Travel Bulletin 15th February 2013 by Alain Charles Publishing

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February 15 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,813 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

D O N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; T M I SS. .

Italy

Southern & East Africa

Operators respond to demand with new tours, properties & activity breaks

February 201

Your one-sto p guide to all the late st news and in Southern &

developments East Africa

Produced by

with this is

this week agent bulletin 9 SATOA announces new training dates for agents

W-AITO-Go! why adventure travel is becoming more mainstream

All About

weddings & honeymoons

change in marriage laws makes it easier to tie the knot in the BVIs

www.travelbulle

tin.co.uk

sue

north africa a round-up of the latest brochure additions & new deals

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*Some facilities not available at all resorts. Resorts may change some All Inclusive package inclusions at short notice. Seat allocation not guaranteed. Prices are per person and are based on 2 adults travelling together, ﬂying from LGW on EK12 and include private car transfers and airport taxes. Valid for departures from 8 May to 15 June 2013 and subject to availability. Direct Emirates ﬂights from LHR, BHX, MAN, NCL, GLA & DUB also available at a supplement.

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newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - venice fotoseeker.com

Inset - BVI

CAKE BAKE...Holland America Line has launched a new partnership with Cancer Research UK and five other international cancer charities. ‘On Deck for a Cause’, a new shipboard giving programme, invites guests to participate in a non-competitive 5k fundraising walk on every sailing on each of the line’s 15 ships, with proceeds to be distributed amongst charities for cancer research, education, screening and treatment programmes. Pictured getting ready to raise funds are, from the left, the company's Jo Taylor, Lynn Narraway, Diane Hopkins, Nathan Emtage and Sam Withers.

This Week 3

news

agent bulletin

puzzle bulletin

new report reveals operators are struggling in healthy market SATOA announces new training dates for agents play Su Doku for the chance to win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher

SAVOUR THE SUNSHINE OF FLORIDA

W-AITO-Go!

hotel bulletin

personality bulletin

why adventure travel is becoming more mainstream Travelodge benefits from £223million brand investment which national sales manager fancies himself as Spiderman?

italy

weddings & honeymoons

north africa

operators respond to demand with new tours, properties & activity breaks change in marriage laws makes it easier to tie the knot in the BVIs a round-up of the latest brochure additions & new deals

THE FLORID FLORIDA DA KEYS KEY K S & KEY WEST

7 NIGHTS FR FROM OM £889PP For more details or to book,, call

0844 557 0626 oorr vvisit isi t

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February 15 2013

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newsbulletin On the Beach survey find holidays to popular sun destinations cheaper this year RECENT RESEARCH conducted by On the Beach has revealed that 77% of holidays are cheaper this summer than in 2012. The research compared like for like, seven-night holidays for two adults during June across a number of popular sun destinations, comparing average prices from 2013 with those from 2012, and the results showed significant savings for holidaymakers this year. Despite the 2.7% rise in inflation and ever increasing fuel prices, many holidays are up to 25% cheaper this year, with the garden island of Madeira offering the best value this summer. Last year, a one-week three-star holiday on a bedand-breakfast basis for two cost £799, whilst this year the same holiday costs £599; saving £200. Cyprus also shows a drop in prices with holidaymakers saving up to 20% on last year, with Bulgaria also proving better value, offering holidays up to 15% cheaper than last summer. The Canary Island of Tenerife is also showing a significant drop in holiday prices with many hotels offering all-inclusive holidays up to 14% cheaper than last year. Other sun spots offering cheaper holiday prices this year include Egypt's resort of Sharm el Sheikh, down 13% on last year, and Greece which is 12% cheaper.

Latest Plimsoll report reveals tour operators struggle in healthy market PLIMSOLL PUBLISHING’S latest review into the top 1,000 businesses operating in the tour operators industry has found that 77 companies are showing the same characteristics as HMV, Comet and Blockbuster. According to the company, sales have worryingly declined in the latest year and profitability has plummeted to such an extent that these businesses are now operating under severe financial pressure. David Pattison, senior analyst on the project, said: “As seen with the recent closures and administration of big High Street stores, these were all victims of outdated business models. It’s much the same in the tour operators market; the overall market is healthy, but these companies are falling behind. “The tour operators market is continually adapting to the way we use technology, delivery methods and trading hours. “These phases of the business cycle often lead to casualties. What's different this time is the pace of this change as, in the past, it’s taken up to

ten years for a large company to fail, but technological changes have meant it’s now only taking a few years.” A total of 77 companies analysed have seen their sales fall by up to 20%, with two thirds losing money and many seeing productivity fall to such an extent that they are becoming increasingly uncompetitive in a fast moving market. The latest analysis also shows that the tour operators market is in a healthy state and on average sales are increasing at 7.2%, with margins sitting at 1.8%. Some 50 companies are also showing increased profitability and sales more proof that the market is prospering. Pattison said: “The good news is if we do see job losses, it’s highly likely that by moving to an upand-coming rival, jobs will be created and the overall number of staff in the market could stay the same using transferable skills.” Readers of Travel Bulletin can receive a £50 discount off the price of the report by calling 01642-626419 and quoting reference PR/HP70.

Turkey’s LykiaWorld Ölüdeniz promotes family activities for Easter

LIONS SHARE...Lions Rugby Travel has announced its plans to sell its own product through travel agents for this year’s Tour to Australia and is incentivising agents with a commission programme. Travel and ticket packages start from £2,199 per person and the first match of the tour takes place in Hong Kong on June 1. Pictured marking the announcement is the Lions Rugby Travel sales team, from the left: Zoe Clarke, Louise Lee, Andrew Slater and Michelle Blake. Agents interested in working with the company can visit www.lionstour.com/travel or call 0844-788 4070.

February 15 2013

TURKEY’S LYKIAWORLD Ölüdeniz is offering new attractions for the Easter break, including Easter egg hunts and egg painting contests. Pizza cooking and arts and crafts activities are also available, while adults can opt for an active break with activities such as Zumba classes and football matches throughout the day, or choose to unwind in the resort's spa. The Easter entertainment continues into the evening with costume parties, dancing, comedy and karaoke shows. Thomas Cook offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the property from £2,232 for a family of four, including flights from Gatwick, based on an April 6 departure. For details see www.thomascook.com or call 0844-412 5970. For resort details visit www.lykiagroup.co.uk

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newsbulletin

Newsbites ●

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HOTELBEDS HAS joined forces with Oracle to develop an innovative technological infrastructure capable of supporting the bed bank's expansion plans, which aim to more than double the online accommodation market growth rates of 7.3% by 2015. ZIP WORLD, a new attraction in Bethesda, near Bangor, North Wales, is set to launch on March 16. It will offer the largest zip wire experience in the Northern Hemisphere and will see visitors fly through the skies for more than a mile at speeds of up to 75mph. MIDCOUNTIES CO-OPERATIVE Travel reports that it has seen a £1million turnover from its agent website Co-op Value in the first four weeks of trading. For details see www.midcounties.coop CRUISE LINES International Association (CLIA) has announced the launch of ‘Cruise Forward,’ a new industry-wide communications initiative that will promote awareness of cruising’s wide-ranging contributions and engage stakeholders across the global cruise industry. See www.cruiseforward.org GREAT HOTELS of the World has acquired five new member properties to its collection - Royal Garden Villas & Spa in Tenerife, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok in Thailand, Dom Pedro Golf Resort in Portugal, Grand Hotel Bernardin in Slovenia and Hotel Gray d'Albion in France.

Orient Express launches training films ORIENT EXPRESS Trains & Cruises has launched a series of new product training films aimed at travel agents and operators. Kicking off the series and available now on the YouTube channel is the company’s flagship, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, followed by Afloat in France and the Royal Scotsman.

DFDS Seaways offers range of savings during National Ferry Fortnight DFDS SEAWAYS is offering a 20% discount on its ferry routes to Europe during this year’s National Ferry Fortnight (NFF), which runs from March 2-16. The 20% discount offer is valid for all ferry crossings booked during the fortnight, on the company's Dover– Dunkirk, Dover–Calais, Newcastle–Amsterdam, Harwich– Esbjerg, Newhaven–Dieppe and Portsmouth–Le Havre routes, for travel on selected departures until October 31. The deal means that ferry tickets for a car and up to four passengers costs less than £24 each way on the Channel and £116 each way for a car and four passengers on the North Sea. The company is also offering a 40% discount on its twonight mini cruises to Amsterdam sailing from Newcastle and Harwich, meaning that prices lead in at £47 per person on selected departures until October 31. To book or for more information see www.dfds.co.uk/ferryfortnight or call 0871-574 7235.

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @redseauk Dahab is one of our favourite resorts. The name means "gold" in Arabic, and it's not hard to see why: http://ow.ly/h0elf #Egypt @ThomsonHolidays Firm favourite, the Thomson Spirit is back in the Eastern Med and Aegean next April. Find out more here http://bit.ly/WY6BrL @CMVoyages Important Announcement - Astor joins the CMV Fleet. Read our Official Press Release: http://bit.ly/HqxGKS @On_The_Go_Tours Chengdu becoming top China attraction. http://ow.ly/hsYLj @TucanTravel 50% off Budget Expeditions to Asia and South America @ClassicHols Luxury Deal of the Day 4* Hotel Mijas, Costa del Sol, 7 nights B&B from £399pp dep from 28 Feb http://snd.to/bkkB

SKI-TASTIC...In response to demand from skiers in Yorkshire, Inghams has launched a new range of holiday options, direct from Leeds Bradford to Innsbruck, Austria. From December 21 until April 5, 2014, a choice of 28 resorts in Austria and Italy are offered, including St. Anton, Kühtai and Obergurgl in Austria, and Cortina, La Villa and Selva in Italy. Early bookers will benefit from a discount of £50 per couple, while selected hotels offer a range of early booking discounts, such as free wine and afternoon cake on arrival. Pictured marking the new announcement are Inghams’ Alison Craig (left) and Leeds Bradford Airport’s Emma Holliday. For details call 01483-791111.

Compagnie du Ponant issues new Asia brochure COMPAGNIE DU Ponant has launched a 64-page brochure dedicated to its new Asian itineraries for the winter season 2013/14. For the first time, Le Soléal (132 staterooms and suites), the latest addition to the fleet launching on July 1, will be sailing for Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. During the cruise guests can discover Asia in a more intimate way, mooring as close as possible to the shore to offer easy access to protected sites. Guests on board will include experts, historians and lecturers ready to share their passion with the passengers. As an example of prices, a ten-night sailing, including flights, departs on October 5 and leads in at £3,969 per person. Departing from Petropavlovsk in Russia’s Far East, Le Soléal sails to Japan via the Kuril Islands. Alternatively, a Hong Kong – Singapore cruise takes in the most important sites and landscapes of Vietnam, with excursions including a junk boat trip to Ha Long Bay, the discovery of Hanoi, Saigon and the Imperial City of Hue, or sailing down the Cai River. Pre- and post-cruise excursions are on offer for those who want to explore Hong Kong and Singapore. Departing on October 30, prices lead in at £3,298 per person for 11 nights. For more information or to book call 0800-980 4027 or visit www.ponant.com

February 15 2013

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WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST

COME AS Y YOU O OU ARE. A Florida Keys and Key West string The Florida Weest is a 150 mile m long string of Islands connected to South Flor Florida ida b byy the scenic over seas Highway; Highwa overseas traveller ghwaay; y; a road that suspends the tr aveller bridges between sky.y. In in a place that br idges the gap betw een sea ea and sky Florida Keys yyou the Florida world ou are a w orld away awa way from the theme parks of centr parks central Florida, envelopes velopes yyou ou al Flor ida,, in a place that en warmth and beauty and gr with its warmth grants permission mission ants you you per worries world ou just left to shed the w orries of the real w or ld yyou behind! The turquoise b blue waterss that sur surrounds rounds lue water Key Largo, Largo, Islamorada, Islamor Is ada,, Marathon, Marathon,, Big Pine Key and West trove above below. w. est ve both abo ve and belo Key W e is a treasure tro

NEW W BR BROCHURE RO OCHURE OUT NO OW W! NOW! For more details on the FFlorida lorida Keys & Key W West eest brochure request our b rochure todayy at: toda www.trade-gate.co.uk www .trade-gate.co.uk

7 NIGHTS IGHTS FR FROM RO OM ÂŁ889PP! For more details or to book,, call

0844 557 0626 orr vvisit isit

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newsbulletin VisitEngland calls for industry to get involved in English Tourism Week VISITENGLAND HAS launched a call to action for the industry to get involved in English Tourism Week, which runs from March 16-24, and register their special events and activity on the English Tourism Week 2013 website. Previous English Tourism Week events have ranged from afternoon teas and English-themed baking competitions to art exhibitions, special guided walks and ‘behind the scenes’ tours. To get involved, companies can register the

details of their event or promotion through the English Tourism Week event submission form, including any web links, contact details and images. The tourist board will then promote selected activities via a range of channels, including editorial on its website and blog, as well as social networking sites including its Twitter and Facebook pages. For more information see ww.visitengland.org

Adult-only breaks in Halkidiki from Neilson

A £100MILLION makeover will be given to the Carnival Destiny ship – the most ambitious refit and transformation project undertaken by Carnival Cruise Lines. The ship will be renamed Carnival Sunshine and will begin a schedule of nine and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice, from April, followed by year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans in November. For details call 0845-351 0556.

NEILSON HOLIDAYS is offering exclusive ‘Just For Adults’ months at its four-star Anastasia Beachclub in Halkidiki, Greece, available throughout May and most of June and September. The property offers water and land-based activities, all included in the price, from waterskiing and sea kayaking to mountain biking and tennis coaching. Couples can combine an active holiday with down-time relaxing by the pool or being pampered in the hotel’s Elemis spa. Based on a May 11 departure, a seven-night break leads in at £399 per person on a Club Board basis, which includes breakfast, lunch and four evening meals. Also included are flights from Heathrow, transfers, activities and tuition, based on availability. For more information call 0844-879 8155 or see www.neilson.co.uk

Trabacus launches first 'independent' system for agents and operators TRAVEL COMPANIES have the freedom to develop their own travel systems for the first time following the recent launch of Trabacus. The new product gives users the ability to adapt the system and fine tune all aspects, such as reservations or accounts. Companies that purchase the product will own the source software, which can then be developed to fit growing needs at any time. The company believes that the product is the future for travel systems; enabling companies to either own the source code of the software if they buy it, or rent it with no capital expenditure and monthly fees starting at around £80 per user, with public cloud hosting included. The operating system can easily be learned by inhouse system developers. New features that are specific to the user company’s business can be added in a matter of hours rather than being developed by external suppliers, saving travel businesses thousands of pounds annually. The system is a fully fledged travel system aimed at tour operators and travel agents with functions including reservations, a full set of accounting ledgers, CRM, and human resources, with a choice of customer’s API/XML connection. For more information call 01403-210630 or email richard@travelsystems.co.uk

February 15 2013

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Make British Airways and American Airlines bookings to the USA for your chance to win a place on the Brand USA Megafam 2013. Seven great itineraries to choose from! For details on how to apply, go to www.usamegafam.co.uk

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Make sure you complete this week’s Crossword, sponsored by Jet2holidays, for the chance to win £50 in Love2Shop vouchers. Just fill in the Crossword on Page 11 of this edition, and then submit the mystery location along with your contact details via our website on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a Fam Trip to Florida’s Beaches, courtesy of Funway. Trips take place in May/June. For full details, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentive ROYAL CARIBBEAN International (RCI) and Celebrity Cruises have launched new campaigns for this month, with double incentives for agents and new offers for customers. RCI's ‘Going, Going, Gone’ campaign features 3,000 14-night cruises for £999 per person, and 1,000 sixto eight-night cruises at £599 on selected sailings from Southampton. Agents will receive a £20 Lifestyle voucher for every 2013 booking made this month on cruises sailing from Southampton, which they can redeem on the High Street. For any cruise booking made before February 28, agents will also be entered into a daily prize draw to win one of five £100 Love2Shop vouchers. Celebrity Cruises’ ‘123 Go!’ campaign allows guests to choose from one of three offers - free drinks (worth up to $1,400 per stateroom), free coach transfer or car parking in Southampton; or $300 to spend onboard. The offer is valid on all 2013 Celebrity Eclipse sailings departing from Southampton, in all stateroom categories, and ends on February 28. Agents will also receive a £20 Lifestyle voucher for every booking they make on Celebrity Eclipse sailings departing from the UK this month. Plus, the Great Apple Giveaway has now been extended until the end of February, so agents have the chance to win weekly giveaways of iPhone 5s and iPad minis, plus a grand prize of a stylish MacBook Air.

Training update SATOA HAS released its training dates for agents and operators this year. Travel agent dinners will take place in Kent on March 19, Birmingham on April 30, Leeds on June 18, Manchester on July 16, Norwich on September 17 and Buckinghamshire on October 23. Tour operator dinners take place in Gloucestershire on April 29, Surrey on June 11, Chester on July 15, Glasgow on October 15, Bolton/Greater Manchester on November 19 and London on December 9. Other 'save the date' planned events include a pub quiz on March 21, a summer networking function on August 8, the SATOA Travel Awards on September 19 and the SATOA Christmas lunch on December 16. Email info@satoa.com for further details.

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Fancy a fam? BRAND USA has announced details of its inaugural megafam, which will take 100 agents and a range of UK and Ireland operators to experience multiple destinations across the US. Seven itineraries covering 19 states have been created in conjunction with partner airlines, British Airways, which will be hosting all international flights, and American Airlines, which is partnering on all domestic flights within the US. Agents can win a place on the megafam by logging sales of BA's and American Airlines flights sold to and within America at www.usamegafam.co.uk. The fam will take place from May 9-16. AGENTS CAN win a place on a Cox & Kings fam trip to Central America. The operator, in partnership with the Central America Tourism Agency, is offering a place on a ten-day luxury fam to Costa Rica and Panama from April 7-18. To win a place, agents need to answer the following question: Which of the following birds would you not see in the wild in Central America? A – Hummingbird; B – Resplendent quetzal; C – Ostrich; or D – Scarlet macaw. Agents should email the correct answer to agency.sales@coxandkings.co.uk with their name, agency and ABTA number by February 28. FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has teamed up with British Airways to offer an all expenses paid Mexican fam trip. Eight places on the BA fam are available, which runs from March 13-20. To win a place, agents need to confirm a Mexico package holiday with the operator (by February 24) for a minimum of seven nights, flying with Virgin Atlantic or British Airways. To register a booking including applicable booking reference, agents should email win@funway.co.uk For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk

February 15 2013

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newsbulletin 'Tasty Walks' initiative by Visit Guernsey

Escape the Rain Fly Vueling to Spain.

THE FIRST in a series of three themed walks that combine Guernsey's scenery with the island's gastronomy has been launched by Visit Guernsey, aimed at encouraging visitors to enjoy Guernsey in the first few months of the year when visitor numbers are traditionally lower. Tasty Walks runs throughout March and April and a total of 34 walks are offered, led by an accredited walking guide and ending with a traditional Guernsey meal at a local restaurant. To further enforce the concept, many of Guernsey's popular restaurants and hotels will be offering specially designed seasonal Guernsey menus to showcase the best of the island's food. As examples, ‘A Stitch in Time - St Peter Port through the Ages’ takes visitors through the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways of Guernsey’s capital to learn about its history from Roman times to the present day. The tour finishes at the Guernsey Tapestry which tells a story of a thousand years of Guernsey Island life. The walk takes two hours and costs £24 per person including the tapestry entrance fee and evening meal. Tasty walk ‘A West Coast Wanderer’ explores Guernsey’s wild, rugged coastline passing 19th century forts, walking through National Trust Land and stopping at the ‘fairy ring’ which is steeped in local folklore. The walk takes two and a half hours and costs £20.50 per person including lunch at the Imperial Hotel. An ‘Uninvited Guests - The Reich, The Writer and The Royals’ takes a step back into Guernsey’s history and its uninvited guests including literary genius Victor Hugo, Queen Victoria and German’s during WWII; characters who all helped shape Guernsey’s cultural history. The walk takes three hours and costs £13.50 per person including afternoon cream tea. Premier Holidays offers a three nights for two Tasty Walks package (Uninvited Guests), which leads in at £263 per person. It includes three nights at the four-star Fermain Valley Hotel in St. Peter Port with breakfast, flights from Gatwick and car hire (excluding fuel and insurance). The package is available from March 1-31. To book call 0844-493 7531 or visit www.premierholidays.co.uk. For more information see www.visitguernsey.com

Leger highlights short breaks to Europe

Fly direct from Cardiff to Malaga, Alicante, Majorca & Barcelona Book your 2013 ﬂights at www.vueling.com

LEGER HOLIDAYS is highlighting a series of trips to Europe next month. As examples, a five-day Beautiful Bruges option departs on March 11 and leads in at £299 per person. The holiday combines medieval treasures and seaside delights, giving guests the chance to spend time in Bruges and experience Belgium’s capital Brussels. It also includes visits to Ghent and the seaside resort Ostend.The price includes four nights' breakfast accommodation, travel by luxury Silver Service coach, free local joining points; and excursions to Bruges, Belgium, Ghent and Ostend. A seven-day Barcelona and Spectacular Spain option costs from £459 per person and also departs on March 11. Guests have the opportunity to take in the Mediterranean resort of Calella, plus sightseeing in Catalonia, Barcelona and a mix of traditional and modern resorts on the Costa Brava. The price includes six nights' breakfast accommodation, four evening meals and three lunches; selected drinks free of charge from the hotel bar between 18:00 and 22:00 whilst in Spain; travel by luxury Silver Service coach; free local joining points; and excursions to Barcelona and the Costa Brava. An optional excursion to Monserrat is also available.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 099

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

A Handbills Okay

A➠

B➠ This operator specialises in holidays to southeastern Europe

C➠

the sly leeches

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:

Country made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, February 21st. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for February 1st is Jane Wright, Apple Travel in London. February 1 Solution: A=5 B=4 C=3 D=6

Crossword

Sponsored By

Famous for artichokes?

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted by the blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword to submit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prize draw and one lucky winner will win £50 Love2Shop vouchers. Closing date for entries is Thursday February 21st. Across 1. How many Greek Islands does Jet2holidays fly to? (4) 3. Major Belgian port (6) 7. New TV drama set in the home of country music (9) 9. Portuguese islands in the North Atlantic (6) 10. Capital of Ukraine (4) 13. Popular resort on Lake Garda (4) 14. Sea between the mainlands of Greece and Turkey (6) 16. Beijing's iconic National Stadium (4'1,4) 17. River, sounds like an online store (6) 18. Geographical region (4)

Down 1. Carrier operating out of Helsinki (7) 2. City in British Colombia (9) 4. Capital of Fiji (4) 5. Comedian Jack, sounds like a UK river (3) 6. Stansted airport is in this county (5) 8. The bones of King Richard III were found beneath a car park in this city (9) 11. P&O cruise ship (7) 12. Spanish city, famous for sherry (5) 15. Scandinavian capital city (4) 16. Bermuda international airport code (3)

Number: 099

Congratulations to Sue Brook, Wallace Arnold Travel who won the 1st February crossword prize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers

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Jet2holidays offers flexible and great value package holidays for just £60pp deposit

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 February 15 2013

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go! by FIONA MARSHALL, KE Adventure Travel

'Benidorm or Borneo this year, dear?'... Adventure travel goes mainstream HE FIRST adventure travellers were the great explorers… Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain Cook et al., travelling the seas to find new lands and in search of fame and fortune. Later came the quests, like finding the source of the Nile (Dr Livingstone, I presume?) or those trying to map the Himalaya, like Sir Francis Younghusband. There were even those who were desperate to brave the extremes of nature to claim glory for Queen and country, like Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Modern adventure travel didn’t begin until the 1960s, on the back of the hippy trail convoys who took the overland route across Europe, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan to reach India and Nepal. They were not the only tourists arriving in the sub-continent at that time. Commercial trekking began in Nepal in 1964 when Col Jimmy Roberts, then a retired British Gurkha officer, started running holiday treks in the Annapurna and Everest areas through his company Mountain Travel. Back then, adventure travel really was adventurous. There were no satellite phones, no emergency equipment, no helicopter evacuations, no email, no fax and no phones! People really did head out into the wilds. Whilst Freddie Laker was taking flights full of British travellers to the Mediterranean and the US for the first time in the 1970s, a few other intrepid travellers were heading off to Nepal, India and Pakistan. The KE in KE Adventure Travel stands for “Karakoram Experience”, for indeed our business also has roots in the mountaineering world - the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. The company launched in 1984 when Glenn Rowley and Tim Greening (still hands-on directors) visited the area and came up with the idea of taking adventurous folk out there on trekking and climbing trips. Back then KE didn’t sell holidays - they were ‘experiences’. Only a hardy few were brave enough to take the Karakoram Highway up to the north of the country to see K2, the world’s second biggest and deadliest mountain. Things have now changed. The world of adventure travel is open to all and destinations span the globe from Albania to Vanuatu, two of KE’s newer adventure destinations. The style of adventure holidays has changed, too. No longer does an adventure holiday involve 30 days in the wilderness eating lentils and putting your own tent up every night (although we still offer that too). There are more leisurely and comfortable adventure options out there.

February 15 2013

When Cheryl Cole and Chris Moyles climbed Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, everyone in Britain saw that climbing the highest peak in Africa was achievable. If Chris Moyles can do it, anyone can! This particular TV documentary was great for adventure travel, as it opened people’s eyes to the possibilities. As we move away from rampant consumerism to the “experience” culture, people want to enjoy holidays that make them feel more alive and give them a sense of achievement. Climbing ‘Kili’ (you can only call it Kili if you have climbed it, and most KE staff have!), trekking to Everest Basecamp, hiking the Inca Trail or summiting Mount Toubkal are now things that anyone with a good level of fitness and some experience of walking can enjoy. To agents we say - don’t be scared! Adventure travel is a real holiday choice. All we advise is to be careful which operators you use for your customers. Operating adventure holidays safely and well is not easy, so you should look for well-established specialist operators who can demonstrate a healthy track record and give you personal advice on which holidays are the best choice for each individual client. There’s a vast array of adventure holidays out there. Did the family get bored on the beach in Crete last year? Then how about some Moroccan Magic this summer, taking the kids trekking in the Atlas Mountains, surfing on the Atlantic Coast in Essaouira and bartering in the souks in Marrakech? Alternatively, why not try camel trekking in the Sahara with French families, and listen to your kids parler français? So, let’s go! Anyone for dal bhat in Kathmandu?

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

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newsbulletin Registration open for PATA Exchange THE PATA Exchange event is back on Monday March 11 at a new venue, Central Hall Westminster in London. Tour operators and travel agents can now register for free by visiting www.pataexchange.com to start booking appointments with more than 50 tourist offices, hotel groups and airlines. For more information see www.pata.org.uk

BIRMINGHAM BUDDIES...Marco Pierre White's Champagne Bar, on the 25th Floor of 'The Cube' in Birmingham, was the venue for the second get-together of the Midlands Travel Trades Club following its comeback last November, after a ten-year gap. More than 70 members of travel and travel related companies attended the networking evening, which was sponsored by Emirates, Birmingham Airport and JTA. Pictured making the most of the networking opportunities are, from the left: Tracey Quirk, Birmingham Airport; Julie Bailey and Phil Courtney, Emirates; and Stefanie Bowes, Birmingham Airport. The next event will take place on March 21 at Nuvo Bar in Brindley Place, Birmingham. For details email Wendy at events@elitetravelgroup.co.uk

Year-round return of Isle of Man-Southampton service from Flybe FLYBE HAS announced the return of its Isle of Man to Southampton service that offers a three times weekly service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from May 1. The return of the year-round service is expected to be welcomed by both business and leisure travellers and in particular will start in good time for motor racing fans wanting to visit the Island for the annual TT Races being held between May 25 and June 7.

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Seats are available for booking now, with fares starting from £39.99 one-way including taxes and charges. Meanwhile, the airline is to launch a new three times weekly route from Glasgow Airport to Shannon in Ireland from May 1. Fares lead in at £36.99 one-way including taxes and charges. For details see www.flybe.com

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*Images used for this promotion are for design purposes only and do not have any connection with the relevant Brand. ^The Prize Draw is open to all UK resident Travel Agents. Entrants must be over 18 years. Prize is non transferable with no cash alternative. Brand names noted are not participates or sponsors of this promotion. For the Promoter details and full terms and conditions of the prize draw please visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdfs/hoseasonsprizegiveaway

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hotelbulletin Travelodge benefits from £223million brand investment TRAVELODGE HAS announced it is benefiting from a £223million investment this year to help further grow its business. The cash investment will help fuel growth and strengthen the company’s brand offering. This year the company will open 14 hotels (1,742 rooms) at an investment of £141.5m, with 12 of the openings in the UK and two in Spain. The UK locations include four properties in London (Bethnal Green, Hounslow, Vauxhall and Walthamstow), plus Liverpool, Cambridge, Aylesbury, Southport, Kings Lynn, Sittingbourne, Manchester and Chertsey. The two Spanish hotel openings will double the company's room stock to 700 and boost the number of hotels to six, which includes three properties in Madrid, two in Barcelona and one in Valencia. The first hotel is scheduled to open in spring and is located in the beach area of Poblenoul in Barcelona. The new Madrid hotel is scheduled to open in the summer and is located in the Julian Camarilo commercial district. As part of the announcement, the hotel chain is also unveiling its new room design which has been created by customers. The new room concept has taken 12 months to complete from initial research to implementation and has been overseen by a dedicated in-house interior designer. Feedback from customers stated they wanted an inviting, functional, warm, relaxing environment, with the main focus of the room being an extremely comfortable bed. The new room includes an upgraded luxury king size bed which is deemed in the industry as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of beds, featuring an 800 pocket sprung mattress, with each individual spring designed to follow the natural contour of an individual’s body to provide the correct amount of support and comfort. Other additions to the new room include a contemporary en-suite bathroom with a power shower, stain & water resistant carpet in a dark shade of blue, a larger desk area, new reading lights and a phone charging socket built into the bed frame. All new hotels being opened this year will incorporate the new room design. In addition, phase one of the £57million refurbishment programme, which starts in spring this year, will include a refit project to transform the company's flagship and most popular city centre hotel rooms with the new design. By autumn 2014, more than 80% of the hotel group's estate will incorporate the new room design.

February 15 2013

InBrief ● HILTON HOTELS & Resorts has announced the opening of Hilton

Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, its first leisure property in India. For details see www.shillimretreatandspa.hilton.com ● GUESTS STAYING at The May Fair in London are now able to access and book a host of hotel services during their stay, through a newly implemented Cardola VirtualHotel application. Accessed through an in-room iPad, VirtualHotel is now available in each of the hotel’s 18 signature suites, providing guests with instant access to services both inside and outside the hotel. ● FROM MAY, guests staying at the five-star Skiathos Princess Hotel or Aegean Suites Hotel in Greece will have the chance to participate in a new week-long Healthy Living Programme. It includes two group fitness activities per day, coached runs along the beach, Nature Walks and Herb Hikes. Prices for the programme start from £140 per person for a week or £30 per day. ● IBIS STYLES London Excel has reopened following a refurbishment of the bedrooms and public spaces. The 302-room hotel is located in Docklands, opposite the London ExCel Conference Centre.

HOTEL INDIGO Barcelona Plaza Catalunya has opened in the heart of the historic Spanish city, marking the debut of InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) boutique brand in Spain. The property provides guests with easy access to Barcelona’s tourist attractions and offers 77-guestrooms, free Wi-fi and a free mini-bar. For details or to book see www.hotelindigo.com

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Africa Showcase

Agent Training Events Invites you to attend a

Southern & East Africa Showcase Agent Networking Evening

Monday 18th February

Tuesday 19th February

Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel Free Trade Hall Peter Street Manchester M2 5GP

Crowne Plaza Hotel Central Square Holliday Street Birmingham B1 1HH

Travel Bulletin is delighted to invite you to this training event covering all that this stunning region has to offer in terms of accommodation, flights, health and wellbeing, wedding and honeymoon and tailormade packages. Registration :

18.15 hours

Networking & Presentations:

18.30 hours

Buffet, Entertainment & Prizes:

20.00 hours

Carriages:

21.30 hours

Exhibitors

For more information on how to exhibit or attend as a guest please email: jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk or telephone 020 7834 6661

S03 TB1502 News 2_Layout 1 13/02/2013 14:36 Page 16

personalitybulletin

Andy Travis The national sales manager at Funway calls Greece his second home and is a fan of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

What's your earliest childhood memory? As a child in my balaclava, my dad’s favourite quote is that I was that ugly as a kid so had to wear a balaclava – obviously joking!

"My favourite movie? Con Air - anything with Nicolas Cage is a winner!"

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Spiderman – he is a legend! What three words would your friends use to describe you? Funny, dependable, reliable.

Career path ●

What have your travels taught you? Pack sensibly, and ironing before you go is pointless.

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What is the best advice you recall? Never give up, determination will prevail.

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

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If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be? ● Agents to use the online tools of Funway more ● Customers to be less price conscious and more aware of the cost of flights and hotels ● Customers to be aware of tax and fuel charges.

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Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? I feel that I have gained valuable knowledge from all of the managers/directors that I have worked for, which has helped me to develop my current role.

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Funway Holidays International national sales manager: Dec 2012 current Sandals Resorts by Funway - sales development manager: Aug 2010 – Nov 2012 The Holiday Team - regional sales manager: March 09 – July 2010 Bluebookonline.co.uk - key account manager: May 08 – Sept 08 Youtravel.com - national sales manager: Nov 06 – Jan 08 Last Minute.com (Medhotels) - key account manager: Apr 2005 – March 2006 Cosmos Holidays - 2001-2005. Roles included national account manager, area manager, overseas operations manager & resort representative

What is your motto in life? Life’s too short, grasp it with both hands and make the most of it!

What was your nickname at school and why? Trav – obvious!

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing? I would have my own bistro.

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

February 15 2013

How do you deal with stress? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as much as I can fit into my busy week. What song would you have played at your funeral? I am the resurrection, Stone Roses. Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? The lack of direct flights from northern airports. What special skills do you have? I am a good all round negotiator, with excellent interpersonal skills which are essential in my role. How do you cope with the advances in technology? Embrace them, they are here to stay and are great at helping people get what they want at the quickest route. What’s your favourite movie of all time? Con Air – anything with Nicolas Cage is a winner! What do you love about your job? The variety and challenge which I face day in, day out.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? The ability to read people’s minds so I know what they want.

What's your favourite city and why? Athens - I love Greece as a second home.

What's your favourite airline and why? Emirates so far - Club Class is sooo great, and lovely returning from honeymoon.

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Italy INNTRAVEL HAS introduced a new walking break, From Florence to Siena. Beginning in Florence, guests will cross the Chianti hills to follow a route to Siena, taking in the Chianti towns of Greve and Radda-in-Chianti en-route. After a day's walking, guests can experience Tuscan cuisine and wines. Prices lead in at £998 per person, based on two sharing and include eight nights’ breakfast accommodation, three dinners, luggage transfers, walking maps and notes. For details call 01653-617000 or see www.inntravel.co.uk

Attraction World highlights popular add-ons ATTRACTION WORLD is promoting a selection of its most popular add-ons in Italy. They include a Dinner and Concert in Florence, which costs £51 for adults and £27 for kids (aged two-eight); a Renaissance Florence Walking Tour for £23 per adult and £12 per child (six-eight years); a halfday trip to Chianti from Florence (£37 per adult and £18 per child aged two-eight); a Segway Tour in Pisa (£59 per person); a 40-minute Gondola Serenade in Venice (£39 per person); and a Venice Photography Tour (£65 per person). All tours are fully commissionable to agents. For more information see www.attractionworld.com

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Classic adds learning and activity breaks in Sorrento & Sardinia WITH THE British Museum hosting its first exhibition in 40 years dedicated to the ruins of Pompeii from March 28 to September 29, Classic Collection Holidays is offering packages to include half-day or full day private tours of Pompeii on stays at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento this summer. Prices for seven nights’ breakfast stay lead in at £1,399 per person in May, based on two sharing a classic garden view room, including flights and transfers. Also included is a guided half-day tour of Pompeii by private car with the services of a guide and driver and entrance fees to the historic site. At the newly introduced Hotel Su Gologone in Sorrento the company is offering customers the chance to take part in oil-painting, pottery and embroidery courses. The hotel is home to one of the most important private collections of art, ceramics and embroidery in Sardinia, with each room dedicated to a specific Sardinian artist with samples of their work. Seven-night prices lead in at £992 per person in June (or £1,154 per person in August) based on a half-board stay in a classic room, including flights from Gatwick and car hire. For more information or to book call 0800-008 7288 or see www.classic-collection.co.uk

Titan highlights range of dedicated tours with prices from £1,025 TITAN IS offering a range of holidays that explore all corners of Italy, from fullycomprehensive journeys such as the ten-day Treasures of Italy from £1,795 per person to single and twin-centre itineraries such as the eight-day Venice and Lake Garda from £1,295. Guests can also opt to discover Sardinia or Sicily, and the company offers dedicated tours revealing the highlights of each, from the UNESCO-classified Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on a ten-day 'Sicily – Jewel of the Mediterranean' option from £1,525, to the 13thcentury stronghold of Castelsardo on the 11-day Sardinian Paradise tour, which costs from £1,795. Brochure prices lead in at £1,025 per person for an eight-day Charm of the Dolomites tour, and every itinerary includes scheduled flights, a tour manager throughout, a number of meals, excursions and visits and door-to-door transfers. For more information or to request brochures visit www.titanagents.co.uk

February 15 2013

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LA DOLCE VITA

ITALY’S IT TAL ALY Y’S S GOLDEN RIVIE RIVIERA WITH SORRENTO, CAPRI & ROME

9 days from £1,495* *Departure March 2013 Other departure dates available

SAVE SA AV VE UP TO £150pp** £150pp

TREASURES OF F IT ITALY TAL ALY 10 Days from £1,795* *Departs Apr/Oct 2013 Other departure dates available

Our signatur signature e Italian tour

CHARM OF THE DOLOMITES 8 days from £1,025*

8 days from £1,295*

*Departure June 2013 Other departure dates available

*Departs April 2013 Other departure dates available

All evening meals included

plus NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT**

TUSCAN ESCAPE WITH UMBRIA

SAVE SA AV VE UP TO £100 £

To T o book or find out more, more, please call 0800 98 988 88 5805 or visit www.titanagents.co.uk www w.titanagents.co.uk .tit .

*T Terms e erms & conditions apply apply,, see website for details **On Selected dates

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Italy New Lake Garda by rail option from Cosmos Tours & Cruises COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched a new rail journey ‘Discover Lake Garda by Rail’ with Eurostar and Europe’s high speed trains. Clients travel from London St Pancras to Paris on Eurostar and then on to Lausanne for an overnight stay before continuing their rail journey to Lake Garda for a six-night stay at the four-star Parc Paradise & Golf Resort on the southern shores of the lake in Castelnuovo del Garda. The return journey has an overnight stay in Strasbourg before continuing on to Paris to connect with Eurostar. Prices lead in at £1,169 per person including all rail travel, six nights' half-board accommodation and two nights' breakfast accommodation, all transfers and the services of a tour director. Meanwhile, the operator's new holiday concept ‘Relax & Explore’ features a range of new itineraries in Italy and has been introduced to provide customers with the flexibility to book the holiday that suits them best. Based on single or twin centres in a choice of destinations, customers can set their own pace by adding the excursions that suit them, in addition to the sightseeing already included in the holiday. The choice includes historical and cultural highlights of Italy including ‘Villas & Gardens of Lake Como’, ‘Lake Garda & the Dolomites’, ‘Lake Garda, Venice & Verona’, ‘Magical Lake Maggiore and ‘Sorrento & Pompeii’. The company's head of product Lesley Taylor said: “Over the past few years our product choice has broadened significantly offering a varied choice of holiday options. Listening to our

customers, we have now introduced our most flexible holiday option - ‘Relax & Explore’. Using our expertise, we have put together single and twin-centre holidays in the most interesting and appealing destinations with included experiences or sightseeing we feel is ‘must see or do’. "Our carefully chosen hotels in resort centres with a choice of relaxing facilities, means our customers can choose to relax or see more of the destination by booking from our exciting range of optional excursions.” For more information call 0844-573 0668 or visit www.trade-gate.co.uk for brochures

Peter Sommer Travels adds new dates for Amalfi coast gulet cruise PETER SOMMER Travels has added new dates for its popular Amalfi coast gulet cruise, where guests can explore the region's archaeological sites, swim off the island of Capri, picnic among the ruins of Pompeii and take in Imperial villas and palaces. The seven-night tour on a traditional gulet is limited to ten guests and departs on June 8, September 7 and September 14. Prices lead in at £3,595 per person based on two sharing, including transfers, seven nights’ full-board on the gulet, all entrance fees and expert guiding. Flights to Naples are extra. For more information or to book call 01600-888220 or see www.petersommer.com

Collette highlights two Italy tours in new RHS Garden Holidays programme TWO OF the ten tours featured in Collette Worldwide Holidays and the Royal Horticultural Society’s programme of garden holidays are in Italy. The brochure, which features a selection of carefully designed horticulture-themed holidays offers visits to private gardens, private or expert tours of exceptional public and botanical gardens and the chance to see many plants in their natural habitat. Departures start in May and include a nine-day Gardens & Villas of the Italian Lakes, which leads in at £2,399 per person and a six-day Eternal Gardens of Rome, which costs from £1,549. For details see www.rhsgardenholidays.com, call 0800-804 8710 or e-mail worldwide@rhsgardenholidays.com

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February 15 2013

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Italy Great Rail Journeys & Treyn add new tours in response to demand

INTREPID TRAVEL has launched a new four-day ‘Venice Bite-size Break’ as part of its new Food Adventures range of tours. The trip has been designed to give holidaymakers a taste of the Veneto region’s cuisine, with a hands-on cooking class, visits to local producers to taste prosecco, regional cheeses, local salami and gelato, plus an evening tasting cicchetti (Venice-style tapas) in the city’s bacari bars. There is also a city tour which takes in famous sights, including the Bridge of Sighs, St Marks and the Rialto Bridge. Prices lead in at £630 per person for four days, including breakfast accommodation, two lunches and one dinner, tastings and classes, plus the services of a local tour leader. Until March 15, the company is offering 10% off trips departing before May 31. Agents should quote the promotional code 9508 at the time of booking. For details see www.intrepidtravel.com/food

Essentially Prestige introduces Sicily with a week’s stay from £473 ESSENTIALLY PRESTIGE is featuring breaks to Sicily for the first time this year, with week long stays starting from £473 per person at the three-star Hotel Cala Marina in Castellammare del Golfo on the west coast of the island. The package includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis. The hotel has no restaurant but for an extra £19 per night guests can eat at a choice of fish restaurants which line the seafront. Accommodation in the operator’s portfolio ranges from luxury five-star palaces (including the Orient Express Grand Hotel and Hotel Villa Sant’ Andrea both in Taormina) to farmhouses, affordable bed-and-breakfasts and three-star hotels plus the all-inclusive Paradise Beach Club in Selinunte on the west coast. The company is also featuring three multi-centre holidays each taking in three different locations on the island and will tailor-make breaks in any combination of resorts and any length of stay. Multi-centre holidays include the Sicilian Gastronomy Experience, which starts in Menfi in Western Sicily and takes in the south coast with a break en-route in Agrigento, famed for its Greek Temples. This is followed by a journey through the baroque region ending up with a stay in an original Norman fortified tower to experience wines and cuisine in Ispica on the south east tip of the island. The tour costs from £727 per person and includes flights, car hire and breakfast accommodation. Meanwhile, added value options are featured throughout the Love Sicily brochure including early booking offers, free nights, free child places at some hotels when sharing a parents’ room, complimentary meals, olive oil tasting and wellness packages. For more information call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

February 15 2013

GREAT RAIL Journeys and Treyn have added new tours following increased demand for the Pugila and Basilicata region. The company’s sales and marketing director Alex Roberts said: “We’ve seen a massive growth in popularity to the Puglia & Basilicata region since Southern Italy has become easier to reach by train, with people realising that there is more to high speed rail travel than boarding the Eurostar to get to Paris. Also, this region is arguably one of the nicest parts of Europe. It is a wonderful place to visit where you can immerse yourself in the culture on the unspoilt ‘heel’ of Italy, a rugged, rural and breathtakingly beautiful region.” A new 13-day Puglia & Basilicata in Spring features in Great Rail Journeys’ 2013 programme, with prices leading in at £1,875 per person based on two sharing. It includes Standard Premier Class Eurostar travel including a light meal and drinks from London; First Class rail travel as described in the itinerary; 12 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast; ten dinners; guided tours of Rome, Lecce and Otranto; an excursion to Santa Maria di Leuca; a guided tour of Matera; an excursion to Alberobello; a Gargano Peninsula boat trip and all transfers. The price is based on an April 5 departure and includes the services of a tour manager throughout. Also in Italy, the operators’ Venice Lagoon tours offer a new type of cruising where customers can experience a rail holiday to Venice followed by a cruise on MS Michaelangelo visiting the city’s unique lagoon to discover the islands surrounding Venice. Meanwhile, a new tour from Treyn is the ten-day Beautiful Umbria option, which leads in at £995 per person, based on two. It includes rail travel from London to Passignano; nine nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast; nine dinners; a boat excursuion to Isola Maggiore; guided tours of Perugia and Assisi; a visit to Orvieto and wine tasting. The price is based on a May 17 departure and includes a tour manager throughout.

Matera

Ilios Travel expands product range ILIOS TRAVEL has expanded its product range for this summer to include private villas with pools and hotels in the Sorrento and Amalfi Coast area, Sicily and Sardinia. The company says that these areas, more known for their hotels rather than private villas, have experienced rapid growth since their introduction, and offer the operator an exciting move from the more traditional villas and country houses with pools in Tuscany and Umbria. A variety of tailor-made add-ons can also be arranged including private limousines, excursions, dedicated chefs and cooking lessons.

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Italy Inghams adds new chalet hotel in Gardone Riviera INGHAMS HAS introduced a new chalet hotel to its portfolio for summer. The fourstar Chalet Hotel Galeazzi in the resort of Gardone Riviera is a short stroll from the lakeside promenade and offers an outdoor swimming pool and lounge area with bar. Prices start from £699 per person, including seven nights’ breakfast accommodation, packed lunches, afternoon tea and freshly baked cakes, a five-course dinner with unlimited wine, pre-dinner aperitif, tea/coffee and chocolates, a weekly poolside buffet, coffee and tea throughout the day, a boat trip to Sirmione, flights and transfers. The operator’s executive director Hugh Walton said: “We were thrilled by the response of our summer guests to the Chalet Hotel concept which enabled them to get the very best possible value for their holiday pound. Nearly everything is paid for in advance so guests do not have to worry about unforeseen extras whilst on holiday. We hope agents will see this as an ‘easy-sell’ as there is so much value included.” The company is also highlighting a stay on Lake Garda combined with a trip on the Orient Express, which is new for summer. Guests will travel on the Venice Simpion-Orient-Express journeying to the shores of Lake Garda, with prices leading in at £2,464 per person. It includes one night on the Orient Express with lunch, evening meal and breakfast, one night’s accommodation in Verona on a bed-andbreakfast basis and a seven-night stay in the three-star Hotel Catullo in Bardolino, Lake Garda on a half-board basis

Verona Opera

including all transfers and a one-way flight back to the UK. The offer is based on travel between May and September. Meanwhile, the operator is encouraging agents to promote city breaks in Verona to clients looking to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Verona Opera. To mark the occasion there will be special gala performances and an opportunity to see Aida, Traviata and Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet in the city’s Roman Arena. The Verona Opera season runs from June 14 to September 8 and three- and four-night stays are available from £450 per person, including breakfast accommodation in a three-star hotel, flights and transfers. For more information or to book see www.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791114.

Castello Bello, San Martino

ITALIAN COUNTRY Cottages is offering a selection of breaks in April in the Tuscany region for less than £299 for seven nights. As examples, the Casale Studio in Trappola, Loro Ciuffenna offers two separate apartments overlooking an oval swimming pool, with prices leading in at £290 for seven nights’ self-catering accommodation from April 8. The property sleeps four, meaning that the price per person per nights costs £10.35. The Castello Bello in San Martino, near Riparbella also sleeps four, with prices from £247 for seven nights (or £8.82 per person per night). The apartment features a lounge area and there is shared access of a swimming pool and children’s pool. Also on site is a restaurant, pizzeria, tennis court, mini football and spa facilities, while free wine tasting at a nearby vineyard is also included.

February 15 2013

Superbreak adds Milan to overseas destinations SUPERBREAK HAS added Milan to its portfolio of European city break destinations. In total 12 hotels are featured with three- and four-star options available to suit all budgets. Flights can also be added from a range of UK airports. As an example of prices, a breakfast stay at the threestar Fenice Palace Hotel costs from £42.50 per person per night, while a flight-inclusive package from Gatwick with easyJet, including two nights’ breakfast accommodation costs from £250 per person. Prices are based on an April 5 departure with two sharing. A stay at the four-star Medionlanum Hotel costs from £47 per person for a night’s breakfast stay, while a flight-inclusive two-night package from Gatwick with easyJet leads in at £258.50, based on an April 5 departure. For more information or to book see www.superbreak .com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Starhotels expands sales campaign to sell through UK tour operators STARHOTELS, A family-run Italian hotel group with 22 hotels internationally, including hotels in Rome, Milan, Venice and Trieste, has expanded its sales campaign in the UK market by entering into an agreement with five UK tour operators. Citalia, Kirker, The Mileage Company and Kuoni UK all now feature Splendid Venice in their programmes, while Railbookers has introduced the Savoia Excelsior Palace, Trieste to its portfolio. Meanwhile, keen to help keep its guests fit and healthy, the hotel group is offering Marathon weekend offers for participants. Runners and their supporters can take part in the following marathons - Rome on March 17 , Milan on April 7, Trieste on May 5 and Venice on October 27, with a 15% discount on the best available rate online. The offers are available during the weekend of the marathon at the company’s Michelangelo Rome, Rosa Grand Milano, E.c.ho. Milano, Savoia Excelsior Palace in Trieste and Splendid Venice properties. One child up to 16 years of age stays for free, including breakfast, when sharing their parents’ room. For more information visit www.starhotels.com

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Change in marriage laws makes it easier to tie the knot in the British Virgin Islands A CHANGE in the British Virgin Island’s marriage laws means that couples heading to the destination to tie the knot can now get married 24hours after arrival. The change also means couples can now begin filling out their wedding application form online before leaving the UK, meaning less time spent on paperwork and more time soaking up the Caribbean sun. Prior to the

changes being made, it was necessary for couples to visit three different locations to obtain the necessary documentation for their marriage licence application. Couples can now submit their information through the Government’s new Civil Registry Information System, where residency requirements for ‘special licences’ have been shortened from three days to one and a new fee

schedule has been introduced helping create a ‘One Stop Shop’ process. The new changes mean couples can complete the entire process at the Civil Registry where all they will need to do is provide proof of identity and marital status, an application for their licence, obtain a marriage certificate and present two witnesses. For more information see www.bvitourism.com

Hayes & Jarvis reports Indian Ocean is top choice for tying the knot overseas INCREASING NUMBERS of couples are searching overseas for destinations where they can tie the knot affordably, according to Hayes and Jarvis, and the operator reports that Mauritius remains a top choice for brides and grooms-to-be, along with Sri Lanka, which has moved up to second place as couples look for good value wedding venues. Caribbean islands take two of the top five places for the operator’s bookings but while St Lucia and Antigua are popular for weddings, Barbados is unbeatable as the top honeymoon choice for the company’s clients. A seven-night half-board package at LUX Grand Gaube in Mauritius costs from £1,533 per person, with Air Mauritius flights from Heathrow and transfers. Wedding packages start from £559, including the ceremony, legal fees, wedding cake

and two glasses of Champagne for the couple, plus the services of a wedding coordinator, meaning that the total wedding and holiday price for a couple leads in at £3,625. As Barbados takes the top spot in the operator’s top five honeymoon hotspots, the company suggests a stay at the fourstar Bougainvillea Beach Resort for post-wedding relaxation, which offers three pools and a spa, plus a range of experiences for honeymooners, including a massage, sunset cruise and beach picnic. A seven-night package costs from £1,263 per person, including room-only accommodation, Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick and transfers. For more information or to book call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents

Cosmos Holidays offers free wedding packages in 2014 brochure COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched a new weddings and honeymoons brochure for 2014 featuring 20 locations including five new destinations to choose from and free wedding packages in selected destinations. The new wedding destinations include Turkey, Zante, the Algarve, Lake Garda and Croatia, with a choice of ceremony

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locations to choose from. Renewal of Vows ceremonies are available in Florida, Mexico, Caribbean, Kenya, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The brochure also features honeymoons for the first time, and packages offer a range of complimentary extras and room upgrades such as candlelit dinners,

Champagne breakfasts and room upgrades. Free wedding packages are available in the Caribbean, Mexico and Sri Lanka at a selection of hotels, with prices for a long-haul wedding package leading in at £539 at the Winter Park Chapel in Florida. The operator has also expanded its short-haul

wedding programme with a particular focus on the Greek Islands, offering a greater variety of places to marry or renew vows including beaches, chapels and scenic cliff top locations. Prices lead in at £375 for a civil wedding or church wedding in Rhodes. For details call 0871-423 8690 and for brochures see www.trade-gate.co.uk

February 15 2013

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s n o o m y e n o h & s g in d wed Weddings and vow renewals at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai ATLANTIS, THE Palm is not able to offer weddings to nonUAE residents but welcomes couples to take a blessing or vow renewal. A range of tailored services are available including a preinspection of all arrangements with a specialised planner to aid couples in planning their day; the booking of a priest for the day of the blessing; a choice of venues; tailored food and beverage menus for the day; a full blessing or vow renewal planning service; and full coordination of décor and supplies. The property also offers a selection of honeymoon packages including an Ultimate Relaxation package, which includes a three-hour session at the ShuiQi Royal Spa Suite plus Champagne, chocolates and a special turn down service; a Cozy

Adventure package, which offers a private pool cabana, outdoor cabana one-hour massage, a photo album collecting together the couple’s memorable moments, Champagne, chocolates and a special turn down service; and a Magical Dinner package which comprises of dinner for two on the Royal Beach under a private cabana, a capture the moment photo, plus chocolate, Champagne and turn down arrangements. Destinology offers three nights at the property from £789 per person, based on two sharing a deluxe room on a half-board basis. It includes flights with Qatar Airways from Heathrow and is valid for trips departing between August 14 and September 27. For details see www.destinology.co.uk or call 0808-163 7078.

Weddings, Honeymoons & Renewal of Vows

RED SEA Holidays is offering a special honeymoon package of seven nights' all-inclusive on the five-star MS Grand Rose and seven nights all-inclusive at the five-star Makadi Spa Hotel from £1,198 per person. The offer includes flights from Gatwick and is valid for travel on June 4. The Makadi Spa Hotel offers an infinity pool and is close to the boutiques and fine restaurants of the Makadi mall, while the MS Grand Rose visits the East bank of Thebes and the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, Kom Ombo double temple, Aswan, the island of Agilika and Western Thebes. For details see www.redseaholidays.co.uk or call 0845-026 5973.

MS Grand Rose

Grenada's Mount Cinnamon Beach Club & Resort adds new honeymoon experience A NEW honeymoon package, that combines luxury service and the glamour of days gone by, has been introduced by Mount Cinnamon Beach Club & Resort in Grenada. It includes seven nights' all-inclusive stay in a luxury suite; flowers, gourmet home-produced chocolate and a chilled bottle of Champagne on arrival; alcoholic drinks (except premium brands by the bottle); a day trip to the 17th century Mount Edgecombe Plantation, including an infinity poolside picnic and a speedboat transfer; one private dinner served on the couple’s suite balcony with a personal butler; his and hers Nutmeg Massage; and private luxury transfers. Prices for the package lead in at approximately £3,136 per couple, including taxes and service charges. For details visit www.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com or email reservations@mountcinnamongrenada.com

Rainbow Tours tips Mozambique as a honeymoon hotspot for 2013

in Cyprus, The Greek Islands & Malta • Great selection of accommodation from villas & apartments with pools to 5★ hotels • Large variety of venues – Churches, town halls, hotel chapels, gardens, beach weddings & more • Featuring 10 Greek islands • Wedding only arrangements • £50 discount on wedding extras if booked by end of March • Registrations now for 2014

Direct flights from 27 UK airports BRONZE package fr £199 SILVER package fr £259 GOLD package fr £599

0844 499 0055

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

OlympicHolidays.com weddings@olympicholidays.com

February 15 2013

ABTA No.V8302

RAINBOW TOURS is predicting this year's honeymoon hotspot will be Mozambique. The operator's programme manager Lisa Fisher said: “Mozambique promises to be a lovely up-and-coming destination for 2013 with new flight routes opening, offering better links with eastern and southern Africa. Emirates recently launched flights to Maputo will mean that properties such as the gorgeous White Pearl Resort on Mozambique’s south coast will be much more accessible. "For those who want more from their honeymoon than just sitting on a beach, a trip that combines a safari can be an excellent choice offering some real once in a lifetime experiences such as sleeping out under the stars, candlelit dinners and guided walking safaris.” As an example of prices, a twin-centre honeymoon incorporating a stay in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve with a seven-night stay at White Pearl Resort in Mozambique costs from £3,980 per person. It includes flights, transfers, three nights on safari with all meals and game drives, and seven nights at White Pearl Resort with breakfast and dinner. For more information or to book see www.rainbowtours.co.uk or call 020-7666 1250.

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Funway partners with AMResorts to offer free Sun Kissed wedding package FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has teamed up with AMResorts, and to mark the new partnership the operator has launched a new offer which includes a free Sun Kissed wedding package based on seven nights at the new 341-room Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino from £1,699 per person. The offer, which is based on a September 10 departure and two sharing, also includes flights with

KLM. The company’s product administration executive Nandita Patel said: "Just by booking a normal Caribbean holiday, you can get a great value wedding package included completely free of charge. At the Sunscape Curacao Resort, all you need to do is book the second lead-in room, the Deluxe Ocean View room, stay seven nights or more and receive a Sunscape Sun Kissed wedding package, which includes the

services of a wedding minister, a wedding coordinator, a wedding cake and sparkling wine for ten guests. “The resort also offers a number of attentive services and inclusions to make the wedding extra special from creating a tailor-made themed wedding, including special touches such as butterfly releases, fireworks and much more." For more information or to book see www.funway4agents.co.uk

LOVE brochure from Caribtours showcases popular weddings & honeymoons collection CARIBTOURS AND sister company, The Private Travel Company, have launched LOVE, a weddings and honeymoons programme aimed at couples looking to tie the knot this year. A range of offers feature in the newly launched programme including a stay at Cap Maison in Saint Lucia, where honeymooners receive a 25% room saving, as well as a free Champagne sunset cruise, a picnic for two and a Champagne breakfast, for stays of seven nights or more until December 19. Prices lead in at £1,615 per person, staying in a garden view room including breakfast. At Carlisle Bay in Antigua, a seven-night stay costs from £1,909 per person, based on breakfast accommodation in a garden suite, with wedding ceremonies with all the trimmings leading in at £755 per couple. For stays up to April 13, wedding

and honeymoon couples receive a complimentary private dinner for two on the beach on a night of their choice, plus a free room upgrade to an ocean suite. Meanwhile, a seven-night breakfast stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman costs from £1,529 per person, staying in a pool villa. For honeymooners booking a minimum seven-night stay before October 31, the company is offering a free three-course dinner, a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment, one free night and savings of up to 15% on accommodation. All prices include scheduled flights, private transfers and use of a private lounge at Gatwick or Heathrow. To book or for more information visit www.caribtours.co.uk/love and www.theprivatetravelcompany.co.uk

New 2014

DREAM WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS now brochure on sale

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Grand Hotel, Sharm el Sheikh

Red Sea Holidays adds new resorts and more flight options for 2013/14 RED SEA Holidays has released its 2013/14 brochure featuring new hotels and resorts, a range of offers and more flights. The programme features the operator's largest choice of holidays including new resorts such as Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay. Taba and Taba Heights, popular with divers and ideally located for excursions to Petra in Jordan and to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, will also be back on sale for departures from this month. New hotels include Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh, Sheraton Soma Bay Resort and Grand Rotana Resort & Spa. Meanwhile, the company has announced that in order to

meet increased consumer demand it has introduced new charter flights from Stansted to Sharm el Sheikh, and will be adding new charter flights from Leeds Bradford to Sharm el Sheikh on May 2 and new charter flights from Exeter to Sharm el Sheikh on May 8. As an example of prices, seven nights' all-inclusive stay at the five-star Grand Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh leads in at £649 per person. It includes flights from Manchester and the offer is valid for travel until February 21. Departures from Birmingham cost from £649 and Bristol from £689. For more information or to book visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk or call 0845-026 5973.

Bales Worldwide adds 15-day Cairo to the Cataracts option from £1,895 BALES WORLDWIDE is offering a 15-day Cairo to the Cataracts itinerary from £1,895 per person, based on an April 17 departure. It includes scheduled flights, accommodation on Movenpick MS Hameesa which visits Cairo, El Minya, Beni Hassan, El Ashmunein (Hermopolis), Tell el-Amarna, Asyut, Balyana, Abydos, Dendera, Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, the High Dam and Philae. The

itinerary includes English-speaking guides, private transfers and a sightseeing itinerary with entrance fees. Prices are based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed board basis and include all applicable UK and overseas airport taxes and fuel surcharges. To book or for more information call 0845-057 0600 or visit www.balesworldwide.com

Specialist Morocco launches 2013 brochure for the trade SPECIALIST MOROCCO has launched its first brochure, specifically aimed at travel agents. It covers highlights of the entire country with a wide choice of accommodation, ten classic ‘discovery tours’, themed breaks - including cookery and hen party trips, plus walking and trekking holidays. Trips vary in duration from short weekend city breaks, to a three-week ‘Complete Morocco’ tour for those with more time on their hands. A spread in the introductory pages features a map of the country and lists all the highlights and UNESCO sites with a brief description, plus details driving and train times, to make it easier for agents to get to grips with the destination. All tours and two-centre breaks are flexible, allowing agents to tailor-make trips according to customers’

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requirements, selecting the accommodation from that listed in the brochure, according to preference and budget. Nick Anstead, founder of Specialist Africa, said: "Our programme to Morocco is unlike anything agents will find in any other brochure. We know Morocco inside out and our team has travelled the length and breadth of the country, personally visiting every single property within the brochure before deciding to include them. “We consider ourselves to be ‘Moroccoholics’ and, in addition to the classic cities, trekking trails and coastal spots, there are recommendations to amazing places that many regular visitors may never have even heard of. “Agents will be interested to learn that we even have our own office in Marrakech, which enables us to keep our

finger on the pulse and maintain strong local relationships with all of the suppliers that are involved in our holidays.” Highlights of the programme include every four-night package to Marrakech offers airport transfers, dinner on the first night, a guided tour and an activity; Imperial City tours in the north of the country can be accessed via Gibraltar; and a unique tour for adventurous groups or couples along the Atlantic Coast from £1,449 per person. All tours can also be tailored for families with shorter driving distances, hotels with adjoining or family rooms and swimming pools. For a copy of the new brochure call 01428-605 833 or visit www.specialistmorocco.com. A digital version can be viewed at http://specialistmorocco.inbro.net

February 15 2013

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northafrica THE RESIDENCE Tunis has launched a new Golf Performance Academy for both adults and children, which has been designed to enhance and complement the hotel’s Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole course. The academy offers mental, technical and physical training for beginners through to advanced golfers wishing to improve all aspects of their game. Using state-of-the-art software to monitor brain activity, golfers are taught to relax, focus and visualise to help them reach their golfing potential. In addition to the golf clinics and personal coaching, the academy offers a year-round driving range, 50 green bays, three dedicated short green games, a large putting green, online coaching (performance statistics, exercise programmes and drills) and a junior golf school. Elegant Resorts offers seven nights at the property from £1,015 per person based on two sharing a garden view room on a bed-andbreakfast basis. It includes one complimentary night, flights with BA from Gatwick, daily complimentary green fees and a one-day spa pass for each guest, including three wet treatments and a 25-minute full body massage, valid until June 1. For details call 01244-897516 or see www.elegantresorts.co.uk

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces announces soft opening of Marrakech property LAST MONTH Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces launched its third property in Africa, with the soft opening of the Taj Palace Marrakech, increasing the company's portfolio to 17 hotels. With 161 guestrooms, including 25 suites and one Royal Suite, the property features several restaurants and bars, serving a range of cuisine from Moroccan specialties to cuisine from the Mediterranean and Asia. The hotel also features a spa that offers a range of treatments, two large hammams and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Managing director and CEO of The Indian Hotels Company, Raymond N. Bickson, said: “Taj Palace

Orbital Travel launches 14-night Nile cruise from Cairo to Aswan

marrakech city breaks

5* nile cruises

from

£979

Marrakech is our latest venture into the African continent with the Taj Palace, Marrakech, in sync with our strategy to continue our vision of growth in key international destinations. The hotel will fit perfectly in our portfolio with its meticulously crafted and vivid blend of Moroccan, Indian and Asian themes. Marrakech is rich in culture and tradition and is increasingly becoming a most desired leisure destination.” The hotel is located 30-minutes from Marrakech Menara International Airport, which is easily accessible from the UK, served by a number of airlines including British Airways and easyJet.

February 15 2013

ORBITAL TRAVEL has added a 14-night cruise between Cairo and Aswan to its programme. The stretch of river between Cairo and Luxor has been closed for 18 years but re-opened last year. As well as visiting the main sights in Cairo, tourists returning to Middle Egypt can now visit El Minya (including Tel-Amarna, the atmospheric remains of the desert city of Akhenaten and the tombs of Beni Hassan); Abydos Temple (one of the most complete temples of its era in Egypt) and Dendera Temple. Cruises are fully escorted by an English-speaking Egyptologist who is on board throughout the cruise. The operator's managing director John McCallum said: “We are absolutely delighted to launch this new 14-night cruise and it’s a great addition to our programme. We think this cruise has great potential as many people who have been on the short cruise have shown a lot of interest in going on the longer cruise. We are also really pleased that we can offer cruises on the five-star Nile Vision as it is already proving very popular with clients.” The season for the long cruise runs from April to October and departures are on a Tuesday with confirmed sailing dates for April and May to date (Cairo to Aswan or vice versa). Prices lead in at £1,270 per person based on full board and £1,490 all-inclusive. It includes 14 nights’ accommodation, transfers and 21 excursions. Flights are excluded and agent commission is 15%. For more information email greg@orbitaltravel.co.uk

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northafrica Classic Collection adds new eight-day Nile cruise

Taj Palace, Marrakech

CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has introduced a new Nile Cruise for this year. The eight-day MS Farah cruise takes in Luxor, the Karnak Temples, Aswan High Dam, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepshut and the Colossi Memnon, and there is also the chance to take a Felucca trip around Kitchener’s island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum. Shorter options are also available, with four-day cruises from Aswan and prices in March starting from £683 per person based on full board in a deluxe cabin with excursions, excluding flights and transfers. The operator's product manager Peter Cox said: "MS Farah offers a very different sort of Nile cruise experience. As well as being glamorous, luxurious and refined, it’s also contemporary, stylish and state-of-the-art. It’s easily one of the most modern and finest vessels on the Nile. The state rooms are beautifully designed to enable clients to enjoy the delights of the Nile from the comfort of their room. The top deck features an inviting pool and there's also a gym, steam room, sauna, two boutiques and wireless internet connection, which is available in all outlets free of charge." According to the operator, all-inclusive options in Egypt are proving increasingly popular and the five-star Baron Palms Resort in Sharm el Sheikh offers seven nights from £1,169 per person. In Morocco early bookers to the Taj Palace Marrakech can benefit from savings of up to £336 per couple per week New properties & early booking offers at the five-star hotel. The offer is available on bookings made at least 60 days prior to arrival and is based on in Just Sunshine’s Tunisia brochure holidays taken between April 16 and October 31. JUST SUNSHINE has launched its 2013 summer brochure for For more details call 0800-008 7288 or visit Tunisia featuring a choice of three-, four- and five-star hotels. www.classic-collection.co.uk

New properties have been added to the programme. These include the four-star Ramada Liberty, four-star Golden Beach and the four-star Pirate Gates in Skanes and three new hotels in Sousse – the three-star The Dreams Beach, the five-star Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa and the four-star Marhaba Royal Salem. Flights depart from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester, and new for this year are the UK departure airports of Newcastle and Glasgow. Highlights of the new brochure include a £50 deposit, 20kg baggage allowance, family-friendly weekend flights, free resort transfers and up to £200 early booking discounts. Prices lead in at £309 at the five-star all-inclusive El Mouradi Hammamet Hotel for seven nights in May, departing from Gatwick. The operator’s marketing manager Chris Mansell said: “Now that full confidence has returned to Tunisia as a delightful and rather exotic destination, particularly for families, demand has grown substantially as demonstrated by our addition of many more properties and two more UK regional departure points for this coming summer. “A particular message that we want agents to be aware of, now that a number of operators have, or are likely to, reduce commission, is that we pay a full 13% on all packages for all destinations in our new Tunisia programme in addition to Turkey. We believe that the fast growing sales from our core supporting independent agents is due to a combination of generous base commission and a destination that is a relatively short flying time from the UK with an attractive alternative option from the Eurozone based Mediterranean resorts. “As first hand product knowledge is key to sales generation, we continue to operate educationals for front office staff in the shoulder months. Agents interested in participating should email tonyblakey@justsunshine.com.” For more information or to book call 0844-756 0056 or visit www.justsunshine.com

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February 15 2013

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northafrica We asked our staff the following question this week: If you could spend a day as one of your colleagues who would you choose?

Sheraton Miramar Resort, El Gouna

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

El Gouna welcomes new sailing school

Jim - I'd love spending a quiet day in the Lake District.

SAIL LA Vie is the newest recruit to the Red Sea town of El Gouna, offering sailing and windsurfing lessons to holidaymakers. With the tag line “Real Boaters, Don’t Need Motors”, the school is based next to the Sheraton Miramar and teaches holidaymakers how to command the waters on a range of water vessels. Examples of the tuition courses include a two-hour windsurfing course which costs £25 per person and a two-hour sailing course which leads in at £50. Experienced windsurfers and sailors can rent a range of equipment and boats at competitive rates starting from £12.50 per hour. For clients look to relax and let someone else do the sailing for them, the company run trips which include soft drinks and snacks, starting from £21 per person for a two-hour trip, £30 for a four-hour trip and £50 for a six-hour sail. For details email sail_lavie@yahoo.com and for more information on the resort visit www.elgouna.com A seven-night bed-and-breakfast holiday at the five-star Sheraton Miramar Resort in El Gouna, departing Gatwick on March 15 costs from £569 per person with Holiday Designers. It includes flights, transfers, taxes and accommodation based on two sharing a standard room. To book visit www.holiday-designers.com or call 020-3384 0023.

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Jill - so I could go on a press trip and not feel guilty/worry about childcare!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Tim - because I'd be working from sunny Koh Samui, Thailand!

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Simon Eddolls, because I can't play golf either.

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Paul, perhaps on one of his many trips to 'Cobblers Cove'.

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Paul Scudamore: Guinness in Cornwall!

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Nicky, on the day she goes to Capoeira - always wanted to learn that!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk Tim, so I can sit by the pool on my iPad.

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Tim Podger, you can't beat working in Thailand.

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February 15 2013

Attraction World adds new experiences in Marrakech ATTRACTION WORLD has added 15 new experiences in Marrakech. They include a half-day Tajine Cooking Class for £47 per adult and £42 per child (aged six-11); a Medina, Palaces & Tombs tour from £28 for adults and £24 for kids aged six-11; a Marrakech City Discovery option for £47 per adult and £43 per child; and an Historical Tour of Marrakech for £39 per adult and £20 per child (aged two-11). All tours are fully commissionable to agents.

Prestige sees boost in winter sales to Morocco PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has reported a 15% increase in its Morocco business with its Kasbah Tamadot and Riad Kniza properties selling particularly well. The operator's marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: "The majority of our clients book a four- or five-night short break. Essaouira is also popular for a day trip or two-night add-on stay. Our property there, the riad L'Heure Bleue Palais, is ideally situated within the Medina walls with local handicrafts, cafés and restaurants within walking distance, and we see a lot of repeat business to this property." The company is offering a selection of deals and added value offers in Marrakech for spring including three nights for the price of two and a free hammam for clients at L'heure Bleue for stays of three nights or more; free nights at Jardins de la Medina; early booking offers at Es Saadi Palace; and a free night and free child stays at Kasbah Tamadot. For more information see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480400.

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S06 TB1502 North Africa_Layout 1 13/02/2013 15:00 Page 31

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Fares are per person, fly/cruise fares (unless otherwise stated) in UK sterling based on double occupancy in an outside stateroom for the first two full-fare guests in stateroom and include return economy class flights from London, overseas transfer (where available) and taxes. Port, security and handling charges which vary by departure. All other stateroom grades are available on request. Fares valid until 28th February 2013. All sailings include select fine wines, premium spirits, beers and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees plus pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. The above fares are available to new bookings only and only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. (c)2012 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.