Travel Bulletin 16th November 2012 by Alain Charles Publishing

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November 16 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,803 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Corsica Operators issue new brochures & programmes

this week renato fantoni 10 agony uncle, Renato Fantoni, solves a networking dilemma

wtm report a round-up of the latest announcements & news from WTM

uk & ireland

how agents can capitalise on the success of the Olympics

spain get equipped to offer your clients a taste of the real Spain

Pei Cobb Freed & Partners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SRA Architectes

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SKYPRIORITY. BECAUSE YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY. SkyTeam introduces SkyPriority, an alliance-wide priority service label which is easy to spot at every SkyTeam-served airport around the world. Wherever you fly with SkyTeam member airlines, you* will automatically benefit from priority check-in, baggage handling, boarding and transfer desks. To learn more, visit skyteam.com *First Class, Business Class, and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers.

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newsbulletin ‘Noisy children’ voted most annoying in-flight issue

MINERVA MATES..Swan Hellenic recently hosted a fam cruise across the Mediterranean for six agents, travelling from Naples to Sardinia. Pictured enjoying a stay on the line's latest ship, Minerva, are, from the left: Chris Roberts and Ian Warren, Go Cruise; Catherine Cheseman, Wexas; Stacey Williams, Cruise.co.uk; Tessa Richmond, Wexas; Kristin Small, Cruise.co.uk; and Brian Langford, All Discovery Cruising (Swan Hellenic).

For more information on itineraries available see www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844-822 0679

Cover Pictures: Main - Jill Sayles

Inset - Wight Green Getaways

This Week 3

news

agent bulletin

renato fantoni

puzzle bulletin

wtm report

training

corsica

uk & ireland

spain

the latest industry developments, product launches & offers

Fred. Olsen offers £25 Capital Bond voucher to agents booking Xmas & New Year cruises

RESEARCH BY www.sunshine.co.uk has revealed the top ten most annoying inflight issues according to UK holidaymakers, with ‘noisy children’ the top irritation stated in the poll, closely followed by lack of leg room and poor quality food/choice of food. The company polled 1,648 UK-based adults who had been abroad on holiday in the past 12 months via a flight and asked the question ‘Which of the following scenarios annoy you the most during a flight, when going on holiday?’. Respondents were asked to select all that applied and the results included: Noisy children (88%), Lack of leg room (76%), Poor quality food/choice (52%), Not getting seated with co-travellers (49%), Passengers kicking backs of chairs (41), Loud fellow passengers (35%), Drunken fellow passengers (23%), Small toilets (17%), Rude inflight crew (11%) and No in-flight entertainment (9%). When asked if they enjoyed flying, 23% of those taking part said ‘yes’ and 35% claimed to be ‘indifferent’.

Less tthan han a 3 weeks weeks tto og o Less go u ntil V oya age g r launches! launches! until Voyager Voy Voyager ager sets sail on her inaugural season to the Caribbean C ibb and dS South th America A i on 4th December D b 2012. 2012 Find out more at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

agony uncle, Renato Fantoni, solves a networking dilemma

your chance to win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher

a round-up of the latest announcements & news from WTM

sales: what is your tally of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals this season?

new brochures & programme additions from operators

For agency sales information contact: Brian Langford Mobile: 07740 540304

Tim Fleming Mobile: 07894 394488

Email: b.langford@allleisuregroup.com

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how agents can capitalise on the success of the Olympic games

get equipped to offer your clients a taste of the real Spain

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

improvements impressions aree corr correct Details of impr ovements and artists artists impr essions ar ect at time of print but subject to change. VVoyages oyages of Discovery is a trading name of All LLeisure eisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897

November 16 2012

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newsbulletin Superbreak findings reveal holiday buying behaviour changes to make most of the euro RECENT SURVEY research by Superbreak has found that British holidaymakers are more likely to book a European break over the coming months with 56% having changed, or planning to change, their behaviour as a result of the strengthening pound versus the euro. The survey also found that when it comes to counting the pennies, men appeared more savvy than women; 20% more men were aware of the stronger exchange rate with an additional 13% planning to change their behaviour as a result. Conversely, 10% more men pay for a holiday by credit card, with women opting to save up and pay by cash. On average, the survey found that it takes six-12 months to save for a week long holiday and between one and three months for a short break, except for pensioners, who lead the way in holiday spontaneity with more than a third of over-65s stating they could go on a short break without any notice at all. Culture is the biggest pull, closely followed by famous landmarks when choosing a short break destination, with 44% of respondents looking for places to see and visit. In contrast

to the priorities for a longer holiday, weather rated as the sixth most important factor when choosing to spend a few days away. The survey also found that the most popular destination for a European short break was Paris, with half of respondents choosing either the capital (27%) or Disneyland (23%). The operator's sales director Jane Atkins said: “With the current strength of the pound, there has never been a better time to go on a European short break and agents need to be shouting about this. The majority of customers are still looking to save up, rather than put on the credit card, but as prices lower, a short break can be taken with just a few months’ notice. “We are so lucky in the UK to have a host of destinations within just a few hours, with rail links making Europe really accessible, even for those not on the south coast. Interestingly, only 35% of Brits have travelled by Eurostar, despite it being 18 years old, although 47% said they would like to in the future.”

Autumn savings of up to £300 per person on selected group tours with C&K COX & Kings is offering savings of up to £300 per person on selected group tours departing before March 2013. As an example, a Grand Tour of Indochina begins in Laos and explores ancient temples and the French colonial legacy, before continuing to Vietnam to uncover the highlights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and concludes at the Angkor Wat. The 21-

day/18-night tour now leads in at £4,345 per person, offering a saving of £300 per person. It includes flights, transfers, excursions, breakfast accommodation and other meals as specified, and is valid for departures on January 17, February 15 and February 21 for bookings made by November 30.

New brochure from Preston

CABIN CREW Chic... pictured modelling Titan Airways’ new uniforms are cabin crew members Rebecca Hess (left), David Maxwell and Danielle Bayles. The new uniform came into effect at the start of this month with the men’s uniform comprising a tailored singlebreasted dark grey suit worn with a white shirt and purple tie. Female cabin crew have the option of either a dark grey skirt, blouse and waistcoat, worn with a purple neckerchief to complement the men’s ties, or a tailored dark grey dress, worn with a purple neckerchief.

PRESTON HOLIDAYS has issued its 2013 brochure to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly and Isle of Wight. The brochure offers departures from more than 30 UK airports with charter, scheduled and low-cost airlines, plus sea travel from ten ferry ports and flexible programmes with no minimum or maximum holiday duration. A selection of new properties have been added including the three-star Grisnoir Guest House in Guernsey and the three-star Bembridge Coast Hotel on the Isle of Wight. Prices lead in at £168 per person for three nights by sea to the Marina Bay Hotel on the Isle of Wight and from £209 per person for three nights by air to the Glen Mona Guest House on the Isle of Man.

November 16 2012

Guests can also save up to £275 per person on the Patagonia: Untouched Wilderness itinerary, up to £250 per person on the Ethiopian Odyssey itinerary and £200 per person on the Grand Tour of South India. For more information or to book call 020-7873 5000 or visit www.coxandkings.co.uk

Escape Down Under with Carrier CARRIER IS promoting its 12-night Great Australian Explorer itinerary, which includes visits to Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Jamison Valley, North Queensland and the Daintree Rainforest, culminating in a stay at Uluru. Prices lead in at £6,690 per person, based on two sharing and include flights, accommodation, private transfers and car hire. To book call 01614-921355 or visit www.carrier.co.uk

Villa Parade looks to develop long term relationships with trade VILLA PARADE has invested heavily to support its retail partnerships with the launch of new online and offline marketing and sales material and initiatives for 2013, including a new retail brochure. With a transparent price policy providing customers and agents with the same prices, the company is looking to work closer with its retail partners in developing long-term relationships, and has introduced a number of agent initiatives. Examples include half price offers for a second week at selected properties and agent concessionary rates giving up to 50% savings. The company is also running competitions to give agents the chance to win a week's villa holiday and is also highlighting its telephone enquiry service plus an online chat facility for agents.

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week

Travel Indochina sells through trade

Who’s saying what on Twitter... @HeathrowAirport Heathrow's passengers will soon get to experience using #passbook in an airport http://ow.ly/f6gqx - will you be using it? @CosmosHolidays 3 parks for the price of 2! What could be better? http://bit.ly/SeaWrldTkt SeaWorld, Aquatica & Busch Gardens (Ts&Cs apply) @Door2Tour Loving this years #strictlycomedancing? Don't forget tour packages are available to see the show in 2013... http://tinyurl.com/clza5qh @Accorhotels Discover beautiful Christmas markets in England for less! http://bit.ly/RuQ8YS @ThomsonDeals Travel to our new resort Costa de la Luz next May from £353 per person staying at the 4* AI Clubhotel Riu Chiclana http://ow.ly/f6bSV @SandalsResorts Which Sandals is right for you? Take the quiz! http://shout.lt/dDB3

TRAVEL ANGELS...Andy Harris from Travel 2 visited Travel Angels in Street, Somerset to present the agency with its 'Agent of the Month' award of a bottle of Champagne and a place on an upcoming fam. Pictured with Andy are, from the left, the agency's Sarah Wilton, Tracy Norton, Mary Constanza and Sarah Jane Hurford.

TRAVEL INDOCHINA has announced that it is now selling through the trade and working with UK agents to assist with sales for its Small Group Journeys, luxury river cruises and tailor-made holidays to Asia. The company’s UKbased Asia specialists can tailor-make holidays to suit all customer requirements. To order the new Small Group Journeys brochure for 2013/14 visit www.trade-gate.co.uk

Winter breaks in The Gambia, Cape Verde & Senegal SERENITY HOLIDAYS is highlighting a selection of breaks with The Gambia Experience, The Cape Verde Experience and The Senegal Experience for winter. The Gambia Experience is promoting a selection of multi-centre holidays and reports that an increasing number of holidaymakers are choosing tailor-made holidays combining two or more properties. The Unique Collection’s Mandina Lodges at Makasutu offer a week’s stay at a coastal hotel with a three- or four-night stay in a jungle lodge. Three-night add-on prices start from £349 per person and include half-board accommodation and hotel transfers. Meanwhile, The Cape Verde Experience offers trips to six of the ten Cape Verde islands, with a choice of 16 hotels, including two new additions on the island of Boa Vista – Spinguera Eco Lodge and the Orquidea Guest House. Single-island and twin-centre trips, plus a selection of programmed and tailor-made island-hopping itineraries are also available. Sailing and exploration holidays on the Oosterschelde ship are also offered on selected dates from next month, with prices starting from £2,299 per person based on 14 nights. Alternatively, The Senegal Experience is offering savings of up to £150 per person off 14night stays on selected dates this winter at the five-star Lamantin Beach Hotel, located in the beach resort of Saly, North Senegal. Prices start from £1,556 per person based on two sharing a standard room on half-board, including flights. For more information visit www.serenity.co.uk

Acacia Africa to revisit hotspots in 2013 ACACIA AFRICA’S new 2013 brochure features five new itineraries covering South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda hotspots. As an example of a new tour, an 11-day Johannesburg to Lusaka overland tour includes a stay in central Botswana and camping by the Limpopo River, home to a plethora of mammals and 350 species of birdlife. Popular locations range from Victoria Falls to Kruger and Chobe National Parks. With no single supplement and year-round departures, the itinerary leads in at £475 per person plus a local payment of £242 per person. For details call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or visit www.acacia-africa.com

London Pass gives agents the ability to offer discounted dining when selling city breaks AGENTS SELLING London city breaks can provide their clients with the chance to book discounted dining options following the launch of a restaurant guide that offers money off. Launched at the end of last year, the London Pass Dining Guide, priced

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at £12, is now available for agents to sell. The discount book is the latest money-saving initiative from the London Pass – a smartcard giving tourists entry to more than 60 of the city’s top attractions. The pass is available to sell as a stand-alone product or alongside The

London Pass and offers savings of up to 50% on bills and added value offers at more than 30 of the capital’s favourite eateries. Discounts apply to parties of up to six people for seven days. For more information email peter@leisurepassgroup.com

November 16 2012

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newsbulletin TAM Airlines unveils First Class cabins BEFORE THE end of the year, TAM Airlines is expected to take delivery of four Boeing-777s which will feature newly designed First Class cabins. The cabin aims to emulate a living room, with a personalised environment that provides more privacy and interaction, complete with a new sleeper seat and entertainment system. The four-seater cabin also includes a couch, individual closets, a Nespresso service and a library. Improvements to the other cabins include increased legroom and redesigned seats. For details see www.tamairlines.com

Newsbites ●

EASYJET WILL commence flights to Marrakech, Sharm el Sheikh and Sofia as part of its new 2013 route launches from Stansted. The year-round flights to Marrakech launch on February 15, with a threetimes weekly service. The year-round twice-weekly service to Sharm el Sheikh launches on February 17, while the Sofia route will operate twice weekly from February 16.

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PARADIS HOTEL & Golf Club in Mauritius has launched a new Junior Golf Academy for children over the age of six. Lessons of 30-minutes cost £25 per person including free green fees for under 12s. Children enrolled in the Paradis Bob Marlin mini-club are also entitled to a free taster session, with a short introduction to the game by the resort’s golf professionals. Beachcomber Tours offers seven nights from £1,360 per person based on two adults and two children (under 12) sharing a Junior Suite on a halfboard basis, including flights and private transfers. See www.beachcombertours.co.uk or call 01483-445621.

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VISITWILTSHIRE HAS launched a new Website at www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

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KLM ROYAL Dutch Airlines will add a fourth daily flight from Norwich to Amsterdam from March 31, 2013. The new frequency will increase capacity on the route by 33% and return fares lead in at £119 including taxes.

Festive cruise experience from CMV CRUISE & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering guests a festive welcome on the adult-only Marco Polo next month, where guests have the opportunity to visit the ship for the day on December 13 and 19. Boarding in Tilbury, guests can explore the ship before sitting down to a four-course lunch or dinner, followed by a show. Those staying for dinner have the option to stay overnight and have breakfast before leaving the ship. For £49 per

Keeping an i on Apps

person, guests will receive welcome cocktails, lunch with wine and see a show. Alternatively, for £79 guests will also be able to attend a disco cabaret, with the option to stay overnight costing an extra £10. Prices are based on two people sharing a standard twin cabin. Cabin upgrades are also available from £20 per person. Bookings must be made online at www.cruiseandmaritime. com

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SMARTSAVE HAS launch ed New York for Les s, which incl udes a searchable street map, an interactive su bway map, a guide to top attraction s and a rang e of discounts to popular tour ist sites. The free app provides a si mple way for users to navigate the city, getting the best they can out of th eir trip while saving them money at the places they visit. The ap p is offline and once do wnloaded do es not require inte rnet access to be used, saving the us er money on data roaming char ges. For details se e www.forlessg uides.com an d https://itunes .apple.com/u s/ app/new-yor k-for-less-tra velguide/id5614 41603

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inery in Steenberg w VISITORS TO lley Va a ti Constan ing Cape Town’s st ta ein w their a can enhance of new with the use on all experience ad le to downlo lets. b app, availab ta d an , iPads es on h tp ar on sm ion rs informat The app offe wines, of n io ct le se Steenberg’s ecial sp leases and new wine re visitors r, oo d e cellar events. At th access g room can to the tastin wine and food & tasting notes ctive ra provide inte sting pairings to ta e in w n in the participatio p also . The free ap experience d videos otographs an includes ph . ed download that can be sit vi ls For detai ine /steenbrgw .ie d oa http://r

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Sri Lanka savings from Thomas Cook Tours THOMAS COOK Tours is offering a 10% discount on its 12-day Sri Lanka Exotic Isle Tour, departing Heathrow on January 31 next year. The tour includes a journey across Sri Lanka with visits to the island's historical and archaeological sites, game reserves and tea plantations. Free transfers to Heathrow are offered and on arrival guests will check-in to the four-star Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Highlights of the itinerary include a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress; a day spent exploring the Polonnaruwa Ruins; a trip to see the orphaned Asian elephants at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage; and exploring the city of Kandy. For more information visit www.thomascooktours. com

‘Family-Size Love’ offer at L’Albereta L'ALBERETA RELAIS & Chateaux, a five-star resort in Italy's province of Brescia, Lombardy, has introduced a 'Family-Size Love' offer for families booking a stay at the resort. It includes a complimentary stay for one child under the age of 12 years in a double room when sharing with their parents, or for larger families a complimentary second room for the children for a maximum of three children per room for children under 12. Free daily access to the Maty’s Kids' Club is also offered, while parents will receive access to Espace Vitalité Henri Chenot, which includes a pool, sauna and fitness centre. The offer is valid until February 28, 2013 with rates leading in at €260 (approximately £208) per night in a double room, based on two adults and children under 12 sharing. For more information visit www.albereta.it

The Gambia

25 YEARS 1987~2012

SERVING THE GAMBIA

Discover the smiling coast

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Exotic African culture, unique and boutique hotels, friendly people and a warm welcome awaits you in The Gambia FREE SKIS...Tony Hallwood (pictured), Leeds Bradford Airport’s commercial director, takes to the slopes with Monarch to promote a free ski carriage deal. The offer is available on Monarch's new routes from Leeds to key ski regions for winter 2012/13, for passengers booking before December 31. The new routes include Grenoble in France and Munich in Germany and the free ski carriage offers clients a saving of £39.98. For more information on other offers and add-ons available visit www.monarch.co.uk/ski

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0845 330 4567 Gambia.co.uk/Trade 5113

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newsbulletin Worldhotels and Sixt launch partnership

Mark Warner ski weeks from £999

WORLDHOTELS AND Sixt rent a car have announced a new global partnership, where Worldhotels’ guests receive a discount of up to 10% when booking a vehicle with Sixt. Reciprocal marketing will see both companies credited as partners on each other’s Websites and newsletter communication, increasing brand visibility for both. The partnership also provides the opportunity for individual Worldhotels affiliates to form closer ties with their local Sixt office and benefit from tailored marketing activities. For more information visit www.worldhotels.com

MARK WARNER has put together a selection of ski weeks for adult beginners which include ski or snowboard hire, lift passes and five half days of group ski or snowboard school, as well as flights, accommodation and transfers. The beginner ski weeks are available at Chalet Hotel Christina, La Plagne on January 6, 13, 20 and 27 and March 3, 10 and 17 and at Chalet Hotel Aiguille Percee, Tignes on January 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2013. Prices lead in

at £999 per person including flights from Gatwick, fuel supplements, transfers, seven nights' breakfast accommodation, afternoon tea and dinner with wine, lift pass (local area only), ski/snowboard hire (not including helmets) and five half days of group ski or snowboard school. For more information or to book call 0844273 6826 or visit www.markwarner.co.uk

National Holidays launches new look Website NATIONAL HOLIDAYS has announced the launch of its new Website which features a new design and improved user-friendly functionality. Following extensive research with customers, the newly revamped www.nationalholidays.com has been redesigned with an easy-to-use interface to make it quicker to search the company’s range of value short breaks and holidays and manage online bookings. Agents can search by

IRISH FERRIES will move its Isle of Inishmore to the Holyhead to Dublin route over the festive period, adding extra capacity for passengers and cars. The Holyhead to Dublin corridor is already served by cruise-ferry Ulysses and the twin-hulled catamaran Dublin Swift, which this winter will be the only fast ferry on the Irish Sea, with a crossing time as short as one hour 49 minutes. On December 22, 23 and 27 and January 2 and 3, 2013, Isle of Inishmore will provide an additional sailing in each direction between Holyhead and Dublin. Winter fares start at £79 one-way for a car and driver, with additional adults from £26. For details call 0871-730 0400 or see www.irishferries.com

holiday type (e.g. city breaks, river cruises, family breaks etc) destination, hotel name, show or keywords. The site also allows visitors to find their nearest departure points by entering their postcode, and search holidays from more than one departure point at the same time. The Website is directly integrated with the company’s computerised booking system, allowing agents to view live seat availability and departure times for each

coach holiday, choose their preferred seats, and complete their booking using an online payment facility.

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WEBSCLUSIVES

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Make sure you enter our weekly crossword, sponsored by The Holiday Team. Full details can be found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of this issue. You could be the lucky winner of £50 of Pizza Express vouchers. Send your entries to www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Win an iPad 2 courtesy of The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism. All you have to do to enter is answer 3 simple questions. Just go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk The home of the web savvy travel agent 8

November 16 2012

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

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FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines is offering an early gift to travel agents booking Christmas and New Year cruises. For bookings made until November 30 on selected cruises, the company will pay agents in the form of a £25 Capital Bond voucher per booking, on all cabin grades and offers. The four cruises in the incentive scheme are: Black Watch W1221 – a 25-night ‘Caribbean Christmas’ cruise, departing from Southampton on December 16; Boudicca D1227 – a 16-night ‘Canary Islands Christmas’ cruise, departing from Portsmouth on December 20; Braemar M1229 – a new 18-night ‘Cape Verde Islands Christmas’ cruise, departing from Southampton on December 19; and Balmoral L1223 – a 14-night ‘Canary Islands Christmas’ cruise, departing from Southampton on December 22. Agents interested in the incentive scheme need to register by calling agency sales on 01473-746164. To book see www.fredolsencruises.com or call 01473-742424. FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched a month long incentive, offering agents the chance to earn up to £100 in Marks and Spencer vouchers. Agents must make an applicable reservation to any of the company's top ten destinations, complete an agent log sheet and send to the operator by December 10. Destinations include New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Dubai, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Miami, Cancun and Hong Kong. All bookings must be made before November 30 and include a minimum three nights – packages only. The amount of vouchers distributed will depend on

the per person value. For example, bookings worth £1,000-£1,999 per person will receive a £25 voucher, up to bookings worth more than £3,000 to receive a £100 voucher. For more information and to download the agent log sheet visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

FUNMAS...pictured in a festi ve mood , read y to hand out M&S vouchers to agents making bookings are Erica Collins (left) and Cher yll Bisram from Funway Holidays.

TRACY'S TRIUMPH...Gold Medal teamed up with Etihad Airways to offer agents the chance to win a trip to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. To be in with a chance of winning, agents needed to book flights with Etihad Airways and Gold Medal to anywhere on their network. Pictured is the top selling agent, Tracy Sharp (left) of Broadway Travel Group with Gold Medal's Louisa Jackson. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

November 16 2012

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Ask Renato... Agony uncle, Renato Fantoni, solves a networking dilemma... After having worked in the High Street for 14 years I’ve recently become a home-based travel agent. Given that our annual conference is coming up and I also need to network with prospects, how do I go about presenting myself? Do I need a brand? Sharon - Middlesbrough Hi Sharon,

TO START let’s put the ‘brand’ thing to bed. A lot has been written around this concept. All it means is that you have thought about what you do and how you do it and that the way you come across reflects this process. End of. You’ll have to choose to what extent you wish to identify with the company behind you. Naturally all the due diligence stuff like handling money and only selling approved suppliers is (rightly) inflexible. However, you do have latitude as to how you portray yourself e.g. are you part of a large professional set-up or are you an independent expert who is the best in her field? There is no right or wrong here but you do need to contemplate which makes you feel most comfortable as this will affect your confidence when dealing face to face with new people. You asked about how to present yourself. I suppose you are thinking of what to wear –more of that later. Let’s now examine social networking. The facilities offered by Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Word Press and whatever will appear in 2013 are amazing ways of adding to your self-portrait. By working with them you will begin to know yourself better. Because these media thrive on users writing with brevity you’ll soon find you are better at discussing what interests you. This in turn will inspire you to research subjects you have a passion for and in time, you will become even more expert in them. Social networking consumes both time and money but has become the marketing method of choice simply because people gravitate to these sites with the same verve as they delete both solicited and unsolicited emails and recycle paper mailings they have not even bothered to open. So, when you have decided how big or small you are and have become a self-knowing maven you are ready for launch. Before you leave home however, remember that a conference with your peers is different from meeting potential clients. At the company event you are among trusted friends and you’re only selling a smile and a listening ear. However, being among customers is altogether more difficult. You do it because you need to sell to and through them. And what will you wear? Actually, it doesn’t really matter. The purpose of selecting the right clothes and make up is to suggest competence and expertise. What you put on is secondary to the way you carry it.

If you have a question for Renato, email him at renato@hpshotels.net 10

November 16 2012

MOVERS PAUL CRIPPS has joined Attraction World as financial director. ● EQUATOR LEARNING has appointed Simon Beeching as chairman. ● TRAVELPORT HAS appointed Patrick Andres as vice president and regional managing director for the Asia-Pacific region. ● HARD ROCK Hotels’ All Inclusive Collection has appointed the Destination Representation team to handle its UK & Ireland sales & marketing activity. The department will be headed by its newly appointed director of sales, Tracey Dyson. ● MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS has appointed Nicky Marsh as midway marketing director. ● CONDOR FERRIES has appointed James Fulford as chief executive officer, effective from January 2, 2013. ● STA TRAVEL Group has promoted John Constable to chief executive. ● LAURA DAWSON has joined Superbreak as sales executive, North West and Yorkshire. ● HOSEASONS HAS appointed Elkie Bird as sales executive for the southwest region. ●

XMAS CHEER...Taber Holidays got into the festive spirit at the Scandinavia Show in London's Earls Court recently when they bumped into a very special visitor. Managing director, Suzel Taber-Shaw (left) and marketing assistant, Shing Lin Yoong, took time out to chat to Santa (from Visit Finland) and share their Christmas wish-lists. The operator features a selection of winter breaks, including a trip to Kakslauttanen where it is possible to pay a visit to Santa's Resort. The four-night break leads in at £1,077 per person, based on four people travelling together and includes flights, transfers and half-board accommodation in a traditional log cabin. For details call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.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: 089

Ad Let

A➠

B➠ This airline can be represented by the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet

C➠

Rolla Mai

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, November 22nd. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 2nd November is Paula Airey, The Travel House in Aberdare. November 2 Solution: A=7 B=5 C=2 D=3

Crossword

Sponsored By

Tony Christie hit the heights singing about this Texas City on Route 66

Where Am I?

Famous outlaw's airport is in this northern UK county

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 Pizza Express vouchers. Closing date for entries is Thursday November 22nd. Across 1. Wightlink operates from this port (9) 5. Kiev is the capital (7) 6. Flag carrier of Pakistan, initially (3) 7. Sharm El-Sheikh airport code (3) 8. Resort close to Lisbon (7) 9. State capital of Wisconsin (7) 11. One of the presenters of I'm a Celebrity ... (3) 12. Australian state, in short (3) 13. Part of TUI, they specialise in holidays to Florida (7) 14. London Lane, famous for its market (9

Down 1. Olympic gymnast now competing on Strictly (5,5) 2. Wetland area (5) 3. State capital of New Jersey (7) 4. New York financial district (4,6) 6. Cornish resort, sounds like a golf term (3) 8. Low fares airline (7) 10. Dusseldorf International airport code (3) 11. Car rental company (5)

Number: 089

Congratulations to Jenny Kinsman, Brian Kellett Travel who won the 2nd November crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

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THE HOLIDAY TEAM IS A CONSOLIDATOR PROVIDING BEST VALUE FLIGHTS & PACKAGE HOLIDAYS TO BOOK CALL 020-8843 4300; www.theholidayteam.co.uk

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 November 16 2012

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wtmreport Saint Lucia Tourist Board showcases ‘agent appeal' with fam trips & incentives THE SAINT Lucia Tourist Board has announced that it will focus its marketing efforts on promoting the island’s wealth of activities to the family, couples and empty-nester market next year, including pushing its key cultural events such as Fete La Woz, Jounen Kweyol and Carnival. The tourist board will also commit increased marketing spend for joint marketing activities, agent training

initiatives, trade advertising and its key trade events – Saint Lucia Month & Agent Awards and Saint Lucia Showcase. The tourist board's UK & Europe director of marketing, Jean-Marc Flambert, said: "Next year we are doubling the number of fam trips for agents to 13 and in June we will be launching a Saint Lucia showcase for UK travel agents who have completed

the online training. The events will offer destination training and will give agents the opportunity to meet with hoteliers for one-to-one meetings. "As well as completing the online training, we are also encouraging agents to log their bookings on our Website for the chance to win a range of prizes." For more information visit www.stlucianow.co.uk

Kenya to host 2013 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference KENYA WILL host more than 500 tourism industry leaders from around the world at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), which will be hosted in Africa for the first time in September next year. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) will co-host the event with Ecotourism Kenya with a focus on solutions to advance sustainability goals for the tourism industry. For details see www.ecotourismconference.org Meanwhile, the destination reports that the UK continues to account for the largest number of international visitors to Kenya, with the most recent statistics showing a 15.6% share of the overall market. The number of UK tourists visiting Kenya reached more than 125,000 between January and August in both 2011 and 2012 with four of the eight months measured showing an increase in visitors in 2012 when compared to the 2011 figures. The Kenya Tourism Board UK & Ireland is working to

promote its niche products including golf, business travel, weddings and honeymoons, to widen Kenya’s appeal to the UK and Irish markets. The tourism board also aims to increase awareness of Kenya’s luxury accommodation and additional tourism offerings such as health and wellness, voluntourism, homestays and business travel, and is focusing promotional activity on the range of offerings available on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline. Acting director of marketing for the KTB Jacinta Nzioka Mbithi said: "We are currently working on an awareness campaign to open up new regions where we haven't had tourists before, This has been helped by new domestic carriers opening up new routes in smaller towns. "Our other commitment is to eco-tourism. Kenya offers tourism attractions that are natural rather than man-made, so conservation is on our agenda as a priority."

ONYX Hospitality Group introduces OZO

CAMPAIGN CREW...getting ready to unveil its new campaign at WTM, 'Break in the City' which highlights affordable packages to Jeruselem and Tel Aviv, are, from the left: Stas Misezhnikou, Minister of Tourism; Naama Oryan-Kaplan, UK & Ireland director of the Israel Government Tourist Board; and Noaz Bar Nir, director general. For details visit www.thinkisrael.com

November 16 2012

ONYX HOSPITALITY Group has unveiled OZO, a select services hotel experience created for clients who crave the basics - a good night's sleep on a great bed, a good breakfast, great connectivity and all the necessities of a comfortable stay. While hotel and resort properties will vary according to location, the core of OZO's design philosophy will be signature to every experience. At the heart of the hotel, the Spot will be a central multi-functional hub of activity with features such as check-in pods and orientation touchpads for tech-savvy guests. The first OZO property will be OZO Wesley Hong Kong, followed by more developments in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia, bringing the total number of new OZO projects under development to seven. The company's executive vice president Duncan Webb said: "Amari is now an established brand for the trade but we now want to give our partners the same level of client experience at a lower price point. "The OZO concept takes away the fancy frills but still offers a high quality experience - from high quality bedlinen through to free Wi-fi and great locations." For more information visit www.ozohotels.com

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wtmreport Rotana announces aggressive growth strategy ROTANA HAS announced that it will continue its aggressive growth strategy in order to achieve its aim of opening a managed property in all the major cities throughout the MEA region and beyond within the next five years. President and CEO of Rotana, Selim El Zyr, said: "In 2013, we will more than double our property openings compared to 2012 and we have recently announced a hotel agreement in Turkey

and just signed an agreement for a property in Mauritania in West Africa, a first for us in both countries." As well as announcing the signing of the management contract for the company's first hotel in Mauritania, to open in late 2014, El Zyr also shared the impending opening date of its first hotel in Oman. Situated in Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, the fivestar Salalah Rotana Resort is

set to open in the second quarter of next year and is located in a prime coastal spot, offering 399 guest rooms and 45 three- and four-bedroom villas. The resort features a private beach, tropical gardens, lagoon-style swimming pool, lobby bar and café, all day dining area, speciality restaurant, a spa and four meeting rooms. For more information visit www.rotana.com

GOLDEN GROUP... Rotana hosted a VIP Golden Getaway Champagne reception at its Global Village stand. Attendees were presented with a gold envelope for the chance to win a stay at one of the company's 43 hotels across 14 countries, and to add to the glamour of the event, a model adorned in gold from head-to-toe was on hand to present the invitations. Pictured with the model is Sheena Paton from Kuoni; Omer Kaddouri (second from left) from Rotana; and Southall Travel’s Shuban Kotwal.

Spanish Tourist Office launches social news hub THE SPANISH National Tourist Office has launched a social news hub; a robust cloudhosted social media news platform that incorporates all existing and new social media channels in one place. The hub is connected to more than 323 social channels and offers a wide range of services for users such as regularly updated news content, downloadable copy and images, quotes, links, polls and video links. The objective of the hub is to create a one-stop-shop for content which makes the most of the latest social media channels in a tangible and trackable way. For details see www.spain.info

NYC & Company encourages visitors to holiday like a local NYC & company is encouraging visitors to take advantage of the holiday season's hidden treasures in addition to the wellknown events throughout the city's five boroughs. Annual winter events include the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The New York Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Train Show and Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular. Meanwhile, the company has unveiled new fact sheets for both consumers and the trade, available to download from its Website, the first of which highlights Long Island City in Queens. The company's senior vice president Fred Dixon said: "There's been an expansion of hotels all across the city which has brought new product and price point to the market and the trade need help in selling these areas. That is why we decided to launch the new fact sheets, which highlight hotels and cultural attractions as well as other information, and act as a toolkit for agents selling to clients looking for value and affordability." Agents can also access the company's 'Save the Date' planning tool, which offers the best dates on hotel value and availability to clients. For more information visit www.nycgo.com/traveltrade

Audley Travel & Kirker Holidays add new itineraries and packages to Philadelphia AUDLEY TRAVEL has launched a new US travel itinerary and has for the first time included Philadelphia within its ‘Cities of the East’ itinerary. The company, which specialises in creating tailor-made itineraries for the discerning traveller, encompasses visits to Washington, DC., New York, Philadelphia and Boston, within the ten-day itinerary. For details see www.audleytravel.com Meanwhile, Kirker Holidays has included Philadelphia in its 2013 brochure. A six-night Art & Music tour visits both Baltimore and Philadelphia's finest art collections, including the newly relocated Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia

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Museum of Art, as well as the Baltimore Museum of Art. The tour departs from Heathrow on April 23 and includes accommodation at the recently renovated four-star Latham Hotel in Philadelphia. As well as two half-day walking tours in Philadelphia, the itinerary includes musical highlights by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Orchestra and a performance of Rinaldo by Handel by the Curtis Opera Theatre. For details see www.kirkerholidays.com For more information on Philadelphia call 0115-922 9255 or visit www.discoverphl.com

November 16 2012

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wtmreport Visit Brazil Travel Association launches Minas Gerais training module for agents THE VISIT Brazil Travel Association (VBRATA) has launched a new online brochure, online training for travel agents and has announced the state of Minas Gerais as Destination of the Year for 2012/13. With the next World Cup taking place in Brazil in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016, VBRATA is committed to ensuring UK travel agents have the information, tools and expertise to sell the destination confidently with additional sales opportunities and options to explore regions outside of Rio de Janeiro and other main tourist haunts. Using the VBRATA Website and training on the Online Travel Training platform, modules are already completed for Brazil, and the states of Pernambuco and Minas Gerais. Minas Gerais, located in the south east of the country, offers a mix of culture, gastronomy, ecotourism and offers no less than 60% of Brazil’s national heritage, including three cities classified UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ouro Preto, Diamantina and Congonhas. VBRATA’s partnership executive Chris Fuzinatto said: “Brazil has a once in a lifetime opportunity to maximise tourism in the lead up to, during and after the forthcoming World Cup and Olympics. We

BRAZIL BUDDIES...pictured marking the announcement of Minas Gerais as Destination of the Year for 2012/13 are, from the left: Lilás Nascimento, Minas Gerais State Tourist Board; Chris Fuzinatto, VBRATA; Marcelo Pedroso, Embratur; Agostinho Patrus Filho; Minas Gerais State Tourist Board; and Travel Bulletin's Nick Boocock.

recognise the value that travel agents can bring and are keen to work with them to ensure they are aware of breadth and diversity of sales opportunities in our country. Working jointly with our tour operator, airline

Tunisia hits second wave of campaign THE TUNISIAN National Tourist Office (TNTO) is into the second wave of its tourism campaign for this year, highlighting the destination's five key pillars - beach holidays, the Sahara desert, archaeology & culture, golf and spa & thalassotherapy. The TNTO's UK director, Wahida Jaiet, said: "The main reason UK visitors travel to Tunisia is not necessarily the culture, the golf or the desert, but to experience the diverse range of resorts Tunisia offers. Brits are looking for an easygoing holiday with sun and good food, so this is something we will continue to promote, along with our niche products. "Next year we will be looking to highlight more of these niche products and promote Tunisia's efforts at developing new products for tourists. For example, within the next couple of years Tunisia will have four more golf courses." According to the TNTO, the UK market is proving to be very resilient, with a substantial increase of 51.9% from January to September this year compared with last year. Jaiet said: "It is perhaps more realistic to compare this year's figures with those we saw in 2010, our best year for UK visitors with 350,000 arrivals. By the end of this year we are aiming for between 320,000 and 330,000 UK arrivals and for 2013 we are aiming to repeat the visitor numbers we saw in 2010, if not overtake that figure. "What will help in achieving those goals is to continue working hard with the trade and we will do this through a variety of measures including roadshows, e-blast campaigns and fam trips."

November 16 2012

and other partners we are entering an exciting era for VBRATA, Brazil and the travel trade in the UK who want to work with us.” For details visit www.vbrata.org and www.onlinetraveltraining.com

TUNISIA TALK...Travel Bulletin's Simon Eddolls meets up with UK director of the Tunisian National Tourist Office, Wahida Jaiet, at this year's WTM.

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wtmreport Online Travel Training unveils new global site & new name ONLINE TRAVEL Training announced the launch of its new global site and its new name at WTM. Under the new brand name of OTT, with a new URL www.ott.travel and a new logo, the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 120 different courses are now available in any language and across all worldwide regions. The site now allows travel suppliers such as airlines, tour operators, destinations, attractions, rail, cruise operators and car rental companies to educate, incentivise and market to travel professionals across the world. OTT's operations director Bruce Martin said: "This is an immensely exciting time for us. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly competitive global market, it is vital that travel professionals develop their skills and understanding so they can sell effectively and provide the level of service and knowledge which consumers expect. Investing in personal development also benefits the individual, providing greater job satisfaction and the opportunity to earn some excellent incentives and fam trips." Travel agents signing up for courses will experience new features on the site including an improved look and feel, achievement badges for students as they progress and an integrated revenue tracker. The new platform places greater emphasis on measuring results and a new management reporting system makes it

possible to track how many students access training and monitors how many bookings are being made as a result of the course. Global courses are set to launch soon in Australia, the Middle East, India and Canada. For more information visit www.ott.travel

Bruce Martin (left), operations director at OTT and Martin Court from Texas Tourism celebrate OTT's new Website and brand name.

New online training programme for agents from Tourism Malaysia TOURISM MALAYSIA has launched 'Master Malaysia', an online training programme, developed by Travel Uni. The programme consists of four modules, with 'Ron' the Orang Utan giving tips along the way, and is specifically designed for agents to learn how to sell the destination. A spokesperson for the tourist office said: "Our aim is to raise awareness about the tourism products Malaysia has to offer. We will continue promoting traditional products, at

the same time generating new product offerings that the trade might not have seen previously. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Examples include new opportunities for the family market such as the launch of the recent Legoland and Hello Kitty, which opens next year. "Malaysia offers exceptional value for money and is a very diverse destination without being commercialised all great selling points for agents to highlight to clients."

TAP-PING INTO BRAZIL...TAP Portugal is promoting its new daily flight schedule between Manchester and Lisbon and is focusing its efforts on promoting its routes to Brazil for 2013, with 74 flights weekly to nine destinations in the country. Pictured marking the new flight announcements is the airline's marketing manager, Simon Forster (right) with Travel Bulletin's Nick Boocock.

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November 16 2012

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pixmix

GAMBIA GROUP...pictured catching up on business are, from the left: Chris Alan Schubert, Gambia Bird ; Hon. Fatou Mass Jobe Njie, minister of tourism for the Republic of the Gambia; and Chris Gascoine from Travel Bulletin.

CYPRUS CALL...pictured catchi ng up at the Rural Cyprus stand are , from the left: Philippos P. Drousiotis, Cyprus Sus tainable Tourism Initiative; Ev ie Panayiotou, Cyprus Agrotourism Company; An nita Demetriadou Papagergi , dir ector of tourism , Cyprus Tourism Organ isation ; Jeanette Ratcliffe, Travel Bulletin; and Yannis Efthymiou , Association of Greek-Cypriot Travel Agents (A GTA) UK.

ch Nord/Pas de Calais CENTENARY COUNTDOWN...pictured at the Fren of WW1 (where French stand during the launch of plans for the centenary Belgium are working departments in the north of France and Flanders in are, from the left; together to promote the battle fields and visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sites) ier, Nord Tourism; and Benoit Dieval, Pas de Calais tourism; Delphine Bart Mathilde Mereaux, coordinator for Nord Tourism.

image: Colin Antill / Fotoseeker.com

DRESSED TO IMPRESS...the Ecu ador Ministry of Tourism announ ced that its focus for Ecuador for this year and into 2013 is conscious tou rism , a concept based on ethical and sus tainable principles to contribute to an improved tourism performance. Pictured at the stand is Patricio Tamariz , advisor to the minister of tourism with Anita AlbĂĄn Mo ra (second from right), ambassador of Ecuador, with the stand's represe nta tives, who are showcasing the des tination's traditional costumes.

MARKING MATTALA...pictured celebrating the development of Sri Lanka's second international airport, Mattala, are, from the left: Nadisha Samarakoon, Srilankan Airlines; H.E. Dr Chris Nonis, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka; Hon Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, deputy minister of Economic Delevopment; Nishantha Wickremasinghe, Srilankan Airlines; Bashwara Gunarathna, Sri Lanka Tourism; and Shiny Narandeniya, Srilankan Airlines. 16

November 16 2012

JOLLY AT JORDAN...pictured at a cake cutting cremony to mark 200 years since Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt rediscovered the lost Nabataean city of Petra, are, from the left: Mahfouz Kishek and Dr Abdul Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Jordan Tourism Board; Mohammad Queisi, Commissioner of Tourism Investment (Petra Authority); Nayef Al Fayez and Sarah Noor, Jordan Tourism Board; and Debbie Flynn, Brighter Group. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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training Sales: what’s your tally of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals this season? by PETER MARSH, Pete

r Marsh Associates

RE YOUR personal sales figures down? Do you feel that you are going through a lean patch? No getting on the podium? Perhaps it is time to review some of the sales basics.

Benefits – the driving force behind every purchase "People buy a product because it will do something for them or give them something" Take insurance for example; clients are not interested in buying an insurance policy. They are buying convenience, security, protection for the family or whatever. The client is interested in themselves and their needs - not you or the travel provider. ● Are you putting yourself in their shoes? ● Why are they buying? ● What’s important to them? ● What don’t they want? When the client will not decide – don’t switch off. Hesitation or indecision can mean that: ● Your client requires more information ● You have not explored their needs fully ● You have not emphasised benefits enough ● The client needs reassurance before making a decision You may find that the reason for hesitating is a real concern, or that it is an excuse, in which case further objections will crop up - as a means of stalling. Ask questions gently but don’t challenge the client. The tone of your voice is important. Suggest to the client that if you can overcome the stated problem or issue you can go ahead with the booking. You are less likely to get client hesitation or indecision in the first place if you do your groundwork correctly by: ● Asking questions/listening, ● Finding out likes and dislikes, ● Discovering previous holiday successes ● Fully establishing the criteria for choice Getting the decision You must "ask for the business". It isn't being pushy it's what you are there for! Try getting the decision as soon as you spot some buying signals or you feel that

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the client is warming to a holiday suggestion. You won't get the booking unless you ask for it! Key questions for successful sales Tick the ones that you could see yourself using and try them on a client! Feel free to mix and match words and add your own questions of course. Looker or booker? ● Are you in a position to book today? ● Are you planning to book today? ● If that is available are you thinking of booking today? ● If we have space/availability on/at would you like me to book it for you? ● If space is there would you like to go ahead and book it today? ● Is this an enquiry or will you be booking today? ● Would you be interested in booking today if we can find something suitable for you? ● If I can find something to meet your budget would you like to go ahead today? Alternatives include: ● Why did you choose that particular holiday? ● What was it that made you choose that particular hotel? ● May I ask you why you decided on that particular hotel? (or date etc .....) ● What did you like about the hotel? ● What was it about the hotel that appealed to you? ● What other alternative might you be interested in? ● What would you like me to avoid? Hesitation ● What in particular are you unsure about? ● What, in particular are you concerned about? ● Is there anything about the hotel that you are unsure about? ● What else would you like to know about that particular hotel? ● What other information can I give you to help you make your mind up? ● continues on next page

November 16 2012

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training Get Connected with If Only... AS PART of its current Mauritius campaign, If Only... and the UK office of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is offering agents the chance to win Apple’s newest iPad – the iPad 3 in time for Christmas. Agents logging on the Travel Partners Zone on the company’s Website at www.ifonly.net/agents can enter a simple quiz which asks ten questions about some of the best resorts on the island. Every correct entry will be included in the prize draw announced on December 15.

TIPTO HELD its latest roadshow in Leicester. Pictured is Marika Riddick from Travel Counsellors, who won a one-night four-star London theatre break for two, presented by Mark Riddle of Newmarket Holidays. The next roadshows will be in Southampton on November 21, Worcester on November 22 and Preston on November 28.

November 16 2012

New UK departures module from RCI & Celebrity WITH FIVE ships sailing from UK ports of call next year and more European itineraries, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have launched a new training module designed to engage and educate agents on the many new options available to cruisers next summer. The module contains everything agents need to know about the new itineraries and the destinations they visit, and allows agents to explore and take part in fun interactive games relating to the new itineraries. It also features visual training sessions that include quizzes and videos to keep agents motivated and engaged. Michelle Russell, trade training manager for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, said: “Next year is the first time we’ve had five ships sailing from UK ports of call and this module provides agents with the perfect opportunity to brush up on all the new itineraries and first-time destinations our cruise line’s will visit next summer." For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk

● continued from previous page ●

●

What other information can I offer you to put your mind at ease? Is there anything else that you are uncertain/unhappy about? What other information do you think your partner/other members of the party might need? How do you think your partner/other members of the party will feel about this holiday?

Closing ● I can book it now for you if you wish? ● We have only got the one room left would you like to book it today? ● Can I confirm that for you? ● Would you like me to go ahead and make the booking for you? ● Would you like me to go ahead and finalise that for you? ● Shall I go ahead and make the booking for you? ● Shall we confirm that? The difference between a good and a mediocre sales person is that the top sales people (plus athletes and sportsmen and women) take time out to reflect on their performance figures, review their techniques and, most importantly, change and try a different approach if necessary. Doing the same old thing in the same old way will simply bring the same old results - don’t get caught up in a sales rut! ✦

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corsica

CRESTA HAS added Corsica to its France brochure for 2013, on the back of demand and increased interest in the destination. A range of new experiences are available including the option to twin Cote d’Azur cities with the island. Corsica hotels include the three-star Hotel La Pinede in Ajaccio, where a night's bed-and-breakfast stay costs from £49 per person, and Hotel Pietracap, a three-star property in the town of Pietranera where a night's breakfast stay leads in at £65. The operator is highlighting a seven-night stay for the price of six, available on stays from April 1-May 7 and September 25-November 30. Flights are available with easyJet, with direct flights Sunday to Sunday from April to September. For details visit www.bctagent.co.uk or call 0844-800 7017

Corsican Places launches new brochure featuring more than 140 properties CORSICAN PLACES has issued its 2013 brochure offering visitors a new Heathrow to Figari flight with British Airways for the first time, plus its largest collection of villas, apartments and hotels available on the island with more than 140 properties, including 12 new additions. Early booking offers include savings of £50 per person on selected holidays, increased child discounts, and free UK airport lounge access. Offers apply to bookings made by November 30 for those travelling on the operator's charter flights; Stansted-Calvi, Manchester-Calvi and new Heathrow-Figari service. A total of 12 properties are new for next year including ten self-catering properties and two hotels. These include Villa les Oliviers, a three-bedroom Bergerie style property surrounded by vineyards in the Patrimonio region of North East Corsica, where some of Corsica’s best wine and Muscats are produced; and Casa Mia, a two-bedroom villa in the south of the island occupying a mountain location, overlooking the Gulf of Porto Vecchio. The five-star Casadelmar Hotel offers a beachside location just outside Porto Vecchio, in the south of the

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island and offers guests views across the bay to Cala Rossa. Facilities include a spa, infinity pool and gastronomic restaurant. Meanwhile, the operator's new flight from Heathrow to Figari will be the only UK flight to the destination and enables the company to further develop its portfolio within the south of the island. A morning departure time, including in-flight meal, preallocated seating and luggage allowance are among the selling points of the new flight. The operator is continuing its Stansted to Calvi service for a third season with Titan Airways as well as its Manchester to Calvi charter with Flybe. For families there are child discounts plus free carriage of car seats and pushchairs on all the operator's charter flights, plus free use of cots and high chairs. The company is also offering a choice of walking and cycling tours for next year, with free bike carriage on its Stansted-Calvi flight (subject to availability). Tailor-made itineraries can also be arranged along with a Corsica Sardinia twin-centre holiday. For more information or to book call 0845-330 2113 or visit www.corsica.co.uk

November 16 2012

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fambulletin SNCM/SOUTHERN Ferries recently hosted a fam to Corsica. The group took the SNCM Pascal Paoli ferry from Marseille to Bastia which included dinner, overnight in a cabin and breakfast followed by a few days in Corsica. For more information visit www.southernferries.com

SOUTHERN BELLES…setting sail to Cors ica from Marseille are Har riet Massetti (left) from TUI/Thomson UK with Rachel Hilsdon from Low Cost Travel

DINNER ABOARD… sea ted for dinner on the Pasca l Paoli SNCM ferry are, from the left: Bob Atkinson , Trav el Supermarket; Linda Aplin , VLV Holidays; Michael Sh aw, French Connections; Harriet Massetti TUI/Thomson UK ; and Meryam Boumenar, So uthern Ferries.

A VOTRE SANTE… The Briti sh group enjoys wine tasting at Clo s Columbu vineyard . 20

COMING UP ROSÉ…pictured are Kirsty Laifa from Travel Gateway aferry .co.uk (left), with Etienne Suzzoni owner of the Clos Columbu vineyard near Calvi and Marie Riolacci from the chamber of commerce, Bastia and L’Ile Rousse

FERRY GOOD FRIENDS…pictured are Meryam Boumenar from Southern Ferries (left) with JeanFelix Acquaviva, director of the Central Corsica Office of Tourism ; and Natalie Colonna, owner of the Hotel Dominique Colonna, Corte

November 16 2012

CAP CORSE… Herve Perrotin from SNCM (left) visits the bridge of the Pascal Paoli SNCM ferry and meets Captain Philippe Pieraggi. They are pictured with Kirsty Laifa, Travel Gateway aferry .co.uk and Meryam Boumenar (far right) from Southern Ferries. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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corsica

Discover Corsica

The island of beauty

MARK WARNER is promoting its San Lucianu Beach Resort in Corsica, which leads in at £874 per person for a week departing on June 1, 8 or 15 next year, with prices for a September 21, 2013 departure starting from £691. The price includes BA flights, half-board accommodation, transfers plus a range of activities and child care/entertainment options. For details call 0844-273 6796 or see www.markwarner.co.uk

Seven-night Highlights of the Med cruise from Thomson Cruises THOMSON CRUISES is offering a seven-night Highlights of the Mediterranean Cruise which includes Corsica on the Thomson Dream from £779 per person. The itinerary includes visits to Palma, Mallorca; Ajaccio, Corsica; Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy; Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Italy; St Raphael, France and Barcelona; Spain. Based on two adults sharing on a full-board basis, the cruise departs on May 18, 2013 from Norwich and Bournemouth airports. Prices include flights, cabin supplements, fuel supplements, ship transfers, service charges and tips. For more information or to book visit thomson.co.uk/cruise or call 0871-231 3243

Kirker adds Corsica to short breaks programme KIRKER HAS added Corsica to its short breaks and tailor-made holidays programme. The destination features in the operator's first dedicated France brochure and the lead in package price for seven nights at the four-star superior Radisson Blu Resort & Spa costs from £1,198 per person. At the high end, seven nights at the five-star deluxe Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa costs from £1,698. Prices are based on two sharing and include flights, car hire and breakfast accommodation. For more information or to book call 020-7593 2288 or see www.kirkerholidays.com

Handpicked private villas, character apartments & hotels. Convenient direct morning ﬂights from Stansted, Manchester and Heathrow airports. For brochures, trade log-ins & agency support

0845 330 2066 Corsica.co.uk/Trade 5113

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uk&ireland How agents can capitalise on the success of the Olympics by ALLAN LAMBERT, head of retail sales, Bourne Leisure

HE LONDON 2012 games will leave us all with many abiding memories. The Games’ motto of inspiring a generation seems to have been superseded; leaving a whole nation inspired and also challenged the global audience to look at Great Britain through a different lens. At home the negative expectation of a games expected to be delivered over budget and only be accessible to a corporate audience was trumped by unmitigated success and thankfully cynics changed their chips and replaced with a typically British, we showed Dunkirk spirit.

Going for gold The opening ceremony set the tone, acknowledged our past and showcased a modern multicultural Britain. It was brave and many argued out of step with a nation which is often criticised with failing to be inclusive and failing to provide all communities with a sense of identity. But maybe just maybe (and I am an optimist), the celebratory events of the last 18 months saw the Olympic games as a fitting tipping point for British pride, building on the earlier celebrations of the Royal Wedding Jubilee, and acknowledging a diverse nation whose differences and diversity can make us great again. So the stage for London 2012 was set and the perfect ingredients of potential sporting excellence, cultural brilliance and architectural triumphs; all cocooned in uncharacteristic sunshine and an even warmer welcome from the British public. We added the electricity with sell-out crowds and a tribal obsession behind team GB (possibly with the exception of team Yorkshire). As we climbed the medal table - we all cheered until hands were red raw and throats were hoarse. Even the French and Australian media lauded London as the greatest games ever! But in amongst the fabulous sporting achievements, arguably the greatest team of the games were the 70,000 volunteers - the purple people. All of these heroes are deserving of all the plaudits and recognition they have received since the closing of the games. So what was so special about these purple people? They weren’t professional games makers shipped in by

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the International Olympic Committee. They were people like you and me and they came from all corners of the UK, from all walks of life and from every age group. The best of British Without fail these volunteers demonstrated the very best in British hospitality. We proved that we can consistently deliver a warm welcome and a service experience to rival the very best. They had an exemplary attitude, a clear mission and had been exceptionally trained. Nothing was left to chance. The net result was a professional, committed and passionate team who amplified our enjoyment of the games which in turn contributed immeasurably to the games’ overall success. With so much to celebrate and be proud of, Visit England are correct to build on the tourism legacy. Just as the sporting governing bodies would like us to be more active and participate in sport either as a volunteer or competitor, we should take the time to explore and enjoy the great holidays on offer closer to home. This doesn't need to be as an alternative to overseas travel; both offer invaluable experiences which enrich our lives. For travel agents the UK still offers a significant earning opportunity and as a sector it continues to grow. Families in 2012 continued to search out value for money holidays as the current economic conditions put pressure on the household purse. So after hosting the greatest show on earth - arguably 2013 presents the perfect opportunity for High Street agents to raise the profile of UK holidays and capitalise on this lucrative market. A recent poll of 1,000 travel agents suggested that 68% thought that recent British events would have a positive impact on the customers when considering their families holiday in 2013. Advance bookings are strong. So whether a UK break is your customers’ main holiday or a short break, how are you and your team going to make the most of this opportunity? UK operators like ourselves are committed to supporting you and hopefully together we can achieve Olympic success. ✦

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uk&irleand cottages4you issues dedicated Ireland brochure COTTAGES4YOU IS launching its new Irish brochure The Glass House, Dingle, Co. Kerry next month, featuring a collection of more than 450 cottages, of which 50 are new. Cottages start from £199 per week, based on arrivals between October 1-24, 2013 for seven nights. The New Year will also see the launch of the company's luxury collection online, while clients with young families can choose from a collection of baby and toddler-friendly cottages, which include facilities such as a cot, high chair, baby bath, blackout blinds, children’s crockery, sterilisers and nightlights. Each region in Ireland is given an introduction in the new brochure, highlighting local areas of interest as well as key transport links. Every property featured will have low, mid and high price point indicators to assist customers with their decision, as well as map references so that properties can easily be located.

HILTON LONDON Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 has created a Premoon package, aimed at newlyweds and couples travelling out of Heathrow. It includes an overnight stay in a luxury guestroom, breakfast, a meal for two, a spa experience, a gift, and two week's car parking. Prices lead in at £321 per room.

London’s official tourism Website receives new look LONDON & Partners, the official promotional organisation for the capital, has unveiled a new and improved visitlondon.com Website, aimed at domestic and overseas visitors. The new-look site, which aims to provide the best guide to the city, has been refreshed with a clearer and more engaging layout. There's a simple navigation with five main sections, easy-to-use drop down menus and improved search functionality. The new Discover London section gives first-time visitors a better online experience, with inspirational features and tools for planning their visit to London. Enhanced social media interactivity has also been at the forefront of changes. The site now allows for simpler integrated use of Facebook, Yahoo, Google and Windows Live log-in, letting visitors share content more easily. The site is also fully optimised for mobile and tablet devices.

Rabbie’s marks 20 years of small group touring with programme expansion RABBIE’S IS expanding its product offering in 2013 in celebration of 20 years of small group touring. New options include a new Isle of Skye and the West Highland four-day tour departing from Edinburgh on seven dates between May and October, while the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye tour will extend to a six-day expedition. Visitors can explore Scotland’s ancient past from prehistoric to the medieval on the operator's Castle Experience Tour for 2013. The country’s most famous royal residences will feature highly on this tour – which departs between May and September – as well as the stories of epic battles, mystical legends and bravery. Clients will stay overnight in two castle-style hotels and will have exclusive access to some of the most historically important houses and castles in Scotland. Departures from

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Glasgow include a new one-day Culzean Castle, Burns Country and the Ayrshire Coast, as well as an extra day on the Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Lochs & Castles tour. Meanwhile, multi-day tours from Dublin will feature two new tours – the Northern Ireland and the Atlantic Coast tour and the All Ireland Explorer. The five-day Northern Ireland and the Atlantic Coast tour takes an extensive look at the culture, history and legends of the country with overnight stays in Portrush, Donegal, and Westport. The All Ireland Explorer is a nine-day tour combining a Northern Ireland and the Atlantic Coast and Escape to the West five-day tour, giving travellers a free afternoon and evening to explore Galway between tours. Following the company's success of London departure tours this year, the Heart of England and North Wales

three-day tour will be replaced by the Heart of England, North Wales and York four-day tour, departing on Tuesday and Friday. And as the first of its kind in the UK, the new Highlights of England & North Wales seven-day tour will allow customers to travel to Edinburgh from London, covering the highlights of north Wales, Shakespeare country, the Peak district, York and the Lake District. The company's Island Hopping programme of ten-, 12-, 14- and 17-day tours also have additional dates next summer, giving visitors more choice and options to visit the Scottish islands incorporated on the itineraries, including Islay, Iona, Mull, Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. All tours are restricted to a maximum of 16 passengers. For more information visit www.rabbies.com

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uk&ireland New Green Getaways from Wightlink WIGHTLINK HAS expanded its collection of character holiday accommodation to offer four new Green Getaways, which join the existing collection of cottages, barns, yurts, tipis and green belt campsites. To qualify for inclusion as a Green Getaway, accommodation must have an idyllic rural location, and examples range from a treehouse to a working farm for animal lovers. Built into ancient oak trees that have been coppiced and intertwined, Into the Woods Treehouse is the first property of its type to be featured by the company, and makes an ideal break for eco-conscious holidaymakers who are looking for a back-to-nature woodland experience, close to secluded beaches on the Isle of Wight’s north coast. At Nettlecombe Farm in the heart of South Wight countryside near Whitwell, families can stay on a working farm in the company of a menagerie of animals that include ponies, donkeys, peacocks and a reindeer. There are nine self-catering properties on the farm, including quaint cottages and converted stables. The property also welcomes dogs. For more information on the new properties visit www.wightlink.co.uk/greengetaways

BROCHURE BUDDIES…pictured marking the launch of Warner Leisure Hotels’ 2013 brochure are Steve Malloy (left) of Thomas Cook, Hemel Hempstead with Stuart Cowell, Bourne Leisure Agency Sales. The brochure features agent-friendly advice, activities, product news, early booking offers and new incentives. A new entertainment programme has also been announced and acts announced so far for 2013 include Ken Dodd, Russell Watson, Candi Staton, Billy Ocean and Elaine Paige. Prices for a four-night break start from £105 per person at Lakeside Coastal Village based on a January 7 departure. See www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141 1111.

Hoseasons launches flagship 2013 programme

Our 2013 brochures are here! 2013

First child goes free OUR TRUE INTENT IS ALL

FOR YOUR DELIGHT

on school holiday & term-time weekend breaks

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JANUARY - DECEMBER

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Save a GUARANTEED 50% on 1000s of rooms

on 1000s of rooms See pages 8-9 for details

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To book visit BourneLeisureSales.co.uk

visit Trade-Gate.co.uk

Terms and conditions: All offers are subject to promotional availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Full brochure terms and conditions apply. Warner Leisure Hotels customers must be over 21 years of age.

November 16 2012

58301

To order brochures

HOSEASONS HAS launched its flagship Lodges and Parks in the UK and Europe programme for 2013, with 485 lodge and holiday parks in the UK, and a further 79 in Europe. New to the programme is Daisy Door Cottage Style Collections, featuring clusters of cottage-style accommodation in four locations across the UK, aimed at families, groups of friends and couples. The locations are in Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, Yorkshire and Ayrshire. Next year also sees a major expansion of the company's Evermore Lodge Holidays product, which features luxury lodges for families and groups. The number of locations will increase to ten, with four new locations in Shropshire, Yorkshire and the southern Highlands. Meanwhile, continued high demand for luxury holidays has also prompted the operator to increase its Autograph Lodge Holidays programme by 25%, with five new locations added, bringing the total to 25. Offering contemporary lodge holidays, each with a private hot tub, Autograph Lodges offer the highest standard of accommodation, location and service for couples and groups of friends. There is also further expansion for 2013 of Hoseasons’ Go Active Breaks programme of activity breaks, with two new locations added to the existing 14 flagship parks, each offering a range of indoor and outdoor active experiences for all ages. The programme also features 79 parks in nine European countries. Included in these, and new for 2013, are Voyager First, a collection of four- and five-star parks designed with British families in mind, with a representative on hand. A range of early booking discounts, including savings of up to £100 off holidays during the peak school summer holiday weeks are available.

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uk&irleand New £2billion entertainment destination unveiled for the South East PLANS TO develop a new £2billion world class entertainment Europe’s largest indoor water park, theatres, live music destination on the Swanscombe Peninsula, North Kent, have venues, attractions, cinemas, restaurants, event space and been unveiled by a consortium of leading UK and international hotels. companies. An independent feasibility study has suggested that the The new development will transform the 872-acre brown entertainment destination will draw in many additional tourists field site into one of the largest regeneration projects in to the UK each year, making a significant contribution to the Europe, creating up to 27,000 economy. An artist’s impression of the proposed development jobs and integrating the Tony Sefton, project leader development into the local for LRCH, said: “Our vision is communities of Dartford and to create a world class Gravesham. entertainment destination, Development vehicle London the first of its kind in the UK. Resort Company Holdings We are at the start of a long [LRCH] has signed an journey, but have been agreement with Paramount encouraged by the support Licensing Inc, the licensing and buy-in we have had to division for Hollywood-based date. We are particularly Paramount Pictures, to give pleased with the appetite we exclusive UK licensing for a are seeing from investors, Paramount entertainment who consider this a resort at the heart of the site. compelling investment The agreement does not proposition. include investment from "Over the next 12-18 Paramount Licensing Inc in the project. LRCH is also in months we will be progressing the planning application, while negotiations with a range of major British brands to sign embarking on a wide-reaching programme of community licensing agreements. consultation, while securing further commercial agreements At the core of the proposed development is Europe’s leading with third parties. Our timetable for delivery, including the entertainment destination, with a Paramount-branded planning application process and construction timetable, is entertainment resort and leisure district, which will feature geared towards completion and opening in 2018.”

Winter deals at Duchally Country Estate DUCHALLY COUNTRY Estate in Perthshire, Scotland, is helping visitors adapt to new licencing laws which came into effect in Scotland recently stating no children are allowed in hotel bars after 21:00. The hotel has added a new children’s games area adjacent to the bar area so parents can still enjoy time out while the kids are entertained close by. Winter deals include seven nights for the price of six in one of the premium two- or three-bedroom self-catering garden lodges and a deal for a mid-week break for two people sharing a double or twin room in the main hotel with breakfast for £37.50 per person per night (£20 supplement for weekend nights). For details visit www.clcholidays.com or call 0800-009 6020. VISITORS TO the Isles of Scilly are set to benefit from improved transport links following the announcement of multi-million pound investment programmes. The facilities, expected to be finished ahead of the 2013 season in March, include an increase in scheduled flights to the islands in line with major improvement programmes taking place at Lands End Airport, plus a major refurbishment programme on the Scillonian III foot passenger ferry. A new, purpose built terminal building, new baggage handling facility, a dedicated arrivals area, a new Air Traffic Control and upgraded car parks are all being created at Lands End airport and will be completed for the start of the new season. On the Island a £4.5million improvement plan for St Mary’s Airport is being progressed and the Government has given the green light for a formal bid of £8million of Government and European funding for the development of the Quay on St Mary’s. For details see www.simplyscilly.co.uk and www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

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uk&ireland Airways Holidays issues new Jersey packages from Cambridge CAMBRIDGE AIRPORT has announced the return of direct holidays to Jersey from May 2013, in conjunction with Airways Holidays. The holidays have been introduced for next year due to popular demand, following the sell-out success of the operator’s first season of packages from Cambridge Airport to Jersey earlier this year. Agents are now able to book clients a selection of seven- and 14-night packages to Jersey, departing from May 11, 2013, with prices starting from £404 per person. Clients booking holidays before December 31 will also avoid 2013 price increases. As an added incentive, agents will receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher for every Cambridge-Jersey booking made between now and December 31. To claim, email your booking reference to sales@airwaysholidays.com Robert Mackenzie, the operator's managing director, said: “Agents had a fantastic response from their customers to our Jersey holidays when direct flights launched from Cambridge Airport this summer, so it took no time at all to decide to put summer 2013 services on sale as soon as possible. "Jersey has always been a favourite destination for UK visitors, with its enviable sunshine record, superb sandy beaches and attractions for all age groups. We hope that even more travellers from the East of England will enjoy the convenience of flying to Jersey direct from their doorstep next summer.” For more information or to book visit www.airwaystravel.com or call 0844-415 6651.

Insight Vacations adds Gaelic Treasures tour to Gold product INSIGHT VACATIONS has added a new itinerary to its luxury Gold product, Gaelic Treasures. Beginning in Dublin, the tour visits Ireland's National Stud at Kildare and joins an equine professional for a behind the scenes look at the Irish National Stud, before heading to Cork to visit the coastal town of Cobh. Other highlights include visits to Blarney, Limerick and Galway. The nine-day tour costs from £2,299 per person, based on two sharing and includes flights, VIP door-to-door airport transfers and accommodation. For details visit www.insightvacations.co.uk

BEAR-ING ALL...pictured marking the launch of Butlins' new 2013 brochure, which offers a selection of early booking offers, news facilities, activities and entertainment, are, from the left: Jamie Lee Evans from Thomas Cook in Bognor; Billy Bear; Sophie Reynolds, Bourne Leisure Agency Sales; Bonnie Bear; and Jo Almond from Thomas Cook in Littlehampton. The brochure showcases a new £12million Splash Waterworld development at Skegness in time for February half-term; a new fairground at Bognor Regis; plus a range of new shows including Jacksons, Blues on the Move, Storybook Pantomime and a Redcoat Gameshow. For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

New Grand Tourer itineraries from Shearings SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS is offering a range of new Grand Tourer itineraries. As examples, a five-day Hidden Treasures of the Lake District gives visitors the chance to experience the Lakes with an excursion, by Mountain Goat, to Langdales and Eskdale, as well as a trip on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, a cruise on Lake Windermere and a visit to the owl centre at Muncaster Castle. Prices lead in at £409 per person and departures are available from June to September next year. A five-day Shakespeare Country and Warwick Castle option costs from £369 and is based in rural Warwickshire in the village of Charlecote. Highlights include Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, a guided tour of the majestic state rooms at Warwick Castle and a visit to Royal Leamington Spa. Departures run from June to September. Meanwhile, a five-day Romantic Bath & Downton Abbey tour includes a full day excursion to Highclere Castle, the setting of the TV series Downton Abbey; a trip to Bampton, the location of the village-filming for Downton Abbey; and Oxford. Prices lead in at £379 and departures are available in July and August. For more information or to book call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Superbreak adds three London properties to portfolio with prices from £55.50 per night SUPERBREAK HAS added three new hotels to its portfolio of hotels in London including a new five-star hotel in the heart of the capital. Offering new choices for agents to promote in the capital, all hotels are fully commissionable to agents. The five-star InterContinental London Westminster opens its doors this month and is located within a few minutes' walk of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Prices for a night's breakfast stay lead in at £157.75 per person. The four-star 10 Pembridge Gardens has also been added and is located in Notting Hill, close to Portobello Road market.

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The property consists of a selection of contemporary furnished studio apartment suites, with each apartment offering state-ofthe-art appliances and free internet access. Prices for a night's breakfast stay lead in at £55.50. Meanwhile, a night's breakfast stay at the newly added fourstar Hilton London Wembley costs £57.50. The hotel is close to Wembley Stadium and the historic Wembley Arena and offers a fitness centre, indoor pool, sauna and steam room. For more information or to book see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

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spain Get equipped to offer your clients a taste of the real Spain by PAUL BUNCE, head of market development, RIU Hotels & Resorts

T’S PROBABLY difficult to remember when Spain wasn’t somewhere where people chose to take their overseas holidays, and certainly over the last 50 years it has remained the country of choice for millions of British holidaymakers. We began operating in 1953 with one hotel in Playa de Palma, Mallorca and since then we have grown to become the 30th largest hotel chain in the world with 108 hotels in 16 countries. However, like many of the best known brands in the industry, Spain was the cradle and catalyst for the boom in overseas package tourism. From a personal point of view I remember very well my first holidays as a teenager to Lloret de Mar and Benidorm which gave me the “bug” to work in tourism, which I realised in 1988 by starting work for Thomson as a holiday rep in Alcudia in Mallorca. Eventually I ended up spending 11 very happy years working all over Spain in various roles including the Balearics and Canaries and am very happy that today I maintain a close relationship and affinity with the country through my current role with RIU.

The cream of the crop Over recent years there have been many new and exciting destinations appearing in tour operators' brochures enticing clients to try something different, however, for me personally I believe that Spain and her islands still offer an ideal combination of climate, activities, quality hotels and accessibility which are difficult to compete with. I can’t believe how much tourism and the related facilities and infrastructure have evolved to meet the demands of today’s ever demanding clientele and how well Spain caters for every single type of traveller, be it young singles, couples, families or older customers. I have been lucky enough recently to have visited all four Balearic Islands, each with a different character and charm and boasting numerous attractions to entice British holidaymakers to their shores. Of course everyone knows Mallorca but there’s so much more to it than the main resorts; you can hire a car and drive the rugged west coast road from Pollensa via Lluc, Deia and Valldemosa to the beautiful port of Andraitx. Go shopping in vibrant Palma or visit some of the upmarket resorts such as Cala D’Or or Porto Petro.

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Menorca is a particular favourite of mine with the stunning harbour of Mahon as well as some of the best beaches in Spain and is the ideal destination for families. Ibiza is renowned for its club scene but also boasts some great beaches and Ibiza town at night is hard to compete with for its eclectic mix of hippy chic and fabulous restaurants. Formentera was a recent discovery for me and all I can say is go! The beaches are better than many in the Caribbean and it's only a 30-minute ferry ride from Ibiza, totally unspoilt and absolutely breathtaking. On the mainland Obviously Mainland Spain can’t be overlooked with great flight connections, short flight times and excellent tourist facilities. I particularly like the area around Malaga with favourites such as Nerja, Torremolinos and Benalmadena all offering Andalucian charm at very affordable prices and guaranteed year-round sunshine! For clients looking for something different I would recommend the area of Chiclana which can be reached very easily from Jerez via a new Gatwick flight from Thomson starting next summer. The ClubHotel Riu Chiclana is bound to become a firm favourite, particularly for families and boasts a wealth of facilities in beautiful surroundings and a great beach as well. Finally who can forget the appeal of the Canary Islands? Tenerife boasts the imposing Mount Teide, the traditional resort of Puerto de la Cruz as well as all the attractions of the south coast in the resorts of Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. Gran Canaria has the best sunshine record in Spain, it is great for winter breaks, particularly the resorts of Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Amadores but for a total change of scenery try recommending Puerto de Mogan or Fataga for a true taste of Canarian beauty. Lanzarote is famous for its “El Grifo” wine which is definitely a best buy as well as visits to the stunning beach at Papagayo and the pretty village of Playa Blanca from where you can take a ferry to Fuerteventura. Fuerteventura itself is quieter than the other islands but boasts the best beaches, especially around Corralejo and Jandia which are ideal for a sun filled break any time of the year. ✦

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spain Shearings offers chance to explore Classic Cities of Spain FEATURED IN its recently launched 2013 brochure, Shearings Holidays is offering a new 12-day Classic Cities of Spain Grand Tourer holiday from £999. The itinerary gives customers the chance to discover the history and culture of a range of Spanish cities. Highlights include exploring the capital Madrid, a guided tour of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a full day excursion to Granada and its Alhambra Palace. The price includes three excursions; 11 nights’ four-star breakfast accommodation; ten evening meals; luxury coach travel; and free Home Connect service (where available). There are also three optional excursions on offer. Departures are available from June to October. For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Fiesta Hotel Group renamed Palladium Hotel Group SPANISH HOTEL chain Fiesta Hotel Group has renamed as Palladium Hotel Group. The brand was first launched by Fiesta Hotels & Resorts in 2002 with the inauguration of two luxury eco-resorts in Riviera-Maya, Mexico. The brand has since grown to include a collection of 15 properties across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil and Spain. Juan José Calvo, commercial director of the group, said: “The rebrand to Palladium Hotel Group is the next logical step as Palladium Hotels & Resorts continue to gain exposure and loyalty in the international arena. As we continue to develop our global proposition, it is vital that we play on our strengths and Palladium offers an important set of standards such as high quality, service and added-value that we feel are fundamental to the success of the organisation. This rebrand also helps with the positioning of our urban chain, Ayre, which has grown significantly over the last six years.” The newly rebranded group will become the umbrella brand for the following properties: the Royal Suites; the Palladium and Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts; Fiesta Hotels & Resorts; the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel; the Ayre Hoteles; the Sa Talaia Boutique Villa; the Mallorca Rocks Hotel; and the Fresh Hotels & Apartments.

Jet2.com expands Canaries schedule JET2.COM HAS announced a 40% increase in its winter 2013 services to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, offering 86,000 extra seats. Customers can book a winter package holiday to the Canary Islands with the airline from £349 per person including flights, transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance. Steve Heapy, the carrier's chief commercial officer, said: “We are really excited to be increasing our flights and holiday operations with winter flying to the Canary Islands. Known for their year-round sun, these fantastic destinations provide the perfect family holiday for those looking to escape the winter freeze and head for the sunshine. “Increasing our services across Jet2.com and Jet2holidays means more passengers can take advantage of our great value holidays and friendly flight times. Offering the Canary Islands as year-round destinations at the times our customers want to travel is great news for sun seekers. Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are already incredibly popular across our Northern bases and we expect these expanded services to be a success.” The flights will depart from various UK airports. For more information or to request a copy of the brochures call 0800-408 5587 or see www.tradesite.jet2holidays.com

Monarch Airlines adds Lanzarote & Tenerife services MONARCH AIRLINES has launched twice-weekly flights to Lanzarote and Tenerife from its newest base in the East Midlands. The airline's managing director Kevin George said: “We are delighted to be expanding our winter 2012/13 flights programme from East Midlands Airport, our newest base, providing our customers in the Midlands with even more flexibility and choice. “The launch of the Canary Islands flights, already a popular route from other airports, is a great opportunity for those who wish to escape the UK’s cold winters.”

GOLF FANS with a love of darts are being offered the chance to meet some famous faces and take part in the first annual Golf and Darts Classic at Spain’s La Manga Club resort. Dart players Terry Jenkins, Steve Beaton, Wayne Mardle and Peter Manley will all be appearing in the four-day event, which takes place from February 5-8 next year, and gives golfers the opportunity to compete in a 36-hole Stableford competition on the resort’s North and South courses and attend a darts exhibition evening. Prices for a team of four people lead in at €2,352 (£1,960 – approximately £490 per person) and includes three nights’ breakfast accommodation, a welcome drinks reception, entertainment and food on the exhibition night and a final evening presentation dinner and drinks package. For details call 020-3301 3810, email reserve@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com

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spain New Iberos Tour from Spanish Thyme Traveller explores sights of Valencia THE SPANISH Thyme Traveller has launched The Iberos Tour, which explores the sights of Valencia. Guests will experience four walking tours on the trip, including the vineyard area of Fontanares; the canyons and hills of Valencia; the open plains of Valencia; and Xativa. Each walk is between two and five hours and although not technically

demanding, it is recommended that guests are regular walkers and have a good basic fitness. The paths can be rough under foot so the company recommends that clients wear walking boots. The tour dates for the remainder of this year and early next year are December 16-21; January 27-February 1; February 17-22; March 10-15; and

April 14-19. Prices lead in at €1,180 (approximately £945) per person based on double occupancy and includes minibus transport; five nights’ breakfast accommodation; four midday meals; three evening meals; a tour leader; local professional guides for specific visits; and entrance fees. For more information or to book visit www.thespanishthymetraveller.com

Mountain goats on The Iberos Tour

UK visitors up by 42% in August on last year INCREASING NUMBERS of Brits are discovering what Valencia has to offer according to the tourist board. UK visitor numbers are up by 5% for January through to August this year and up by 42% in August compared with 2011, with the increase being fuelled by a number of direct flights, including ryanair and easyJet, from a range of UK cities. For more information visit www.turisvalencia.com

New golf package from Son Julia SON JULIA, a 25-room manor house hotel in Mallorca is offering a package which includes three rounds of golf on the Son Gual golf course. It also includes six nights' breakfast accommodation, three dinners at the hotel's Las Bovedas restaurant, two 30-minute golfer's shoulder-and-neck massage, a 60minute full body massage, six days' car rental (VW Polo or equivalent) and cava and fresh fruit on arrival. Prices lead in at €1,325 (approximately £1,061) per person, based on two sharing a room, valid until November 28.

Onyria Palmares named best golf course at Publituris Portugal Travel Awards THE ONYRIA Palmares Beach & Golf Resort has been named the best golf course in Portugal at the Publituris Portugal Travel Awards 2012. It is the latest in a stream of recent accolades for the resort, which has also been named the best ‘Private Rehabilitation Project’ by Turismo de Portugal; the country’s second-best course by readers of Today’s Golfer magazine; debuted at number 26 in Golf World’s Top 100 European Golf Courses; and listed as the third best course in Portugal by Golf Digest. António Pinto Coelho, the resort's operations general director, said: “The Publituris Portugal Travel Awards are

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known in the industry as the ‘national tourism Oscars’ and to be acclaimed by your peers is especially gratifying. There are some truly outstanding, world-renowned golf courses in Portugal and to be recognised as the best is very special.” The 27-hole resort opened in June 2011 following a €10m redesign. The three loops of nine holes – the Alvor, Lagos and Praia courses – offer panoramic views across the Bay of Lagos. The resort will see a total investment of €300m when fully completed, with plans for a five-star hotel which will open in 2014, plus a selection of villa plots which have recently been released. For more information visit www.onyriapalmares.com

November 16 2012

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spain Superbreak adds Costa Del Sol Hotel We asked our staff the following question this week: If I could buy anything in the world... (complete the sentence!) Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

SUPERBREAK HAS added the four-star TRH Paraiso Beach and Golf Resort in Estepona to its portfolio of hotels on the Costa del Sol. The hotel is located in a residential area surrounded by golf courses and is close to Costalita’s Beach. It features an outdoor pool, indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. There are also two restaurants and two bars with panoramic views. Flight-inclusive packages start from £305.50 per person in April next year for three nights’ breakfast accommodation, departing from Manchester with Jet2. For more information call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

I'd be obscenely rich & happy

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk A Porsche Cayenne

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk A house for starters

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk ...it would be Cornwall. What price heaven?

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Genie

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk ...it would be health & happiness for my family

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk ...life would be incredibly dull and pointless!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk My answer would be Ferrari

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk The euro millions winning lottery ticket

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk A small island in the Maldives with it's own private runway

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Bugatti Veyron with chrome paint job

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Mansion with 5 aside pitch & indoor skate pool

Production: Jeremy Walters production@travelbulletin.co.uk An Airbus A380 as Concorde has been decommissioned

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

November 16 2012

Spanish National Tourist Office launches Social News Hub featuring social channels & services THE SPANISH National Tourist Office has launched a cloud-hosted social media news platform which incorporates all existing and new social media channels in one place. The Social News Hub, which is the first of its kind for the UK travel industry, is connected to more than 323 social channels and offers services such as updated news content, downloadable copy and images, quotes, links, polls and video links. The tourist office hopes that the hub will become the ‘go to’ resource for users interested in communicating about travel to Spain, as well as Spanish culture and events. The newsroom will publish content provided by external contributors, from bloggers to established travel writers. Enrique Ruiz de Lera, director of the organisation, said: "The launch of the Social News Hub is part of our overall digital strategy. We wanted to host a platform which integrates all of our current digital and social media channels in just one place, as well as offering easy expansion for the future.” The platform can be accessed via either www.socialnewsroom.spain.info/en or the ‘Spain in UK’ Facebook page. It can also be found under the ‘Social News Hub’ tab on the official Spanish Tourist Office Website at www.spain.info/uk For more information or suggestions email spain@lotus-uk.co.uk, putting ‘Social News Hub’ in the subject line.

Abama Golf & Spa Resort in Tenerife adds new spa treatments TENERIFE'S ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort has introduced two new spa treatments. The Nectar Tropical treatment uses extracts of mango and passion fruit to exfoliate the body before a mask containing citric acids vitamin C is applied. A body massage completes the treatment. Meanwhile, the anti-ageing Forever Young treatment utilises the antioxidant effects of tropical fruit. Starting with a skin polish, a papaya and pineapple wrap is applied before a full body massage. Each treatment costs €149 (£117) for a 90-minute session. For more information see www.abamahotelresort.com

puzzlesolutions Travagrams: (top) Delta

(bottom) Amarillo

Where Am I?: Yorkshire

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