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June 19 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,924 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk
North Africa
Value for money & FCO support sees Tunisia gain Brits’ confidence
this week technology bulletin how mobile is driving the travel industry
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conference bulletin a round-up of news from the AITO conference in Cordoba, Spain
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all-inclusives how highlighting luxury deals lures repeat visitors
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activity holidays operators highlight their latest deals & programme additions
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This Week news 3 8
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Cover Pictures: Main - Cave house in matmata
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new survey reveals Brits are seeking updated experiences
at home with eileen find out what homeworker Eileen has been up to lately
agent bulletin new fam trip opportunity plus the latest booking incentives
technology bulletin Digital Trip looks at how mobile is driving the travel industry
puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher
pix mix images and news from ‘ANTOR Meets The Travel Trade’ event
conference bulletin Adam Potter reports from the AITO conference in Cordoba, Spain
north africa value for money & strong FCO support sees Tunisia gain Brits’ confidence
all-inclusives how agents can highlight luxury deals to get clients coming back for more
operators highlight their 24 latest options to get activity holidays
clients moving
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newsbulletin
THEIR BEST SIDE... A total of 48 independent agents from 24 agencies in Cheshire, Shropshire, Lancashire and North Wales attended last week’s workshop of BRIGHT (Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training) at the Llyndir Hotel near Chester. The event was hosted by members from Jersey Tourism, Cox & Kings, Explore, Kirker Holidays, Hurtigruten, 1st Class Holidays, Veloso Tours, Silverseas Cruises, Prom Peru and Mosaic Holidays. Pictured are, from the left: Lucy Dinwiddie, Prom Peru; Beverley Lewis, Stephanie Solari and Amy Pudge from Denbighshire Travel; Alan Meadows of Mosaic Holidays; and Maxine Dunsdon from Hurtigruten. The next workshop and dinner events take place in Guernsey on September 8 and Jersey on September 9. For details see www.brightconsortia.com or email colin@eventsfortravel.com
Beach package holidays alive and kicking but young Brits want an updated experience according to Neilson survey NEILSON HAS released the results of a new survey which shows that 60% of young British holidaymakers would consider booking a beach package holiday in the near future while 14% of respondents were left unsure as to whether a beach package holiday was the right choice for them and only 25% said that they wouldn't consider that type of holiday at all. The survey of more than 2,000 Brits, aged 21-35, showed the surprising news that in an age of boutique getaways and city breaks, the beach package holiday is still as popular as ever. However, the millennials have different expectations to previous generations. A beach location is ranked as the most important feature with 73% of respondents agreeing it was an appealing aspect. Traditional package holiday elements such as being 'organised' by holiday reps and the self-contained resort complex were less appealing with a noticeable shift towards both more active and cultural pursuits. Nearly 40% of respondents stated
that local excursions are an important factor in beach package holidays and 27% said that daily activities, such as watersports, cycling and tennis being provided was appealing when deciding who to book with. Andy Furlong, the company’s sales and marketing director, said: “Our survey shows that the younger generation are becoming savvier when choosing the holiday that is right for them. They understandably want sunshine in a great location at an affordable price – who doesn't? - but increasingly they also want to be active, try their hand at new things and experience a different culture. They want package holiday providers to update their offering to reflect their lifestyles. “These are trends that we at Neilson have kept as a key focus in our holidays with all ten of our resorts located right on the beach and we offer windsurfing, mountain biking, tennis and fitness for guests to try for free in resort as they're included in the package price.”
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Research reveals Brits turn to TripAdvisor for inspiration over family and friends NEW WEBLOYALTY research has revealed that nearly half of Brits (43%) are turning to TripAdvisor for inspiration prior to booking a main holiday. Peer-to-peer recommendations on the site are now the favoured route of holiday research, becoming more popular than suggestions from friends and family, which only a quarter of Brits (26%) sought for their last main holiday. Nearly half of us (43%) do not judge recommendations by friends and relatives to be important when selecting a holiday destination, compared to less than a third (30%) who felt that way about online reviews.
The ‘Digital Destinations’ research undertaken by TNS showed that the rise of sites like TripAdvisor has had a huge impact on the High Street, particularly in the research and inspiration phase of booking a holiday. Less than a quarter of us (22%) now look at travel brochures, with only 15% actually making the effort to visit a local travel agent for holiday inspiration. However, it’s not all bad news for travel agents, as the research found they are still popular with package holidaymakers – 37% of those who booked a package holiday in the last two years booked ‘offline’ with a travel agent, either in person or over the phone.
Grand Lucayan Bahamas unveils allinclusive concept ready for 2015 launch GRAND LUCAYAN, a resort on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas, has announced the launch of its all-inclusive concept at Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan. The new 198-guestroom resort will serve as an additional option for guests seeking an all-inclusive holiday experience instead of the traditional à la carte model. Expected to be unveiled later this year, Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan is currently undergoing a multimillion dollar enhancement project. Extensive renovations include modernised guestrooms,
upgrades and redesigns of the common areas, restaurant updates and an on-property nightclub for adults. In addition to new dining and entertainment venues, the enhancement project is also expected to create a new kids’ club for guests aged 12 and under. In line with Grand Lucayan’s guest-centric offerings for families, children 12 years of age and under stay for free, while young guests aged 13 to 17 receive reduced rates. For more information visit www.grandlucayan.com (Allinclusives – page 22)
Grand Lucayan
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FINAL COUNTDOWN...England Rugby Travel, the official travel agent for the Rugby World Cup 2015 has launched a sales drive through travel agents to promote a range of official ticketinclusive packages, including entry to special events and a range of accommodation. The company is also incentivising agents by offering a sliding scale of commission payments and a point of sales pack, including ‘Authorised to sell Rugby World Cup 2015’ branded window stickers, Rugby World Cup 2015 window posters and an exclusive trade-only section online detailing all its packages and pricing. For details see www.englandrugbytravel.com/rwc2015/traveltrade. Pictured marking the countdown recently is the company's Emily Bell (right) and Caroline North from Thorntons Travel in Bristol. For details call 0844-788 4084 or email emily.bell@englandrugbytravel.com
Amsterdam packages from SuperBreak SUPERBREAK HAS launched a new range of ‘Ultimate Amsterdam’ excursion packages, ideal for agents to promote to customers wanting to visit Amsterdam. They feature a selection of must-see excursions and attractions that can be enjoyed over a three-day short break. The operator's national sales manager, Graham Balmforth, said: “These packages have been introduced following the success of our Ultimate Reykjavik tour in Iceland which is now one of our biggest selling excursions overall. Amsterdam is a key destination for us, driven by our DFDS mini-cruise break product. We wanted to provide agents with a selection of easy to book, add-on packages that cover a variety of customer interests. Agents can ensure that they earn from pre-booking key attractions that their customers are likely to do when they are there anyway.” Each Ultimate package can be booked either with a hotel or as part of a flight-inclusive package or DFDS minicruise break. Examples include Ultimate Amsterdam for £64 per person, an Amsterdam walking tour, 24-hour hop-on hopoff bus tour including Van Gogh Museum with fast track and a Candlelight Canal Cruise; and an Ultimate Party in Amsterdam for £70, which includes Ice bar entrance, Heineken Experience plus a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, an escorted pub crawl and a beer and burgers cruise. Prices lead in at £169 per person including DFDS sailings in a two-berth cabin, three nights at the Ibis Amsterdam Central Stopera on a bed-and-breakfast basis and an Ultimate Discover Amsterdam excursion package. For details call 01904-436000.
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New Xmas cabin availability with Santa’s Lapland DUE TO high demand, Santa’s Lapland has some new Christmas Cabins that sleep up to ten guests available on additional dates. Prices start at £739 per person for a Santa’s Magic package of three days/two nights, and include flights, transfers, half-board accommodation in a log cabin with a dedicated 'Santa’s Helper' and thermal boots and clothing. Activities are also part of the package and include a snowmobile search for Santa’s log cabin home; a private meeting with Santa for each family; a husky sled ride; reindeer sleigh ride; and a visit to the elves and Igloo Fantasia. For more information or to book call 01483-791945 or visit www.santaslapland.com
TEA TIME… Stena Line and B&B Ireland have announced details of a new agreement that will give British holidaymakers competitive rates on more than 800 three- and four-star B&Bs across Ireland, that also includes ferry travel. Ian Bailie from Stena Line joined one of the B&B owners recently, Sharon Weir from Dromard House in County Fermanagh, to celebrate with a cup of tea. For details visit www.stenaline.co.uk/bbireland
Balkan Holidays adds new flights from regional airports BALKAN HOLIDAYS has announced additional flights from UK regional airports to Bulgaria for its summer 2016 programme. They include a new weekly Thursday flight from Glasgow to Bourgas; a weekly Monday flight from Aberdeen to Bourgas; a weekly Saturday flight from Glasgow to Varna; a Friday flight from Belfast to Bourgas; new Saturday flights (high season) from Gatwick and Manchester to Varna; and a Monday night flight from Birmingham to Bourgas.
The company is offering seven-, ten- and 14-night package holidays with 10kg luggage allowance for infants on charters and 20kg standard luggage allowance per person on all package holidays on charter flights. Free luggage allowance of 30kg per person is offered on all package holidays on charter flights staying at a Premier Selection hotel and flightonly options are also available. The operator's sales and marketing manager, Chris Rand, said: “These
additional flights will help us deal with increasing demand for summer holidays to Bulgaria which continues to top the polls in terms of providing the best value for money holidays in Europe. The flights to Varna will also provide additional capacity for us as we become the sole UK operator to the resorts of Golden Sands, St Konstantin and Albena on the Northern Black Sea coast.” To book or for more information call 020-7543 5555 or visit www.balkanholidays.co.uk
GTMC marks new brand identity at annual overseas conference GTMC HAS unveiled its new branding which includes a refreshed logo, tagline and imagery. The new brand heralds GTMC as the voice of business travel and celebrates a step change for the organisation following member and partner growth, plus an enhanced profile within broader business and government decision making arenas. The organisation represents more than 80% of managed business travel in the UK and has direct access to the views
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of hundreds of thousands of business travellers. Its nationally representative research gives the organisation a statistically robust understanding of business travel issues, trends and opportunities in the UK business travel industry. As the only representative body for TMCs and the business travel community, GTMC prides itself in connecting people and developing relationships and insight to provide a focused approach to lobbying.
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newsbulletin New app from APH gives agents tool to boost revenue on airport parking AIRPORT PARKING & HOTELS (APH) has recently announced that its airport parking plug-in, offering an extensive choice of UK airport parking options, is now available through Travelport’s point of sale solution, Travelport Smartpoint. The latest application means that travel agencies can upsell airport parking when making flight bookings using a simple two-step process. The application automatically presents relevant parking content based on specific airport codes and is simple to use and free of charge to travel agents. Other key features of the APH plug-in include the ability to pre-book airport parking and receive instant confirmation and service documents; access to parking
availability and real-time quotes for individual flight departures booked; the capability to integrate PNR details into the back-office system; and flexibility in payment options in order to simplify and accelerate the payment process. Phillip Morris-Simpson, the company’s new business development manager, said: “By tapping into the APH Airport Parking plug-in through Travelport Smartpoint, travel agencies can boost revenue, save time and increase customer loyalty by offering a number of parking solutions to meet individual needs. The plug-in is simple and fast to use. We look forward to continuing our work with Travelport and further developing our relationship over the years ahead.”
Double announcement from Jet2.com and Jet2holidays for 2016 programme JET2.COM and Jet2holidays are expanding their biggest summer 2016 programme with the launch of two new destinations - Girona (Costa Brava) and Naples. The addition of the popular summer holiday getaways means agents now have more choice for their clients and brings further growth to four of the companies' airports – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. With Girona, holidaymakers can take their pick from some of the most popular holiday resorts on the Costa Brava including Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, while Naples is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the picturesque villages of Positano and Sorrento, plus the fashionable island of
Capri. Flights to both destinations begin operating in April 2016. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We promised next summer is going to be our biggest one yet. We’re now making it even bigger with the launch of these two stunning new destinations. Our Spanish and Italian routes are some of the most popular so we’re thrilled to be further expanding these with Girona and Naples, giving travel agents even more new and exciting places for their customers." In addition to the two new destinations, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks are also launching Krakow as a new route from Manchester Airport. The twice-
weekly flights will commence on April 28, 2016. Meanwhile, Jet2.com is giving eager skiers even more opportunities to hit the slopes this winter with the launch of its biggest ski programme, including thousands more seats on major routes plus the new destination of Lyon from Manchester Airport. The new addition will see the company operate a total of 20 ski routes from its seven UK bases for 2015/16. Flights are now available to all the major ski markets including Andorra (Barcelona), Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Turin and Verona. For further information visit trade.jet2holidays.com and www.jet2.com/ski
£1 Singapore Airlines stopover holiday
RIVIERA TRAVEL is continuing to promote its Jerusalem, Galilee & the Dead Sea escorted tour following demand. The eight-day tour costs from £1,299 per person including flights, four-star hotel accommodation, transfers, a selection of guided excursions and the services of a tour manager throughout.
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SINGAPORE AIRLINES is celebrating the destination's 50th anniversary by offering a £1 Singapore Stopover Holiday. The offer includes the first night’s stay in a choice of eight hotels including the centrally located Hotel Grand Pacific and Peninsula Excelsior, as well as airport transfers and entry to more than 20 key attractions, worth more than £220. Bookings must be made by June 30 via the GDS for travel until July 15. Clients can also combine the offer with the latest fares and also include free coach travel for customers travelling to Heathrow from more than 25 UK cities via the carrier's Coach-Fly partnership with National Express. Launched earlier this year, customers' journeys can be booked as one combined itinerary via the GDS, with the coach travel offered on a complimentary basis for journeys booked before August 31. For more details visit singaporeair.com/sqagents
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newsbulletin Alitalia unveils new brand & new livery ALITALIA HAS revealed its new brand, new aircraft livery and new visual identity at a launch event at Rome's Fiumicino Airport. The airline also announced product upgrades across all classes of service on its international wide-body fleet with the aim of repositioning itself as a leader in superior service and a powerful ambassador for Italy. The new developments mark a major milestone for Italy’s national airline, as it revitalises its business across all areas of its global operations. The airline's chair, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, said: “Our livery is universally associated with Italy and viewed as iconic and highly recognised. However, it was clear that it needed to evolve to bring Alitalia into the 21st century in a way that could meet our ambitious objectives and the most demanding market expectations.” After 46 years, the green band has disappeared from the fuselage for the first time. At the core of the new livery is a larger tricolour ‘A’ tailfin, which serves as a powerful representation of the Italian flag across the world, while a more modern typeface and non-Italic style has been introduced to convey the confidence and assertiveness of the new brand. Meanwhile, the new inflight experience places emphasis on greater customer choice, innovation, quality, plus more personal control over how guests relax, dine and are entertained on board. Wi-fi connectivity will progressively be made available on all long-haul aircraft, together with revamped movie galleries and inflight entertainment.
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SATA INTERNATIONAL (www.sata.pt) and Archipelago Choice (www.azoreschoice.com) have added a new cycling package to the Azores. Designed for the most committed cyclists, the seven-night tour follows a circular route around the eastern end of São Miguel and leads in at £1,030 per person including accommodation in a selection of three- and four-star hotels, bike rental, biking equipment, transfers and flights, based on July departures. (Adventure, Activity & Golf Holidays – page 24)
The Cape Verde Experience launches 2015/16 brochure THE CAPE VERDE Experience has issued its November 2015 October 2016 brochure offering a choice of year-round holidays to six of the ten Cape Verde islands. To mark its ten-year anniversary this winter, the company is offering customers better value for money with a selection of self-catering, bedand-breakfast, bon appetit, half board, full board and allinclusive accommodation. The programme includes twin-centre holidays, islandhopping itineraries and tall ship sailings, with the flexibility of
tailor-made itineraries for any island and hotel combination. Brochure highlights include the free use of UK airport lounges with all winter packages, private transfers included in package holiday prices, a new Bristol to Sal flight service from November and a new seven-night itinerary incorporating the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. As an example of prices, winter 2015/16 hotel based holidays lead in at £799 based on seven nights' breakfast accommodation including flights, transfers, visas and
taxes, along with the services of a rep on each island. For more information call 0845330 2046 or visit www.capeverde.co.uk
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ATTITUDE HOTELS has revealed that from February 2017, the all-inclusive package at Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel in Mauritius will become Premium All Inclusive only, with extras including a complimentary massage, premium brands and breakfast in-room. (All-Inclusives - page 21) SUNBORN GIBRALTAR has announced that La Sala has opened its latest restaurant on the luxury five-star super yacht hotel. For details see www.sunborngibraltar.com YOUPHORIA VILLAS in Crete, a collection of eight upscale villas has slashed 10% off all June bookings. Prices start from 2,450 euros (£1,808) per week for a onebedroom villa which sleeps up to three, excluding the 10% discount. For details see www.youphoriavillascrete.com or email info@youphoriavillascrete.com WILDERNESS AUSTRALIA has relaunched following the unveiling of a new brand identity last week. The company has reintroduced itself as Alquemie and features a new logo, colour palette and typography.
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e m o h t AEileen... r Eileen eworke h? m o h s a t What h p to this mon been u
’VE HAD a mixed bag of enquiries in the last couple of weeks, some more challenging than others but that's what I love about this job, it’s never boring! How can it be when no two days are ever the same? You just never know what you’re going to be asked for next and that’s what keeps my job so interesting. A luxury holiday to the Maldives, a villa holiday in the Canaries, city breaks to Venice and Barcelona and a trip to New Zealand via South Africa are just an example of the enquiries I’m working on at the moment. I’m hoping for a lot more enquiries to come my way on the back of Travel Counsellors’ first TV advertising campaign which kicked off this month. The very first advert was shown during an episode of Coronation Street and resulted in a thousand hits on our website before the programme had finished. If you haven’t seen the advert yet, it’s on ITV for another couple of weeks or you can watch it on YouTube. Some clients have recently returned from their honeymoon in the US and I contacted them to welcome them home and to see how things went. Their response was “Thank you so much! It was the most perfect honeymoon! We had the most fabulous time, with amazing rooms and amazing views. Thank you for organising the upgrades. We will remember it forever. Thanks so much, everything was really perfect.” Honeymoons always come with such high expectations so isn’t it great when you get a reaction like this knowing you’ve done a good job and that you’ve helped create such long-lasting memories. Had to smile when I read in the press recently about the student who changed his name by deed poll to avoid paying a hefty amendment charge to correct a flight booking error. The airline wanted £220 to amend his surname which was given incorrectly by his girlfriend’s stepfather who’d made the booking. The stepdad had taken the student’s surname from his ‘Facebook page not knowing that the student had jokingly put his name on there as Adam West, the name of the actor who played Batman on TV. The student was so incensed with the charge that he went to the extreme length of legally changing his name to match the name on his flight ticket. The change of name and a new passport cost him £103 far less than he would have had to pay to amend his ticket. How mad is that?!
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MONEYCARD, the agent loyalty scheme reports that it now has more than 5,000 agents signed up. Founder member, Funway Holidays, is attributing a 15% increase in sales largely to the scheme which it launched less than two years ago. Partners involved in the scheme include Collette, Norwegian and If Only. For details see www.yourmoneycard.co.uk NEW RULES have come into force for holidaymakers in Magaluf. In an attempt to clamp down on antisocial behaviour, the Balearic authorities have enforced new regulations whereby drinking in the street is now banned between 22:00-08:00. Antisocial activities will also be banned and subject to fines, and the size of bar crawls will also be controlled. The new regime is being introduced gradually to allow bar owners and tour organisers sufficient time to adjust their business practices. THE GTMC has announced that STA Travel has joined as its newest member. CITY CRUISES' R.S. Hispaniola has introduced a new home made afternoon tea menu for £26.50 per person. For details see http://hispaniola.co.uk BOOTS UK has launched its new travel insurance range to offer five levels of cover. AL FRESCO’S 20% savings on July and August holidays offer lead-in prices from £706 for a sevennight stay in a mobile home that sleeps six at La Croix du Vieux Pont in Champagne. The price is not per person, as stated in the Holidays Parks feature in June 12 issue. For details see www.alfrescoholidays.com or call 0843-636 2282.
Butlin’s Minehead launches ‘WWE Live Weekender’ 2015 in November THIS NOVEMBER, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will be flying in from the US and landing at Butlin’s Minehead for another live, action-packed wrestling weekend family break. The ‘WWE Live Weekender’ will be held at the 5,000 capacity indoor Minehead Skyline Pavilion from November 13-16 and will bring together wrestling’s biggest stars including Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns. Prices for the three-night break start from £124 per person including accommodation based on four adults sharing a silver self-catering apartment. For more information or to book see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742. Butlin’s Minehead
by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk
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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●
AGENTS BOOKING any hotel stay for seven nights or more with Touchdown Holidays will be entered into a free prize draw to win a 16GB iPad mini in space grey. Bookings need to be made by June 30 for any travel period. For details see www.touchdown.co.uk or call 01293-425000.
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AGENTS REGISTERED to Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Rewards scheme can earn £30 in points when they make a booking for any sailing departing in July, August and September. Agents can also earn double points on any six-night or above sailings booked for this month or between October and April 2016. Sailings booked for July, August and September will also earn core points but will not be eligible for double points. For details visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk
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OSPREY HOLIDAYS is giving agents the chance to win a city break for two to Paris. Each booking made this month qualifies as one entry into the prize draw, which includes two nights in a four-star hotel, flights, transfers and a DK Eyewitness Pocket Map and Guide to Paris. Agents should email the booking reference number to marketing@ospreyholidays.com by July 5, with ‘WIN PARIS’ in the subject line. See www.ospreyholidays.com/win-citybreak-paris
FANCY A FAM?
DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.C OM IS giving agents the chance to win spaces on a fam trip to Paris. Any booking made by July 10 qualifies as entry to the draw, with a bonus entry for Disneyland Par is bookings and Chic Shopping Outlet day trips, ava ilable in nine European destinations. The two-night fam includes transfers, a trip to Disneylan d Paris, a £25 gift card, lunch, a Starbucks coupon, a Paris show and a VIP shopping experience at La Vallée Village. To enter, agents should email win@dosomethingdifferent.com with ‘Come on Holiday with DSD’ in the subject line by July 10 or call 020-8090 3890.
WISH GRANTED …Ramsay Travel in Dunfermline is celebrating after winning a competition organised by Funway Holidays to find the best selling Ramsay Travel branch in Scotland. Pictured is the top seller, Grant Dennan, from the Dunfermline agency who won a pair of Paolo Nutini concert tickets. Pictured with Grant is the operator’s Amy Drummond.
MAMMA MIA! EXPLORE ITALY BY TRAIN - London - Milan from £118 rtn* - Paris - Milan from £46 rtn* - Lyon - Turin from £46 rtn* - Milan - Rome from £60 rtn* - Naples - Rome from £24 rtn* - Florence - Venice from £34 rtn*
Book online in just a fe w clicks
*Based on the cheapest return adult fare in Standard Class
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Web: www.voyages-sncf.eu Call:
0844 848 4066 June 19 2015
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technologynews New digital enhancements from Thomson and First Choice
DIGITAL DIALOGUE How mobile is driving the travel industry HE FACT that mobile is an essential factor driving forward the travel industry really goes without saying. Endless research and surveys report the same story – one in which more and more travellers are using mobile devices to book their trips away. According to the experts, 73% of the UK's mobile device users interact with travel-related content (Expedia Media Solutions), and by 2017 more than 30% of online travel bookings by value will be made via mobile devices (Euromonitor). These statistics can be attributed to a number of factors. For one, online travel apps look set to become increasingly appealing to users with the addition of location-based services. In terms of business priorities for travel companies, mobile should be up there with big data, personalisation and customer experience as the key areas of priority this year and beyond. Obviously, the success of these key priorities all rests upon the presence of a mobile-optimised website.
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Personalisation of travel One of the most frustrating things for online consumers is continually being presented with content that is irrelevant. Personalisation is one way travel companies can ensure that the information their audience sees is relevant to their needs at specific stages of the customer journey. Travel brands should introduce personalisation at the early stages of inspiration and search to help increase sales. Customer experience for travellers More and more travellers are booking their trips online and businesses are increasingly focusing on attracting more visitors to their website. However, there is no point doing this if a bad user experience forces them away from the site. Websites need to be easy to use on mobile devices, giving users useful content, and guiding them through the check-out process. Augmented reality in travel Augmented reality has a lot to offer the travel industry. Research suggests that the mobile augmented reality market will increase to around £3.3 billion by next year. This technology allows travel companies to give customers a real sense of what to expect from a destination. Customers can go beyond looking at photos or videos and step virtually inside a travel resort before making a booking. To make the most of mobile technology, travel businesses must determine what will provide the best services to their audience. It's not enough to own big data, businesses need to understand the data and interpret it in a way that best benefits their customers across all mobile devices.
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WITH MORE than 1,000,000 downloads to date, holiday brands Thomson and First Choice have announced new digital enhancements to their mobile apps. Using their mobile boarding passes, which they can now download after checking-in online via the apps, customers can experience a paperless airport experience making the start to their holiday quicker and easier. Holidaymakers are now able to book in-flight extras as well as upgrade their seats on an existing flight using the MyThomson and MyFirstChoice apps. The new features complement the apps' existing favourites which include the latest weather forecast and exchange rates and a holiday checklist for clients to utilise while packing. John Boughton, director of ancillaries and commercial for Thomson and First Choice, said: “We want to continue to develop our digital capabilities to enhance the customer experience at every step of their journey, whether they’re preparing for their holiday or actually at their destination. These innovative mobile apps are a ‘one stop shop’ for everything our customers need for their holiday.” Customers can access the apps via mobile devices including iPhone, iPad, Android phone and Android Tablet. For more information see www.thomson.co.uk/myapp/mythomson.html and www.firstchoice.co.uk/myapp
Airlines ease flight disruptions for passengers with Travel Welfare Card Solution A NEW service for customers experiencing flight disruptions has been rolled out at all major airport locations in the UK and across Europe. Delivered by Travel Welfare Ltd and Payment Card Technologies, the Travel Welfare prepaid card system has revolutionised the way passenger welfare is managed. VISA prepaid cards have replaced old style, admin heavy paper-based vouchers, ensuring customers have swift access to their legal entitlement of care and assistance. Airlines including easyJet which have adopted the new card system, have seen the amount of resource previously required to manage the old style vouchers reduce, while speed of communication and quality of service to disrupted customers has increased. Customer feedback shows that passengers ‘strongly’ prefer the cards to paper
vouchers. Accessed via a secure web portal, typically, 150 passengers, the VISA prepaid cards take approximately 75 seconds to load with funds once a delay has been confirmed and cards can be issued immediately to customers to spend in selected retail and food outlets. Airline staff have complete control over the amount loaded on to the cards and the time for which they are valid via a security protected web portal accessed at the desktop. As soon as a flight delay exceeds the regulatory twoor three-hour threshold, airline staff will load funds onto a card for each person on the flight. The passenger then swipes the card in the normal VISA card reader at the retailer and the relevant amount is deducted. Once the flight departs the cards become inactive and any unused funds are swept off the cards and back to the airline.
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puzzlebulletin Travagrams
Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 024
Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?
A Elsewise Ruler Thorn
A➠
B➠ Hotel group that recently launched ‘extreme’ sports for their over-50s guests this summer
C➠
Bear Issue On
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, June 25th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 5th June is Eddie Doyle, Pearl King Travel in Liverpool. June 5 Solution: A=6 B=5 C=7 D=1
Crossword
The Latin American capital of Argentina
Where Am I?
The largest religious monument in the world whose name means 'Temple City'
Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.
Number: 024
Across 1. Part of the Wyndham Hotel Group (4,3) 4. Tokyo based carrier, initially (3) 6. Holiday accommodation (5) 8. Scenic Italian lake (5) 9. Flows through Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire (4) 10. Capital of Belarus (5) 13. Middle East country (5) 14. Saturday night headliners at the recent IOW festival (4) 17. UK airport (5) 18. Florida city and Bay of the same name (5) 19. London Heathrow airport code (3) 20. Airline based at 17 across, sounds regal (7)
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Down 1. She's back reuniting Long Lost Family on ITV (6) 2. Tehran is the capital (4) 3. Popular Jamaica beach resort (6) 4. Anthem sung by the WI (9) 5. Traditional Hawaiian party (4) 7. English city sounds like an old warplane (9) 11. Brian Conley is currently touring the UK in this circus-themed musical (6) 12. Irish county (6) 15. Ben Gurion airport is this carrier's main hub (2,2) 16. A dessert could create a mess in this English town (4)
For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 26 June 19 2015
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ANTOR held its second ‘ANTOR Meets the Travel Trade’ event last week, where Travel Bulletin was media sponsor. Around 80 guests met with 17 tourist office members hosted at Expedia’s hi-tech offices in London…
MEETING AND GREETING...Getting ready to meet guests is ANTOR's Alison Cryer, joined by Adam Potter from Travel Bulletin.
BROCHURE BUDDIES...Showcasing their latest brochure is Stephanie Sadjak and Rudolf Gams – from the Austrian National Tourist Office.
“The presentations by Expedia gave us some real insights into the digital world of mobile, tablet and PC and how we can leverage that factor to drive bookings to our respective destinations. I'm here representing Taiwan, but of course we've got destinations from all parts of the world with whom we have the opportunity to share best practice with and the chance to engage with the wonderful audience of buyers that have been organised by ANTOR. It really does make this evening of great benefit to us and of course to Taiwan.” Stephen Hurp, Taiwan
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"I managed to learn a lot from the tourist boards I spoke with, especially Gibraltar; it’s somewhere that I really wanted to expand my knowledge on. Also speaking to the Cyprus Tourist Board has been useful. They were able to offer more information around its honeymoon and wedding destinations and present information which I didn’t previously know, which I can now take forward when selling." Barbara Thompson, Avocet Travel Management
TWO'S COMPANY...Nigel Fell from Abercrombie & Kent and Janet Watson from the Canadian Tourism Commission have the chance to catch up.
WINTER WARMERS....Showcasing the destination's winter activities are Melissa Lowe from Perfect Weddings Abroad and Amanda Newby de Saulles from Travel Alberta.
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FAR EAST FRIENDS....Pictured is Cara Cunnington from GTI with Stephane Haubois from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
MAKING A STAND...Pictured are Tracey Poggio (left) and Ian Leyde from the Gibraltar Tourist Board with Dorota Popinska from Travel Republic.
“Who says that agents don't go anywhere? We're here with a full room of agents and it just shows the importance in the relationship between tourist boards and the trade there’s an excellent quality of agents here and the enthusiasm they have to meet the destinations has been very pleasing. Essentially ANTOR as a community offers onestop-shop for the industry to come and see us, and I think that's the highlight for me: seeing my members come out and support our events.” Tracey Poggio, Gibraltar Tourist Board & ANTOR chair
FIRM FRIENDS...Pictured is Charles Wilson (left) from the German National Tourist Office with Arne Schmidt from Expedia.
FLYING THE FLAG....For Cyprus is Mario Christodoulou (right) from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation with Dave Lorch from Original Travel.
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“Samoa is a great add-on destination from Australia and New Zealand with easy access from either Sydney or Brisbane. Tonight has been all about meeting the travel agents and tour operators that we wouldn't necessarily meet on a day-to-day basis and getting our name out there.” Davina Took, Samoa Tourism Authority
SAMOA TRIO... Davina Took from the Samoa Tourism Authority chats with Andrew Vaugham and Alona Stokmane from Egencia.
June 19 2015
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conferencereport THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP AITO held its 2015 conference at the Hotel Eurostars Palace in Cordoba, Spain last weekend. ADAM POTTER reports on the key themes raised...
SETTING THE scene for this year’s conference Derek Moore, chairman of AITO highlighted the gradual challenges and changes that had the potential to destabilise the travel industry. Noting the innumerable ways in which consumers could now research and book a holiday without a
necessary intermediary - and with an increasing trend of consumers reliant upon peer reviews, most commonly sought and conveyed via digital media, he said: "The genie's out of the bottle and this trend will only grow. Will operators and agents survive in this changing travel world? Yes, but only if we adapt to change. If we don't find a way to interact with these peer-topeer consumers we'll be irrelevant no matter what qualities we have to offer.”
Tying this year’s conference theme of ‘The Power of Partnership’ in with a strong focus and preparation for the digital landscape Moore concluded: "We're not under threat this year, or next, but in a few years things might be different, so we need to start thinking now, how we as operators and agents can stay relevant in the growing peer-to-peer economy. If agents and operators have a common interest in facing this challenge, how much better will it be if we work together."
SOCIAL SURGE…Damian Cook from E-Tourism Frontiers explains to delegates how to maximise their online investment
DELICIOUS DINING…Enjoying a dine-out experience in Cordoba’s old town are Juliet Gardner (left) and Judith Eardley from Kenneth Macleod Travel in Glasgow.
E-Tourism Frontiers urges delegates to ride the wave of technological trends DAMIEN COOK from E-Tourism Frontiers offered an insight into the changing digital landscape and how the travel industry can effectively ride the new wave of technological trends, with a failure to adapt meaning extinction. Speaking to a room full of agents and operators Cook said: “Some people ask is the future of travel online? It's gone way beyond that. It is the present: 58% of all travel over the last year, not just research but also booked and sold, is online. The ability to dynamically package is what people are looking for that is the challenge to the travel industry now and it is being driven by clients. “We’re now moving into a new phase the rise of social media. Family and friend recommendations are still extremely important for those deciding on which destination to travel to, and
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that is now almost entirely happening online. As people are travelling they're posting their photos and their stories and it's their family and friends who are seeing that and responding to it.” Usefully, harnessing a cross section of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and blogs can create effective engagement and enable agents to identify those who are likely to become customers. The key to this is good content; the ability to turn interest into a sale and then the maintenance of that relationship after a customer’s visit, to keep them coming back with a recommendation to their friends and family to do the same. “The market is very loud and very crowded”, Cook advised “Standing out from the crowd can't be achieved by making bland generic statements. Words
such as ‘the best’, ‘most beautiful’, ‘luxury’, ‘stunning’, this language doesn't work in the online space as they're overused. You need to tell an interesting story.” According to Damian, equally important was the effective use of images to show a product with engagement rates 200 times higher with photos and videos than text as well as providing the ability for a client to refer directly to the brand from the start of the trip planning experience. He said: "It's about communicating that great travel experience. The balance of power is shifting to your hands - it's about your clients finding you, booking with you, travelling with you, having great experiences and sharing them and driving that banner for other people to travel with you - the onus is on you to start to adapt to this."
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conferencereport On trend: evolutions, behaviours and patterns that Google sees in travel Across the globe there are two billion users currently online. Google predicts that by 2020 there will be another five billion. In other words practically everyone on the planet. Niels Magill, senior industry analyst at Google Travel, took to the stage to offer some current and future trends on what people are searching for and how real time data can reflect what travellers want and when they want it. In the world of digital, travel is now one of the leading industries with 8.5 out of every ten people in the UK researching or buying travel online. In accessing the tool ‘Google.com/trends’ agents can now discover demand patterns of consumers and tailor their focus to meet that demand. Dubbing this “nowcasting” Niels explained: “If you look at these charts you can see what's happening right now and
immediately react to that. It's much better than waiting for a quarterly report to see the hottest destinations.” Also revealed was the customer journey - what it is they actually look for. In the first search 83% of people search for a non-brand term such as 'holiday in Spain' and only 17% search for an actual brand. The booking process has also become much more complex than ever before. Niels said: “Consumers are highly sophisticated and very clever. Their research process starts 73 days before booking and they analyse 33 sites in just over two hours including videos, maps, reviews and photos. What everyone in the industry needs to think about is: are you in the right place at the right time with the right message at each of these touch points and how does your business interact with consumers?”
DETERMINING DEMAND …Niels Magill from Google Travel demonstrates how Google.com/trends can be used to track consumer demand patterns.
AITO’s Travel Insights survey reveals emerging trends for next 12 months AITO HAS announced key findings from its new consumer research project, AITO Travel Insights 2015, compiled in association with Spike Marketing, a data insight and customer experience specialist in travel. A total of 48 companies participated in the research with surveys dispatched via email in May to UK and overseas customers, with more than 28,000 completed surveys returned. Kate Kenward, executive director for the association, said: “We are thrilled to have received so many responses to our survey. As special interest operators, AITO members need to understand their customers’ travel requirements as fully as they can to enable them to tailor their holiday programmes even better. “Participating members – and AITO itself - will be able to evaluate the overall results as well as their own company-specific responses. We think it will drive some important decision-making for members over the coming years, and we hope to repeat and refine the research both next year and beyond.” The results revealed that 85% of respondents were from the UK but there was also a good uptake from the US, Australia and Canada, indicative of increasing business from overseas for AITO members.
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Respondents were aged primarily over 55 (67%) and 26% of respondents were in the 25-34 year category. Some 55% travel as couples, 72% travel with the family and only 5% travel on escorted trips. Other key findings from the survey included travel habits with 63% planning to take a short break
RESEARCH RESULTS …Revealing key findings, executive director Kate Kenward summarises AITO’s Travel Insights for 2015.
abroad in the next 12 months and 86% planning to take a longer holiday (six-nights or more) abroad. In the same period, almost 90% will take a short break in the UK. A total of 76% of those questioned said they would spend the same amount or more on their holidays in the next 12 months compared with what they had spent in the last 12 months and 30% of travellers will spend more this year than last. The top destinations that respondents intend to visit are France, Italy, Spain, UK, USA and Greece. The results also found that 56% of respondents said they pursued their hobbies whilst on holiday, offering the opportunity for operators and agents to target hobbyists. When asked if there was a special interest that wasn’t adequately catered for by travel organisers, the top hobby mentioned was photography. Revealingly, 28% of people whose last booking was with a travel agent said they were undecided if they would book their next holiday in the same way indicative of a need for members to ensure communication and marketing to these customers in order to keep them. In addition, 44% of respondents seek personalised email communication from travel companies to find out about new holidays, destinations and offers.
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Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Lead-in price shown is based on 2 adults sharing, and is available on at least one departure date from at least one UK airport. Correct at date of publication. Once sold out there is no guarantee that alternative holidays will be available at that price. Other conditions apply; see brochure for details. *Optional Abu Simbel excursion payable locally. ATOL protected 9749. ® Red Sea Holidays logo is a registered trade mark of Red Sea Holidays UK Ltd. © 2015.
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northafrica
Value for mone y & strong FCO support sees Tunisia ga in Brits’ confide nce
Tarek Aouadi
by ADAM POTTE R
D
espite the political and economic uncertainly that Tunisia has experienced in recent years, the latest statistics from the Tunisian National Tourist Office (TNTO) indicate that confidence in the region is making a strong comeback, from both consumers and the trade alike. Utilising data from 2010 as a reference, figures presented by the tourist office reveal that UK bookings made before the demonstrations of 2011 were up by 17%, and yet despite the demonstrations and recent incidents such as the March shootings, visitor numbers remain up by 13%.
A helping hand UK director of the TNTO, Tarek Aouadi, believes that there are two main factors that have contributed to the destination’s success in times of adversity. He said: “Tunisia’s ability to provide excellent value for money for UK holidaymakers has helped immensely in maintaining strong interest levels, particularly to the three most popular destinations of Port El Kantaoui, Hammamet and Djerba. “Tunisia is not an expensive destination and we’re blessed with a plethora of natural and beautiful beaches, which accounts for 90% of our main product. We recently conducted a study which compared Tunisia’s prices for a week’s stay in three-, four- and five-star hotels against a selection of destinations. The like-for-like comparison showed that in each case, Tunisia remained the most competitively priced destination for UK holidaymakers against destinations such as Morocco, Egypt, Spain and Turkey.” Other factors that Aouadi believes have played a helping hand in UK holidaymakers’ decision to choose Tunisia as a holiday destination include support from the FCO and tour operators maintaining their seat capacities following renegotiations with hoteliers to offer better deals and packages. This is demonstrated by statistics which reveal that visitor numbers from the UK market are up by 19.5% compared to the same period last year.
Pushing forward Not wishing to rest on its laurels, the TNTO is capitalising on renewed interest in the destination with a new advertising campaign which launched at the beginning of this month. It includes a TV spot running throughout June and September, complemented with digital, press and outdoor campaigns. However, Aouadi says that the key component in promoting the Tunisian brand remains squarely with the travel agent. He said: “Eight out of ten holidays to Tunisia are sought through travel agents and this is why the trade remains our top priority. “Agents form an integral part of our marketing strategy for the future and we plan to reach more than 25,000 agents across the UK by the end of 2015. We may not be able to take all of the travel agents to Tunisia, so we try to bring a little of Tunisia to some of them.”
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In this respect, the TNTO is encouraging agents to participate in its roadshow events, of which it holds, on average, four events each month up and down the country. The regularity of these events means that the tourist office has presented to more than 700 agents to date, with a target of reaching 2,500 by the end of the year.
Team trade The tourist office has also utilised its relationship with established hoteliers by continuing to offer fam trips for agents and their families. Aouadi asserts that there is no better way of promoting a destination unless you have seen it first hand and reveals that of those hoteliers who have joined the scheme in offering complimentary all-inclusive stays for agents, all have reported increased bookings following an agent’s visit. Other developments that are helping to fuel the destination’s appeal include accessibility options. Examples include easyJet which has commenced a twice-weekly operation from Stansted to Monastir this month. It has also been confirmed that Tunisair’s operation will be boosted this summer, offering three departures per week from Gatwick and four days from Heathrow. Meanwhile, agents in the north also have a wide choice of options, with Tunisia on the market through Jet2.com and Jet2holidays from Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, East midlands and Glasgow. This is in addition to Just Sunshine flying from Gatwick, Bristol and Newcastle and Monarch from Gatwick and Manchester.
A learning lesson Aouadi is keen to encourage agents’ thirst for product knowledge as he believes they hold the key for continued success. He said: “We know that when it comes to the decision of a holiday, the travel agent is the most powerful means of communicating directly with the consumer, and we value them very much. “My advice to agents is to continue to highlight how safe Tunisia is as a holiday destination for their clients. We always put safety first and foremost and that is why we remind agents to always check the FCO and advise their clients accordingly.”
Looking ahead Meanwhile, a stable government means a chance for the tourist office to plan for the long term, and with that comes the opportunity to promote niche markets such as golf and culture breaks. Evidenced by its new outdoor campaign (illustrated on the side of London taxi cabs as of the beginning of this month), the tourist office is highlighting niche activities to promote the variety of activities that can be enjoyed by all types of holidaymaker. The new campaign currently focuses on golf breaks and features a backdrop of the destination’s rich cultural heritage. The participation in golf exhibitions and taking specialist tour operators to Tunisia to introduce them to the product is also helping to strengthen the brand message.
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northafrica
Dusit International to open new five-star Tunisian hotel in Sousse for 2018
RED SEA HOLIDAYS is launching its 2016 programme early this year with a new brochure and Red Sea Saver deals at selected resorts. These are holidays where the hotel is allocated upon arrival at the resort, as an option for those who don’t mind which hotel they’ll be staying in. The company’s 2016 brochure, valid from November through to October next year, will be out next month and features early booking incentives such as low deposits and a £75 early booking discount, as well as £369 guaranteed child prices plus infants go free. See www.redseaholidays.co.uk
A COMPLETE reconstruction of an existing hotel, the Dusit Thani Samara Sousse, is expected to open mid-2018 and will be housed within a mixed-use development comprising of a shopping mall of 26,000sq.m and an additional 350 residential apartments of high specification. Designs for Dusit International’s 307-guestroom, fivestar luxury resort also incorporate the Benjarong Restaurant serving Thai cuisine and an additional 18th floor panoramic restaurant. Extensive leisure facilities will house a signature Devarana Spa, extending more than 1,600sq.m and featuring a pool with solarium, with a total area of 2,600sq.m. The resort also features direct access to its own private area on Samara Beach exclusively for resort guests, and all rooms offer sea views. Chanin Donavanik, the group’s managing director and CEO, said: “We feel it is an excellent time to enter this new market as prospects are exciting and political stability is back in place here in Tunisia. We expect the market to recover sharply and are very pleased to work with local hospitality pioneers, Société de Tourisme Samara, to bring a resort to beautiful Sousse.” An artist's impression of the new hotel
Cyplon promotes Nile Cruise deals CYPLON HOLIDAYS reports that cruises on the Nile are one of its most sought-after activities, and the operator currently offers a choice of five itineraries to choose from. As examples, a sevenday Emilio Nile Cruise leads in at £649 per person and includes flights from Heathrow, the cruise (on a full board basis) and transfers. Also included are a range of classical excursions and on board Egyptologists. The cruise departs between October and March 2016. Alternatively, a Presidential Nile Cruise is available from £699, with flights from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester. It includes the full
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board cruise, transfers, excursions, Egyptologists and a welcome drink. To book or for further information call 0800-074 8888.
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Anantara announces new accommodation MINOR HOTEL Group’s brand, Anantara, has announced two new hotel developments in Tunisia and Morocco. The Tozeur Resort is a new luxury escape in the southwest of Tunisia expected to welcome its first guests in 2017. It will feature 93-guestrooms and villas, a selection of restaurants and bars, meeting rooms, kids and teens’ clubs and a spa. The Al Houara Tangier Resort based in Northern Morocco is another hotel under development, also expected to open 2017. It will be part of the extensive Al Houara project which Qatari Diar is developing in Tangier, and the 230-room resort will offer a signature 18-hole golf course. For details visit www.anantara.com
Nile cruise deal from The Oberoi Group THE OBEROI ZAHRA Luxury Nile Cruiser is offering four- and seven-night itineraries this summer inviting guests to experience a double luxury room from July 7 to September 28 for 650 euros per night. The offer includes all meals, transfers by Mercedes van and complimentary wireless internet access. To ensure wellness and relaxation on board, guests are encouraged to use the gym and steam room on a complimentary basis, and also receive a one-hour massage. Guests can also experience authentic Egyptian culture from the on board multi-lingual Egyptologists, and all costs for sightseeing are covered as part of the package. For more information visit www.oberoihotels.com
northafrica Classic anticipates direct Essaouira flights will fuel Morocco sales CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays is expecting an increase in sales to the Moroccan coastal town of Essaouira following the introduction of easyJet’s new, twiceweekly, direct service from Luton. Gary Boyer, the operator’s head of purchasing, said: “Previously customers have largely visited Essaouira as part of a twin-centre holiday with Marrakech. This charming seaside town will soon come into its own with the launch of the new direct service. “Considering the more challenging times in some Muslim countries, Morocco has done well and this new route should help to keep visitors’ numbers buoyant and allow Essaouira to be seen as a ‘new’ holiday destination in its own right. The service operates on a Monday and a Friday, making it ideal for a week or just a weekend away.â€? Seven nights for the price of six is offered at the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa on stays until July 22 and between August 24 and October 16. Prices during July start from ÂŁ649 per person (including savings), based on two adults sharing a superior room on a bedand-breakfast basis. The price includes flights with easyJet and private transfers. For more information call 0800- 008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk
LA MAMOUNIA, MARRAKECH
La Mamounia epitomises the authentic spirit of Marrakech and provides a uniquely Moroccan haven of luxury and elegance with an array of facilities including, large garden, swimming pool, restaurants, bars and a beautiful spa. Prestige Holidays and La Mamounia can offer a Summer Perfume Package - with a guaranteed room upgrade for stays of 3 nights or more between 22 June - 21 September. Or book Koutoubia Deluxe room or higher and receive a guaranteed upgrade until 15 Sep 15*.
Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk * Date exclusions and restrictions apply.
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northafrica
Splendours of Morocco offer from Abercrombie & Kent
MAHALI MZURI Sir Richard Branson's Kenyan safari camp, is offering one night free when a booking is made for at least three nights for stays until July 31. The camp has also extended its low seasons rate until next month, with rates starting from US$640 per person, per night based on shared double occupancy including all meals, drinks, game drives and transfers from the nearest airstrip. For bookings call 0800-716 919 or email enquiries@virginlimitededition.com
ABERCROMBIE & KENT is highlighting a special deal on its small group tour, Splendours of Morocco. Prices lead in at £3,850 per person, offering a saving of up to £615 per person for ten nights including flights and activities. The deal is valid on two departure dates – November 1 and December 12. The company is also promoting its five-night Land Rover Adventure to Morocco, which takes guests through the Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains, with prices from £5,995.
Prestige Holidays sees boost in off-the-beaten-track Morocco sales PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports an increase in demand for properties in Morocco that are off-the-beaten-track including Kasbah Tamadot, where bookings are up 26% on 2014 and Heure Bleue Palais in Essaouira, up by 17%. Nicky Shafe, the operator’s marketing manager, said: “Kasbah Tamadot, nestled in the Atlas Mountains, offers a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Each of its rooms are individually styled with traditional Moroccan furnishings and antiques, and there are also Berber tents in the grounds. “A lot of clients choose to start their break in Marrakech staying somewhere like Maison Arabe and then enjoy a few
days at Kasbah Tamadot. Bookings to Maison Arabe have also increased by 24% year-on-year.” The operator is offering a week’s stay comprising three nights at Maison Arabe and four-nights at The Kasbah Tamadot including breakfast, flights from Gatwick with easyJet and private transfers from £1,049 in July. The offer includes one free night at Kasbah Tamadot, saving £339 per couple and reduced rates at Maison Arabe, saving £41 per couple. Both offers are valid on all departures until August 31. For further details call 0142-548 0400 or visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk
DISCOVER EGYPT has introduced the deluxe Sonesta Star Goddess to its classic Nile cruise programme until September 2015, with one week cruises operating weekly and starting from £949 per person. The price includes flights from Heathrow to Luxor, a seven-night full board cruise with ten guided excursions and transfers. An extra week in Luxor can be added from £99 per person. For more information call 0844-880 0462 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk
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Highlighting luxury deals to get clients coming back for more... by SARAH SPOONER, business development manager, AMResorts UK and Ireland
OST PEOPLE’s perception of all-inclusive holidays reflects buffet dining, local spirits, crowded pools, hidden supplements and wristbands that never seem to go with anyone’s outfit! Of course those kinds of all-inclusive hotels still exist, but most of us want more from our holidays. We want hotels that make us feel like we have arrived somewhere special, where the service is friendly, the food is exceptional, the beaches are pristine and every cocktail is worth a selfie.
M
NEW CONCEPTS IN LUXURY That’s exactly what the luxury all-inclusive holiday experience offers, and so much more. With concepts such as Unlimited Luxury by The AMResorts Collection, guests really can experience an ultra-luxurious resort, which includes premium branded alcohol, 24-hour room service, mini bar and reservation free á la carte dining every night, all at no additional cost - and without having to wear a wristband! In my opinion, one of the most extensive all-inclusive concepts belongs to Zoëtry Wellness and Spa Resorts where ‘Endless Privileges™’ are included. For example, guests can send the entire contents of their suitcase for laundry, spend the whole day on the phone to long lost cousins all around the world, dine on delicious award winning cuisine and check in and out at whatever time they like - all safe in the knowledge that when they do decide to check out, there won’t be a bill waiting for them.
triumphant smiles, converted for life. The incredible value for money that your clients experience with luxury all-inclusive resorts is one of the key factors that contributes to the ever growing numbers of repeat guests; having the confidence that once the holiday is paid for, they don’t need to worry about spending money, is a real bonus for families and honeymooners on a budget. THE PERFECT MATCH With the variety of holiday styles on offer in the luxury allinclusive market, such as the adult-only Secrets and Breathless Resorts and Spas, family-friendly Dreams, Now and Sunscape Resorts & Spas, plus relaxation focused Zoëtry Wellness and Spa Resorts, agents are able to tailor their clients’ holiday to match their exact preference. It’s great to go to the Caribbean and Mexico any time of the year, however for exceptional offers, it’s all about summer! Why not jet off to Mexico, Costa Rica or the Caribbean and experience luxury all-inclusive for yourself? Visit www.amragents.co.uk for training modules and fantastic agent rates. Meanwhile, for your clients, one of the best offers for summer is at Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, with prices from £989 per person for seven nights, departing on November 2 from Manchester with Thomas Cook Airlines. For details call 0844-557 0626 or see www.funway4agents.co.uk Secrets The Vine Cancun
VALUE FOR MONEY The relaxation and peace of mind that accompanies the feeling of forgetting about money entirely, while being treated to a luxury lifestyle, is one of the key factors that is attracting a whole new market to the luxury all-inclusive holiday experience. These guests are discerning travellers who appreciate good quality and value for money. Many of whom were persuaded by their travel agent to give the new luxury all-inclusive holiday a go – and have returned with
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allinclusives
Barbados addition from Funway FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is adding to its all-inclusive portfolio with the addition of a new all-inclusive hotel in Barbados called the Sugar Bay Barbados, scheduled to open on November 1. The hotel is set on 5.5 acres of beachfront with 150m of white sandy beach and an ocean lagoon. Sugar Bay is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Garrison, and is 15 minutes from the airport and ten minutes from the capital, Bridgetown. Nearby
attractions include George Washington House, the South Coast Boardwalk and the Garrison Savannah Horseracing track. The property offers 138 rooms and suites all featuring ocean, garden or pool views from private balconies. A seven-night stay in a signature room, based on two sharing, leads in at £1,459 on an all-inclusive basis, based on a November 10 departure, including flights from Manchester with Thomas Cook Airlines.
InBrief ● MAIA LUXURY Resort & Spa in the Seychelles is now offering a
new Beyond All-Inclusive rate but will continue to include MAIA’s personalised premium service and offering. The new offering goes beyond standard all-inclusive properties with all food, drink and premium alcohol included, as well as unlimited exploration scuba diving, yoga sessions, non-motorised watersports and more. ITC Luxury Travel offers seven nights for the price of six from £5,075 per person based on two sharing an Ocean Panoramic Villa, including flights with Emirates from Heathrow and private transfers. The deal offers a saving of up to £1,080 per person and is valid for travel taken by October 31. For details see www.maia.com.sc and www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk ● JUST SARDINIA has added Hotel Club Spiagge San to its portfolio
for this summer. The all-inclusive resort features children’s clubs for kids aged three-18; daytime activities; and evening entertainment. Prices lead in at £628 per person, per week excluding flights and transfers. Just Sicily has also added Sikania Resort & Spa to its collection which offers a range of facilities, activities and complimentary children's clubs. Prices are from £385 per person, per week excluding flights and transfers. Details at www.justsardinia.co.uk and justsicily.co.uk
An artist’s impression of the new rooms
Up to £1,520 savings per couple available at Antigua’s Curtain Bluff CURTAIN BLUFF in Antigua is currently running a special summer offer of seven nights for the price of five, offer a saving of up to £1,520 per couple. The all-inclusive nightly rate includes all meals; bar drinks including house wine, Champagne and international cocktails; a wide range of watersports such as scuba diving (PADI required),
twice daily snorkelling trips, water skiing with tuition, hobie-cat sailing lessons, banana boating and wind surfing; tennis, squash; and full use of the gym with classes. In addition, children aged three to ten can take part in the kids’ clubs. Prices lead in at £2,569 per person for seven nights, which includes a saving of up to £1,520 per couple booked through
Caribtours. The deal, which is based on two sharing a Junior Suite and is valid for travel until August 22, includes scheduled flights, private transfers and lounge access at Gatwick. For details call 020-7751 0660 or see www.caribtours.co.uk and www.curtainbluff.com
Elite Island Resorts welcomes kids’ favourite Puffing authors
CLUB MED is highlighting Palmiye, a 4T resort in Turkey which offers a range of activities and events. The resort plays host to the flying trapeze school, which is included in guests’ stay, along with a tennis school, sailing school, archery school, fitness school, aquadynamic, Pilates, volleyball, mini football and cardio training room. A seven-night, all-inclusive stay, departing on June 17 leads in at £1,149 per adult and £609 per child including flights and transfers, departing from Gatwick. For details call 0854-585 7615 or see www.clubmed.co.uk
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TWO OF the UK’s top children’s illustrators and storytellers from Puffin will be returning to the Caribbean this summer to host workshops for young holidaymakers at Elite Island Resorts’ properties, and adding something for their parents too. During August on Antigua and in September on St. Lucia, the authors will offer a week of sketch club for adults, followed by a week of children’s puffin-themed activities including live drawing, readings and quizzes. The children’s Puffin Storytelling events 2015 will be hosted at St James’s Club & Villas on Antigua from August 16-20 and St James’s Club Morgan Bay on Saint Lucia from September 14-18. The adults sketch club will be hosted by Adam Stower at Galley Bay Antigua from August 9-13 and Rachel Bright at St James Club Morgan Bay St Lucia from September 711. For further information on the workshops or to make a booking see www.eliteislandresorts.co.uk
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allinclusives
New accommodation options in Turkey and Greece from Olympic Holidays OLYMPIC IS featuring nearly 200 allinclusive hotels in its Summer Sun 2015 programme, the largest numbers of which are in Cyprus, the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes, Turkey and Egypt's Red Sea Riviera. The company’s commercial director, Photis Lambrianides, said: "All-inclusive is a product more and more people are trying and as an operator, we are keeping pace with its growing popularity. It's good for the market generally. "While many three-star all-inclusives are excellent value, a five-star all-
inclusive will offer guests a much wider choice on the catering side and be well worth the extra cost. All-inclusives may not be to everyone's taste, but people aren't put off by the concept nowadays. It's evolved into a consistently high-quality product that agents can offer with full confidence.” New all-inclusive additions to the company’s programme this year is the 167-room, four-star Crystal Hotel Gumusluk Resort in Turgutreis on Turkey's Bodrum Peninsula, while newly added among the Greek islands are the
four-star Silvia Beach Hotel in Hersonissos, Crete, and two on Zante – the 100-room, four-star Filoxenia Hotel in Tsilivi and the 120-room, four-star Diana Palace Hotel in Argassi. A seven-night stay at the Filoxenia Hotel in Zante costs £551 per person, based on two sharing a twin room on allinclusive. The price applies to a June 28 departure and includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. To book or for details call 0844-499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com
Demand for luxury all-inclusive hotels & resorts up by 21% according to Letsgo2 LETSGO2 REPORTS that demand for luxury all-inclusive hotels and resorts has grown by more than 21% in the last year, especially among its five-star offerings in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Spencer Groves, the company’s head of product and marketing, said: “In recent years we’ve noted a marked increase in the popularity of luxury all-inclusive hotels. British travellers have come to recognise the superb value for money offered by these resorts and appreciate the convenience of knowing what their holiday will cost - in its entirety - before they leave home. Speculation that the strength of the euro will
impact European all-inclusives this summer is, we believe, unfounded. Families and couples continue to favour the allinclusives and are taking advantage of the exchange rates to enjoy additional excursions and activities. “One example of this new breed of all-inclusive is the new Ikos Olivia hotel which opened last month in Halkidiki, Greece. The hotel, which overlooks the Gulf of Toroneos, offers new levels of service, with facilities including a lagoon pool with a swim-up bar, a wide range of watersports, tennis courts, children’s clubs and crèche staffed by experienced UK childcare providers, plus a fitness studio.”
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s y a d li o h y it activ
SANDALS EMERALD BAY Follow in the footsteps of The Proclaimers VISITORS TO Scotland can now travel in The Proclaimers’ footsteps and take on a 500-mile journey through the Highlands. The new touring route, named North Coast 500, is being launched by the North Highland Initiative who hope it will rival the likes of the iconic Route 66. The open-road route begins in Inverness, following the west coast, snaking along the coastline up through the north west Highlands to John O’Groats and back down to Inverness. Drivers, cyclists and walkers alike can take in the beaches, mountain ranges and fairytale castles along the way. Offering the highlights of the area and with particular focus on food and drink, culture, landscapes and adventure based activities, visitors can experience several trips along the route with The Wilderness Collection on their guided programme. As an example, a Wilds of Assynt explores the regions of Assynt and Coigach in the North West Highlands and leads in at £1,195 per person based on two sharing. It includes six nights’ half-board accommodation, daily lunches, a boat trip to the Summer Isles, all transport during the trip starting and finishing in Inverness and the services of a walking guide. Departures are on July 25, August 15 and October 10, with prices from £1,145 in October. For details call 01479-420020 or see www.wildernesscollection.co.uk
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Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort in the Bahamas features Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club, an 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Greg Norman, where golfers can now benefit from an exclusive offer whereby every guest is entitled to two free rounds of golf, and those booking butler level suites are entitled to unlimited free rounds of golf throughout their stay. Sandals Resorts is offering seven nights from £2,015 per person which includes flights, transfers and Luxury Included accommodation. For details call 0800-597 0002 or visit www.sandals.co.uk
Help support local communities by climbing mountains with Intrepid Travel INTREPID TRAVEL is encouraging travellers to sign up to one of its Charity Treks in Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest or Kokoda this year and be a real force for change. In joining one of the three treks, travellers are committing to raising £750 for NGOs and community projects supported by The Intrepid Foundation. These include providing
funding to train teachers and healthcare workers in the Kokoda Track area, helping remote communities in the Nepalese Himalayas and supporting an education project in Kilimanjaro. The trips will include a visit to these projects so travellers can see first-hand where the money is going. For details see www.intrepidtravel.com/intre pid-charity-treks
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activityholidays San Andreas Fault adventure in Palm Springs WITH DWAYNE Johnson’s latest movie, San Andreas, peaking at number one in the UK box office, the California city of Palm Springs is encouraging thrill seekers to experience a jeep safari tour into the heart of the San Andreas Fault. Desert Adventures’ ‘San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour’ is guided by a naturalist guide who showcases the crystal clear waters of a desert palm oasis that are seen to bubble due to the natural aquifier laying beneath. Prices start from $135 per person (approximately £87). For details see www.visitpalmsprings.com
TIME FOR TEE... Luton Hoo Hotel in Bedfordshire is offering a Golf Residential Package which, from now to the end of October, costs £179 per person Monday-Friday and £129 on Sunday, based on two sharing. It includes 36 holes of golf per person, dinner in Adam's Brasserie or the main house Wernher Restaurant (Wednesday-Sunday at a £20 per person supplement), overnight breakfast accommodation and complimentary newspaper. Guests also have use of the Country Club facilities. The 18-hole golf course offers a choice of four tees to play from which should be booked in advance at golf@lutonhoo.com
Free-Diving Centre launch at Dusit Thani Maldives in association with Apnea Total DUSIT THANI MALDIVES has opened the Maldives' first official and internationally approved Free-Diving Centre in association with free-diving organisation, Apnea Total. Free-diving is a form of underwater diving that relies on the diver's ability to hold his or her breath until resurfacing without the use of scuba gear, and resort guests train under the supervision of highly experienced free-dive instructors. The centre offers all levels of Apnea Total courses: Free-Diver Basic, Advanced Free-Diver and Free-Diving Master, each lasting two days, three days and up to five weeks respectively. Guests can also make use of the existing SeaSplash dive centre and watersports centre, with activities from kitesurfing to sailing and jet-skiing.
Meanwhile, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has introduced a ‘Summer Family Adventure’ package which includes two nights’ breakfast accommodation; complimentary buffet meals for children under six years and 50% off for those aged six-12; one complimentary extra bed for children under 12 years when sharing their parents’ room; free access to the kids’ club; two tickets to Yas Waterworld or Ferrari World including one-way transport; a private guided tour to Mirage Islamic Art Museum and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; complimentary shuttle bus service to key points of interest and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi; free internet access; 20% discount at selected dining venues; and 20% discount on selected spa treatments at Namm Spa. Rates start at AED 649 for rooms and
AED 974 for a one-bedroom serviced apartment and the offer applies for stays of a minimum of two nights, up to September 30. For more information see www.dusit.com/dusitthani/maldives
andBeyond highlights new nine-night Botswanan itinerary from £3,847 per person ANDBEYOND is promoting a new ninenight itinerary, the Botswana Explorer Expedition, that takes in the famous wilderness areas of Botswana affordably. The itinerary allows for wildlife sighting opportunities, the meandering channels and overgrown islands of the Okavango Delta, Khwai in the North Gate region of the Moremi
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Wildlife Reserve and Chobe National Park, in the north of Botswana which is renowned for its large variety of bird and animal life, beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets. Accommodation is in mobile safari tents, which feature private bathrooms, and guests are guided by expert trackers and guides by jeep and mokoro – a traditional dug-out-
canoe. The nine-night tour costs from £3,847 per person, based on two sharing on an all-inclusive basis. It includes accommodation, transfers including internal flights, safari activities, national park fees, entrance fees and a tour of Victoria Falls. To book or for details visit www.andbeyond.com
June 19 2015
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activityholidays New Hardanger Experience option from Taber We asked our staff the following question this week: Who was your last meeting with? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Maria from Kanika Hotels in sunny Cyprus.
Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk A lovely girl called Nancy who is doing work experience she's been great!
Editorial Assistant: Adam Potter adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk Interview with the director of the Tunisian National Tourist Office.
Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk
TABER HOLIDAYS has added a new tour in Norway called The Hardanger Experience, which is ideal for serious hikers. Leading in at £1,425 per person, it is based in Norway’s Hardanger region and offers countless routes to explore including the hike to the top of Trolltunga (The Troll’s Tongue). One of the most scenic cliffs in Norway, Trolltunga (pictured) is 1,100m above sea level and hovers approximately 700m above Lake Ringedalsvatnet in Odda. The hike takes approximately eight to ten hours. The price, which is based on two sharing, includes flights from Heathrow to Bergen (via Oslo), car hire, four nights in Lofthus with
breakfast and dinner and two nights in the historic city of Bergen, with breakfast. The itinerary departs daily until September 25. For more information call 01274875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk
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InBrief ● YOUR GOLF TRAVEL is offering four nights at Amwaj Rotana, Dubai in a
classic room on a bed-and-breakfast basis from £1,275 per person. It includes three rounds of golf and flights from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic, and is based on departures in October. See www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800-043 6644. ● TENERIFE WILL host the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) from
October 5-8. For details see www.webtenerife.co.uk ● THE MACAU Government Tourist Office has added four new walks to its
‘Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities’ walking tour routes, designed to encourage visitors to explore Macau’s lesser-known districts. See www.macautourism.gov.mo ● KE ADVENTURE TRAVEL has added new itineraries to its portfolio. As
examples, a nine-day Amazon Riverboat Adventure in Peru leads in at £1,549, an eight-day Canyons and Coastal Croatia Walking Week costs from £825 and a four-day Bulgarian Summits Weekend costs from £325, all land only. For details see www.keadventure.com ● HOTELREZ HOTELS & RESORTS has launched a special rate on golf breaks
across a selection of independent hotels in the UK and abroad. It includes a minimum two-night stay and a complimentary round of golf per person at either the hotel’s own grounds or a nearby golf course (within a maximum distance of 30 miles). Most participating hotels will be able to provide extra tee times upon request. As an example, The Vale Resort in South Wales costs from £186 for two nights and a round of golf per person, based on two sharing a room. For details see www.hotelrez.co.uk/special/golfing-breaks
puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. DAYS INN, 4. JAL, 6. VILLA, 8. GARDA, 9. NENE, 10. MINSK, 13. QATAR, 14. BLUR, 17. LUTON, 18. TAMPA, 19. LHR, 20. MONARCH. Down: 1. DAVINA, 2. IRAN, 3. NEGRIL, 4. JERUSALEM, 5. LUAU, 7. LANCASTER, 11. BARNUM, 12. ARMAGH, 15. EL AL, 16. ETON.
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Highlighted Word: NASSAU Travagrams: (top) Warner Leisure Hotels
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(bottom) Buenos Aires
Where Am I?: Angkor Wat
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Selling trips to Egypt? Our e-learning programme is now live! Complete the course and you could be one of lucky FAM trip winners jetting off to Egypt. Get started... For more details visit www.egyptiantravelexpert.com
See you by the Red Sea SHARM EL SHEIKH - HURGHADA www.egypt.travel
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