Travel Bulletin 17th May 2013 by Alain Charles Publishing

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May 17 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,826 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Wildlife & Safaris A round-up of operator deals & product launches

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS... All About the

Mediterranean Islands May 2013

guide stop oneYourall the developments latest news and to

in the Mediterranean

Islands

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with this issue

this week notes from 8 normanton find out why Sandy is partial to rail travel

conference update the latest news from the Advantage conference in Malaga

turkey

destination gains popularity as MICE location

theme parks NEW! guest columnist, John Guinn, talks about Chessingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Madagascar Live!

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THE VOTES are flooding in to the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2013 so come and join us on Monday 7th October at the Landmark Hotel in London when all the winners will be revealed! Book your tickets now at the "early bird" rate www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ awards.

Cover Pictures: Main - Wildlife Worldwide

Inset - Hotel Marti Istanbul

This Week 3

news

notes from normanton

agent bulletin

puzzle bulletin

W-AITO-Go!

conference update

Leger survey reveals Brits pick their bucket list at 39 find out why Sandy is partial to rail travel join AMG Ltd & My Bookings Rewards for a Caribbean speed dating training session can you guess this week's travagrams? news and views from AITO Agents Jill Sayles reports from the Advantage conference in Malaga

personality bulletin

turkey

wildlife & safaris

theme parks

find out which MD always carries a pack of cards when travelling destination gains popularity as a MICE location a round-up of the latest operator deals and product launches new summer attractions to promote to clients

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JOLLY JAMAICA...The Jamaica Tourist Board, in partnership with British Airways, hosted a group of luxury-selling tour operators and travel agents on a five-day tour of Jamaica as part of its campaign to showcase the island’s luxury tourism portfolio. Pictured taking in the sights and sounds are, from the left: Susie Atkinson, Haslemere Travel; Nicola Hampson, British Airways; Lucy Grey, Abercrombie & Kent; Helen Tabois, ITC Classics; Liz Mace, Sandbanks Travel; Marina Voak, Scott Dunn; Tracie Ruffell, Exemplar Travel; June Riggs, Symphony World Travel; Jessica Jones, Azure Collection; and Torrance Lewis, Jamaica Tourist Board.

Leger Holidays’ research reveals Brits ‘Pick’ the Bucket at 39 RESEARCH FROM Leger Holidays has pinpointed 39 as the age that the average Brit will create their ‘bucket list’ of life goals to achieve before they die. The findings revealed that the average wish list contains 20 items to check off during a lifetime, with travel being the most popular thing to include, with more than three out of four people (78%) having key destinations they want to see on their list. This was almost four times as important as achieving financial success (22%) and three times as important as realising career aspirations (28%). Although most ambitions were shown to be travel inspired, other popular personal achievements include owning a Porsche (chosen by one in five), completing a bungee jump (one in four) and dating someone half your age (one in ten) - with that particular choice proving three times more popular with men than women. The five most coveted travel experiences were revealed to be experiencing new and distant cultures (33%); seeing the Seven Wonders of the World (31%); completing an iconic road trip (28%); experiencing natural phenomena, such as volcanoes (24%); and zoological or wildlife-related travel (23%).

Hotel occupancy in London expected to drop during the first post-Olympic summer HOTWIRE.COM HAS signed on many London hotels as industry experts anticipate a potential slump this post-Olympic summer. Although the British government predicted that an additional 4.5m visitors to the city in the four years after the Games, analysts and industry experts are starting to sense that this may be an overly optimistic view. Historically, post-Olympic years have been challenging for hoteliers in host cities as many built new properties for the Games, but were unable to fill them the years after. This leads to more competition and lowered prices. For example, in 2011, one year after the Vancouver Games, the city’s average hotel prices fell by 29% as occupancy numbers dropped. The

same was seen in Beijing where revenue per available room fell by 43% following the Games. In London, many are predicting similar trends will ensue following last year’s weaker than expected Olympic hotel demand. Industry experts point out that even amidst the projected tourism boom of last year, the number of tourists to London actually dropped from 3.36m to 3.18m. So, hoteliers assuming a strong and quick rebound during the traditionally slow post-Olympic years could be left with many empty rooms needing to be filled. The company's director Tara Stanel said: ● continues on next page

May 17 2013

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ON A (SWISS) ROLL...pictured marking the launch of Inghams' 324-page Summer 2014 brochure, which offers Lakes & Mountains breaks in Europe and Canada are, from the left, the operator's Alison Craig, Andy Chaplin and Charlotte Yeomans. For 2014 the company offers holidays to Italy, Austria, France, Switzerland, Canada, Slovenia, Croatia, Norway and Germany, with a choice of stay-put holidays, walking, cruises and tours, with accommodation offered in three- to five-star hotels, self-catering accommodation, chalets and chalet hotels. Prices lead in at £394 per person, based on travel from May 17, 2014 including flights from Gatwick, transfers and seven nights' half-board stay at Chalet St. Lukas in Mayrhofen, Austria. Regional flights are available from a supplement of £49 return. To book see www.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791111. ● continued from previous page

“It’s no secret that hotel construction, and therefore quantity of rooms, surged in London leading up to the summer games. But, what is still unknown, is how many of those rooms will be filled in the years to come. “It’s even harder to predict when we take into consideration the weakened European economic climate and declining US tourism rates. “However, the good thing is we have plenty of internal data, expert analysis, and prior Olympic cities to assist us in our expectations, and most signs point to the fact that London hoteliers will have to be more creative when it comes to sustaining occupancy during these post-Olympic years."

New family exhibition at IWM London IWM LONDON is inviting families to venture into the world of ‘Horrible Histories: Spies’ from this summer. The exhibition is based on Terry Deary’s book of the same name, from the bestselling Horrible Histories series published by Scholastic Children’s Books. The exhibition will open on Monday July 29 and explores the world of spies and spying during the Second World War. It features items from IWM’s Second World War collections, hands-on activities for all ages, digital and interactive elements and a ‘stamper trail’ that sets visitors on their own mission. Families will make their way through the exhibition, encountering themes such as Ruthless Resistance, Cracking Codes, Great Gadgets, Savage Sabotage and Clever Camouflage, and will discover techniques used by cunning spies, including how to make invisible ink, crack codes and use fake feet. A programme of free family activities will run alongside the exhibition during the school summer and half-term holidays and tickets are on sale from this Tuesday. Prices lead in at £6.20 for adults and £3.30 for children. Concession and family tickets are also available. For more information visit www.iwm.org.uk

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newsbulletin Taber Holidays & Specialised Tours merge JURYS INN Glasgow’s £3million investment signals the first major redevelopment of the city centre hotel since it opened in 2003. The 11-storey, 321-bedroom hotel now features redesigned guestrooms, environmentally-friendly lighting in the communal areas, a new restaurant, bar and all-day Costa coffee bar and newly decorated meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel. Guests can also upgrade to a superior room package which offers additional facilities such as complimentary Wi-fi, early check-in, iron and ironing board in rooms, complimentary national newspaper, still and sparkling water as well as 10% discount on all food in the hotel's restaurants and bars.

Free clubs for kids from Esprit Sun ESPRIT SUN is offering free kids clubs and nursery care for families staying for a week in the Riviera Beach Club on the Bay of Hyères on the Cote d'Azur in the south of France. Prices have been reduced by £525 per person to £384 for a one-week self-drive holiday departing on either June 1, 8 and 15. The family price for two adults and two children under six years costs £1,537 and includes ferry crossings; breakfast and evening meals with complimentary wine; a free boat trip; free use of two swimming pools, tennis courts, beach volley ball, mini golf and pétanque; and free fitness classes. Three free nursery sessions or children's Sun Squad Clubs are also included. For more information see www.espritsun.com or call 01483-791919.

Early summer break savings from Prestige Holidays

TABER HOLIDAYS and Specialised Tours have announced that they have merged. The two companies, which specialise in holidays throughout Scandinavia, have joined forces following their busiest winter seasons on record. From now, all programmes will be merged and all bookings will be managed under the Taber Holidays brand. Margaret Scowen of Specialised Tours will work with Taber Holidays acting as a travel consultant to handle most of the tailor made itineraries. The exception will be for those to Iceland and Greenland, which will continue to be handled by Taber’s own specialist in this area – Terry Shaw. The merger will see the number of packages offered by Taber boosted to around 125 across Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Greenland.

Expanding Eurolines network makes it easier to Split to Croatia THE EUROLINES network has been increased with the launch of new and increased frequency services to Croatia. The company, which is part of National Express Group, has added the new and enhanced connections to the destination via Frankfurt, with new seasonal services available to Dubrovnik and Pula on Croatia’s Istria Coast. Services to Pula will be available three times a week from Victoria Coach Station

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in summer while people will be able to get to Dubrovnik twice-weekly. The company is also operating a new daily connection via Frankfurt to Rijeka and Split, which will enhance the availability of seats to the Dalmatian Coast. Previously, this service operated twice-weekly. Advanced fares start from £109 one-way to Rijeka. For details see www.eurolines.co.uk

PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS is offering 20% off stays at Puente Romano, located within 13 acres of gardens on the ‘Golden Mile’ between the centre of Marbella and Puerto Banus. Savings from £198 per person are available on stays between June 14 and September 7, when booked by May 31. A seven-night stay departing on June 21 leads in at £1,335 per person with the saving and includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and accommodation on a roomonly basis. In the Algarve, the operator is also offering 20% off stays at the Tivoli Victoria hotel. The five-star hotel is located in a quiet area near to the Victoria Golf Course and a short distance from the marina at Vilamoura. Savings from £70 per person are available on stays until May 31 and a seven-night stay departing on May 20 costs from £635 per person including flights from Gatwick, transfers and bed-and-breakfast accommodation. For more information or to book call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

May 17 2013

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Newsbites ●

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BRAND USA has announced the third phase of the global campaign ‘Land of Dreams’ in conjunction with Expedia. The campaign will include 30-second TV advert spots with an on-air action for Expedia, supported by digital, out of home and print elements. For details see www.discoveramerica.com CORINTHIA HOTELS is pioneering a new approach to monitoring and maintaining health and safety standards across the board by working with Check Safety First to implement a risk management system at ten of its luxury hotels worldwide, and recognising its teams globally for meeting the required standards of hygiene as part of its business strategy. General managers across the company will be regularly assessed on their ability to maintain these standards to deliver the best service to guests. VIRGIN ATLANTIC has announced that it is partnering with British designer Vivienne Westwood to redesign its iconic red uniform. PREMIER INN is working with Plastic Card Services (PCS) to roll out ‘keyless room entry’ across its new build hotels and refurbished sites. CHILE HAS launched a new campaign that promotes the destination's diversity of activities, such as trekking in the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine national park, rafting down rivers surrounded by forests and volcanoes, skiing and experiencing the ancient culture of Rapa Nui on the remote Easter Island. SANI RESORT in Greece is launching a new children’s Football Academy for children aged between five and 14 years old. The two-hour football camp will be held six days a week between May 25-September 1.

Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @MagicalKenya Update: The Magical Kenya Mobile App is now available for download on AppStore http://ow.ly/kQRtt #tembeaKenya @superbreak We've slashed our ticket prices for Alton Towers this summer! Adults now only £36.50 & Kids only £29.25 - Saving 21%! http://bit.ly/ZRgBam @ukcruising Join us at our Irish Cruise Expo & Limited Availability on Think Differently Seminar http://eepurl.com/zfx1D @DTW_Holidays Say neigh to the car in #Iceland this summer and experience the Land of Fire and Ice on horseback: http://ow.ly/kFrXv

May 17 2013

Launch of new worldwide 'travel bible' from Kuoni KUONI HAS launched its first brochure of the year; the Worldwide 2014 brochure, dubbed the “travel bible” by the company's specialist travel agents. The brochure has been updated and refreshed and features a new streamlined look with a noticeable reduction in the number of pages. The new compact edition contains more holidays but has been condensed to make it more user-friendly. The operator's vice president of commercial and product management Mark Duguid said: “The new brochure has been created with the travel agent and customer in mind after listening to their feedback. The brochure is product rich with more hotels on each page. We have also enhanced the weather charts and clearly displayed the best time to visit each destination, for comparison. We have also introduced regional weather charts on the destination introduction pages, which will make it easier to answer the age old questions 'will it be hot?' and 'When is the best time to go?'" As well as the new design, the main focus of the brochure is exclusive properties and bestsellers, which all receive a page or double page spread with full details, imagery and holiday highlights. The other pages feature a comprehensive range of hand-picked three-, four- and five-star hotels, escorted tours, fly/drives, wildlife safaris, tailor-made options and multi-centre holidays. The newly opened four-star Zilwa Attitude in Mauritius is new to the programme and is highlighted as ideal for travellers looking for an authentic islander experience with the convenience of an all-inclusive package. Also in the Indian Ocean, the operator has introduced the fourstar Jetwing Lagoon to its popular Sri Lanka beach programme. This small Luxury Hotel of the World offers high quality accommodation and is ideal for a seven- or 14-night summer holiday on Negombo Lagoon.

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newsbulletin Contiki Holidays introduces two new exploration tours in Latin America CONTIKI HOLIDAYS has introduced two new itineraries to its Latin America programme; one to The Galapagos & Andes, taking young travellers to the most bio diverse regions on earth, and the other to the epic Latin Quest, combining the ancient Inca cultures of Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Brazil. The operator's 26-day Galapagos & Andes itinerary offers culture, heritage, water and wildlife and combines Ecuador, the Galapagos and Peru. Highlights include a guided tour of Quito, salsa dancing in Baños, a trip to see the Galapagos giant tortoises, the lava tunnels on Santa Cruz island, a Panga boat ride to spot Galapagos wildlife, snorkelling and the Charles Darwin Research station on Santa Cruz. Optional experiences include rafting, a biking adventure on San Cristobal and horse-riding through the Sacred Valley.

A 37-day Latin Quest sees young travellers visit four countries; Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Brazil. Highlights include a tango lesson in Buenos Aires, a boat cruise on San Cristobal, snorkelling in the Galapagos, a city tour of Arequipa, a hot spring swim in Chivay, entry to the Temple of Wiracocha, an island boat trip on Lake Titicaca, a walking tour of Cusco, an Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu, a guided Favela tour, a boat cruise and city tour in Rio, a visit to Christ the Redeemer statue and a visit to the Iguassu Falls. Prices for the Galapagos & Andes tour start from £4,725 including flights, transport and accommodation. A 10% saving is offered for clients who book before June 27. For more information visit www.contiki.com

Thomson & First Choice offer direct routes to Mauritius & Puerto Vallarta THOMSON AND First Choice customers can book exclusive holidays to the resort of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast and the island of Mauritius. Thomson is also introducing two new additions to its luxury Sensatori collection for summer 2014 in Jamaica and Turkey, as well as a new Couples Resort on an exclusive private island retreat, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. First Choice has added a new Holiday Village in Ibiza to its collection as well as

a new SplashWorld in Hurghada for waterslide enthusiasts. Thomson will fly direct to Mauritius from May next year. The operator will offer flights from Gatwick to the resorts of Belle Mare and Trou d’eau Douce on the East Coast and Grand Gaube near Grand Baie in the North. There will be hotels available from the company's Couples and Platinum collections. As an example of prices, a 14-night allinclusive stay at the Ambre Resort &

Spa, departing between May 1-15, 2014, costs from £2,055 per person including flights. For guests keen on visiting Mexico, the operator's new exclusive route to Puerto Vallarta offers weekly flights direct from Gatwick and Manchester. A 14-night allinclusive stay at the Riu Vallarta Hotel leads in at £1,539 including flights. For more information see www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871-230 2555.

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Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N ATTENDED another great coffee morning hosted by High Ridings Tvl at Birstall near Batley. It was lovely to meet up again with Tony Byrne from Great Rail Journeys and I loved it when their first slide informed attendees about their Price Promise - the same price whether you book on the web, see something in the papers AND your travel agent - that is why this brilliant tour operator has been going 30 years! I think sometimes when customers ask about USA or India, etc they get a surprise if you ask if they would consider rail as part of their holiday - even Route 66 where you get to travel along the famous highway - it adds a whole new dimension to the holiday. Don’t forget they also do the UK and Ireland so offer that as well if someone asks about coach holidays - it just adds to the good service you are giving. Michael Portillo has done a lot to help rail holidays. When I have watched one of his programmes it always makes me want to go on a train and of course you don’t have to sit still! Well what can I say, one of the industry’s best known names has retired. Yes, I mean John McEwan who was head of my favourite consortia - Advantage and also CEO of ABTA roles that I think he filled brilliantly. He will be sadly missed but I don’t blame him one bit for wanting to spend more time with his family and especially his new grandson - life is for living and as the saying goes ‘Life is not a rehearsal’. All the very best John! Don’t forget to vote in the Travel Bulletin Star Awards! I shall be voting for my favourite airport LBIA and also the dynamic duo James and Emma from LBIA - don’t forget vote for those tour operators that support us by not hugely discounting on the web! ‘Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still’ and ‘There are only two ways to live your life - one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle’.

RICKSHAW RUN...The Kyoto Convention Bureau, in partnership with British Airways and JNTO, hosted a group of four luxury-selling tour operators and travel agents on a three-day tour of Kyoto and one day in Tokyo. The trip was part of the Kyoto Convention Bureau’s aim to showcase the prefecture’s luxury tourism portfolio to the UK travel trade in order to raise sales and increase awareness. Pictured enjoying a rickshaw ride are, from the left: Bernadette Dolman, Kanoo Travel; Vicky Agnew, Abercrombie & Kent; Jessica Meins, McCluskey International, UK Representatives for KCB; Guillermo Turner, British Airways; Gareth Mason, Cox and Kings; and Lucy Hodge, Audley Travel.

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

Wish You Were Here promo from Hilton Worldwide HILTON WORLDWIDE has launched ‘Wish You Were Here’, a new promotion which offers a discounted booking rate and a chance to earn up to one million HHonors points on meetings and events held in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa at participating properties across the company's portfolio. Bookings made before May 31 for meetings or events taking place at participating hotels throughout 2013 and 2014 will receive a 20% reduction off the total folio. For details see www.hiltonworldwide.com/wishyouwerehere

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Play Jetset’s exciting – and just a little nostalgic – PacPal game today. Inspired by Jetset’s invaluable Package Pal tool, PacPal is both great fun and highly educational. The fastest gamer will sit proud at the top of the leaderboard – with the Star Prize being a tongue-tingling retro goodies hamper worth £100. Play today on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/pacpal

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Agents, don’t forget to cast your votes for your favourite suppliers in the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2013. Suppliers, make sure you book your tickets for this unmissable event. All this and more at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards

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Travel Bulletin now hosts some of the industry’s most educational and relevant travel agent events. Not been to one yet? See what you’re missing out on at www.youtube.com/travelbulletin, then email jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk to get on the guest list for future events.

All this and more at: To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email jill. sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

May 17 2013

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

THE EXPEDIA Travel Agencies Affiliate Programme (TAAP) has launched 'Season 2' of its 'Great Summer Giveaway' campaign, which runs until May 31. The campaign offers a £25 Expedia voucher for every five eligible bookings that an agent makes. The number of vouchers an agent can receive is unlimited, meaning the more they book the more vouchers they receive. There are three grand prizes £250 vouchers for the top three bookers, five iPod Shuffles and £15 in iTunes vouchers to be won for the next five highest bookers. To register for the promotion visit www.expedia.co.uk/information/TAAP_UK_incenti ve.aspx

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THROUGHOUT THIS month, agents booking flights through Major Travel to North America with Air France, Delta, KLM or Alitalia will receive a £10 shopping voucher for every adult passenger booked. The top agent will also receive a further £200 worth of shopping vouchers while the next 50 best booking agents will be invited to an exclusive VIP dinner in London, hosted by Major and its airline partners. Meanwhile, all passengers who are travelling to New York or Las Vegas will receive a platinum VIP passport and coupon discount book offering hundreds of dollars worth of savings at Premium Outlet Centers plus a Tommy Hilfiger Tote bag. Agents can book online at www.major4agents.co.uk or call 0800-035 5681.

Agent competition

CRUIS ING WITH CRESTA... Cresta recently took a group of travel agents on a short city break to Paris. Agents were treated to two days of shopping and sightseeing. Pictured enjoying a scenic cruise along the Seine are, from the left (back row): Luke House, Travelplanners; Laura Elleker, Meon Valley Travel ; Gemma Hackney, Lincolnshire Co op; Deborah King, Departure Lounge ; and (front row) Claire Hills, Cresta Holidays; Suzi Ladd, Chobham Travel ; Jane Kolowski, Bath Travel . www.travelbulletin.co.uk

AGENTS WITH an eye for a good photo can show off their creative talents for a chance to fill their fridge. Affordable Car Hire is inviting agen ts to apply for a free beach ball and then show case their creative photography by taking a quirky, fun picture with it. Once they have thei r photograph, agents are simply asked to post the result on the company’s Facebook page , (www.facebook.com/affordablecarhire ), to its Twitter account (www.twitter.com/affo rdableCH) or via email to agencysales@affordablecarhire.com Five winners will win supermarket vouc hers to fill up their fridge for an office lunch or treat. For a free beach ball email agencysales@ affordablecarhire.com. Entries must be com pleted by May 31.

Agent invite AMG LTD and My Bookings Rewards [MBR] are hosting a speed dating training session with active selling travel agents and Caribbean partners, on Monday June 3 at The Penthouse in London. Partners include Elegant Resorts, Jewel Resorts and the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board. The evening will commence at 18:30 and will include canapés throughout the evening, a rum cocktail on arrival with wine throughout the evening and a rum/chocolate tasting session. For details see www.mybookingsreward.com

May 17 2013

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newsbulletin New route to Fuerteventura by Jet2holidays JET2HOLIDAYS HAS announced the latest addition of flights and holidays to Fuerteventura, a new destination for the operator. Customers can now holiday to the four most popular Canary Islands – Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. ATOL protected package holidays to Fuerteventura, with flights taking off from Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Glasgow Airports, lead in at £449 per person based on two adults sharing for seven nights on a self-catering basis. Direct Jet2.com flights are also available from £69 including taxes. For more information or to book visit www.Jet2holidays.com

Balkan issues first edition summer brochure to Eastern Europe NEW FLIGHTS from Gatwick, Stansted and Durham Tees Valley to Bourgas, Bulgaria, are featured in Balkan Holidays' new Summer 2014 first edition brochure to Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Prices start from £289 per person for a seven-night break at Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. Also featured are more than 60 allinclusive properties; lakes and mountains holidays; cruises from Dubrovnik and Split; guided coach tours to Bulgaria’s wine and historical regions; plus health, spa and golf holidays. The operator is also offering additional charter flights to Bourgas, Bulgaria, on Thursdays from Gatwick, Mondays from Stansted, Durham Tees Valley and Exeter. There will also be an additional charter from Gatwick to Varna, Bulgaria, on Fridays. Other major regional UK airports will also be served by the operator with weekly flights to Bourgas and Varna and from selected UK airports to Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Discounts and offers included in the new programme include a low deposit of £70 per person; early booking discounts of up to £498 per couple; special offers throughout the season saving customers up to £300 per couple; a 5% loyalty bonus for previous bookers; free child places, child prices from £99 and 10kg luggage allowance for infants on charters; and 20kg standard luggage allowance per person on charter flights and 30kg free luggage allowance on charter flights staying at a Premier Selection hotel. For more information see www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-135 1114.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 112

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

Raisin Tufts I

A➠

B➠ This operator specialises in trips to this North African country

C➠

Shake Our To

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, May 23rd. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 3rd May is Julie Turner, Luxury Holidays Abroad in Cambs. May 3rd Solution: A=7 B=5 C=1 D=4

Home country of popstar Psy

Where Am I?

Fiery city in Switzerland?

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

Number: 112

Across 1. Holiday centre operator (7) 5. London City airport code (3) 7. Costa del Sol resort, famous for its caves (5) 8. First name of UKIP leader (5) 9. Retreat to this island in the Inner Hebrides (4) 10. Resort in Devon, sounds alcoholic (4) 12. Asia-based carrier, ___ Airways (4) 13. Car hire company (4) 16. Moated castle in Kent (5) 17. City host of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest (5) 18. Colour of the funnels on Cunard's ships (3) 19. State capital of New Mexico (5,2)

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Down 1. Welsh singer representing the UK in 17 Across (6,5) 2. Capital of the Piedmont region (5) 3. Country, formerly known as Persia (4) 4. Thomas Cook brand for low cost fun holidays (6) 5. Family-run tour operator, based in Yorkshire (5) 6. This US national park is a major tourist attraction (11) 11. Topeka is the state capital (6) 12. Northumberland town, Berwick-upon- ___ (5) 14. The longest river in Europe (5) 15. Kuoni offers holidays to this country on the Arabian Sea (4)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 May 17 2013

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go! by KIRSTY TAYLOR Administration & sales at AITO Agent, RB Collection

The highlights of a fam trip to Southern Italy with Classic Collection Holidays URING MY 20 years within the travel industry, I have been extremely fortunate to have visited some amazing destinations around the world. But there is one country which I have always longed to visit – my dream destination – and that’s Italy. I’d built such a romantic vision in my mind of what the country would be like that, when my director, Oliver Broad, asked if I would like to visit the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Ischia with AITO operator Classic Collection, I jumped at the chance. Early on a Monday morning, I met my fellow travellers at Gatwick Airport, where our journey began with easyJet on the short flight to Naples. My first impressions of Italy were a mixture of apprehension (due to the manic nature of the local drivers!) and excitement. I was really hoping I wasn’t going to be disappointed after painting such a vivid picture in my mind. Naples is not the most picturesque of cities, so when our driver pointed out Mount Vesuvius, my heart skipped a beat as I realised after all these years of waiting, I was finally here, seeing sights I have been reading about and dreaming of for so long. An extremely winding, and at times nail biting (albeit beautiful), drive of around one-and-a-half-hours took us to our first hotel stay in Amalfi, which is a small bustling town located approximately 8km from our evening destination of Ravello. Of all the resorts I was due to visit, I was most excited to see Ravello. Photographs in brochures and magazines always have the most beautiful images of the resort; I have to say that they do not do it justice – the views literally took my breath away! Ravello is unspoilt, tranquil and picturesque with world-class hotels and restaurants. A truly romantic resort, I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of getting married abroad in magnificent surroundings to consider Ravello. Following our overnight stay, we bid farewell to Amalfi and headed to the Casa Angelina hotel in the small village of Praiano. The whole group seemed to fall in love with this minimalistic, Zen-like property. We then moved on to Positano, where pretty pastel-coloured buildings cascade down the hillside. There was a bustling atmosphere with plenty of shops and restaurants as well as a good-sized beach - rare along the Amalfi Coast. Next on our agenda were two nights in the most popular holiday resort on our itinerary - Sorrento. My initial thoughts of the town were ‘I don’t understand what the attraction is’. Compared to tranquil Ravello and scenic Positano, Sorrento seemed extremely fast-paced and not particularly attractive. Fortunately, that opinion didn’t last -

May 17 2013

the following day, during an amazing lunch at a centrallylocated hotel, I began to experience Sorrento’s charm. With various parks and monuments, and the obligatory views across to Capri and Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento is in fact a resort which has something to offer to every taste. The hustle and bustle of the narrow streets which are filled with shops, bars and restaurants only add to the character of the resort. A must-do whilst in this area is a trip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. As we had a few spare hours one afternoon, we decided to experience the local transport, and took a train to Pompeii which conveniently stops at the entrance to the ruins. It was nice to mix with the locals and a very cheap way to see such a famous attraction at just €3.50 for a return train ticket and an €11 entrance fee into Pompeii. The final destination of our trip was to the volcanic island of Ischia, located in the Bay of Naples. After a short 40minute hydrofoil crossing, we arrived at the port of an unfortunately rainy Ischia. However, I could see past the dark skies and gloomy weather, and knew instantly that Ischia was special. Unspoilt and pretty, I felt as though I had stepped back in time, but I mean that in the very best of senses. As Ischia is a large island, there is plenty to see and do, including several thermal springs and amazing spas. The Botanical Gardens here are world famous, and every year the island hosts music festivals and a film festival. I am still walking on air after my brilliant trip to Italy, and I’m sure I’m getting on people’s nerves constantly talking about what a wonderful time I had. When a busy educational feels more like a holiday, you know that you have experienced something special. I’d like to say a huge thank you to AITO and Classic Collection for an amazing trip - I can’t wait to return!

To respond to any of Kirsty's views email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Lounge Pass marks ten-year anniversary LOUNGE PASS is celebrating its tenth anniversary by announcing that customers can now access more than 200 VIP lounges worldwide. Lounges can be booked both directly through www.loungepass.com or through its network of travel partners such as Thomas Cook, Elegant Resorts and Classic Collection. In the past 12 months, the company's portfolio of international airports has been extended to include Samui, Sofia, Kathmandu, Cochin, Calgary, Montreal, Biarritz, Dubai, San Jose, Munster, Maputo, Helsinki, Guwahati, Kolkata, Pune, Baroda, Goa and Jakarta. In the UK, Manchester T3 and Southend have also joined the portfolio.

Travelsphere launches ‘Relax and Discover’ tours FOLLOWING AN increased demand for flexible itineraries that allow customers greater freedom to relax or explore a destination, Travelsphere has launched a new range of ‘Relax and Discover’ holidays. Nine popular destinations have been selected including Thailand, Dubai, Malta, Tunisia and Costa De La Luz, and guests will have the opportunity to stay at one resort for the duration of their visit. Although one excursion will be included in the price of their tour, all other excursions will be optional, allowing customers greater freedom to customise their holiday itinerary. The operator has also responded to customer feedback requesting less time spent travelling in order to maximise time spent enjoying each destination. As examples, the New England & Canada in the Fall tour will now include a two-night stay in Toronto, allowing customers additional time to explore the city and take in Niagara Falls, while an eight-day Best of Shanghai, Xian & Beijing tour has been discontinued, allowing the product team to focus on enhancing and improving other tours to China, such as the 20-day Discover China tour which has a new add-on for Guilin and Hong Kong. For further information visit www.travelsphere.co.uk or call 0800-112 3313.

City Cruises offers new deal for summer campaign CITY CRUISES is celebrating the return to the spring/summer season with a new deal to promote the River Red Rover tickets. With the May Bank holidays and half-term around the corner, the family River Red Rover ticket provides a hop-on, hop-off service to cruise throughout the day and offers free travel for kids. The Sightseeing Cruise takes in the best of London’s skyline, including the London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the

Houses of Parliament. The shortest trips last between 20-30 minutes, while the full experience takes guests on a three-hour round trip from Westminster to Greenwich, and back again. A family River Red Rover ticket costs £34 for two adults and up to three children (aged five-16, children under five go free) – the equivalent of two-priced adult tickets. For further information visit www.citycruises.com or call 020-7740 0400.

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conferencebulletin ADVANTAGE HELD its annual conference in Malaga last week which saw around 450 delegates attend. The topics discussed included Achieving Peak Performance - The Advantage Way and Adopting a Business-like Approach, with keynote speakers including Joanna Lumley. Delegates told the consortia is not ‘at a crossroads’ and are urged to create a business plan SPEAKING AT the start of the 2013 Advantage Conference in Malaga, Colin O’Neill, Advantage sales and marketing director, said the consortium was not “at a crossroads” as had been inferred recently following the departure of its chief executive, John McEwan. O’Neill said: “Advantage is about the strength and quality of the team it has in place rather than one individual.” He told delegates the consortia is going through a transition and it had a very clear three-year business plan to take Advantage to the next level. The consortia urged members who do not have a business plan to create one. Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage leisure director, asked delegates how many of them have a plan in place and was surprised when less than 20% said they had. She said: “Living from month to month is not a way to run your business.” Meanwhile, Advantage unveiled a competition offering one member the chance to win £10,000 to help develop a long-term plan, with the consortia donating £5,000 towards it. Elman Wall Travel Accountants is contributing £2,000, while Lingua Communications is offering £1,000 towards a marketing and communications strategy. Travel Trade Consultancy will also offer £2,000 for licensing issues advice.

Colin O’Neill, Advantage sales and marketing director

Advantage reveals performance results and new sales policy JULIA LO-BUE Said, Advantage leisure director, told delegates that 2013 had started off well in both corporate and leisure. She said sales were up 16% yearon-year on an overall market of +8% with leisure sales fuelled by Thomas Cook’s price parity. Last year, £3.5m of incremental commission was delivered to members however, she added that the consortia’s commercial relationship with NCL had ended due to the cruise line’s

commission cuts without consulting agents. John Sullivan, Advantage head of commercial, urged delegates to use the Advantage sales policy. He said; “Your staff need to know what it is. To be most profitable, follow the sales policy.” He revealed that the consortia will launch a new sales policy which will include commended tour operators and a Partner of the Month.

Annual award winners announced ADVANTAGE PRESENTED its annual awards at the conference. Within the leisure categories, the award for Advantage Leisure Member of the Year 2013 went to Collets Travel. Cruise Line of the Year went to Silversea; Luxury Operator of the Year 2013 was awarded to Carrier; and Kirker Holidays was named Best Specialist Operator of the Year 2013. Travel 2 won the Overall Business Partner Leisure, while the Leisure Sales Representative of the Year 2013 went to James Golding, Specialist Holidays Group. The 2013 Agent Friendly Business partner, Leisure award was presented to Jetset. Winners were presented with their awards by Jonathan Wall of Elman Wall Travel Accountants (sponsors) and keynote speaker, actress Joanna Lumley.

May 17 2013

Dubai is Advantage Conference 2014 destination ADVANTAGE IS set to hold its annual conference in Dubai next year. Speaking at the conference, Ian Scott, director UK & Ireland at Dubai Tourism, said tourism numbers have grown from five million to ten million in the last eight years, and a new seven-year plan aims to double that figure again, attracting 20 million visitors by 2020.

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conferencebulletin DELEGATES AT the Advantage Conference 2013 in Malaga had the opportunity to forge relationships at the various networking events on offer including the receptions, dinners, speed dating sessions and dine-arounds...

GREAT CLASSICS…Catching up at the welcome reception are from the left, Rupert Diggins of Balkan Holidays; Sophie Thackeray, Classic Collection Holidays; Tony Byrne, Great Rail Journeys; and Nisha Tailor of Jetset.

Simon New from TRAVEL AGENT BUDDIES… l Craft (middle) and Inntel Travel chats with Chery ing Travel. Susan Callow, both from Lanc

SALUD!...From the left is Andy Chaplin and Alison Craig from Inghams with Louise Tansey of Bourne Leisure.

ADVANTAGE PALS… Stephanie Robins, Anatolian Sky Holidays and Dino Touli from Atlantic Holidays enjoy the welcome reception.

SPEEDY CHOICE….Pictured at the speed dating sessions is Mervyn Willard from Baldwins Travel and Sam Davies of Choice Hotels Europe.

MAMMA MIA…Enjoying Italian food at the Travel 2 dine-around are, from the left: Amanda Leggett, getabed; Tracy Hirsz, Travel 2; and Ian McMichael, Oasis Travel

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BAKING HOT…At the Bourne Leisure and Superbreak dine-around are from the left Allan Lamber t, Bourne Leisure and Simon Eddolls from Travel Bulletin.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME… Rocking on at the Travel 2 dine around are, from the left: Peter Jones, bedson line.com; Danny Giles, Hurtigruten; and Gary Gillespie, Flexibletrips May 17 2013

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hotelbulletin New survey from Hotels.com reveals Danish hotel guests are most honest A NEW survey by Hotels.com has revealed that 35% of global travellers remove hotel amenities including bath robes, bedding and luxury coffee. While the majority of hotel guests globally (65%) say they’ve never pilfered an item from a hotel room (excluding toiletries), it is Danish travellers that come out on top as

exceptionally honest, with 88% saying they’ve never pocketed anything they shouldn’t from a hotel room. Some 74% of UK travellers say they have never taken anything from their hotel room, ranking 14th overall out of the countries surveyed. While it is in-room magazines, books, linens and towels that seem to be the main focus for sticky-fingered

travellers, other items that those surveyed admitted to taking included the bathrobe, pillows, electronics, inroom furniture and even an iron. While more than a third of global travellers have stolen hotel amenities, there are a few niceties that guest are willing to pay for; a room with a view (29%) and a balcony (17%) came out on top.

InBrief ● PARADISUS CANCUN has opened in Cancun. Formerly the Gran Melia Cancun, the luxury all-inclusive

resort offers four swimming pools, specialised a la carte restaurants, a kids' club, family concierge, tennis courts, spa and health club, meeting and convention space plus a nine-hole par-three golf course. ● HILTON WORLDWIDE has announced the opening of the first DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in South Africa - the 183-room DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside. Accommodation ranges from executive rooms and suites to luxury, two-storey duplex loft rooms located on the penthouse floor with panoramic views of the city. For details see www.doubletree.com ● THREE NEW two-bedroom Beach Houses have opened at Parrot Cay by COMO in The Turks and Caicos Islands. Each detached Beach House has a large outdoor deck, private pool and direct access to the beach, and each comes with the exclusive services of a butler. Prices lead in at US$3,300 per night. For details see www.comohotels.com/parrotcay ● MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL has continued the expansion of its joint venture with AC Hotels with the opening of two new properties – the 143-room AC Hotel Nice on the French Riviera and the 152-room AC Hotel Sant Cugat in Catalonia, Barcelona. ● HILTON COYLUMBRIDGE in Aviemore, Scotland, has launched a toddler break package which provides children with entertainment. The five-night packages, which are available through to November, lead in at £550 based on a stay next month. They include five nights' accommodation for two adults and up to two children (aged five years and under); family dining every evening; breakfast; free soft play; one supervised child-care session (four hours) per child in the crèche for children aged three months to four years; free admission to two local visitor attractions; and live entertainment most evenings, plus a children's party night. For details call 01479-810661 or visit www.hiltonaviemore.co.uk/toddlerbreaks ● MINOR HOTEL Group has announced plans for its first hotel in Qatar. The 141-room five-star Anantara Doha Island Resort & Spa is located just off the coast of the country’s capital Doha, and will open early next year.

JURYS INN Newcastle’s refurbishment programme is now complete following a 12-month £1.5m makeover at the Scotswood Road Hotel. The refurbishment at the 274-room property marks the hotel’s tenth anniversary since opening in 2003, with all bedrooms comprising darker wood furnishings and warmer fabrics. All nine meeting rooms and public areas, including the bar and restaurant, have also been refurbished and now feature a contemporary look. For details see www.jurysinns.com

May 17 2013

Travelodge opens third property at Heathrow TRAVELODGE HAS announced the opening of its third hotel at Heathrow, London Hounslow Travelodge is a 128-room new build property with six floors, and represents a £9.4million investment. The hotel is located on Lampton Road, which is less than five miles from Heathrow Airport and offers rooms from £27. Since 2007, the company has more than quadrupled the number of rooms near the airport and currently offers nearly 1,000 rooms within a five-mile radius of the airport. Kelly Prychidko, the property's hotel manager, said: “The demand for branded, good quality budget accommodation at Heathrow is growing at a great pace. Our hotel has got off to a flying start and we are enjoying high occupancy, plus business on the books for summer is looking very good.” The company recently announced its growth strategy for London and announced it is looking for a further 145 hotels across London. These openings will create 4,000 new jobs across the capital and boost the local economy annually by £290million. For more information visit www.travelodge.co.uk

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personalitybulletin

Claire Wilson The managing director of The Adventure Company always takes a pack of cards with her when travelling to keep the family entertained...

Who is your ideal travelling companion? My family – we lead busy lives, so it’s great when we can get away and spend some quality time together. Where was your last work-related trip? I went to Berlin in March, to attend the ITB travel trade show. If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? I admire Jessica Ennis for her remarkable level of commitment and her ability to achieve so much in an understated way. What three words would your friends use to describe you? They’d say I was focused, honest and family-orientated. What have your travels taught you? Travelling helps you to put things in perspective and to be grateful for what you have. It helps you to relate to other people, no matter where they come from or what their circumstances. What is the best advice you recall? Nothing stays the same, so learn to adapt and change. That’s certainly been my experience. If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be? At the end of a long week, I’d say wine! If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be? The industry’s dependency on price discounts, seasonal fluctuations in demand for holidays and the way that destinations come in and out of fashion.

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"Travelling helps you to put things in perspective and to be grateful for what you have. It helps you to relate to other people, no matter where they come from or what their circumstances"

Career path ●

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1982–1986: Thomson Holidays – various product, marketing and commercial roles 1986–1988: Trusthouse Forte – marketing manager 1988–2003: Thomson Holidays – various product, marketing and commercial roles 2003–2007: First Choice – CRM director 2007–present: The Adventure Company – managing director 2012–present: Regional director, Intrepid Travel (merged with The Adventure Company)

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing? If I were retired, I’d get involved with a children’s charity, perhaps helping with fundraising. What is your favourite mode of travel? I like to travel by train. You can relax if you want, you can work if you want, and you can enjoy the view. Plus it’s environmentally-friendly. What was your nickname at school and why? I had a few, but mostly Clarabelle and Clarence, as amusing variations on my real name. What item do you always take with you when travelling? Insect repellent is an essential, a good book for when I want to switch off and relax, plus a pack of playing cards for keeping the family entertained. What's your favourite airline and why? Emirates and Singapore Airlines both have great levels of customer service. What’s your favourite movie of all time? Silence of the Lambs, because Anthony Hopkins is superb.

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? Two of my former managers, Shaun Powell (former MD at Thomson Holidays) and John Wimbleton (former MD of TUI’s specialist and activity division) - both taught me a great deal. What's your favourite city and why? Venice - it’s beautiful, unique and approaching it by speedboat feels very special.

May 17 2013

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turkey TRAVELLERS TO the Turkish coastal resort of Kusadasi will now be able to stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The newly built 87-guestroom hotel features four restored stone cottages, while nearby entertainment options include several family waterparks and historic sites. Rooms at the property feature high-definition TVs, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making services and air-conditioning, while deluxe guest rooms also feature private sun decks with direct access to the swimming pool. Onsite facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a 24hour fitness centre, a spa and a wellbeing centre. For details visit www.doubletree.com

Intrepid cuts price of sailing trips INTREPID TRAVEL has reduced the price of its small group sailing trips in Turkey by a third. The price reduction comes after Turkey was named as one of the ten best value holiday destinations in the annual Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer, based on the cost of tourist items such as refreshments, sunscreen and dinner for two. As an example of prices, an eight-day Sail Turkey: Aegean Sea trip leads in at £750 per person,

reduced from £1,125 per person. Passengers, accompanied by a skipper, will sail from Bodrum along the Aegean coast to Bozukkale, Dirsek, Kocabahce and Knidos, having the chance to swim and snorkel in the sea, hike to ruins, visit beaches and villages and experience Turkish cuisine. The cost of meals is payable locally, with a trip kitty of €50 per person to cover breakfasts, lunches and evening meals taken at local restaurants.

Seven-night AI stay for £599 from Mark Warner MARK WARNER is offering a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the Sea Garden Resort near Bodrum for £599 per person. The price applies to a departure from Heathrow on June 1 and child prices cost £569 for the same week. To book or for more information call 0844-273 6826 or email lizzieedwards@markwarn er.co.uk

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros to host summer parties THE KEMPINSKI Hotel Barbaros will be hosting a series of Champagne parties and ‘cool moon’ parties this summer, located on the adult-only sundeck and silent beach area. The Champagne parties will be held on June 15, July 13, August 10 and September 14, while the cool moon parties will be held on June 23, July 22, August 21 and September 19. The hotel has also recently launched a marina butler service.

Thomson announces new route to Antalya from Leeds for summer 2014 THOMSON HAS announced the launch of its new programme from Leeds Bradford Airport for summer 2014 with the introduction of a new route to Antalya in Turkey to complement its existing routes to Tunisia, Tenerife, Ibiza, Corfu, Mallorca, Rhodes and Dalaman. Next summer also sees the introduction of the fivestar Sensatori Resort in Fethiye to the operator's programme. Set on one of the town's beaches near the harbour and ancient ruins, the hotel will offer gourmet dining, spas and pools. A seven-night all-inclusive break costs from £749 per person, based on two people sharing and including flights from Gatwick, departing on May 1, 2014. The operator has collaborated with designer Philip Treacy to create a range of sunhats and a hotel bar to mark the opening of the resort. Treacy, who has previously designed hats for clients

May 17 2013

including Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham and Lady Gaga, has created a range of women’s sunhats in six different colours alongside a children’s range available in three colours. The hats will be given to guests on arrival at the resort and will also be available to purchase in the operator’s stores across the UK, with all proceeds donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Chris Browne, the operator’s director, said: “Philip Treacy is the most famous milliner in the world and we’re thrilled he’s designed this collection of sunhats for our customers. We hope this collaboration will make the holiday experience for guests at our new and exclusive Sensatori Resort Turkey even more special, and that customers back in the UK will purchase these fabulous hats and raise money for a very deserving cause.” For more information visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871-230 2555.

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turkey Jumeirah's Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul introduces new literary package JUMEIRAH'S PERA Palace Hotel in Istanbul has launched a new literary package designed to give guests a taste of the city’s heritage. Guests will be supplied with a free copy of The Museum of Innocence by Turkish Nobel-laureate novelist Orhan Pamuk, and will also be offered a half-day tour of the city with a private guide, followed by a visit to the real Museum of Innocence created by the author. Located in the Tepebaşı district of Pera overlooking the Golden Horn, the hotel offers a range of literary themed rooms and suites, including the Pierre Loti Suites, named after the 19th-century French novelist. Dining facilities include the Agatha Restaurant (named after Agatha Christie) which is decorated in keeping with the three major destinations on the Orient Express route – Paris, Venice and Istanbul. The literary package, including two nights’ breakfast accommodation in the Pierre Loti Suites, leads in at €875 (£740), excluding 8% VAT. For clients looking to extend their stay, additional nights cost from €375.

Pera Palace Hotel

For further information or to book e-mail jppreservations@jumeirah.com

KPMG: Turkey’s popularity continues to shine in price-sensitive golf travel market Turkey’s rising status as a golf holiday hotspot has been underlined by a new survey of golf tour operators compiled by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice. The Golf Travel Insights 2013 report revealed that Turkey is now the fourth most popular golf travel destination after Spain, Portugal and Scotland. The survey, which questioned more than 110 golf tour operators from 38

countries on their results in 2012, also found that package price is now the most important factor for customers when choosing a golf holiday. More than half (54%) of operators said they had maintained the same price points for golf packages year-on-year, while 35% had increased prices. The majority of golf holidays are based around a four- to seven-night stay, the survey found. Package

prices start from €300 (£253) but are typically €600-€900, with 40% of bookings being made for small groups of four to six people, and eight to 12 people. Andrea Sartori, head of the organisation, said: “It’s encouraging to see the golf travel market continue to grow and recover from the economic downturn. “What’s interesting is that consumers are now saying price is the most important

factor when choosing a golf holiday, although the quality of courses is still extremely important. In part, this is why we are seeing emerging destinations such as Turkey being able to position themselves effectively for the market – the quality of the golf courses is high and the packages represent good value for money.” To download a free copy of the report visit www.golfbusinesscommunity. com

OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has added new five-star hotels to its portfolio for summer including the Royal Asarlik Beach Hotel in Gumbet, Isil Club Bodrum in Bodrum and the all-inclusive Villa Side Residence Hotel in Side. Newly added four-star properties include the 60-room Villa Nirvana Boutique Hotel in Oludeniz (pictured), with its mix of deluxe rooms and Jacuzzi suites and the Alesta Yacht Hotel in Fethiye. At budget level, three-star allinclusive additions include the Side Best Hotel, the newly opened Side Best House, the Sunlight Gardens Hotel and the family-run Aral Hotel. Seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the Villa Nirvana Boutique Hotel costs from £445 per person based on two sharing a deluxe room in September, including flights from Gatwick and transfers. For details call 0844-499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com

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May 17 2013

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turkey Turkey gains popularity as MICE location with introduction of new events & developments TURKEY IS gaining popularity as a location for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), with the country set to host a range of forthcoming events in Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir. Istanbul, which offers seven conference centres and capacity for more than 30,000 delegates, has unveiled new hotels with

meeting facilities, including the Shangri-La Bosphorus and the newly renovated Grand Tarabya Hotel. For details see www.icvb.org In Antalya, forthcoming fairs include the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) World Congress in 2014 and the World Horticultural Expo 2016,

during which eight million people are expected to visit the region. See www.antalyaconvention.org Alternatively, Izmir has capacity for more than 15,000 delegates, with the Izmir Convention Centre offering a ‘4+1’ deal whereby international associations holding fourday congresses in 2014 will receive free hall hire on

their first day plus free accommodation for their delegates’ last night. Upcoming fairs in the city include the 55th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe, the Seminar on Tourism on World Heritage Sites and the World Health and 3rd Age Tourism Congress. For more information see www.izmircvb.org.tr

New Belek property from Club Med CLUB MED has opened a new luxury destination in Belek. The four-trident all-inclusive resort is located close to Antalya and offers a range of sports and activities including golf, tennis, sailing, flying trapeze, archery, kayaking and paddle boarding. Guests also have a choice of eight main pools, a range of children’s clubs, four bars and restaurants, a spa, sauna, Turkish bath and hair salon. Prices start from £1,109 per person for seven nights' all-inclusive stay based on a September 27 departure, including flights. For details visit www.clubmed.co.uk or call 0845-367 6767.

THE 270-ROOM Marti Istanbul has unveiled its new spa, Martı Wellness by Spa Soul. Treatment options include traditional cleansing hammams, massages, a sauna and steam room. Treatments cost from £34 for a traditional Turkish hammam bath (20 minutes) and nightly rates at the property cost from €200 (approximately £166) based on two sharing a classic double room. For details see www.martiistanbulhotel.com

D-Hotel Maris reopens after renovation THE D-HOTEL Maris in Turkey has reopened its doors following an extensive renovation programme. To celebrate the new developments, the property's Zuma restaurant will feature a pop-up event on the hotel terrace from June to September, featuring DJs and serving dishes from an outdoor robata grill. Meanwhile, the property's ESPA spa has added more treatment rooms to offer 12 suites, while the fitness facility features yoga, aerobics, Zumba and personalised training programmes. The hotel has 200 guestrooms, all with mountain or sea views and most deluxe rooms feature a bathtub on the balcony. Conferences, meetings, events and weddings are also available. One night’s breakfast accommodation at the hotel starts from €375 per night for a deluxe sea view room. For further details see www.dhotel.com.tr

May 17 2013

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turkey Anatolian Sky reports high demand for gulet cruises and boutique hotels

The Cankaya II

ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays has reported an increase in demand for luxury gulet cruises and boutique accommodation in destinations such as Kalkan, with enquiries up year-onyear. This year the operator’s

programme of gulet cruises includes an additional vessel, the Cankaya II. Akin Koç, managing director of the operator, said: “Gulet cruising is becoming more and more popular and we are seeing high numbers of repeat clients. It is not only

an enjoyable way to discover Turkey’s beautiful coastline, but a great way to experience traditional Turkish life – one of the highlights is the food, prepared on board daily and offering a great variety of dishes to try.” The boutique Oasis Hotel is

also reportedly proving popular with clients, with twin-centre holidays offering guests a chance to discover the highlights of Istanbul combined with a beach break. For further details call 0844-273 3585 or visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk

TURKEY Prestige Holidays offers a hand picked selection of luxury boutique hotels to larger resort properties including All-Inclusive resorts, near Antalya, Fethiye, Gocek, Dalaman and Bodrum. All include private transfers and the usual exceptional Prestige service and value. Ask us about our latest offers for summer 2013, including children stay free and reduced rate offers. Prices from £685 per person at Ece Saray for 7 nights in October. 'RQ¶W IRUJHW \RX ZLOO UHFHLYH /RYH WR 6KRS YRXFKHUV IRU HDFK ERRNLQJ PDGH More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400

PRESTIGE H O L I D A Y S

.C O.U K

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s i r a f a s & e wildlif

DFDS SEAWAYS is offering a Marine wildlife mini cruise to Amsterdam departing from Newcastle. The cruise combines wildlife spotting en-route to Holland (including minke whales, dolphins and porpoises), plus time in Amsterdam. The line will also offer presentations from experts from whale and dolphin charity, ORCA, who will explain the importance of the ocean’s eco system and provide information on marine creatures such as birds, dolphins, species of fish and more. Clients can save 30% by booking 60 days prior to departure, with prices leading in at £50 per person based on two adults sharing an ensuite cabin. Otherwise, prices are from £69 per person based on four sharing and from £79 based on two sharing. All prices include two nights' accommodation, wildlife watching sessions, presentations by wildlife experts and coach transfers to Amsterdam. Departures are from Newcastle on King Seaways only until September 7. To book visit www.dfds.co.uk or call 0871-522 9976.

Kuoni promotes wildlife holidays in new campaign KUONI HAS launched its first campaign dedicated to wildlife. With a hand-picked selection of itineraries around the globe, the campaign is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and explorers who want to uncover their David Attenborough personas. Claire Reynolds, the company's commercial and product manager said: “Initially when most people think of wildlife they look to safaris in Africa. This campaign is a great reminder that there is incredible wildlife to be discovered all around the world, whether it’s in the depths of the ocean; hidden in the exotic rainforests or roaming in the national parks of India, Sri Lanka and Africa. If you are a first time nature goer or an experienced wildlife enthusiast there is a tempting mix of itineraries to suit a number of needs.” The campaign features wildlife holidays in the Indian Ocean, India, Canada, Latin America, Antarctica and Africa, and the company has also included a selection of volunteering holidays from its sustainable Ananea programme. As an example of prices, a seven-night breakfast stay in a beach bungalow at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru costs from £2,899 per person including flights with Etihad from Heathrow. The price is based on two sharing and includes a saving of up to £3,252 per couple and applies to selected dates next month. For more information see www.kuoni.co.uk/wildlife-holidays

The Adventure Company team up to offer Tanzanian safari LONGLEAT SAFARI & Adventure Park has partnered with The Adventure Company to offer an adventure-based overseas safari trip in Tanzania. The ten-day Longleat Family African Safari offers families the chance to explore the African bush, spot big game, learn about conservation and relax on Zanzibar’s beaches, while staying in lodges. There are dawn and dusk game drives in Saadani National Park, wildlife-spotting at night and the opportunity to explore on foot, by boat and by canoe, which allows children to get up close to wildlife including lion, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, elephants, crocodiles and hippo. The trip also

May 17 2013

helps children to learn about wildlife and conservation, as they spend time with experts at an elephant collaring project and a green turtle conservation project. The trip is aimed at families who have experienced a taste of Africa at Longleat Safari Park and want to see the same wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Longleat partnered with the operator because of its 15 years' experience designing wildlife and other adventure holidays for families. Prices start from £1,880 per child and £1,979 per adult, including flights, accommodation, most meals, game drives and a tour leader.

Gorilla and Chimp Safari from Explore EXPLORE IS promoting its Gorilla and Chimp Safari which offers guests a rare opportunity to get close to primates and wildlife of the Ugandan rainforest. The itinerary spends two days in Kibale Forest which has a population of more than 1,000 chimps and 13 varieties of other primates, including RedTailed and Colobus monkeys, and also offers a day's walk in the Rwenzori Mountains, visits to local villages and a cruise in the Kazinga channel for a chance to observe hippo, crocodile, buffalo and herds of elephants before taking game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot tree climbing lions. Other highlights include a visit to the rainforest near Bwindi to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Customers can also take a swim or a canoe ride in Lake Bunyonyi and experience a walking safari in Lake Mburo. Tours depart between now and October and prices lead in at £2,996 per person for 12 days including flights; eight nights' lodge accommodation, two nights' hotel accommodation, one night in a tented camp, all on a bed-andbreakfast basis; most other meals; transport; park fees; and the services of a tour leader, park rangers, guides, trackers and boat crew. For further information or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844-499 0901.

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wildlife&safaris Acacia Africa offers small group experience on Uganda overland tours ACACIA AFRICA is making several changes to overland tours including gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, with group numbers on ten of its expeditions dropping from 24 to 16 to improve the overall quality of the itineraries. The operator's sales and marketing manager Leanne Haigh said: “Less is more as cutting numbers by a third will make the chimp trekking experience smoother, allow additional time for

travel in southwest Uganda and improve the overall feel of the tours. We are not aware of any other overland specialists offering a small group experience in Uganda so the change will be a key selling point for agents.” Based on client feedback and a recent visit by a senior member of the marketing team, game drives in the Queen Elizabeth National Park will also be removed from the overland trips.

Haigh said: “We will continue to visit the park but we will suspend further game drives pending guidance from the authorities on permits and time allocated in the park. A plus for clients, this will enable us to enhance the quality of the experience and focus on the key activity in this location, chimp trekking." For more information call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or see www.acacia-africa.com

Sanctuary Retreats expands portfolio in Tanzania with two new lodges SUITES ARE now on sale for Sanctuary Retreats’ two new lodges, reopening in Tanzania next month. A river retreat and a beach hideaway join the company's portfolio of boutique safari camps and lodges across Africa; Sanctuary Saadani River Lodge and Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge are on the Wami River and coast of Tanzania, in the Saadani National Park. The company's sales and marketing director Katherine Gershon said, "We are delighted to expand our luxury collection of safari camps/lodges and cruise ships with the addition of these two stunning properties. With the unique proposition of both safari and beach in one place at Safari Lodge, and a relaxing river retreat with great bird watching at River Lodge, these properties give agents an ideal choice when selling a true luxury safari experience in a remote and unspoilt African location." The Saadani River Lodge is located on the southern shore of the Wami River with hippos, crocodiles and flamingos as neighbours. The property features 18 stilted suites built from local wood, each with its own balcony and river view as well as en-suite facilities. The lodge and its split level swimming pool overlook the natural backdrop of the river. Activities include mountain biking, walking safaris and game drives in Saadani National Park. Boat trips to see the local wildlife close up, bush meals and sundowner cocktails, sailing, spa and massage treatments are also available. The Saadani Safari Lodge is set inside the Saadani National Park on a coastal setting overlooking the Indian Ocean and a deserted white sandy beach. The lodge offers a traditional bush safari as well as the relaxation of a beach holiday, and each of its five Maridadi Suites offer ocean views with a private veranda leading straight to the beach. Activities include game drives in the National Park as well as snorkelling, turtle watching, sand bank picnics and dolphin spotting in the Indian Ocean. A river safari on the Wami River alongside hippos, crocodiles and an array of rich bird life is also available. For more information visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com

Bookings to Africa on the rise for Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 reports that Africa is selling well this year and the company is highlighting a ten-day Botswana Safari tour, with departures between June 1-30. Prices lead in at £4,899 per person for bookings made by May 31 and include flights. The operator's Africa and Mauritius product manager Michael Creighton said: "Africa offers a once in a lifetime experience for travellers keen to get up close to the vast array of wildlife that inhabits the region. The ten-day Botswana Safari takes in the famed Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park and the iconic Victoria Falls – this tour perfectly captures the essence of Africa.” For more information visit www.travel2.com

NORMAN CARR Safaris has added a new camp in Luangwa, Zambia which opens next month. The Chinzombo offers six spacious villas, one of which is designed for families. Each villa is equipped with Wi-Fi and the camp offers a yoga and exercise area and spa facilities. The operator is featuring a Luangwa Luxury Adventures itinerary which offers a combination safari taking in the new Chinzombo Camp and then venturing out to the wild and remote Luwi for some walking and the luxury bush camp – Mchenja . An eight-night holiday, excluding flights, leads in at US$5,160 per person on an all-inclusive basis. For details see www.normancarrsafaris.com

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wildlife&safaris Rainbow Tours offers new kayak safari in Madagascar NEW FOR 2013 in Madagascar, Rainbow Tours is offering visitors the chance to discover the last coastal forest in the south east of the country, and one of the most endangered, on a three-day canoe safari including bush camping and kayaking in the unspoilt St Luce Reserve. The reserve is situated on an island-like peninsula, cut off from the mainland by rivers to the north and south. There is no village and the reserve has fresh water habitats, marine habitats, littoral forests, mangroves, wetlands and open Kayaking in Madagascar grasslands. This means that visitors can expect to find wildlife such as lemurs, birds, reptiles, mammals, sea turtles and crocodiles. Accommodation is in spacious tents with bush-style showers and toilets, plus meals prepared by French-trained chefs. The operator is featuring the kayak adventure as part of a two-week Rainforest & Luxury Kayak Adventure incorporating three nights in the St Luce Reserve priced from £3,860 per person. The trip also includes two nights in the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet); accommodation in the capital Antananarivo; one night at Fort Dauphin prior to departing on the canoe safari; and four nights at Manafiafy Lodge at the end of the trip. Many meals and activities are included, as are flights, transfers, transport, professional guides, excursions, park fees and all canoeing and camping equipment. The price is based on a minimum of four travelling before June 20 or between November 20 and December 15. For more information see www.rainbowtours.co.uk or call 020-7666 1250.

New wildlife option in Nepal from ACE Cultural Tours ACE CULTURAl Tours is offering a new tour in Nepal for next year called Wildlife in the Himalayan Foothills. The trip departs between January 30 and February 14, and gives guests the chance to explore the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park with ecologist Kevin Hand. The tour supports the RSPB's SAVE (Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction) project (vulture numbers have dropped 99% in the last 20 years and it is having a startling effect on the environment), and includes a visit to the community-led vulture Safe Zone at Chitwan. For more information see www.aceculturaltours.co.uk

Namibia addition from Ranch Rider RANCH RIDER has added Namibia to its Africa portfolio and is also offering stays in South Africa and Botswana. Suitable for beginners and more advanced riders, each mobile safari offers unspoilt vistas and challenging terrain. A three-night Desert Horse Safari Ride leads in at £750 per person based on two sharing and includes camping accommodation, all riding, gratuities and the services of a guide. Transfers and flights are excluded. For details call 01509-618811, email info@ranchrider.com or see www.ranchrider.com

WILDLIFE WORLDWIDE has introduced a Just Jaguars safari for this year at the Taiama Reserve in Brazil. The adventure begins in the Pantanal - a landlocked river delta, before venturing on to the Taiama Reserve, where guests slip into the daily rhythms of the jaguar, spending the days exploring the creeks and channels by small motor boat. Accommodation is on a liveaboard boat to allow for maximum possible contact time. Prices lead in at £4,525 per person including flights, transfers, six nights’ accommodation, most meals and guided activities. Flexible departures are offered between June and November. For details call 0845-130 6982 or see www.wildlifeworldwide.com

May 17 2013

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s k r a p e m the

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO Resort has announced the launch of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. The attraction offers HD CGI media, 3D technology and special effects to place riders in the middle of a battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. A seven-night stay at the Clarion In Lake Buena Vista with Virgin Holidays costs from £873 per person, including flights and car hire. The price is based on two adults travelling and sharing a standard room for a June 24 departure. To book see www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844-557 3859. For more information on the park visit www.universalorlando.co.uk

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort announces range of new attractions for summer LEGOLAND WINDSOR Resort has announced new additions for this year. Newly featured is LEGO Legends of Chima, which is brought to life in an exclusive 4D movie experience. The 12-minute animated 4D film, featuring special effects, will immerse audiences in the world of Chima where tribes of animal warriors compete in epic battles for CHI, a mystical energy source of limitless power and destruction. At the park's Star Wars Miniland Model Display, a new Star Wars Gallery awaits visitors, and also new is a Shark and Ray Nursery at Atlantis Submarine Voyage, which highlights new arrivals including a family of baby Bamboo sharks and a collection of infant rays at the resort’s Atlantis Submarine Voyage ride. This month also see’s the launch of a new themed land, DUPLO Valley, which offers a wet play environment for pre-schoolers. Featuring The DUPLO Splash Safari, the new attraction features DUPLO animal friends including lions, giraffes and elephants for little ones, and for the slightly older ones, DUPLO Drench Towers, designed for maximum soaking. In dry area Brickville, which offers climbing frames and slides fitted to bright DUPLO buildings like the Caveman’s House and the Town Garage, children can meet DUPLO characters including dinosaurs and colourful clowns. Also new for this month, younger guests will also be able to visit Fairy Tale Brook, a toddler-friendly boat ride that journeys through a magical LEGO world created from more than one million LEGO bricks inhabited by some famous fairy tale characters. Guests can meet Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, Snow White and

May 17 2013

LEGOLAND Hotel

the Seven Dwarves and Cinderella with her princess carriage. Meanwhile, as the theme park's hotel goes into its second year, it has developed a large outdoor playground outside its family restaurant, Bricks; re-landscaped its access onto the park from the hotel; and has announced that Bricks is now open to non-residents having a day in the park for lunch. Prices at the hotel lead in at £247 in low season to £337 in high season for a themed family room (for two adults and up to three children) including breakfast and park tickets for two days. Park prices lead in at £27.45 for children aged three-15 and £34.20 for adults. For more information visit www.legoland.co.uk or call 0845-373 2640.

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themeparks Experience Madagascar Live! It’s Circus Time at Gardaland DREAMWORKS HAS worked with Gardaland to create Madagascar Live! It’s Circus Time, now showing at the Italian theme park. Taking after the cartoon, the characters from Madagascar, having landed in Europe, are trying to avoid being captured by the French animal control officer, Captain Dubois. For the occasion, the theme park has set up a the Teatro Tenda (a tent theatre) capable of hosting up to 1,100 people. Family tickets for groups of three, four and five people including children under the age of ten are available, costing €29.50 per person, with the possibility of receiving a voucher to purchase lunch for €6.50. For further details see www.gardaland.it

THE ‘ANTARCTICA: Empire of the Penguin’ ride will open at SeaWorld Orlando on May 24. On the family ride, visitors will be guided by Puck, a young gentoo penguin, who leads guests on a journey through the Antarctic alongside a colony of more than 200 penguins.

Gardaland

Alton Towers packages from Superbreak AGENTS CAN now pre-book packages for their clients with Superbreak to experience the new ride, The Smiler, at Alton Towers Resort. The new roller-coaster ride features speeds of up to 85km/hr and a plummeting drop of 30m. The theme park offers more than 50 rides and attractions including popular adrenalin-pumping coasters such as Nemesis, Oblivion, Rita, TH13TEEN and Air. A package in June costs from £65.50 per person including one night at a three-star hotel in Stoke on Trent and two days' entry to the park. For more information or to book see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Universal Studios set to launch Despicable Me attraction for next year UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Hollywood has announced that the ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’ 3D Ultra-HD movie motion-simulator attraction will make its debut next year. Larry Kurzweil, president and chief operating officer of the theme park said: “Based on the consumer feedback at our sister park, we expect the ‘Despicable Me’ ride experience to be a popular, family-friendly attraction for Universal Studios Hollywood. The ride continues the story line of the main characters from the blockbuster film through all-new 3D Ultra-HD animation, together with an interactive ride vehicle system. “In ‘Despicable Me Minion

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Mayhem’, our guests will experience the hilarious and heart-warming characters of the beloved film in a whole new way.” The attraction will focus on the main character, Gru, and his latest plot to create more Minions from human recruits. Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative said: “The ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’ attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will continue to push the creative envelope with its exceptional show content, sight gags, special effects and 3D digital animation. The exterior treatment will feature even more thematic and colourful creative touches that will literally place park guests inside Gru’s world.”

September 16 2011

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themeparks

nn, by John Gui

archer

holiday rese

Smile and wave boys John Guinn runs Holiday Hut and has a fortnightly travel show on internet radio station Secklow Sounds. Here are his thoughts on Chessington's Madagascar Live! – Prepare to Party stage show... HAVEN’T always worked in travel; two-thirds of my working life has been spent working in electronics. I even got my first electric shock when I was four years old. The electric shock possibly explains a lot about me, but the background in technology and the fact that I love penguins is probably the reason that I find the cockpit warning light scene in Madagascar 2 – Escape 2 Africa the funniest thing ever. In case you haven’t seen it, a warning light comes on in the cockpit and Skipper, the lead penguin, gets the aircraft manual and uses it to smash the light, thereby turning it off and saying: “Problemo solved”. It gets me every time. It’s a shame that it’s not possible to use this technique with problem holidays… As the Madagascar films are so popular, Chessington World of Adventures added the Madagascar Live! – Prepare to Party stage show in 2012. It was put together in conjunction with DreamWorks, which produced the original film. As well as helping with the story and costumes, the company also provided voice-over artists to bring the characters to life and ensure continuity to the films. I spoke to Jon Fish, the marketing director at the theme park, to find out more about the show and straight away he confessed that his two favourite characters are Alex the Lion and King Julien XIII. Fish said: “Madagascar Live! Prepare to Party is completely different to anything that Chessington has ever had before. King Julien is putting a party together for Alex to thank him for protecting the animals from all the horrible creatures out there in the wild. However King Julien decides to steal the party for himself.” When you consider that a King Julien quote is: “That is not very interesting to me, because it is not about me. See how that works?”, it is no surprise that he causes chaos. The interactive show entertains the whole family with dual humour for adults to appreciate and features a limbo competition with the penguins, plus a song and dance extravaganza, with the cast and audience moving to ‘I Like to Move it’. After the show there is also the opportunity to have a photo taken with the characters. Lasting for around 15 minutes, the show runs up to five times daily, depending on the season. Throughout 2013, the theme park is running a special events programme, which includes Halloween Hocus Pocus, Octonauts (from this month) and for four weeks during the school summer holidays, the Moshi Monsters will be at the park. OK, I admit it - I Googled Octonauts and Moshi Monsters. For details see www.chessington.com and to hear my interview with Jon Fish in full listen to the podcast of my May 5 show at www.mixcloud.com/johnguinn

May 17 2013

Warrington tourism on the rise as guests visit theme park hotel WARRINGTON TOURISM is on the rise according to reports from one of the town’s newest hotels located next to Gulliver's theme park. Gulliver's hotel, which opened last year, reportedly filled up all 50 of its rooms over the February half-term and Easter break. The hotel's managing director Julie Dalton said: “A chilly Easter was always going to be a challenge for a hotel like ours but our staff worked hard to attract guests and make sure they were well looked after. “We've had families travel from all over the UK to ‘stay and play’ with us over the February half-term and Easter school holidays and we have designed the hotel with families firmly in mind. They absolutely love the specially decorated family rooms and extra touches like squash and sweets in the rooms." Families can book hotel packages which include theme park and SplashZone water play factory entry. For more information visit www.thegullivershotel.co.uk

Futuroscope introduces three new attractions Futuroscope in France has this year added three new attractions. The Robothespian, created by British company Engineered Arts, is a fullsized humanoid robot reminiscent of C-3PO from Star Wars and is able to talk 15 languages as well as move its eyes and limbs. One of only 30 of its kind, NASA uses one of these robots at the Kennedy Space Centre to greet the public. A Lady Ô evening show is the story of twin sisters who join forces to save their world, featuring music, pyrotechnics, images on water screens and immersive image mapping. The price of the ticket is included in the entrance fee to the park. Meanwhile, Noel Gutrin, the chef of Le Cristal restaurant, has created a new menu for this year, including a ‘Dances with Robots’ dance floor main course, ‘Arthur’s Garden’ dessert and an ‘Energy Garden’s Tour’ starter which is a snail and goat’s cheese lolly.

Disneyland Paris extends 20th anniversary celebrations DISNEYLAND PARIS is extending its 20th anniversary celebrations for an additional six months, and to celebrate, two new scenes from the films Brave and The Lion King will be added to the park’s Disney Dreams! evening show this summer. Until the end of September, the 20th Anniversary Celebration Train will also bring characters to meet guests outside the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Meanwhile, the Disney Magic on Parade! now offers new music and choreography, as well as new floats, and is available to see until November. In terms of accommodation, the Sequoia Lodge offers a new 124-room Golden Forest Club, where guests will benefit from services including a private and personalised reception, porter service and a FASTPASS or VIP FASTPASS (suites only). Guests will also have access to the private Golden Forest Lounge for a buffet breakfast shared with a selection of characters. A relaxation area will also be available with soft drinks, newspapers, magazines and snacks served free of charge at certain times of the day.

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themeparks LEGOLAND Malaysia now open

We asked our staff the following question this week: What was your favourite childhood toy? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

THE FIRST LEGOLAND Park in Asia has now opened in Malaysia. Located in the centre of the Iskandar region, the theme park offers more than 40 rides, shows and attractions, along with seven restaurants. The park features seven themed areas including The Beginning, LEGO Technic, LEGO Kingdoms, Imagination, LEGO City, Land of Adventure and MINILAND, which offers recreated Asian landmarks made from more than 30million LEGO bricks. One-day ticket prices are £30 for adults (ages 12-59), £24 for children (aged three to 11 years) and £24 for seniors. A range of hotels offer overnight packages. For further details see www.legoland.com.my

A doll's cot - I used to dress up our cat in doll's clothes and force her to lie in there

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Buttons (not the chocolate kind) - I would play for hours with them

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk My Dinky - a little red double-decker

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk A teddy bear called Hector and then a catapult

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk I had the full Star Wars set. Mum gave it all away. Would be worth a fortune now!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Arnold Palmer Pro Shot Golf

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk My Subbuteo set

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

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

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk My rocking horse

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk A box

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May 17 2013

Walt Disney World launches New Fantasyland WALT DISNEY World has launched the New Fantasyland, an expansion of the original Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, which comprises an Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus areas. The Enchanted Forest contains the ‘Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid’ attraction; Ariel’s Grotto; the Castle of the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, including the Be Our Guest restaurant; Enchanted Tales with Belle, leading to Maurice’s workshop and transporting guests to the Beast’s library; the Bonjour! Village Gifts shop; and Gaston’s Tavern. Meanwhile, the Storybook Circus section offers Big Top Souvenirs; the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area; the upgraded Dumbo, the Flying

Elephant ride; the Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini rollercoaster; Pete’s Silly Sideshow; the Fantasyland Train Station, which is serviced by a passenger train encircling the Magic Kingdom and powered by a steam engine; the Princess Fairytale Hall in the Castle Courtyard, which will be the new home for the princesses; and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. To mark the new attraction the park is offering free dining and 14 days’ park entry for the price of seven. A word search competition is also available to agents, offering £50 in Love2Shop vouchers. For further information call 0844-800 8111 or visit www.disneyworld.co.uk

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. BUTLINS, 5. LCY, 7. NERJA, 8. NIGEL, 9. IONA, 10. BEER, 12. THAI, 13. AVIS, 16. LEEDS, 17. MALMO, 18. RED, 19. SANTA FE. Down: 1. BONNIE TYLER, 2. TURIN, 3. IRAN, 4. SUNSET, 5. LEGER, 6. YELLOWSTONE, 11. KANSAS, 12. TWEED, 14. VOLGA, 15. OMAN.

Highlighted Word: BOTSWANA Travagrams: (top) Tunisia First

(bottom) South Korea

Where Am I?: Berne

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