjavik cost from £325 per person with easyJet, based on a January 3 departure.

For details call 0843-479 9686 or see www.easyjet.com

Taber Holidays

From hush to mush!

Experience Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic Circle and home to the ethereal Northern Lights.

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Wrapped in a pristine white blanket, Lapland is the ultimate winter destination and the perfect adventure playground.

Or how about an exhilarating husky ride across the spectacular Arctic tundra?

Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Finnmark Reiseliv

Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/www.visitnorway.com

FOLLOWING THE Christmas season, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is encouraging guests to experience a range of natural therapy and rejuvenation treatments.

In the spa, guests can opt for a head and shoulder massage in the hot tubs,

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iceland Icelandair offers more frequency from UK plus new destinations in Canada ICELANDAIR WILL continue to grow its Canadian route network next year with the launch of services to Vancouver and Edmonton, complementing the already established routes to Toronto and Halifax. The airline will also add its fifth weekly flight from Glasgow and increase capacity to Gatwick.

Flights to Edmonton, capital of Alberta (home to the Canadian Rockies), will start from March 26 and continue until January 2015, four times weekly, while the Vancouver twice weekly flights will operate from May 13 to October 12.

In addition to the new Canadian destinations, the airline will increase its frequency from Glasgow for the second year

in a row next year by adding a fifth weekly flight from April 14, further strengthening Glasgow’s connections with both Reykjavik and North America.

Hjörvar Sæberg Högnason, the airline's general manager UK and Ireland, said: “It is a real pleasure to see Glasgow earn this extra frequency as the route has been going from strength to strength in recent years. This makes it easier for people to travel from Glasgow to Iceland, which was recently voted the world’s friendliest country by the World Economic Forum. The extra capacity also allows us to offer even more seamless connections to our growing number of destinations in North America.”

New four-day Northern Lights ‘Winter Wonderland’ tour from Taber Holidays FOR CLIENTS looking to explore Iceland in addition to hunting the Northern Lights, Taber Holidays’ new four-night ‘Winter Wonderland’ tour offers an overview of what Iceland has to offer and makes the most of both day and night.

The break starts and ends in the capital Reykjavik and highlights include visits to the Geysir hot spring area, the Jökulsárlon Glacial Lagoon, the Gulfoss Waterfall and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010. For a spot of relaxation at the end of the tour, guests have the option to bathe in the Blue Lagoon.

To maximise opportunities to see the Northern Lights, two nights are spent in the remote Hotel Katla near Vik in southern Iceland. While staying at the hotel, guests can experience an evening lecture and Northern Lights hunt, weather permitting. The other night can be spent in one of the hotel’s outdoor geothermal hot tubs.

Suzel Taber-Shaw, the operator's managing director, said: “This new tour is all about making the most of your stay. We have tried to include visits to all of Iceland’s main attractions by day, while leaving night free to search for the Northern Lights.”

Prices for the break start from £998 per person and include flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow; transfers; breakfast accommodation; a visit to an Icelandic farm; entrance to the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre; and a Northern Lights hunt. The price is based on two sharing and the tour departs on selected dates from now until March 6, 2014.

Alternatively, a new fly/drive ‘Southern Nights and Northern Lights’ trip takes guests to the remote Hella in Southern Iceland. Visitors will have the choice between accommodation at Hotel Rangá or Hotel Lækur, both offering a wake-up call should the

lights appear in the middle of the night.

In addition, the Geysir area is a short drive away, as is the Jökulsárlon Glacial Lagoon and Vik. Taber-Shaw said: “We have already had some incredible Northern Lights displays over Iceland this winter and with this tour based in the heart of the countryside, it offers excellent opportunities for seeing them. What’s more, with the special wake-up call service guests don’t even have to worry about missing them while they sleep.”

Prices for the four-night break start from £1,039 per person and include flights, transfers, half-board accommodation for three nights in Hella, breakfast accommodation in Reykjavik and car hire. The price is based on two sharing and the tour departs daily until March 29, 2014 (excluding the Christmas period).

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

Northern Lights

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December 13 2013

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iceland REGENT HOLIDAYS has added an eight-day ‘Northern Lights Photography Tour’ for 2014 which travels to the rural and remote South West Iceland to maximise the chances of catching the Northern Lights at nightfall. It is suitable for amateur and hobby photographers and costs from £1,495 per person. Included are flights from Heathrow; transfers; airport taxes; breakfast accommodation in hotels and guesthouses; a fully-escorted six-day coach tour with a guide; visits to folk and nature museums; entry to the Blue Lagoon; and a Northern Lights programme with five evenings of lectures and films, as well as searches for the Northern Lights and midnight refreshments.

For details call 020-7666 1290 or visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk

Explore adds ten-day Icelandic Winter Splendours itinerary from £1,597 EXPLORE HAS introduced a new ten-day Icelandic Winter Splendours itinerary which gives travellers the chance to see the Northern Lights as well as geysers and frozen waterfalls.

The tour also visits the Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn Nature Baths and Reykjavik, and includes a boat trip to Hrisey Island.

It departs on October 25, 2014 and costs from £1,597 per person including flights; seven nights’ hotel and two

nights’ guesthouse accommodation with breakfast; two lunches; transport; and the services of a tour leader, driver and local guides.

Alternatively, the operator also offers a Northern Lights tour accompanied by astronomer Andrew Green, which travels to Iceland in search of the Northern Lights. It also explores the ‘Golden Circle’, including Thingvellir National Park and Strokkur Geyser as well as

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visiting lava fields and the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Departing in February and March next year, the four-day tour costs from £989 (was £1,081), including flights; two nights’ hotel and one night’s guesthouse accommodation with breakfast; transport; and the services of a tour leader and driver.

For further information or to book call 0844-499 0901 or visit www.explore.co.uk

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iceland New short break packages from Transun We asked our staff the following question this week: What present are you most looking forward to giving at Christmas?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk I love watching my son's face when he opens his stocking!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Minecraft Lego for my son - costs an arm and a leg but the look on his face should be worth it

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

TRANSUN HAS launched a new Iceland package for 2014 from £1,179 per person.

The three- and four-night packages offer tours of Akureyri and Lake Myvatn in North Iceland.

Travellers will visit Lake Myvatn on a guided coach tour with a focus on Iceland’s most popular sights including the Goðafoss waterfall; Dimmuborgir, renowned for its lava mazes and sculptures; and the Nature baths, where travellers will have the chance to bathe in the geothermal water.

As part of the package guests visit the town Húsavík known as the whalewatching centre of Iceland, and as well as taking time to explore the city, guests will embark on a three-hour whale-watching tour.

A three-night package costs from £1,179 and includes flights from Heathrow, three nights' breakfast accommodation, Lake Mývatn guided coach tour, a three-hour whale-watching tour and transfers.

Flights depart on Thursdays and Sundays from June 19 to September 7.

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

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Something special for someone special. Revealing more would spoil the surprise!

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk My Secret Santa present - it's for one of the people on this page!

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk A pearl necklace to my wife

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Lovingly edited and packaged DVD of my son's first 6 months to both sets of grandparents

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Secret Santa and that would be telling!

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk Giving my two year old son his first laptop

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk My secret Santa present to....?

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk A sack of potatoes

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 £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

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December 13 2013

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. AZURA, 4. RHONE, 7. EUROS, 8. SOF, 9. DALY, 10. CANNES, 13. NEWARK, 15. FOUR, 18. JAL, 19. ZAIRE, 20. SUSAN, 21. GENIE. Down: 1. ALADDIN, 2. UTELL, 3. AVRO, 4. ROSEAU, 5. OLSEN, 6. ELF, 11. SCROOGE, 12. FROZEN, 14. WALES, 16. ODEON, 17. BING, 18. JLS.

Highlighted Word: ALASKA Travagrams: (top) Dusit Thani

(bottom) Amsterdam

Where Am I?: Protaras

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