Travel Bullletin15th March 2013 by Alain Charles Publishing

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March 15 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,817 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

South America A round-up of new product launches, tours & flight schedules this week

sk책l the world over why the industry can't afford to ignore the importance of social media

training win a case of wine with South African Airways

croatia Atol-bonded Explore Croatia launches for 2013

cyprus CTO announces development of five new marine parks

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newsbulletin Bookings are up for independent agents, TIPTO survey reveals

Cover Pictures: Main - Ecuador

Inset - Korcula, Balkan Holidays

SUNNY SOCCER...Travel agents are being urged to boost add-on sales to Florida by getting behind the launch of “Sunny Soccer”, Orlando’s latest attraction developed by Midlands travel entrepreneur, John Donnelly, which offers a series of halfday football coaching camps. Footie mad youngsters (aged five to 13 years) will be able to brush up their skills alongside qualified coaching staff from Orlando City, and camps will be held at Austin-Tindell, 15 minutes from International Drive. Starting in July, the first season’s camps will run for eight weeks until the end of August and are exclusively sold through Attraction World, with packages leading in at £49. Pictured celebrating the new attraction are, from the left: Sue Reid, The Midcounties Co-operative; John Donnelly; comedian and broadcaster, Nick Hancock and Lord Peter Snape, both non-executive directors of Sunny Soccer; and Nick Hughes, Attraction World.

This Week 3

news

skal the world over

the latest industry news, product launches & reports why the tourism industry can't afford to ignore the importance of social media

W-AITO-Go!

airline bulletin

agent bulletin

a round-up of this month's booking incentives

puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher

an AITO Agent offers her thoughts on a Wendy Wu fam trip to China

airlines to overtake energy companies in targeting mobile consumers

training

personality bulletin

croatia

south america

cyprus

win a case of wine with South African Airways

which agency sales manager says he feels naked without his mobile phone? Atol-bonded Explore Croatia launches for 2013 new product launches plus a focus on Equador CTO announces development of five new marine parks

TIPTO’S LATEST survey shows the independent retail sector continues to grow and the outlook for business in 2013 is very positive. The survey, which polled independent agents, focused on four main areas; holiday choices, booking patterns, predictions for travel in 2013 and the travel forecast for 2014. A key finding was that sales throughout January and February have seen a year-on-year increase. More than half the agents (54.2%) who took the survey saw an increase in sales in the first two months of 2013, with a reported 11% increase in bookings, and only 4.2% of agents reported a decrease in year-on-year sales. Looking ahead, agents are optimistic of a continued increase in bookings throughout 2013 with 45.8% predicting that sales will increase throughout the year by approximately 9% compared to 2012 figures. These figures suggest that the future of the independent high street travel agent is still strong, with holidaymakers turning away from online bookings and returning to their local or specialist trusted ● continues on next page

TAMPA BAY

SAVOUR THE SUNSHINE OF FLORIDA

7 NIGHTS FROM £739PP For more details or to book, call

0844 557 0626 or visit ©

Robert La Follette

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March 15 2013

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week

Who’s saying what on Twitter...

@visitlondon The best gigs and concerts coming up in London http://ow.ly/i8gYC @T2News Do you want to WIN a place on the first ever Simply Luxury by Travel 2 Fam trip? http://bit.ly/12wwPZA @Monarch Save up to £30 on scheduled return flights, travel by 17 Jul 13. Use code FUN2FLY. Full details: http://bit.ly/12Cwaoh @AirFranceUK If you are a fan of the Air France #BusinessClass, don't miss our special offers, valid until 06 April: http://ow.ly/iv7AR @CARIBTOURS The Private Travel Company Offer of the Week: Avani Kalutara Resort, Sri Lanka. Up to 40% off accom & free half board http://bit.ly/zxJPAP @LondonCityAir Special offer - Get 20% off when you rent a car with #Avis from London City Airport! Find out more by clicking here http://bit.ly/WKlWkl

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independent travel agent/advisor. Regarding holiday choices, 62.5% of agents predicted that all-inclusive holidays will sell better this year, suggesting that consumer confidence is low and holidaymakers are looking for the best possible value whilst continuing to budget for the year. Some 54.2% of agents envisaged an increase in bookings for long-haul destinations, but no agents predicted a rise in ski and snow holidays, highlighting that this sector remains expensive and a second choice to a summer or long-haul holiday. In terms of holiday destination choices, 58.3% of agents forecast that there will be an increase in bookings to the Mediterranean and 45.8% predicted that bookings to the Caribbean and Middle East would rise. At the lower end of the scale, just 4% of agents expect a rise in travel to France. Sarah Payne, manager of Triangle Travel independent travel agents, said: “The beginning of the year started off with a bang, February has continued to be good and we have already surpassed our year-on-year figures. We have found that Africa – tailor-made lodge safaris – and South America have been particularly popular with USA flights, tours and short breaks also being a good seller."

STAR CLIPPERS is offering a springtime yoga and meditationthemed cruise on its 227-passenger Royal Clipper. Departing Lisbon on April 28, the seven-night voyage includes calls at Portimao, Tangier, Cartagena, Ibiza and Palma, ending in Barcelona. The yoga programme will include two daily sessions on the ship’s decks. Prices lead in at £1,590, cruise-only, including full-board, all yoga classes and port taxes. For more information visit www.starclippers.co.uk

New terminal at Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport A NEW state-of-the-art terminal at Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) is set to open this month and is expected to almost triple the current airport capacity. Beginning operations on March 21, the new terminal is worth an estimated US$750 million and will catapult the airport’s capacity to nine million annual passengers. The launch of the terminal is part of the Jordanian government’s drive to double tourism revenue to JD 4.2 billion (around £3.8 billion) by 2015. The new building is designed to allow passengers easy access to the boarding lounge and shopping areas directly from the security checkpoint. The Airport International Group (AIG), which financed the new terminal, has also additionally invested US$100 million on upgrading the existing terminals and improving passenger experience at QAIA. Improvements include increasing the size of check-in areas, the refurbishing of retail space and increasing the mix of duty-free shopping and food and beverage outlets at the airport. An upgrade of the baggage handling system and security checking will also be initiated.

Haven launches second edition brochure with new entertainment programme & offers HAVEN HOLIDAYS has issued its second edition brochure for 2013, which features information on upgraded facilities, the latest offers and its entertainment programme. At all 35 holiday parks, guests can now receive a 40% discount when booking a seven-night break during May, June, early July and autumn. Up to 25% discount applies to all other dates and all short breaks booked throughout 2013. New additions include a refurbished and extended indoor swimming pool at Golden Sands in Lincolnshire; a refurbished indoor pool with toddler area and a new changing area at Seaview in Dorset; and a new terrace overlooking the sea at Craig Tara’s Mash and Barrel bar and restaurant in Scotland. Other parks offering new food outlets

March 15 2013

include Greenacres in North Wales, Rockley Park in Dorset, Wild Duck in Norfolk and Perran Sands in Cornwall, while Presthaven Sands in North Wales has a new Live Lounge entertainment venue. Meanwhile, pool kayaking has been added to the operator's programme, offering customers the chance to learn the basics of pool kayaking for a small extra charge, before putting their new skills to the test in a series of pool games. Prices lead in at £99 per unit based on a three-night stay in a superior two-bedroom self-catering caravan that sleeps up to six at Perran Sands holiday park in Cornwall. For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0871-230 1919.

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newsbulletin Bristol flight from Corsican Places

AWWT adds new itineraries to Great Lakes programme NORTH AMERICA specialist AWWT has expanded its Great Lakes USA programme to include two new itineraries for this year. They include ‘The Grand Tour of the Great Lakes’ and ‘Illinois’ Great River Road’, both of which start and end in Chicago, Illinois. The Grand Tour is a 16-day itinerary which includes the Wisconsin Dells, shopping at Mecca in Minneapolis and a visit to Traverse City, near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Michigan Beach Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Illinois’ Great River Road is a 12-day tour which follows part of the iconic Route 66. It includes state capital Springfield, home of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln and retraces the footsteps of French explorers.

CORSICAN PLACES is to launch a new Bristol– Bastia flight schedule with bmi regional. Operating for 13 weeks from June 23 through to September, the weekly flight will provide holidaymakers in the southwest and Wales with access to regions such as St Florent, Cap Corse and La Balagne. With a flight time of two-and-a-half hours, the airline offers Sunday departures and returns with 11:00 and 16:30 slots on a 47-seater aircraft. Pre-allocated seating is available, as well as a drinks service (on supplement) and 20kg luggage allowance, plus an additional 5kg cabin baggage allowance. See www.corsica.co.uk

Debut Phuket property from Holiday Inn Express TO CELEBRATE the opening of its Phuket Patong Beach Central, Holiday Inn Express is offering guests a special opening rate. Prices lead in at approximately £43 per room per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis for stays from now until October 31. The 277-room hotel is located a few steps from Patong Beach and guests have access to a range of facilities including a 24-hour fitness room and a swimming pool. The brand currently has 39 properties and 57 more in the pipeline across Asia, and is set to open more hotels across Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia over the next 12 months. For more information see www.holidayinnexpress.com

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 ENGLAND Rugby Travel & Hospitality Limited (RTH) has been appointed by Rugby World Cup Limited to manage the Official Travel Programme for Rugby World Cup 2015, England. RTH is seeking expressions of interest from organisations wishing to be appointed as an Official Travel Agent. To register your interest, please visit www.rth2015.com Closing date for submissions: Friday 5 April 2013 Only organisations with relevant experience, strong financial standing, and sufficient resources will be appointed.

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008

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March 15 2013

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newsbulletin

Newsbites

LONDON LAUNCH...Superbreak's Graham Balmforth marks the launch of the operator's new London Breaks brochure, which features a range of new packages and tours. Examples include the new family musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace and the Park in Progress tours of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In total 138 hotels are offered with prices leading in at £31 per person per night. For details see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

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CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts has launched its first loyalty card, 'Loyalty from the Heart'. By accruing points, members will be able to take a free stay in a Centara hotel or resort, anywhere in Thailand or overseas, with no blackout dates.

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HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises will be exhibiting at the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace this summer. The company will join more than 200 other Royal Warrant holders for the one-off event held in the gardens of the Palace between July 12-14.

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THE ITALIAN Ministry for Regional Affairs, Tourism and Sport has launched a national and international communications campaign to support tourism in Emilia Romagna, Lombardia and Veneto. As part of promoting the regions, ‘Rediscover Italy’ will aim to educate tourists and increase understanding of the key locations, along with supporting travellers in discovering the breadth of experiences on offer.

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GOLD MEDAL has joined industry names including Brittany Ferries, Carnival UK, English Heritage and Monarch Airlines Ltd in becoming an organisational member of the Institute of Customer Service (ICS). Through its membership, the operator will be able to benchmark the service it offers its customers against other member organisations, as well as utilise institute tools to gauge the effectiveness of internal processes and whether they enable or hinder great service.

VisitEngland & Merlin Entertainments launch joint campaign to promote domestic breaks VISITENGLAND AND visitor attraction operator, Merlin Entertainments, have launched a joint marketing campaign aimed at encouraging UK residents to take a short break in England this year. Coinciding with the run-up to the Easter break, the £500,000 campaign will run on air for five weeks with a schedule which will include 20-

March 15 2013

second peak time TV ads; e-shots and video on-demand, supported by national and local PR activity, all aimed at encouraging consumers to visit www.visitengland.com/funoffer The campaign highlights a 25% discount on the Standard Merlin Annual Pass, which gives 12 months’ access to 26 English attractions, as well as other offers in the four hotels

the company offers across three of its resort theme parks: Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and LEGOLAND Windsor. Merlin’s attractions also include the EDF Energy London Eye; SEA LIFE, Warwick Castle, Madame Tussauds, Thorpe Park, Dungeons, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and the Blackpool Tower.

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WELCOME TO TAMPA BAY

Robert La Follette

Tampa Bay’s popularity with British travellers is booming – and it’s really not hard to see why! With its major theme parks and exciting nightlife, engaging museums and glorious golf, tranquil canoe excursions, wall-to-wall sunshine and some of the Gulf coast’s very best shopping and dining, Tampa Bay offers activities and attractions for just about

NEW BROCHURE OUT NOW! For more details on Tampa Bay request our brochure today at: www.trade-gate.co.uk

with British Airways, Tampa Bay is also extremely accessible. And its location in central west Florida puts it within easy reach of Walt Disney World®, SeaWorld®, powder-white beaches and all of the region’s other key highlights.

7 NIGHTS FROM £739PP! For more details or to book, call

0844 557 0626 or visit

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newsbulletin SKÅL THE VER WORLD O Janie Corbet BA, ACIM, UK PR officer at Skål - the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professional, on why the tourism industry can't afford to ignore the importance of social media... CCORDING TO research undertaken by Barclays, ‘more than one in ten hospitality operators generate up to half of all sales through social media’. Given that 21 million households in Britain now have internet access, this is an area that those in the tourism sector can hardly afford to ignore. The question is – how many, apart from the ‘big’ players’, actually use social media or, if they do, make the best use of it? At a recent VisitGuernsey digital seminar, more than 100 people attended and it was clear that some proprietors of smaller businesses such as selfcatering, B&Bs etc do not necessarily have the time or resources to investigate and work on this aspect of marketing, and are still baffled by social media and what it can do to expand their business. As online travel writer and author, Robin Mead, explains: "Although the travel industry has been quicker than most to adapt to – and adopt – new technology, the whole IT business is still a steep learning curve for many." It is clear that businesses have to use social media wisely – it needs to be planned in advance, have a ‘personality’ of its own, contain clear messages targeted at the right audience and be monitored. It also needs to be up-to-date. An engaging and aspirational Facebook page can do wonders for a business. "You reach a different audience through these media. Hopefully, those followers and likers will be so enthralled they will go to the main website and who knows - go on to make a booking…." says Ian Hawkes of Cottage in the Country. Twitter, too, is a user-friendly medium for those who are less experienced in this form of communication, being limited to a mere 140 characters. Brian Donnelly of The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) Network advises: "You can send the same general message about five times in any 24-hour period. This is because different people are looking at Twitter at different times in the day, partly because of time zones." Both Twitter and Facebook are now review sites too which means that businesses have an opportunity to interact with their customers. Always react quickly, whether comments are positive or negative (it’s a good idea to have a pre-prepared policy to deal with these). So, for those of you out there who are social media virgins, get online and happy Tweeting!

MOVERS ● THERESA FOLEY has been appointed head of trade sales at

MyFerryLink. ● SUPERBREAK HAS appointed Mark Desborough as head of

procurement - London. ● AFFORDABLE CAR Hire has appointed Lord Peter Snape to its

board of directors. ● FRED. OLSEN Travel has appointed cruise specialist Gemma

Deakin at its Ipswich branch in Upper Brook Street. ● CITY CRUISES has appointed Paul Ellerby as commercial

director and Terry O’Reilly as finance director. ● HOLIDAY EXTRAS has appointed Leanne Kirkwood as account

manager for Scotland and Ireland. ● KERRY GOLDS has been appointed managing director UK of

Abercrombie & Kent. ● REGENT SEVEN Seas Cruises has appointed Ralph de Klijn as

sales manager, Europe. ● GATWICK AIRPORT Limited has appointed Sir Roy McNulty as

chairman and David McMillan as non-executive board director, both effective from April 1. ● MICHAEL DELACAMP has joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines as area sales executive for Central, Home Counties and East Anglia. ● AIR NEW Zealand has strengthened its UK sales & marketing team with the appointment of Ed Dunne to manager - corporate channel and Mark Kennedy to account manager - leisure sales. ● THE CROATIAN National Tourist Office has appointed Tonko Rilović as UK and Ireland director.

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Become one of Iberostar 10. Enter Iberostar’s Star Experience competition and you could become one of ten travel agents to be treated to a full Star Experience at an Iberostar hotel. Go to www.iberostarcompetition.com

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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

All this and more at:

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

March 15 2013

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

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INTOURIST IS offering a new booking incentive for the remainder of the year, where the top selling agent of each month will win a £75 Love2Shop voucher. The offer applies to all bookings excluding flight-only or visa-only. For details call 0141-204 5800 or see www.intouristuk.com AGENTS CAN win a seven-night five-star break to Phuket in Thailand with Travel 2 as part of its new campaign. In conjunction with the Angsana and Banyan Tree Resorts, the operator will be showcasing luxury holidays to destinations including Thailand, Vietnam and Mauritius and, as part of the campaign, agents have the chance to win a holiday, staying at the Banyan Tree Resort. To be entered into the prize draw, agents must make a new booking before April 15 that includes a stay at selected Resorts. Tree Banyan and Angsana For details visit www.travel2.com TIPTO AND its members have launched a series of incentives for March. Dosomethingdifferent.com is offering agents the chance win a VIP Vegas holiday for two. To enter, agents need to book any of the company's worldwide attractions, experiences or tours by March 31. Multiple bookings mean multiple entries and a higher chance of winning. Bookings viva-lasat registered be must vegas@dosomethingdifferent.com. For details call 020-8090 3890. The prize includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick or Manchester, a personal airport welcome and luxury limousine transfer including a champagne and strip tour, three nights

at a four-star hotel, dinner at a top Vegas restaurant, entry into one of Las Vegas' famous pool parties, VIP entry into an 'A' list nightclub and helicopter flights to the Grand Canyon. ●

MEANWHILE, IN conjunction with the launch of its new Florida Beaches brochure, Funway is offering agents the chance to win a place on one of two 'discover Florida' fam trips. The prize includes visits to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, The Palm Beaches, Panama City Beach, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key, The Florida Keys & Key West, Tampa Bay and St.Pete's/Clearwater. To enter agents need to confirm a Florida holiday booking, including at least three nights in one of the above areas by March 31 and email win@funway.co.uk.

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OTHER INCENTIVES include the chance to win a fam trip to Vietnam with Travel Indochina in June, covering Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An and Halong Bay in association with Vietnam Airlines. The prize is open to agents who book an escorted Small Group Journey or Asia River Cruise with the operator by March 31.

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BOURNE LEISURE has launched its annual online egg-stra special agent incentive. Agents need to log on to the www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk and search through the pages to find the Bourne Expert, Brainz peeking out of his Easter Egg and complete the online form to be in with a chance of winning a Chocolate Hamper or taking home one of five runner up prizes which will include Easter goodies. The closing date is March 22.

Agent panel AGENTS CAN sign up to the TIPTO Agent Research Panel, where they will be sent occasional surveys from TIPTO, and then automatically entered into a prize draw. Recent prizes have included shopping vouchers. The research surveys will ask for opinions on the latest industry topics and TIPTO suppliers. To sign up agents can send details to tiptoresearch@thenetwork-uk.com

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A NIGHT ON THE TILES... Agents making any Cosmos Tours & Cruises bookings for 2013 were entered into a prize draw to win a chauffeur driven night out for themselves and colleagues as part of the operator's 'Start in Style' competition. Pictured is the winner, Emma Bicknell of Mid-Counties Co-Op in Wall Heath, with the operator's sales manager, Simon Garrido. The company has also launched a private door-to-door home pick up service on a range of its North American and worldwide holidays for 2013. March 15 2013

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newsbulletin Kuoni launches new ‘Explore Thailand, Vietnam and beyond’ campaign

TRUE BLUE Bay, a boutique resort in Grenada, has launched two all-inclusive packages for single parent families and solo travellers. With the single parent family package, up to three children under 12 years can stay and eat for free when eating from the children’s menu. The resort features two play areas as well as two swimming pools, including one with an artificial beach. Children will also be kept busy with a programme of activities such as jewellery making, hair braiding, table games, mermaid swimming and the use of kayaks. Packages are for available for stays from May 1 to July 31 and September 1 to October 31. For details see www.truebluebay.com

Guests get better connected at Butlins GUESTS VISITING any of the three Butlins resorts will be better connected from May 1 as Wi-fi can be accessed in all areas at Bognor Regis, Skegness and Minehead. The current system, which services selected areas of the resorts, is being fully updated to offer a super-speedy connection. Guests will be able to access Wi-Fi for free for the first 15 minutes of each day of their break in all areas, including accommodation for the first time. Wi-Fi in hotel rooms or BlueSkies apartments will continue to be included in the price and guests will also receive their free 15 minutes anywhere else on resort. Guests wanting to log on while they are in their room/apartment can buy a pass that will last them for their entire break. A pass for a three- or four-night break costs £15 per device, while a seven-night break costs £20 per device. For more information see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

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KUONI HAS launched a new ‘Explore Thailand, Vietnam and beyond’ campaign that explores the sights and sounds of Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. The operator has handpicked a selection of holidays, which can be found in a booklet designed to guide and inspire travellers, with offers for stay-put options, twincentres and tours. Making its debut with the operator is the new fivestar resort, Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach in Thailand, where guests can opt for spa treatments and holistic practices such as yoga, tai chi and Muay Thai, or take a longtail boat to Phang Nga Bay – also known as James Bond Island for some snorkelling. Prices lead in at £999 per person based on two sharing for a seven-night breakfast stay. The price includes flights with Thai Airways from Heathrow and transfers, plus a saving of up to £948 per couple, based on departures in May and June. With the growing popularity of twin-centres, the company has combined the city of Bangkok with the old-world charm of Burma.

The tour begins with two nights at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, set on Chao Phraya riverbank, followed by the five-star Road to Mandalay cruise along the Irrawady River, which combines Orient Express service with the beauty of Burma. Guests will experience traditional Burmese village life, visit a local farm and meet local school children. Prices lead in at £5,199 per person, based on two sharing, which includes a saving of up to £1,361 per couple and applies to an October departure. Meanwhile, to cater for the increased demand for wellbeing holidays, Asia’s first all-inclusive spa resort, the Fusion Maia Danang in Vietnam has been included. The resort is 30 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hoi An and features the largest spa in central Vietnam. A minimum of two spa treatments per day are included in the price which costs from £1,249 per person for seven nights in a one-bedroom pool villa. It also includes breakfast, flights from Gatwick and transfers. The price is based on an April/May departure and includes a saving of up to £1,255 per couple. For more information or to book visit www.kuoni.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 103

A➠

A Scariness Insecure

B➠

This cruise line is named after the historical period of scientific and artistic advancement, which is also the French word for ‘rebirth’.

C➠

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9. Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, March 21st. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 1st March is Matthew Price, World Market Travel in Bath. March 1 Solution: A=3 B=5 C=6 D=8

Crossword

Sponsored By

Sad El Vim A holiday destination made up of 200 islands is more sea than land

Where Am I?

Waterway in New Zealand (former home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). 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 March 21st.

Across 1. Las Ramblas is located in which Jet2holidays city destination? (9) 6. Coach travel operator, Bakers ___ (7) 8. The Old Man on this Scottish island is popular with climbers (3) 9. Carson City is the state capital (6) 12. Three Men in a Boat took a holiday on this river (6) 14. High-speed train, initially (3) 16. The highest mountain in Wales (7) 18. European lake bordered by three countries (9)

Down 1. Value for money car rental company (6) 2. State capital of North Carolina (7) 3. Hawaiian garland (3) 4. Athens airport code (3) 5. American singer-songwriter, Alicia (4) 7. Found in the Caribbean, St Kitts and ___ (5) 9. French city famous for its Roman architecture (5) 10. City on New Zealand's south island (7) 11. One of the Six Nations rugby teams (6) 13. Salt Lake City is the state capital (4) 15. Australian state, initially (3) 17. Nassau airport code (3)

Number: 103

Congratulations to John Hall, Carrick Travel who won the 1st March 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 March 15 2013

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go! Elaine Barnes of Birmingham-based AITO Agent, Travel Club Elite, offers her thoughts on a recent fam trip to China with Wendy Wu... AM TRIPS and personal holidays are very important sales tools for all of the staff at Travel Club Elite. Within the team, we take between eight and ten fam trips every year and we try to ensure that everyone in the office has the chance to experience one. Our managing director recognises that it is vital for everyone in the company to experience the holidays that we offer; that way, we can all pass on our knowledge to customers and colleagues. One of our most recent fam trips was an eight-day visit to China with AITO operator, Wendy Wu. So, what did we see, do and learn about the destination? The trip kicked off in Shanghai – ‘the Paris of the East’, with a visit to the exotic Yu Gardens. ‘Yu’ in Chinese means ‘pleasing and satisfying’ and it certainly was – it felt like a little oasis in the centre of a busy city. The gardens have an interesting history too, built for the parents of Pan Yunduan, a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644). We moved onto Shanghai’s Old Town - a perfect combination of gardens, temples, old architecture, civil culture, business, souvenirs and food – and then strolled along the banks of Huangpu River, taking in buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. I was in awe of the huge spectrum of buildings, which were particularly magnificent during our evening cruise. Although the city has crowds, traffic and commercialism, I will always remember the night view and the building structures that the city is famous for. We then flew to Guilin - considered to be the pearl of China's thriving tourist industry on account of its natural beauty and historic treasures. The strangely-shaped hills, together with crystal-clear waters and wonderful caves, make the city a very appealing destination. The Reed Flute Cave was a highlight – it’s a spectacular cave created by water erosion and boasts a variety of stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations. Its name comes from the verdant reeds growing nearby, with which locals make flutes. Be warned - you will be hounded by sellers in and around the caves. We also took a Li River Cruise in Guilin, meandering slowly past villages, water buffalo and rice paddies, with school kids and fisherman floating by on bamboo rafts. Another flight then took us to the former ancient capital of Xian, which included a visit to the Muslim Quarter. It offers authentic locally-made Muslim food, including steamed stuffed buns of Jiasan. Xian is a ‘must see’ – totally

March 15 2013

authentic, oozing with culture and no Nandos or McDonalds to spoil the landscape! We also witnessed the Terracotta Warriors here, figures created 2,000 years ago to accompany Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. This did not disappoint - it felt like entering a sacred house where hushed whispers of awe filled the air. Although I researched the Warriors, I didn’t expect them to be life-size. I was also surprised to see that excavations are on-going, with archaeologists painstakingly dusting away at the many broken pieces of pottery. More than 7,000 soldiers, horses and chariots have been unearthed and restored so far. Next, we took a morning flight to Beijing, China’s capital city. One of the obvious highlights was a visit to Tiananmen Square in the city centre, including the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex. The Last Emperor was filmed here and the history behind it is fascinating. Our tour guide explained how the Emperors lived here together with hundreds of staff, at times treating them very cruelly. Finally, the best part of our trip was saved until last - The Great Wall - one of the wonders of the world. I was so excited to walk the wall, which has been on my bucket-list for many years. Our climb up to the first section was gruelling, but worth it. The sight of the wall snaking along the mountains was glorious. I took time away from the other tourists to find a peaceful spot in which to absorb this famous sight. It was then time to say farewell to China. My journey was over too soon and, before I knew it, we were being pampered by the BA crew once again. Thank you Wendy Wu!

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

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newsbulletin Hurtigruten launches flight-inclusive summer short break programme HURTIGRUTEN HAS launched a summer short break programme, tying in with the Midnight Sun and new flights from Gatwick to Tromso, launched by Norwegian. The operator has created a selection of five- and six-day flight-inclusive breaks that offer the opportunity to experience a range of new summer excursions, including a Midnight Sun kayaking trip and evening hiking. Departures are available on selected dates from April 3 to September 14, with prices leading in at £999 per person. A range of new excursions have also been introduced for add-on selling. These include sea kayaking from £161 per person, midnight sun kayaking from £187, mountain hiking from £122 and a guided trip to the Polar Museum from £110. As an example of prices, a six-day Into the Arctic Summer option, which travels from Bergen to Tromso, costs £1,075 per person, and is available on 19 selected dates between April 5 and September 6. Highlights include Alesund, Geirangerfjord, Trondheim and sailing through the Lofoten Islands, and the price includes flights from Gatwick, transfers, four nights' half-board accommodation on the ship and one night’s breakfast stay at a hotel in Tromso. For more information call 020-8846 2666 or see www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

PLANE PARTY...Blackpool man, Paul Carroll (pictured), is celebrating after becoming the first person to win a private party plane with Jet2.com. Paul and his Music Hall Tavern Drag or Bling theme took top spot with more than two million votes and he is now looking forward to whisking 99 close friends and family to Lanzarote next month for a VIP weekend.

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airlinebulletin

InBrief ● KLM ROYAL Dutch Airlines has reduced fares to European

● JET2.COM AND Jet2holidays are giving customers the chance

destinations from Ireland by as much as 34%. The cheaper return fares will apply to flights from Dublin and Cork via Amsterdam to more than 50 European destinations. As an example, a Dublin flight to Aalborg in Denmark now costs € 229 (from € 349), offering a 34% saving. For details see www.klm.com or call 0871-222 7474. ● FLYBE HAS announced a new route to Waterford from Manchester, with four flights a week from May 22. Fares lead in at £29.99 one-way including taxes and charges. For details see www.flybe.com ● MONARCH HAS announced that it is to increase the frequency of its Barcelona service from Birmingham from four times a week to daily, from May 1. ● EASYJET HAS launched a new route to the Greek island of Mykonos and a new service to Olbia in Sardinia from Luton for summer. Mykonos is served twice weekly from April 26 with fares from £34.66 one-way and the new route to Olbia will operate twice weekly from May 15, with fares from £32.66 one-way. For details see www.easyjet.com

to grab a bite of the big apple with the early sale of flights and package breaks to New York on selected dates in November and December. Flights are available from Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Bradford and East Midlands and, for the first time this year from Manchester. Fares lead in at £439 per person return, while a shopping break with Jet2holidays costs from £699. For details see www.jet2.com and www.jet2holidays.com ● AIR MALTA is more than doubling its capacity from Cardiff to Malta this year by offering more than 15,000 seats for travel between Malta and Wales this summer. The airline is using a larger aircraft and adding a Friday evening flight to the existing Tuesday morning service. Flights can be booked online at www.airmalta.com ● ON JUNE 30, Olympic Air will inaugurate its new flight routes Santorini – Mykonos and Santorini – Heraklion which will operate three times weekly on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, up to September 15. The flights will be carried out with the new generation aircrafts type Bombardier Q400, of 78 seats in Economy and Premium.

Airlines to overtake energy companies in targeting mobile consumers ENERGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS and airline firms are taking the lead in spending to engage consumers through their mobile devices, according to The New Digital Mobile Consumer global trend report. Commissioned by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) an IT services, consulting and business solutions firm, the research reveals that average expenditure within the companies surveyed in these sectors during 2012 was between $27million to $31million per company. During 2012, energy companies spent an average of $30.8million per company in targeting mobile consumers, encompassing factors such as app development, customer service delivery through mobile devices, and mobile-friendly

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marketing campaigns. The telecommunications industry (consumer-focused) proved to be the second biggest spender ($28.6million) and airlines the third ($27.2million). These three sectors have the highest proportion of total sales transactions, marketing campaigns and post sales interactions conducted with consumers specifically through mobile devices. Through 2015, however, the picture shifts. Airlines move to become the highest spending sector ($37million per company in 2015). The telecommunications industry remains the second largest investor in these technologies and services ($35million), while the consumer computer hardware and software industry will move into third place ($34million).

TCS' vice president and global head of mobility Dr Satya Ramaswarmy said: “Today’s smartphones and tablets endowed with context sensors such as camera, GPS, compass, and accelerometer are helping companies transform their connection with consumers into anytime-anywhere contextual interactions. “The New Digital Mobile Consumer report has shown that most industries simply cannot ignore the relevance of the digital mobile consumer. The criticality of attuning products, content and services to a mobile consumption model is now business critical. We perceive that the firms which best adapt to this increasingly prevalent and influential audience segment are likely to reap significant dividends.”

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trainingbulletin Win a case of wine with SAA SOUTH AFRICAN Airways UK has launched its first Online Travel Training (OTT) programme to help educate UK agents. The course includes details on several new innovations from the carrier, including its recently launched mobile check-in app and, upon completion, agents will be able to describe the airline's route network, understand the difference between SAA’s Business and Economy Classes and identify the Voyager frequent flyer programme and its benefits to help support their customers. As an added incentive for participating in the training, agents who successfully complete the course by Friday April 19 will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win six bottles of South African wine. The airline's marketing executive Katie Edwards said: "We’re really excited about the launch on OTT. The current module explains all about us in a really short and engaging way. “It will be refreshed throughout the year as we bring on board new and exciting changes and is an important way in which SAA will work closely with the trade moving forward." The airline, whose motto is, ‘Bringing the world to Africa and taking Africa to the world,’ offers double daily overnight flights from Heathrow to Johannesburg, and on to more than 30 destinations in Southern Africa. For more information visit www.flysaa.com or call 0844-375 9680. For details on the new training course visit http://ott.travel

InBrief ● INDEPENDENT AGENTS are being invited to attend a Hungary

Tourism evening at The Strand Palace in London at 18:00 on Thursday March 21. For details see www.eventsfortravel.com or to book a place email bookings@eventsfortravel.com ● TIPTO HAS launched an online training competition, following the launch of new training modules from All Leisure Holidays and Funway. In the run up to Easter, agents who complete all TIPTO's 12 online training modules with five-star status will be entered into a competition to win chocolate prizes. Ten runners up will win Easter eggs and the winner will be awarded a chocolate hamper. Modules can be completed at www.tipto.co.uk/home/training ● THE VIENNA Tourist Board has rolled out membership of its Vienna Experts Club International (VECI) worldwide. Employees of travel agencies and tour operators offering trips to Vienna are eligible for club membership to discover what Vienna’s new and traditional attractions have to offer. Among the concessions granted to members are free admission to museums and sights, as well as opera tickets. Vienna Experts are also eligible for discounts at bars, restaurants and various leisure attractions. As a special incentive, the capital’s hoteliers have put together a range of attractively priced packages. These are advertised in regular newsletters and posted on the club website at www.viennaexpertsclub.at

London event for Alicante Tourism ALICANTE TOURISM & Convention Bureau, in association with the Spanish Tourist Office, is hosting a workshop for travel agents at the Melia White House in London from 18:00 on Thursday April 25, to showcase the city's attractions as a short break destination. Agents will have the opportunity to learn more about what Alicante has to offer, meeting representatives from the tourist board and several city hotels. They will also be able to try local wines at a tutored wine tasting session and enter a draw to win a short break. For more information or to register to attend the workshop email alicante@latinamarketing.com

LIGHT MY FIRE...TIPTO held a recent roadshow event at the Reading Hilton. More than 38 agents from the Berkshire/Oxford region took part in interactive training from various members, in which they competed to win top prizes. Pictured is Alison Ashford from Meadway Travel, who won a HD Kindle Fire, with Ashley Dellow, sales director at Leger Holidays.

'Go Greener Holidays' training campaign from The Travel Foundation THE TRAVEL trade is being urged to take part in a new ‘Go Greener Holidays’ training campaign launched by The Travel Foundation earlier this month. The quiz builds on the success of the Make Travel Greener training campaign, which has seen more than 15,000 industry staff trained since 2008, and ‘Go Greener Holidays’ will be the first course offered via the site. The Travel Foundation plans to offer a wider range of training courses on the site, and is aiming for 5,000 travel staff to have taken a course by the end of the year. The organisation's acting chief executive Salli Felton said: “It only takes a tea break to complete the quiz, which has been created with travel industry professionals in mind. Even those who have completed our old Make Travel Greener quiz will

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learn something new as we have updated all sections and added new ones. "We are encouraging people at all levels to get involved and understand more, and for companies to build the ‘Go Greener Holidays’ quiz into staff development plans.” The new course covers the concept of sustainable tourism and ‘greener’ holidays; the importance of keeping destinations special; why it’s good for business; climate change; talking to customers; and how staff can help make a difference. A service to develop bespoke training quizzes so that courses can be tailored specifically to an organisation’s needs is also being developed. For more information call 0117-930 7172 or see www.travelfoundationtraining.com

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personalitybulletin

Hisham Mahmoud The agency sales manager UK & Ireland of Kirker Holidays would love the ability to read people’s minds and says he’s lost without his laptop...

Who is your ideal travelling companion? Has to be my laptop, without it I am lost (God bless Skype!). I can stay in contact with my two daughters who seem to take great pleasure in adding to my grey hair on a daily basis.

"I am a celebrity to my two daughters, or so they tell me when they want something…"

Where was your last work-related trip? Just recently I was coming back from Belfast city after a successful two days of events with some of the most amazing independent agents. I have to say Northern Irish travel agents are very hospitable and a pleasure to deal with, I love my trips to NI. If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Me, I am a celebrity to my two daughters, or so they tell me when they want something… What three words would your friends use to describe you? Passionate, honest and loyal - maybe too honest for my own good sometimes…. What have your travels taught you? Be respectful, open-minded and embrace other traditions. If you do that, every journey will be an adventure. What is the best advice you recall? Treat others as you would like to be treated. If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be? Friendly faces, which I consistently get at travel conferences, hence I am still in the industry. If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be? 1. I would love some agents and operators to put value on the knowledge, expertise and service they provide. I don’t

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Career path Warrior Watersports: 1990 – 1995 ● Watersports and Fishing Company in Africa ● Carpricorn Travel: 1998 – 2005 ● Independent travel agent in Chiswick ● Kirker Holidays: 2005 – 2013 ● Specialist tour operator ●

believe being the cheapest is everything to a consumer (we have the internet for that). 2. Discounting is something that should stop in my opinion (if you are not making money in any business you elect to be in, then you won’t be around for much longer). 3. Lastly people who are not willing to learn. I often hear people saying ‘I have done it all, I know everything, there is nothing anyone can teach me’ – personally I learn something new every day. In an industry where knowledge is priceless, it is disappointing that some people feel they know everything. Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? I have learnt a lot from some very kind, clever and helpful people in this wonderful industry, however the person who has influenced my career the most has to be my current boss Ted Wake.

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing? I would still be running my watersports and fishing company in Africa, still in travel I suppose. What is your motto in life? Be passionate in everything you do. What is your favourite mode of travel? Trains (not in the UK) on the continent. The service is great, the scenery is fantastic, it’s city centre to city centre travel and no two hours checking-in process, yippeee! If you had a super power what would it be and why? Reading people’s minds. I would love to understand why people sometimes behave in the manner they do. What was your nickname at school and why? H, it was a lot easier than trying to get other people to pronounce my name properly. Someone once called me Hashish, he must have been smoking a lot of that stuff so I asked him to call me H, a lot easier for all involved. What item do you always take with you when travelling? Mobile phone, what would we do without the mobile phone these days? I feel naked if I don’t carry my mobile phone. What's your favourite airline and why? Used to be BMI, the staff were always professional, genuine, friendly and enthusiastic. Now I elect BA whom I am not particularly happy with them at this present moment, but probably the best in what is available on the routes I frequently use.

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croatia Dubrovnik

Anatolian Sky reports high demand from agents for new dedicated Croatia programme LATE LAST year Anatolian Sky Holidays launched its first dedicated programme of holidays to Croatia, offering a variety of beach and city breaks, tailor-made holidays, escorted tours and coastal cruises. Speaking about the response from agents on the new programme, the company's managing director, Akin Koç, said: “Since we released the Croatia brochure we’ve seen very high

demand from agents. Feedback on both the new brochure and the content of the programme has been extremely positive. "We are finding that the most popular products tend to be our Adriatic cruises and tailor-made holidays, with steady interest in city breaks to Dubrovnik. Our escorted tours with guaranteed weekly departures are also proving popular.”

Following demand, the operator is adding a further six hotels in Dubrovnik for this year, details of which will be available online soon and as an insert to the existing brochure. The company also plans to build on the success of the programme and develop additional destinations in Croatia for 2014. To book or for more information see www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3585.

Essentially Prestige adds new islands & self-catering section to new brochure ESSENTIALLY PRESTIGE is offering its largest programme to Croatia for this year. The operator’s 100-page brochure features 30 resorts and islands and offers new product including a dedicated selfcatering section to make it easier for agents to view its selection of villas, apartments and lighthouses across the country. The operator has also tagged properties, which sell out fast so that agents can advise clients where early booking is necessary, and all-inclusive properties are also highlighted. The company's marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: "Croatia continues to be one of our star destinations and bookings remain strong - we are already 13% up on this time last year. We have introduced some new islands for 2013 including Veliki Brijun (big Brijuni), in the Brujuni islands just

15 minutes away from Fazana,and two of the biggest islands in the Croatian Adriatic - Krk and Cres." One of the operator's top selling hotels this year is the Grand Hotel Park in Dubrovnik, where prices lead in at £326 per person for seven nights' breakfast accommodation, based on an April 20 departure. The price also includes flights from Gatwick with Norwegian Airlines and shared transfers. Another top seller is the four-star Hotel Albatros in Cavat, which is described as ideal for families, offering a beach location as well as a range of activities and facilities. Seven nights departing on April 13, staying in a double room on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with flights from Gatwick and private transfers costs from £319 per person. For more information or to book call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/croatia

Croatia National Tourist Office sees UK visitors soar and appoints new director THE CROATIAN National Tourist Office (CNTO) has welcomed Tonko Rilović as its new UK and Ireland director. Tonko has more than 27 years’ experience in the travel and tourism sector and takes over from Meri Matešić, who spent five years with the CNTO in London and Tonko Rilović

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has been promoted to director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in Zagreb. The appointment comes at an exciting time for the destination, as last year more than 332,801 UK travellers visited Croatia, a boost of 24% compared to 2011. Rilović said: "This year is set to be a landmark year for Croatia tourism, especially with our long-anticipated entry into the EU in July. It’s great to see that more and more Brits are choosing

to holiday in Croatia and I’m looking forward to working with our partners to reach our record-breaking visitor figure of 500,000 which we saw in 1990. “This year our aim is to continue to develop a sustainable visitor economy. We’ll do this by extending Croatia’s appeal to include our range of homegrown gastronomic delights and adventure tourism across our eight national parks.” For details see www.croatia.hr or call 020-3440 8930.

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croatia Atol-bonded Explore Croatia launches for 2013 with luxury villas across destination NEW ATOL-bonded tour operator, Explore Croatia, has launched to offer guests the option of staying in a range of luxury villas, hotels and apartments throughout Dubrovnik, the PeljeĹĄac Peninsula and Brac and Hvar Islands. The operator features a mix of properties, including a 16th century cliff-top castle and the house of a former winemaker, both on the Dubrovnik Riviera. The company is beginning operations with a selection of 38 properties, with plans to expand over the coming months. The company's programme director Doug Mathieson said: "We took a long look at the Croatian holiday market and believe it needed a more individual, bespoke approach for holidaymakers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are keen to work with unique properties and high quality developments. Our properties are in Southern Dalmatia where we have searched for restored farmhouses, apartments with incredible views and villas in idyllic settings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in conversations with vineyard operators and local farms to develop tours and classes for our guests, taking advantage of the incredible local organic food and wine. We are also speaking with sailing schools and, as the island network along the coast is a fantastic resource, we are keen to confirm classes and programmes to be included within the accommodation rentals.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; As examples of prices, a seven-night stay at the 16th century Poets Castle in the Dubrovnik Riviera leads in at

Wagner Apartments Andante

ÂŁ321 per person, based on 11 sharing. The property is set in a secluded location on the Adriatic Sea and offers a ground floor dedicated to leisure and games including a ping pong table, wide-screen TV, plus direct access to the beach and a walled courtyard for al-fresco dining. Meanwhile, a seven-night stay at the Wagner Apartments Andante, also on the Dubrovnik Riviera, costs from ÂŁ418 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing, including flights and car hire. The property is made up of four apartments which share a pool and access to private parking. The nearest restaurants and beach are nearby, while Dubrovnik is 6km away.

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croatia MedSailors extends sailing holidays to Korcula Island NOW APPROACHING its third sailing season, MedSailors offers a balance between a relaxing sailing holiday and an islandhopping tour around some of the Med’s most popular destinations. The company has announced that it is extending its Croatia sailing tour to the historic island of Korcula. Anchoring in Vela Luka, guests will travel to the walled Old City of Korcula. The seven-day itinerary, available for 20-35-year-olds, allows guests to explore a more remote Mediterranean coast with their skippers acting as tour guides. From the deck of the sailing boat guests can swim, sunbathe or learn how to sail while getting to know fellow sailors, whether travelling in a small group or hiring a yacht for themselves and their friends. For more information see www.medsailors.com

New Island cruises from Inghams NEW FOR this summer, Inghams has introduced a sevennight Adriatic Island cruise and a seven-night Dubrovnik Discovery Cruise, which offer guests the chance to experience Croatia’s coastline from the comfort of a small ship. The Adriatic Island Cruise sails from the resort of Opatija and visits the historical island of Rab with its sandy beaches, the port of Zadar and the island of Mali Losinj. The Dubrovnik Discovery Cruise explores the city of Hvar, known for its lively bars and restaurants, the little town of Trstenik, famous for its vineyards, and the island of Mljet. On board guests are offered daily continental breakfast and lunch on the sun terrace. Three nights at the four-star Star Hotel Grand in Opatija on a half-board basis, followed by seven nights on the Adriatic Island Cruise including a cabin with shower and WC, breakfast and lunch, costs from £1,289 per person including flights from Stansted or Manchester and transfers. For more information or to book visit www.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791114.

Intrepid reduces prices on sailing adventures INTREPID TRAVEL has lowered the price of its sailing adventures along Croatia's Dalmatian coast by more than 25%. There are two available itineraries, sailing on a modern yacht from Dubrovnik to Primosten and in the reverse direction, with stops at Ston, Mljet, Korcula, Ploce, Hvar, Brac, Split and Trogir. The eight-day itinerary now costs from £775 including accommodation in a twin-berth cabin, snorkelling equipment, excursions, breakfasts and lunches. With an experienced skipper on board, passengers can have a go at sailing the boat or relax on deck. Places can be booked by the berth, with a maximum of eight passengers on each boat. For more information see www.intrepidtravel.com/sailing-adventures

Dubrovnik

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croatia Classic Collection Holidays boosts product on back of strong sales CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has added 20 new hotels to its summer 2013 Croatia programme. In addition to its existing programme to Dubrovnik, Makarska, Hvar and Split the Sussex-based tour operator has introduced a wide choice of four- and five-star properties in a further ten resort areas and a choice of Adriatic cruises from Dubrovnik and Split. The company's deputy managing director Matt Rice said: "This is a beautifully unspoilt area of the Mediterranean, but one which, in the past, has not necessarily been associated with luxury hotel products. Nowadays it’s not just the main area of Dubrovnik which features luxurious hotels but areas such as Split, Makarska and the Istrian peninsula. "It’s also a destination well supported by regional flying allowing us to offer customers our usual service of a flexible choice of UK departure airports, airlines and holiday duration.

Demand from travel agents and customers alike has meant that it was timely to make these additions to our programme." Twin-centre options to neighbouring Slovenia and Montenegro are also proving popular for the operator. Holidays in Dubrovnik Opatija (five nights) and Montenegro (five nights) cost from £973 per person including flights and private transfers. Three nights in Lake Bled and four nights in Opatija on the Istrian peninsula lead in at £997 per person, while eightday motor cruises from Split cost from £781 including flights and private transfers. Many of the operator’s properties provide spa or health club facilities, and the company specifically recommends ten of its favourites including the Hotel Monte Mulini’s spa in Rovinj where prices start from £840 per person for seven nights. For further information or to book call 0800-008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

Cosmos Holidays expands programme with the introduction of Split COSMOS HOLIDAYS has expanded its Croatia programme with the introduction of Split, offering city stays as well as beach holidays in coastal and island resorts combined with flights from Birmingham. Offering complete flexibility, flights from Birmingham are available three times weekly with durations offered from two nights upwards for single or twin-centre holidays. As well as the city of Split, resorts include Podstrana, Vodice, Sibenik, Baska Voda, Tucepi, Makarska and the Island of Brac. The four-diamond rated Waterman Resort in Supetar on the Island of Brac is ideal for a relaxing stay and just an hour’s ferry journey from Split for sightseeing. Seven-night bed-andbreakfast package prices are available from £399

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per person based on a departure from Birmingham on October 9, staying at the threediamond Hotel Dalmacijain Makarska. The operator's head of purchasing Tom McCormick said: “Croatia has maintained its current appeal and popularity and over the last five years we have developed our programme in resorts which offer individuality such as Korcula, Slano, Cavtat, Korcula and Lopud. "By adding the Split area, we want to offer our customers a broader choice of resorts to be able to enjoy an authentic experience in terms of culture, history, cuisine and the natural beauty of the mainland and islands." Flights from Birmingham operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from May 22 to October 31.

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croatia Balkan Holidays offers discounts on Dalmatian Cruises with prices from £656 BALKAN HOLIDAYS is encouraging agents to highlight Dalmatian Cruises to clients interested in experiencing Croatia and its coastal wonders. The company offers eight-day cruises from Dubrovnik and Split that travel around the islands of Mljet, Korcula and Hvar, and visit local villages and towns. The cruises are on small, traditional wooden cruisers which have the flexibility to sail in and around the many islands en-route. Guests can take part in various shore excursions to explore the local culture and cuisine, as well as visiting the nearby islands and open markets that offer freshly produced food and fish. There is also plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. The operator's sales and marketing manager Rupert Diggins said: “Croatia has always been a popular holiday destination and with a warm climate into September, as well as the guarantee of a peaceful break, the islands prove the perfect place to get away from it all." The company is offering discounts on cruises departing from Dubrovnik this

summer. Prices have been reduced by £90 per couple for departures on May 5, 12 and 19 and at the end of September, and similarly by £70 per couple on departures from Split on May 4, 11 and 18 and at the end of September. With the discount, an eight-day cruise sailing from Dubrovnik on May 5 costs

from £681 per person, and from £656 per person from Split on September 28. Prices include flights from Gatwick, twin-berth accommodation with a shower and WC on a full-board basis. For bookings or more details see www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-130 1114.

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croatia Sales growth for Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD currently offers 15 experiences in Croatia from Dubrovnik, Kvarner Bay and Istria. The operator reports that sales have grown extensively in line with increasing interest in the country and currently show a 300% growth year-on-year. Some of the company's top sellers include a Dubrovnik Panorama Tour which costs £29 per adult and £15 per child aged two to nine; a half-day Postojna Cave Underground Beauty Tour for £46 per adult and £23 per child; and a Best of Istria option, which takes guests to olive groves, a Roman amphitheatre and a hilltop town, for £53 per adult and £34 per child. All tours are fully commissionable to agents and the operator offers agents a 20% discount for their own bookings. JET2HOLIDAYS IS offering a seven-night breakfast stay at the five-star Hotel Croatia in Cavtat, Dubrovnik from £589 per person. The price is based on a May 12 departure from East Midlands for two adults sharing, and includes 22kg luggage and transfers. For details call 0800-408 5587 or see https://tradesite.jet2holidays.com

InBrief ● THOMSON HAS increased flights to Istria from Manchester,

Birmingham and Gatwick to twice-weekly. ● JET2 HAS doubled its Croatia product for 2013, with more regional

flights to Pula from Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds. ● CROATIA’S MINISTRY of Tourism has launched an education

programme for wine makers involved in the tourism sector. The programme is part of a 1.25million Euro Wine Tour project which aims to promote and develop wine tourism in Osijek-Baranja County. The project will also see the creation of a new wine museum in the region. ● THE CROATIAN Government has approved a new strategy for

tourism development in Croatia, which outlines plans for the sector up to 2020. The strategy aims to increase the competitiveness of Croatia in the international market, making it one of the 20 most competitive tourist countries in the world. The government also plans to increase the number of jobs in the tourism industry by 30,000, with the majority of investment expected to go into the hotel industry.

UTracks launches six-day cycle adventure itinerary UTRACKS IS launching a shorter, six-day itinerary of its popular ten-day Croatia Cycle Adventure on April 1. The tour, which departs on a weekly basis up to October 31, travels from Split to Dubrovnik, Dalmatia and encompasses a chain of loosely connected islands. Best explored by bike, the scenery alternates between seaside villages, medieval walled towns and quiet pebbled bays, set against a backdrop of pine forests and mountains. Prices lead in at £950 per person including five nights' breakfast accommodation in two- and three-star apartments on a twin share basis; transfers by ferry, bus and coach as indicated in the itinerary; an information pack including route notes and maps; and rental bike with panniers and helmet. Flights are excluded but can be booked on request. For more information visit www.utracks.com or call 0845-241 7599.

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121carhire.com prepares for summer boost 121CARHIRE.COM REPORTS that Croatia is expected to see a large increase in tourism this summer following its admittance to the EU and the announcement of a 15% sales-tax cut on tourist services which came into effect in January. The company's spokesperson Michael Bond said: “Croatia is taking great steps to boost its tourism and economy to help it compete with traditional holiday hotspots such as Spain and Turkey. "With more than 2,700 hours of sunshine per year and its white sandy beaches, the destination is fast becoming a popular place to holiday. Our recent figures found that the most popular places in Croatia for car hire to date are Dubrovnik, Pula, Zagreb and Split airports respectively, and we are preparing for an even higher demand in these areas this summer.” For more information visit www.121carhire.com

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Cox & Kings offers El Salvador and self-drives in Costa Rica COX & Kings has introduced El Salvador to its Latin American destinations alongside new self-driving holidays in Costa Rica. According to the operator’s latest trend report, Latin America was the best-selling region last year, with advance sales for this year up 25% compared with the same time last year. Tailor-made bookings for Costa Rica have also seen a significant increase. For further information see www.coxandkings.co.uk

southamerica

EXODUS HAS expanded its programme in the Galapagos with six new wildlife itineraries on a fleet of three small boats, offering cruises of three to 14 nights. As an example, a seven-night Complete Galapagos - Pelikano cruise on a Pelikano motor yacht takes one of two routes from Baltra to Ferdinandina or Bartolome, each offering guests the opportunity to see a range of wildlife. Prices lead in at £2,155 per person including accommodation and most meals. To book visit www.exodustravels.com or call 0845-863 9601.

Quito opens new international airport ECUADOR'S CIVIL Aviation Authority has announced the opening of Quito's new international airport, Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre. The new airport is located 23 miles from the city centre and has received IATA's B category grading. Capable of servicing up to six million passengers annually, the airport's national and international terminals cover a 409,029sq.ft area and offer a 9,687sq.ft Duty Free store, more than 20 commercial stores and a new shopping centre, to be inaugurated mid-2013. The airport can service higher capacity aircrafts from worldwide destinations. Tame, one of Ecuador's national airlines, has announced that it will offer direct flights to Buenos Aires and New York later this year, while KLM will fly non-stop to Amsterdam and Iberia will operate its Airbus 340600 from Madrid to Quito. To facilitate access to the new airport and make the city's transit more fluid, Quito is in the midst of building a new freeway named ‘La Ruta Viva'. Set to open in phases, with portions already operating since last year, the new road is expected to enable travellers to reach downtown Quito from the airport and vice-versa within about 30-40 minutes. With a total investment of US$48million, the entire highway is projected to be completed by 2014. For more information about Quito visit www.quito.com.ec and for details on the new airport see www.aeropuertoquito.aero

Seven-day Essential Ecuador tour from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 is highlighting a seven-day Essential Ecuador tour. The itinerary visits Ecuador’s historical capital, Quito; takes visitors to Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak; travels through the Avenue of Volcanoes; visits the Inca ruins of Ingapirca and the El Pailon de Diablo waterfall; and includes travel by rail down the Devil’s Nose. A stay in the city of Cuenca is also included as are flights. Prices lead in at £2,629 per person based on two sharing for departures between September 1 and October 31, for bookings made by April 30. A four-

night MV Santa CruzEastern Galapagos trip can be added on from an additional £1,677 per person. The operator's Latin America product and purchasing manager Justine Egan said: "The Galapagos Islands are without a doubt Ecuador’s biggest draw card but the mainland should not be overlooked. Visitors can discover the country’s historical capital Quito (the world’s first UNESCO Heritage Site), travel through the magnificent Avenue of the Volcanoes and enjoy a stay in the beautiful city of Cuenca." For more information visit www.travel2.com

Air Europa announces three times weekly Uruguay route from June FROM JUNE 3, Air Europa will link Montevideo and London three times weekly with the launch of a new flight schedule. The route will be operated by an Airbus 330-200 aircraft, featuring a capacity of 299 passengers, including 24 Business Class seats. Flights to Montevideo will depart Gatwick at 17:15 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays via Madrid, landing in Carrasco early the following morning. The return flight from Montevideo departs at 11:45 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Colin Stewart, general manager UK at the airline,

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said: “The new route to Uruguay, one of Latin America’s fastest growing tourist destinations, confirms once again our commitment to connecting our leisure and business passengers to the region. “It was only in November that we launched flights to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and now, with the Montevideo service, we will serve six key markets in South America, thus cementing our position as the Latin America specialist airline.” For more information visit www.aireuropa.com or call 0871-423 0717.

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southamerica Journey Latin America launches ‘Back on Track’ small group tour to Ecuador JOURNEY LATIN America has announced the launch of a one-off small group tour travelling on Ecuador’s newlyrestored Trans-Andean railway. The ‘Back on Track’ tour departs on June 26 and is accompanied by the company’s co-founder and director, Chris Parrott, along with a tour leader. The tour starts in the Andes near Quito and travels along the old San Lorenzo section of the railway line in the north, before continuing south-west through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the coast at Guayaquil. The itinerary takes in key highlights of Ecuador including the market at Otovalo and the hot springs at Papallacta. There is also the option to extend the trip with a visit to the Galapagos Islands. Having been closed down in 2007 following floods and landslides, the railway was declared a Historical Monument in 2008 and an investment programme was put in place to renovate the network. In June, the railway will re-open with large sections of the line fully functioning

and with steam-hauled trains operating along some sections of the journey. Parrott said: “Travelling at a leisurely average of just 20kph, passengers enjoy panoramic views of the passing snow-capped volcanoes and dramatic Andean landscapes. First opened in 1908, the railway transformed communication between the country’s coastal lowlands and the high sierra, and today makes for one of the spectacular cross-country rail experiences on the planet.” The 11-day ‘Back on Track’ tour costs from £3,778 per person. Alternatively, the company offers a ‘Rail and River’ tailor-made holiday with departures throughout the summer. This includes a four-night stay on the Anakonda Amazon cruise and a trip on the Trans-Andean railway, with prices from £4,164 per person. Both tours include flights from Heathrow (with options for regional departures), transfers, excursions and breakfast. For more information visit www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk

Voyages of Discovery adds 14-day ‘Portrait of The Amazon’ option from £1,999 VOYAGES OF Discovery is offering guests the chance to sail the Amazon on its new ship, MV Voyager. Passengers on the 14-day 'A Portrait of The Amazon' cruise will experience Brazilian city culture before taking in the ‘Wedding of the Waters’ in Santarem, where the clear waters of the Tapajós meet the muddy Amazon. The cruise departs from Recife and calls at Natal, Fortaleza, Devil’s Island,

Santarem, Boca De Valeria and Manaus. Prices start from £1,999 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin on a March 12 departure. Alternatively, a 17-day 'Amazonian and Caribbean Explorer' cruise explores a range of freshwater beaches. Highlights include performances inspired by the Boi Bumba festival in Brazil and a visit to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Aruba. The cruise departs from Manaus and

GEODYSSEY HAS issued a 48-page brochure dedicated to Ecuador. Trips include an Andes, Amazon and Galapagos tour from £1,080 per person and a new nine-night Creature Comforts tour from £2,240 per person. For clients looking to combine a short trip to the mainland with a Galapagos cruise, itineraries include the fournight A Taste of Ecuador from £485 per person; the six-night Quito City Break from £800 per person; and the six-night Among Mountains from £910 per person. To download the brochure visit www.geodyssey.co.uk/ecuadorbrochure.pdf

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calls at Parintins, Alter do Chao, Macapa, Devil’s Island, Trinidad, La Guaira, Aruba and Montego Bay. Prices lead in at £2,199 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin on a March 24 departure. Flights, transfers, meals, entertainment, a guest speaker programme and gratuities are also included. For more information visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Trafalgar offers new South and Central America tours TRAFALGAR IS offering new South and Central America tours for this year. Itineraries include an eight-day ‘Panama, The Canal & Beyond’ tour, leading in at £2,295 per person, where highlights include a journey down the Panama Canal and visits to the Gamboa Rainforest, Cerro Punta, Bouquete, Santiago and the basilica in Nata. Other highlights include a lunch with the Eleta Almaran family at their equestrian estate and meeting a member of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to learn about its sustainable tourism programme in Panama. Guests can spend two nights in the mountain resort of Valle Escondido or visit one of Panama’s beach resorts. Meanwhile, a 14-day Patagonian Grand Adventure costs from £4,995 per person and includes guided tours of Buenos Aires and Bariloche, the gateway to Patagonia’s Lake District. Other highlights include a lunch hosted by a local family at their ranch, a two-night stay in the City of Roses in Chile and a hike to Seno Ultima Esperanza to experience the Torres del Paine National Park. Both tours include flights with private door-to-door transfers, accommodation, a number of highlighted lunches and dinners, travel in luxury coaches and sightseeing. For more information visit www.trafalgar.com

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southamerica IN ITS latest trend report covering holiday bookings since October, Hayes & Jarvis has announced a 219% boom in late winter bookings for Brazil, while bookings have also increased by 129% for Costa Rica this year. Popular tailor-made itineraries for Brazil combine the sights of Rio with scenic highlights including Iguassu Falls, the Amazon River and the country’s rainforest. In Costa Rica, a typical itinerary combines wildlife, scenery and beach relaxation. According to Post Office Travel Money, Brazil is also one of the few destinations where sterling is currently stronger, with the pound buying around 10% more Brazilian real than a year ago.

Silversea’s second expedition ship launches exclusively in the Galápagos THIS SEPTEMBER will see Silversea add its new Silver Galápagos expedition ship. The 100-guest, all-suite ship will be the only luxury expedition ship offering ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information see www.silversea.com

WTM Latin America reports 'phenomenal' interest in Hosted Buyers' Programme World Travel Market Latin America, the global event for the Latin American travel industry, reports that it has received 'phenomenal global interest' in its Hosted Buyers’ Programme. WTM Latin America will host more than 1,000 exhibiting companies from around the world, and is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors over the three days of the show, which takes place in São Paulo between April 23- 25. Up to

250 senior buyers will attend as part of the Hosted Buyers’ Programme, with half attending to strike deals with leisure exhibitors and the other half aiming to sign contracts with Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) exhibitors. Overall, WTM Latin America is guaranteeing its hosted buyers will hold up to 5,000 business meetings with exhibitors across the three days.

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cyprus Sunvil ventures to an alternative Agia Napa for 2013 NEW FOR this year is Sunvil's first properties on the east coast of Cyprus, Artisan Homes in Agia Napa. Located on the edge of Cape Greco National Park, the gated community of 15 eco-friendly houses built in 2009 offers accommodation for up to seven people per property. The villas offer sea views, private swimming pools and spacious rooms. The operator’s programme manager Alexis Josephides said: "Agia Napa, while still vibrant with a young demographic, is not the same rowdy destination it once was. It is also a popular family destination because of the excellent beaches. The area of Cape Greco, to the south east of the main resort, is a nature reserve and therefore is not as developed. Here you'll find pristine Mediterranean landscape, especially inviting in the spring and autumn when the walking is excellent." Prices lead in at £582 per person based on four sharing for a seven-night, self-catering stay, including flights from Heathrow and car hire. For a copy of the operator’s real Cyprus 2013 brochure call 020-8758 4759 or see www.sunvil.co.uk

The Artisan Resort, Cape Greco

Olympic Holidays confident on sales boost following property updates OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is pointing to a number of major projects on Cyprus as evidence of the island’s long-term confidence in tourism. These include the rebirth of the Apollonia Beach Hotel in Limassol as the Royal Apollonia Beach Hotel after a renovation of all 205 five-star rooms and all public areas in time for the hotel’s reopening at the end of May. The Alexander The Great Beach Hotel in Paphos is another long-established property and reopens this month following a major re-working of the swimming pool area, the public rooms and the 202-guestrooms and bathrooms. The property is featured in the operator's recently-released Gold & Platinum

Collection brochure, which showcases 26 of the island’s top hotels of best fourand five-star hotels. The company's commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: “We’re very positive about 2013. I expect the luxury sector to do very well this year, considering the extensive range of product we have available and the exceptional value for money it offers. "Driven by consumer demand, luxury hotels are increasingly including an allinclusive product and among the latest on Cyprus is the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel.” Cyprus is also retaining its popularity in the Weddings & Honeymoons market according to the operator, with five

hotels on the island newly-featured in the company's dedicated brochure for 2013 - the Amathus Beach (Limassol), the Annabelle (Paphos) and in Agia Napa the Olympic Lagoon Resort, as well as the So Nice Boutique Suites and So White Boutique Suites. The operator's weddings executive Fanoulla Spyrou said: "As well as more hotels, we added new venues including a castle, a water mill and winery. Cyprus continues to be highly popular for weddings, while a growing number are choosing to renew their vows on the island each year. Demand is especially high for hotels with their own chapel.” For more information call 0844-499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com

Agents encouraged to sell Larnaka as a coastal resort preferred by locals THE PALM Beach Hotel & Bungalows in encouraging agents to highlight Larnaka as a destination preferred by locals. The property's general manager Antonis Papakyriakou said: “Larnaka may be less developed than the other coastal tourist resorts in Cyprus but it is big on historic attractions, has four superb museums, stretches of sandy beach including new hot spot – trendy McKenzie, an Olympic shooting range, a new winery – great shopping, nightlife, easy access for walking, cycling, horse-riding, diving and all watersports. It is a perfect location to explore the whole island." The resort has announced that new operators are now featuring the property in their programmes.

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Papakyriakou said: “We were disappointed to lose Thomas Cook but you know how the saying goes – one door closes and two others opened in the shape of Cosmos Holidays and Jet2holidays." Prices with Cosmos lead in at £588 per person for a week’s break this month, including breakfast and flights from Luton, Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham. Jet2holidays is offering similar prices for May departures from East Midlands, Manchester and Leeds-Bradford. For more information on Larnaka visit www.larnakaregion.com and for more information on the Palm Bach Hotel & Bungalows see www.palmbeachhotel.com

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cyprus Accommodation savings from Prestige PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has reported strong sales for Cyprus, with winter bookings up 30% and summer bookings also 10% ahead of this time last year. The operator's marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: "Our most popular hotels are the Annabelle and Almyra, both of which offer complimentary full board this winter. "We also have some great family offers including a discount for children occupying their own Studio Suite or Garden Studio Suite for clients staying at the Anassa up to May 31. This can be combined with a free half-board offer, providing parents are booked on half-board. Also one child stays free in the hotel when sharing their parents' room and children whose parents book halfboard or full board will receive complimentary halfboard or full board." The company features stays in the resorts of Paphos, Limassol, Coral Bay, Pissouri Bay and the Akamas and Latchi Peninsula. New for this summer is an allinclusive concept at the Columbia Beachotel. For details see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/cyprus or call 01425-480400.

New hotel options from Superbreak TWO NEW hotels in Cyprus have been added by Superbreak, one in Limassol and one in Paphos, bringing the total now featured to 11. Both hotels are available for five-night stays or more and can be booked as an accommodation-only option or as part of a flight inclusive short break with Atol protection. The four-star Mediterranean Beach Hotel is located in Limassol Bay and offers a multi-level swimming pool, terraced gardens, tennis courts, gym and a Blue Flag beach. There are a choice of restaurants and bars and the Aquum Health Spa offers a variety of treatments. Prices lead in at £234 per person for a five-night breakfast stay and £485.50 for a five-night breakfast stay with flights from Gatwick with easyJet. The five-star Elysium hotel is located on the beach, in the historical heartland of the ancient city of Paphos and is ten minutes from Paphos harbour. Hotel facilities include a choice of restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, health spa and tennis courts. Prices lead in at £457.50 per person for a five-night breakfast stay and £709 for a five-night breakfast stay with flights. For more information or to book see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Early booking deals boost summer sales for Classic Collection Holidays FOLLOWING A flat year for sales to Cyprus last year, Classic Collection Holidays says that it has seen a dramatic increase in bookings for this summer, with sales currently more than 30% up year-on-year. The company’s head of purchasing Gary Boyer said: “To counter the flat sales of last summer, we contacted our hotelier partners to ensure that we were able to offer our clients a large number of early booking offers including complimentary room and board upgrades which add value, as well as reduced rates and

complimentary nights. We currently have no fewer than 60 offers on the Cyprus properties featured on our website, which seems to be having the desired, positive effect on early bookings.” Complimentary board upgrades from bed-and-breakfast to half-board are available at the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites on all bookings between April 1 and May 7 and again during the last two weeks of October, representing savings of up £448 per couple per week. Similarly at Le Meridien Limassol,

bookings made before May 31 for travel between May 1 and August 4 offer savings of up to £616 per couple per week. Meanwhile, seven nights for the price of six is available during the first two weeks in May at the Athena Beach Hotel, and savings of £182 per couple per week are offered at the Amathus Paphos Hotel when booked before April 30, for travel between May 1 and October 31. For further information see www.classic-collection.co.uk or call 0800-008 7288.

Le Meridien Limassol

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cyprus Cyprus Tourism Organisation announces development of five new marine parks THE CYPRUS Tourism Organisation, in association with the Cyprus Dive Centre Association (CDCA) and the Department of Fisheries, has announced a €1.5m project which will create five new marine parks in Cyprus. Four fishing vessels and a number of reef poles will be scuttled (sunk) in the Cypriot Mediterranean throughout the first six months of this year as part of a project to help create five new marine parks, encouraging the growth and protection of marine life around Cyprus. The project builds on new islandwide fishing regulations enforced by the government in a bid to create a more populous and diverse variety of marine life. Fishing in the marine parks, which are located in the waters surrounding Paphos, Limassol, Agia Napa, Protaras and Latchi, will be prohibited, creating a total protected area of 12sq.km. The scuttling stages of the project will be completed by June and the sites are scheduled to be open to recreational divers in July. The marine parks will be strictly regulated by the Department of Fisheries.

Photos Socratous, vice-chairman of the CDCA, said: “We are thrilled that Cyprus’ diving offering will be further improved through the creation of these five new marine parks. It is the Cyprus Dive Centre Association’s mission to promote awareness of the importance of our underwater eco-systems and we are committed to preserving and monitoring our sites. “With the support of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the European Union and our Fisheries Department we are working towards an exciting future for diving in Cyprus.” Meanwhile, Cyprus is fast becoming a sought-after cycling destination, offering year-round sunshine, a compact and diverse range of terrain, gentle headwinds and well-equipped facilities. A new addition to the existing Troodos cycling routes will soon offer cyclists a new set of challenges. Plans for creating a second signposted route starting from the centre of Limassol leading through picturesque villages into the mountains are already

underway, with the route scheduled to open in autumn. A number of bike centres are available on the island offering rental services, route information, guide assistance and support. The centres can also assist visitors in following one of the island’s 37 routes or lay out a bespoke journey to suit requirements. As an example, Cyprus Villages in Tochni – Kalavasos offer three days’ bike rental starting from €50 - see www.cyprusvillages.com.cy The destination will also play host to a range of international challenging cycling events throughout the year including the Volkswagen Cyprus Tour 2013 (www.cypruscyclingtour.com) from March 23-25; the Tour of Cyprus Cycling Challenge 2013 from March 29 to April 1; the Polis-Akamas Mountain Bike Challenge (www.cyclingcy.com) from September 29-30; and the White Rocks X-Cyprus Triathlon (www.cyclingcy.com) on October 14. For more information call 020-7569 8800 or visit www.visitcyprus.com

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cyprus Planet Holidays offers summer savings of up to 20% in latest 2013 brochure PLANET HOLIDAYS has launched its 208-page summer 2013 Cyprus and Greece brochure, which features a range of luxury five-star hotels, resorts and villas, plus three- and four-star properties and family-friendly accommodation. Agents looking for quality spa resorts and golf hotels or fly/drive options for their clients will also find plenty of options in the brochure, along with villas, apartments and studios for clients who prefer the self-catering option. The operator gives agents the freedom to package up holidays as their clients want – with scheduled or charter flights, flight upgrades, private transfers or accommodation-only and with short breaks, as well as seven- and 14-night holidays an option. In Cyprus the brochure covers Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol, Agia Napa, Aphrodite’s Rock, Western Cyprus, Pissouri and the Troodos Mountains. Highlights include early booking discounts of up to 20% at most properties on bookings made before March 31; the opening of the fully renovated Apollonia on April 28 as Royal Apollonia; many luxury hotels such as Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort, the Amathus and Intercontinental Aphrodite offering additional discounts such as free board and room upgrades and free stays for children; the introduction of the three-star Paphos Kissos (opposite the Elysium Beach Resort in Paphos), due to the popularity of weddings at the Elysium and its affordable option for families; and in Agia Napa, the fivestar So White Boutique Suites and the three-star Bella Napa have been introduced for wedding guests. Other highlights include the re-introduction of the Cypria Maris for all-inclusive holidays, which will be adults-only during the summer; the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri offering early booking discounts of 15% for bookings made before the end of April; and free Wi-Fi at the Four Seasons in Limassol. Prices for a week's stay, departing on June 1 and including flights from Luton, private transfers and breakfast accommodation at the Four Seasons, start from £1,127 per person. Alternatively, a week's breakfast stay at the four-star Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows in Larnaka, departing on June 1 for a family of two adults and two children under 12 years, costs a total of £2,197.41 The company's commercial and aviation director Harry Kyrillou said: “The luxury hotels in particular in Cyprus are going to represent great value this year and for those

Royal Apollonia

looking for a wedding destination it’s hard to beat Cyprus for the quality of the hotels and wedding venue options. “Many of the hotels have also been fully renovated through the winter such as the Apollonia in Limassol, which will re-open on April 28 renamed as Royal Apollonia. We have also introduced new properties such as the Azzuro Villas on the outskirts of Paphos, so the facilities will be top notch this year.” For further information call 0871-871 2234 or book online at www.planet-holidays.co.uk

HOLIDA AY YS

Call us now: now: Call 88 8 8 Freephone 0800 074 8888 Freephone for a quote quote & brochures brochures

Your Cyprus specialist

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Cosmos adds Leeds Bradford flight option

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Widest Widest choice of of quality quality accommodation accommodation aatt aﬀor aﬀordable dable prices prices Trusted specialist to to Cyprus Cypr y us Trusted Promise: we we will try Price Promise: try and match match any any price price ADIN Private taxi transfers transfers Private Flying Flying from from your your local local airport airport Weddings in CCyprus: yyprus: w e’’ve arr anged 1000’’s C E 1 9 Weddings we’ve arranged t SIN

COSMOS HOLIDAYS has expanded its Cyprus programme with newly featured hotels, resorts and flights. Flights are now available from Leeds Bradford this summer to Larnaca on a twice-weekly basis, departing on Wednesday and Sunday. A choice of new hotels in the Larnaca area are also featured for summer, including the four-diamond Grecian Sands in Agia Napa, Lordos Beach in Larnaca, fourdiamond rated Curium Palace in Limassol and Golden Coast in Protaras. A seven-night stay at the four-diamond rated Lordos Beach, departing from Gatwick on May 1 from £579 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

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cyprus Limassol Marina welcomes first residents

We asked our staff the following question this week: What little luxury can you not live without? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk My son...he's the most expensive and precious thing I have!

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THE FIRST phase of the €350m Limassol Marina development in Cyprus has been completed. The delivery of the 94 luxury apartments and penthouses at Nereids Residences marks the first operational year of the scheme. Takis Palekythritis, general manager of the development, said: “It is fantastic to have welcomed our first residents and delivered their homes to schedule. Limassol Marina is among the best-selling developments in Europe, having already achieved sales in excess of 86m. “We are attracting a good balance of local and international buyers and are very confident about the positive impact the project will have on Limassol’s businesses and the Cyprus economy, as a whole, as the Marina matures.” With 90% of the project’s marine works and 50% of the residential development and infrastructure

already completed, it is hoped that this year will mark a new era for Cyprus and its position on the nautical yachting map. The first yachts are expected to arrive later this month, the apartments at Thetis Residences are due for completion in June and the commercial area will be ready to open its doors to the public this summer. Construction of the Peninsula and Island Villas, with direct access to the beach and their own private berths, is also progressing well. With a capacity of 650 berths, able to accommodate yachts from eight to 115 metres, Limassol Marina is operated and managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas in partnership with Francoudi & Stephanou Marinas. For more information visit www.limassolmarina.com

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March 15 2013

Easter deal from Cyplon Holidays CYPLON HOLIDAYS is offering a seven-night breakfast stay at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol from £1,146 per person. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers, and is based on an April 4 departure. Meanwhile, the operator reports that tailor-made holidays are on the increase, helped by the option to mix and match holidays between Greece, Cyprus, the Greek Islands and Egypt. The company is also seeing an increase in weddings for 2013/14 and is able to guarantee weddings for 2014 at 2013 prices, where it is able to secure the wedding dates. A new wedding brochure is to be issued next month. For more information see www.cyplon.co.uk

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