Travel Bulletin 20th June 2014

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June 20 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,877 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

North Africa

Tunisia outlines new developments & emerging trends with UK holidaymakers

this week conference update news from AITO Agents' overseas conference in Prague

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bulletin briefing updates from Advantage's annual conference in Dubai

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training the night in pictures from our Mediterranean Islands Showcase

all-inclusives

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as the trend for all-inclusive heats up, tempt your clients with some sizzling offers

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WATER BABES...Attraction World recently hosted an attraction-packed day in London for 20 Thomas Cook managers from the South division, who were the operator's best sellers during March and April. Pictured enjoying a trip on a Thames Jet Boat are, from the left: (back row): Stephanie Tregunno, Edward Jennings, Andy Watmough and Kathleen Booth, with (front row): Abigail Skinner, Natalie King, Elaine Stephens and Bianca Whaley.

This Week news 3

Inset - Cyplon Holidays

the latest industry news, product launches & developments

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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conference update

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bulletin briefing

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Cover Pictures: Main - Piers Golden, TNTO

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Sandy chats to Carrier's new business development manager, Raj Mistry a round-up of new agent offers & booking incentives play Su Doku for a chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher from Voyages-sncf

Jill Sayles reports from AITO Agents' overseas conference in Prague updates from Advantage's annual conference in Dubai

training new training opportunities plus the night in pictures from our Mediterranean Islands Showcase

personality bulletin the business development manager of the Israel Government Tourist Office takes this week's hot seat

all-inclusives as the trend for all-inclusive breaks heats up, tempt your clients with some sizzling offers

north africa we find out what's new for Tunisia from the tourist office's head of promotions

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Survey reveals Brits spend four days planning the right holiday BRITISH HOLIDAYMAKERS now browse at least eight different websites, talk to four different friends and read three travel articles ahead of committing to their holiday, according to research undertaken by Club Med. The average holiday abroad now involves more than 30 hours of preparation – a whole four working days, as Brits rely on social media and the internet to pick the best holiday spot.

The survey found that more than a quarter of respondents admit to instantly researching a hotel or destination after seeing it on social media. The study of 2,000 holidaymakers also found that Brits rack up a total of four-and-a-half-hours scouring the web for feedback and recommendations from social media ahead of

committing to a holiday.

Other four-and-a-half hours are spent looking for the right hotel and room price, while similar time is invested in working out airport logistics and checking for the best flight deals.

The change in holiday preparation has changed massively since the start of the digital age, with more than a quarter of people in the study admitting they used to book a holiday just by looking at a brochure, and pinning all their hopes on it being nice.

Many remember the days of booking a resort and hoping it would turn out successful, with concerns over the quality of the resort meaning many holidaymakers were on edge until arriving at their holiday destination.

The biggest fears behind

booking holidays include low quality of facilities (63%) and low quality food (47%).

Concerns of being let down on holiday mean people are now turning to online recommendations to ensure they make the right decision.

The operator's managing director, Eric Chauvet, said “Our expectations of a holiday are now a lot higher as people arm themselves with far more information before committing to going away. Finding out about other people’s experiences at the same hotel or resort is now deemed essential before progressing with the holiday. People want to know everything they can to make sure the enjoyment of their holiday isn’t jeopardised and the extent to which they’ll prepare is clearly shown in our survey results."

Avalon Waterways launches latest suite ship on the Danube AVALON WATERWAYS has launched its newest ‘Panorama Suite Ship’, the 83stateroom Avalon Illumination, in a ceremony in Vienna hosted by the Vienna Tourist Board.

With the same state-of-the art design as its sister ships, Avalon Illumination is the third addition to the company's fleet this year offering two full decks of suites, each with wall-to-wall panoramic windows which open up to create open-air balconies, designed with comfort in mind.

Next year the company plans to

introduce another two Suite Ships – Avalon Tapestry II and Avalon Tranquility II – giving it a total of ten Suite Ships in an overall European fleet of 15 vessels.

Pictured at the christening ceremony of Avalon Illumination are, from the left: Captain Anton van den Boom with Stewart Williams, Deborah Hutton and Patrick Clark from Avalon Waterways.

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newsbulletin Brits waste £100m in unused loose change CAXTON FX has found that British holidaymakers waste more than £100m by not reusing their loose change once they return from an international trip.

In a survey commissioned by the currency card provider, the results found that 71.9% of people bring back loose change after their holiday; with nearly 25% of all respondents bringing back between £11 and £20.

Some 21.1% of respondents were clueless as to how much cash they would bring back after a trip, and women in particular are more likely to be unsure of how much they spent.

The data highlights the amount of wasted currency that is sitting dormant in British homes around the country. To put this into perspective, more than £100m is wasted enough to buy more than 87,000 Rolex watches or nearly 250,000 pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes.

The survey also found a generational gap in the approach to reusing currency. It seems that youth travellers (aged between 16 and 24) are the least likely to reuse their loose change on their next holiday compared to the more frugal 55+ group which saw 87.8% claim they save their cash for their next trip.

Premier Holidays unveils dedicated Malaysia campaign PREMIER HOLIDAYS has put together a dedicated Malaysia campaign to encourage client bookings, with a selection of tactical offers available for travel to Borneo, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi until 2015.

The campaign offers clients the opportunity to experience the wonders of Malaysia, with offers incorporating both beach and city elements. The new selection of offers feature a range of the operator’s most popular Malaysia holiday itineraries, generally based on ten- or 11-night twin-centre stays with either four- or five-star accommodation throughout, and offering savings of up to £546 per couple.

As examples, clients looking to experience both city and beach can opt for a ten-night Kuala Lumpur and Penang itinerary which costs from £999 per person, offering a saving of £272 per couple. The holiday includes three nights in Kuala Lumpur and seven nights in the beach resort of Penang. If clients prefer to spend time on the island of Borneo, they can select an 11-night, four-star stay from £1,145, saving £546 per couple.

Meanwhile, for clients who want to experience a combination of both Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, the company has put together a choice of two, ten-night, four-star offers from £1,195, with savings up to £536 per couple; including

breakfast in either Langkawi or Kuala Lumpur, dependent on the selected offer. Both offers include three nights in Kuala Lumpur followed by seven nights in Langkawi, but vary on departure dates.

All of the offers are based on two adults sharing and include flights from Heathrow with Malaysia Airlines, private transfers and a varied meal basis. The offers can also be tailor-made to suit clients’ requirements and agents will receive between £25-£150 per booking as an incentive, based on the booking value.

For more information or to book visit www.trade.premierholidays. co.uk or call 0844-493 7542.

Cyprus Tourism Organisation launches new accommodation rating FOLLOWING A sustained period of research, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation has launched a new ratings scheme that seeks to recognise hotels and other accommodation providers that go above and beyond the legal requirements set out by the star rating system.

Following an initial trial period, the label will also be applicable to catering establishments.

The Cyprus Tourism Quality Label (www.cyprustourismquality.com) is awarded to businesses that ‘apply proven good quality management practices and provide improved service quality standards and facilities, over and above the legal requirements of their specific official classification’.

Application for the label is on a voluntary basis and establishments are appraised via a two-stage process, with Stage A looking at

fundamentals and Stage B rating client experience, including a ‘mystery guest’ inspection.

Evaluators take into account a range of criteria - from hospitality to health and safety and environmental sustainability.

Reflecting Cyprus’ commitment to responsible tourism, emphasis will also be put on aspects such as the level of promotion of local character, support of local businesses and waste management.

Where applicable, labels are then awarded at two levels: Gold and Silver.

For visitors to Cyprus, the CTQ label denotes added value in terms of improved quality of services and facilities.

The quality label scheme is open to the 75% of accommodation establishments in Cyprus that are rated three-star and above.

For more information visit www.cyprustourismquality.com

BROCHURE BUDDIES...Pictured marking Omega Holidays' two new brochure launches which promote London breaks by rail and coach are, from the left: Shelley Ayres, Travel Empire; Dino Toouli, Omega Holidays; and Gavin Taylor, Travel Empire. The brochures offer up to 540 coach pick-up points to London and more than 100 mainline railways stations to travel from.

For details call 01524-772010 or visit www.omega-holidays.com.

Brochures can be ordered via www.trade-gate.co.uk

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Two free nights at The Sandpiper GUESTS WHO book a break for stays up until July 4 and between August 2-8 can now receive two free nights when booking a sevennight stay at The Sandpiper, Barbados.

The exclusive offer includes one complimentary dinner as well as daily breakfast on the two additional days.

Guests will have access to the resort's amenities such as room service, complimentary watersports, tennis instruction, daily transport to Bridgetown and access to the Coral Reef Club Spa. The deal is applicable to new bookings only and does not apply to The Beach House. The offer is not combinable with any other deal apart from free watersports, tennis coaching and exchange dining.

Carrier offers seven nights for the price of five at the property from £1,585 per person, offering a saving of £670 per couple. It is based on two adults sharing a Garden room and includes flights from Gatwick with BA and transfers.

For details call 0161-492 1354 or see www.carrier.co.uk

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MOVERS ● SARAH MCKUNE has joined If Only...as

● GROSVENOR HOUSE, A JW Marriott Hotel,

business development manager for Scotland & North East England. ● CARRIER HAS appointed Raj Mistry as business development manager. ● JEROME COGNE has been appointed head chef at Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club in Longhorsely, Northumberland. ● REGENT HOTELS & Resorts has appointed Dexter Chia as global senior vice president of sales and marketing.

has appointed James Wharton as director of sales & marketing. ● THE LANDMARK London has appointed Sarah Baptiste as sales & marketing director. ● CHRISTINA VIDOS has joined Garuda Indonesia as sales & marketing manager for the UK & Ireland. ● VISITFLANDERS HAS appointed Karen Roebuck as its Great War Centenary project manager for the UK and Ireland.

Visit the ‘Greatest Fjords of Norway’ with Fred. Olsen FOR 2015, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ guests will have the chance to experience the fjords of Norway on Boudicca’s nine-night ‘The Greatest Fjords of Norway’ cruise, which departs from Newcastle on September 11.

Boudicca’s first port of call is Kristiansund, home to Norway's scenic and worldrenowned ‘Atlantic Road’, followed by a scenic cruise to the UNESCO-protected

Geirangerfjord. Here, guests will have a morning to explore the quaint village, before arriving for the afternoon in Hellesylt, a small fishing port with thundering waterfalls and traditional Norwegian houses.

Other highlights include a visit to Skjolden; cruising through Nærøyfjord - the narrowest fjord in the world stretching just 250 metres

across at certain points; and visits to Bergen and Eidfjord, a small village where popular pastimes include kayaking, hiking and cycling.

Prices start from £999 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, inside cabin, and include all meals and entertainment on board, plus port dues.

For further information visit www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800-035 5242.

Atlantic Airways announces 2014 Faroe Islands schedule for winter ATLANTIC AIRWAYS has launched its twiceweekly summer schedule from London to the Faroe Islands.

The Faroese flag carrier returns to Stansted following an extensive evaluation of various options for its London route.

Flights operate on Thursdays and Mondays until August 25, with return fares starting from £230, including taxes and charges.

Flights depart Stansted at 10:05 on Monday, arriving in the Faroe Islands at 12:30 and at 13:20 on Thursdays. Return

flights depart at 07:00 on Monday and 10:15 on Thursday, and arrive at Stansted at 09:20 and 12:35 respectively.

The carrier, along with tourist body, Visit Faroe Islands, have been aiming to add to the portfolio of UK operators offering the Faroe Islands and are pleased that Regent Holidays, Taber Holidays and Inntravel are all now selling breaks to the islands. The three new operators join Sunvil Discovery, which has offered holidays in the Faroe Islands for a number of years.

For more information see www.atlantic.fo

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Newsbites ●

HERT-FELT...Pictured are the agency winners of Your Car Hire's cake competition, which rewarded new productive agents who made at least two bookings with the operator. They are, from the left: Paul Stowe, Lorna Corr and Angela Read from Stowaway Travel in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

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Kennedy Space Center offer from AW ATTRACTION WORLD has teamed up with Kennedy Space Center to offers its customers an exclusive free signed photo of an astronaut.

Customers can pick up their photo on arrival at the attraction for bookings made this month for the operator's special tickets. Every client making a booking will also be entered into a draw to win a VIP experience at the

Kennedy Space Center, which includes a private escorted tour around the center by a veteran astronaut.

The winner will also receive a goodie bag featuring space memorabilia.

Exclusive tickets include Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Admission, Kennedy Space Center with Transport and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

DoSomethingDifferent.com boosts India product DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS launched a large portfolio of new products and experiences in India, making it easier for agents to sell experiences and excursions to all types of travellers.

As examples, a Private Bollywood Tour offers the chance to visit the sets, locations and studios where Bollywood has created some of the greatest Indian epics, and also includes lunch in the Bollywood restaurant. A Full Day Excursion to Agra is also being highlighted, which includes a visit to the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal. Meanwhile, transport via tuk-tuk, metro and private vehicle all make the Temples of Delhi tour a unique excursion which explores some of the better known temples, as well as some that are off the tourist trails before enjoying a Thali lunch.

For details or to book call 020-8090 3890.

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THE FOREIGN and Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before You Go' (KBYG) Campaign is encouraging LGB&T couples to research destinations before booking their honeymoon. The FCO has partnered with The Gay Wedding Guide (www.thegayweddingguide.co.uk), which has produced two infographics highlighting LGB&T friendly destinations picked by its readers and its team.

For more information and advice visit www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgenderforeign-travel-advice THE HOTEL Bellevue luxury 91-room boutique property in Dubrovnik is being offered by British Airways Holidays with Club Europe Class flights from Gatwick on September 8 for a week for £1,659 per person. The hotel is a member of Adriatic Luxury Hotels, which also includes the 308-room five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace Conference & Spa Resort, and 158-room Excelsior Hotel & Spa, a five-minute walk from the Old Town.

JET2.COM HAS launched a new mobile version of its website. The simplified design makes it easier to search for and book flights to more than 50 city, sun and ski destinations via a handheld device.

For details see www.jet2.com THE CROATIAN National Tourist Board has launched a new social media campaign at www.sharecroatia.hr. The site forms part of its recently launched social media campaign entitled Visit Croatia. Share Croatia., and encourages holidaymakers to tweet, video and Instagram their holidays to Croatia.

CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) has enhanced its blog site, ‘World of CMV’, with the aim of providing interesting articles and allowing users to 'meet the team'.

See http://blog.cruiseandmaritime.com SUPERBREAK IS offering a Paris to Normandy D-Day Tour & Hotel Package from £219.50 per person. It includes a night's stay at the two-star Sejours et Affaires Paris Vitry, plus tickets to the tour and hotel pick-up, based on a June 21 departure.

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-Car is now available to customers in the new markets of Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Bosnia Herzegovina and Macedonia. This is the next step in the company’s phased expansion programme and means that the brand is currently operating in 19 European countries with more in the pipeline.

E-VISAS FOR travel to Turkey are now available for groups of between 10 and 300 online via www.evisa.gov.tr

Warner Leisure Hotels offers new activities to World Cup & Wimbledon fans THIS SUMMER, two of the biggest international sporting events are coming to Warner Leisure Hotels with penalty shoot outs, live screenings and Pimms on ice amongst the many extras available to help guests celebrate the World Cup and Wimbledon.

For clients planning a stay during the World Cup, each hotel will test guests’ football knowledge with multimedia quizzes, live screening matches and drinks specials to get them in the spirit.

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For the big games, the company's entertainment team will don their footie gear and when England are playing they may even play the game live on the big screen. There will also be penalty shootout competitions run by the entertainment and leisure team.

For Wimbledon fans, hotels will be decorated with a distinct Wimbledon theme and guests will be treated to multimedia quizzes to test their knowledge. The entertainment and

leisure team will also be serving Pimms with strawberries and cream dressed in their finest whites to encourage guests to get in the spirit. Big matches, including the semi-finals, finals and matches involving Andy Murray, will be available to watch live on site.

Prices for a Wimbledon themed break at Corton Coastal Village, Suffolk start from £179 per person based on a June 27 arrival and two adults sharing a standard room for three nights.

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newsbulletin New iPad trial from TUI UK & Ireland FOLLOWING THE successful roll out of its multi-million pound technology programme across its entire overseas network, TUI UK & Ireland has announced it will now focus on its airline, with an iPad trial announced for the summer for Thomson Airways’ crew at its Luton Airport base.

As part of the TUInnovate programme, the project aims to increase customer satisfaction and differentiate the company's experience for customers. Cabin crew will have access to information about the destination customers are flying to and can make recommendations about the best excursions for their party, restaurants and places to shop. The crew will also have access to customers’ historic booking information, so they can recognise loyal and returning customers and deliver a more personal service through interaction about past travel experiences.

Carl Gissing, the carrier's director of customer service, said: “This programme will really help us take our customer service to the next level as cabin crew will be able to make recommendations to customers about what to see and do in resort, and even suggest a quiet spot to enjoy a sunset. It will also allow us to recognise loyal and returning customers, which we know they will appreciate. This programme is just one of many ways in which we as a business are focusing on innovation and we can’t wait for all our customers travelling from Luton this summer to experience the benefits it offers.”

Following the trial, Thomson Airways plans to roll the programme out across all UK airport bases during 2015.

OLE!...Pictured marking Jet2.com's inaugural Menorca flight from Blackpool Airport are cabin crew staff with Flamenco dancers.

Fares for the weekly flights start from £48 per person including taxes, while Jet2holidays’ ATOL protected package breaks to Menorca start at £289, secured for a £60 deposit.

For details see www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com

FREE DISNEY DINING FOR CUSTOMERS STAYING AT A DISNEY MODERATE, DELUXE OR DELUXE VILLA RESORT Book 24 Apr–4 Nov 2014, for arrivals on selected dates from 1 Jan–30 Nov 2015**, and everyone in the party dines for FREE for the entire stay.

FREE BREAKFAST FOR CUSTOMERS STAYING

AT A DISNEY VALUE RESORT New! Book 24 Apr–10 Jul 2014,

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for arrivals 1 Jan–1 Nov 2015**, and your customers will enjoy free breakfast, every day of their stay.

FREE Disney Dining* is back, or enjoy NEW FREE breakfast!* Record your bookings now via

PLUS WIN BREAKFAST FOR YOUR STORE! To celebrate these fantastic offers, we have an exciting new incentive from 29 May–10 July 2014, where you can WIN £100 of M&S vouchers to treat your whole store to a delicious breakfast — on us.

There are FIVE prizes of £100 vouchers to be won, so get selling!

disneytravelagents.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply — see disneytravelagents.co.uk for details. **Excludes arrivals 25 Mar–11 Apr 2015. †Excludes Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. ©Disney.

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newsbulletin Free Wi-Fi from CroisiEurope

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N EALLY EXCITED to be going back to Gouves in Crete from my favourite airport (LBIA) to stay at the Kaissa Apts for 10nts. Always used to go away for 7nts as I didn't like to leave mum for longer than a week, so I’m looking forward to staying longer. Even though it has gone on to halfboard I will still be eating out at my favourite restaurants up the road, especially the Paradise. I am also meeting up with a couple of people from the Greek Cat Welfare Society to see about some cat neutering, especially the ones at the Kaissa Apts who have been there a few years now, Lipstick, Shadow and BB (big balls!). If they can't be done straight away then at least they will be earmarked for later. I think it is fantastic that the GCWS has agreed to put some money on one side for the Gouves cats - as they say, one small step...

In my case I will have two donation boxes, a canvas cat carrier which folds flat and about 30 pouches of cat food!

Was chatting to the lovely Raj Mistry the other day - he has joined Carrier as business development manager. I think he will be great in that role as he has been in the industry a long time.

Isn't it nice that tour operators are getting people like Raj to help the trade? I am sure he will be doing lots of product training and exploring new promotional opportunities for Carrier. If you want to contact him his email is raj.mistry@carrier.co.uk.

It is also nice that Carrier is based in Cheshire and, I must say, their luxury holiday brochures for all round the world are rather special.

'Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of travelling' and 'Action may not always bring happiness but there is no happiness without action'.

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by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

CROISIEUROPE HAS introduced free Wi-Fi for all guests. The new offering is available on all the company's ships throughout the fleet, and while Wi-Fi is available in the reception area and lounge bar on most ships, on the newest ships - such as the MS Gerard Schmitter, the MS Cyrano de Bergerac, the MS Lafayette and the fleet of four hotel barges - Wi-Fi is available throughout.

The company is also equipping every ship in the fleet (apart from those ships on the Mekong) with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet for guests’ use.

The line's all-inclusive pricing includes accommodation in an outside cabin with all onboard meals, complimentary beer and wine at lunch and dinner, an open bar throughout the voyage (excluding Champagne, special wines or fine brandies), onboard entertainment and port taxes.

For reservations or further information call 020-8328 1281 or visit www.croisieurope.co.uk

Gatwick routes from Norwegian NORWEGIAN IS continuing to expand its route network from Gatwick with the launch of two new routes to Warsaw and Berlin, as well as increasing the number of daily departures to Copenhagen.

From September 15, the carrier will offer six weekly flights from Gatwick to Warsaw and Berlin and will increase the number of flights between Gatwick and Copenhagen from four to five daily departures.

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win an awesome World Cup Hamper including goodies relevant to 6 of the tournament favourite countries! Just enter Jetset’s Road To Rio competition to get a unique sweepstake ID for your chance to win. Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win an iPad Mini courtesy of the China National Tourist Office. To enter, just come up with a snappy new slogan for the CNTO and submit your suggestion at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win an iPod Shuffle courtesy of INNS’BRUCK – capital of the Alps. Enter at: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a £50 M&S Voucher with Air Malta. Enter today at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

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IN CELEBRATION of the FIFA World Cup 2014, Western & Oriental has launched a special trade incentive throughout the period of the tournament. The incentive, in collaboration with Rainbow Tours, will allow agents to earn a £50 Love2Shop voucher every time they make a booking to one of the countries taking part in the FIFA World Cup that Western & Oriental sells, until the country in question is knocked out of the tournament. In addition, if the country the agent books wins a match on the day the booking is made, a £100 Love2Shop voucher will be earned, as well as £25 Love2Shop vouchers on all other bookings.

Countries that agents can earn vouchers from throughout the tournament include Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and the US. The incentive runs until July 13.

For details see www.westernoriental.com

Agent offers

AS PART of the Red Sea Reward s programme (www.redsearewards.com), age nts can enjoy a range of perks and discounts with El Gouna's travel trade package. These include spe cial discounted rates at all hotels, room upgrad es, flexible check-in and check-out, a 20% discount on spa treatments, golf walk-in rates, all activities with the Orange Concept and sailing courses with Sail La Vie. For more information visit www.e lgouna.com TITAN IS hosting an exclusive Age nt Open Day at its headquarters (Titan House nea r Redhill in Surrey) on July 17, from 10:00-16:00, to celebrate the launch of its new Worldwide Bro chure 2015/16. The day includes afternoon tea, a tou r of the offices, a Q&A session, goodie bags and the chance to win a £100 Love2Shop voucher.

For further information or to reg ister to attend email agencysales@titantravel.c o.uk or call 0800-988 5166.

THE DOMINICAN Republic Tourist Board, in conjunction with Hard Rock Hotels All Inclusive Collection, has eight pairs of tickets with hospitality, to give away at Haydock Park Racecourse for an evening of racing and an open air performance by Jesse J on August 8.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, agents should book a holiday to the Dominican Republic to any hotel to receive one entry into the draw. Agents booking the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will earn three entries into the draw. Bookings should be emailed to uksales@hrhaic.com by July 20.

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Cancer?

TOWARDS THE end of this month a period of better prosperity is in store. This might mean a new job or a sudden windfall, so get entering those competitions!

Next month is the right time for a change - and that includes your image and your outlook on life. As you embark on this change, your confidence soars and you start coming out of your shell. Capitalise on this new self-esteem by going after the things you really want in life.

Lucky day: Thursday Lucky number: 16

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A PIZZA THE ACTION...Bath Travel in Totnes enjoyed free pizza, courtesy of Serenity Holidays’ first out-of-office hours webinar training session for its Corsican Places and Sardinian Places products. Pictured tucking in is the agency's Hilary Field. Agents looking to take part in the next training session (on June 25) and receive free pizza delivery, should email trade@serenity.co.uk June 20 2014

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newsbulletin 2015 Caribbean and Mexico preview brochure from Gold Medal FOLLOWING A significant increase in early booking trends to the Caribbean, Gold Medal has launched a Caribbean and Mexico preview brochure for the first time.

The 32-page brochure follows the success of the 2014 brochure and provides up-to-date incentives and offers which are all in place until December 31, 2015, and include up to 40% discount, free nights and free child places.

The operator's national account manager, Tina

Hodge, said: “We’ve seen considerable growth to the Caribbean and Mexico over the last 12 months. This is the first time we have produced a preview brochure for this destination, and in doing so we’re demonstrating our commitment to this destination and our agent partners, ensuring they have the tools they need to grow their Caribbean and Mexico business with us.

And by offering double rewards through our industry-leading rewards scheme – Farebank –

Pictured marking the launch of the new brochure is the operator's Tina Hodge and Mark White.

we’re providing agents with even more of a reason to choose us. The brochure is packed full of hand-picked resorts and hotels across islands including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica,

Bahamas, Cuba and Mexico. It is an exciting addition to our portfolio of brochures and it paves the way for even more exciting developments for 2015.”

For more information see www.goldmedal.co.uk

Titan teams with Uniworld to launch 'World’s Best River Cruises' 2015 brochure TITAN, IN exclusive partnership with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, has announced the launch of The World’s Best River Cruises 2015.

The brochure offers savings of up to £800 per person (Grand European River Voyage - 29 days from £6,999) if booked

by September 30 and contains a total of 36 crafted itineraries, encompassing all the major European rivers as well as Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Two new ships have been added to the Uniworld fleet - the SS Catherine whose maiden voyage was in April and the yet to be launched SS Maria Theresa, due to set sail in 2015 along the Rhine, Main and Danube.

There are six new itineraries for 2015

including Jewels of Spain and Portugal and the Douro River, a 13-day cruise that allows guests to delve into the cultural tapestry of ancient and modern Spain, cruise through the Douro Valley and experience three legendary Spanish cities - Madrid, Toledo and Salamanca.

Prices start from £3,299 if booked by September 30, saving up to £300 per person.

Uniworld River Heritage Club Discounts have also had an overhaul with previous Uniworld cruisers now receiving £90 cabin credit for cruises up to 12 nights' duration and £150 per person for 13-night durations and above.

In addition, a free case of quality wine will be sent to previous Titan/Uniworld

clients if they book their 2015 Uniworld cruise before July 12. All existing clients who have booked their 2015 Uniworld cruise from a previous brochure will also qualify for a case of wine.

Itineraries are based on all-inclusive and include all gratuities; unlimited wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks; daily excursions; and on-board entertainment and activities. In addition, every Uniworld cruise includes Titan’s door-to-door VIP Home Departure Service as standard.

For more information, availability or to book call 0800-988 5867 or visit titanagents.co.uk A bulk supply of brochures can be ordered via BP Tradegate.

Cosmos Tours & Cruises issues 2015 river cruise product with new Loire options COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched its 2015 European river cruise programme and is the first UK operator to feature the new ‘MS Loire Princesse’; the first of its kind for the River Loire, a purpose-built paddle wheel ship with ensuite guest cabins.

An eight-day ‘Chateaux of the Loire Cruise’ leads in at £1,199 per person and offers the chance to experience the heart of the Loire Valley. Also new is a selection of superior river barge holidays on French canals and waterways on custom built ‘hotel ‘barges’ offering an authentic experience combined with a high level of comfort and service. The choice of regions include Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne and Provence. As an example, a seven-day ‘Wonders & Wines of Burgundy’ costs from £1,899 and features wine tasting at Satenay, the historical town of Chalon-sur-Saone, the natural sites of Cirque du Bout du Monde and the Mont de Sene, Saint-Jean-de-Losne as well as the Grand Crus Wine Route.

The operator's product and commercial manager, Simon Leeming, said: “Our new superior river barge holidays offer an original and more intimate cruising experience

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combining comfortable deluxe accommodation, attentive service and French cuisine with sailing through the heart of the beautiful French countryside. Guests are given the option of helping crew to raise or lower the locks or cycle along the tow path; all adding to an authentic holiday experience. “With flights, all-inclusive accommodation, excursions and even a home pick up service included in the price we believe this niche holiday will appeal to many of our customers wanting to experience something different.”

Also available for 2015 are a selection of river cruises on the Seine, Rhone, Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Douro as well as the Guadalquivir in Andalucia. An eight-day ‘Portugal’s Douro River Cruise’ offers a relaxing cruise through the Douro Valley with its vine steeped terraces and traditional villages and costs from £1,099, while an eight-day ‘Majestic Rhine & Moselle’ cruise showcases the historical towns and cities along the picturesque rivers and leads in at £949.

Selected cruises offer free cabin upgrades if booked before December 17.

For more information visit www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk or call 0843-227 0961.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Love2Shop voucher in the

Su Doku prize puzzle

Number: 024

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

Pancreas Colics

A➠

B➠ This operator offers villa holidays in Corsica

C➠

Array Was At Qi

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 This airline has just launched a new daily service between Doha and Heathrow 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:

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 26th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 6th June is Vicky Wash, Protravel in Milton Keynes.

June 6 Solution: A=5 B=7 C=1 D=9

Third longest river in Australia.

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

Number: 024

Across 1. Cruise company with HQ in Genoa (5) 3. Major hotel group (5) 5. He is starring in A Million Ways to Die in the West at a cinema near you (4,6) 7. Car rental company (4) 9. Historic Portuguese town famed for its castles and palaces (6) 11. Intourist specialises in holidays to this country (6) 12. Hawaiian island (4) 14. Annual rugby union championship (3,7) 15. Capital of Antigua and Barbuda, St ___ (4'1) 16. One of the Great Lakes (5)

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Down 1. Boy band winners of BTG, recently signed up by Simon Cowell (8) 2. The Ponte Vecchio spans this river (4) 3. First name of Andy Murray's new coach (6) 4. Porec and Pula are popular resorts in this country (7) 6. International hotel company owned by Carlson (8) 8. County town of Suffolk (7) 10. County Antrim landmark and tourist attraction, ___ Causeway (5'1) 13. Salt Lake City is the state capital (4)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 June 20 2014

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conferenceupdate AITO Specialist Travel Agents recently held its summer overseas conference in Prague, the theme of which was Innovation.

JILL SAYLES reports on the latest news & developments...

Gemma Antrobus crowned AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ new chair GEMMA ANTROBUS (Haslemere Travel) was announced as AITO Agents’ first female chair, taking over from Oliver Broad (RB Collection).

Antrobus became chair as Oliver Broad stood down at the end of the Prague conference. Ted Wake of Kirker Holidays continues to support as deputy chair.

Antrobus said: “It’s an honour and a pleasure to be taking over from Oliver as AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ chairperson.

Some fantastic foundations have been laid over the past four years under Oliver’s leadership and I look forward to building upon those for the benefit of our agent members.

“Following our long-term strategic review, a number of new projects will follow. The AITO Agents’ Panel sees value in promoting the AITO brand more visibly. It is important that

Members recognised in AITO Agents & Supplier awards The AITO Agents & Supplier awards were held on June 14 during the gala dinner at the baroque Troja Palace, Prague which dates back to 1679.

Agent of the Year award went to Journeys à la Carte and Kenneth Macleod Travel Ltd in joint first place, second place was awarded toTravelwise Ltd, and in third place came RB Collection.

The Operator of the Year award was won by Inspired

by Asia, in second place was Kirker Holidays and third place went to Visions Holiday Group.

Affiliate of the Year award was won by Holiday Extras, and Claire Hunt from Journeys à la Carte won the Outstanding Achievement award. The Super Service Award went to Gareth Bell from Inspired by Asia.

CZECH US OUT…Pictured enjoying drinks on the terrace at Prague’s Lobkowicz Palace are, from the left: Paul Cusack, Cockermouth Travel; Hisham Mahmoud, Kirker Holidays; Hazel Bryant, Travel with Kitts; and Eddie Kyle, Kyle Travel.

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June 20 2014

consumers understand and appreciate the values of booking with an AITO Agent, and brand awareness is a huge part of this.”

In 2008, Gemma became managing director of Haselmere Travel, which consists of a retail shop in Haslemere and a division of nine elite homeworking consultants based across the country. Gemma has served on Gemma A ntrobus the AITO Agents’ Panel for five years, working on the sub committees for PR & Marketing, Training & Events and Conferences.

InBrief

● AN INNOVATING Within session saw delegates come up with ideas

for improving business such as rewarding customer service success, displaying staff holiday experiences, iPads in stores, themed events, marketing the right products through the right channels and acting on feedback, not just logging it. ● CAA HEAD of ATOL, Andy Cohen, said many agents are still not complying with the 2012 ATOL regulations. He reminded agents that it is illegal to take bookings without agency agreements. One big agency was forced to pay out a lot of money to clients due to it not having an Agents Agreement in place when the operator failed. ● PRAGUE CITY Tourism said it is aiming to shift the image of the city from the rowdy, hen and stag drinking crowds to a romance and weddings destination. It will also focus on the luxury hotel market. A news website (Prague.eu) will be launched in September. Delegates were also given a presentation and tour of Pilsen which will become European Capital of Culture 2015. The city has a strong ‘beer city’ brand and is home to the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery. A programme of events and guided tours during the European Capital of Culture are available. ● CHARLES REID of Carat Media said that social media offers an ideal platform from which to approach customers. Offline clients use social media early in the booking process and he added that they are still open to advice from trusted brands after receiving initial information through social media and news channels. Often customers will buy online because they don’t like the ‘hard sell’ approach of sitting at a desk and buying the trip immediately. ● SPEAKER KAREN Willey from Music Concierge said using carefully selected music in shops to set the right mood for purchasing holidays can help make money. ● INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER was Joel Hicks who founded the Always With A Smile charity, details of which can be found at www.alwayswithasmile.com ● THE NEXT AITO Specialist Travel Agents domestic conference will once again be held at the Drayton Manor Hotel in Warwickshire on January 10 and 11, 2015.

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

Colin O’Neill, business development director of The Advantage Travel Partnership, feels the love at the 2014 Advantage Conference in Dubai ITH THE 2014 Advantage Conference in Dubai behind us, I have had time to reflect on the positive lessons learnt from it - and there were many.

W

Undoubtedly, the standout speaker from the conference was business entrepreneur Ellis Watson; Ellis is currently the CEO Publishing at family-owned newspaper group DC Thomson but his career history is very impressive indeed. In his time he has worked for Rupert Murdoch at News International, for Simon Cowell, (he was CEO of Celador), the creators of the international brand Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and he also spent time in the US, breathing new life into the $3bn Greyhound Bus business.

In what was a highly amusing presentation the one thing that really struck me was his passionate plea for delegates to love their customers which at first glance seems very evangelical but in essence he was urging the audience to make their customers feel special if they are going to both gain and retain them.

He also made the crucial point that you need to care for your staff too and if they are going to give exceptional service, it will help immeasurably if they feel loved too.

However, there was a sting in the tail to what he said in that in order to show customers the love, you could no longer accept indifferent service in your business and that staff who are potentially not up to the task should be addressed.

Ellis confidently predicted that everyone in the audience knew who

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June 20 2014

"The overall impression that I was left with in Dubai was the level of friendship and camaraderie that existed across the entire range of delegates... to see our member partners willing to share their experiences with colleagues and business partners does indicate a strong level of professionalism and integrity across the travel industry" the blockers in their businesses were but he urged everyone to have the courage to positively tackle rather than duck the issue – he believed that in many instances the individual concerned may respond to some tender loving care.

Carrying on the love theme, but not quite to that extreme, the overall impression that I was left with in Dubai was the level of friendship and camaraderie that existed across the entire range of delegates. Certainly the stunning setting of Dubai helped set the right vibrant tone for the weekend but to see our member partners, both in the leisure and corporate arenas, willing to share their experiences with colleagues and business partners does indicate a strong level of professionalism and integrity across the travel industry.

Since we returned from the event, we have been told by a large number of delegates they have been moved by the Dubai experience and

have looked at their businesses in a new and objective light and set about making changes that will ultimately make them a better organisation than they were before.

Finally, whilst our 2015 conference is still a year away, we have already started work on creating a business programme that will have member case studies and practical real business experiences at the heart of the event - the only thing left to do is to find a location to rival the excellence of Dubai.

PS: I could not really let my conference report go without also mentioning our other keynote speaker, tennis legend Martina Navratilova; to spend time in the presence of a sporting icon was something that our 450 delegates will never forget - particularly with an opportunity to have signed tennis balls thrown at them – you needed to have been there to understand it!

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training

AGENTS COMPLETING the VIA Rail Canada online training programme will be in with a chance of winning £25 in Love2Shop vouchers. The course is designed to give agents an overview of the company's s services and the tools and knowledge to sell the product to customers confidently and successfully. It is offers the opportunity to learn about the new ‘Prestige Sleeper’ Class on The Canadian from late 2014, which is ideal for customers looking for some added luxury on their trip to Canada.

To complete the course visit www.onlinetraveltraining.com/ free-courses/providers/homeviarailuk

Brand USA Megafam hailed success as American Airlines & British Airways confirm 2015 support BRAND USA has announced confirmation of a 2015 Megafam in partnership with American Airlines and British Airways, following its successful 2014 Megafam finale, which took place in Austin, Texas.

The event was attended by 100 agents from the UK and Ireland who had qualified and won a place on the second annual Megafam which ran from May 15-22. The participating agents embarked on seven simultaneous itineraries that took them to 21 states before meeting together in Austin, where each group presented highlights of their experiences in order to educate other agents and empower them to sell the variety of destinations to travellers.

The participating agents booked more than 12,000 flights to and within the US,

up from last year’s 5,500 flights and significantly increasing the number of international tourists planning holidays to the US. To qualify, agents were also required to complete two specialist modules on the Brand USA agent training site, www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk. The site allows agents to become specialists as well as to share insights with their

peers on the Knowledge Forum and to be the first to hear about other competitions and fam tours.

Details of how agents can qualify to win a place on the 2015 Megafam will be released at the end of the year; as will the new itinerary options and dates.

For more information about the variety of travel experiences and destinations visit www.discoveramerica.com

Win flight tickets from The Lufthansa Group

NEWCOMERS...Pictured at Tipto’s recent 15th birthday celebration training event at the Hallmark Hotel in Bournemouth is Ashley Secker (middle) from Newmarket Holidays with agents from Bath Travel in Boscombe.

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THE LUFTHANSA Group's online travel training course has been created for agents to learn all there is to know about each of the group's four carriers - Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines, and sell them with confidence.

Once agents have completed each of the four separate airline training modules, they will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to either Austria, Belgium, Germany or Switzerland. The company is also offering runner-up prizes of a Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and one of four “Zip” fitbits, which will be provided by the four Lufthansa Group airlines. The closing date for the competition is June 30, while the course itself will run until September.

For details see www.lufthansagrouptraining.com

June 20 2014

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eventbulletin TRAVEL BULLETIN played host to a Mediterranean Islands Showcase event earlier this month at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham. The event gave agents the opportunity to learn more about the region and, at the same time, win a range of fantastic prizes...

TABLE TALK...Max Tchanturia (left) from Eagles Palace chats with Personal Travel Agents at Co-op Travel, Linda and Pat Reynolds.

DIAMOND DEAL...Collecting their goodie bags are, from the left: Sophie Kerrigan, Donna Aarons, Jenny Daley and Noviene Whyte from Diamond Travel.

AEGEAN DREAM...Lisa Palmer (left) from Four Oaks Travel won a pair of Aegean Airlines tickets to Athens, courtesy of the carrier's Lily Alicabiotis.

COOKING UP A STORM...Enjoying the reception drinks are, from the left: Laura Bogojevic, Jessica Nixon and Yvonne Taylor from Thomas Cook Shirley.

RIU WIN...Rob Doran from RIU Hotels & Resorts presents Rachel Wilcox from Thomas Cook Oldbury with her prize of a four-night stay for two at any RIU hotel worldwide.

A LOT OF BOTTLE...Stelios Constantinides from the Cyprus National Tourist Office presents Suzanne Barney of Travel Counsellors with bottles of Cypriot wine.

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June 20 2014

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eventbulletin

PAPHOS PRIZE...Hazel Simpson (left) from Thomas Cook, Sutton Coldfield collects her prize of a seven-night, allinclusive stay for two at the Olympic Lagoon Resort in Paphos from Maria Evripides of Kanika Hotels.

SAM'S SURPRISE... Samantha Bird from Carrick Travel in Solihull won a three-night, half-board stay at the Aldemar Royal Mare in Crete, courtesy of Aldemar Hotels. Pictured presenting the prize to Sam is Travel Bulletin's Matt Gill.

WINE O'CLOCK...Elaine Robertson (left) from Just Sardinia, Just Sicily & Just Corsica presents Sylvia Musgrove from Moseley Travel with a fine wine.

BOTTLE BABES...Lianne Davenport (left) from Moseley Travel won a bottle of wine courtesy of Aqua Vista Hotels.

Pictured presenting the wine is Jeanette Ratcliffe from Travel Bulletin.

BUBBLES & TRUFFLES...Jayne Chapman (right) from Your Holiday Booking won bubbles and Champagne truffles from Cyplon Holidays. Pictured with Jayne is the operator's Jayne Scott.

HAIL HALKIDIKI...The Halkidki Tourism Organisation gave away four prizes of three-night, half-board stays. The tourist office's Sandra Bruce (centre) presents the prizes to, from the left: Sharon Cox, Moseley Travel; Zoe Franklin, Travel Club Elite; Donna Aarons, Diamond Travel; and Dave Allen, Andara Travel.

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LINDA'S LUCK...Linda Reynolds (right) from Personal Travel Agents at Co-Op Travel won a two-night, halfboard stay for two at Sani Beach Hotel. Pictured presenting the prize is Maria Machera from Sani Resort.

ON THE CASE...Anastasios Pissas (left) from the Greek National Tourism Office presents Pat Reynolds from Personal Travel Agents at Co-Op Travel with a case of wine.

June 20 2014

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training Win a VIP fam with Visit Orlando

PICTURED AT a recent VisitDenmark, Faroe Islands & Greenland workshop event, held at St Ermin's Hotel in London, are, from the left: Joergen Christensen, Small Danish Hotels; Birthe Nielsen, Baltic Travel Company; Anne Hübner, VisitAarhus; Birgitte Bergman, Visit North Zealand; Margaret Scowen, Specialised Tours; and Marianne Purup, VisitSkanderborg.

Become a

Brand new interactive online modules Get ahead by planning, promoting and selling outstanding New Zealand holidays Register and find out more at:

www.traveltrade.newzealand.com

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June 20 2014

VISIT ORLANDO and its theme park partners, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, in partnership with British Airways, will host 50 agents on its annual Orlando SuperFam from October 3-10. The fam will help agents boost their knowledge, with eight days of VIP treatment, plus exclusive access to the newest, most popular attractions, shopping options and dining experiences.

To be eligible for a place, agents must be over 21 years and should complete all modules of the newly revamped Orlando Travel Academy at orlandotravelacademy.co m by July 11.

Lanarkshire tourism body creates sector wide training portal AN EXTENSIVE training portal aimed at those working within the tourism and hospitality industry in Lanarkshire has been launched, designed to provide education on the value of the sector as well as build the profile of the destination and ensure its visitors receive the highest quality service.

BeLanarkshire has been developed by the Lanarkshire Area Tourism Partnership (ATP) which includes representatives from North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire councils, VisitScotland and other private sector partners.

The online programme which is free and takes around two hours to complete, educates and tests participants on areas of essential knowledge and skills in the business and leisure tourism sectors which combined currently contributes around £317m to the Lanarkshire economy with an estimated three million visitors travelling to the area annually.

It features modules entitled; The Lanarkshire Experience, Exceeding Customer Expectations, Maintaining Positive Attitude, Handling Customer Feedback and Continually Improving.

Mark Calpin, chair of the Lanarkshire Area Tourism Partnership, said: “Tourism is a major contributor both for jobs and the local economy in Lanarkshire and we are proud to say that we have an excellent reputation for providing a warm welcome to our visitors, with many people choosing to return again and again.

"BeLanarkshire has been designed to ensure that workers across the hospitality and tourism sector continue to act as ambassadors for the area. This is especially important when we consider the plethora of events that will be taking place across Scotland this year, presenting Lanarkshire with a real opportunity to shine on a global platform.”

For more details see www.belanarkshire.com

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training

NO GAIN

Discover the latest additions to Travel Gym, Travel Bulletin’s online learning portal for travel agents.

Log on now at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travel-gym to complete some of the courses currently appearing, including...

IF YOU want to extend your knowledge, find out what’s new with Attraction World and become an all round expert on our massive range of attractions, you’ve come to the right place. We're going to draw one lucky winner at random to win a bumper prize. All you have to do is complete our course and you'll automatically be entered into the prize draw. We're also offering agents the chance to win a deluxe goody bag when they complete our cruise module, plus we'll be picking two lucky winners each month to receive some splendid treats.

BE ONE of the first 100 agents to complete the course and win a £5 Love2Shop voucher! Learn everything you need to know about our fabulous range of products, from luxury lodges and cottages to boating in the UK & Europe...become a Hoseasons expert!

QATAR AIRWAYS' course provides an up-to-date overview of its products and services, with highlights on key elements which make it stand out among its peers. The course is geared to equip agents with the information they need in selling the airline, with modules that cater to different industry market segments. There are also regular competitions with winners picked at random from amongst those who complete and pass the course.

WIN A fabulous fam trip to Southwest Germany. Cuckoo training is fun, interactive and, once completed, you will feel more than confident to sell SouthWest Germany to your clients. Register now and have the chance to win a fam trip to SouthWest Germany by completing the Cuckoo Training.

AS GERMANY'S leading leisure airline, specialising in taking your www.condorexperts.com customers to more than 75 of the best sun & beach destinations, together with better understanding of our airline through our training modules at our global partners, we are very pleased to be able to help you gain a better understanding of our airline through our training modules at www.condor.com

To promote your online training course on the Travel Gym call 020 7834 6661 www.travelbulletin.co.uk

June 20 2014

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newsbulletin

Michelle Roberts Business development manager, Israel Government Tourist Office At work

At play Where would you most like to visit and why?

I have many destinations on my bucket list but New Zealand is at the top.

What other companies/ organisations have you previously worked for?

Many! I did long stints at USAirtours, The Destination Group, Kenwood Travel and shorter stints at many other places. I’ve done everything from sales to data entry to product management.

What personal item do you have on your desk at work?

Photos of my family – they are the reason I have to do my best.

What's the best thing about your job?

I love training and doing presentations. It helps that I get to train/present about such an interesting and diverse country as Israel.

What's a typical day like?

No two days are ever the same. My tasks are so varied – one day I’m proof reading, the next I’m updating our websites, and the next I’ll be in sales meetings with both existing and new tour operators. We’re a small team but we all help each other when needed - our days are never boring.

What was the last email you received?

My colleague telling me what he wants updated on one of our websites. I’ve only just taken over updating our walkwherejesuswalked.com website and I’m still on a huge learning curve!

What skill are you most proud of?

Giving interesting and energetic presentations, both to the travel trade and the public. I’m passionate about Israel and I do whatever I can to pass on that passion to others.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

Comfortable shoes. I love exploring and comfortable shoes are a must.

What are your hobbies?

Singing, writing and hopefully pottery come the autumn.

What's your favourite (non-work related) website?

Cracked.com - I love the interesting and funny articles.

Do you use social media for work and play?

As I’m an American living in the UK, Facebook is very important to me. I’ve contacted so many friends from my past, and it gives me a platform to stay in touch with my friends from around the world. Sure, we all complain about it at times but Facebook rocks!

What trait do you dislike in other people?

Negativity. If you look hard enough you can find a positive in most situations.

What is your best quality?

My friendliness - I enjoy making people smile.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

When I was in high school, one of my teachers kicked me out class for talking too much, which irritated me. He placed me in a side room where there was another student studying. I proceeded to act up in front of this kid by telling him what an idiot the teacher who stuck me in the room was. I had also had his wife as a teacher a few years earlier and stated what a horrible teacher she was as well. The young man let me rant, and when I was finished he informed me that they were his parents. I doubt I’ve ever felt as embarrassed as I did that day, but I also felt bad for disrespecting the guy’s parents. I learned a valuable lesson that day – keep negative comments to myself!

Do you have any nicknames?

My friend Pat calls me Marmie, which is short for Marmite. You guessed it…you either love me or you hate me.

At home What's your favourite household gadget?

My laptop, Kindle or my Sky+ – I can’t imagine life without any of them.

What are your favourite TV programmes?

Family Guy, South Park and the Daily Show. I also watch loads of Judge Judy – got to love the Judge.

Who does the cooking?

I’m blessed with a housemate who’s a brilliant chef, but my hubby is also getting quite good. I’ll occasionally cook for everyone, but it doesn’t happen as often as it should.

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June 20 2014

What's a typical weekend for you like?

Laundry, homework (I have a 13 year old and a nine year old so there is ALWAYS homework to help with), and any family fun activities we can fit in. This summer we’re going to try and visit as many amusement parks in the UK as possible.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Karaoke. I don’t get to do it very often, but I pity the people who share a night of Karaoke with me. I’ll sing as many songs as they let me sing!

What music do you listen to?

I’m a rock chick. One of my son’s middle names is “Floyd”. Guess who my favourite band are?

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all-inclusives FUNWAY IS promoting new all-inclusive hotels in Mexico including the Hard Rock Riviera Maya, which opened at the end of last year, and Secrets Playa Mujeres, which is due to open in November 2015. A seven-night stay at the five-star Occidental Grand Punta in the Domician Republic leads in at £899 per person including flights and accommodation.

For details visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

Save £250 per child on a family holiday with Neilson TO CELEBRATE the arrival of the school holidays, Neilson is giving parents the opportunity to save £250 per child on family breaks at a number of its Beachclubs in Greece and Turkey this July and August.

All Beachclub holidays include flights, transfers and accommodation as standard, as well as all breakfasts, lunches and four evening meals per week. The Beachclubs are in hand-picked locations and exclusive to the operator.

Activities are also

inclusive and range from watersports such as windsurfing and dinghy sailing with RYA tuition, to complimentary group tennis coaching, waterskiing, fitness classes and mountain biking.

Also included are children's clubs for kids aged two-17, with seven tailored clubs for each age group.

As examples, the £250 discount is available at the Adakoy Beachclub in Turkey for holidays departing on July 12 and 19, and August 2, 9, 23 and 30. A one-week all-

inclusive holiday for two adults and two children (aged two-14 years) costs £3,976 and includes a £500 discount per family, based on the family sharing two rooms for a July 19 departure.

In Greece, a one-week all-inclusive stay at Aeolian Village Beachclub costs £4,856 and includes a £500 discount per family, based on a family of four sharing two rooms for an August 2 departure.

For further information or to book visit www.neilson.co.uk or call 0844-879 8155.

Planet reports Brits appreciate value & quality from Greek hoteliers PLANET HOLIDAYS' summer 2014 Cyprus and Greece brochure features a selection of all-inclusive offers, and the company reports increasing interest in holidays to Greece.

The operator's director, Harry Kyrillou, said: “Greece continues to be very popular with British holidaymakers and as ABTA pointed out in its 2013 trend report, it continues to attract UK tourists despite the political and economic turmoil over the last few years.

"Many Greek hoteliers have embellished and improved their all-inclusive product which offers better value and better quality than some other Eastern Mediterranean destinations. Cyprus also has some excellent all-inclusives. Families have booked later

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than usual this year and we are still getting enquiries for family all-inclusive holidays from the trade.

“We are urging agents to offer a few days in Athens before clients head off to the seaside along mainland Greece or any one of the Greek islands we feature.

"We have added classic tours this year to provide another dimension for those wanting to supplement a traditional Athens city stay or mainland and island holiday with extra cultural cache, and this suits families looking to add an educational element to their standard annual beach holiday abroad in Europe."

For further information call 01438-841270 or see www.planet-holidays.co.uk

Club Med revamps ski offering for next season CLUB MED has unveiled its latest winter holiday offering. The 'Snow and Co' and 'Flexi ski programs' offer holidaymakers increased control over their ski holidays and how they spend their time. Snow and Co gives visitors the chance to take part in non-skiing activities such as hiking, Nordic walking or fitness programmes, while the 'Flexi ski' offering means that skiers can opt for a longer ski session in the morning and a later lunch, allowing them to enjoy their holiday at their own pace.

The operator is featuring a range of deals for families including an early booking bonus for bookings made before July 16, to receive combined savings of up to £1,350 per family. Clients will also be able to benefit from the company's snow guarantee next season which states that if fewer than 50% of the pistes are open during their holiday, holidaymakers will be able to claim 50% of their holiday cost back.

Details at www.clubmed.co.uk

June 20 2014

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all-inclusives

JET2HOLIDAYS IS offering a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at the five-star Aldemar Paradise Mare in Kalithea, Rhodes from £1,839.84 for a family of two adults and two children. The deal is based on a July departure from East Midlands Airport.

For details call 0800-408 5599 or see www.jet2holidays.com

Travel 2 sees rise in properties offering all-inclusive-only following demand TRAVEL 2 reports that increasing numbers of properties are choosing to switch their meal plans to offer all-inclusive only, following demand.

The operator's product manager for Africa (East and Southern), Mauritius, Seychelles & Jordan, Michael Creighton, said: “The market continues to

grow as all-inclusive packages offer fantastic value for money.

"A selection of hotels that currently offer various meal plans will now only offer all-inclusive meal plans for the new 2015 season, including our recommended Centara Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa and Veranda Grand

Baie, both in Mauritius.

"These properties will be added to a growing list of hotels that offer allinclusive only such as the Heritage Awali and Tamassa in Mauritius."

As an example of prices, an eight-night, all-inclusive stay at the Centara Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa leads in at £1,059 per

person including flights from London.

The offer, which is based on departures between August 11 and September 30 includes four free nights and is based on two sharing a superior mountain view room.

For further information or to book visit www.travel2.com

Ultimate all-in packages

by Captain’s Choice

TRANSUN IS promoting a four-night Northern Lights break for next Easter from £799, which includes full board accommodation in Lapland, flights from Gatwick and a range of activities including a snowmobile safari, a guided forest trek and a husky sled ride.

For details visit www.transun.co.uk/agents or call 01865-265200.

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June 20 2014

THERE ARE all-inclusives, and then there's Captain's Choice, which can be rightly regarded as the ultimate all-in package, writes Paul Scudamore.

Founded by Australian Phil Asker, the private jet tours include everything - "When we say our tours have no hidden extras from beginning to end, we mean it" he says.

As an example, there is an Exotic India and Mountain Kingdoms 19-day tour of Oman, India, Nepal and Bhutan from September 15 that includes private chauffeur return transfers within 100-miles of departure airport Luton, and accommodation at the five-star Luton Hoo hotel the night before the flight from the Harrods VIP terminal.

The flight itself is on a re-configured Airbus A319 with only 44 Business Class seats, state-of-the-art entertainment and top-of-the-range catering.

Accommodation is in five-star hotels with all meals and drinks, including visits to "exceptional" local restaurants, there are guided tours with local experts and fully comprehensive travel insurance with no upper age limit, and an on-board doctor throughout the trip. The commissionable price? Only £21,950.

Other packages include The Silk Road and Beyond from September 3-18 for £19,500 and a Circumnavigation of the Globe from March 4-26 using a Boeing 767 with 92 seats (instead of the normal 210) for £34,850.

Details at www.captainschoice.co.uk

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all-inclusives North Cyprus deal from Anatolian Sky offers £150 saving ANATOLIAN SKY is promoting a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at Merit Crystal Cove in Kyrenia for £1,169 per person, offering a saving of £150 per person.

The deal is based on a July 9 departure from Luton with Atlas Jet and includes transfers, luggage allowance and fuel surcharges.

The hotel features a swimming pool, sunbathing terraces, a range of sporting and leisure facilities, a spa and a choice of local and international cuisine.

For details see www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3117.

Sandals offers sneak peek at new Barbados property WITH EIGHT months to go before the official re-opening of Sandals Barbados, Sandals Resorts International has released a selection of renderings offering a sneak peek at its newest resort. The images showcase Sandals Barbados’ luxury accommodation, which features contemporary furnishings throughout including mahogany four-poster beds, flatscreen TVs, luxury bathrooms and indoor and outdoor soaking tubs. Sandals Barbados

Sandals Barbados

will reopen its doors on January 28, 2015 and, as well as the addition of an exclusive Club Sandals lounge, departure lounge and an expanded Red Lane Spa, the new-look resort will also feature an exclusively-designed wedding garden, Sandals Signature swim-up pool bar, fire pits, a beachfront whirlpool and 11 restaurants.

See details visit www.sandals.co.uk

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all-inclusives Grand Lucayan announces all-inclusive deal for summer NESTLED INTO one of Grand Bahama Island’s private beaches, the Grand Lucayan Resort has introduced a new all-inclusive deal for summer.

The package includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, soft drinks; unlimited select alcohol drinks; and non-motorised sports, and is valid for new bookings made by June 30 for travel until November 15.

Facilities at the hotel include a selection of restaurants, swimming pools, four tennis courts, a spa and fitness centre and an 18-hole golf course. The resort is also running a 'kids eat free' offer for children under the age of 12.

Agents should use the promotional offer code 'AISUM' when booking with Thomas Cook Signature.

For more information visit www.grandlucayan.com

Shearings highlights selection of late deals with seven nights from £454 SHEARINGS IS promoting a selection of all-inclusive getaways for travel up to September.

As examples, a ten-day stay at the Hotel Oasis Park in Salou leads in at £399 per person and includes seven nights’ full-board

accommodation at the Hotel Oasis Park and return coach travel. The option to travel by air is also available.

A seven-night break exploring the Italian and French Rivieras leads in at £454, with highlights including Diano Marina, San

Remo, Ventimiglia, and the exclusive resorts of Cannes, Monte Carlo and St Tropez.

The price also includes three excursions and coach travel.

Meanwhile, a 'Venice & its Lagoon' all-inclusive option offers a five-day cruise to

take in the sights of Venice and leads in at £819. The price includes four nights’ full-board cruise, flights and transfers, with departures available until October.

For more information call 0844-824 6359 or visit www.shearings.com

CYPLON IS highlighting its all-inclusive, four-star Panorama Hotel in Crete, Chania, which reopened last month. The property consists of a main building and bungalows set within landscaped gardens, and is located 5km away from Chania town. On-site facilities include two outdoor pools, a children’s pool, playground, tennis court, basketball court, gym, sauna, billiards and games room. Scuba-diving is also available while a Go-karts track is located nearby. Prices lead in at £659 per person in a twin inland view room, based on a September 8 departure, including flights from Gatwick and private transfers.

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all-inclusives Turkey deals from Thomson THOMSON IS highlighting two all-inclusive deals in Turkey - at the Marti Resort in Marmaris and the Marti Myra Resort in Antalya.

A one-week stay at the five-star Marti Resort, which features its own private Blue Flag beach, a range of activities for families, a new rollerblading promenade, two swimming pools, a toddler’s paddling pool and a dedicated children’s buffet, costs from £734 per person.

It is based on two adults sharing and includes flights from Gatwick.

A week's stay at the five-star Marti Myra Resort costs from £499 based on two adults sharing and includes flights from Stansted and transfers. The resort features a zoo; family-friendly activities include silk painting, guitar lessons, DJ lessons, a surf rodeo; and a private beach.

For more information or to book visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871-230 2555.

Oceania Club package with Classic Collection CLASSIC COLLECTION is offering seven nights at the five-star Oceania Club & Spa, located on the Halkidiki peninsula, from £1,599 per person.

The price is based on two adults sharing a double side sea view room on an all-inclusive basis and includes private transfers and flights for an August 22 departure.

Sister hotel of the popular Sani Resort, Oceania Club offers an infinity pool, private beach and a selection of watersports. For parents looking for a little bit of ‘quiet time’ on the beach, the hotel’s resident Babewatch service offers a free 30-minute service whereby trained instructors entertain children beneath a tented canopy.

To book or for further information see www.classic-collection.co.uk or call 0800-294 9315.

Taj Group launches 'Maldives Unlimited’ VIVANTA BY Taj Coral Reef - Maldives has launched Maldives Unlimited, an allinclusive plan, which is a first for the Taj Group.

From this month, guests of Vivanta by Taj - Coral Reef, located in the North Male Atoll, can benefit from the new plan, which includes all meals on an a la carte ‘dine around’ basis at the hotel’s three restaurants, signature cocktails, premium spirits, juices and sparkling wines at the Reef Bar (open until midnight), as well as Wi-Fi and mini bar.

To ensure guests make the most of the resort’s coral reef, a guided snorkelling trip is also included in the price, as well as a sunset Champagne cruise in a traditional Dhoni boat and a daily Stingray feeding session.

Rates start at US$1,250 (approximately £745) per night on a double occupancy basis.

Additional services (including Jiva Spa treatments, diving, motorised watersports, signature experiences and laundry) are subject to charges and 18.8% tax.

For more information visit www.vivantabytaj.com/ maldives

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June 20 2014

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Bright here.

Bright now.

Dazzling last minute deals to Egypt

From

Award-winning holidays

Every holiday includes 20kg luggage,

£299

4+ and 5+ hotels

resort transfers and full rep service.

Most include free late check out, too.

All Inclusive

Named All Inclusive accommodation

The Egyptian Experts Call today on 0845 072 2477 Visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent ABTA No.Y2507

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 02 May 2014. Once sold out there is no guarantee that alternative holidays will be available at that price. Other conditions apply; see brochure for details. ATOL protected 9749. ® Red Sea Holidays logo is a registered trade mark of Red Sea Holidays UK Ltd. © 2014.

S05 TB2006 North Africa_Layout 1 6/18/2014 2:16 PM Page 27

northafrica , ad of promotions he , kh ti at B f ce Q&A with Mon l Tourist Office Tunisian Nationa

Tunisia outlines new developments & emerging trends

L

AST YEAR Tunisia welcomed more than seven million tourists – a figure that the tourist office is aiming to surpass this year.

We catch up with the tourist office's head of promotions, Moncef Battikh, to find out what agents should be highlighting to their clients...

What is your advice to agents selling Tunisia?

Hospitality is at the heart of the Tunisian experience, and we hope that every visitor leaves the country with positive memories and the desire to return again for their next culture-rich sunshine holiday. Now that the dust has settled politically, Tunisians are more eager than ever to welcome holidaymakers and to show off the country’s 3,000 years of history, ancient archaeology and stunning white-sand beaches. What’s more, at only two and half hours flight away from the

UK, agents can also easily pitch Tunisia as the perfect holiday location for an exotic, sunny getaway but without the price tag and hassle of a longer-haul flight.

What new developments are taking place and are there any new operators featuring Tunisia?

This summer sees Monarch introduce new twice-weekly flights from both Manchester and Gatwick to Enfidha, while Just Sunshine has added more flights to its Tunisia programme, which will no doubt help to bring more UK and Irish holidaymakers to our shores.

Golf Breaks and Golf Escapes are the latest tour operators to have added Tunisia’s prestigious golf courses to their portfolio of golf holidays for 2014. In addition, we’re also looking forward to working with, as of yet to be named, a new tour operator who will

specialise in holiday stays in our boutique hotels and Dars.

What does your current campaign highlight and which target market is it aimed at?

Our current campaign is ultimately aimed at an increase in tourism across the board, as Tunisia as a destination is an ideal place for most demographics of holidaymaker. However we are currently focusing attention on Tunisia’s main five pillars of tourism, including Beach, Culture, Golf, Desert and Thalassotherapy. Our primary target markets include seniors, families, couples and individuals.

What emerging trends are taking place with UK holidaymakers?

Apart from the growth of the incoming tourist market in general, the key trends

emerging with UK visitors are for longer stays in Tunisia and to learn more about the rich history and culture of the country. Also emerging is a strong musical culture, helped by artists such as Adele and Joss Stone performing here. Joss Stone performed in Tunisia on April 12 at the Jazz at Carthage Festival, and Adele will perform at the Summer Music Festival in Carthage Roman Coliseum in July.

We are also experiencing a strong interest in our golf product, with the Tunisia Golf Festival in Hammamet last March attracting a high attendance rate.

In what ways are you helping agents sell Tunisia?

Every year we hold 15 roadshows for the travel trade to ensure that agents are always well equipped with the latest destination and product information to best promote Tunisia.✦

Urban Adventures takes travellers behind-the-scenes of Moroccan music GLOBAL CITY tour operator, Urban Adventures has introduced a new Gnawa Music Experience tour in Essaouira, Morocco.

Gnawa is a traditional, trance-like style of music with acrobatic dance moves, which is popular in Morocco.

Travellers can get a behind-the-scenes look at its culture and customs as they visit the town's medina to hear musicians playing percussion instruments, go to the home of a Gnawa dancer to see him perform in an intricately embroidered costume, watch the maalem or master of the troupe play the lute-like guembri in his private quarters and visit a zaouia temple where sacred rituals are enacted to drive out evil spirits.

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The Gnawa Music Experience lasts for three hours and costs €70.

Agents can sell the tour on its own or as an add-on to an Intrepid Group tour.

For details visit www.urbanadventures.com

June 20 2014

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northafrica Kasbah Tamadot becomes member of 'Pack for a Purpose’ initiative VIRGIN LIMITED Edition has announced that Kasbah Tamadot has recently become the first hotel in Morocco to support ‘Pack for a Purpose’, a community based project which is supported by hotels and resorts in 56 countries around the world.

‘Pack for a Purpose’ provides travellers with up to date information regarding the supplies needed in the community of their travel destination. By creating just a few kilos of space in their suitcases and bringing supplies for schools or medical clinics in need, the initiative allows tourists to create a lasting impact on the lives of children and families living in the local area.

With the help of ‘Pack for a Purpose’, Kasbah Tamadot is currently supporting three local charitable

projects. The first is a crèche in Asni which provides a free-of-charge preschool activity centre for young children living in remote Berber communities.

The crèche helps the children to socialise and learn Arabic and French languages commonly used in Morocco but not always familiar to Berberspeaking children. Asni crèche requires a regular supply of learning materials, toys and fun activities to ensure more children can benefit in the future.

It is also supporting a girl’s boarding house in the Atlas Mountains, built to tackle the problem of transporting young students to school. The boarding house offers girls aged 13–18 the opportunity to complete their studies and benefit from much wider chances of employment.

The third project is the Eve Branson

Anatolian promotes new riad style hotels ANATOLIAN SKY has added a new tailor-made option to its Moroccan programme, as well as new boutique and riad style hotels for 2014/15.

New additions include tailor-made holidays that combine Essaouira and Agadir, with a seven-night break leading in at £729 per person; the Riad Capaldi Hotel in Marrakech, with a three-night stay from £709; the Riad Palais Khum in Marrakech, with three nights from £549; and the Taj Palace in Marrakech, with three-night stays costing from £849.

All prices are based on two adults sharing and include flights from a selection of UK airports.

For more information or to book visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3585.

RED SEA Holidays took a group of agents on a recent Nile cruise.

The group stayed on the five-star MS Grand Rose and highlights included visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon and Luxor Museum. Pictured enjoying a Gallabeya night on the ship are, from the left: Dany Konsein, Travel PA; Marc Butler, Lincolnshire Co-operative; Rachael Willey, Central England Co-operative; Angela Church and Tracy Deane, Thomas Cook; Rachel Perry, Broadway Travel; Kevin Arnold, Central England Co-operative; Janine Bursey, East of England Co-operative; Nia Kallonas, Regal Travel; and Mr Sameh, Cairo Express Travel.

Prices for seven nights on the Nile lead in at £599 per person including flights, ten free excursions, on-board Egypt specialists, free UK VIP airport lounge access and all-inclusive board basis.

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June 20 2014

Foundation Craft Houses which are set up in several of the nearby villages and offer training programmes for young women including English and French lessons, embroidering, knitting and other skills to create high-quality artisan products, from which they can generate a small income.

Jon Brown, the operator's managing director of Virgin Limited Edition said: “As a company we are committed to finding new ways to support the communities living close to our properties. I am thrilled that we are working with ‘Pack for a Purpose’ to support their goal and help the people who live locally to Kasbah Tamadot and Ulusaba.”

For more information see www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com

Classic attributes Morocco's diversity to continued success CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays reports that sales to Morocco have climbed more than 20% this year and says that the diversity of the product offered by the destination is the key to the country’s continued success and popularity.

Four of the operator's most successful properties include the 25-bedroom riad Palais Sebban in the heart of Marrakech; Richard Branson’s Atlas Mountain retreat, Kasbah Tamadot; the Heure Bleue Palais coastal property in Essaouira; and the allinclusive beach resort hotel, Iberostar Founty Beach in Agadir.

The company's head of purchasing, Gary Boyer, said: "We continue to see visitor numbers to Morocco increase, and that’s no surprise given that it’s such an exhilarating country with a multitude of different visitor experiences.

"Holidaymakers can choose between the vibrant and intoxicating sights of Marrakech, the golf, spas and beaches of Agadir, trekking or sight-seeing in the Atlas Mountains and the surprisingly relaxing feeling of the delightfully authentic and understated coastal resort of Essaouira.

"For many years Morocco was seen mainly as a winter sun destination, but certainly for us, our visitor figures are now very nearly an even split between winter and summer. Investment in the road infrastructure in Morocco has also made twin and multi-centre holidays, in what is a very large country, easier to accomplish. Improvements in recent years mean visitors can see more of the country in much less time."

Three-night breakfast stays in Marrakech at the Palais Sebban start from £402 per person this month, including flights and private transfers, while seven nights' all-inclusive at the Iberostar Founty Beach costs from £927.

For further information or to book call 0800-087288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

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northafrica Travel The Unknown highlights three Moroccan tours with prices from £1,395 TRAVEL THE Unknown is highlighting three tours in Morocco.

They include a 13-day Classic Morocco tour which features a trip around the major sites of Morocco including Marrakech, the Imperial Cities of Fez and Meknes, the coastal fishing town of Essaouira and a camel ride in the Sahara Desert, with prices leading in at £2,095 per person.

A 14-day Southern Morocco Explorer takes visitors off-the-beaten-track into the Anti Atlas Mountains and Berber villages to lesser-seen Atlantic coastal towns, with a relaxing break sipping sundowners at a luxury camp in the Sahara desert, with prices from £2,295.

Meanwhile, an eight-day Exotic Flavours of Morocco tour is suited to clients with an interest in both sightseeing and food, with highlights including spice shopping in the souks of Marrakech and cooking classes from local chefs in Fez. Prices lead in at £1,395.

Tours are commissionable to agents at 10% and all include ground transport, accommodation, some meals, entrance fees, activities and English speaking guides.

Flights are excluded.

For more information see www.traveltheunknown.com/morocco

Tourist authority launches e-learning course for agents & operators THE EGYPTIAN Tourist Authority (ETA) has launched an online training programme for tour operators and travel agents selling Egypt as a holiday destination.

ETA has partnered with online training programme specialists OTT (Online Travel Training), to design the course which aims to encourage more sales to the destination by assisting agents to confidently sell Egypt.

Agents completing the course will go through a series of modules that have a minimum pass mark which needs to be met in order to receive a certificate of completion.

As an added incentive, ETA will enter the first 100 individuals who complete the course into a prize draw, from which two people will win an all-expenses paid fam trip to Egypt for themselves and a guest. The tourist authority is also running a quarterly agent competition to win a seven-day fam to the destination for two, including flights, accommodation and transfers.

Covering a range of topics from Classic Egypt to the Red Sea Riviera, beaches to diving, desert safaris to golf and spas, the course will ensure operators and agents have a greater knowledge about the many different aspects that makes Egypt a fascinating destination.

The ETA's UK & Ireland director, Omayma El Husseini, said: “We’ve designed the course to give the travel trade the opportunity to easily get under the skin of Egypt.

The course provides all the necessary information to enable travel agents to effectively sell the destination.

“Additionally, it will allow us to understand what areas the trade are interested in selling, be it Nile cruises, family all-inclusive holidays or spa and wellness.”

For more information visit www.egypt.travel, www.gotoegypt.org and ott.travel

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Orbital Travel adds three- and four-night Nile cruises ORBITAL TRAVEL has launched three- and four-night Nile cruises sailing on the MS Orbital Royal Esadora.

Four-night cruises depart from Luxor on Mondays and threenight cruises from Aswan on Fridays throughout the year.

The shorter cruises are an ideal way for clients to discover archaeological sites whilst spending time relaxing on a fivestar Nile cruiser. Travellers can experience 6,000 years of history as they cruise the Nile Valley, exploring the Pharaoh’s tombs in the Valley of the Kings as well as visiting the great temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank in Luxor, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank, and the impressive temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.

The company's managing director, John McCallum, said: “These shorter cruises offer great flexibility as you can still see some of the ‘greats’ of Ancient Egypt whilst relaxing on a cruise as well as other highlights. Egypt still manages to offer exceptional value for money and to be able to see all of these incredible sites in just four or five days is amazing.”

The cruises can be combined with a stay on one of the Red Sea Resorts or a stay in Cairo to visit the Great Pyramids at Giza and the Egyptian Museum.

Prices for a three-night cruise on full board lead in at £209 per person and include nine excursions with a qualified Egyptologist and transfers, commissionable at 15%. Flights are excluded.

The company offers five, five-star Nile cruisers including MS Orbital Royal Esadora, MS Monica, HS Nile Vision, MS Mayfair and MS Orbital Goddess.

2014/15 highlights

June 20 2014

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northafrica We asked our staff the following question this week: Which person (past or present) would you never want to meet?

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

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Ted Bundy

MOSAIC PALAIS Aziza & Spa in Marrakech is offering a 'Best of Both Worlds' package. Prices lead in at €2,085 (around £1,719) based on a family of four (two adults and two children under 12) staying for three nights. The package includes a three-course lunch at La Pergola or dinner at Maroliano restaurant each day (excluding drinks); a one hour camel ride; and a Hammam spa treatment for two adults, with a one-hour baby sitter service for children during the treatment. A half-day guided tour of the medina is an additional €80 per family.

The price is based on a stay in a Mosaic Villa and excludes flights.

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Kimye

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk My Maker. Oh, and Nicky Campbell

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk The tooth fairy

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Hitler, I would have him exterminated!

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Bieber, Cyrus...examples of too much, too young and now they're rebelling in the naffest way. Dull.

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Simon Cowell

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

Nile cruising attracts tourists seeking a value break DISCOVER EGYPT reports that there is no better time to holiday on the Nile or in Upper Egypt, as tourists benefit from good value packages and the chance to explore historic attractions without the usual crowds.

The operator is highlighting seven-night Nile cruises on the five-star deluxe Royal Viking, the latest arrival to Viking Nile Cruises' fleet.

Prices, based on a full board basis and including ten guided excursions and transfers, lead in at £899 per person based on two sharing. The price includes a saving of £200 per person on published rates and direct scheduled flights from Heathrow based on travel up to September 22.

The Royal Viking offers four sets of interconnecting family cabins, each with a separate bathroom, for children aged eight-18, ideal for families with older children.

The ship also features 68 air-conditioned cabins with large French windows, a balcony rail, plus plasma TVs with satellite channels; a main restaurant; two bars on the sun deck; plus a lounge bar, massage room, sauna and exercise facilities.

For more information visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

Hitler

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

Riviera Travel welcomes 10% rise in sales

Spencer Matthews

RIVIERA TRAVEL, which features three tours that encompass North Africa in general, (Carthage, Roman Africa & Moorish Tunisia; Imperial Cities Of Morocco; and Marrakesh & The Atlas Mountains) reports that its mid-haul programme of tours is going from strength to strength, despite the political climate in certain areas. It also reports that its 2014 departure figures are up by approximately 10% year-on-year.

As an example of prices, the operator's six-day Carthage, Roman Africa & Moorish Tunisia itinerary leads in at £699 per person and offers selected departures in September and from April to November 2015.

The fully escorted tour includes scheduled flights from Heathrow, accommodation in five-star hotels with breakfast and dinner, plus one lunch; visits to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites; a guided tour of Hannibal’s and Roman Carthage; a visit to Sidi Bousaid; a guided tour of the Bardo National Museum; and a tour of Tunis.

For details email agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk or see www.rivieratravel.co.uk

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Production: Erica Sesay production@travelbulletin.co.uk Rihanna

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

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puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. COSTA, 3. ACCOR, 5. LIAM NEESON, 7. AVIS, 9. SINTRA, 11. RUSSIA, 12. MAUI, 14. SIX NATIONS, 15. JOHN'S, 16. HURON. Down:1. COLLABRO, 2. ARNO, 3. AMÉLIE, 4. CROATIA, 6. RADISSON, 8. IPSWICH, 10. GIANT'S, 13. UTAH.

Highlighted Word: CARACAS Travagrams: (top) Corsican Places

(bottom) Qatar Airways

Where Am I?: Darling River

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We’re laid-back

We’re upbeat

We’re Egypt Selling trips to Egypt?

Our new e-learning programme is now live!

Complete the course and you could be one of two 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

S05 TB2006 North Africa_Layout 1 6/18/2014 4:21 PM Page 32

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IURP

SAVE ÂŁ11le pe0r wk per coup

5+ Iberostar Suite Hotel Jardin del Sol EST ALL INCLUSIVE

DEPARTS 23 SEP

ÂŁ1,029pp

7 nights for the price of 6

7 nights for the price of 6

Early booking offer

)RU VWD\V 6HS

)RU VWD\V 6HS 1RY

%RRN DW OHDVW GD\V SULRU WR DUULYDO

Croatia

Costa del Sol Croatia

Corfu

5+ Hotel Croatia

5+ Villa Padierna Palace Hotel B&B

5+ Rixos Libertas Hotel

5+ Marbella Beach Hotel

DEPARTS 23 SEP

B&B

HB

DEPARTS 24 SEP

ÂŁ779pp

IURP

BEST PRICE

SAVE ÂŁ266k IURPÂŁ1,129pp per couple per w Early booking offer

%RRN DW OHDVW GD\V SULRU WR DUULYDO

DEPARTS 24 SEP

ÂŁ849pp

IURP

Call 0800 008 7288 QLJKW JXLGH SULFHV DUH EDVHG RQ SHRSOH VKDULQJ DQG LQFOXGH *DWZLFN Ă LJKWV DQG SULYDWH WUDQVIHUV Prices & offers subject to availability

BEST PRICE

B PRICE

IURP

ALL INCLUSIVE

DEPARTS 24 SEP

ÂŁ1,149pp

BEST PRICE

IURP

Fly from your local airport 5030