Travel Bulletin 21st June 2013 by Alain Charles Publishing

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June 21 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,831 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

North Africa Tunisia announces new initiatives to drive UK visitor numbers

this week agent bulletin 9 what's in store for Cancerians this month?

hotel bulletin a round-up of new property upgrades & developments

activity holidays operators unveil new activities to keep clients entertained

all-inclusive research reveals half of holidaymakers spend more cash on all-inclusive breaks

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New brochure out now! Featuring cruises from June ‘13 to October ‘14 With new voyages to Australia and South Africa aboard Astor, new to the CMV fleet

cruise collec 2013 -14 tion Marco Polo, dis covery & ASTOR

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Scenic Crui sing Holidays From London Tilbu ry, Edinburgh Leith & Rosy th Bristol Avon mou Newcastle, Glasgow Gree th, nock, Harwich & Hull

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Featuring cruises from including June 2013 new voyages to October 2014 to Australia and South Africa ship

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- British cruise e xperien

New voyages to Australia and South Africa aboard Astor, new to the CMV fleet Travel Agent Reservations: 0844 414 6161 Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Book online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Brochures www.tradegate.co.uk Offer places strictly limited, subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Example based on two adults sharing a standard twin inner cabin. Applies to all Marco Polo and Discovery sailings (excluding voyager fares) from/to UK from 15th Dec 2013 to 2nd May 2014 (excluding 2 night New Year Break and 42 night Amazon & West Indies 5 Jan 2014). Terms & Conditions apply. Excludes gratuities at £5 per person per night. Operated by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. 0711

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newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - TNTO

Inset - Mark Warner

This Week 3

news

agent bulletin

puzzle bulletin

W-AITO-Go!

agent review

hotel bulletin

personality bulletin

activity holidays

north africa

all-inclusive

the latest product launches & deals to promote to your clients what's in store for Cancerians this month? play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher reflections on a fam trip to Sri Lanka with If Only... Jackie Frith from Travel-pa reviews Plantation d'Albion Clubmed Mauritius a round-up of new property upgrades and developments which head of marketing would like Kate Middleton’s wardrobe? operators unveil new holiday activities to keep clients entertained TNTO announces new initiatives to drive UK visitor numbers research shows nearly half of holidaymakers spend more cash on all-inclusives

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MEXICO MATES...Occidental Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with British Airways, the Mexico Tourist Board and AMSTAR, took eight senior level personnel from a mixture of UK tour operators on a luxury trip to Mexico. Pictured taking in the views of Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itzasights are, from the left: Tom Dunkley, World Travellers; Tony Plummer, TUI Specialist; Alan Forbes, Touchdown Holidays; Casey Hurford, Letsgo2; Greg Armstrong, Occidental Hotels & Resorts; Manish Suchde, Luxury Trips; Colin Pegler, Occidental Hotels & Resorts; Phil Barrett, Thomas Cook Scheduled Business; Kevin Coles, Stella Travel Group; Katherine Hobbs, Caribtours; and Tricia Grover, BA.

Report reveals Spanish resorts cost less for self-catering families BUDGET-CONSCIOUS families taking a self-catering holiday in Europe this summer will find their weekly shop costs much less in Spain than in the eastern Med according to a new Post Office Travel Money Self Catering on a Shoestring report. The findings revealed that the Spanish destinations surveyed – Costa Blanca, Lanzarote, Menorca and Mallorca – were all significantly cheaper than Corfu, Crete, Dalaman in Turkey and Limassol in Cyprus. Portugal’s Algarve was the only resort area to spoil a clean sweep for Spain with a weekly shop costing pennies more than in the Costa Blanca. Supermarket and resort shop research for the report was conducted by Cosmos and compared the cost of 20 typical food and drink staples including bread, milk, cereal, cheese, eggs, soft drinks and pizza in nine European destinations. In addition, the Post Office checked supermarket prices in Bournemouth and, at £87.73, found the south coast resort to be one of the highest-priced. At £48.70 for the basket of goods, the Costa Blanca just pipped the Algarve (£48.93) as the lowest-priced, while Lanzarote (£53.86), Menorca (£57.97) and Mallorca (£68.36) also emerged as good value. By contrast, the prices researched by

Cosmos reps in four popular Eastern Med destinations were much higher. Corfu was the cheapest of these at £74.74, while Crete (£86.04), Dalaman (£87.60) and Limassol (£97.28) cost considerably more. The shopping basket in Limassol was almost twice as expensive as it was in the Costa Blanca. The bonus for families travelling this summer is that while sterling is worth around 5% less against the euro and the Turkish lira than last year, the Post Office report found that prices at the tills have fallen in every resort surveyed except Mallorca. The biggest drops were in the Costa Blanca, Corfu and Lanzarote where shopping baskets cost around 20% less than a year ago. However, the report also found that families could pay much more if they shop at a resort mini-mart rather than at a larger supermarket. In Spain and Portugal, for example, supermarket shopping could cut costs by between 23.5% and 36.1%. The biggest saving was in the Costa Blanca where the bill totalled £76.18 in a local shop but was £27.48 less in a supermarket. In the Algarve, the Post Office found that families would pay £21.74 more to shop in a mini-mart £70.67 compared with £48.93. ● continues on next page

June 21 2013

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newsbulletin PLANET PUSH...Pictured marking the launch of Planet Holidays' latest summer Greece programme is the operator's Mathilde Robert (left) and Harry Kyrillou with the new director of the GNTO UK & Ireland, Christina Kalogera. The new 130-page brochure introduces the island of Spetse and sees the addition of 20 new luxury properties and five-star hotels and apartments in Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zante, Santorini, Mykonos, Halkidiki and Peloponnese. Infants (under two years of age) fly for a flat fee of £69 on all charter flights, plus free or discounted accommodation at many hotels and resorts. For further information call 0871-871 2234 or see www.planet-holidays.co.uk

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Failing to take advantage of cheaper supermarket prices may help to explain why consumer research conducted for the report found that while more than three-quarters of parents (78%) had chosen a self-catering trip in recent years and 49% of these did so to cut costs, more than half (52%) bust their budget. One-in-five (21%) overspent by more than £100 and almost one-inten by more than £200. Gary Anslow, Cosmos’ sales director, said: “Demand for selfcatering holidays is up this year as people are looking for great value and the flexibility of eating out and drinking in local restaurants, cafes and bars. This is particularly the case in Greece where bookings have soared by 20% yearon-year. The Greek mainland and Islands continue to be a popular choice for travellers from the UK where you can eat out relatively cheaply in the local tavernas.”

Research reveals technology trumps traditional family games when camping A RECENT survey conducted by Campsites UK has revealed that 58% of campers faced with an over-filled car would throw out traditional family games rather than lose their 'glamping' essentials. When asked what items were considered 'must-haves', responses included plug-in fridges, hair straighteners, radios and George Foreman grills. Yet despite the British public's love of gadgets and gizmos, 62% of those polled said getting back to basics was the thing they loved the most about camping. Martin Smith, the company's CEO, said: "It's interesting to see that gadgets and luxury electrical items are now considered vital pieces of camping kit, over more traditional family games. "With the rise of the UK's glamping culture and electric hook-ups now available at the vast majority of our campsites, holidaymakers are clearly less inclined than ever to leave their luxuries at home." For more information visit www.campsites-uk.co.uk

Cosmos Holidays launches summer programme from Leeds Bradford Airport COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched a range of holidays from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) to popular Mediterranean destinations this summer. The choices include the Spanish islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Tenerife and Lanzarote; Portugual’s Algarve; the Greek island of Crete, Larnaca in Cyprus and a range of Turkish hotspots including Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum. A selection of hotels, apartments and private villas with pools are available and customers can choose from any board base to suit individuals. The operator's ‘Elite’ brand of four- and five-star

hotels offer the highest grade of hotels and best choice of facilities available in any destination. Two new categories have been introduced ‘Simply Elite’ with affordable luxury options as well as ‘Ultra Elite’ a select collection of the best five-diamond rated hotels with exceptional standards and service. Prices start from £229 per person for a selfcatering stay on the Algarve in three-star rated apartments in the resort of Alvor, including flights and seven nights' accommodation. Flightonly options are also available through sister company, Avro Flights.

June 21 2013

Pictured marking the launch of Cosmos' summer holiday programme from LBA are, from the left: (top row) Simon Kenworthy, LBA; Simon Garrido, Cosmos; and Emma Holliday, LBA; with (bottom row) Emily Hanby-Carter, James Broughton and Fae Halstead from LBA.

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @STATravel_UK Go aaaall the way on your next big trip. Fly to New Zealand and 4 other countries fr £1099: http://sta.travel/ZH9px8 #STAdeal @WaltDisneyWorld VIDEO: Synchronized swimming team, The Aqualillies, show off their skills at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. http://bit.ly/16ZOgnj @Door2Tour Fab ideas for keeping the whole family entertained during the Summer Holidays http://gmtiny.com/dlS4X @visitcyprus 12th annual Animafest July 18-21 animation and documentary showcased in the Cypriot countryside... http://fb.me/VAjv3ID6 @ukcruising Get the recognition you deserve for attending Selling Cruise Conference - Send us your stamped Convention passport http://eepurl.com/AOgLD

FAM FRIENDS...The Kenyan Tourism Board (KTB) recently teamed up with Kenya Airlines to host a roadshow to help educate and improve agents’ knowledge on the destination. Around 14 Kenya partners were also in attendance, representing a range of airlines, hotel groups, tour companies and Destination Management Companies (DMCs). Pictured at the London event is Alphonse Munguti from the KTB, with prize winners Jessica Palmer (right) and Katherine Bell from Flight Centre, who won places on a fam to Kenya. For details see www.magicalkenya.com or call 020-7367 0931.

Holidays go higher tech with TUI in Cyprus this summer TUI UK & Ireland has launched a series of technology trials in Cyprus this summer, designed to enhance and differentiate its customer experience. Once completed, a multi-million pound programme will be rolled out by summer 2014, implementing initiatives across all of the company's overseas resorts. Developments include direct email and social media communication between customers and their resort team, welcome meetings available online, free Wi-fi on transfers, enhanced information and content about resorts on customers’ Thomson and First Choice MySites, as well as digital screens replacing customer notice boards. The programme combines the knowledge of the company's overseas advisors with technology, and all the tools and services

New ticketing solution from Travelport & Rail Europe TRAVELPORT AND Rail Europe have launched a new technological solution enabling travel agents to print train tickets on value paper (watermarked paper), in A4 format. With the new enhanced ticketing solution, Travelport-connected travel agencies in the UK no longer require specific bespoke printers as all rail tickets and passes (other than Eurostar group tickets) can now be printed on value paper with standard laserjet desktop printers. For more information see www.travelport.com

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being trialled make it easier for customers to access information about their destination or contact a holiday advisor before and during their holiday. As an example, to provide a more personal service, guests staying in the company's holiday experience hotels will receive a personal email from their holiday advisor, providing information about the hotel and resort they are set to travel to and contact details for their holiday advisors, so customers can talk directly to them. Other new services available to customers travelling to Cyprus through the Thomson or First Choice My Sites include welcome meetings and hotel tour videos on YouTube; hotel check-in before departure; activity planners online up to 48-hours in advance; and a downloadable Out & About guide.

Expedia TAAP offers commission on app TRAVEL AGENTS registered for Expedia TAAP can now process bookings through the company's mobile app ensuring the same commission levels as they would receive through their laptop or desktop computer when booking online. The company's director Diego Pedrani said: "These new mobile tools enable agents to work from anywhere with the confidence they are earning commission and are supported no matter what booking platform they use. So long as the agent uses the same Expedia account on their mobile as they have registered for Expedia TAAP, the booking is automatically tracked and accrued to their existing account." For details see www.expedia.co.uk/p/app

June 21 2013

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newsbulletin Insight Vacations introduces new Gold options following 56% growth in demand LAST YEAR, Insight Vacations' Gold programme saw a 56% increase in demand following the launch of its deluxe programme the previous year, and the operator has added seven new deluxe Gold standard itineraries to its 2013 US and Canada programme for this year. They include a 21-day Rhythms and Flavours of America, a nine-day Southern Tastes & Dixie Tunes and an eight-day Icons of the American Heartland,

some of which take in new destinations such as Chicago, Nashville, Cape Cod and an authentic paddlewheel steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. The company's latest launch is also more comprehensive, featuring a total of 24 premium and luxury escorted journeys. Each tour provides a combination of included sightseeing and priority admissions, personal insights, optional excursions and experiential highlights such as the chance to taste

wine on the famous Napa Valley Wine Train and an insight into the Amish lifestyle. New accommodation options have also been added with 37 new and upgraded hotels ranging from the avant-garde Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, to the historical Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in the heart of Old Quebec. As an example of new tours, a nine-day Gold Boston, Cape Cod & the Islands leads in at £2,950

per person, based on two sharing. It visits Boston, Plymouth, New Bedford, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod, and the price includes flights; transfers; breakfast accommodation; four further meals including two highlight dinners and a celebration dinner; a tour director; transport; and sightseeing. For more information or to book call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

Cruise & Maritime Voyages offers early booking deals on selected 2013/14 cruises CRUISE & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has launched a new 2013/14 brochure featuring the remaining cruise programme for 2013 and introducing more cruises and UK departures in 2014. The line offers a comprehensive range of cruises around Britain, the Fjords, Arctic Circle, Northern Lights, Iceland, Baltic Cities and Russia, through to a 42-night voyage to the Amazon and new voyages to Australia and South Africa.

Savings are on offer for early bookers including up to 25% off full fares plus ‘Buy one get one half-price’, for bookings made by July 31. The new brochure includes a choice of no-fly cruises from nine British ports covering departures until the end of October 2014. For more information see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6161.

Blaggers & Bloggers Who's doing what on social networking sites NYC & Company has launched a new campaign to encourage Brits to travel to New York City this summer to experience dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural institutions and iconic attractions. The campaign, under the banner ‘New York Summer’, highlights the best of the five boroughs for adults and families through a new blog titled 'A British Guide to NYC'. The blog is hosted on Tumblr at nycgo-uk.tumblr.com and is also available via the nycgo.com homepage. It is written by a British author in order to create an authentic voice and focus on aspects of New York City that will appeal to repeat British travellers. More than a million Brits visit New York City each year and, with a high rate of repeat visitation, the campaign is aimed at enticing them to experience new destinations and explore the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track activities across all five boroughs. For details see www.nycgo.com

June 21 2013

DARREN'S DELIGHT...MyBookingRewards.com, an online incentive and rewards company, hosted a travel agent training workshop earlier this month at the Penthouse, Leicester Square, which saw 50 agents attend to take part in speed dating-style product training and rum and chocolate tasting sessions. Suppliers included the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board, Bahamas Tourism Office, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Elegant Hotels Barbados, Grand Lucayan Grand Bahama, Jewel Resorts Jamaica, Veranda Hotels Mauritius and Bougainvillea Beach Resort Barbados. Pictured receiving a rum and chocolate hamper is Darren Seward (left) from Thomas Cook with Darren Des Vines from the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board.

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newsbulletin Lowcostbeds.com launch secret hotels programme in popular beach locations LOWCOSTBEDS.COM HAS launched a new secret hotels programme to bring the popular concept exclusively to a number of top beach destinations. According to the company, research shows that holidaymakers are increasingly value driven and, on average, search more than 20 holiday sites, with up to 90% of bookers visiting holiday price comparison and review sites. The new programme brings fourand five-star hotels to budgetconscious holidaymakers. The company's group director of sales Paul Riches said: "Our team of direct contractors have negotiated savings of up to 50% off the normal

contract rate at four- and five-star hotels. What customers won’t know until they have confirmed their booking is the name of the hotel but they will be given a detailed description of the property at the time of booking and the guarantee that the hotel is four- or five-star quality. Hotels which are struggling to fill their rooms are choosing us to sell those rooms at fantastic prices. “This is not an allocated on arrival style offer, as agents and customers will be told exactly where they are staying, immediately after the booking is confirmed. The concept of selling ‘unnamed hotels’ is not new - but this is a first for beach holidays. This new programme gives our customers

fantastic savings so that they can really live the high life on holiday for a low price. We are launching with a unique collection of top beach destinations and will add additional destinations later this year.” Destinations where the programme is offered include Crete, Corfu, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Spain and Portugal, as well as locations further afield such as Dubai. As an example of prices, a sevennight all-inclusive stay at a five-star hotel in Sharm el Sheikh costs from £121 per person for room-only this month, while seven nights' breakfast stay in a four-star property in Turkey leads in at £54 next month. To book visit www.lowcostbeds.com

Peacock Tours adds Kyrenia & Famagusta to programme PEACOCK TOURS has launched its programme to Kyrenia and Famagusta in north Cyprus, with lead in prices starting from £460 for seven nights' self-catering accommodation and £451 for breakfast accommodation, with departures from Stansted. The company offers 12%

commission to agents and is currently developing an incentive package and fam trip programme. For more information visit www.peacocktravelandtours.co.uk, call 020-7042 8065 or email info@peacocktravel andtours.co.uk

Free flights & excursion from Hurtigruten

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THE FALKLAND Islands Tourist Board reveals that nearly 7,800 of land-based tourists travelled to the Islands last year, an increase of 17% over 2011, with more than 4,000 visitors coming from the UK. Looking ahead, cruise passenger arrivals are expected to increase by 7% to more than 36,000 in the 2013/14 season. Total visitor arrivals in 2013, including cruise passengers, overnight visitors and domestic tourists, are expected to total 53,000 spending more than £10million. BURJ AL Arab in Dubai has introduced 24-carat gold iPads for its in-house guests, who can use the device as a “virtual concierge” plus access hotel services. THE PORT of Dover has frozen ferry tariffs until the end of the year. THE ROYAL Borough of Greenwich will host London’s largest Tall Ship event in 25 years following an agreement with Sail Training International. The event will take place in September 2014. THE EDEN Project has announced that dogs are now allowed in its outdoor gardens following a successful trial last month. NYC & Company has announced that Where’s Wally? will serve as New York City’s fifth official family ambassador. CLIENTS TRAVELLING abroad or in the UK this summer can take advantage of a 20% discount offered on American Express Annual Essential Travel Insurance. The offer is open until August 31, with annual European multi-trip cover costing from £15.27 and a family being covered from £21.47.

June 21 2013

HURTIGRUTEN IS offering free flights from Gatwick plus a free excursion to North Cape for clients looking to voyage along the Norwegian coast this winter. The deal, available to book by July 31, offers savings of up to £548 per person, and is available on 20 selected dates this October and November for the 12-day Classic Round Voyage travelling from Bergen to Kirkenes and back again. The cruise visits more than 30 ports of call. Destinations are visited at night on the way up and are revealed and visited during the day on the southbound journey. In the larger towns and cities there is also time for guests to join a variety of excursions. The 12-day voyage leads in at £1,177 per person and includes full board on the ship, flights from Gatwick, transfers and the free excursion to North Cape. Prices in October are from £1,398 per person. For more information or to book call 020-8846 2666 or see www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

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ETIHAD AIRWAYS has launched its ‘Live Free For A Year’ promotion, giving travel agent partners the chance to win a grand prize of £60,000. One iPad Mini will also be given away every day for the eight weeks that the promotion is running. Agents can register online at www.eyoffers.com/livefree to participate in the promotion, earning entries for every airline ticket they sell: five entries for a Diamond First booking, three for Pearl Business and one for Coral Economy. For details see www.eyoffers.com/livefree USAIRTOURS IS offering two new agent incentives for this month and next. Agents making advance registration bookings will receive a £25 Love2Shop voucher and for each new price match booking, agents will receive a £50 Love2Shop

voucher. The incentives are in addition to the company's Rewards Points. To claim the £15 voucher, agents need to complete the self-claim form and quote “AdvanceReg25” - see www.usairtours.co.uk/advanceregistration, and to claim the £50 voucher, quote “PriceMatch50” at www.usairtours.co.uk/pricematch ●

THIS MONTH, Major Travel is giving agents a £10 shopping voucher when they book flights on Virgin Atlantic through the operator. Every booking is also entered into a prize draw to win flights and accommodation in Las Vegas or prizes such as iPads, iPhones, Virgin Experience days, theatre trips and dinners. For details see www.major4agents.co.uk or call 0800-035 5681.

Training updates PROEXPORT COLOMBIA is to visit four UK cities to meet agents and operators to educate them on Colombia. The roadshow will visit Glasgow on June 24, Manchester on June 25, Birimgham on June 26 and London on June 27. To sign up for the event, which will follow a quiz format, send an email to ergeta@axistravelmarketing.com TIPTO IS giving agents the chance to win a barbecue pack (which includes a disposable barbecue, a bottle of Pimms, strawberries and bunting) when they complete the online supplier training modules and reach five-star status by June 30. See www.tipto.co.uk

It’s in the stars… What’s in store for Cancer? FROM JUNE 25 through to mid-July 2014, Jupiter transits your sign bringing improvements to both your immediate environment and self-confidence. You'll find yourself growing in confidence and enthusiasm so make sure you get those unfinished projects completed while you have a new can-do attitude. Keep an eye open for opportunities as well, as this is also an easier time to find work or do extra training for your job. Lucky day: Thursday Lucky number: 16

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VIVA LAS VEGAS... DoSomethingDifferent.com has announced the winner of its Las Vegas ‘One You’ve Been Waiting For’ Incentive as Stephanie Chipping (right) of Travelbag Cheltenham. Stephanie won a three-night stay in Las Vegas for herself and a guest, a personal airport welcome, luxury limousine transfer including Champagne, tour of the strip, dinner at a top restaurant, entry into one of Las Vegas’ pool parties and VIP entry into an A-list nightclub, plus a visit to the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. She is pictured with the operator's Lucy Jones. June 21 2013

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newsbulletin ON THE C ASE

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND...

FRAGRANCE FANS can stay smelling sweet throughout the festival season with Travalo, a handy pocket-sized fragrance spray. The product takes up minimal rucksack space and carries more than 65 sprays of fragrance, enabling holidaymakers to leave their chunky glass bottle at home. Available in a range of ten colours, the product is shatterproof, easy to refill and approved for carrying in hand luggage on flights worldwide. It costs £12.49. For details see www.travalo.com

‘Rate the agent’ service from The Global Travel Group & FEEFO THE GLOBAL Travel Group is encouraging holidaymakers to rate the service of member agents. As part of a new service in partnership with FEEFO, an online customer feedback platform, anyone who books their travel experience through a member of the consortium will be invited to rate both their holiday, and the service received from the agent who booked it. The consortium is offering agents exclusive rates for the new service, including free sign up for all agents joining before July 31. As well as being displayed publicly on the FEEFO site, agents can benefit by integrating the service and customer

comments into their own website. The service also offers enhanced Search Engine Optimisation and visibility in Google searches, improved customer service through business intelligence and building trust and transparency with their own customers. The service will enable agents to upload the customer booking information to the feedback provider, with FEEFO contacting customers upon their return, prompting them for their honest review for future customers to refer to when considering a booking. For more information visit www.globaltravelgroup.com or call 0844-826 4567.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 117

Parcel Strips

A➠

B➠ The second half of this cruise line’s name matches the name of the above object

C➠

Adore Joiner I

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9. Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to:

This destination will host major sporting events over the next few years

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 27th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 7th June is Brenda Arter, World Market Travel in Bath. September 7th Solution: A=1 B=2 C=8 D=9

Kingstown is my capital in the Caribbean.

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

6. Capital of Jordan (5)

Down 1. Actor, hero of World War Z, at a cinema near you (4,4)

7. Gardermoen airport serves this capital city (4)

2. South Pacific country (5)

9. Karachi is this airline's major hub (3)

3. Operator specialising in holidays to China (5,2)

10. The resort of Cancun is on this peninsula (7)

4. San Francisco airport code (3)

12. Seaside town on the English Riviera (7)

5. Resort on the Red Sea (5)

14. First name of A Question of Sport presenter (3)

8. Actress and partner of 1 Down (8)

15. The Taj Mahal is the main tourist attraction of this city (4)

13. Popular resort with fossil hunters, Lyme ___ (5)

17. Famous Roman fountain (5)

16. Alphabetical indicator of a prime credit rating (3)

Across 1. Their slogan is, Hotels with personality (4,7)

Number: 117

18. Popular Spanish holiday region (5,6)

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11. Lakes and Mountains specialist, part of TUI (7) 14. Ornamental German beer mug (5)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 June 21 2013

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go! by CHRISTINE LLOYD

Reflections on a fam trip with If Only...to Dubai by CHRISTINE LLOYD of AITO Agent, Deva Travel EVA TRAVEL was one of five top-selling AITO Agents in the AITO All Stars scheme 2012 and we were delighted to be rewarded with a place on If Only’s Sri Lanka fam trip. I was fortunate enough to represent Deva Travel on this trip and, with passport and visa at the ready, I met with other AITO Agents at Heathrow for our flight on the Airbus A380 to Colombo via Dubai with Emirates. Sri Lanka is referred to as a pearl in the Indian Ocean and I was surprised by the island's variety of landscapes – beaches, tea plantations, an abundance of wildlife and ancient temples. Arriving in Colombo, the heat and humidity hit us, as well as the rush-hour traffic. Sharing a ride seemed the norm for locals, as we witnessed a family of four squeezed onto one moped. Colombo is the commercial centre of Sri Lanka and a major port near the mouth of the Kelani Ganga River. It sometimes gets overlooked by visitors, but is an ideal base for a first night on the island with its parks, colonial buildings and promenade. Following our stay at The Taj Samudra, we journeyed north to Dambulla, stopping at the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala and feeling emotional as we watched the babies play and the older ones bathe. The orphanage is unique as it breeds wild elephants in captivity and takes care of orphaned elephants found in the jungle. We continued on to Sigiriya to marvel at the Sigiriya rock fortress, considered the 8th Wonder of the World and looming 200metres above the plains. King Kasyapa (477– 495AD) built his palace on the rock, and after his death it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. After a restful night at The Heritance Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla, we left for the Dambulla cave temples, thought to date back to the 1st century BC and considered to be the centre point of Sri Lanka. A series of five caves is still evident today, home to a 47ft image of Buddha cut from the rock, together with images of deities associated with Buddhism and 150 life-size statues of gods. We then moved on to Kandy, a peaceful haven surrounded by hills where you can enjoy a cooler climate. It is the cultural centre of the island, dominated by its lake and the nearby Temple of the Tooth which houses Sri Lanka's most sacred relic. We stayed just 5km from Kandy at the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, but you would be forgiven for thinking it was hundreds of miles from anywhere. An early start saw breathtaking scenery whilst driving on mountainous roads amidst tea gardens and cascading

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waterfalls leading to Nuwara Eliya - known as Little England. This beautiful town has a strong British influence with cottages and neat rose gardens. We relaxed that evening at The Tea Trails, Hatton - four colonial-era tea planters’ bungalows set 4,000ft above sea level. This is seriously ‘wow’ accommodation – a mix of modern and traditional comforts. Menus are based on local produce and cooked to order, including tea-infused dishes and traditional Sri Lankan classics. We enjoyed the on-site tennis courts, swimming pool, library and panoramic views of the tea-carpeted mountains - it was perfect. We then travelled by road for six hours to Yala – and it was worth the journey as we embarked on a safari around Yala National Park. As dusk approached, we spotted deer, crocodiles, wild boar, elephant, peacocks and birdlife. We stayed close to Yala at The Chaaya Wild Hotel and a group of wild boar accompanied us on our walk to reception, making us appreciate the rangers who were escorting us! Our next stop was Galle, the southern capital of Sri Lanka, to see the famous Dutch ramparts in the Galle Fort. Later that day we checked into The Fortess Resort & Spa, Koggala, a dreamy beachside property, and that evening we witnessed the tail end of a tropical storm that started in the Bay of Bengal and hit Sri Lanka. In the calm of the morning we travelled to Bentota for lunch at the Saman Villas and checked in to The Vivanata by Taj for our final night of this incredible trip. Few destinations offer such diversity in scenery and habitats as Sri Lanka – thank you If Only...!

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

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MOVERS

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● TOURISM AUSTRALIA has appointed Denise von Wald to

regional general manager UK & Northern Europe. ● TIM WAGGOTT has become acting chief executive at the

Port of Dover. ● PEGASUS SOLUTIONS has appointed John Kiszla as vice

president, demand account management. ● Jason Kim has been appointed UK and Ireland regional ● ● ●

● ● ●

manager at Korean Air. MSC CRUISES has appointed Karen Spencer as North England and Scotland business development executive. CITYJET HAS appointed Patrick Swift as head of network. SARAH ROFF has been appointed as senior executive, trade development for UK and Northern Europe, at the Hong Kong Tourism Board London office. MIKE HOBAN of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has been appointed to the ABTA Board. CLAUDIA SENDER has been appointed CEO of TAM Airlines. FRED OLSEN Travel, the main UK sales agent for AmaWaterways, has appointed Carly-Ann Moore as northern sales executive.

Ffestiniog Travel previews 2014 brochure FFESTINIOG TRAVEL has published a preview of its 2014 escorted tours programme. Featuring several new itineraries, both in the UK and further afield, the six-page, prebrochure also offers a glimpse of the company's ‘Around the World Anniversary Tour’ – specially arranged to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary next year. Departing on April 28 from St Pancras, the special tour offers a 40day itinerary that journeys across the Northern Hemisphere. Highlights include European city visits to Frankfurt, Vienna, Warsaw and Moscow; a ten-day journey on the Trans-Siberian Express; a bullet train ride from Beijing to Shanghai; and escorted excursions to the Great Wall of China, Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. Following a flight to Vancouver and time to explore the city, the rail journey continues on the Rocky Mountaineer for a Goldleaf journey to

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Kamloops, before visiting the national parks of Banff and Jasper, and taking an Ice Explorer tour on to the Athabasca Glacier. Another famous train – Via Rail’s The Canadian – takes travellers on a three-night journey through the Prairies, Saskatoon and onwards to Winnipeg before reaching Sioux Country and onwards to Toronto. The tour’s final destination is New York for a three-night stay, sightseeing and a farewell dinner. Prices lead in at £15,000 per person, based on two sharing including First Class rail tickets (whenever possible), journeys on the TransSiberian, Rocky Mountaineer and The Canadian, flights, accommodation, excursions, transfers, welcome and farewell dinners, plus the services of a tour leader. Shorter duration itineraries can also be created within the framework of the full tour. For details call 01766-772030 or visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com

agentreview Jackie Frith from Travel-pa in Sheffield went on a four-night Premium all-inclusive Club Med fam trip to the Plantation d'Albion Clubmed Mauritius. Here are her thoughts...

First impressions ..................................10/10 We were checked into the hotel on arrival at the airport which was very efficient. Fabulous welcome at the hotel, there were a group of GO's waiting to greet us and we were taken into the lobby for a glass of Champagne. The hot pink and dark wood lobby was stunning. We were taken straight to the buffet restaurant for lunch, which was amazing - so much choice.

Comfort ....................................................9/10 The hotel was spotlessly clean and very well kept. The gardens lacked a bit of colour but otherwise everything was stunning. I felt very comfortable in the hotel. Although it is a 5 trident property it didn't feel stuffy and had a very relaxed atmosphere.

Quality ....................................................10/10 Excellent quality product and would highly recommend it. The food in both the buffet and speciality restaurant was superb. The wine served with the meals was of a very good quality as was the Champagne served in the champagne bar after 18:00. The zen pool has amazing views over the bay and the sunset was absolutely stunning.

Affordability ............................................8/10 The trip was complimentary. The lead in price for seven nights is £1,749 on Premium all-inclusive, including flights from London.

Service ..................................................10/10 The staff were exceptionally friendly. From the porters to the staff in the boutique shops. I had a visit from a rather large spider in my room, within 30 seconds of calling reception someone came to remove it- excellent service. When eating in the speciality restaurant the food was served within a good time scale. If we asked for something not on the menu then the staff were very willing to meet our needs.

Good to know .................................................. Make sure you try the afternoon pancakes served at the pool around 4pm.

Overall scoring: ....................

10 / 10 If you'd like to take part in a review and receive a free £10 Love2Shop voucher please email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

June 21 2013

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hotelbulletin Kanika Hotels' member, Alexander the Great in Paphos, unveils latest upgrades MEMBER OF Kanika Hotels, the four-star Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Paphos has recently completed a major programme of renovations and upgrades. New features at the property include an infinity pool with waterfalls and whirlpools; a swim-up bar with an in-water seating area; new wooden sunbathing decks; a new outdoor entertainment venue; an upgraded wine selection; and an expanded kids' club. Accommodation is on half-board or full-board basis and the property offers a choice of four restaurants. All guestrooms have also been rebuilt and upgraded with a series of new luxury facilities and amenities, while the hotel has also unveiled a new Unity Terrace wedding venue. The new elevated setting offers views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Paphos fishing harbour and the Medieval Castle.

Unity Terrace wedding venue

Luncheons on the Lawn offer from Relais & Châteaux

WYNYARD HALL Hotel in the Tees Valley has unveiled an ambitious £4m plan to create a range of new attractions which include the creation of a state-of-the-art cookery school with additional event space and accommodation, a grand marquee which will house up to 400 guests and a visitor centre which will include a café, farm and gift shops and a delicatessen. At the centre of the development will be a new rose garden with water features, statues, Italian terraces and picnic areas. For details see www.wynyardhall.co.uk or call 01740-644811.

Historic French Riviera hotel re-opens after total renovation AN HISTORIC hotel has reopened after a complete restoration and renovation within the medieval hilltop village walls of Haut-deCagnes, a ten-minute drive from Nice airport. The Chateau Le Cagnard, originally built in the 13th century, has 26 rooms and suites, and offers various activities and themes including wine tasting, painting classes, perfume making and massage. The village also surrounds the Chateau Grimaldi, now a museum which is currently exhibiting works by Renoir. The hotel is offering a special package which features an evening of jazz in the Grimaldi castle

Chateau Le Cagnard

square, including a private guided tour of the museum and a night in the hotel with breakfast. The price based on two sharing is €240, and is available on

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July 5, 12 and 26, and August 2, 16, 23 and 30. For further information see www.lecagnard.com or email sales@mouldenmarketing.co.uk

EVERY SATURDAY and Sunday throughout this month and next, a selection of Relais & Châteaux hotels and restaurants across Europe will rub a picnic lunch, Luncheons on the Lawn, offer for €45 per person or free to children under ten years. Al fresco settings in which to experience the picnic basket’s gourmet delights have been selected including gardens at the hotels, local parks and beaches, all within a maximum of 30-minutes from the property. The lunch includes a picnic basket offering local produce and beverages and examples include Brittany lobster on a beach on Belle-Île en Mer, Bangor; Champagne and Reims cakes across from the vines in Champillon; goat cheese and grilled vegetables by the pond in Onzain; meat pie with truffles in the vineyards of Vézelay; club sandwich with parsley ham on the mountain of Corton; and tomatoes, spring lamb meat and melon in a mill overlooking the Mediterranean in SaintTropez. For more information see www.relaischateaux.com

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NOW OPEN

PREPARE FOR BATTLE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO® RESORT Prepare for the greatest battle you’ll ever ride. Now open, the new TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D is an ultra-immersive, next generation thrill ride that blurs the line between ﬁction and reality!

universalorlando.co.uk TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2013 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. © 2013 DreamWorks L.L.C. and Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2013 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

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personalitybulletin

Louise Hughes The head of marketing for Grand American Adventures would like Kate Middleton’s wardrobe and can talk at super-fast speed…

Who is your ideal travelling companion? James Bond - fast cars, martinis and someone to get you out of any scrapes that might arise. What's your earliest childhood memory? Having some professional photos taken when I was about three years old. I was wearing a particularly fetching bright pink and grey velour tracksuit, being tickled with a feather duster to make me smile. And yes, the resulting photo still has pride of place for all to see at my parent’s house! Where was your last work-related trip? I joined a tour in Western USA, travelling from San Francisco to Los Angeles, taking in Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. My favourite part was hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. Part way along the trail we got to a point where you could feel the fresh spray on our faces from a huge waterfall that was also veiled by a beautiful rainbow - an amazing walk. If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why? Kate Middleton – simply for her amazing wardrobe! What have your travels taught you? That sometimes it’s the simple, unexpected things that provide the best memories. What is the best advice you recall? Don’t worry about things before they happen. If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be? I would make passports free for everyone, reduce taxes, and bring back inclusions on flights.

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“One of my favourite parts of the job is having a brainstorm with my team; when we come up with a great idea it’s a real buzz and then we get to go away and make it come to life” Career path ● ● ● ●

Explore: Marketing assistant – 2003–2005 Explore: Marketing executive – 2005–2008 Explore: Marketing Manager – 2008–2012 Grand American Adventures and Trek America: Head of marketing 2012–present

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? My biggest inspiration came from my time spent at Explore. The company culture was that with hard work, dedication and skill anything is possible and to always aim high. This has really stuck with me.

What is your favourite mode of travel? Helicopter – if only I had one for the daily commute! What item do you always take with you when travelling? My camera – you can never take too many photos and they will always make you smile when your trip is a distant memory. How do you deal with stress? I actually thrive on a little bit of stress, and enjoy the buzz of being super busy. Having said that, a large glass of wine always goes down well. What special skill do you have? Anyone who knows me will vouch for the fact that I can talk at a super-fast speed! What do you love about your job? One of my favourite parts of the job is having a brainstorm with my team; when we come up with a great idea it’s a real buzz and then we get to go away and make it come to life. What’s your favourite programme on the TV right now? Game of Thrones – I am hooked. The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros would be a great adventure holiday destination.

What's your favourite city and why? New York - I love how you can go from walking amongst the skyscrapers on the busy streets of Manhattan to the tranquillity of Central Park where you're suddenly surrounded by runners, bicyclists and roller skaters. It’s such a compact city, great to explore on foot and filled with so many diverse and distinctive neighbourhoods you could never be bored there.

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activityholidays TABER HOLIDAYS has added an extra day to its multi-activity holiday, ‘The Viking Challenge.’ Based in Reykjavik, this now seven-night trip features white-water rafting, glacier hiking, ice-climbing, ATV riding on the volcanic MidAtlantic Ridge, horse-riding, whale-watching and a mountain hike. Entrance to the Blue Lagoon is also included and prices start from £1,990 per person including flights from Heathrow, transfers, seven nights' accommodation with some meals, all tours and activities. Daily departures are available from now until August 31 and the price is based on two sharing. For details call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

Music-filled break in South Tyneside HOLIDAYMAKERS PLANNING a UK getaway can experience live entertainment from charttopping music stars, including McFly, Rick Astley and Liberty X, by taking a trip to the North East coast. This summer, the seaside borough of South Tyneside, just south of Newcastle upon Tyne, is hosting a series of concerts and entertainment. The South Tyneside Summer Festival includes a series of free open air concerts at South Shields seafront featuring Liberty X plus The Honeyz (on July 14), Toploader and the South (July 21) and Rick Astley and The Christians (July 28). The three month event also features live performances by North East bands every Saturday and Thursday during June at the seafront Amphitheatre, brass band performances every Sunday during June, July and August, and a special Proms in the Park concert on Sunday July 7, featuring the South Tyneside Orchestra and opera soprano Bibi Heal. All events are free to attend and open to all ages. For details see www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk

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Costa Navarino launches junior golf camps in Greece COSTA NAVARINO, in the Greek region of Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, is introducing a new golfing experience which aims to encourage the next generation of golfing professionals to experience the destination’s signature courses through its Summer Junior Golf Camps, with five-day programmes for children aged eight-17. Petros Tourgaidis, director of Golf at Costa Navarino, said: “These camps are the ideal way to introduce this much-loved game, by providing a tailor-made programme in these unique surroundings and excellent weather conditions. Children and teenagers in just five days can enjoy a full programme of golf and other exciting sporting activities.” The camps will provide an introduction to golf through theory and practical tuition at the Navarino Golf Academy which features a driving range, short game area, putting green and indoor simulator. Programmes run from September 2-6 for

two age groups - 8-12 and 13-17 years old. For those attending the camps, there are two accommodation options, either to stay with their parents at the Westin Resort Costa Navarino or at the Sandcastle facility under the supervision of experienced and trained personnel from the Worldwide Kids Company. Five nights' accommodation with supervision at the SandCastle costs approximately £893, including lessons at the Navarino Golf Academy, all meals and beverages plus a programme of activities. Prices at the The Westin Resort Costa Navarino lead in at approximately £1,360 which includes lessons at the Navarino Golf Academy for one child/adolescent, fivenights’ breakfast accommodation on a double occupancy basis and a programme of activities. Additional charges for a third person may apply. For more information email golf@costanavarino.com

Inghams highlights range of daytime activities in Slovenia & Italy INGHAMS IS offering a range of daytime activities for guests to add on to their holiday experience. As examples, guests staying in the four-star Hotel Kristal in Lake Bohinj, Slovenia can experience riverboarding, which costs €30-€40 per person; white water rafting at €30-€40; canyoning at €37-€55; and paragliding at €90. Seven nights’ half-board stay at the hotel leads in at £515 per person and includes daily packed lunch, tea and coffee, weekly gala dinner and flights from Gatwick to Lujubljana. Meanwhile, Torbole on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy is popular for windsurfing and hosts the ‘SURF’ festival every year. Windsurf lessons are held between April and September and lessons are available for children, beginners, advanced and advanced pro. Private one-to-one tuition is also available. Prices start from €62 for a three-hour beginner lesson including equipment. For details see www.surfsegnana.it/en. Kite surfing is also available, with beginners’ packages starting from €165 including lessons on land to learn to fly the kite and in the water. Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at Torbole’s four-star Hotel Forte Charme costs from £644 per person including flights and transfers. For more information or to book call 01483-791111 or visit www.inghams.co.uk

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activityholidays Visions of Africa offers nine-day South African adventure from £1,990 per person VISIONS OF Africa has launched a nine-day itinerary that includes a zip-line canopy tour, shark cage diving and Cape Town by mountain bike. Departing from Heathrow to Cape Town, the package includes seven nights at four-star accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis, flights, transfers, activities and any specialist equipment needed. The itinerary starts with a hike and mountain biking

tour of the Cape Peninsula and the Cape Winelands. From Cape Town, the tour leaves for a three-day tour along the Garden Route, including cage diving with Great White Sharks and a zip line canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma Forest. Prices lead in at £1,990 based on two sharing. For more information call 01444-225640 or visit wwww.visionsofafrica.co.uk

Mark Warner invests £41,000 on upgrading biking operation for summer MOST OF Mark Warner’s activity holidays offer daily mountain bike guided tours catering for easy going, intermediate and advanced cyclists, as well as offering free use of mountain bikes and helmets. The operator has spent £41,000 this year on its biking operation which has enabled it to increase its bike numbers across participating resorts and upgrade its fleet of bikes to the GT Avalanche 4.0 model. The company also reports that sailing and watersports at its summer activity holidays are becoming increasingly popular, with sales for its watersports courses up 15% year-on-year. Waterports available include sailing, windsurfing, scuba-diving, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and SUP boarding. The operator's qualified watersports staff are on hand to help with free

tuition in windsurfing and sailing, and at most of its beach resorts it also offers Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing and windsurfing courses. Children as young as three can take part in activities including a full programme of daytime watersports activities and kids' clubs. RYA courses are also available at an additional cost. The company's managing director David Hopkins said: “We are delighted to offer free mountain biking with guided tours at the majority of our summer resorts, enabling guests to discover more of the local areas. They have been proving really popular – another knock-on effect of the Olympics legacy we are sure. And likewise, Olympian sailors such as Ben Ainslie have inspired a generation to become more interested in sailing and this is definitely reflected in sales of our watersports courses."

GECKOS ADVENTURES is offering a 19-day 'On Top of The World' option which leads in at £855 per person, with the next departure on September 15. The adventure starts in Kathmandu, where travellers hop onto a quick flight to Phakding, where they can explore the village and check out the white waters of the Dudh Kosi River. After a few days acclimatising in Namche Bazaar, Mongla and Dole Machhermo, travellers reach the Gokyo lakes before a trek to the Everest Base Camp. For details see www.geckosadventures.com

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As an example of prices, a sevennight half-board stay at the San Luciana in Corsica leads in at £724 and offers a saving of £250 per person. It is based on two sharing and applies to a June 29 departure from Heathrow. Hotel facilities include a health and beauty salon, watersports, tennis and other activities. To book or for more information call 0844-273 6826.

Family tennis tuition from £34 at Los Jameos Playa Hotel THIS SUMMER, clients can take a break at the four-star Los Jameos Playa Hotel in the Canaries for an action-packed tennis holiday. The property offers lessons and courses for kids of all ages and levels and programmes are operated by the Peter Burwash International Tennis School. There are four professional standard tennis courts where regular private and semi-private lessons are held. The director of tennis, Xavier Guyot, also offers tennis camps including tournaments for all abilities and daily games for junior tennis players. Tennis tuition costs from £34 per person for an hour's private lesson, while a three-day tennis camp for two to four players costs £112 per person (or £64 for juniors); and a fiveday camp costs £160. Other facilities at the hotel include three swimming pools, including one for children; a kids' club, mini golf course, table tennis and a spa and wellness centre. Seven nights at the property on a half-board basis leads in at £660 per person based on a family of four sharing a family room for travel from July 18-25. For more information visit www.seaside-hotels.com and for details on the tennis lessons email xavierpbi@hotmail.com Flights with easyJet from Gatwick to Lanzarote cost from £78 one-way per person. To book see www.easyjet.com/en

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activityholidays Discover The World launches summer adventures in Iceland, Sweden & Norway DISCOVER THE World has added to its portfolio of active breaks with a new range of summer adventures in Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Spitsbergen. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking action and thrills in a variety of wilderness locations, the trips range from hiking adventures in Iceland to mountain biking in Sweden and camping, kayaking and trekking expeditions on Spitsbergen. As examples, a seven-night ‘In the Footsteps of Elves' hiking break in Iceland explores rugged trails, fjords and coastlines in the company of a guide

and leads in at £1,665 per based on two sharing. Departures run until September and the price includes flights with Icelandair from London, Manchester or Glasgow, domestic flights, two nights' accommodation in Reykjavik with breakfast, five nights' full board and transfers. In Sweden, a Varmland Mountain Bike Adventure gives guests time to explore at a leisurely pace, using maps and GPS to navigate the area's winding paths and quiet country roads. Guests stay in hotels and bed-andbreakfast properties en route and there

is also time to relax, go swimming and spot beavers and otters in the lakes and rivers. The minimum age is 12 and some mountain biking experience is recommended. Departures are until September and a nine-night break leads in at £1,140 per person, based on two sharing. It includes flights, nine nights' breakfast accommodation, luggage transport, mountain bike rental, maps & GPS and 24/7 help service by phone. For more information visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk or call 01737-214291.

Motmot Travel adds 11-night Jamaican & Caribbean cookery course from £2,095 MOTMOT TRAVEL is highlighting an 11-night cookery course in Jamaica, which leads in at £2,095 per person. Guests can learn to create Caribbean cuisines on the course at Green Castle Estate (three nights) and Hotel Mocking Bird Hill (eight nights), and are guided on an offthe-beaten-path seasonal experience that connects ingredients with independent small producers, teaching guests how to prepare traditional dishes including Jamaican-style curried chicken, dumplings and fried plantain. Traditional Jamaican cuisine relies on fresh, local

produce, so some of the cooking classes are held at the sites where ingredients are grown or fished, including beachside and a rustic setting in the Blue Mountains with the Maroon community. The price, which is valid for all 2013 departures, includes eight nights' full-board accommodation, flights from Gatwick, transfers, ground transport, local taxes and service charges plus assistance from local representatives. To book or for details call 01327-830918 or visit www.motmottravel.com For more on Jamaica see www.visitjamaica.com

Up to 15% savings from Acacia Africa ACACIA AFRICA is offering savings of £116 per person (15%) on a safari at Namibia’s Etosha National Park. The 19-day Desert Tracker now leads in at £659 per person plus a local payment from £430 and includes camping accommodation, transport, most meals and the services of a local guide/driver. The tour departs on August 3 from Cape Town and finishes in Livingstone. For more information or to book call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or see www.acacia-africa.com

Beaches Resorts brings back 'Live It Up ‘N’ Dive Programme' THIS AUTUMN, the 'Live It Up ‘N’ Dive Programme' will return to Beaches Resorts. The programme, which offers guests exclusive discounts on dive courses, free equipment demonstrations and deep sea treasure hunts, will be available at the Negril Resort & Spa and Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club in Jamaica. Guests who book a minimum three-night stay before October 25 will receive a 20% discount off

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all dive courses, a 50% discount off resort certification courses for non-certified divers, a PADI Boat Dive Specialty course and an equipment demonstration. The programme is available for travel dates between September 3 and October 31 and also features a range of events and activities, including a welcome cocktail party and a beach bonfire party. For more information call 020-7590 0210 or visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk

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All you have to do is relax Guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, above and below the water.

ABTA No.Y2507

Call 0845 072 2477 Visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent

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Explore adds new cycling tours to programme

Just Sunshine puts Tunisia on sale for summer 2014

FOR EXPERIENCED cyclists looking for something unique, Explore’s new cycling tour of Bhutan offers customers a tough but rewarding challenge. The 18-day Tour of the Thunder Dragon journeys to the remote Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, home to one of the world’s toughest one-day cycling races – the ‘Tour of the Dragon’. Taking-in a mixture of challenging terrains, customers will follow sections of the race route before travelling to Thimpu on day 14 of the itinerary to witness the race itself. The tour also includes two free days in Kathmandu, Nepal, where customers will have the opportunity to explore Durbar Square and Asan Bazaar. Departing on August 24, prices lead in at £3,647 per person including flights, breakfast accommodation, most other meals, transport and the services of a tour leader and support vehicle. The operator is also highlighting a new nineday Cycling the Baltic States tour, which combines Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Graded easy, it cycles through countryside and coastal towns and customers will have the opportunity to explore national parks, historic castles and fishing villages. With departures in July, August and September, prices lead in at £1,122 per person including flights, breakfast accommodation, bike hire, transport and the services of a tour leader and support vehicle.

JUST SUNSHINE is now taking bookings for Tunisia 2014 on both Viewdata and its website, plus by telephone through its reservations team. Full details on the new summer programme will be released soon when plans for additional regional departures have been finalised. The operator's marketing manager Chris Mansell said: “Given the number of requests we have been receiving for Tunisia next year it was important to be able to let our continually growing number of agent partners make bookings and receive confirmations now. The final capacity will be announced when we have all regional flying plans in place. “This year's sales for Tunisia are well up on last year with excellent flight loads, which has caused the addition of a second weekly full plane charter from Gatwick which will operate from July 13 until October 26. Also our new flights from Newcastle and Glasgow have had great support from agents. "Without doubt, agents’ first hand knowledge of Tunisia resorts and accommodation has helped sales and we have already hosted more than 50 agents on all-inclusive educationals this year. We are now planning further visits for September and October.” Flights depart from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow and commission for agents is 13% on packages. For more information call 0844-756 0056 or visit www.justsunshine.com

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northafrica

RED SEA Holidays is offering exclusive use of the five-star MS Grand Rose Nile cruiser. The operator features ten excursions within the price of all-inclusive packages which lead in at £499 out of Manchester and Gatwick, including Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple complex, The Valley of the Kings, Temples of Philae and Aswan High Dam. Guests can also choose from a variety of cruise and stay options. Prices for a seven-night Nile cruise plus a seven-night stay in Hurghada lead in at £989 staying at the fourstar Siva Grand Beach on an all-inclusive basis.

Prestige reports strong sales to Morocco with summer bookings up 26% PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports that it has seen a significant rise in Morocco bookings, including repeat business, with summer business up 26% year-on-year. The operator's marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: "We have seen growth in both our short break and twocentre business. We have a number of great added value offers for this summer and this has helped boost business. Our top selling hotels are the Kasbah Tamadot and the Ksar Anika - both of these currently have some fantastic deals." As examples, a seven-night stay in a superior room with breakfast at Kasbah Tamadot costs from £1,254 per person, including flights from Gatwick with easyJet and private transfers, based on a July 17 departure and two sharing. The package includes seven nights for the price of five, saving a minimum of £648 per couple. A four-night breakfast stay at Ksar Anika in a standard room leads in at £533, including flights with easyJet from Gatwick and private transfers. The price is based on two sharing on a September 20 departure and also includes a choice of a complimentary dinner or a complimentary hamman with body scrub. For more information or to book call 01425-480400 or visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

June 21 2013

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LES CING Djellabas in Marrakech has announced that it can be hired exclusively for special occasions, events, meetings or leisure holidays. The property, which is located in the Palmerarie area of Marrakech, can accommodate up to 20 adults and comprises of ten individual luxury eco-lodges set within gardens and surrounding a heated pool. The hotel can arrange excursions for guests seeking a cultural experience, including a Berber getaway to the Altas Mountains and culture and hospitality in a traditional Berber village. Exclusive hire of the property costs €2,500 including breakfast, VAT and tourist tax per night, based on a minimum of three nights. The price also includes transfers for the group. For details see www.hotel-les5djellabas.com

New Agadir resort from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts FOUR SEASONS Hotels and Resorts has announced a third addition to its Moroccan collection with plans to open a new property in Agadir on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Agadir is currently home to one of the country’s most highly-anticipated resort developments at Taghazout Bay, which will be home to the hotel group's new resort. The Taghazout Bay project will include several hotels, two golf courses, residential properties, a central village and medina. Christopher W. Norton, the company's president hotel operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “As we expand our global footprint we continue to seek growth opportunities that align the right partner and the right location. Our new Agadir resort will materialise from this winning combination and will continue the more than 50-year legacy of highly customised service meeting local culture to create truly memorable experiences for guests.” The new property will consist of 132 rooms and suites in addition to 56 private residences, set on 45-acres of beachfront.

'Timeless Egypt' itinerary from Peregrine Adventures PEREGRINE ADVENTURES is highlighting an 11-day 'Timeless Egypt' itinerary which leads in at £4,295 per person. Highlights include a visit to the pyramids and the Sphinx; a cruise down the Nile on a traditional dahabiya; and a flight to Abu Simbel. The tour departs Cairo daily and can be booked for any day of the year. For more information see www.peregrineadventures.com

June 21 2013

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northafrica Discover Egypt expands fam opportunities for agents on back of strong sales DISCOVER EGYPT reports that it has received 'great support from the trade' and has increased fam trips this year, with agents taking Nile cruises and short breaks to Luxor and Cairo in April and May and from Manchester on the new Egyptair flights in June. The operator's commercial director Philip Breckner said: "Our 2013/14 brochure features Nile cruising on vessels exclusive to Discover Egypt, including the re-launched long cruise that takes passengers on an 14-day journey from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan; the beach resorts of the Red Sea, including new sections on Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh; the cities of Luxor, Aswan and Cairo plus Alexandria and the desert oasis of Siwa." New packages include an eight-night Legendary Egypt package that includes three nights in Cairo, two nights in

Alexandria and three nights in the desert oasis of Siwa. The private escorted tour is based on two sharing and leads in at £1,199 per person, including flights. Last year, following the reopening of the lower part of the River Nile, the operator re-launched cruises after a 15-year break on Alexander the Great. These have been expanded for this year with a greater selection of departure dates. For 2014, departures are available in February on Movenpick HM Hamsees and in March on MS Jasmin. The lead in price is £1,999 per person, based on travel on March 31 on MS Jasmin, including flights, full board accommodation in a twin/double cabin with a view, ten guided excursions and transfers. For more information or to book call 020-7407 2111 or see www.discoveregypt.co.uk

MS Jasmin

MOROCCO

A place of contrasts - modern, chic and luxurious. Stay in hand picked exquisite Riads or larger 5 star resort hotels. Perhaps a few nights on the coast or in the beautiful countryside? Prestige Holidays can tailor-make the holiday to suit your clients. We have many offers to tempt including free nights, free meals, free spa treatments...let us know your preference. 'RQ¶W IRUJHW \RX ZLOO UHFHLYH /RYH WR 6KRS YRXFKHUV IRU HDFK ERRNLQJ PDGH More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

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Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400

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northafrica Anatolian Sky adds new properties in Morocco ANATOLIAN SKY’S new Morocco programme features several new beachfront properties alongside a range of luxury riads and boutique hotels in Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca, plus retreats in the High Atlas Mountains and trips to the desert. In Agadir, two new properties are available overlooking the long sandy beach for which the resort is famed. The Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa Hotel is a luxury property offering extensive spa facilities, while its sister property, the Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort, combines traditional Berber architecture with Moroccan design in a beachfront setting. Prices start from £425

per person for three nights at the Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort. Also on the coast in Essaouira, the historic Riad Mimouna, which began life as a windmill, now offers 33 rooms and suites that reflect the local Berber culture, with a three-night stay leading in at £445 per person. The operator's managing director Akin Koç said: “Demand for holidays to Morocco has been growing steadily since last year. Alongside the traditional city breaks, we have noticed that tailor-made holidays that include destinations beyond the cities to the mountains, desert and coast are growing in popularity.” For more information visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0121-764 3552. IN PREPARATION for its tenth anniversary celebrations next year, El Fenn, Vanessa Branson’s boutique hotel in the Marrakech medina, has undergone a two-year refurbishment programme, with newly renovated suites, bedrooms and public spaces. A double room, including early morning tea/coffee, breakfast, afternoon tea and Wi-fi, ranges from €185 to €550 per night, depending on season and suite size. For details see www.el-fenn.com

Tunisian National Tourist Office announces new initiatives to drive UK visitor numbers THE TUNISIAN National Tourist Office is looking to attract more 40-50+ travellers this year and aims to do so by attending targeted events and roadshows. Director of the tourist board Wahida Jaiet said: “This year we’re aiming to return to our record breaking 2010 visitor figure by extending Tunisia’s appeal and showcasing our range of five-star accommodation, luxurious thalassotherapy facilities and excellent golf product. “Since tourism started in Tunisia in the early 60s, the destination has managed to overcome all sorts of crises and 2013 is looking very positive with figures for the first quarter already 20% higher than at the same time last year. “Tunisia has made great progress towards democracy and we hope that with the aid of our first European ad campaign and our partners’ commitment, we can look forward to welcoming more visitors from the UK and the rest of Europe in 2013.” Meanwhile, the TNTO is targeting European visitors with a marketing campaign that has been designed to encourage visitors from across Europe to rediscover the destination. The campaign highlights the depth of Tunisia’s tourism offering and is scheduled to run across a range of broadcast, outdoor, print and online outlets until the autumn. For more information visit www.cometotunisia.co.uk

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Morning: Enjoy the beach in Djerba Afternoon: Visit the ksour in Tataouine

www.cometotunisia.co.uk

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northafrica Classic promotes Egypt late offers and adds surfing and yoga stays in Morocco CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays reports that winter sales to Egypt finished broadly in line with last year, while bookings for this summer are currently running at more than 80% of last year’s figures. The company's head of purchasing Gary Boyer said: "Egypt enquiries and bookings are down year-on-year, but there is still demand for popular dates throughout the summer. We’re working closely with our Egyptian hoteliers to encourage special offers, rate reductions and currently have more than 40 added value offers to tempt customers to travel to the region." At Baron Palms Resort in Sharm el Sheikh, the company is offering reduced rates savings of up to £350 per couple per week on all-inclusive stays at the property until October 31, with prices starting from £1,053 per person in September. Morocco sales are currently 11% up year-on-year for the operator and in its forthcoming dedicated Morocco brochure the operator will feature the resort of Tahazoute for the first time, an Atlantic coastal resort to the North of Agadir. The company will offer the five-star 107-bedroom Paradis Plage Hotel which features a Surf Centre and yoga classes. Prices will be confirmed closer to the publication of the brochure at the beginning of next month.

Paradis Plage Hotel

Boyer said: "Following very strong sales last summer, our Morocco programme continues to go from strength to strength. We continue to add properties in Marrakech to meet demand and the beach resort of Tahazoute offers something new and a little different from our more established product in Essaouira and Agadir." For further information call 0800-008 7288.

Half-day desert safari option from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD has launched a new five-in-one attraction in Sharm el Sheikh. The half-day experience starts with a quad bike adventure ride across the Sinai Mountains, followed by a camel ride back to guests' Bedouin tents, where they are served local aromatic tea, freshly baked Bedouin bread and

dinner. After dinner, guests can experience star-gazing with an astronomer. Prices lead in at £49 per person including transport, and the tour operates daily except on Monday. Meanwhile, the operator is continuing its 'Kids for £1' offer when two adults book from a selection of tours. These include a camel ride and

Bedouin dinner, an evening city tour of Sharm el Sheikh, a glass-bottom boat trip, a half-day Ras Mohammed tour by land and star gazing and dinner in the desert. The offer is valid for travel up to December 31 and allows a maximum of two children experiencing the tours for £1 when two adults book.

Olympic Holidays expands choice of properties in Hurghada for summer OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is offering a selection of new properties in its Summer Sun 2013 brochure, which are predominantly focused on the resort of Hurghada. They include the five-star Marriott Hurghada Beach Resort with its own private island; the five-star Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh; four-star Hilton Hurghada Long Beach, Pyramisa Blue Lagoon and Seagull Resort; and three-star Hor Palace and Aladdin Resort Hurghada. Also newly added is the five-star Sheraton Soma Bay. The company’s budget Smart Choice brochure has added two five-star hotels this summer - the Marriott

Beach Resort Sharm and Marriott Mountain Resort Sharm - and four-star Coral Beach Rotana Tiran. The operator’s commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: "A few years back we offered Hurghada only in winter. Now, with added interest in the region in summer, we offer a good selection of Hurghada hotels year-round. "What used to be a small fishing village is now one of Egypt's top resorts. The old town, with its splendid mosque, offers a good insight into the traditional Egyptian way of life. Close by, El Gouna is the Red Sea's 'little Venice' with its islands and lagoons, while Soma

June 21 2013

Bay is an exclusive and tranquil resort and Makadi Bay offers extensive sandy beaches." Meanwhile, the operator reports that Red Sea resorts represent better holiday value in summer. Lambrianides said: "Demand for the Red Sea has flattened out. Years ago the Red Sea was popular only in winter, but in more recent times it has developed into a truly yearround destination. "Hotels aim to get better yields in summer as they see a bigger market and with their price reductions of the last two years the Red Sea has become even better value in summer.

"Prices have never been better value for money for all types and level of hotel including, of course, the allinclusives for which the region has become well-known. "The Red Sea resorts are known for their quality and all are fully operational. Meanwhile, we've seen a resurgence in diving, with many clients building it into their holiday plans." This summer, the company offers direct flights from major UK airports to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. Other resorts featured include Dahab, Makadi Bay, El Gouna and Soma Bay. For more information visit www.olympicholidays.com

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all-inclusive

Malta break from Belleair offers £130 saving BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is promoting a stay at the four-star Seabank allinclusive resort in Malta for £3,184 per family, offering a saving of up to £130. The price includes direct flights from Newcastle, seven nights’ accommodation in an Ecofamily room, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected attraction. The offer is subject to availability and is based on four people (two adults and two children) sharing, and is valid for travel on July 30. For further information visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

Barcelo Bavaro, Dominican Republic IN ITS latest Trends Report, Hayes and Jarvis reports that the Dominican Republic remains one of its most popular destinations in the Caribbean. The operator says this is down to the specific value offered by the destination’s five-star all-inclusive resort hotels. Of these, the Bavaro Palace has been the most notable performer with bookings up by 375% this year compared to 2012, according to the operator.

Dubai's JA Palm Tree Court offers 25% discounts on all-inclusive bookings JA PALM Tree Court in Dubai is offering a 25% discount on all bed-and-breakfast and all-inclusive bookings for guests staying at the resort between July 1 and August 7. Set within the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, the hotel offers 208 junior suites and suites with balconies and terraces, all of which can accommodate two adults, two children under 16 years and one infant, or three adults. The suites feature airconditioning, complimentary Wi-fi, PlayStation and an en-suite bathroom with a separate bathtub and walk-in rain shower. The resort is running a special offer for trade partners, with a Garden View Junior Suite leading in at AED1,200 on allinclusive per room per night. Meanwhile, The Residence is a collection of two-bedroom suites, one-bedroom suites and junior suites located on the

beachfront which feature a private butler service, pre-stay planning assistance, wellness experiences and welcome drinks and canapés. A selection of activities and sports facilities are on offer including a nine-hole golf course and golf academy, while the nearby marina offers deep-sea fishing trips, boat rides, seaplane flights and water sports. Other facilities include horse-riding, a shooting club, dive centre, tennis courts, squash court, gym and a variety of land activities. For children there are three kids’ clubs, camel rides on the beach, special menus and tame peacocks in the gardens. An all-inclusive package includes everything from sundowner cocktails for adults to afternoon ice-cream for kids.

Research shows nearly half of holidaymakers spend more cash on all-inclusives BRITS TAKING all-inclusive holidays face paying more than £100 per person in surprise costs, according to a study by foreign exchange specialist, Travelex. Four out of ten Brits travelling allinclusive, say they are forced to stump up extra holiday spending money, with almost half forking out an extra £100 or more. One in ten people are stung by an extra £200 in unexpected costs. With UK households facing continued financial pressures, many are looking towards package breaks with all costs included. As a result, all-inclusive bookings are 14% higher than this time last year. In the study, two thirds of people said they had chosen an all-inclusive holiday because they were good value for

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money. Just over 60% said they opted for this type of break specifically because everything would be included. A third of those questioned said they had resorted to changing up pounds at their hotel bureau leaving them exposed to poor exchange rates. The results from the research showed that exchange rates at hotels are among the worst available. As an example, if holidaymakers exchanged £500 at the Marriot Marbella they would pay 5% commission, meaning they would only receive €517, whereas the same amount ordered commission free with Travelex online would get €570. The company's Elvin Eldić said: "With holiday budgets being stretched, given the decline in value of the pound, many families are considering the all-

inclusive packages in a bid to keep their holiday spending in check. But it turns out many Brits are getting caught out and having to pay for hidden extras or getting hit with expensive exchange rates in resort. “It would be easy to forget the need for foreign currency when going allinclusive, but often when you get to your destination you find that small things, such as taxis, extra food and tips require cash. Order online in advance to get the best rates and if you’re concerned about having left over foreign currency at the end of your trip, our 'Buy Back Plus' is ideal where, for £3.99, it allows you to lock in the rate so you can exchange any leftover currency at the same rate at which you purchased, commission-free.”

June 21 2013

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all-inclusive Inghams encourages guests to stay active on all-inclusive breaks with selection of activities INGHAMS IS offering a selection of all-inclusive holidays which feature a range of activities. Examples include seven nights at the four-star Hotel Parc, located within the Parc Hotel Paradiso & Golf Resort in Peschiera, Italy which leads in at £549 per person, saving £296 per person. The property offers three swimming pools,

a spa centre, two football pitches, beach volleyball and an activity programme including tennis, aerobics, football and archery. The price includes flights from Gatwick to Verona, transfers, a lunch buffet, snack buffet (from July 6-August 23) beer, wine, water or soft drinks with meals and throughout the day, ice lollies, use of bikes

New 'Indulgence' package from Dusit Thani Maldives DUSIT THANI Maldives has launched a new Pure Indulgence Package aimed at both couples and families. For a supplement of $250 per person per night, guests staying a minimum of four consecutive nights at the resort can receive a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; a range of beverages all day, including soft drinks and alcohol; daily mini-bar replenishment of sodas and beer; yoga classes; and unlimited laundry services. Children under the age of 12 can share their parents’ villa at no extra cost while receiving benefits including free meals, use of bicycles and a variety of island activities. For more information or to make a reservation see www.dusit.com or email resmaldives@dusit.com

Seven-night late deals from Thomson from £539 THOMSON IS promoting a range of late all-inclusive deals including a sevennight holiday to Turkey, staying at the Platinum Seven Seas Imperial from £579 per person. The price offers a saving of £265 per person and is based on two sharing. Flights, departing on June 27, from Gatwick are also included, plus transfers. A seven-night holiday to Gran Canaria staying at the Thomson Family Resort Hotel Orquidea offers a saving of £291 per person and costs £539, based on two sharing. It includes flights from Gatwick on June 27 and transfers. For more information or to book see www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871-230 2555.

and an entertainment programme. Alternatively, the four-star Hotel Karwendelhof, located in the summer resort of Seefeld, Austria, offers an extensive programme of guided walks and biking tours which explore the Inn Valley. A seven-night stay at the resort costs from £614 per person including flights, transfers,

daily packed lunch, lunchtime snack buffet, afternoon tea and cake, drinks all day, guided walks, Nordic walking, bike hire, guided bike tours, a daily activity programme and up to 35% discount at the local golf course. For more information and to book call 01483-791114 or visit www.inghams.co.uk/agents

Mexico break from Funway for £999 FUNWAY IS offering a seven-night all-inclusive stay in Mexico from £999 per person. Staying at the four-and-a-half-star Occidental Grand Xcaret in Riviera Maya and including BA flights from Gatwick, the price is based on two sharing for a September 10 departure Claire Campbell, the operator's marketing executive, said: “For those looking for the ultimate getaway, why not try an all-inclusive resort in Mexico? Once booked, you can relax in the knowledge that your holiday has been taken care of, from your flights, airport transfers and hotel to your meals, snacks and drinks. “At the Occidental Grand Xcaret in Riviera Maya, guests will also benefit from five swimming pools, a range of sports and nightly entertainment. Plus, for those travelling with children, the resort offers a kids' club with supervised activities."

Centara announces opening of Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives CENTARA RAS Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives is now open. Located on an island 15 minutes by speedboat from Male Airport, the four-star resort offers 140 suites and villas, with a choice of beachside and over-water locations. The all-inclusive package includes all meals and an open bar served from 11:00-23:00 daily. A half-board option is also available and includes breakfast and dinner, with an open bar for three hours during evening mealtimes. Spa Cenvaree, the hotel group's spa brand, has its own dedicated area of beach and a pavilion, while a watersports and PADI dive centre is also available. Some of the most popular diving spots in the Maldives, including Giraavaru Cave, Kiki Reef, Kuda Haa, Lion’s Head and Shark Point are within a 20-minute boat ride of the resort. The resort’s proximity to the capital island of Male is another selling point for agents, with shopping and sightseeing trips to the island arranged by the resort. For further details visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com or email reservations@chr.co.th

June 21 2013

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

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s Price from

p* p 9 £79

Experience TOBAGO, the

100% Holidays

TRUE CARIBBEAN

Spectacular BEACHES and CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS Fabulous SNORKELLING and SCUBA DIVING CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF and FISHING

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* Seven night package based on 2 adults sharing at Turtle Beach by Rex Resorts, room only departing Gatwick during September ‘13. Prices include return ﬂights, accommodation, transfers and taxes and are correct at time of going to press (13/06/13). Offers and prices quoted apply to new bookings only and are subject to availability.

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Reservations & Admin 0871 423 8518 Brochure requests: www.trade-gate.co.uk

Fully pr

Natural WATERFALLS and the oldest PROTECTED RAINFOREST TRAI

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all-inclusive We asked our staff the following question this week: What's likely to be your next big purchase? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk I've just bought my son an iPad for his birthday so nothing else for a while!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk A new heating element for the dishwasher

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Drinks on my birthday this Sunday

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Somethıng for the car no doubt!

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Solar panels for my house

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Our new arrival means lots of little purchases!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Nothing hopefully as just spent £5000 on an en suite

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk The drinks at my birthday party

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

CYPLON HOLIDAYS is now featuring two new all-inclusive hotels in Paphos, both of which belong to the Cyprotel group. Prices lead in at £895 for a week's stay at the Cyprotel Cypria Maris (pictured) for travel on June 30. The resort is located on a small sandy beach and comprises of two four-storey buildings and two-storey bungalows within extensive gardens. The property offers a range of activities for families and the centre of Paphos, with its shops, bars and restaurants is 2km away. Meanwhile, a week's stay at the Cyprotel Laura Beach Hotel costs from £899. The property is located on a beach, approximately 4km west of Paphos town and is set within its own gardens. Bedrooms have been recently refurbished and the main restaurant has also been extended.

Anantara Golden Triangle offers choice of daily activities as part of AI package ALL-INCLUSIVE BREAKS at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Thailand include accommodation, meals, a mini-bar and Internet, as well as a visit to the nearby Opium Museum, a choice of daily activities and transfers. For every night booked, guests can choose from one of four resort activities, including spa treatments, a visit to the on-site Elephant Camp, a cooking class and a Three Country Tour, where guests can experience the temples and historic sites of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Three different types of accommodation are available,

including Deluxe 3 Country View Rooms, Anantara Suites and Anantara 3 Country View Suites. Meanwhile, dining options include buffet breakfast at Sala Mae Nam restaurant and for every night stayed, guests will receive lunch and dinner on a food-only basis. Guests who opt to stay for two consecutive nights or more will receive unlimited complimentary beverages during dinner from the house wine and spirit menu, while lunch and dinner options are provided at any of the resort’s three restaurants and bars. For more information visit www.anantara.com

Road bike

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk A Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade!!!!

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk A black Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk A ticket to Thailand to go and "work" with Tim for a bit

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

CroisieEurope to go all-inclusive for 2014 CROISIEUROPE HAS announced that it will introduce an all-inclusive drinks policy across its fleet next year. As well as serving complimentary beer and wine at lunch and dinner there will be an open bar throughout each voyage. The all-inclusive programme will be offered on all European river cruises between April and October with the following included within the cruise price: all meals onboard; unlimited mineral water, wine, beer and fruit juice with meals, plus a tea or coffee after each meal; all drinks consumed in the lounge bar (excluding Champagne and wines on the wine list); entertainment; welcome cocktail; gala dinner; insurance covering emergency aid and repatriation; and all port taxes. For further information call 020-83281281, email resuk@croisieurope.com or visit www.croisieurope.travel/

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. BEST WESTERN, 6. AMMAN, 7. OSLO, 9. PIA, 10. YUCATAN, 12. TORQUAY, 14. SUE, 15. AGRA, 17. TREVI, 18. COSTA BLANCA. Down: 1. BRAD PITT, 2. SAMOA, 3. WENDY WU, 4. SFO, 5. EILAT, 8. ANGELINA, 11. CRYSTAL, 13. REGIS, 14. STEIN, 16. AAA.

Highlighted Word: BERLIN Travagrams: (top) Star Clippers

(bottom) Rio de Janeiro

Where Am I?: St Vincent & The Grenadines

June 21 2013

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LUXURY LATE

summerSAVINGS Sardinia

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DEPARTS 4 OCT

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DEPARTS 15 SEP

5+ Hillside Beach Club 5+ The Xara Palace )8// %2$5' Relais & Chateau B&B DEPARTS 14 SEP

£1,299pp

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DEPARTS 14 SEP

£1,349pp

IURP

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DEPARTS 18 SEP

£1,383pp

IURP

Call 0800 008 7288 QLJKW JXLGH SULFHV LQFOXGHV *DWZLFN Á LJKWV DQG SULYDWH WUDQVIHUV Prices & offers subject to availability

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SAVE £350 IURP£1,053pp SHU FRXSOH SHU ZN Reduced rates )RU VWD\V XQWLO 2FW

Fly from your local airport 5030