Travel Bulletin 22nd February 2013

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February 22 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,814 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

this week agent bulletin find out what's in store for Pisces this month

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airline bulletin a round-up of new schedules, fleet expansions & offers

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Theme Parks

Funway Holidays launches largest Walt Disney World campaign Š Disney

bermuda new self-catering options plus the latest updates & trends

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short breaks the latest promotions, programme additions & savings

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newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - Walt Disney World Florida

Inset - The Reefs Hotel & Club, Bermuda

Mums and dads drive agent success in new to cruise market

CHEQUE MATES...Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has announced its chosen charities for the 2013 Coin Collection, which encourages passengers to donate any loose sterling, foreign coins or notes. Pictured marking the announcement of this year’s chosen charities, Martin House Children’s Hospice and Yeadon Charities Association, are, from the left: Peter Long of Yeadon Charities Association, Tony Hallwood of LBA and Katherine Gray of Martin House Children’s Hospice.

This Week 3

news

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

a round-up of the latest product news, surveys & offers

find out what's in store for Pisces this month

play Su Doku for a chance to win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher

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airline bulletin

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personality bulletin

a round-up of new schedules, fleet expansions & offers

which general manager of a London attraction says Nelson Mandela has been her biggest career inspiration?

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bermuda

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theme parks

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short breaks

new self-catering options plus the latest updates & trends

new rides & attractions that will capture your clients' imagination the latest promotions, programme additions & savings

A NEW holiday advice line to aid agents selling family holidays, staffed exclusively by mums and dads, is promising to make selling family holidays a stressfree experience.

Dubbed the 'Royal Mums & Dads' advice line, the new service, championed

by Royal Caribbean International, is a travel industry first and is operated by knowledgeable parents who work for the cruise line and have comprehensive experience of planning, booking and taking family cruise holidays with their own children, as well as giving first-hand advice to firsttime cruisers.

The Royal Mums and Dads can answer questions from agents on selling family cruising - from what is on offer to keep children entertained, to health and safety questions.

The company promises that all of the staff on the Royal Mums line have cruised recently, many of them several times in the last few years. Some of the Royal Mums have teens, whilst others have younger children, so they are able to offer frank and insightful ● continues on next page

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feedback on what to consider when cruising with children of different ages.

The line's Cruising for Excellence Online e-learning programme has also been updated with additional content to further assist agents in selling family holidays at sea.

Now included is information on the Royal Mums and Dads on the home page; an extra page on the Essential Training module for Kids & Teens; and accessible bite-sized chunks of information which are located around the virtual H20 environment for agents to locate and earn nautical points as they navigate the site.

Royal Mum and head of trade sales, Nicki TempestMitchell, mum to Lydia, aged seven and Ollie, aged ten months, said: "Trying a new kind of holiday for the first time can be daunting so, by giving parents the reassurance that they can talk to a mum or dad who has already cruised with their children, we hope to share our

17-night 'Undiscovered Lapland' cruise from £1,499 from Fred. Olsen FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines is offering cruises from the port of Harwich, with new itineraries including Black Watch’s 17-night Undiscovered Lapland & St. Petersburg cruise.

Departing on May 29, the cruise takes in the Baltic ports and includes a daytime cruise of the Kiel Canal and an overnight stay in St. Petersburg. Prices start from £1,499 per person based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, including all meals and entertainment on board plus port taxes. For a limited time, clients booking outside cabins or higher grade cabins and suites will receive £100 on board spending credit.

For further details call 01473-742424 or see www.fredolsencruises.com

Breadsall Priory in Derby

MARRIOTT IS offering couples the chance to host their top table for free, including wedding breakfast, drinks and Champagne toasts, when they book their wedding before December 31. The special saving applies to weddings taking place before March 31, 2014 at any of the hotel group's 54 UK venues, and the company will cover the cost of one guest for every nine people booked to attend, with a maximum of ten free guests – the equivalent to an average top table in the UK. For details see www.marriottevents.co.uk/wedding and quote WED13 when booking.

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favourite family holiday memories and provide all the information that a diligent mum or dad would want to know before taking to the ocean waves with their children.

"We hope to assist agents in converting a sale by offering our own expertise to reassure clients looking at cruising for the first time. Our Royal Mums and Dads cannot wait to share stories from their own experiences and provide their honest feedback and insights into holidays at sea - my family loves it, having cruised for many years together, especially because it allows us as parents to relax whilst the children have the most incredible fun with other kids of their own age."

The new agents' advice line is open between 09:30 and 14:30 on weekdays.

For more information call 0844-417 0201 and for full profiles of the Royal Mums and Dads and their family holiday experiences see www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/mumsanddads

Just Valet Parking offers travel agents 20% commission JUST VALET Parking, a 24-hour meet and greet parking service at Gatwick and member of the Gatwick Valet Parking Association, is keen to build partnerships with agents and is currently offering 20% commission on all sales of its Meet & Greet parking.

The company's securely gated car park is regularly monitored and agents can either process the booking themselves or email through the booking.

The company is also extending its service to agents with preferential rates.

For more information or to book visit www.justvaletparking.com, email info@justvaletparking.com or call 01293-853057.

European savings of 10% with Peregrine PEREGRINE ADVENTURES is offering travellers the opportunity to explore Europe’s cities, countryside and coastlines with a 10% reduction off normal tour rates to 18 European destinations. Clients who book by March 15 can travel until December 31 and choose from more than 60 trip experiences in destinations including Morocco, Turkey, Portugal, Italy and Croatia.

Tours include a 12-day Greek Island Odyssey from £2,120, offering a saving of £530. The break starts in Athens, before heading to Crete and Santorini to explore beaches and islands. It departs on May 5, June 9, June 30 and September 8.

A 15-day Treasures of Turkey begins in Istanbul before heading to the Anatolian landscape via a salt lake to Cappadocia, with time spent in Kekova, where guests will board a local boat for a cruise around the islands. It departs on March 10, March 24, April 6 and April 20 and costs from £1,071, offering a saving of £119.

Meanwhile, a 16-day Highlights of Morocco option costs from £1,104, offering a saving of £276. The tour departs on March 10, March 24, April 7, April 14 and April 28 and visits Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech.

For more information or to book call 0845-863 9667 or visit www.peregrineadventures.com

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @traveltraining Complete the @experiencejapan eLearning by 31st March to win a Daruma doll and a cherry blossom eco bag! http://bit.ly/14Qm9Cs @VisitJordan Take a trip with a Virtual passport, Jordan with @EarthCam set up first Middle Eastern tourism webcams http://bit.ly/X43jlN @BourneLeisure Spring breaks at Haven from only £99 – available on 3, 4 and 7 night breaks! @ValenciaCity Do you like to use the latest technology to help you get around on holiday? Take a look at our new app! http://bit.ly/Xzd9ze @vikingriveruk Book before 28th February and save £1,000pp on our "Imperial Jewels of China" cruise: http://bit.ly/VRC-China @ThomasCookUK New Blog Post: Packing Light but Packing Right http://bit.ly/WksO4c

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ TravelBulletin

DÉJÀ VU...To mark its ten-year anniversary flying from Leeds Bradford Airport, Jet2.com recently reunited the original cabin crew members from its first flight to Amsterdam and one of its first passengers. Pictured celebrating the milestone is Ian Peacock (front), an original customer on the airline's first flight with, from the left, cabin crew members Justin, Sarah and Jamie.

MOVERS

BEST unveils new series of roadshows BEST (Better Escorted Tours) is hitting the road again for its new series of roadshows this month.

The organisation will be travelling up and down the country over the next couple of months to meet face to face with agents, sharing product updates and what’s new for this year. The roadshows take place at DeVere Village Hotels on the following dates and locations: February 25 in Leeds, February 26 in Warrington, February 27 in Nottingham, March 4 in Maidstone and March 5 in Bournemouth.

Agents can book a place by emailing BEST@thenetwork-uk.com or by calling 020-8742 4077.

● EXPEDIA HAS appointed Christopher Michau as vice

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president of its Global Partner Group, a division within Expedia Lodging Partner Services, responsible for managing the group’s relationships with leading hotel companies.

GRAHAM ANDREW has been appointed UK director for SeaDream Yacht Club's Charter and Incentive Sales.

ABTA HAS appointed two new board directors, Roger Allard and Daniele Broccoli.

ONLINE TRAVEL Training (OTT) has promoted Jason Winter to operations manager.

VICTOR ACHARYA has joined Emirates as district sales manager for southern England.

HILLGATE TRAVEL has appointed Richard Young as head of sales.

JET2.COM AND Jet2holidays have announced the promotion of Steve Heapy to CEO. ATOUT FRANCE UK & Ireland, the France Tourism Development Agency office based in London, has appointed Gwenaelle Maret-Delos as managing director.

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS appointed Lucy Jones as sales executive for the Midlands.

New route pass initiative from Eastern Airways set to benefit regular travellers A NEW route pass offering 25% discount for travellers booking four return flights has been launched by Eastern Airways across its network.

The new 4-4-3 Route Pass product initiative will benefit regular commuters when they purchase four flights for the price of three on any of the carrier's routes. As part of this

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new product offering, fares are fully flexible, there are no change fees and passengers will automatically gain access to a number of airport executive lounges.

The airline offers day return options on many of its routes across the UK and Norway, as well as fast track security channels at busier

airports, a fully inclusive service including allocated seating, free hold baggage allowance, plus complimentary drinks and snacks.

The carrier also offers the Zonal Route Pass providing six flights for the price of four.

For more information call 0870-366 9100.

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newsbulletin Half price savings as Condor Ferries celebrates National Ferry Fortnight CONDOR FERRIES is celebrating National Ferry Fortnight next month, by offering customers the chance to take a half price day trip to the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey.

The offer is valid for clients booking a day trip within National Ferry Fortnight (March 2–16), and the company will be running day trip sailings throughout the summer months, with departure times starting from as early as 05:00.

For more information visit www.condorferries.com

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Debut cruise brochure by Major Travel MAJOR TRAVEL has launched a new cruise brochure to promote its Pullmantur product to UK agents.

The 30-plus page brochure includes deals on allinclusive fly/cruise packages to destinations throughout the Mediterranean, with prices leading in at £569 per person.

The cruises include no single parent supplement, no charges (except port taxes) for children under 17 years, allinclusive plans (except €9 per day gratuity) and up to 14% commission for agents.

There are five Pullmantur ships to choose from and all include restaurants, kids' clubs and activities.

For more information call 0800-035 5686 or see www.major4agents.co.uk

New Le Havre route from Brittany Ferries BRITTANY FERRIES has announced that it will commence services between Portsmouth and Le Havre from May 17 to run throughout the summer until September 16.

Operating four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, using its high-speed vessel, the crossing will take three hours 45 minutes.

For more information or to book see www.brittanyferries.com or call 0871-244 1400.

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ADVANTAGE TRAVEL Centres has forged a partnership with Vertical Systems to deliver time savings for members who use TARSC back office and the Advantage Travel Gateway (ATG) booking system.

Bookings made on Gateway will automatically be processed into TARSC eliminating the need for members to re-key the information, thus saving time and ensuring a seamless procedure.

THE SAN Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau has changed its name to the San Diego Tourism Authority.

NYC & Company has announced that Skål International will bring its 74th World Congress to New York City this autumn. The event will begin on September 27, before embarking from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on a debut meeting at sea on Carnival Cruise ship, Glory.

SHANGRI-LA’S Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives has unveiled its private executive terminal, located five minutes away by speedboat. The venture is the result of the partnership between the resort and Gan International Airport in Addu Atoll.

THE NORTH Cyprus Tourism Centre has launched a new website - welcometonorthcyprus.co.uk TO CELEBRATE Songkran, the Thai New Year, which takes place from April 13-16, Conrad Koh Samui is offering 30% savings on its bed-and-breakfast rate when booked by May 14 for stays from March 14 to December 31. For details see www.conradkohsamui.com ALTHAMS TRAVEL has picked up six awards in the Northwest and Yorkshire & Humberside regional categories at the annual Jet2holidays Trade Awards. The awards included 'Outstanding Long Term Support’and ‘Best Performance by an Agency Chain', while the agency's Burnley and Yeadon branches were both crowned ‘Best Miniple Branch’ in their regions.

ARTS COUNCIL England and VisitEngland have announced a new partnership to boost cultural tourism in England. A key priority in the three-year partnership will be to encourage and support destinations that have real potential to grow their economies by improving their cultural tourism offer. Programmes to share research and improve skills in each sector, and a drive to ensure tourism and cultural organisations work more closely together at the local level, are top priority.

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newsbulletin Centara launches new range of Thai wedding packages with prices from £390 CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts has launched a new range of wedding packages with prices starting from 18,750 baht (approximately £390) including VAT and service charges at selected resort properties in Krabi, Samui, Phuket and Trat.

The exclusive packages offer the option of Thai or Western ceremonies with a choice of venues such as beachfront, the resort grounds or a villa setting.

Resort hotels available are Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi, Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi, Villas Samui, Karon Resort Phuket, Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat and Koh Chang Tropicana Resort.

As an example, a package at Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi costs approximately £540 and includes a beach

ceremony, venue decoration, bridal bouquet and buttonhole for groom, sparkling wine to toast, dinner for two including a bottle of wine and in-room breakfast the day after the ceremony.

Optional services include an upgrade to a Thai-style ceremony presided over by monks, assortment of wedding cupcakes, a Champagne tower, photography and/or filming of the wedding, beauty treatment for the bride, makeup/hairdressing, a sunset cruise at Centara Grand Beach Resorts & Villas Krabi and a ‘Just married’ elephant ride at Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort.

For more information see www.tropicalweddingvenues.com and www.centarahotelsresorts.com or email weddings@chr.co.th

Shearings launches new tours to Cornwall & Cannes designed by customers SHEARINGS HAS launched two new holidays to Cornwall and Cannes that have been designed by customers, following a social media crowdsourcing competition.

More than 500 holidaymakers from across the UK entered the competition by suggesting their dream holiday itinerary, and three UK and three European entries were shortlisted by the operator's commercial team,

judged on appeal and creativity. The company then ran a Facebook poll to enable their Facebook fans to choose the two winning holidays. The new holidays are now ready to be booked, with departures available from April, and both itineraries feature in the latest 2013 brochures.

'A Taste of Cornwall – Pasties & Ices’ takes in the coastal scenery of Cornwall, with time to indulge in its

culinary delights. The holiday includes two full-day excursions that take in traditional pasty shops, Cornish cider farms, and the popular Roskilly’s Ice Cream Farm.

The winning European break, ‘French Riviera Ramble’, offers holidaymakers a visit to Cannes, Monaco, Monte Carlo and Nice.

For more information call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearings.com

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WEBSCLUSIVES

FLIGHT FRIENDS…The state of Alaska, in cooperation with Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, recently hosted an evening reception for UK operators and agents at Oxo2, London, to celebrate the launch of the new Icelandair route to Anchorage (via Reykjavik) from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow, starting on May 15. Pictured is Karen Jones (centre) from Flight Centre, the winner of a holiday for two to Alaska, with Kathy Dunn, representing the State of Alaska and Jesse Carlstrom, representing the Alaska Travel Industry Association.

For details see www.travelalaska.com

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Make British Airways and American Airlines bookings to the USA for your chance to win a place on the Brand USA Megafam 2013. Seven great itineraries to choose from!

For details on how to apply, go to www.usamegafam.co.uk

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Win a Fam Trip to Florida’s Beaches, courtesy of Funway. Trips take place in May/June.

For full details, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway

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Make sure you complete this week’s Crossword, sponsored by Jet2holidays, for the chance to win £50 in Love2Shop vouchers. Just fill in the Crossword on Page 11 of this edition, and then submit the mystery location along with your contact details via our website on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ● TRAVEL 2 has teamed up with Amazing Thailand and Thai Airways to offer agents the chance to win a £500 holiday voucher towards their next Thailand holiday. To be entered into the prize draw agents must make a new booking to Thailand before February 28 that includes flights with Thai Airways and a ground nights' three of minimum see details For arrangements. www.travel2.com ●

ETIHAD AIRWAYS is offering agents the chance to win a holiday to Abu Dhabi when they book clients on its services from Heathrow and Manchester. The competition runs until February 28 and agents can win one of three prizes consisting of two Pearl Business Class tickets to Abu Dhabi plus a three-night stay. Accommodation options include a stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, including luxury transfers, complimentary dinner in the desert, dune drive experience and camel trekking across the Liwa desert; a stay at the Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara, transfers, luxury includes which complimentary dinner at a seafood restaurant, a kayaking trip and a wildlife drive tour; or a stay at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island transfers, luxury including Resort, complimentary dinner at Ciprianis Yas Island, an Aston Martin drive at the Yas Marina Circuit and free tickets to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. For a chance to win, agents need to register at www.eyoffers.com/jetset and enter the details of every flight booking during the competition period. Agents will earn five entries into the draw for every Diamond First Class booking, three entries for every Pearl Business Class booking and one entry for each Coral Economy Class booking.

For details see www.etihadagents.com

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It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Pisces?

WHILE YOU may have been feeling lonely or a bit isolated lately, this is soon to change and you'll be in hot demand on a social level into next month.

On a work level, things are getting competitive but it's important to rise to the challenge. Just make sure you check details thoroughly as you are prone to rushing to get things done.

Lucky day: Monday Lucky number: 43

IN THE PICTURE...A Taunton travel agent is the latest winner in Hoseasons’ ten week ‘Win Win Win’ promotion – and has carried off a Samsung smart camera as her prize. Pictured is Leanne Hobson (right) from Thomas Cook’s Taunton branch receiving her prize from the operator's regional sales executive for the Southwest, Elkie Bird. Every confirmed booking made

by March 13 is in with a chance to win a weekly prize.

For details see www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdfs/hoseasonsprizegiveaway

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newsbulletin TIPTO announces 2013 roadshows

Escape the Rain Fly Vueling to Spain.

TIPTO HAS released details of its 2013 roadshows taking place across the UK from this Monday (February 25) through to 19 June.

A total of 13 roadshows are planned in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland with Visit England joining as guest exhibitors at the Reading and Bedford roadshows.The roadshow sessions run from 18:00-22:00 and offer agents the opportunity to meet suppliers and learn about their latest product news in interactive training sessions. There will also be prizes and goody bags to take away.

In response to increased demand for the events, TIPTO will host a further three solus events in Newcastle, Huddersfield and Glasgow with Dawson and Sanderson, Althams Travel and Barrhead respectively.

The roadshows take place in Reading on February 25, Bedford on February 26, Belfast on March 6, Newcastle on March 19, Huddersfield on March 20, Edinburgh on March 25, Glasgow on March 26, Sheffield on April 29, Manchester on April 30, Madistone on May 14, Ipswich on May 15, Sutton Coldfield on June 18 and Leeds on June 19.

Agents can sign up for the roadshows at www.tipto.co.uk

Guernsey hosts Skål National Assembly

Fly direct from Cardiff to Malaga, Alicante, Majorca & Barcelona

SKÅL INTERNATIONAL president, Mok Singh, will be travelling from America to attend the 60th Skål UK National Assembly, which will be hosted in Guernsey.

Apart from various meetings and events to be held during the three-day assembly, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the firing of the noonday gun at Castle Cornet, a local tradition since the early years of the 18th century when it was used to re-call soldiers to their barracks. Nowadays, a popular tourist attraction, the gun is fired accompanied by music, ceremony and guards in scarlet uniforms.

On April 20, VisitGuernsey will be hosting a vin d’honneur for Skål at the castle and both Mok Singh and national president, David Lord, will assist in the cannon-firing.

Assembly attendees will be able to explore the town of St Peter Port in the afternoon or explore the island at leisure. Skål members will also have the opportunity to join an informal fancy-dress evening on the Friday and wear regalia and black tie at the more formal event on the Saturday when Guernsey’s Bailiff, Richard Collas, will be the local guest of honour. The event will be rounded off by the traditional lowering and handing over of the Skål flag on the Sunday.

Free $25 restaurant voucher from AW Book your 2013 flights at www.vueling.com

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering a free restaurant voucher worth $25 when clients book a 48-hour hop on/off bus pass in San Francisco.

The four-in-one tour offers more than 20 stops throughout the city and surrounding areas and leads in at £32 per adult and £20 per child (aged five-11).

Tour options include a 90-minute 'Downtown Tour' of the city's most famous attractions including Fisherman's Wharf, Barbary Coast, Financial District, City Hall, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Lombard Street and Pier 39; a 90-minute Golden Gate Bridge & Sausalito Tour; a Golden Gate Park Tour; and a San Francisco Night Tour.

For details see www.attractionworld.com

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 100

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

Chairlady Rose Sud

A➠

B➠ “The Caped ……..” – fill in the gap in Batman’s nickname to reveal the name of this coach tour operator

C➠

Paella Hid Hip

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 American city saw the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 1776

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, February 28th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

Winners of the Su Doku competition will be announced in next week's issue.

Crossword

Sponsored By

Ancient name was "Kambuja"

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted by the blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword to submit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prize draw and one lucky winner will win £50 Love2Shop vouchers.

Closing date for entries is Thursday February 28th.

Across 1. Which German city does Jet2holidays feature in its top 10 city breaks? (6) 3. Flows through the capital city of Western Australia (4) 7. UK hotel brand (7) 9. Sydney is the capital of this state, initially (3) 10. Istanbul airport code (3) 12. North African country (7) 14. Property guru Phil, Secret Agent on TV (7) 15. SAA is the national carrier of this country, initially (3) 16. Polish airline (3) 17. Country on the Adriatic (7) 19. One of the home counties (4) 20. Family-friendly P&O cruise ship (6)

Down 1. Billy started this holiday business in 1936 (7) 2. Lisbon airport code (3) 4. The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world (7) 5. Celebrity news and fashion magazine, sounds current (3) 6. Mr DiCaprio, starring in Django Unchained at a cinema near you (8) 8. South American lake (8) 11. State capital of New Jersey (7) 13. US state on the Gulf of Mexico (7) 16. Currency of Albania (3) 18. Scottish resort (3)

Number: 100

Congratulations to Tracy Tucker, Ilkeston Co op Travel who won the 8th February crossword prize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers

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Jet2holidays offers flexible and great value package holidays for just £60pp deposit

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 February 22 2013

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airlinebulletin United introduces third daily nonstop Heathrow-Houston service UNITED AIRLINES has announced that it will commence a new non-stop service between Heathrow and its Houston hub, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, from March 31, introducing United Global First on the route for the first time. From April 2, the carrier will operate three daily services between the two cities.

The additional flight departs Heathrow daily at 13:35, arriving in Houston at 18:10 the same day. The return flight departs Houston daily at 20:30, arriving at Heathrow at 12:05 the following day. Journey times will be ten hours 35 minutes westbound and nine hours 35 minutes eastbound.

The flights will be operated using Boeing 767-300 aircraft with a total of 183 seats – six in United Global First, 26 in United BusinessFirst and 151 in United Economy, including 67 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.

For more information visit www.united.com or call 0845-607 6760.

Flybe confirms new jet service to Guernsey FLYBE HAS announced that its new 88-seat Embraer jet aircraft will operate up to four flights a day between Guernsey and Gatwick from March 31.

The carrier's managing director UK Andrew Strong said: "We know there is a demand for a jet service on this route from both the business and leisure sectors travelling to and from the Island and our E-175 jets have been very positively received by passengers since they joined the fleet just over a year ago.

"We believe from feedback received on the Gatwick route that our passengers will welcome the Embraer jet on this route with its added comfort, quietness and speed. The E175 can deliver the right economic and environmental performance on this type of route. We therefore hope that Guernsey passengers will continue to support Flybe and the new much-awaited jet so ensuring sustainability of the service, and we look forward to welcoming them on board in March when they can experience first-hand the aircraft’s added benefits.”

PIA PAIR…Pictured marking the introduction of Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) Boeing 777 operations on a nonstop service from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) to Islamabad from March 13 are, Muhammad Shafique (left) from PIA and LBA's Tony Hallwood.

For details call 0800-587 1023 or visit www.piac.earo

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February 22 2013

MONARCH HAS launched a new route to Malta for summer from East Midlands Airport. The new flights operate twice weekly from May 7 and are on sale now, with prices starting from £51 one-way and £107.50 return, including taxes and charges.

For details see www.monarch.co.uk

InBrief ● FROM MARCH 30, SATA International will resume direct flights from

the UK to the Azores. Flights will operate weekly every Saturday until October 26, with early afternoon departures from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel. Fares lead in at £336 return.

For details call 0844-482 1678 or see www.sata.pt ● WOW AIR will increase flights from Gatwick to Reykjavik by 117% from June 2. The airline currently flies six times weekly to Reykjavik but will boost flights to twice daily on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, plus a daily flight on Saturday.

For details see it www.wowair.co.uk ● ETIHAD AIRWAYS is now offering its signature Etihad Chauffeur service to its Coral Economy Class guests arriving or departing from Heathrow. The service, which offers rates comparable to London’s black cabs, includes chauffeur greeting at the arrivals hall; luggage assistance; kerb-side drop off; and guaranteed BMW or Mercedes vehicles. For details see www.etihad.com/chauffeur ● GARUDA INDONESIA has announced that it has chosen Gatwick to operate direct flights between London and Jakarta. From the fourth quarter of this year, business and leisure passengers will be able to fly direct between Indonesia and the UK six times weekly. ● OMAN AIR is expanding its fleet of Boeing 737-800s with the introduction of two additional aircraft, bringing the airline’s total fleet strength to 30. The new additions will double daily services from the carrier’s home base of Muscat to Chennai, Delhi and Hyderabad. ● DELTA AIR Lines and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide have announced a new partnership that offers exclusive new benefits to Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) elite members. The programme, called Crossover Rewards, begins on March 1 and provides elite members of both loyalty programmes reciprocal benefits. ● SINGAPORE AIRLINES has issued new companion fares that represent significant discounts when two people book and travel together in either Business or Economy Class. Six South East Asian destinations are included in the promotion and prices lead in at £570 to Singapore, £580 to Manila in the Philippines and £585 to Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. Bookings must be made by March 7 to qualify and fares are valid for travel between April 1 and May 31. ● EMIRATES SKYWARDS, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates Airline, has introduced ‘Platinum’, a new tier which sits above Blue, Silver and Gold. The new tier has been developed to enhance the travel experience for frequent travellers and to offer additional benefits to members who have earned more than 150,000 miles.

For details see www.skywards.com

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newsbulletin Discover Egypt reports continued popularity of holidays & cruises in Upper Egypt DISCOVER EGYPT reports that although Egypt has had its fair share of negative coverage due to political turmoil, the issues are mainly confined to Cairo and the Delta whereas in upper Egypt (the South), business is as usual.

The operator's managing director Philip Breckner said: “Visitors to Upper Egypt, including Luxor, Aswan, Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel, are continuing to enjoy cruises and holidays and see no evidence of the turmoil being experienced in Cairo. Resilient travellers are benefiting from extremely competitive prices as cruise companies, hoteliers, tour operators and airlines offer extremely attractive packages. This still keeps Upper Egypt as a destination for those looking for winter sunshine and classic sights.”

With direct flights to Luxor from the UK, visitors can bypass Cairo and take a Nile cruise or a stay in Luxor or

Aswan. Lead in prices for seven-night Nile cruises start from £899 for the first person and £599 for the second, offering up to a 50% discount for second travellers. The package includes full board cruise on the five-star Viking Princess, ten guided excursions and flights from Gatwick.

Travellers looking for a two-centre break can opt for a seven-night Luxor and Lake Nasser cruise, with three nights spent exploring the city of Luxor, Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, followed by a four-night Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Prices are from £1,179 per person including three nights' breakfast stay at the five-star Steigenberger Nile Palace and four nights' full board cruise on the five-star Movenpick Prince Abbas, with flights from Gatwick or Manchester.

For more information or to book see www.discoveregypt.co.uk or call 0844-880 0462.

Kenya savings from Cheli & Peacock

NCL extends ‘Early Booking Spectacular’

THROUGHOUT AUGUST and September Cheli & Peacock is offering 50% off the third night at Kitich Camp and Joy’s Camp in Kenya.

Prices at Kitich Camp lead in at US$1,040 for three nights, offering a saving of $210. At Joys Camp, prices for three nights in high season now lead in at $1,525, offering a saving of $305 per person.

For clients booking both camps for six nights there is a saving of $515 (15%) per person. All rates are on a full board basis including beer, house wine, non-luxury spirits, soft drinks, game drives, guided bush walks, sundowners, bush breakfasts, airstrip transfers and limited laundry.

For more information or to book visit www.chelipeacock.com or email info@chelipeacock.co.ke

NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced that its ‘Early Booking Spectacular’ campaign is to be extended until March 31. The peak booking period promotion gives agents attractive prices on a range of world-wide cruises, as well as double benefits on Europe and Alaska sailings.

The promotion offers reductions of up to £500 per stateroom with seven-night European fly/cruises available from £699 per person. Families can also receive up to £50 off for additional guests or children aged two-11 per stateroom.

The campaign offer is available on a choice of sailings of three nights or more taken between April and April 2014.

For more information visit www.ncl.co.uk/agents

ABTA launches two new health & safety guides for members TO HELP guide members through the myriad of health and safety challenges associated with travel, ABTA has launched two new health and safety guides. The first offers a mini-guide outlining five steps for all members, retailers and principals, to think about in relation to their business offer and associated health and safety requirements. The second guide, called “Demystifying Destination Health and Safety Management” provides a more in-depth guide to planning and implementing destination health and safety plans and systems.

The guides highlight five key factors that should be in place

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for an effective health and safety system: A health and safety policy document, a health and safety statement, clear lines of management responsibility, robust document and record keeping and a clear schedule of review.

Nikki White, the association's head of destinations and sustainability, said: “I’d urge all members to review the miniguide and have the appropriate plans in place. A health and safety problem can not only destroy business reputations, it can endanger life.”

For more information see www.abta.com

February 22 2013

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personalitybulletin

Natascha Crump The general manager of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London would like the ability to create more hours in the day and says one of her skills is being able to change a car tyre...

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

A car full of family and friends with lots of laughter.

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Sledging down the cul-de-sac at home with all the children in the neighbourhood in the snow.

Where was your last work-related trip?

My last quarterly board meeting in Miami.

If you could be a celebrity who would you be and why?

A Formula 1 racing car driver – a female Ayrton Senna. I love to drive… fast!

What three words would friends use to describe you?

Empathetic, loyal, full of fun.

What have your travels taught you?

From an early age all my travels have given me a real appreciation, value and embracement of the many varied and multicultural people and places from all walks of life. It’s also made me realise how very fortunate we are in the UK. What is the best advice you recall?

Go and make a difference.

If you could have a room full of one thing what would it be?

A room full of opportunities.

If you could change three things about the industry what would they be?

I would remove the operational barriers restricting our international visitors to the UK – simplification of the UK visa processing, Air Passenger Duty and

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February 22 2013

"I enjoy the opportunity of bringing about change in management and driving commercial return to an organisation" Career path ● ●

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Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London: April 2012 - current Merlin Entertainments Group USA, director of sales: March 2011 March 2012 The Original London Sightseeing Tour Ltd, head of commercial development London: Jan 2010 – Feb 2011 Consultant within the Travel, Tourism & Leisure Industry: Feb 2008 – Dec 2009 SEA LIFE (Merlin Entertainments Group), sales & marketing director: Sept 2007 – Feb 2008 The Tussauds Group, Worldwide.

Acquired by Merlin Entertainments Group May 2007, group head of commercial trade sales & marketing: Nov 2001 – Sept 2007 The Tussauds Group, City Centre Attractions London, head of trade sales & marketing London: Sept 1998 – Nov 2001

greater recognition of tourism as an key export industry for UK plc.

Who has been the biggest inspiration in your career?

Nelson Mandela in his sheer will and passion, to bring change to his country both politically and culturally.

What is your favourite city and why?

I couldn’t narrow it down to only one, there are too many wonderful and stunning cities, however they would include London, New York, Cape Town, Paris, Florence, Venice…hmm stop me now.

If you were not doing this job what would you be doing?

I would love to work with a number of charitable causes in regards to child and animal welfare causes.

What is your motto in life?

Not a motto as such, however it’s to have self-belief, to work hard and play hard and to be true to yourself, as well as respecting all others.

If you had a superpower what would it be and why?

The ability to create more hours in the day, to live life to the full!

What item do you always take with you travelling?

My trusted Chanel No. 5.

What is your favourite airline and why?

Virgin Atlantic, as they fly in the face of the ordinary.

What special skills do you have?

I enjoy the opportunity of bringing about change in management and driving commercial return to an organisation - and the skill of changing a car tyre!

How do you cope with the advances in technology?

I have a very proficient 12 year-old daughter!

What is your favourite movie of all time?

The Italian Job.

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bermuda

Bermuda bookings do well under pressure according to Classic Collection INDEPENDENT TRAVEL agents are responding well to Classic Collection Holidays' recent investment in the promotion of Bermuda, according to the operator's deputy managing director, Matt Rice.

The company has redesigned its dedicated Bermuda brochure, added new hotel product, introduced stopovers in Boston and has had a dedicated sales and marketing resource on the road promoting Bermuda to the trade.

Rice said: “We are delighted and very grateful that independent agents are selling our Bermuda product, which has been reflected in vastly improved year-on-year sales for the destination, which increased more than twofold during 2012.

"We were also delighted to have been recognised as Bermuda Tourism’s Outstanding Partner for 2012. Bermuda is an unique destination with lots to offer including pristine beaches, world class hotels, sophisticated hospitality and charm, and it deserves to succeed on the British market.

The flying time is a very manageable seven hours and the flight timings just about perfect.

"In the current climate of aggressive pricing, destinations

such as the Caribbean and Dubai, are perceived as offering better value for money, not only in the initial purchase but also within the destination itself. Promotional offers and reduced rates from hoteliers and subsidised offers from the tourist board have helped greatly to redress the balance in this respect."

The operator is promoting a range of special offers on holidays to Bermuda for early summer bookers and those seeking a late winter getaway, and currently has more than 30 special offers available across its selection of 11 properties on the island.

Clients staying at Rosewood Tucker’s Point are offered seven nights for the price of two on all holidays this year, while Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa is offering seven nights for the price of five on holidays taken between October 1 and December 24, with the chance to save between £574 and £1,008 per couple per week on holidays booked at least 90 days prior to arrival, on selected holidays dates up until February 2014.

For further information visit www.classic-collection.co.uk or call 0800-008 7288.

Bermuda facts ● ●

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BERMUDA IS only seven hours on a direct British Airways’ flight from Gatwick BERMUDA OFFERS more than 150 restaurants serving international cuisine, including both local specialties and international favourites BERMUDA IS home to more golf courses per square mile than anywhere in the world. Seven courses dot the island, with five of championship calibre BERMUDA IS the wreck diving capital of the world with hundreds of documented wrecks easily explorable, making it a diver’s dream THE ISLAND’S mid-subtropical climate make it a pleasant destination to experience 365 days a year BA FLIGHTS operate daily in the summer from Gatwick and five days a week in the winter, excluding Saturday and Monday

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BERMUDA’S FAIRMONT Hamilton Princess and Fairmont Southampton are highlighting a Turtle Scrub activity for a small group (of between ten and 15 people), which allows guests to get acquainted with the giant sea turtles at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo. Participants get in the tank with the turtles and scrub them clean with the help of turtle experts. The BAMZ Green Turtle exhibit introduces visitors to the Bermuda Turtle Project and offers an opportunity to focus on the importance of conservation and education for the protection of the oceanic island environment.

February 22 2013

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BERMUDA BERMUD UD DA Prestige Prestige Holidays Holida idaays y can tailor-make tailorr--make the perfect perfect holiday holidaay in beautiful omantic places in the w Bermuda Bermuda - one of the most rromantic world orld with huge savings! sa avvings!

Prices start start from from as little as ÂŁ1199 per person ffor o 7 nights at or Gr otto Bay Baay until u saavving vin ÂŁ255 per couple Grotto 21 Mar 13,, saving couple..

Whyy not fly Wh fly home h Club World Wo orld from from as little as ÂŁ126 ÂŁ1260 60 pper perso pperson n one wa way. ay. add a few few nights W ave many many other special off ers to tempt during the summer, summerr, why Wee ha have offers why not add range that too!

Toronto, wee can easil easilyy ar arrange in New New York, Yo ork,, Boston or T o oronto, w Don’tt forget Don’ fo orget you you will receive receive Love Love to Shop vouchers voucherss for fo or each booking made. made m .

Prestige Prestige stige Holida Holidays ayys on o 01425 480400 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk www

www w..pr prestigeholidaayys.co ys co.uk

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bermuda

KUONI IS offering a seven-night room-only stay at the four-star Grotto Bay Beach Resort for £1,178 per person, based on two sharing. It includes a stay in a superior ocean view room, flights with British Airways from Gatwick and transfers.

To book call 01306-747008 or see www.kuoni.co.uk, quoting BM0010.

Prestige offers self-catering options in latest Bermuda brochure PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has launched its 2013 Bermuda brochure featuring a range of self-catering studios, apartments and suites with cooking facilities for the first time. The operator is also able to source private houses for clients looking to holiday Bermuda-style.

Self-catering breaks lead in at £1,273 per person for a week in a one-bedroom cottage at St George’s Club in St Georges Town for bookings made by February 28. The price includes midweek flights with British Airways from Gatwick, private transfers, a welcome pack on arrival and accommodation. Facilities at the property include two restaurants, three pools, tennis courts, a gym and beach club.

Other self-catering properties featured include the Rosemont Guest Suites in the island’s capital, Hamilton, the Newstead Belmont Hills in Paget and the luxury twoand three-bedroom The Reefs Club Suites on the South Shore.

Also new for this year is a star buy guide highlighting two properties on the island that offer particular value for money - Grotto Bay and Coco Reef Resorts.

Prices lead in at £1,206 at Grotto Bay on a room-only basis with midweek flights with BA from Gatwick and private transfers. The price includes two free nights, saving £255 per couple per week. Grotto

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Bay also offers an all-inclusive option from £61 per day extra per person.

The operator's chairman and managing director John Dixon said: “My relationship with Bermuda goes back nearly 40 years and I am always looking for ways to encourage new visitors to the island as well as to give fans of the island a reason to return. I am very excited about our new range of self-catering properties, which I am confident will give our Bermuda business an added boost this year.

“We have also negotiated some excellent discounts and added value offers with our hotel partners to provide our clients booking a break to this stunning island even better value.”

Prestige Plus deals include selfcatering welcome packs for guests staying at Rosemont Guest Suites and St Georges Club, spa and food and beverage credits at Cambridge Beaches, free use of snorkels and masks, resort activities and bikes at Elbow Beach and early booking offers and free nights across a range of properties.

The operator is also featuring a selection of family deals with savings and second room discounts at the Fairmont Southampton Resort, Grotto Bay Resort and Elbow Beach.

Each of these properties offers pink sand beaches and a choice of

activities for kids. At the Fairmont Southampton children up to 18 years stay free when sharing with two adults and children aged 12 or under can eat for free when on the same meal plan as their parents.

A week’s stay for a family of four at the Fairmont Southampton costs from £4,629 based on a family of four sharing two rooms on a room-only basis. The package also includes midweek flights from Gatwick, transfers and the second room free at Fairmont Southampton, saving £994 per family.

Two-centre 'Shop and Flop' breaks combining Bermuda with a city stay in New York, Boston or Toronto are also bookable, with a two-centre stay with three nights' room-only accommodation at the Holiday Inn Midtown in New York and seven nights at the Grotto Bay Resort in Bermuda costing from £1,677 per person. It includes flights, transfers in Bermuda and savings of £289 per couple.

For clients travelling from outside London, the company offers regional connecting flights to Gatwick from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Jersey and to Heathrow from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle at a special rate of £25 return.

For more information or to book call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/bermuda

February 22 2013

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bermuda The Reefs Hotel & Club completes second phase of $1million upgrade NEXT MONTH The Reefs Hotel & Club will complete the second phase of its US$1million upgrade of the bathrooms in its Cliffside and Poolside rooms. In all, 45 rooms are being upgraded with the final phase due for completion next year.

The renovated bathrooms feature larger open floor plans with large walk in rain showers.

Meanwhile, the resort is planning for the upcoming busy summer months by adding a choice of activities for guests.

These include movies on the beach, where films will be projected on to a giant inflatable screen and guests offered snacks, popcorn and drinks, plus every Friday guests can sample a variety of mojitos made using juice from freshly crushed sugar cane. The mojitos are accompanied by Latin cuisine and music to offer a party atmosphere.

Other activities include free weekly yoga classes held at Caso’s Point from April and paddleboards for hire, for guests to explore the waters around the beach, which are protected by coral reefs.

The resort offers a range of accommodation options including the Cottages which have up to four bedrooms and the Club Suites which have up to three bedrooms.

For families looking to travel this summer, Purely Bermuda is offering seven nights from £1,918 per adult and £699 per child including breakfast and afternoon tea, flights from Gatwick and transfers.

To book or for details see www.purelybermuda.co.uk or call 0800-033 6335. For more information on the resort visit www.thereefs.com

Bermuda Tourism reports 'outstanding results' from partnership with BA Holidays

BERMUDA ROSEWOOD TUCKER’S POINT 7 nights for the price of 5 on all holidays during 2013

CAMBRIDGE BEACHES RESORT & SPA Early booking offer - SAVE up to £1008 per couple, on all holidays booked at least 90 days prior to arrival. Selected dates until Feb 2014.

PLUS 7 nights for the price of 5 on all holidays taken between 1 Oct-24 Dec

Call 0800 008 7288

www.classic-collection.co.uk

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February 22 2013

BA HOLIDAYS, Bermuda’s largest tour operator, reported sales for Bermuda from the UK are up 40% year-on-year.

Bermuda Tourism's director of tourism, William Griffith, said: “We are thrilled with the success of our partnership with BA Holidays, which has produced outstanding results for Bermuda sales, despite the current economic challenges faced by UK holidaymakers.

"We are equally delighted with the ongoing support of British Airways, partnering with the Bermuda Department of Tourism to promote both the AVIOS and companion-goes-free offers last year. These campaigns have worked wonders for raising the profile of the destination and increasing passenger numbers for this year by more than a third. With every effort in place to continue a tight collaboration with these and other UK partners and with more exciting promotions planned for 2013, we are extremely confident of increasing visitor numbers this year.”

UK visitors to the destination shifted from a decline of -7% to -4% last year, and the tourist office is aiming to boost visitor numbers through a new TV advertising campaign, which runs on Sky until the end of March.

Meanwhile, the Bermuda Department of Tourism is organising a roadshow in April across major cities in the UK including Manchester, London and Birmingham.

Bermuda’s hotel partners will be travelling to the UK to train travel agents to become Bermuda specialists.

For more information visit www.gotobermuda.co.uk

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themeparks Gulliver's unveils new balloon ride Milton Keynes’ resort Gulliver's is preparing to kick off a new season after getting the thumbs up from campers and caravanners last year.

The theme park's campsite, run by the Camping and Caravanning Club, was the company's best performing site last year, thanks to its location and numerous activities for families with young children.

The theme park, which opened its doors last week, has introduced new attractions including a balloon ride rescued from North West theme park Camelot, which closed down last November.

The park's managing director, Julie Dalton, says the secret to the park's success is constant innovation and investment.

She said: "It's tough out there and 2012 certainly wasn't easy, but we plan for the worst and have invested significantly over the last 12 months to help us grow in even the most challenging of conditions.

"We're delighted so many families enjoyed short breaks at our campsite last year and this year we have plenty of surprises in store."

For more information visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk or call 01925-444888.

Visit Orlando announces new additions for agents to sell VISIT ORLANDO is promoting a range of theme park additions, including new attractions, accommodation and dining experiences for agents to highlight to clients.

As examples, Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom is adding a new Princess Fairytale Hall as part of its Fantasyland expansion. The new attraction will give guests the opportunity to meet Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses in the Castle Courtyard located in the centre of Fantasyland. For details see www.disneyworld.disney.go.com In terms of accommodation, B Hotels and Resorts plans to expand the B portfolio to Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney resort area. Scheduled to open late this year, plans for the 394-room hotel in Lake Buena Vista include a total renovation to make it a four-star property.

Meanwhile, Universal Orlando Resort offers two new dining experiences at its Universal Studios park. The Superstar Character Breakfast offers guests a chance to meet characters from the Universal Superstar Parade including “Despicable Me” Minions, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. Guests will also have access to a special viewing area for the parade later that day.

The second addition is the Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience where guests sit down for dinner at Lombard's Seafood Grille, followed by dessert in a private viewing area for Universal's Cinematic Spectacular evening lagoon show.

Attraction World offers agent incentives on selection of theme park bookings ATTRACTION WORLD has launched its largest agent giveaway to encourage bookings for all 2013 departures.

Agents making any booking for Walt Disney World in Florida (including The ONE) will be entered into a draw to win one of 40 places on an all expenses paid Disney/Attraction World fam trip.

For Kennedy Space Center bookings agents can enter a draw to win a VIP, all expenses paid trip for two to the VIP opening of the Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Center, including flights and accommodation for two.

Agents making a booking for either the three-park ticket

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(incorporating SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens) or the Discovery Cove Ultimate package can enter a draw to win a SEA goody bag, and any three-park bonus ticket bookings for Universal Orlando Resort will also have the chance to receive a goody bag.

Other incentives include bookings for Blue Man Group to win a pair of authentic Blue Man Group drumsticks and bookings for Legoland can enter to win a pair of Merlin Annual Passes.

All promotions end on March 31 and winners will be notified by April 15.

For more information visit www.attractionworld.com

February 22 2013

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themeparks Funway Holidays launches largest Disney campaign FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has unveiled a new campaign with increased spend to encourage summer 2013 bookings and drive brand awareness.

The new dedicated Disney campaign includes a 16-page ‘Disney Monster Deals’ featuring added value offers with savings of up to 35%, and is valid for new bookings taken up to April 2 for travel up to December 31.

Commenting on the launch, the operator's marketing manager, Nick Talbot, said: “We have an excellent and long established relationship with Disney and we’re thrilled to launch this exciting campaign together. The timing couldn’t be better with our Disney sales up an impressive 46% year-on-year, and it is hoped the new brochure will be a fantastic sales tool and will help us

promote the product even further.

“We have some fantastic prices and great deals to promote with up to 35% savings on featured Disney hotels and we are confident that last year’s increase in Disney sales will continue.”

Savings highlighted in the brochure include a 14-day ticket for the price of seven days for Walt Disney World which covers access to all six parks; savings of up to 35% on stays at featured Disney hotels; the first child receives a free Disney Quick Service dining plan; free airport lounge passes for every booking including flights travelling to Orlando (departing from Gatwick and Manchester; and free car upgrades with Alamo.

Flights with Virgin Atlantic are

offered, where clients can upgrade to Premium Economy from £185 per person one-way or to Upper Class from £799 per person one-way.

Package highlights include a seven-night trip from £649 per person, including accommodation at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and flights with Virgin Atlantic.

For more information visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

Spain’s PortAventura unveils details of Costa Caribe Aquatic Park PORTAVENTURA ON Spain’s Costa Daurada has undergone a complete renovation and extension of its Costa Caribe Aquatic Park.

The new park now offers a new children’s area plus new attractions, and the highlight among the new attractions is the highest free drop toboggan in Europe. At 31m-high, equal to that of a 12-storey building, the ride offers a 550 ascent and a drop speed of 6m per second.

A more moderate multi-bump slide with a rolling trip and two quick slope changes will also be introduced. With a length of more than 100m and a height of 19.64m, the six lane toboggan will allow both children and adults to compete

against one another.

Meanwhile, a new children’s pool offers two depth levels – 50cm and 30cm, and there will also be a pirate ship full of Sesame Street characters and four toboggan slides.

The Splash pad, a small play area with interactive water jets, is located next to the children’s pool, while the adult pool is connected to the children’s one via a waterfall.

The theme park offers three days’

free entry for guests of the onsite hotel in May and September and discounted entry in June, July and August.

For more information see www.portaventuraholidays.co.uk

Kids stay and go free at Disneyland Paris with Superbreak

THE SMILER, a new rollercoaster, will make its debut at Alton Towers Resort, when the theme park reopens next month. It will feature a 30m drop and a ride time of 165 seconds.

For details see www.altontowers.com/thesmiler

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February 22 2013

SUPERBREAK IS offering families who want to visit Disneyland Paris a special ‘Kids Go Free’ offer from now until November 7. Offering value for agents to promote, the offer applies to families with children aged up to six years of age and kids get free entrance into the theme park and also stay free when sharing a family room with two adults.

A range of ticket options are available from two through to seven days.

A package costs from £551.50 for a family of four staying two nights' breakfast stay at the Kyriad Hotel, with three days at the theme park, based on an April 10 arrival.

Agents can also add transport options through the company as it now sells both fights and Eurostar options.

For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

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S05 TB2202 Theme Parks_Layout 1 19/02/2013 17:12 Page 21

The holiday’s booked,

let’s make the memories!

WIN

A PAIR OF MERLIN ANNUAL PASSES

!

Bricking it at Legoland Wa ter Park Safari Trek soaking! Legoland New for 2013 LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland!

Get your customers to purchase a 1-day, 2-day or Waterpark Combo ticket with guaranteed savings off the gate rate!

PLUS if you make a booking you could win a pair of MERLIN Annual Passes - so GET BOOKING TODAY!

SILVER RUNNER UP 2012

,THPS `V\Y IVVRPUN YLMLYLUJL [OYV\NO [V 3,.6'H[[YHJ[PVU^VYSK JVT MVY `V\Y JOHUJL [V ^PU +LHKSPUL MVY LU[YPLZ PZ 4HYJO >PUULYZ ^PSS IL UV[PÄ LK I` (WYPS HUK all names will appear on the Attraction World website. STAR WARS™ and all characters, names and related indi-cia are © 2012 Lucas Film Limited. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

S05 TB2202 Theme Parks_Layout 1 19/02/2013 17:12 Page 22

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT IN FLORIDA

BY FUNWAY 2013

Bigg Holida Holiday, ay, Bigger Smiles!

Don’ Don’tt miss out on our big Disne Disneyy deals 14 THEME HEME P PARK ARK A D DAYS AYS Y FOR THE PRICE OF 7 SAVE HOTELS SA AVE V UP TO TO 35% ON HO TELS FIRST T KID EA AT TS FREE EATS ASSES PASSE A FREE LOUNGE PASSES C AR RENTAL RENT TAL A UPGRADE U FREE CAR For more details or to book call 0844 557 0626 or visit WWW WWW.FUNWAY4AGENTS.CO.UK W..FUNW WAY Y4AGENTS.CO.UK TERMS AND CONDITIONS Teerms and conditions apply;; please see www.funway4agents.co.uk fo or fur ther inffor o mation. All offfer e s must be booked by 02 Apr il 2013.

Offfer e s are subject to limited availability and change . ©Disney

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themeparks Gardaland Resort adds live stage show CHARACTERS FROM DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar films are the stars of Madagascar Live: It's Circus Time, a live show launching at Italy's Gardaland Resort from March 28.

The characters have landed in Europe and are trying to avoid capture from the menacing French animal control officer, Captain Dubois. During their attempt to hide from Captain Dubois, they come across a travelling circus and attempt to blend in. After the mischievous penguins purchase the deed to create the first ever allanimal circus, Alex, Gloria, Julien, and the Penguins begin their tour through Europe performing wacky

and comical numbers. Their next stop is Gardaland, where they will entertain spectators of all ages.

Meanwhile, the theme park has introduced a special family ticket destined to groups of three, four and five people with children under the age of ten. The price of the family ticket is €29.50 per person and includes a voucher to purchase lunch for €6.50.

Other offers include Sunday entrance to the park for €25 from April 7, as well as several online offers including purchasing a ticket for €27.50 when clients book seven days in advance.

For more information visit www.gardaland.it

Futuroscope puts spotlight on new attractions for 2013 FUTUROSCOPE IN France is highlighting new additions to the theme park this year. They include ‘Dances with Robots’, where a 23ft high robot picks up passengers to perform dance routines. The music has been revised this year by DJ Martin Solveig, who has worked with Madonna, and new lighting and special effects are also offered.

RoboThespian RT3 will be present outside the Dances with Robots theatre this year. The humanoid robot will entertain the public and answer their questions and is the latest reincarnation of CP30 from Star Wars. The all singing, all dancing robot has been introduced to represent the technological side of the theme park and the technopole of which it is part.

Meanwhile, a new Imax film that showcases the skills of champion surfer Kelly Slater, Ultimate Wave Tahiti, has been unveiled for this year. The film also provides an insight into the history and marine diversity of Tahiti, known as the Queen of the Pacific.

THORPE PARK is highlighting the launch of THE SWARM’s (pictured) new backwards seating with a ‘Backwards Weekender’ on March 16 and 17. The first 100 visitors who turn up with their clothes on back-to-front will receive entrance to the park for the reverse price of £20.43 (normal price £43.20). A range of evening entertainment and, new for this year, The Crash Pad, which offers guests an overnight stay from March 28, is also being highlighted.

For details visit www.thorpepark.com or call 0871-663 1673.

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Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens introduces new rides for 2013 TIVOLI GARDENS in Copenhagen, Denmark is adding new rides this year. They include a giant 10m-high eagle ride where visitors will experience centrifugal forces of 4G; an 8m-high drop tower where children are taken up in an aircraft before being sent plummeting down at high speed; and the Little Pilot, a classic Tivoli amusement that has been rebuilt and redesigned into a 4m-high interactive flying merry-go-round, allowing children to operate a joystick to control their height during the ride.

SeaWorld Parks launches Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction THIS SPRING sees the launch of SeaWorld Orlando’s coldest attraction, Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin, where guests can explore the frozen wildernesses of the Antarctica through the eyes of a penguin.

The new addition will take guests to the coldest and most barren place on earth with a state-of-the-art interactive ride combined with an animal attraction.

The park's largest expansion combines a family adventure ride and close encounters with hundreds of species of penguins including King, Gentoo, Adelie and Rockhopper.

The cars that will take guests to the bottom of the earth and back offer a mobile simulator, with movements that allow the riders to become one with the storyline as they follow and mimic a young penguin’s adventures.

Adventurers will be able to choose one of two thrills levels to experience the new attraction, allowing families to enjoy the attraction at their own pace.

A Discovery Cove Ultimate Package includes a one-day reservation at Discovery Cove (with a 30-minute dolphin swim experience, all meals, snacks and beverages), plus 14-day unlimited entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica, with prices from £160 per person.

For more information or to book visit www.seaworldparks.co.uk

February 22 2013

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themeparks

Universal Orlando unveils new Blockbuster attraction for summer UNIVERSAL ORLANDO Resort has announced that its next blockbuster attraction at Universal Studios this summer will be a new experience at TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. Based on the iconic TRANSFORMERS brand, the new addition will showcase an intergalactic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons, where adventurers will come face to face with Megatron and dodge explosions and attacks by the Decepticons. The

theme park worked closely with Michael Bay, director of the TRANSFORMERS film series and the ride’s creative consultant, to create an authentic experience that brings the non-stop action of the films to life.

The attraction combines the largerthan-life characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, 3-D technology and special effects to place riders in the middle of an epic battle between good and evil.

Bay said: “We broke the mould and

have taken this ride to a new technological level in terms of blending seamless 3-D. TRANSFORMERS: The ride has already proven to be a hit at our Hollywood and Singapore parks, and we’re excited that Universal Orlando guests will soon be able to join the Autobots in the fight to save the world.”

For more information on the new attraction see www.prepareforbattle.com

Zufari: Ride into Africa launches at Chessington World of Adventures CHESSINGTON WORLD of Adventures welcomes a new ride when the theme park opens on March 20.

Zufari: Ride into Africa! offers a safari truck expedition into a mysterious African Kingdom, where adventurers come face to face with African animals as they embark on a journey that has some hidden dangers along the way.

Deep in the heart of the African outback, a small specialist conservation team, A.C.R.E (African Conservation, Research & Exploration) have stumbled upon previously undiscovered land in Africa which they have named ‘ZUFARI.’ There are no signs of civilisation, although it would appear human tribes once visited but something scared them away….

Adventurers will enter the Base Camp station for an interactive pre-show cinema experience where one of A.C.R.E’s explorers will outline the details of the challenge they are about to set. Riders will then form a team and jump aboard the off-road truck specially designed for the mission to experience a thrilling safari

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February 22 2013

expedition splashing and careering through the extreme terrain of the African outback while getting up close and personal to animals such as giraffe, white rhino, zebra, flamingos and many more species.

The first steps in bringing the African Safari to Surrey are already underway with the arrival of three white male rhinoceroses and four male Rothschild giraffes at the attraction.

The theme park's general manager David Smith said: “We are delighted to be welcoming such magnificent animals to the resort and we’re sure our visitors will be very excited to meet them next year.

“We’re bringing a real sense of Africa to Surrey. From the new animals right down to the plants people will see around the attraction, all of them are traditionally native to the African continent which will make ZUFARI: Ride into Africa! as unique and authentic an experience as possible for our guests.”

For more information or to book visit www.chessington.com

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shortbreaks

Austria

Spring promo from Hoseasons HOSEASONS IS running a spring short break promotion at its new ‘Daisy Door Cottage Style Collection’ concept, with prices starting from ÂŁ99 for a four-night break for four people.

The company's managing director Pali Badwal said: “Daisy Door is very much a half-way house between our cottages range and our park portfolio and is essentially small groups of cottages, built around a range of shared facilities – ideal for short breaks.�

A four-night break, based on four staying at the two-bedroom Alum Cottage in Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight, costs ÂŁ99 for a March 25 arrival, offering a saving of ÂŁ146. A three-night short break in the same accommodation from March 22 leads in at ÂŁ119, offering a saving of ÂŁ156.

For details visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/ agents or call 0844-847 1144.

Grand UK adds more breaks for solo silver travellers GRAND UK Holidays has added five new escorted tours to its range for mature solo travellers, to cater for the rising demand in the sector.

The coach holidays cover destinations such as Bournemouth, Cardiff, Yorkshire and Austria.

As an example, an eight-day Austrian Singles Special includes a boat cruise on Lake Zell; a guided walking tour of Salzburg; and a visit to the Krimml Waterfalls. Departing on June 9, prices lead in at ÂŁ599 per person.

For details call 01603-619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com

VisitEngland promotes coastal breaks in new campaign VISITENGLAND HAS launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism this year by promoting short breaks in some of England’s coastal locations.

The campaign is the third of six launching from January to March, and covers the four key themes of countryside, coast, heritage and culture, funded in part by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

The campaign focuses on the experiences on offer along England’s coastline – from exploring hidden coves and visiting historic fishing villages, to enjoying fresh local produce and sunset walks along the beach.

Destinations partnering with the tourist board include Cumbria, Dorset, Hull and East Yorkshire, Isles of Scilly, North Devon & Exmoor and Suffolk.

The tourist board’s chief executive James Berresford said: “This exciting campaign is one of several launching this year with the aim of growing tourism in England. “The campaign aims to inspire UK residents to ‘escape’ the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to take a short break in one of England’s most beautiful coastal destinations. “This is a great example of the industry working in partnership to stimulate tourism and grow jobs throughout the country.�

For more information see www.visitengland.com/morecoastal

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shortbreaks Kirker Holidays offers new destinations plus free extras in latest brochure KIRKER HOLIDAYS' has issued its latest brochure featuring numerous new destinations and a range of new hotels for 2013.

For many destinations, the company is offering a range of complimentary extras, including a 48-hour Museum Pass for Paris; guaranteed entrance to either the Prado, Thyssen or Reina Sofia museums on a short break to Madrid; or, for visitors to Vienna, the chance to visit one of the Kunstkammer at the Kunsthistoriches Museum, which reopens next month after a ten-year restoration.

Flying from a range of regional airports to destinations across Europe (including Russia), North Africa and the Middle East, as well as Cuba and New York, packages include accommodation with breakfast, private transfers, guide notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, plus the services of a concierge to book expert local guides, opera tickets or a table for dinner, as required.

New for this year the operator now includes a 72-hour ‘Museuminsel’ card in its short breaks to Berlin (giving entrance to the five museums on the city’s famous Museum Island), Acropolis Museum tickets for clients booking an Athens escape and, for discerning travellers heading to Amsterdam this year, the choice of either free entrance to the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, both of which reopen in April.

In expanding its portfolio of short break destinations this year, the operator is featuring tailor-made itineraries to a number of new city, coast and Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

AVRO HAS expanded its range of flights to Gran Canaria for summer with the introduction of a new flight from Gatwick to its existing flights from Birmingham and Manchester.

Operating on a Sunday, the new flight is available from May 26 to October 27, and brings the total number of flights available from the UK to six. Prices lead in at £179 per person based on a June 9 departure.

For details see www.avro.co.uk

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February 22 2013

countryside settings across Europe, including several in Scandinavia.

As an example, three nights in Alta lead in at £768 per person, while a threenight Oslo break costs from £898.

Also new to the company's Scandinavia programme are Norwegian Coastal Voyages with Hurtigruten that depart from the historic Hanseatic port of Bergen to Kirkenes, deep within the Arctic Circle on the Russian border. For discerning clients keen to explore Norway’s coastline and wildlife as part of a tailor-made itinerary, a six-night holiday costs from £1,575 per person based on two sharing. It includes flights, private transfers, four nights on board and two nights in Tromsø.

Other new destinations include Bern, Innsbruck, Interlaken and Montreux.

For more information or to book call 020-7593 2283 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

Superbreak issues new look Mini Cruise Breaks brochure SUPERBREAK HAS launched its 2013 Mini Cruise Breaks brochure in conjunction with P&O Ferries. The brochure has undergone a revamp with a new look and feel including a new front cover that brings it in line with the operator’s other European programme. This year, bigger emphasis has been given to the operator's exclusive themed and tribute short breaks.

Following feedback from agents, the company has dedicated more space in the brochure to detailing the onboard experience and what customers should expect.

More space has also been allocated per hotel so that agents can clearly see what each option offers.

Two-night themed and tribute short breaks are now available to book up until mid November, fully commissionable to agents. Only available to book through the operator, themes/tributes include Peter Kay, Blues Brothers, Abba, The Rat Pack, the 70’s, Take That and Westlife, plus Robbie and Michael Buble.

Prices lead in at £89 per person, and murder mystery and Fawlty Towers mini cruise breaks are also available.

A two-night mini cruise break combines a mini cruise and a day in some of the most popular city break destinations, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Bruges.

Two nights are spent on board travelling to and from the destination and it is possible to add an extra hotel night overseas.

Prices lead in at £37.50 per person for a two-night mini cruise to Amsterdam and £80 for a three-night break including one night in a three-star hotel in Amsterdam.

For more information or to book call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

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shortbreaks Cosmos Holidays launches flexible year-round city breaks programme COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched a range of new European city breaks within its mainstream summer holidays 2013 programme.

The choice of city break destinations, combined with Monarch scheduled flights, include Barcelona, Mallorca, Dubrovnik, Venice, Verona and Rome.

With a choice of flights available from Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford, the company offers a range of flexible durations for customers to choose from. Many resorts within the city regions can be combined for a twin-centre short break.

To meet demand for Italian short breaks, up to 13 flights a week to Venice are available from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester.

Prices lead in at £249 per person based on a three-night stay on a room-only basis at the Ariston Hotel, departing

from Gatwick on May 14. Flights from Luton, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford to Rome are also available, with prices for a three-night short break at the three-diamond rated Republica Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis from £285 per person, based on a June 23 departure from Leeds Bradford.

A choice of Mallorca short breaks are available at easily accessible hotels on the island. A three-night breakfast stay at the four-diamond rated Cala Azul leads in at £339 per person, based on two sharing with a departure from Gatwick on May 6.

The operator’s product & commercial manager Jo Hollidge said: “Taking advantage of Monarch’s new and varied choice of scheduled services to these popular city break destinations means we can offer different durations to suit all customers. Our accommodation buying power across the group enables us to offer the most competitive prices in the market.”

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shortbreaks Malta Mdina Grand Prix 2013 registration now open We asked our staff the following question this week: Where's your next holiday to?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Long weekend in beautiful Cornwall!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Nothing planned this year, but might look at a weekend in Bath with the kids...

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Nothing planned yet. Probably a long weekend away and a music festival

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk A waterside cottage near Nissaki, Corfu

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk France in all likelihood

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk The jungle in the North West of Thailand

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk An impending arrival has put paid to any holiday plans for the foreseeable!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Could be Cornwall or back to Vietnam

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk New York AND Jamaica in March

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Philippines

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Malta to see some of the family

Production: Jeremy Walters production@travelbulletin.co.uk To the city of Angels to see old friends.

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

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February 22 2013

THE MDINA Grand Prix and Classic Car Event will return to the streets of the Maltese town from October 10-13 and registration for motor enthusiasts keen to join in the event is now open.

The event, organised by the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation, features races and exhibitions of historic and classic cars, and incorporates a racetrack stretching from Mdina, Malta’s Old Capital City, through Mtarfa and into Rabat, over a distance of 2.2km.

The main event is a street race and past entries have included sports cars, two-seater racers and other classic cars built between 1910 and 1975 as well as single-seater racing cars dating between 1930 and 1960.

This year’s event will again include the Concours d’Elegance, where all qualifying cars will be on display for the public. The main timed sprint runs plus demonstration runs will be held throughout Saturday and Sunday. The closing date for applications is August 31.

For more information email Ronn Middleton at ronn@sky.com and for more information on the event see www.vallettagrandprix.com

Shearings introduces three new trips for 2013 SHEARINGS HAS added three new trips for 2013 with stays at Coast and Country or Bay Hotels. The breaks include trips that take in various destinations across the UK, with a focus on history and heritage.

A five-day Historic Durham & Beamish options leads in at £259 and offers customers a trip to the historic city of Durham, with its Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. The price includes a four-night stay at the Bay Eden Arms Hotel on a half-board basis, as well as coach travel and three excursions. Departures available from May to September.

A five-day Kipling’s Batemans & Hastings tour leads in at £269 and takes in Rudyard Kipling’s family home and the historic town of Hastings. The price includes a four-night stay at the Bay Majestic Hotel in Eastbourne on a half-board basis, coach travel and two excursions, and departures are available from May to September.

Meanwhile, a five-day Shakespeare Country & Warwick Castle costs from £299 and offers customers the chance to explore the history of the area, with visits to Warwick Castle and the Royal Leamington Spa. Prices include a four-night stay at the Coast and Country Charlecote Pheasant Hotel on a half-board basis, coach travel and three excursions, and departures are available from June to September.

For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Mosaic offers Bond-esque luxury break to Istanbul CELEBRATING THE Outstanding British Film BAFTA, recently awarded to the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall, which was partly filmed in Istanbul, Mosaic Holidays has created an all-embracing Bond-esque experience in the city.

Highlights include three nights’ breakfast accommodation in a deluxe room at the five-star Four Seasons Sultanahmet; luxury afternoon tea for two; a private sunset Bosphorus cruise for two with Champagne, followed by dinner onboard with a drop off at one of Istanbul’s VIP nightspots to continue with cocktails; a Turkish Bath experience for two at Ayasofia Hammam, including transfers; flights and private transfers.

The 007 experience leads in at £2,339 per person based on a March 7 departure, and the operator can also arrange a full day visiting Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cisterna, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar, followed by lunch for an additional £170.

For more information see www.mosaicholidays.co.uk or call 020-8574 4000.

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(bottom) Philadelphia

Where Am I?: Cambodia

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Experience the magic of Egypt Year round sunshine, exclusive hotels and 5000 years of history.

All just 5 hours away.

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

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