Travel Bulletin 22nd June 2012

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June 22 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,784 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

All-inclusive holidays Operators respond to demand by boosting AI options

this week agent bulletin find out what’s in store for cancerians this month cruising is ACE news & views from Giles Hawke of Carnival

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conference report a round-up of news from last week’s joint AITO and AITO Agents’ conference in Madeira

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north africa a round-up of the latest news from airlines, operators & hoteliers

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FAR EAST FORMATION...Cathay Pacific, Kyoto Tourism Council and Hong Kong Tourist Board hosted a mega fam of 34 agents to Kyoto, Osaka and Hong Kong recently.

Pictured in front of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto are, from the left (front row): Jenine Kershaw, Cathay Pacific Airways; Leah Jessop, Lotus; Camilla Rigby, Jetset Flight; Michelle Mullen, Club Travel; Tracy McAuley, Usit; Lesley Hutchinson, World Travel Centre; Patricia Keen, Thomas Cook; Julie Wood, James Travel; Hisatoshi Sato, AWL Travel; Cassie Hollis, Trailfinders; Charlene Sarao, Kyoto Tourism Council UK Representative and Darren Boulter, Flightcentre; with (second row) Amy Cooper, Bales; Jenna Baker, Tui; Keith Harrison, Cathay Pacific Airways; Shelly Hotchkiss, Acromas Travel; Christine Power, Destinology; Vicky Hawker, Audley Travel; Rowena Evans, Flightcentre; Laura Dean, STA Travel and David Stone, Kuoni; and (third row) Christopher Scholes, Wexas; Gemma Williams, Cox & Kings; Peter Smith, Lotus; Suzanne Barney, Travel Counsellors; Lisa Keld, American Express Travel; David Johnson, Trailfinders; Jill Kennedy, Trailfinders and Matthew Wood, Flightcentre; and (fourth row) David Jones, Travel Counsellors; Ben Johnson, Trailfinders; Ben Wheatley, Trailfinders; Jerome Cartier, Cathay Pacific Airways; Rupert Henley, Travel 2; Timothy Scott, Flightcentre; Abdul Chowdhury, Lees Travel, Christopher Connor, Gold Medal and Carl Paes, Major Travel.

Cover Pictures: Main - Beaches Resorts Sandals Royal Bahamian

Inset - Kempinski Soma Bay

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all-inclusives

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the latest industry research, deals & discounts plus new operator programme additions what has the owner of Sandy Travel been up to lately? find out what’s in store for cancerians this month news & views from Giles Hawke of Carnival UK you could win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in our prize Su Doku puzzle a round-up of news from last week’s joint AITO and AITO Agents’ conference in Madeira which industry personality is in the hot seat this week? operators respond to demand by boosting AI options a round-up of the latest news from airlines, operators & hoteliers

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90% of Brits plan holiday, despite double dip recession DESPITE THE state of the economy, 90% of British adults are planning a holiday this year, up from 82% who took a break last year, according to the latest research from Kantar Media Compete’s Online Shopper Intelligence Report.

However, although other analysis from the company reveals that budget and luxury holidays generate similar volumes of discussion in the press, holiday cost is a major concern for UK consumers.

With 49% of the UK online population visiting the site in the first quarter of this year, easyJet is the UK’s leading airline Website, while Travelodge and Premier Inn were the most popular hotels, seeing 54% and 52% of unique visitors respectively (compared to the Hilton and Marriott, which scored 10% each).

The report also found that price was one of the key reasons holidaymakers gave for visiting airline and

hotel websites to book the different elements of their trip separately, with 65% of people buying their tickets from the airline compared to 31% using an online travel agent (OTA), and 28% of hotel visitors arranging accommodation directly.

Online behavioural data from the report found that OTAs see plenty of research traffic, with 72% of people going abroad and 50% of those travelling in the UK in April using sites such as Expedia to look into their travel initially.

Separate analysis by the company of travel articles in newspapers and magazines indicated that improved currency rates were making European destinations more affordable, and supported the findings of the Online Shopper Intelligence report which found that 41% of people taking a holiday in 2012 were going to Western Europe and 19% had chosen central and eastern Europe.

However, despite

favourable exchange rates, 62% of consumers were intending to travel in the UK as a result of the Jubilee, Olympics and Paralympics.

The company's client services director, John Thekanady, said: “One issue clearly flagged up by the report is that OTAs would benefit from taking a closer look at the needs of their audience and how they can meet them. This is particularly pertinent in view of the high reach of easyJet that, with hire cars, hotels, package breaks, etc, is fulfilling the role of an OTA. "The findings also indicate that there are untapped opportunities online for bus and rail companies. They could boost their digital sales significantly by improving their online marketing and distribution channels – particularly as the price of petrol continues to rise.”

The full report can be downloaded at www.kantarmedia.compete .com

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newsbulletin Bamboo Travel adds two-week Temples & Trains of Burma tour to programme BAMBOO TRAVEL has created a new two-week itinerary to Myanmar (Burma) called The Temples & Trains of Burma, travelling by train and boat to discover the country’s ancient and colonial past.

Two separate train journeys will take guests into the heart of the country, to experience village life and discover relics from the bygone British Colonial era. The journey commences with a private tour and overnight stay in Yangon, before heading to Bagan for two nights, to visit ancient temples, visit Mount Popa and have an evening sunset cruise on the Irradwaddy.

Burma’s second largest city, Mandalay, is the next stop where

guests can visit the Mahagandayon Monastery where more than 1,000 monks live and study, the 200-year old U Bein teak bridge and Mandalay Palace which was re-built using forced labour following its destruction during WWII. The first train journey starts from the colonial hill station of Pyin U Lwin near Mandalay, for the journey over the spectacular Goteik viaduct and the second train journey starts from another rural hill station, Kalaw, nestled in the Shan Hills from where it meanders slowly through the countryside and zigzags across hilly terrain before arriving at the sleepy town of Shwe Nyaung, a short drive

from Inle Lake where the next two nights are spent.

The climax of the tour is a visit to the former ancient capital of Mrauk U, where there are more than 70 temples and Pagoda's dating from the 4th Century AD. The holiday costs from £2,995 per person, based on two sharing and includes flights, 12 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, six lunches and two dinners, road and boat transfers, train travel and tours on a private basis with English speaking guides and drivers.

For more information or to book call 020-7720 9285 or visit www.bambootravel.co.uk

Monarch announces plans to launch 12 new routes for winter 2012/13 MONARCH HAS announced plans to launch a total of 12 new routes for winter 2012/13 including scheduled flights from Leeds Bradford International Airport for the first time.

Ten of the new routes will provide easy access to some of Europe’s best winter ski resorts via Grenoble airport in France and Friedrichshafen and Munich airports in Germany.

Complementing these new services, the airline’s existing

services to Milan, Venice and Verona, which will operate year-round, are ideally placed for access to the Southern Alps and the Dolomites. In addition Munich provides year-round appeal with many seasonal and cultural events such as the world’s largest fair, OktoberFest, held annually for 16 days in September and October.

The remaining three routes will target holidaymakers seeking winter sun with new flights to the Portuguese island of Madeira and an expansion of its existing programme to Sharm el Sheikh.

The 12 routes will launch at different stages over the autumn/winter period with Munich flights launching from mid September and Madeira and Sharm el Sheikh routes launching from the end of October. The Grenoble and Friedrichshafen routes will launch mid-December and will run until early April 2013 concluding with the Easter holidays.

Routes to Munich and Grenoble airport will be further supported with additional flights from Leeds Bradford Airport.

AW adds excursions Down Under ATTRACTION WORLD has added new excursions in Brisbane and Perth. In Brisbane clients can choose from a one-and-a-half hour sightseeing cruise for £21 per person; a trip to O'Reilly's and Lamington National Park for £80; a Sunshine Coast and Noosa Tour for £91; and a whale-watching cruise for £131. In Perth new additions include an afternoon Swan Valley Wildlife & Wine option for £80; a City of Lights Dinner Cruise for £93; a Discover Rottnest from Perth tour for £133; and a morning Perth and Fremantle City Explorer for £64.

For details call 0871-700 8888.

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SAYING IT WITH FLOWERS...DFDS Seaways hand-delivered more than 200 ‘Tulips from Amsterdam’ to unsuspecting travel agents across the North East region to highlight its NewcastleAmsterdam route.

Pictured presenting Debra Bell from The Co-operative Travel in The Forum, Wallsend with a stunning bouquet is the company's regional sales manager, Colin Fawcus.

For details on the route visit www.dfds.co.uk

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @fcotravel Resident in Britain and travelling to #Europe?

Look into a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) http://bit.ly/KaDQTp @DFDS_EngChannel Escape the rain with a short break to #France take your car on a #ferry from #Dover for just £19.50 each way: http://dld.bz/aJdkK @bhx_official We've launched a new website around the UK aviation debate & to show how #bhx can play its part http://bit.ly/LVH76w @VirginAtlantic Mmmm, look at the lovely cakes you could be eating with your afternoon tea on your next flight with us http://ow.ly/bwkvS @AKVillas 30% off June and Sept bookings and 20% for all July & Aug! Stunning family villa set in countryside of #Provence http://bit.ly/IguQco @bhx_official Birmingham Airport Launches New Campaign: http://tinyurl.com/7c2qaj2

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

GOING FOR GOLD...Travel Counsellors congratulated its top performing “Gold Travel Counsellors” and thanked them for the important part they have played in the company’s success over the last 12 months at its annual Gold Weekend, which took place in Mauritius last month. Pictured enjoying the views are, from the left: Travel Counsellors Dave Beasley, Katie Chamberlain, Katie Lomas and Jayne Beasley.

InsideJapan Tours redesigns small group tours to offer better value for money INSIDEJAPAN Tours has redesigned its small group tours for this autumn to offer better value for money. The operator has changed some of its most popular tours, making them more affordable.

Four new tour categories have been introduced: the ‘IJT Essential’ range focuses on the basics, a mix of accommodation, tour leader knowledge and expertise and the opportunity to add more along the way, with prices from £1,250 per person; the ‘IJT Classic’ collection consists of three tours staying at three-star plus traditional and western style accommodation, including a number of meals and a range of cultural experiences and excursions; the ‘IJT Superior’ tours are for those who like something a bit special preferring high standard traditional ryokan and hotel, a range of impressive meals, expert guiding and tour leaders and cultural inclusions; and the ‘IJT eXplorer’ consists of six specialist tours each offering something different. The tours are designed around a particular area of Japan, a cultural or historical element or special interest with a long list of inclusions to suit. The eXplorer trips range from the cultural craft tour, ‘Hands on Japan’ to the essential tour for any serious foodie, ‘Japanese Food and Cookery’.

As an example of prices, a 13-night ‘Japan Unmasked’ tour heads through the Japanese Alps staying at Buddhist temple lodgings and traditional guest houses along the way as well as the more famous destinations and leads in at £1,750 per person, with departures throughout the year.

For more information visit www.insidejapantours.com

Superbreak launches fixed price rail breaks SUPERBREAK HAS launched new fixed price rail deals to London, on sale until the end of this month. The new breaks enable customers to travel to London for two nights from more than 150 stations around the UK for £139 per person.

A three-, four- and a five-star package is available and each includes two nights' accommodation in a central London hotel which is named on confirmation, breakfast, return standard class rail and seat reservations.

The packages can be booked for travel up until October 31, excluding July 29 to August 12.

For details see www.superbreak.com/ agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Carrier launches Luxury Family Escapes brochure featuring unique experiences CARRIER HAS issued its new brochure, Luxury Family Escapes 2012, which features family-friendly hand-picked hotels and resorts throughout Europe, North Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, the Indian Ocean, Arabia, the Far East and South Africa. For families interested in more than a "fly and flop” holiday, the collection details a range of unique experiences. Highlights include creative kids’ clubs,

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children-only spas, sports coaching and educational experiences such as caring for baby orang-utans, becoming a junior archaeologist and cooking with top-flight chefs. The brochure also features ‘Carrier Exclusives’ including complimentary excursions, family movie night in with pizza and popcorn or milk and cookies at bedtime.

For more information visit www.carrier.co.uk

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newsbulletin Collette issues 2013/14 preview programme COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays has released its preview programme featuring departures and prices through to April 2014, including a new Australia-only tour.

Called Exploring Australia, the 18-day tour offers highlights including Sydney, Melbourne, Barossa Valley Wine Region, Blue Mountains, Alice Springs, Uluru, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Prices lead in at £4,499 per person, including an early booking offer of £150 per person for bookings made by July 31.

The preview brochure features early booking offers on all tours booked before July 31, with savings from £100 to £500 per couple, with maximum savings available on the popular ‘Best of Australia and New Zealand tour’.

For details call 0800-804 8703 or visit www.colletteworldwide.com

Newsbites ● RAIL EUROPE has been appointed as the exclusive UK

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Kuoni launches summer sale KUONI HAS launched its summer sale, which features a wide range of holiday offers to suit a variety of needs, all bookable by July 15.

Customers can choose from holidays at value prices, such as the four-star Bandara Resort & Spa, Koh Samui in Thailand, from £879 per person for eight nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with savings of up to £1,084 per couple, or for a shorter holiday there is the five-star Angsana Riad Lydines, a restored traditional Moroccan home in the centre of Marrakech, which leads in at £499 per person for a three-

night breakfast stay, with savings of up to £194 per person.

All-inclusive holidays being highlighted include the fivestar Secrets Capri Riviera in Cancun, which costs from £1,049 per person for seven nights with savings of up to £1,241 per couple. For an ideal base for exploring the historical sights of Sri Lanka, the three-and-a-half-star Club Bentota starts from £899 per person for seven nights' all-inclusive, saving up to £100 per couple.

For more information call 01306-747008 or visit www.kuoni.co.uk

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travel trade distributor for new Italian high speed operator Italo.

AFFORDABLE CAR Hire is to help drive fund-raising for the water aid charity Just a Drop. The new partnership will give customers booking online through the car hire company the opportunity to pledge an extra £1 donation to Just a Drop which was set up in 1998 to deliver cleaner water in under developed countries.

NEILSON HOLIDAYS will host special sports tournaments, playful awards ceremonies and Games screenings across all of its nine resorts during the Olympics Games period, in addition to the inclusive sporting activities offered at its Beachclubs. Beachclub guests are invited to partake in the operator's summer spin on the Games with each resort offering a host of inclusive activities including six different Olympic sports, both on land and at sea.

AIRBERLIN HAS introduced a new 'YourFare' fare structure effective immediately for all flights departing from July 1. The new fare structure allows passengers to select the best fare for their individual needs and offers a choice of three different types of fare. The 'JustFly' fare will appeal to price-sensitive passengers and offers the fewest additional services; the 'FlyClassic' corresponds to the airline's current Saver fare, where additional services, such as being able to make changes to a booking (for a charge), seat reservations and a free baggage allowance, will remain unchanged; and 'FlyFlex' is a product primarily for business travellers and is aimed at passengers requiring a high level of flexibility and comfort.

For details see www.airberlin.com/yourfare

Untravelled Paths adds new Romania experience UNTRAVELLED PATHS has added a ten-day tour of the Maramures Region in Romania. Prices start from £790 per person and include all accommodation, meals, transfers, excursions and activities. Highlights of the trip include stays in rural guesthouses that are hosted by locals, helping farmers herd buffalo, wildlife walks, bear watching, pottery making master-classes, visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites and a steam train ride through the Vasser Valley.

The price includes nine nights' full board accommodation, transfers, all day trips and excursions, all village activities and private guides and hosts. Flights are excluded.

Eurostar introduces quiet coach facility CARDIFF COUP...Cosmos Holidays and Cardiff Airport celebrated the early morning departure of the inaugural flight to Orlando Sanford Airport last month, marking the start of the summer programme of flying operated by sister airline Monarch. Pictured marking the launch of the direct flights, which run until August 20 on a fortnightly basis are, from the left: (front row) Debra Barber, Cardiff Airport; Gary Anslow, Cosmos Holidays and Spencer Birns, Cardiff Airport with the backdrop of local cheerleader group the ‘Cardiff Snakecharmers’.

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EUROSTAR IS introducing a new quiet coach facility across all its trains for travel from September. Passengers booking Business and Standard Premier tickets for travel from September 11 onwards can choose a seat at no extra cost in a dedicated quiet coach at the time of booking.

The service is being introduced in direct response to customer requests for the option of a quieter environment in which to work or wind down during their journey.

For more information visit www.eurostar.com

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newsbulletin Solos expands Stansted departures SOLOS HOLIDAYS is offering new flights to popular North Cyprus holiday destinations Bellapais and Kyrenia from Stansted Airport and the operator has also reduced its brochured holiday prices by almost £200, when compared to those departing from Heathrow and Manchester.

Holidays to Bellapais, departing on July 1 or 15 for seven- or 14-nights lead in at £695 per person, while a seven- or 14-night stay in Kyrenia, departing on July 1 or 8 costs from £660.

To book or for more information call 0844-371 8860 or visit www.solosholidays.co.uk

Summer offers from Small Luxury Hotels of the World SMALL LUXURY Hotels of the World (SLH) has issued a range of summer offers available at more than 100 hotels, with savings of up to 33% off the best available rate until August 31.

In addition, when clients join the club, which is free to join, they will receive a complimentary room upgrade and after their first stay, further benefits such as complimentary breakfast, early check in and late check out.

As an example of offers, a three-night stay for the price of two nights is available at Le Pigonnet - Provence in France. The secluded 18th century Provençal mansion is surrounded by floral gardens and features a swimming pool and prices lead in at €167 (approximately £136) per room per night.

For more information visit www.slh.com

TravelChair enables disabled children to fly CELEBRITY STARS Richard Stilgoe and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen recently joined representatives from the travel industry, disability groups and major airlines at the Gatwick headquarters of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to witness the launch of TravelChair 2012, an innovative chair for disabled children for use in passenger aircraft.

The TravelChair 2012 has been designed by the children’s disability charity MERU to replace a cumbersome older version. Virgin Atlantic has already placed orders and the charity is in negotiations with several other major airlines.

The chairs are portable, fit into standard airline seats and can be stored in the overhead lockers. Parents simply advise the airline of their need to use the TravelChair at the point of booking and the airline ensures it is on board for both outbound and inbound flights – at no extra charge.

For more information call 01372-725203.

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MOVERS GETABED.CO.UK HAS appointed Amanda Leggett as business development manager (north). ● &BEYOND HAS appointed Jacky Humphries as chief marketing officer. ● NEIL FLETCHER has joined People 1st as client relationship and business development director. ● BALKAN HOLIDAYS has appointed Jason Kemp as sales executive for Scotland, North East England and Northern Ireland. ● OMAN AIR has appointed Janab Al Sayyid Captain Manin bin Khalifa bin Said Al-Said as general manager, quality and safety. ● THE MIDCOUNTIES Co-op Travel has appointed Gillian Bray as business development manager. ● JAMES RAMAGE has been appointed assistant vice president, global sales for Dusit International. ● ROCKY MOUNTAINEER has appointed Hazel Mansell to the newly-created position of national sales manager UK. ● ADVANTAGE HAS appointed Victoria Jones as commercial manager. ● THE SKI Club has announced that Frank McCusker will take up the position of chief executive with effect from July 2. ● TRAVELPORT HAS appointed Sinead Reilly as its new country manager for Ireland. ● NICK MARNEY has joined Your Car Hire as sales director. ●

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N HAD some very sad news the other day that the lovely Lisa Parkes who worked at Beacon Travel had passed away – she was one of the most cheerful people I have met and always had a smile for you. I think it is particularly sad to die so young at only 41 and her husband and two young boys must be devastated. The travel industry has lost a true ray of sunshine. Paul and the rest of the team at Beacon Travel will miss her dreadfully.

Well, what can I say about Thomas Cook and the huge loss of staff and closure at Bradford up to March next year? What an awful situation for all those staff to be in. I feel so sorry that they are closing in Bradford – over 500 jobs going is a lot of people and I do hope that they can find something else – we all know it is not easy in this current climate and I can only think that staff that do work for TC must be wondering who is next.

Some good news, I was pleased to hear that James Villas will be selling selected properties via independent travel agents through Hoseasons’ Villas4You brand, so that is great for us. I must admit, I do hear quite a few people say: ‘I have seen something with James Villas do you do them?’ so let’s hope next time it will be for one of their selected properties that we are able to do.

There are still a few tables left for the Yorkshire ABTA Ball so get a move on those tour operators out there who would like to attend a good night in Yorkshire. Come on! There are lots of Yorkshire travel agents wanting to attend. It is on Thursday, July 12 at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top M62 junc 24, Huddersfield. It's a black tie event on the theme of Night at the Oscars, so let me know if you want a table, half a table or even single tickets.

Send me an email at sandra@sandytravel.co.uk

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Missed last week’s Tenerife Supplement? You can still view it online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk, with special focuses on family holidays, niche holidays and activity holidays.

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Crystal Cruises is offering agents the chance to win a fantastic spa experience! To be in with a chance of winning, enter via the Travel Bulletin website on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a kindle courtesy of the AMResorts competition on www.travelbulletin.co.uk . All you have to do is answer 3 questions on AMResorts’ brands (Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Now Resorts & Spas).

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

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

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June 22 2012

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives

FANCY A CURRY?..Attraction World treated staff at Affinion International Travel to a curry night with games and prizes. To attend the annual event, staff had to make a booking with the operator in April. Pictured getting their tikka on are, from the left: Mark Turner, Affinion International; Sue Beech, Attraction World; and Mandeep Bains and Mark Mitchell, Affinion International.

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TITAN HAS launched two new agent incentives promoting its USA & Canada third edition brochure and ‘World’s Best River Cruises’.

Agents booking any North America tour departing between now and December 31 or any ‘World’s Best River Cruise’ departing in 2012 or 2013 by June 30 can claim a £30 Love2Shop voucher.

To claim email agentad¬min@titantravel.co.uk

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ABERCROMBIE & Kent is encouraging agents to reap the rewards of being one of its connoisseurs to benefit from increased commission in a threetier structure, increased fam trips and shared client events.

For details visit www.abercrombiekent.co.uk

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UNTIL THE end of this month Attraction World is offering agents who pre-book tickets for a selection of New York’s Broadway shows for clients a £5 Love2Shop voucher. Agents should send their booking reference number to broadway@attractionworld.com and a minimum of two customers per booking is required.

For details see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

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SHEARINGS HAS introduced a new agent incentive to tie into the launch of its autumn & winter brochure, designed to promote off-peak products. The 92-page brochure showcases the operator’s autumn and winter 2012/13 programme, including its full range of UK & European Christmas and New Year holidays.

Every agent who books a holiday from the brochure before June 30 will be entered into a prize draw to win a Christmas Markets river cruise for two on the MPS Rotterdam.

For details call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Cancer?

IT WILL be a highly productive month for you, with your career moving up the ladder. This is the time to enjoy yourself, so make sure as well as working hard, you also have time to relax.

You may find an imbalance between your career and personal life along the way, but patience and positive thinking is the key. Remember every problem has a solution- sporting an open mind will get you through this month.

Lucky day: Thursday

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THE INTERCONTINENTAL Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel in Cyprus is offering agents £40 in Love2Shop vouchers for every seven-night booking made, £80 for every 14-night booking plus a €50 resort credit voucher for every booking made to offer clients. The promotion runs until June 30 and applies for all new bookings of a minimum of seven nights for stays completed by October 31. To claim both the vouchers and the resort credit voucher, send details of your qualifying bookings including lead name and arrival date to pia.s@aphroditehills.com

Lucky number: 7

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June 22 2012

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cruisebulletin Cruising is

by Giles Hawke, sales & customer services director, Complete Cruise Solution HE BIGGEST growth area for the UK travel industry, and especially for UK travel agents, is cruising and any agents that aren’t already selling cruise should seriously reconsider if they want to see maximum success, customer satisfaction, repeat business and profitability.

Cruising commands a very high level of repeat business and if you earn that customer once you will retain their business time and time again. Agents are in an enviable position to really add value through excellent customer service, expertise and product knowledge and should actively seek to make the most of the myriad of development opportunities presented to them, whether this is a ship visit, fam trip, webinar or trade event.

The ‘holy grail’ for every area of the travel industry is newcomers – and again, agents have a key role to play here. Many customers may wish to try a cruise but would base their decision simply on when and where they want to travel – not considering the huge variety in types and styles of cruise ships. Agents are in a pivotal position to guide each customer to the ship and line that’s best for them and this will ensure that customers can comfortably select the right cruise and their repeat business is almost guaranteed, as their trust is gained.

Perhaps the most important development in recent years has been that cruising has finally shaken off its staid and formal image. It has moved from a niche to a mainstream holiday choice and has become a product with smart, contemporary brands with which top celebrities, politicians, actors, musicians, comedians and chefs want to be associated. This is a welcome change in the industry and travel agents still have a key role to play in helping us smash some of the remaining misconceptions surrounding cruise holidays...I’ll get sea sick, it’s too expensive, I’ll be bored... all simply not true. Cruising is an excellent holiday choice for families, couples, singles and groups and those that break into the market will wish they had done it years ago.

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Look out for Travel Bulletin’s All About Cruising Supplement sent out with next week’s issue.

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June 22 2012

The River Cruise Line meets demand with programme expansion ACCORDING TO a report recently released from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), sales of European river cruises rose by 7% last year, bringing the total number of passengers to more than 80,000 per year. One of the big pluses of river cruising, according to the survey is the all-inclusive nature, which enables customers to budget more easily.

The River Cruise Line saw its own sales rise by 11% last year and is confident it’s a trend that will continue throughout this year. As such, the company features an expanded programme in its latest brochure.

New cruises for 2013 include Amsterdam & Bulbfields Spectacular, which includes a full day in Amsterdam and the opportunity to enjoy a city tour; Scenic Rhine & Switzerland – a new itinerary that allows more time to explore the ports of call and sails in one direction from Andernach to Basel, including an overnight stop in Reims; and Rhine in Flames, incorporating the annual celebration of the Riesling harvest.

In addition to popular festive cruises to the German Christmas markets and to a Christmas market medley combining Holland, France, Belgium and Germany, the company has added more festive cruises for this year including 'Magical Moselle Christmas Markets', 'Christmas Rhine' (New Year Cruises available with sailings from Newcastle & Hull); and 'Twixmas Cruise on the Rhine'.

For more information call 0844-544 7580 or visit www.sellingrivercruises.com

VoD extends brochure booking offers VOYAGES OF Discovery has extended its early booking offers on winter 2012/13 and summer 2013 itineraries for another month. Passengers now have more time to take advantage of free cabin upgrades and onboard credit up to the value of £150 for winter 2012/13 bookings, as well as offers on summer 2013, including a 10% discount and free insurance. All offers are valid on bookings made before June 30.

The company has also introduced a new complimentary chauffeur service to the airport or port of departure for every guest choosing a higher grade cabin on summer 2013 bookings.

Cruises include A Tapestry of South America which leads in at £3,149 per person and includes flights from London, transfers and a 21-day voyage on MV Voyager departing from Montego Bay in Jamaica; The French Connoisseur which costs from £1,099 per person and includes a ten-day voyage on MV Voyager departing from Portsmouth; and Gardens of Britain and the Emerald Isles, which leads in at £1,399 per person and includes a 13-day voyage on MV Discovery departing from Harwich.

Prices for all cruises include flights, transfers (where applicable), gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, complimentary car parking (for no-fly cruises), a guest speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board.

For details call 0844-822 0820 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 070

A Crust Naz

A➠

B➠ Star of Mission: Impossible as Father Christmas and Capital of Tenerife

C➠

a vanished holy

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 28th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 8th June is Natalie Isaac, Ambassador Travel in Dorset.

June 8 Solution: A=5 B=2 C=9 D=3

Jessica Alba’s baby has the same name as a holiday company.

Where Am I?

Gavin & Stacey was set in this Welsh town.

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

Number: 070

Across 1. Cheap flights operator (7) 6. Plants often found in a desert (5) 8. Worldwide tours operator (5) 9. Actor starring in 1 Down (3,6) 11. This country is a popular long haul destination (9) 14. They specialise in vacations to the Indian Ocean (5) 16. Celebrity mag (5) 17. Famous Minoan palace on Crete (7)

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Down 1. Film release, sounds like an old hymn (4,2,4) 2. Racecourse with a Royal Enclosure (5) 3. Comedian, ___ Brydon, one of the hosts of the Queen's concert (3) 4. Resort in North Corsica (5) 5. Canary Wharf is located here (4,2,4) 7. Ancient city in Turkey (5) 10. One of the Fiennes brothers (5) 12. The Pont Neuf spans this river (5) 13. Mountain range (5) 15. Known in North America as a moose (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 22 June 22 2012

11

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conferencereport AITO and AITO Agents held their joint overseas conference in Madeira last week, sponsored by the Madeira Promotion Bureau. The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Keep calm and carry on travelling’ reminded delegates that AITO membership gave them the opportunity to work together as a unique support network and make the most of uncertain times. LAURETTA WRIGHT reports on the latest updates and developments from this year’s event.

AITO Specialist Travel Agents unveil new initiatives to support members LAST WEEK’S joint AITO and AITO Agents’ overseas conference, held in Madeira, updated delegates on numerous developments within AITO, including new benefits for AITO Specialist Travel Agent members. Reinforcing greater links between AITO and AITO Agents in the spirit of the Closer Ties scheme, new initiatives include - An AITO Ambassador Training Academy that will see AITO Agents allocate at least one member of staff in every branch to partake in an online AITO course in order to become an AITO Ambassador. The training programme will regularly update the dedicated representative about how to get the best out of membership and provide access to other online courses from a variety of AITO operators.

- A team of AITO roadies made up of AITO Operator sales representatives that, on the road, will help to communicate the latest AITO news to AITO Agents face-to-face, ensuring all members are kept up-to-date with important developments.

- A consumer-friendly monthly e-newsletters for AITO Agents to forward on to their customers, highlighting AITO Operators’ exclusive offers and promotions only available with AITO Agents.

- A new AITO Agents’ Website that will allow agent members to connect, interact and share information through an exclusive online community. Due for launch this autumn, the Website will also have user-friendly dedicated press and consumer sections.

- A re-launch of the AITO All Stars scheme, which rewards AITO Agents members for booking AITO Operator holidays.

The new AITO All Stars 2.0 incentive programme will enable all AITO Agents to earn AITO credits to pay off their membership fee as a reward for their commitment to selling AITO products.

Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel Agents, Oliver Broad, said: “Every year we work to strengthen the ties between AITO Agents and Operator partners in order for the independent sector to prosper as one. I’m excited to unveil new plans which will allow for these partnerships to become even stronger.”

SIGN LANGUAGE...pictured coming up with a unique way to spell out AITO at the joint AITO & AITO Agents' conference are, from the left: Gemma Antrobus, Haslemere Travel; Oliver Broad, AITO Agents' chairman; Tracey Carter, Carrick Travel; and Claire Hunt, Journeys à la Carte.

12

June 22 2012

W-AITO WIN....AITO awarded its 'Top Agent' winner to Robert Broad Travel and its top 'Closer Ties Operator' to Classic Collection Holidays.

Pictured celebrating their successes are, from the left: Vanda Bauer and Sophie Thackeray from Classic Collection Holidays; Oliver Broad, Robert Broad Travel and AITO Agents' chairman; Claire Cannon, Classic Collection Holidays; and Alan Broad from Robert Broad Travel.

AITO All Stars revamp aims to give further financial benefits to members AITO SPECIALIST Travel Agents has announced a re-launch of its successful AITO All Stars Incentive Scheme at its overseas conference in Madeira.

The new AITO All Stars 2.0 incentive scheme will enable all agent members to earn AITO credits that will be redeemable against their membership fee.

The scheme involves an ongoing league table of AITO Agents that are achieving the best results when selling holidays offered by AITO Operators.

The table is created by collating sales figures from around 30 participating AITO Operators in the scheme.

In addition to rewarding the best-selling AITO Agents with monthly prizes, fam trips and annual accolades, the enhanced All Stars scheme will now offer credits to all members to use against membership fees.

Chairman of AITO Specialist Travel agents, Oliver Broad, said: “Whilst we continue to be a group of like-minded independent agents, it is important that all our members reap the benefits of supporting AITO Operators by selling their quality products. Whether an agent is at position 100 or at the top of our monthly All Stars league table, all agents will benefit by earning AITO credits.

“We all need to measure the benefit of our various costs and now our members can. It is also a great message to those agents thinking about joining – support AITO products and put your credits towards membership fee. There is scope for future developments too, such as using AITO credits towards AITO conference places.”

For more information visit www.aitoagents.com

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conferencereport ‘Companies dead within five years’ if they don’t embrace digital technology IN A session entitled ‘Marketing and the psychology of the social web’, Allister Frost, a chartered marketer warned delegates that their companies would not succeed over the next five years if they failed to keep up with the shifting trends of the digital world. Frost outlined how marketing is now very different to what is was. He said: “The internet and family and friends are now the top influences for travel planning information – influences that are derived from social media.

We now live in a digital society and it’s moving faster than ever before. Consumers are empowered and are good at cocreating – they make videos, write blogs etc about your company so you need to get out there with your own posts.”

Frost also highlighted how the UK market is increasingly utilising the capabilities of smart phones and portable devices.

He said: “By 2016 more than half of travel researchers will be doing so using a small screen device. There will be people that opt in to digital and those that don’t so you need to be able to service both sides of the digital divide.”

Frost identified four psychological triggers for people making the decision to purchase and offered examples on how to utilise this knowledge. The first was 'Scarcity' and looked at how people want something more if it appears to be scarce. To put this into practise Frost said that companies could highlight how few spaces there were left to book. As an example, terminology to use on Websites could include ‘Only two places left on this flight – buy now to avoid disappointment’.

The second trigger identified was 'Social proof', which looked at how the need to belong is hard-wired into our brains.

Examples of using this knowledge when selling holidays can be taken from Websites such as Amazon which states ‘Customers who bought this item also bought...’, and an example for a travel company to try could include '29 people have shortlisted this hotel’.

The third trigger looked at 'Commitment', and how people who are convinced to commit to something small are more likely to go on to purchase something bigger. Frost said: “If you can get a client to like you on Facebook or put your luggage tags on their suitcase, you are more likely to get them to buy a holiday from you."

The final psychological trigger was 'Reciprocity' and how we are wired up to want to return favours and exchange gifts.

Frost said: “Being ‘in debt’ to someone is very powerful, so wherever you can give your clients something for free – whether this is a free gift or a free screensaver download. But ask for something in return. For example, with the free screensaver download, you can first ask users to give their name, address and email address. In this way, you are collecting data ready to use to your advantage at a later time.”

Problems facing the eurozone RICHARD BROWN and Julian Hall, financial experts from BestInvest, offered their thoughts on the current problems facing the eurozone.

Hall said: “It is wrong to assume that because the eurozone is structurally flawed its break up is desirable.

The euro is likely to survive, albeit in a different form – perhaps as a two-tiered euro-zone, whereby countries group to form unions. Ultimately, the global market will continue to move forward at a slower pace, interest rates are likely to remain lower for longer and central banks appear to have inflation under some control and overall the world will continue to be a wealthier place overall.”

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InBrief ● STEVE KEENAN, an ex travel journalist and now an expert

in social media and digital in travel, urged delegates to jump on the online digital bandwagon and start planning their long-term strategy. He said: “Things like the use of images, video and blogs online are very useful tools for agents to get their message across and it’s important agents take advantage of the tools available to them. The key is in the planning. Draw up a broad framework of what you’re going to be doing social-media wise for the next 12 months. If you are changing your Website think about optimisation for other platforms such as apps for the iPad as this is where the future is heading. Research from one travel company found that bookings through iPads are four times more than that of bookings through mobile phones, so agents should embrace the new trend, launch their own apps and look to get themselves noticed.” ● JOHN DE Vial, head of financial protection at ABTA,

announced that it is now possible for ABTA members to renew their ATOL through the association. ABTA is not passing any administration costs on to members and is therefore able to deliver costs savings versus applying directly from the CAA. As an example, the annual renewal fee for an ABTA-ATOL will be £495 compared with £780 for a SBA renewal and £1,185 for a standard ATOL renewal and over three years, participants will save up to £2,560 compared with frees for a standard ATOL – or £975 compared with fees for a SBA. ● IN A session entitled ‘Since Vilnius’ which looked at the

market’s successes and failures since last year’s conference in Vilnius, the majority of travel agents agreed that the allinclusive market had grown significantly over the past 12 months and that clients were increasingly seeking value for money when they book. Gemma Antrobus from Haslemere Travel said: “There’s a mix of people seeking all-inclusive and those seeking luxury. Overall, we’ve seen a rise in clients opting for shorter durations and seeking value for money.” Tracey Carter from Carrick Travel added: “All our clients want value for money and we’re finding people are downgrading to get extra value and also seeking greater value in extras such as free upgrades. Increasingly clients are also taking one main holiday a year rather than the two or three holidays they were taking previously.” ● MONARCH IS to introduce additional frequencies to

Madeira from the end of October, with three weekly flights from Gatwick and two weekly flights from Birmingham. ● MADEIRA’S AIM this year is to promote the island to a

younger population and encourage them to take advantage of the plethora of activities available on the island. The regional minister for culture, tourism & transportation, Conceicao Estudante, said: “Madeira is very much viewed as a traditional destination for UK holidaymakers and attracts the middle-aged market with an average age of 55-56 years old. But alongside this we want to highlight the many activities available to younger people, couples and families such as hiking, cycling, watersports and mountain adventures, with the aim of boosting our occupancy levels from 65% to filling the 30,000 beds we currently have on the island.”

June 22 2012

13

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personalitybulletin

Rob Grover The UK & Ireland sales manager of Expedia Travel Agencies Affiliate Programme (TAAP) enjoys mixing with the locals when he goes travelling and would like to be able to pause time

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

For a beach holiday, my girlfriend, for a weekend away, my mates.

”I try and do something every year that counts as a big achievement. This year for example I’m doing the Edinburgh marathon for BLESMA”

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Being in reception class, going to get my packet of crisps and finding they’d all been crunched (and then probably crying about it!).

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why?

Definitely a footballer. They get paid ridiculous amounts of money for playing a great sport and the lifestyle seems brilliant too. Big Arsenal fan so Thomas Vermaelen.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Old before my time (4 – sorry!).

What have your travels taught you?

Whenever you can, try and mix with the locals - you’ll get to see more than those who stay in their hotel will and your holiday will be all the better for it.

What is the best advice you recall?

“It’s better to be at the bottom of a ladder you want to climb than halfway up one you don’t”. It’s from The Office but seems to make good sense!

If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be? £50 notes.

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

You know what, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my four years in the industry and genuinely can’t think of anything I’d change!

14

June 22 2012

Career path ●

● ●

Aug 2007 – Aug 2008: Sales & marketing exective at Institute of Sales Promotion Aug 2008 – Oct 2011: Account manager at Travel Bulletin Oct 2011 – present: UK & Ireland sales manager - Expedia TAAP

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career?

My girlfriend. She’s brilliant at what she does (primary school teacher) and has worked so hard to get where she is - it can’t help but rub off on you.

What is your motto in life?

I just try and do something every year that counts as a big achievement. This year for example I’m doing the Edinburgh marathon for BLESMA. What is your favourite mode of travel?

Aeroplane. I managed to get bumped up to Business when flying at Christmas out of pure luck and that was awesome.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?

To pause time whilst you can still move around…you could have all sorts of fun with that!

What was your nickname at school and why?

Airhead…my mate thought I had a big head!

What's your favourite airline and why?

Moremi Air (in Botswana)…a really small plane and the pilot let me sit in the front next to him for the whole journey.

What’s your favourite movie of all time?

Braveheart…the William Wallace memorial is only round the corner from our office too!

What's your favourite city and why?

Liverpool. I went to uni there and it’s such a trendy place where the people are so friendly. Also brilliant for a night out.

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you?

Shia LaBeouf, he seems around my age.

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

When I was at school I worked at a garden centre and loved it there, so probably that or landscaping.

What do you love about your job?

With spending a fair bit of time on the road, I get to meet some great people that genuinely make the days fly by.

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all-inclusive

Morgan Bay

BA offers savings of up to £400 in St Lucia BRITISH AIRWAYS is offering seven nights at the four-star Morgan Bay Beach Resort from £999 per person, offering a saving of £400 per couple.

Departures can be taken up to July 15 and the price

includes BA flights from Gatwick and allinclusive accommodation.

For more information call 0844-493 0758 or visit www.ba.com/stlucia and www.morganbayresort.com

Balkan offers free child places & free child insurance for 2013 BALKAN HOLIDAYS is offering a total of 60 all-inclusive properties in its 2012 and 2013 summer programme, principally to Bulgaria but also Croatia.

The operator’s sales and marketing manager, Rupert Diggins, said: “The trend for all-inclusive accommodation continues to have a huge impact on our portfolio. By offering all-inclusive packages to a destination such as Bulgaria, which already enjoys a reputation as a great value destination, agents can keep even the most budget conscious clients happy.”

In addition, for 2013, the company is offering low deposits of £70 per person, free

child places, free child insurance and low child prices of £99 per child, plus a 20kg per person luggage allowance on charter flights.

Customers who have booked and travelled with the operator for either the 2011 or 2012 season also qualify for a 5% loyalty discount.

Prices during early July, staying at the Hotel Royal Park, Elenite, Bulgaria on an all-inclusive basis, cost from £382 per person including flights from East Midlands Airport, transfers and supplements.

For more information see www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-130 1114.

Olympic Holidays strengthens all-inclusive offering in Spain, Greece & Cyprus HOLIDAY BUDGETING has never been easier, thanks to the growth of all-inclusive hotels in all the main holiday regions, according to Olympic Holidays' commercial director Photis Lambrianides.

He said: "The larger the travelling group, the more difficult it is to assess in advance how much spending money will be required to see them through their fortnight in the sun. By paying for the complete holiday up front – and that includes full-board, free snacks and locally produced drinks, and often free use of the hotel's sporting and entertainment facilities – it's far easier to calculate the real cost of the holiday.

"That's especially important for families, where children's drinks throughout the day and often ice-cream are included – terrific value if they are spending most of their time in the hotel."

The company is offering around 250 all-inclusive properties in nine countries across its Summer Sun, upmarket Gold & Platinum Collection and budget Smart Choice programmes this year and has expanded its all-inclusive offer with the addition of Spain and general strengthening of the product, especially in Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and the Red Sea. In Greece, the company offers all-inclusives in mainland Halkidiki and nine islands: more than 60 are in Crete and Rhodes, with others in Lesvos, Thassos, Santorini, Kos, Corfu, Kefalonia and Zante.

Lambrianides said: "From Spain to the Red Sea, all-inclusives have become the holiday of choice for a growing number of people, making the future of the holiday package even more secure. While the main market for all-inclusive holidays is undoubtedly summer sun, paying in advance and having everything on site can also prove an attractive option in winter.

"A large number of new-build hotels have gone down the all-inclusive route, while many established properties have now chosen to additionally offer an all-inclusive option."

All-inclusives featured by the operator for the first time this summer include the three-star Club Cala Romani Hotel in Mallorca and the four-star Club Hotel Drago Park on Fuerteventura in the Canaries.

As an example of prices, a 14-nights all-inclusive stay at the three-star Triton Hotel in Malia, Crete, leads in at £520 per person, based on two sharing in September. The price includes flights from Birmingham and transfers.

For more information call 0844-499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com

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Sandals Royal Bahamian opens new Balmoral Tower SANDALS RESORTS has recently reopened the newly-renamed Balmoral Tower at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island in the Bahamas.

After undergoing recent renovations, the Balmoral Tower now features a lighter, contemporary look and offers additional luxury.

The $17million upgrade helps maintain the operator’s high end Luxury Included standard and has seen the addition of large balconies to 35 of the ocean view rooms. An additional 11 ground-floor rooms have now become walk-out rooms, providing direct access onto the newly-finished white concrete pool deck, which incorporates local fauna and conch shells.

Beachfront fire pits and an expanded lounge area complete the Balmoral Tower’s new look.

Prices lead in at £1,825 per person, saving £472 per person when staying seven nights’ on a Luxury Included basis. The price includes accommodation in a deluxe room, flights and transfers and is valid for travel between August 20 and November 10.

For details call 020-7590 0210 or visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk

June 22 2012

15

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all-inclusive Funway unveils new Sandals

by Funway 2012/13 brochure FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has unveiled its dedicated Sandals by Funway 2012/13 brochure, which is valid for travel from August 15 until March 31, 2014.

The brochure features a range of special offers such as savings of up to 35% plus free nights at Sandals and Beaches Resorts; stay for six nights or more for a free Beautiful Beginnings WeddingMoon at Sandals and Beaches Resorts; and savings of up to 45% at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort Antigua plus a free wedding at the property when staying 13 nights or more in an oceanview room.

The operator's product manager, Casey Hurford, said: “This new-look edition is the result of our wellestablished and incredibly strong relationship with Sandals Resorts. We are

delighted to present such a comprehensive product line up to our agent partners and we are confident that sales volumes to the Caribbean will continue to grow at the rapid pace they currently are running at.”

The 84-page brochure features all 13 Sandals and three Beaches Luxury Included resorts on the islands of Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, plus two all-inclusive Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts in Jamaica and Antigua.

Lead in prices start from £1,107 per person based on two sharing for seven nights' all-inclusive at Grand Pineapple, Antigua, including flights with Virgin Atlantic.

For more information or to book see www.sandals4agents.co.uk or call 0845-557 0624.

St Raphael offers budget-friendly AI board THE FIVE-STAR St Raphael Resort in Cyprus is highlighting its budget-friendly Ultra All-Inclusive board basis option. For this summer the resort has introduced new facilities and services as well as completing refurbishments and upgrades.

These include a new games room for guests aged between 12-18 years old featuring arcade games, two football tables, a pool table, table tennis, card tables as well as a relaxing sofa area; a refurbishment to the Octagon Restaurant to offer a larger seating capacity, new buffet areas as well as a new entrance and reception area; plus updates to Sailors Rest Lounge Bar & Restaurant and a new Business Centre.

For more information visit www.raphael.com.cy

St Raphael Resort

H&J boosts all-inclusive offering in 2013 Worldwide brochure IN ITS new 2013 Worldwide brochure, Hayes & Jarvis has boosted the range of all-inclusive accommodation featured in the west in Caribbean and Mexico and in the Middle East and Indian Ocean.

Now one of the operator's most successful destinations, the Dominican Republic is given more exposure because of a significant increase in demand over the past 12 months.

New additions to the programme include the allinclusive five-star Dreams Punta Cana, which offers more than 17 food and drinks outlets to choose from, with seven-night packages leading in at £1,199 per person.

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, the all-inclusive portfolio has been boosted by the addition of Tobago’s newest resort, the five-star Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, where seven-night packages cost from £1,089. Mexico's profile in the brochure has also seen new all-inclusive additions, which include the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun,

formerly the Cancun Palace, where a seven-night package costs from £1,359.

Travelling east, in Dubai, the Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta, already an online bestseller, provides premium all-inclusive accommodation with eight restaurants and bars as well as free access and shuttle rides to the Ocean Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, where three-night packages lead in at £799.

The number of Maldives resorts offering all-inclusive holidays is also on the increase and the operator has added new options to its brochure. These include the three-star Chaya Reef Ellaidhoo with its own house reef, PADI dive school and spa, where five-night packages cost from £1,399, and the four-star Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, which is due to open at the end of this year. All-inclusive five-night prices for the resort, which is a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé, start from £1,599 with premium all-inclusive packages available at a £56 per person per night supplement.

Movenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta, Dubai

16

June 22 2012

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all-inclusive Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa predicts guests save up to 40% with AI option THE FIVE-STAR Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, which recently introduced an all-inclusive concept for guests, predicts that the average guest saves up to 40% on their food and beverage bill by taking advantage of its allinclusive offer.

Included are airport meet & assist on arrival and departure; premium brands of alcoholic beverages; all menu items in the Dining Room and Battuta’s;

minibar items; a private beach dinner; a Reef Explorer Excursion; snorkelling equipment; gym access; use of nonmotorised watersports equipment; internet access and invitations to inhouse barbecues and special events.

The Reef Explorer Excursion, which is included in the package and is new for this year, allows guests to understand more about the nature of Maldivian atoll and island formation.

Guests are taken by private speed boat to travel to several different locations within the atoll and discover the history behind the topography of the Maldives.

Exsus is offering seven nights at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa from ÂŁ3,710 per person on an all-inclusive basis.

For more information or to book see www.exsus.com or call 020-7337 9010.

UK’s first Crowne Plaza Resort launches all-inclusive holidays from £105 per night THE UK’S first and only Crowne Plaza Resort Colchester – Five Lakes is offering an all-inclusive package priced from £105 per person per night.

The package includes all meals in the AA Rosette Brasserie 1 restaurant, alcoholic and soft drinks, accommodation in a standard twin or double room and unlimited access to the leisure facilities which include a Technogym, tennis, badminton and squash courts, an indoor pool, spa bath, steam room and sauna.

Upgrades to club rooms and the resort’s fine dining seafood restaurant, Catch 22, are also available.

The property's general manager, Ben Danielson, said: “With the recent increase in Air Passenger Duty, which is set to rise again next year, the rising cost of international travel insurance

JAMAICA

SAINT

LUCIA

and the turbulent value of the British pound, more and more Brits are finding a holiday abroad just too expensive. “Staying in the UK means holidaymakers can avoid the sting of travel expenses and harsh taxes, and spend their hardearned money on relaxing and enjoying themselves. Our new all-inclusive package is simply designed to help them do so; bringing the benefits of a holiday home. The only part we can’t guarantee is the exotic weather.�

Set in a 320-acre estate, the four-star resort features two golf courses, a luxury spa and 194 en-suite rooms, each comprising a large flatscreen TV with stereo sound system, luxury bathroom and air-conditioning.

For more information or to book call 01621-868888 or visit www.cpcolchester.co.uk

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northafrica

The Kempinski Hotel

Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay launches Jubilee Presidential Package THE KEMPINSKI Hotel in Soma Bay has launched a new Jubilee Presidential Package to mark the Queen's 60year reign.

The package includes private limousine transfers and a stay in a Presidential Suite, which features a private balcony, king-sized bed, living area, flat-screen TV, DVD and multi-media station and a complimentary mini-bar.

Guests of the Presidential Suite also have full access to the Laguna Club Lounge which offers complimentary canapés, soft and alcoholic drinks and a range of culinary delights. As part of the Jubilee Presidential Package, guests are offered a complimentary dinner for two at the View restaurant, a reflexology massage, a Euphoria spa bath and guaranteed early check-in and late check-out.

Prices for the package start from €2,110 (approximately £1,689) per night including buffet breakfast in the View

Early booking savings from RSH RED SEA Holidays has launched its latest edition brochure which includes summer 2013 departures, early booking discounts of £75 per booking and low deposits of £75.

The operator also offers a £419 guaranteed child prices across all seasons and dates. As an example of prices, seven nights at the four-star Ghazala Beach Hotel in Na’ama Bay costs from £390 per person, based on two adults sharing. It includes breakfast accommodation and flights from Gatwick and is valid for travel from November 26 until December 17.

The company's sales director, Jason Hilton, said: “Sales have been exceptionally strong since after the Easter break, particularly late sales, with a great deal of customers booking within two weeks of departure. There’s no doubt the unpredictable weather is playing a big part in driving sales with people desperate for some well-deserved sunshine.

"Demand for the peak summer holidays dates has just started to grow and we are finding customers are keen to secure their September holiday for the “Splash Cup” – an exciting water sports and windsurfing regatta held annually in Hurghada.”

For more information or to book visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk or call 0845-026 5973.

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June 22 2012

restaurant and one dinner, a Reflexology massage, spa bath and VIP airport pick-up. The offer is available for stays until October 31.

Meanwhile, the property is offering guests a ‘Rain Refund’ - a way of reimbursing guests for any lost sunshine by offering a complimentary night for every day of rain during their stay on the same board basis to be taken within six months.

The property's general manager, Hany Abdelmoneim, said: “We created this offer as a fun way to help guests enjoy their holiday even if it does rain. Soma Bay enjoys sunshine for 365 days a year but if in the unlikely case rain does make an appearance, guests can make light of it and are rewarded a complimentary night.”

For bookings or more information visit www.kempinski.com/somabay

Bales Worldwide marks 65 years by announcing 600-mile Dahabiyya cruise AFTER 15 years of part-closure, the Egyptian Government has announced that it is opening up the Nile from Cairo to Aswan.

The iconic 600-mile journey was one of Bales Worldwide’s most popular holidays prior to closure and the company has announced plans to recommence the voyage once again on its exclusive Dahabiyya sailboats, from this October. The Dahabiyyas are fully inclusive and cater for 12 passengers and each sailing is accompanied by an Egyptologist.

During the journey guests can explore the lesser known sites of Middle Egypt, such as the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hasan, Tell el-Amarna and Abydos.

The operator will start offering the new cruises in the cooler months of autumn after the new 600-mile itineraries have been finalised and to celebrate the company’s 65th anniversary. Whilst departure dates and new operational elements of this tour are being completed, the company is offering those interested in the opportunity to pre-register interest online and be one of the first to receive finalised dates and prices for the unique experience.

For more information visit www.balesworldwide.com or call 0845-271 2318.

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S05 TB2206 North Africa_Layout 1 20/06/2012 11:01 Page 19

northafrica Shearings adds 16-day Treasures of Morocco & Southern Spain tour to portfolio SHEARINGS HAS added a 16-day Treasures of Morocco & Southern Spain to its programme, with prices leading in at £1,399 per person.

Highlights of the holiday include a visit to the traditional city of Fez and the vibrant city of Marrakesh plus visits to the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca and the Alhambra Palace in Granada in Spain.

The holiday also includes a stay at the Andalucian beach resort of

Estepona. Included in the cost are 15 nights' half-board accommodation, touring itinerary and luxury coach travel.

Departures are available in September and October.

The operator's Europe & worldwide holidays manager, Patricia Birmingham, said: "Our Treasures of Morocco & Southern Spain Grand Tourer itinerary has proved incredibly popular since we

added it to our portfolio.

“Customers are looking for a holiday which combines key sites with a chance to relax in the sun.

“The luxury coach travel on this holiday has also proved a key selling point, with extra leg room and panoramic views for customers to travel in comfort.”

For more information or to book call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Travelport and Egypt Air reach new content agreement to benefit travel agents TRAVELPORT, THE business services provider to the global travel industry, has confirmed the signing of a new global full content airline agreement with Egypt Air that will give all of Travelport’s Galileo, Worldspan and Apollo-connected travel agents worldwide access to the carrier’s full range of published fares and inventory.

Effective immediately, the new multi-year agreement marks the start of a new global distribution system (GDS) partnership between the two companies, and the airline aims to actively promote Egypt to the travel trade as one of the world’s foremost tourism destinations, whilst at the same time leveraging Travelport’s extensive worldwide travel agency network to support its projected

long-term growth.

The carrier has also enhanced its connectivity to the global distribution system, upgrading to the highest level of GDS functionality.

Captain Hossam Kamal, the airline's chairman and CEO, said: “By dovetailing our long-term growth strategy with Egypt’s tourism goals, we aim to offer products and services via the global travel trade that encourage travellers to fly with us and discover a truly magical destination.

“With an impressive global network of loyal travel agency users, Travelport is ideally positioned to help us nurture this ever-important relationship.”

AW adds new product in Egypt ATTRACTION WORLD has added new tours and attractions tickets to sell in Egypt, in destinations including Luxor, Cairo and Hurghada, all of which are fully commissionable to agents.

New tours include a city tour & Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Khan for £60 per person; a day trip to Alexandria with lunch for £116; a day trip to El Almein with lunch for £116; dinner cruise on the Nile for £52; a half-day tour to the Egyptian Museum for £33; a halfday Giza Pyramids tour for £33; a Felucca boat trip for £14; a city tour of Hurghada for £13; and quad biking in Hurghada for £39.

For more information see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

New North Africa routes for Edinburgh Airport EDINBURGH AIRPORT has announced the expansion of its global destination offering with new direct flights to Sharm el Sheikh, Tunisia and Bydgoszcz in Poland.

Holidaymakers will now have the option of flying directly to Egypt and Tunisia with Thomson First Choice from spring next year. Starting in April, the Sharm el Sheikh programme will operate once weekly until October, while the flight to Tunisia will also operate once a week from May until October.

The airport's managing director, Jim O’Sullivan, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer our passengers more choice than ever before. These new routes to North Africa and Poland mean that holiday makers have a wider range of options when planning their travels from Edinburgh Airport.”

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June 22 2012

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northafrica Intrepid invites holidaymakers to enjoy a 'little bit' of North Africa CITY BREAKS in Casablanca, cooking classes in Marrakech, a cruise down the Nile and a beach break in Essaouira all feature in Intrepid Travel's new Short Break Adventures brochure, which aims to offer holidaymakers 'a little bit of adventure' on trips lasting two to five days.

The operator's range of more than 100 short breaks are sold without flights, which means they can be taken as an add-on to a longer holiday, combined to create a tailormade holiday, or taken as a short break.

Mini-adventures in North Africa include a three-day Marrakech in Depth from £390 per person; a three-day Essaouira in Depth from £225; a five-day Moroccan Spice

option from £530; a four-day Marrakech City Break from £280; a three-day Casablanca City Break from £190; a two-day Alexandria Short Break from £175; a four-day Nile Cruise - Aswan to Luxor from £340; a two-day Cairo in Depth from £135; and a five-day Sinai Beach Break from £210.

To launch its new Short Break Adventures brochure, the company is running a 'buy one, get one half price' deal when two people book this month for travel by December 15. Solo travellers who book during June receive 30% off their second short break.

For more information visit www.intrepidtravel.com

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.

Don’t forget you will receive Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or

www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

S05 TB2206 North Africa_Layout 1 20/06/2012 11:01 Page 21

northafrica Anatolian Sky launches new five- and seven-day Moroccan tour from £889 ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays has launched a new tour in Morocco as part of its expanding programme in the region.

The ‘Marrakech, Desert Adventure and High Atlas Mountains’ tour will be available as a five- or seven-night package and offers a chance for visitors to sample a variety of experiences - from the souks and historic old city of Marrakech, to the landscapes of the desert and on to the scenery of the High Atlas Mountains.

Highlights of the tour include a

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camel ride across the desert; visiting remote and traditional communities; swimming in an oasis pool and visiting the ancient underground village of Tamegroute.

Prices start from £889 per person for the seven-night package based on six adults travelling together, or from £755 per person for the five-night package based on six adults travelling together.

The operator is also offering early booking discounts of £55 per adult. The

price includes flights, a two-night breakfast stay at Les Borjs de Kasbah in Marrakech; two nights (for the seven-day option) or one night (for the five-day option) on an escorted desert trip, transfers, full board accommodation, guided excursions; and two nights at the Kasbah Angour in the High Atlas Mountains with breakfast.

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

June 22 2012

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northafrica We asked our staff the following question this week: What's the best hotel you've stayed in?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Shangri-La Sydney for the breathtaking view!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk The Tanjung Rhu Resort on Langkawi Island, Malaysia they give you a foot massage when you get to your room - how cool is that?!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Royal Palm, Mauritius

THE RECENTLY opened Selman Marrakech is offering a selection of special opening offers including €359 for a night's stay with breakfast plus a VIP welcome, private limousine transfers and a guided tour of the Arabian horses. At the upper end of the scale a Chenot Discovery package costs €3,140 for three nights' breakfast accommodation and includes the same additions as the introductory offer plus three hydrotherapies, three energetic massages, one scalp treatment, three sessions with a personal trainer and a Biolight spa meal. Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the property is five minutes from the centre of Marrakech and the medina and is in close proximity to three golf courses. The hotel offers 56 rooms and suites and five riads. Each riad offers a private garden, heated pool and 24-hour butler service.

For details visit www.selman-marrakech.com

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk

TNTO reports tourism is back on track

Cobblers Cove, Barbados

THE TUNISIAN National Tourist Office (TNTO) reports that UK holidaymakers are steadily returning to Tunisia, with numbers up by 34% on last year.

Last month 31,095 British visitors arrived in Tunisia and visitor figures for this year are currently 56.5% higher than in the same period in 2011.

The tourist office's UK & Ireland director, Wahida Jaiet, said: “The UK has proved to be one of our most resilient markets and I’m delighted to see visitors returning to Tunisia in such numbers. The Irish market has also displayed great faith in the destination and I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow. “Now is a great time to visit Tunisia as the country enjoys a new-found freedom and optimism. From high-end luxury hotels and thalassotherapy centres, to great value family resorts and fantastic cultural attractions, there is plenty to bring visitors back to Tunisia again and again.”

For more information visit www.cometotunisia.co.uk

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Burj Al Arab - Dubai

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Hamilton Island Beach Club (Whitsunday Islands, Queensland) for their complimentary 24hr golf buggy pick-up with a smile, anywhere across the island!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk The Santiburi Resort in Koh Samui

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com

Fleewinter promotes free hammam scrub

Marriott Son Antem in Mallorca

FLEEWINTER IS offering breaks to Rebali, a complex of six luxury riads in Morocco which features a hammam and spa.

The riads are located in the village of Sidi Kaouki on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, 20-minutes south of Essaouira and 100m from the beach.

The hammam at Rebali offers a variety of treatments including a one-hour hammam scrub for £35; a one-hour massage for £30; and a manicure or pedicure for £20.

Guests booking a five-night stay or longer, for stays up to October 15, will receive a free hammam scrub worth £70 per couple.

The six properties at Rebali offer between two and four bedrooms and feature private gardens, roof terraces and balconies.

There is a large, communal swimming pool (the larger properties have private pools) and the complex also houses tennis courts and an on-site kitchen which delivers meals to the riads.

Properties can be taken over for exclusive use by families or small groups, or individual rooms in the larger properties can be rented by couples.

A week’s stay costs from £270 per person, based on two sharing on a bedand-breakfast basis and flights are bookable on request.

For more information call 020-7112 0019 or visit www.fleewinter.com

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com The Marriott, Marbella

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com I like sleeping on the beach

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com The MGM Grand Hotel in Reno, Nevada - there was a sunken bath in the open plan bathroom

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 - Travel Bulletin is published weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA & GTG agent.

Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £155 ISSN: 0956-2419

22

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. RYANAIR, 6. CACTI, 8. BALES, 9. TOM CRUISE, 11. AUSTRALIA, 14. ELITE, 16. HELLO, 17. KNOSSOS. Down: 1. ROCK OF AGES, 2. ASCOT, 3. ROB, 4. CALVI, 5. ISLE OF DOGS, 7. IZMIR, 10. RALPH, 12. SEINE, 13. ATLAS, 15. ELK.

Subscriptions are £105 p.a. for tour operators and others, plus additional ABTA, IATA copies.

Audit Bureau of Circulations Business magazines

June 22 2012

Highlighted Word: YORK Travagrams: (top) Santa Cruz

(bottom) Haven Holidays

Where Am I?: Barry

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S05 TB2206 North Africa_Layout 1 20/06/2012 11:01 Page 23

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