Travel Bulletin 23rd November 2012

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November 23 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,804 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Portugal & Madeira Why diversity, quality and value makes Portugal the ideal playground for all

this week

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agent bulletin become an Asia Pacific expert & win up to ÂŁ70 Love2Shop vouchers

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W-AITO-Go! Sue John from Sunvil looks at the value of a representative out on the road

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far east a round-up of new brochure launches & programme additions

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cruising PSA reveals increase in passengers for UK cruise industry

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OOH LA LA...the Superbreak team visited Tunbridge Wells recently to promote its value Eurostar breaks to shoppers, with local travel agent Baldwins Travel joining them to show their support. Pictured highlighting the breaks with the Frenchman are Mervyn Willard (left), general manager at Baldwins Travel with the operator's sales executive, Donna Smithson.

Cover Pictures: Main - Algarve Beach, Portugal Tourism

Inset - Banyan Tree, Shanghai

Career Happiness Index reveals travel workers feel under-appreciated CITY & Guilds has released its Career Happiness Index 2012, which offers broad insights into what people in the UK consider to be most important factors contributing to their happiness at work. The study reveals the jobs that make people the happiest and why, painting a picture of a British workforce who want flexibility, reasonable control over their daily duties and the opportunity to use their skills to tackle challenges and gain rewards.

Of the 2,200 workers surveyed, those in the travel and leisure industries were the sixth happiest profession, with

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at home with eileen

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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W-AITO-Go!

a round-up of this week’s industry news & reports

find out what homeworker Eileen has been up to

become an Asia Pacific expert & win up to £70 Love2Shop vouchers play Su Doku for a chance to win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher Sue John from Sunvil looks at the value of a representative out on the road

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hotel bulletin

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personality bulletin

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far east

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portugal & madeira

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cruising

Rotana expands Centro hotels in Middle East & Africa which MD claims she possesses great powers of persuasion? a round-up of new brochure launches & programme additions why diversity, quality & value makes Portugal the ideal playground for all PSA reveals increase in passengers for UK cruise industry

more than two thirds (67%) saying they were happy in their job. Some 87% said it was because they got on well with colleagues and, perhaps because of the nature of the work, more than three quarters (76%) agree that they like their working environment.

Those in the travel and leisure industries also place greatest importance on feeling valued, with 92% of those polled agreeing that being recognised and appreciated for their work is the most important contributing factor to work life happiness. Despite this, just under half (49%) agreed that they feel appreciated in their current job.

Similarly, whilst 85% of this group of workers agreed that getting to use their skills every day is important to happiness at work, only 59% agreed that this is a reality in their current role.

Overall, the Index shows that people in vocationallytrained and skills-based jobs, such as hairdressers, gardeners, plumbers and electricians, were happiest 65% compared to 58% of those in largely academically trained, office-based jobs. Learning a trade from the beginning and working your way up also has a positive impact on levels of pride, with 68% of those in vocationally-trained jobs saying they were proud of their work, compared to 62% in academically-trained jobs.

The organisation's group director Nick Bradley said: "Most people spend half of their time working, so we wanted to find out what makes people happy at work and how that differs by job role. It’s particularly interesting to see the low numbers of workers in the travel and leisure industry who get to use their skills every day. Running parallel to this they are unlikely to feel valued at work.

There’s certainly something to be said for putting your skills to good use and seeing your talents recognised."

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newsbulletin Debut year-round Malta, Gozo & Comino brochure from Belleair BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has issued its first year-round Malta, Gozo & Comino brochure featuring more detailed and informative introductions to the resorts on the islands, to help agents choose the ideal holiday for their customers.

Following feedback from trade partners, the operator has introduced more images of each of its properties, to make it easier for agents to gain a good idea of the properties’ facilities, and has added more information on all-inclusive hotels, as well as more facts and figures.

The new programme also includes the addition of a Costa Favolosa cruise programme. Exclusive to the operator, the seven-night cruise departs from Malta and takes in Catania, Naples, Savona, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, before returning to Malta. Pre- and post-night stays in Malta and Gozo are also available.

The company has also introduced a pricing insert with the new brochure, which will be reproduced every three months, making it easier for agents to give their clients the most up-to-date price for their holiday (currently until October 31, 2013).

The pricing of all-inclusive options have also been simplified into one package price, making them easier to read and book, and the insert also includes all prices for excursions and transfers, terms and conditions and details of all the latest offers, including long stay, three weeks for the price of two and early savings discounts (up to £378 per couple).

Seven-night package prices for winter 2012/13 lead in at £199 per person.

New RCI course set to benefit agents ROYAL CARIBBEAN International has launched a comprehensive new training module designed to engage and educate agents on its newly revitalised Serenade of the Seas and the seven-night Dubai sailings she will be offering to cruisers from January to April next year.

Available on the line’s e-learning programme, Cruising for Excellence Online, the module allows agents to explore the ship’s various decks and take part in fun interactive games relating to its Dubai itinerary, featuring quizzes and videos to keep agents engaged. It also outlines the key selling points of Serenade of the Seas and the Dubai itinerary so agents can more easily sell the enhanced ship.

The company’s training & events manager UK & Ireland Michelle Russell said: “Our new training module focusing on the newly revitalised Serenade of the Seas and her exciting winter line-up of Dubai sailings is fantastic news for all travel agents. It’s no surprise that agents who continue to stay up-todate with the latest Cruising for Excellence Online training modules sell the most cruises, so, with that in mind, we recommend agents complete the new module as soon as possible to maximise their sales.”

For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk

Early booking offers from Carrier

HAVING A BALL...more than £100k was raised by the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity at its first fundraising ball held earlier this month. More than 300 guests, including celebrities, attended and helped raise the amount towards making dreams come true for sick and disadvantaged children across the world. Pictured at the ball are Thomas Cook's Pete Constanti with celebrities Linda Lusardi and Tanya Franks.

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CARRIER HAS launched two early bookings offers for 2013 breaks. A seven-night break to St Lucia staying at The BodyHoliday offers a saving of up to £1,950 per couple and costs from £2,090 per person, based on two sharing on an all-inclusive basis. The price includes flights from Gatwick and private transfers and is valid for travel between March 1 and October 31, when booked by November 30. A sevennight stay at Domes of Elounda in Crete offers a saving of up to £820 per couple and leads in at £595 per person. The offer is based on two sharing a Garden View Suite with outdoor Jacuzzi and includes a free upgrade from breakfast to half-board, flights and private transfers. The offer is valid for travel between April 20 and October 31, for bookings made by December 31.

For details visit www.carrier.co.uk

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @tui_travel On Dec 13th the world will see its 1 billionth global tourist for the first time in a single year http://1billiontourists.unw to.org @bhx_official Monarch to Operate Flights for MIPIM 2013: http://tinyurl.com/ad3f43t @On_The_Go_Tours India welcomes more short-haul weekend tourists. http://ow.ly/fjalF @Monarch Our new pre-book Winter menu includes Coq au Vin & a buy-on-board hog roast baguette. Tried it yet? http://bit.ly/mealOB @mosaicholidays Our new Egypt & Morocco Luxury Brochure is out!

Time to pop open a bottle & have a sneak peek at our fab holidays! pic.twitter.com/NrvSAqeo @WindstarCruises Be the first to sail aboard the fully refurbished Wind Surf and Wind Spirit this December http://ow.ly/fiExp

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

LENDING A HAND....AITO Specialist Travel Agents has announced a partnership with international water aid charity ‘Just a Drop’, with the aim of raising £20,000 over the first six months of next year.

Pictured helping to kickstart the fundraising campaign, which will benefit more than 6,000 people in Uganda, are, from the left: Eleanor Pitts, Just a Drop; Gemma Antrobus, AITO Agents’ panel member and MD of Haslemere Travel; Oliver Broad, chairman of AITO Agents; and Kelly Railton, Just a Drop.

For details see www.justadrop.org

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau undergoes rebrand THE PHILADELPHIA Convention & Visitors Bureau has undergone a process of rebranding.

The organisation has updated its Website, the Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide (OVG) and the Philadelphia Professional Planners Guide (PPG), along with its social media properties and international guides.

Following a series of focus groups and one-on-one interviews, the company devised six narratives from the results which it said defined Philadelphia: Freedom, Democracy & America; Innovation & Education; Creative Spirit; Vibrant Street Life; Accessible & Friendly; and Outdoor Life & Sports.

Plans to create new solutions for its print and web properties are now in place, and a creative video asset will also be developed to highlight the six narratives and build awareness of Philadelphia as a modern renaissance city.

The launch of the new travel products is intended to position the city as a global destination for meetings and conventions, international visitors, group travel and prospective students.

To sign-up for updates visit vip.discoverphl.com or follow the new social media accounts at www.facebook.com/discoverphl and www.twitter.com/discoverphl

Virgin issues USA & Canada brochure with 'Rockstar' benefits VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has launched its USA & Canada 2013 brochure, featuring ‘Rockstar’ benefits, early booking discounts and a selection of new hotels, destinations and tours.

Offers include free access to the v-room airport lounge when staying in a favourite or Platinum hotel in Las Vegas; free nights and room upgrades at various hotels; free additional driver with fully inclusive car hire packages; and teen prices at all San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and New England properties.

New destinations for next year include Texas, Atlantic City, Plantation Country and Louisiana, while new trips include a Classic Texas & Louisiana tour, encompassing Houston, Lafayette, New Orleans, Natchez, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio; and a Lone Star Trail, which includes Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, El Paso, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Dallas and Austin.

Prices lead in at £659 for three nights at the Midtown Boston including flights, departing between January 7 and March 4.

For more information visit www.vhols4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 3973.

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All aboard for National Ferry Fortnight THE UK’S annual National Ferry Fortnight will take place from March 2–16, 2013.

Now in its fifth year, the campaign has been growing steadily since launching in 2008.

Supported by the 13 ferry line members of DiscoverFerries.com, the two-week showcase was created to heighten consumer and media awareness of the UK’s ferry services.

This year, National Ferry Fortnight is encouraging ferry operators and passengers to get ‘ferry familiar’ and experience the value and flexibility of ferry travel.

Central to the campaign will be a series of promotional offers on ferry routes to France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Spain, Ireland, the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Scottish islands.

For more information see www.discoverferries.com

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newsbulletin G Adventures expands 2013 trips in 'Earth' brochure G ADVENTURES has launched an expanded 2013 line-up of 730 trips in its ‘Earth’ brochure, including tours to 12 new countries ranging from West Africa to Eastern Europe.

New countries include Albania, Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Iceland, Montenegro, New Zealand, Scotland, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Sweden.

As an example of new itineraries, a 14-day cultural Sri Lanka trip, travelling from Negombo to Colombo visits an elephant sanctuary and fishermen in Galle, and gives guests the opportunity to learn about the national heritage at a tea plantation and relax on beaches. Prices lead in at £1,279 per person, with departures in March and April and from September to December.

Other tours include a ten-day Sierra Leone Uncovered trip based in Freetown, giving travellers the opportunity to experience village life, local cuisine and a rainforest trek, with prices from £1,499, while a 15-day Croatia and the Balkans itinerary travels through Serbia on its route from Budapest to Split and leads in at £1,399.

For more information call 0844-272 2040 or visit www.gadventures.co.uk

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TO CELEBRATE the launch of its new River Lights cruise, City Cruises is offering 20% off all ticket prices every Friday until March 2013.

For details see www.citycruises.com or call 020-7740 0400.

TOURISM FLANDERS has confirmed its status as WTM Premium Partner for the next two years.

HAYS TRAVEL has signed a contract to move its GDS business to Travelport.

SHEARINGS GROUP has purchased 30 new coaches from Daimler-owned brand Setra as part of a £7million deal.

SANDALS RESORTS International has purchased LaSource Resort in Grenada.

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UAE AUTHORITIES have introduced a multiple entry visa for business travellers, property investors and cruise passengers in a bid to simplify the process of travelling to the region.

JTA TRAVEL Group has partnered with travel software specialists Traveltek to provide services to agents.

MALTA’S CAPITAL city, Valletta, has been selected as European Capital of Culture 2018.

THE NAME BAA has been dropped, meaning Heathrow, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Southampton and Stansted Airports are now to operate solely under their standalone brands.

LATA PARTY… pictured are Paulo Senise (left), from the Rio Visitors and Convention Authority and Chris Pickard from the Latin American Travel Association, who recently attended the Rio de Janeiro-themed LATA party to announce this year’s WTM award winners. They included Inkaterra, which received an award for sustainability; Journey Latin America, which was awarded for its outstanding customer service; Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador for innovation; and Turismo Chile, for promotional success.

Weymouth sailing dates from Condor Ferries CONDOR FERRIES has announced that it will again begin operating regular sailings from Weymouth next summer, subject to works being completed on the harbour wall.

As part of its 2013 sailing schedule, the company is reintroducing regular fast ferry

services from Weymouth to the Channel Islands and on to St Malo in France from July 17, 2013.

Services from the UK to the Channel Islands and France will continue to operate from Poole until July.

Lake Louise addition from Rocky Mountaineer ROCKY MOUNTAINEER has unveiled details of its new destination, Lake Louise in Alberta.

The new destination features in the company's First Passage to the West route between Vancouver and Banff/Calgary in 2013, and marks the return of a passenger rail service to

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Lake Louise for the first time in more than two decades.

Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Canadian Rockies’, Lake Louise is set in a small glacial valley surrounded by mountains, from which guests will now be able to begin and end their two-day journey. Guests

November 23 2012

who choose to stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be provided with a complimentary transfer between the train station and the property.

For more information call 0800-0606 7372 or visit www.agent.rockymountaineer.com

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newsbulletin GAA adds new tours & special offers for 2013

Tailor Made Travel unveils latest Canada & Alaska programme TAILOR MADE Travel's latest brochure includes a range of new itineraries and hotels and offers a comprehensive yet flexible range of holidays, covering exclusive selfdrive itineraries, rail journeys, escorted tours and cruises.

For an expedition style adventure, guests can opt for a Bluewater Adventure Cruise through the Haida Gwaii in British Columbia on The Island Roamer, a 68ft motor sailor with eight cabins and a natural history library. The cruise departs from Sandspit in the Queen Charlotte Islands between May and August, with a nine-day trip leading in at £3,299 per person including accommodation, all meals, an onboard naturalist, full use of all facilities and taxes and fees.

A new Heli Hiking in the Bugaboos itinerary explores Banff National Park, starting in the Fairmont Banff Springs before travelling by helicopter to hike through the glaciers of the Bugaboos sub-range of mountains.

The eight-day tour, which departs between July and September, costs from £2,725 per person including accommodation, two-and-a-half days of heli hiking, all meals whilst staying at Bugaboo Lodge, transfers, taxes, the use of hiking gear and the services of two certified hiking guides.

One of the self drive holidays available is Wonders of Quebec, which encapsulates the historic cities of Montreal and Quebec City as well as the Charlevoix region and includes a stay at Sacacomie Lodge. Nine days costs from £649 per person.

The brochure also includes two new Rocky Mountaineer itineraries and 12 new accommodation options spanning the whole country. A range of early booking offers are available including the newly renovated four-star Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver which, if booked by March 31, 2013, offers a saving of up to £31 per room per night.

For more information call 0845-456 8050 or visit www.tailor-made.co.uk

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A BIG THANK YOU FROM WARNER Earn £25 Love2Shop Voucher with EVERY 2012 Booking!

Warner would like to thank you for all your hard work and support this year... and to celebrate our award winning year with you, we are giving away

£25 Love2Shop vouchers to every single agent who makes a 2012 booking!

Visit www.BourneLeisureSales.co.uk for our latest HALF PRICE offers and to claim your vouchers Incentive ends: Sunday 2 December Terms and conditions: Incentive is valid for all new 2012 Warner Leisure Hotels bookings made between 12 November - 2 December 2012. All claims must be received

by Wednesday 5 December 2012. £25 Love2Shop voucher is per booking per agent.

Vouchers will be sent directly to agency. We reserve the right to withdraw or change this incentive at any time without prior notice. Guests must be over 21 years of age or over.

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VILLA VAMP...Half Moon in Jamaica has announced a US$10million investment in its 33 Royal Villas, launched a Blissful Escape honeymoon package and unveiled special offers for winter and summer. A seven-night winter break package with The Couture Travel Company, which includes a US$200 resort credit, leads in at £1,999 per person. Pictured marking the new announcements are, from the left: Aram Zerunian, general manager at Half Moon; Sharon Logan, Half Moon; and Donovan Donaldson, Jamaica Tourist Board.

For details see www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com

GRAND AMERICAN Adventures has launched its latest brochure which features 11 new trips for 2013 - from in-depth walking tours to short-break mini adventures. Alongside the launch, the operator is also offering a 10% discount on all new tours booked before November 30.

Four new walking tours have been developed to cater for travellers of all abilities, with two tour leaders to ensure guests have more flexibility to participate in walks, treks and hikes that are suitable to their abilities.

New tours include a seven-day Grand Canyon & Havasupai Walk, which departs between May and September, and visits Nevada and Arizona. Prices lead in at £1,199 per person or £2,059 including flights. A seven-day Yosemite, Tahoe & Monterey Walk is also new and departs in July and August to explore California and Nevada. The tour, which is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, costs from £1,099 per person and £2,129 including flights.

The company's new range of Mini Adventure tours are based over three or four days and are being highlighted as an ideal add-on to a city break. Examples include a four-day Miami & Everglades option, which departs between July and September and costs from £569 per person and £1,239 including flights. A three-day New York to Washington tour leads in at £355 (£875 with flights) and departs between May and October, while a four-day Los Angeles & Grand Canyon trip costs from £429 or £1,209 with flights.

For more information call 0845-576 1370 or visit www.grandamericanadventures.com

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e m o h At ..

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ileen orker E w e m o as h th?

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EVER A dull moment here at “Saunders HQ”. For the last couple of months, I’ve not only been looking after my sick mother but have also had the builders in, taking my house apart. At the moment, we have no bathroom and half of the house has no floor upstairs and no ceiling downstairs. We were anxious to get the work completed before my son and his fiancée arrive at the end of the month, in preparation for their Christmas wedding, but with amazingly bad timing, the builder has now just gone off on holiday to New Zealand for 2 weeks. Before you ask, I didn’t book it for him - he won it in a radio phone-in competition.

Following on from my last column about my trip to Georgia, there’s just a few things I didn’t have space to tell you about. Georgia is a great choice for a fly/drive holiday.

On our trip we flew into Orlando and drove up the north east coast to Georgia. It’s an ideal choice for clients that love the theme parks but also crave a bit of history and culture, and it’s an easy drive to combine the two states.

There is an amazing range of accommodation in Georgia from luxury hotels, self-catering seaside cottages, guest farms and ranche,s together with many beautiful small historic guest houses. For more information on visiting Georgia, take a look at www.exploregeorgia.org I made the annual pilgrimage to WTM earlier this month and it was good to meet up with a few familiar faces. I went along on Wednesday afternoon and I have to say it wasn’t very busy. Others that I met commented on this too. I don’t know if it was the same on other days, but it was certainly nowhere near as busy as previous years.

Just heard the news that La Source hotel in Grenada has been taken over by the Sandals chain of hotels. Didn’t see that coming, did you? I’ve stayed at this hotel a couple of times and I can understand why Sandals were attracted to the property - it’s a lovely hotel on a beautiful island. I’m sure it will prove popular and successful and will be good for the island, but I wonder how La Source’s repeat guests will feel about this takeover? The change of ownership will inevitably bring many changes particularly to the ambiance and clientele, so I guess many will feel disappointed that the hotel they know and love will never be the same again.

To be honest, I can’t help feeling a bit like that myself.

Finally, as this is my last column of the year, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Active winter breaks from Ranch Rider RANCH RIDER is offering seven nights at The Williams' Family Ranch in Arizona from £719 per person, based on two sharing. It includes meals, most activities, taxes and gratuities. Transfers are excluded.

Alternatively, a Horses & Horizons holiday includes three nights at Camp Kalahari and two nights' camping on the pans, with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife. A night game drive is included in the experience, with the chance to spot the region’s nocturnal residents such as bat-eared foxes.

A five-night stay costs from £2,150 per person, based on two sharing and includes internal flights from Maun to camp, meals, riding, drinks (including alcohol) and transfers. Return flights cost from £1,150 per person.

For details call 01509-618811 or visit www.ranchrider.com

Set sail to the South East with Swan SWAN HELLENIC’S 21-day Kingdoms of South East Asia cruise, which departs from Hong Kong, visits five different ports of call in Vietnam before exploring Cambodia and Thailand.

Highlights include an indepth exploration of Vietnam with the chance to join a local boat sailing the limestone coast of Halong Bay, a visit to the royal Phnom Penh in Cambodia and transit through the iconic Saigon River. Prices lead in at £4,340 per person based on two sharing for a January 24, 2013 departure.

It includes flights, transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by guest speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For details call 0844-822 0679 or see www.swanhellenic.com (Cruising feature - page 25)

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win an iPad2 courtesy of The Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism. All you have to do to enter is answer 3 simple questions. Just go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions. But hurry, the competition closes at the end of the month!

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A range of 2013 new brochure deals from Bourne Leisure: including First Child Goes Free deals from Butlins and 50% Savings from Haven.

Go to www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk for full details.

All this and more at:

by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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November 23 2012

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

THOMAS COOK is working in association with Channel 4 and ‘The Snowman & The Snowdog’ – the sequel to the classic Christmas family favourite ‘The Snowman’ – to offer agents and customers the chance to win exclusive premiere tickets alongside family holidays to Lapland. Running throughout this month, all Thomas Cook, Going Places and Co-operative Travel agents will be in with a chance of winning one of the prizes on offer with every Thomas Cook Lapland booking they secure for 2012/13. Prizes include tickets to the ‘White Carpet’ premiere of ‘The Snowman & Snowdog’ in London in December, a family holiday for four to Lapland and a number of goodie bags.

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WARNER LEISURE Hotels is offering agents a £25 Love2Shop voucher for every 2012 booking made by this Sunday (November 25). The company has launched the incentive to show their gratitude for the support agents give to the brand. To help secure sales and collect vouchers, agents will receive a selection of guaranteed half-price offers.

See www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk to download dedicated half-price window offer posters. All claims must be received by November 28.

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AGENTS HAVE the chance to win one of four luxury spa days worth up to £250 with Travel 2’s latest campaign – Thailand’s Miles Better. In partnership with the Thai Tourism Authority and Thai Airways, the operator is highlighting a selection of offers across the destination including Bangkok packages combined with Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. To be entered into a prize draw to win one of the four spa days agents must make a holiday booking to Thailand with the company that include flights with Thai Airways before November 30. Any booking that contains a minimum of five nights’ accommodation or premium cabin flights will receive two entries.

For details see www.travel2.com

Caribbean themed dining experience

The 2013 dates and locations for Destination Caribbean have been finalised and agents are being invited to attend and meet eight leading Caribbean destinations and hotels, boost their knowledge of this region via interactive training and enjoy a Caribbean themed dining experience. The dates and locations are: Wednesday February 6 - Bournemouth; Tuesday March 26 - Essex; Tuesday April 23 - Stoke On Trent; Wednesday April 24 - Milton Keynes; Tuesday May 21 - Bristol; Wednesday May 22 – Exeter; and Tuesday June 18 - Croydon.

To book a place email events@destinationrepresentation.com

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Agent comp

THE FIRST 50 travel ag ents to complete one of the new PATA Academy co urses ‘Pacific Expert’ or ‘Asia Expert’ before Decemb er 21 will receive a litt le help with their Christmas sh opping this year with a £10 Love2Shop voucher pe r certificate. Every mo nth until January 2013 a tou rist office member of PATA UK will also give away a £50 Love2Shop vouc her in a prize draw for all ag ents who have complet ed a certificate in that month . Agents can register and start training at www. pataacademy.com. All agents who complete a certific ate will also be guaran teed a place at the PATA Party events, to join PATA UK members for a Christm as drink at the Island Bar in Birmingham on Mond ay December 10 or at the Sports Café London on Wednesday December 19.

For more information and to register visit www.pata.org.uk/even ts

WEB SAVVY...Inghams reports that improvements to its agents' Website have led to an increase of 50% year-on -year in more agents visiting the site to make bookings, search for offers and promotions and follow the training modules to improve their product knowledge. Pictured marking the announcement is Karen Simmonds (left) from Travel Matters, Clapham South, who uses the site to keep up to date with new products and make bookings, with Charlotte Yeomans of Inghams.

For details see www.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791025.

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newsbulletin Taber Holidays promotes unique hotel options on new Sweden tour AGENTS WHOSE customers are looking for a unique overnight experience are being encouraged to highlight the new ‘Treehotel and Icehotel’ tour from Taber Holidays. The five-night trip offers the chance to sleep high up in the treetops in a giant Bird’s Nest, Mirrorcube or UFO, as well as the opportunity to spend a night tucked up in a thermal sleeping bag on a bed made of ice and snow at The Icehotel.

The tour takes in two of Sweden’s most unique hotels linked by a rail journey across the Arctic Circle and offers

two full days at leisure in Jukkasjärvi, plus time for prebooked activities including a range of Northern Lights options, ice driving and a moose safari.

The five-night break departs daily from December 7 to April 14, 2013, with prices leading in at £1,506 per person. It includes flights from Heathrow, transfers, the rail journey between Luleå and Kiruna, and all accommodation including one-night at the Treehotel and one-night at the Icehotel, based on two sharing.

For more information or to book call 01274-875199 or visit www.taberhols.co.uk

UFO Treehotel

Trafalgar expands 2013 At Leisure programme with ten new itineraries TRAFALGAR HAS expanded its At Leisure collection for 2013 with ten new itineraries in Europe, North and South America, Australia and, for the first time, Asia, aimed at those who want to have more time to relax and explore independently.

The new trips include an 11-day Corsica and Sardinia; 15-day Bohemian Highlights, taking in Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria; nine-day East Coast Town & Country Retreat, showcasing New York City and Washington DC; nine-day Southern Icons in New Zealand; nine-day Classic China and ten-day Highlights of Vietnam.

Most tours include breakfast accommodation, extra meals, sightseeing and transport, as well as a travel director, scheduled flights and VIP UK airport transfers

within 150-miles of the departure airport. The company also offers “insider highlights” such as the Be My Guest experience, Your Choice Dining, Unique Insights and Local Specialities.

As an example, a ten-day Highlights of Vietnam tour, which begins in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, leads in at £2,775 per person based on two sharing. Highlights include a cycle ride through Hanoi’s French quarter and a night cruising Ha Long Bay. Insider experiences include a Be My Guest lunch at a Vietnamese farm to learn about local customs, a Vietnamese cookery class and the opportunity to learn the art of Tai Chi. For details call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.trafalgar.com and www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

Riviera Travel adds new tours to Moscow, Burma & Prague in 2013 brochure RIVIERA TRAVEL has added new tours to Moscow, Heidelberg, Burma, Rajasthan and Prague to its brochure for next year. The new destinations join the company's existing tours to Pompeii, Paris, Lake Garda, India, South Africa and California.

All tours are escorted with a no surcharge guarantee and are commissionable to agents.

For details call 01283-744307 or email agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk

Escapades unveils new concept for youth travel market FAIRY GODMOTHER...Voyages of Discovery has announced that television presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff (pictured), will be Godmother of MV Voyager. Krestovnikoff will name the ship in its homeport of Portsmouth during a formal naming ceremony on December 4, before she sets sails to the Caribbean, Central and South America, returning to Portsmouth in April for a Celtic Treasures cruise, which leads in at £1,099 per person.

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ESCAPADES HAS been re-launched for summer 2013, with the introduction of a new concept for the youth travel market. Asking the question of customers, are you a ‘Raver or a Relaxer?’ the new branding offers customers a choice between the Club 18-30 product for ‘ravers’ and the new Escapades holidays for ‘relaxers’.

The 'relaxers' concept still offers access to clubs, nightlife and events, but hotels have been specifically selected to fit the needs of customers looking for a more relaxing experience, which means destinations not available through Club 18-30, such as Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, are now available. The operator is also offering guests the option of a more bespoke concierge experience, with events tailored specifically for customers looking for a more balanced holiday.

Prices lead in at £238 per person for seven nights in Ibiza, staying at the two-star plus Puet Apartments on a self-catering basis, based on a May 15 departure. A seven-night stay at the four-star Three Corners Palmera Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, leads in at £615, based on allinclusive for a June 5 departure. Both holidays fly from Gatwick with Thomas Cook.

For more information call 0844-879 8201 or visit www.escapades.co.uk

November 23 2012

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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: 090

Sea Pugs

A➠

B➠ This airline operator is well known as a winged friend of Hercules

C➠

An ager lob

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, November 29th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 9th November is Sharron Whetherly, Travel Counsellors in Dursley.

November 9 Solution: A=3 B=5 C=7 D=2

Hub of Indian’s IT sector this city could be a sausage statute

Where Am I?

Known as Taprobane by the ancient Greeks, my capital is Kotte

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

Across 1. Leading UK ferry operator (4,7) 5. New England state (7) 8. British singer-songwriter, Rita (3) 9. City on New Zealand's south island (7) 10. Perth international airport code (3) 11. Sheldon's girlfriend in The Big Bang Theory (3) 12. Prestige Holidays can take you to this island in the Canaries (2,5) 13. Mauritius airport code (3) 14. Capital of Cyprus (7) 16. Welsh university town and resort (11)

Down 1. Boxer recently seen in the Celebrity jungle (5,4) 2. San Francisco airport code (3) 3. Tyrolean ski resort, St ___ (5) 4. State capital of Maryland (9) 6. Location alongside the Thames, famous for its association with the Magna Carta (9) 7. Northern Ireland county (9) 12. Island off the coast of North Devon (5) 15. Cape Town international airport code (3)

Number: 090

Congratulations to Jeff Kilby, Amity Travel who won the 9th November crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

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For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 November 23 2012

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!

by SUE JOHN, SUNVIL

I wonder how many times a tour operator has questioned the value of a representative out on the road?

S

UNVIL HAS had reps on the road (two, actually, for quite a while) for more than 20 years now. Working with the trade has always been a very important part of our business, so quite naturally having a continued presence out there in the marketplace is something that we have always believed in. I’m glad to report that it has proved successful in the past and it continues to be so today.

Not every tour operator has representatives out on the road. Those which have reps may have questioned the value of such a role from time to time. In this age of everimproving technology, could the question “Is a representative out on the road a dying form of customer liaison?” be a valid one?

I believe that the tour operator needs to build a successful working relationship with the agent and that the rep must become the all-important point of contact and helping hand whenever needed.

My experience is that only direct contact can build a true and lasting working friendship that will lead to improving future business for both. The trust has to be genuine and it has to be a two-way situation (win-win) for it to work satisfactorily.

"Fam trips are a great way to make long-lasting friendships" Could virtual contact be just as effective? Research has shown that nine out of ten people still prefer face-to-face meetings and believe that this builds stronger relationships. Personal contact demonstrates commitment from the tour operator to the travel agent in a way that could never be established using virtual contact. Virtual contact does not enable us to engage fully with one another. It can’t use body language and other subtleties of direct conversation that enable us to really understand what is being communicated between us. The tour operator rep is that vital human point of contact someone who can be trusted, someone who is there to help and who will provide support, both routinely and at key times of need.

When I visit agents, they want to talk to me about new products, promotional opportunities, training – including fam trips – and about customer experiences on Sunvil trips. They even make suggestions about our brochures.

All of this contributes to what I believe to be a successful working relationship. A face-to-face visit can often also act

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as a timely reminder – many are the times that a booking has been made following a visit, and it’s always a hugely welcome booking.

When it comes to training, there are now many online training schemes, some with tempting free holidays as prizes. I believe that a personal visit offering direct insight to a destination is so much better. Accompanied fam trips – and Sunvil offers a good many each year - are better still. Giving agents the opportunity to immerse themselves in the product and to gain first-hand experience of it is simply the best way to showcase the care with which our team crafts its holidays and the wide range of options available across all budgets. Fam trips are a great way to make long-lasting friendships, too, and the many such trips that I have led over the past 12 years have given me and Sunvil’s guests much fun and companionship as well as building important business relationships.

There is of course a place for virtual contact; it is something we cannot get away from. It is particularly useful when the tour operator wants to get a common message across quickly. However, I believe that to rely solely upon this type of communication - particularly in our business, which is such a “people” business - risks alienating the travel agent.

Yes, the virtual meeting is an important business tool and, as the technology becomes better and cheaper, it will become more widespread - but it will never completely or adequately replace face-to-face contact. Thank goodness, because I still love my job after nearly 13 years with Sunvil!

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

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newsbulletin

DFDS SEAWAYS is offering four-night German Christmas market breaks from £269 per person, with departures from Newcastle. In Cologne eight different festive markets are offered for visitors to explore. Prices lead in at £269 with departures on December 1, 6, 13 and 15, based on two sharing an en-suite cabin. It includes two nights onboard, two nights' breakfast accommodation at the fourstar Marriott Cologne and coach transfers. A four-night Hamelin break, which departs on December 1, 8 and 15 leads in at £289.

To book or for more information visit www.dfds.co.uk/festive or call 0871-522 9976

EVA Air unveils new Website EVA AIR has launched a new look Website at www.evaair.com, which features upgraded functions and easy to read information to make it more user-friendly.

The carrier developed the new site to better facilitate the purchasing of tickets online, the selection of meals and the pre-order of duty free goods.

The airline has also added new tools such as a digital in-flight magazine, which is now available for online browsing, as well as the facility for ordering meals online, and has announced plans to gradually introduce new options for business travellers.

VisitEngland launches new campaigns to boost tourism VISITENGLAND HAS announced plans to launch eight marketing campaigns to run from January to boost domestic tourism next year. The campaigns will cover four key themes of countryside, heritage, culture and coastal, and will run in partnership with destinations across England as well as national commercial organisations.

Funded by £2million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF), as well as contributions from partners, the campaigns aim to provide a cost effective opportunity for destinations to inspire more domestic visitors next year.

For more information see www.visitengland.org

Dragoman announces new trips for 2013/14 BURMA, BHUTAN, Ladakh, Tibet, North America, Central America, Togo and Benin are just some of the new destinations included in Dragoman's new 2013/14 brochure.

As examples, a four-week Kunming to Bangkok (via Burma) tour departs on October 15 next year and costs from £2,386 per person, which includes a local kitty payment. Flights are from £869 per person from Heathrow.

The operator has also launched a new Rio Carnival Basic to its three-strong Rio Carnival Package portfolio. The 2013 departure sold out before the brochure was printed, so the advice is to book early for 2014, when the Carnival is being held between February 28 and March 6. The package costs £1,040 per person, with flights from Heathrow from £649 per person.

Meanwhile, the company’s first three-week trip between India, Bhutan and Nepal departs on August 25, 2014 and costs from £2,200 per person, plus a ground payment of US$270 per person, while a three-month trip round-trip from Kolkata via Bhutan takes in India, Nepal and Bhutan and costs from £6,058 per person. Flights from Heathrow lead in at £599.

For more information or to book call 01728-861133 or visit www.dragoman.com

Kirra Holidays offers three levels of escorted tours in New Zealand Coach Holidays' brochure KIRRA HOLIDAYS has released its New Zealand Coach Holidays brochure for 2013/14, featuring three distinct levels of escorted tours ranging from five–23 days duration.

The series have been designed for people looking to experience New Zealand the way New Zealanders do, and explore more off-the-beaten track regions such as the Coromandel, Nelson and Wanaka. It also includes an overnight cruise on Milford Sound and two nights in Nelson, allowing clients time to take in Tasman National Park.

The Classic tour series are among the operator's most popular tours and feature centrally located three-and-a-half to four-star accommodation and many of the must-see attractions,

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including the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch and wine tasting in the wine region of Marleborough.

The Highlights series offers freedom and flexibility with accommodation based in centrally located three- to three-anda-half-star properties, as well as more free time to choose sightseeing options.

Optional tours are also available for clients to include in their tour, including an overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands, a threeday guided walk on the Hollyford Track, and a walk/cruise day tour into the Abel Tasman National Park.

For more information call 0800-856 5494 or email nztravelspecialists@kirraholidays.com

November 23 2012

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hotelbulletin 25 Centro hotels planned across the Middle East and Africa by the end of 2014 ROTANA HAS announced the opening of its fifth Centro by Rotana property in the UAE, Centro Capital Centre in Abu Dhabi, as it continues a concerted push into the mid-tier market across the Middle East and Africa.

The new hotel is located within the Capital Centre development in Abu Dhabi, a vibrant business and lifestyle destination featuring Abu Dhabi’s leading exhibition space ADNEC, a commercial zone, marina, outdoor cafes, restaurants, retail outlets and premier residences.

The Capital Centre district will see the opening of three properties to be managed by the company, the first of which is Centro Capital Centre. The second is Capital Centre Rotana, a four-star 300-room hotel, set to open in 2014, and the third is Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, a four-star 200-room hotel apartment property set to open next year.

The opening of the new property signals the hotel group's push into the burgeoning mid-tier market, with plans to open 25 ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ properties across the Middle East and Africa by 2014.

With the opening of Centro Capital Centre, the company now operates 1,464 rooms under the Centro brand, taking the total rooms managed by Rotana by the end of 2012 to more than 14,000.

The company's executive vice president & chief operating officer Omer Kaddouri said: “The demand for affordable accommodation that offers comfort, functionality and style has never been stronger in the region. In recent years, Rotana recognised the arrival of a new generation of travellers, guests that expect the elegance and finesse of a five-star hotel but not its corresponding cost at the end of their stay. This is the category of guests that drove the conceptualisation of the Centro brand.

"Centro’s design flexibility allows for easy adaptation to a wide variety of cities, locations and plot sizes and we expect the success of the concept in the UAE to be mirrored across the region as the portfolio of Centro properties grows over the coming two years.”

Centro Capital Centre offers 414 contemporary rooms, six fully-equipped meeting rooms, recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fully equipped gym and three food and beverage outlets.

For more information visit www.rotana.com

Centro Capital Centre

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November 23 2012

JURYS INN is carrying out an extensive £25million refurbishment programme across its estate, with more than 1,000 bedrooms and public areas having already received a makeover this year. The programme, scheduled for completion in 2014, will focus primarily on refurbishment and will also include some IT and systems spend.

Midweek rates at the hotels typically range from £65 in Liverpool and £75 in Manchester with non-refundable advance purchase rates available.

Hotels that have already been refurbished include Belfast, Birmingham and Newcastle, with Chelsea, Leeds and Glasgow to be completed before the end of the year.

Winter breaks from £42 per night from Four Pillars Hotel FOUR PILLARS Hotels has launched a range of offers on stays from December through to March 2013, with prices leading in at £42 per person, per night including dinner, bed-and-breakfast. The offers also include free meals and accommodation for children under 16 years.

The company’s six predominantly four-star hotels are situated in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, within easy distance of a range of local attractions.

January breaks start from £33.60 per person per night midweek or £42 at weekends including breakfast and dinner. Prices during February half-term start from £42 per person per night. The company is also offering complimentary Sunday night stays on January 13, 20 and 27 where guests can book a free room and only pay for dinner and breakfast.

For details see www.four-winter.co.uk or call 0800-374692.

Christmas party packages from Hilton Brighton HILTON BRIGHTON Metropole is celebrating Christmas by offering companies two Christmas joiner party night packages.

Designed as a group event to cater for multiple organisations, joiner parties allow smaller companies to experience the atmosphere of a large-scale event on an affordable budget, whilst also offering networking opportunities.

Available throughout December and priced from £29.95 per person, guests will receive a three-course meal, half a bottle of wine and a party night DJ. As an example, a Waterhouse Christmas Party Nights package is available from December 1-22, every Thursday to Saturday night. After a welcome tipple and a festive three-course meal, guests are entertained by the hotel’s resident DJ. Prices lead in at £39.95 per person for a Thursday event and £44.95 Friday-Saturday.

Guests can also take advantage of special overnight rates from £69 per room per night, subject to availability.

For details see www.hilton.com/brighton, call 01273-720710 or email enquiries.brightonmet@hilton.com

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personalitybulletin

Vivienne Hudson-Findlay The owner & managing director of Hotelshop UK Ltd and Great Little Breaks says her special skill is getting people to do what she wants them to…

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Getting a puppy for Christmas – my parents believed in responsibility from an early age. I have had dogs ever since and currently have two miniature longhaired dachshunds, Kaja and Jaz. Where was your last work-related trip?

Southend – I really live it up these days, but it was extremely nice and the sun was shining! When the sun shines there is nowhere quite like the UK.

“If I had been more academic I always wanted to be a vet, but I do love this industry and think it offers masses of opportunities, especially for women”

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

Judy Dench – what a career she has had, from Shakespeare to Bond. She is always so classy.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Passionate, energetic and (hugely) loyal.

What have your travels taught you?

Under-promising and over-delivering should be the focus of anyone involved in the travel industry – airlines/hotels/travel agents!

What is the best advice you recall?

The strength of any company is its team.

Career path 1979-95: Director of corporate sales – Forte Hotels ● 1995-99: Director of sales – Corus/Regal Hotels ● 1999-present: Hotelshop UK Ltd ● 2011-present: Great Little Breaks ●

castle and the cathedral all lit up…I know then I am almost home…well, my northern home anyway.

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

Dogs – all sorts of shapes and sizes. You would never be short of cuddles.

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

If I had been more academic I always wanted to be a vet, but I do love this industry and think it offers masses of opportunities, especially for women.

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

Lord Forte. Having worked with the hotel group for 16 years it was a great place to be and he was such an inspirational man.

What is your motto in life?

Treat everyone how you would like to be treated yourself.

What's your favourite city and why?

Durham – probably because it is my home county. I just love pulling off the A1 at night to be confronted with the

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What's your favourite airline and why?

Virgin. I am a big Richard Branson fan.

How do you deal with stress?

Get outdoors and walk or run.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?

The lack of imagination and desire to change to keep up with the customers’ requirements.

What special skill do you have?

Persuasion (or so they tell me!) – getting other people to do what I want them to do (most of the time) – particularly with all the charity fundraising work I do for The Prince’s Trust.

What’s your favourite programme on the TV right now?

Downton Abbey. My chicks have been named after the characters and are affectionately known as The Downton Chicks.

What do you love about your job?

We are always doing something new, I love seeing the business grow and my team rising to all the challenges. I do enjoy the customer relationship side and team development.

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

Time travel – it would be fantastic to get to where you want to be without all the hassle. Beam me up, Scottie!

November 23 2012

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fareast

THE ADVENTURE Company has added a new Burma tour to its 2013 Family Adventures programme. The 13-day Breathtaking Burma tour is aimed at families with teens who want to experience Southeast Asia. Prices lead in at £2,389 and highlights include exploring the ancient temples at Bagan, the floating villages at Inle Lake and the rural mountain villages of Kalaw. There is also the opportunity to take part in a language lesson and to learn the favourite games, songs and dances of local children on an orphanage visit.

KLM to launch scheduled service to Fukuoka, Japan KLM ROYAL Dutch Airlines will commence scheduled services to Fukuoka, Japan, on April 3, 2013.

Fukuoka will be the airline’s third Japanese destination and the new three times weekly route will offer a total of 21 weekly frequencies to Japan next summer.

The service will depart from Amsterdam on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Fukuoka the following day. The

return flight, KL870, will depart from Fukuoka on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Amsterdam the same day.

Flights will be operated with a Boeing 777-200ER, which can seat up to 318 passengers; 35 in World Business Class and 283 in Economy.

For more information visit www.klm.com or call 0871-222 7474

Intrepid Travel offers six new tours in 2013 Asia brochure INTREPID TRAVEL has introduced its new 2013 Asia brochure which features six new China and Silk Road tours.

As examples, a 12-day Discover China itinerary leads in at £1,895 and a 28-day Indochina tour through China, Burma and Thailand, costs from £1,680 plus a trip kitty of £850.

To celebrate the launch of the brochure, the company is offering 15% off bookings made

by December 12 for travel by October 31, 2013. The discount applies to bookings on selected trips when quoting the promotional code ‘9284’.

ANANTARA HAS launched its first property in China and its 20th overall with the opening of Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa on Hainan Island. The resort, which is inspired by both oriental and Thai design, offers 122 guest rooms, suites and private pool villas, with an emphasis on spa accommodation.

For details see www.anantara.com

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Qatar Airways expands Far East services QATAR AIRWAYS has improved its services to the Far East with the relaunch of its Myanmar service following a fouryear absence and the introduction of a non-stop daily Tokyo flight.

The carrier now serves Myanmar three times weekly, with return flights from Heathrow leading in at £606 and flights from Manchester from £615.

Fares on the daily Tokyo flight from Heathrow cost from £564 return, while flights to Tokyo are also available from Manchester from £569.

Passengers travelling to the Far East with the airline will also be able to experience a new onboard menu, designed in partnership with four renowned chefs. The menu, compiled by Tom Aikens, Chef Nobu, Vineet Bhatia and Chef Ramzi, will be rolled out across both Business and Economy Class.

November 23 2012

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fareast Buoyant Bali gets H&J boost HAYES & Jarvis has expanded its Bali collection in its new 2013 Far East brochure, with the addition of two more properties on the west coast at Legian and Jimbaran.

The five-star Jimbaran Puri Bali, overlooking one of the island’s beaches and managed by the Orient Express group, offers accommodation in suites and villas. Fivenight flight-inclusive packages cost from £1,819 per person.

At four-star level, the recently refurbished Legian Beach is another new addition and offers family-friendly accommodation with prices from £1,259 per person.

BANGKOK AIRWAYS, together with 4Garcons restaurant and Bangkok Air Catering, has added a special menu during Christmas and New Year. Pictured marking the new menu are, from the left: Tom van den Berg, exclusive chef of Bangkok Air Catering; M.L.Nandhika Varavarn, the carrier's vice president of Corporate Communications; Chef Ayusakorn Arayangkoon, operation manager of 4Garcons; and Polpat Asavaprapa, the airline's president.

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts launches urban retreat in China’s Shanghai BANYAN TREE Hotels and Resorts has introduced Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund Resort in mainland China.

Offering views of the Bund thoroughfare and Huangpu River, the hotel is located close to historical landmarks and modern cultural and commercial centres.

General manager of the hotel Pancho Llamas said: “Following the success of our group’s three other urban resorts – in Bangkok, Macau and Seoul, Banyan

Tree Shanghai On The Bund capitalises on our core brand value of rejuvenation and offers a sanctuary for the senses within the context of Shanghai’s vast urban cityscape.

“Business and leisure travellers can take advantage of our many amenities and facilities, such as an award-winning spa, a multitude of dining venues and various meeting spaces, during their visit to what is one of China’s most dynamic urban environments.”

Until December 31, guests booking the Oasis with Romantic Pool package or category above can redeem hotel credits for any amount spent in the hotel’s food and beverage outlets and the spa.

Additionally, until February 28 next year, all guests will receive a 30% discount on all spa treatments, except beauty services.

For more information visit www.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Shanghai

Kyoto Convention Bureau welcomes 41% increase in visitor numbers KYOTO CONVENTION Bureau has announced that Kansai Airport saw a 41% increase in the number of international passengers arriving in August, compared to the previous year.

August was the sixth consecutive month to see an increase in visitors, with the total number of international passengers using the airport reaching 353,160. The

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November 23 2012

company attributes the rise in numbers to business travellers coming to Kyoto, as the city has hosted a number of high profile conferences and meetings over the last six months.

Further investment is being made at the airport to improve access for visitors to the region, and will be home to Japan's first dedicated low-cost carrier terminal.

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fareast VICTORIA HOTELS & Resorts has developed a new range of short tours from its Chau Doc Hotel in the Mekong Delta to help visitors explore the area on the river route between Cambodia and Vietnam. These include an eco-tour of Tra Su Nature Reserve and a cultural tour of the significant pilgrimage sites and temples at Sam Mountain. Half and full day cycling tours are also available which take in hidden trails, cycling past Khmer pagodas, fishermen in their basket boats, farmers working the fields with their buffalo and villages. Tours start from US$18.

For details see www.victoriahotels.asia

Make savings with Centara’s Last Minute programme CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts has launched a Last Minute programme with selected properties in Thailand, Maldives, Bali and Vietnam that delivers savings to agents making late online bookings for clients.

Properties offered in the programme are located in Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Mae Sot, Pattaya, Rayong, Trat, Udon Thani, Samui, the Maldives, Bali and Vietnam.

Rates vary according to room types, period of stay, and whether or not the booking is for the high or low season.

As an example, rates for a Superior room at Centara Mae Sot Hill Resort start from Baht 800 (approximately £17) per room per night, while one night under the Ultimate All-Inclusive package at a luxury beachfront two-bedroom Pool Villa at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives costs approximately £727. Rates are subject to service charge and government tax.

For more information email reservations@chr.co.th or visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Snow & Sun package from Inside Japan Tours INSIDE JAPAN Tours is promoting a selection of itineraries including a 14night Snow and Sun package, which leads in at £2,448 per person and offers three nights in Tokyo, two nights in Kyoto, five days on the slopes of Hakuba and four nights on the island of Ishigaki.

Other itineraries being highlighted include an eightnight Niseko Winter Sports package from £1,100 per person, including two nights in Tokyo and six nights in Niseko, and a 13-night Winter Sports and Culture package, which leads in at £2,500 per person and includes three nights in Tokyo, five nights in Niseko, three nights in Kyoto and one night in Yudanaka.

All prices are based on two people sharing and include transfers, some meals and lift passes.

For more information see www.insidejapantours.com

Bales Worldwide adds 17-day Indonesia & 14-day Vietnam tours for 2013 TWO NEW Far East itineraries have been launched by Bales Worldwide for next year.

A 17-day Java & Bali Uncovered tour in Indonesia visits the Hindu-Buddhist monuments of Borobudur and the Komodo Dragons, alongside numerous beaches. The tour costs from £2,895 per person and includes flights with Singapore Airlines from Heathrow, accommodation and sightseeing. Also

included is a sightseeing itinerary and medium-star hotels throughout. The price is based on a March 22 departure.

Meanwhile, a 14-day Highlights of Vietnam tour explores Hanoi to Saigon, taking in Halong Bay; Mai Chau; the ruins of the Cham Dynasty; Hoi An, to celebrate the Full Moon Festival; and Ho Chi Minh.

Prices lead in at £2,395 per person including Thai Airways flights from

Heathrow, accommodation and sightseeing, based on a July 14 departure.

Both prices are based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed-board basis and include all applicable UK and overseas airport taxes and fuel surcharges.

For more information or to book call 0845-057 0600 or visit www.balesworldwide.com

Java, Indonesia

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fareast Singapore Airlines celebrates launch of fourth daily flight

EVA AIR has increased capacity from Taipei to Hakodate, the third largest city on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. The carrier currently operates two flights weekly on a 252-seat Airbus 330-200, and from next month will add a third weekly flight between Taiwan and Hokkaido.

For details see www.evaair.com

New 12-day cruise from Shearings SHEARINGS IS offering a new cruise that takes in Vietnam and Cambodia, with destination highlights including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

The 12-day cruise leads in at £2,749 and includes eight nights’ full board cruise, a two-night stay in Siem Reap on a full-board basis, flights and transfers.

Departures are available from March to December next year.

For details call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearings.com

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has launched a fourth daily service from Heathrow to Singapore.

The carrier’s general manager UK & Ireland Phee Teik Yeoh said: “Alongside a wider choice of departure timings, the new flight also opens up additional opportunities to connect onto our vast range of destinations beyond Singapore.”

Wendy Wu adds new tours in Macau WENDY WU Tours has added two new Macau tours to its 2013 brochure, including a five-day Hong Kong & Macau Discovery tour, which combines two nights in each destination with a mix of guided touring and free time.

Clients can also opt for a three-day Taste of Macau itinerary, featuring a half-day tour of Na Tcha Temple, the Old City walls, Mount Fortress, Macau Tower and A-Ma Temple.

For more information visit www.wendywutours.co.uk

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a r i e d a m & portugal Diversity, quality & value make Portugal the ideal playground for all

by FILIPE SILVA, director, Turismo de Portugal

P

ORTUGAL HAS continued to shine as a tourist destination this year. We’ve held globally recognised events, welcomed new flight routes and developed exciting hotel product, providing agents with a plethora of reasons to promote the destination. Comparing January to August 2012 figures to those of the year before, UK overnight stays now stand at 4.3million and we’ve worked hard to gain these results.

Accommodation & flight developments Diversity is the key to this beautiful country and is the reason why we’re able to attract so many different types of tourist. The city break market is as strong as ever with Lisbon emerging as a culinary hub, welcoming a number of new hotels including Myrid by Sana Hotel and the Hotel Teatro B&B, along with a fantastic new interactive space, depicting the city’s history - the Lisboa Story Centre.

Regarding air capacity, TAP Portugal, the national airline, have also increased weekly flights to Lisbon from Manchester, increasing our connectivity from the UK, while easyJet opened a hub in Lisbon, providing 23 European routes from the city.

Consumers now look further afield than the capital cities of a country, which is why we’ve focused on promoting other areas such as Guimarães, which has the mantel of 2012 European Capital of Culture and Braga, the 2012 European Capital of Youth.

A year-round escape Portugal isn’t just a summer destination; it’s also an ideal holiday destination year-round. The island of Madeira is perfectly warm in the autumn and winter seasons with temperatures at around 20 ̊ c. Our air capacity to the island has also just increased with Monarch launching five weekly flights. The Azores is also an ideal hideaway offering fantastic walks and wildlife, and the region is currently taking part in an advertising campaign headed by adventurer Ben Fogle.

The beautiful beaches of the Algarve are a staple winner for many UK tourists, however its rustic, quaint village life and small intimate towns can also provide a haven for tourists looking for a quieter experience. The region is also home to the recently completed Rota Vicentina trail, a beautiful 300km walking, hiking and

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November 23 2012

biking route that runs through the Algarve and Alentejo’s south west coast. Lovers of the outdoors will also be excited to hear that the new cultural Romanesque Route has also just opened in the northern regions of Portugal, offering an insight into the area’s history.

Getting active Activities are in abundance in Portugal and we were recently awarded the accolade of Europe’s Leading Golf Destination at the World Travel Awards 2012, complimenting our diverse courses. If your clients are looking for a challenging, championship course we have an abundance of options, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have options for beginners. From Madeira to Lisbon and the Algarve, there are numerous courses that are geared to beginners.

We like to say we have the best fish in the world but our food in general is second to none. There really is nothing better than watching the fishermen bringing in the catch of the day and enjoying a fresh piece of fish for dinner. We also have a range of fantastic food festivals throughout the year, including the annual cherry festival in June in the city of Fundão in the central region. Wellness and ● continues on next page

Did you know…? ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

The Azores is Europe’s only tea producer Serra da Estrela, in the central region, is well known for its cheese There are more than 38 manicured golf courses in the Algarve The town of Elvas is the newest place in Portugal to receive UNESCO World Heritage status Madeira is known as the” floating garden of the Atlantic”, due to its abundance of flowers Caldas da Rainha in the region of Lisbon has the oldest thermal hospital in the world, reinforcing our tradition and expertise in the wellness area Porto is the worldwide home of Port wine Pico vineyards in the Azores are classified as a world heritage site, in the category of cultural landscape

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portugal&madeira ● continued from previous page

relaxation are two areas that Portugal excels in. We are lucky as many of the treatments offered across the country stem from traditional, natural resources. The sand from Porto Santo island (Madeira archipelago) for example has healing properties and is used in Thalassotherapy treatments. The water in Centro de Portugal is famed for its purity while the northern Minho region has fantastic thermal spa resorts.

Looking to the future Tourism currently represents 10% of the national GDP, and Portugal will be looking to obtain a sustainable annual growth rate more than 5% within this sector. We’re an affordable, easily accessible destination and we are continuing to evolve. Next year we’ll be hosting world renowned events including Rally de Portugal, Rip Curl Pro Portugal in surfing and the Portugal Masters Golf. We’ll also be welcoming new hotels and activity products, ensuring we’re always offering consumers something fresh, new and exciting. ✦

Celebrate Christmas & New Year at the five-star Cascade Resort FROM DECEMBER 22 to January 2, guests can enjoy a Christmas and New Year’s package comprising 12 nights’ accommodation and two 45-minute massages at Cascade Resort’s Tainai Spa. Prices lead in at €2,470 for two people and include breakfast, Christmas dinner, Boxing Day lunch, New Year’s Eve welcome cocktail, New Year’s Eve dinner, New Year’s Day lunch and an activity for two from a tailor-made selection.

There are also special break options for just Christmas or New Year.

For more information visit www.cascade-resort.com/uk/specialoffers

TAP PORTUGAL has launched daily flights from Manchester to Lisbon and from Heathrow to Madeira. Serving 75 destinations across 35 countries, including 45 European destinations, the carrier offers onward connections to Africa, North and South America, including direct flights between Lisbon and ten destinations within Brazil.

For details see www.flytap.com

Best-selling tours from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD, which currently offers more than 20 experiences throughout the winter months in Portugal, is highlighting its best-selling attractions.

They include a Porto half-day city tour which costs £47 per adult and £24 per child aged six-11; a Lisbon by Night option, which leads in at £73 per adult and £37 per child aged five-ten, and includes a traditional Portuguese dinner with a show; and a Pena, Sintra, Cascais and Estoril tour option which leads in at £55 per adult and £28 per child aged five-ten. Guests on the tour visit the Palácio da Pena, a huge palace which stands on the top of a hill above the town of Sintra, before taking in the coastal town of Cascais and Estoril.

All entrance fees are included.

BASE CAMP...getting ready to take in some of the Azores' islands on a fam hosted by Sunvil Discovery are, from the left: (back row) Julie Boocock, Premier Travel; Liz Hogben, Bath Travel; Gordon Boocock, Premier Travel; Mark Scrivener, Fred Olsen Travel; Michelle Vincent, Sunvil Discovery; Agathangelos Agathangelou, Anemone Travel; and (seated) June Riggs, Symphony World Travel; Holly Mayers, Co-operative Travel; Stephanie Elkington, Sunvil Marketing; and Sue John, Sunvil Discovery. The operator's 'Real Azores 2013' brochure features carefully-selected small hotels, pousadas, apartments and self-catering cottages across all nine islands.

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November 23 2012

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portugal&madeira Portugal aims to boost annual growth rate with new developments THE PORTUGUESE National Tourist Office (PNTO) reports that after a challenging year for the Portuguese economy, the tourism industry has shown significant results, corresponding to a year-on-year increase of 3.7% in UK visitors from January to August. Additionally, UK overnight stays now stand at 4.3million and tourism currently represents 10% of the national GDP. The destination is looking to obtain a sustainable annual growth rate of 5.6% and, in order to achieve this, measures will be taken within the areas of development for additional air access, brand affiliation, key event promotion and improvements in innovation and technology.

Meanwhile, Monarch began regular operations from Gatwick and Birmingham to Madeira last month, highlighting the importance of the British market as one of the key tourist markets for Madeira.

For more information visit www.portugaloffice.org.uk

AS PART of its new Madeira & Porto Santo programme, Anatolian Sky Holidays has introduced a Levada Walking Holiday. The seven-day tailor-made trip includes three full days walking in the company of an expert guide with prices starting from £749 per person. Included are flights, transfers, breakfast accommodation, excursions and lunches on walks.

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

Seven-night Lisbon to the Algarve cycling tour from Freedom Treks prices include seven nights in hotels, transfers, bike hire, ferry crossings, the services of bike guide, delivery of luggage and cycle helmets.

Prices exclude flights, which can be purchased with easyJet from £58 return, based on a March 16 departure.

For more information call 01273-224066 or visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk and www.easyjet.com

NEW FOR 2012 is a seven-night cycling tour in Sesimbra, just south of Lisbon, to Odeceixe on the edge of the Algarve from Freedom Treks.

The company offers a seven-night self-guided cycle tour from £841 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis and a guided cycle tour from £1,109 per person on full board, including breakfast, six picnic lunches and five dinners. Guided tour

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S06 TB2311 Cruise_Layout 1 21/11/2012 11:02 Page 25

cruising

OCEANIA CRUISES has announced changes to its 2013 Alaska sailings on Regatta including the addition of a new 14-day Pacific Exploration voyage roundtrip from Seattle on June 4. The new voyage combines two originally scheduled seven-day sailings on June 4 and June 11, 2013. The company has also amended its June 28 and July 5, 2013 Coastal Alaska sailings to now begin and end in Seattle, following feedback from guests and travel partners. Flights are included in the fares, while the new Alaska cruises are offered with promotions that include bonus savings, up to $500 ship board credit per stateroom, two-for-one deposits and an Unlimited Passport Collection shore excursion promotion, valued at up to €637 per stateroom, on selected sailings booked by December 31.

For details call 0845-505 1920 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com

PSA reveals increase in passengers for UK cruise industry THE LATEST UK cruise industry figures released by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) estimate that 1.72million Brits will take an ocean cruise this year, compared to 1.7m last year. For 2013, the PSA predicts a growth of more than 2% in UK cruises to 1.76m passengers, on the back of continued investment in new and refurbished cruise ships (nearly $5billion has been invested in new ships launched this year alone), a fiercely competitive market and the continued popularity of ex-UK port cruises.

Some eight out of ten UK cruise sales come through Britain’s travel agents, spearheaded

by those specially trained to give advice on cruise options through the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE).

The PSA's director Bill Gibbons said: “There is no doubt that the cruise industry faced a unique set of challenges this year but our UK figures show that the cruise sector has outperformed the rest of the holiday sector. The sheer diversity of cruises offered by our 41 members, coupled with unrivalled value for money has helped to attract the ‘new to cruise customer’, key to boosting growth within our sector.”

For more information visit www.the-psa.co.uk

SeaDream showcases Amazon & Asia voyages for 2013 SEADREAM YACHT Club’s 112-guest SeaDream II will be sailing the length of the Amazon River in February and March next year, while her autumn/winter schedule sees her operate a maiden season of 18 voyages to Asia.

SeaDream II will sail two 20-night voyages on the Amazon, taking in Bridgetown, Barbados to Iquitos, Peru and vice versa, and a team of naturalists will be on board to provide information and guide guests on land and at sea.

The line will host its Champagne and Caviar Splash on Alter do Chao beach in Brazil.

Optional add-on excursions are offered to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu and tours include accommodation in five-star hotels and transport.

The first departure for SeaDream II’s Asia programme is 'Passage to the Far East', which departs from Athens on October 12, 2013 and includes a transit of the Suez Canal and excursions to Egypt’s archeological sites en-route to Mumbai.

Prices for the 15-night voyage lead in at £4,050 per person including government fees, handling and port taxes.

For more information visit www.seadream.com

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New advice & news resource for river cruising IN RESPONSE to the rapid rise of river cruise holidays, Cruise Critic has launched a new river cruise resource to help agents compare ships and cruise lines. The Website, which offers information, reviews and ratings for more than 380 cruise ships, has recently added new information about popular river cruise regions, cruise lines and ships, as well as river cruise deals.

The company says that with the rise in popularity of river cruising, the most frequented rivers will become busier, but the increased capacity is not expected to lead to overcrowding in the foreseeable future. The company also highlights that in some cases, river cruise lines are adding ships in new regions which are not currently serviced regularly by other lines.

For more information visit www.cruisecritic.co.uk/river

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cruising Silversea introduces Silver Privilege fares across 2013 & 2014 voyages SILVERSEA HAS rolled out new Silver Privilege fares on all 2013 and 2014 voyages, which offer guests one simple low fare for their desired suite.

The cruise-only fares also reward guests for booking early with the best possible fare and the advantage of being able to select their desired suite when the best inventory is available. In addition, guests will be able to customise their holiday with the line's optional air, transfer, hotel and land programmes.

The company is also introducing a new Fare Guarantee

Programme for all voyages departing on or after June 1, 2013, effective for new Silver Privilege bookings.

The guarantee states that if the Silver Privilege fares are reduced on the voyage after a booking has been made, guests can request an adjustment from the company equal to the amount of the fare reduction in the relevant suite category. The adjustment will be in the form of shipboard credits, suite upgrades, future cruise credits and fare reductions.

For more information visit www.silversea.com

CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages is promoting a selection of 2013 cruises in search of the Northern Lights. For example, a 15-night cruise on Discovery departs on February 28 from Bristol, with prices from £1,479 per person, with the second person sharing paying £740. It includes full board accommodation, afternoon tea and late night snacks, daytime activities, a guest speaker programme and evening entertainment.

For details call 0844-414 6185 or visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com

Ex-UK cruising with Voyages of Discovery & Swan Hellenic VOYAGES OF Discovery and Swan Hellenic are offering a total of 12 no-fly itineraries from Portsmouth next summer to destinations including Iceland, Norway and the Baltic, as well as cruises around the UK and Ireland.

Voyages of Discovery has announced a 15-day Land of the Midnight Sun Cruise to discover the coast of Norway and the North Cape on its new ship, MV Voyager. Prices lead in at £1,869 per person, based on two sharing for a June 11 departure. The line is also offering a Heritage of the British Isles cruise in its no-fly programme next summer.

Voyager will sail around the UK, visiting the nation’s most treasured cathedrals, stately homes, palaces and landscapes, with a full selection of National Trust shore excursions.

The ten-day Heritage of the British Isles cruise costs from £1,109 per person based on a June 2 departure. Prices include all relevant transfers, on board gratuities and service charges, meals and entertainment. Car parking at Portsmouth port or selected coach transfers to the port on the Heritage cruise is included, and a free chauffeur service is available on higher grade cabin bookings on the Land of the Midnight Sun cruise.

Swan Hellenic is offering a Sagas of Iceland and The Faroes Cruise from £1,995 per person, where passengers take in the Godafoss waterfall, bathe in the natural hot springs of Myvatn and watch the Strokkur geyser erupt. The cruise calls at a number of ports, including Portrush, St. Kilda, Reykjavik and Torshavn, and the price is based on a July 24 departure, with two people sharing. The company is also offering other no-fly cruises, including Baltic Splendour, Above the Arctic Circle, A Taste of France and Shores of The Emerald Isle.

For more information visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com and www.swanhellenic.com

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November 23 2012

Hurtigruten expands charter capacity HURTIGRUTEN HAS added two new charter departures to meet increasing demand for voyages to view the Northern Lights.

The additional departures are from Manchester on March 9, 2013 and Gatwick on March 20, 2013 and both tie in with the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes and back.

Prices lead in at £1,372 per person including flights and full board accommodation on board, based on two sharing.

For more information call 020-8846 2666 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk/ agents

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cruising AmaWaterways offers river cruising with Ann Widdecombe GUESTS ON board AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruiser AmaLyra will have the opportunity to mingle with former MP, novelist and TV presenter, Ann Widdecombe, when she joins the ship for a week long Rhine cruise in October next year.

Widdecombe will accompany guests on the 148-guest river cruiser, AmaLyra, during which she will make two presentations about her life and her career, join guests on hosted shore excursions and offer the opportunity to purchase signed copies of her books.

Guests join the ship in Amsterdam on October 15, where they have the opportunity to take a canal and city tour. The cruise follows the Rhine into Germany to Cologne, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, the Black Forest region and to Basel in Switzerland.

The seven-night sailing costs from £1,975 per person, including flights from London, transfers, all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, daily guided tours and excursions, free Wi-fi and free use of on board

New river cruises from Shearings SHEARINGS HAS exclusively chartered the MS Alegria for a new seven-night river cruise entitled Myths & Legends of the Rhine, with highlights including visits to Boppard, Loreley Rock and Cologne.

Prices lead in at £1,029 for ten days, which includes seven nights' full-board cruise, two nights' half-board en/post route accommodation and coach travel. Eight-day holidays by rail and air are also available from £1,029 and departures are available from May to August next year.

Meanwhile, an Elegant Elbe cruise takes place on the newly-chartered MS Princess in April next year, which is a smaller ship that gives customers the chance to experience the narrow waterways of the River Elbe.

The cruise takes in Prague, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland and a guided city tour of Berlin. Prices lead in at £1,119 for nine days which includes seven nights' full board cruise, one night’s bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Berlin, flights and transfers.

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

bicycles. Guests booking

by November 30 will also receive a £50 per person discount.

Meanwhile, the company is set to return to cruising the River Douro after an absence of nearly two years, with two new cruise Douro River, Portugal itineraries operating between March and November 2013, on the new 108-guest AmaVida, which launches in March next year.

The vessel features a sundeck swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, free in-stateroom Internet access and Wi-fi.

As examples, a seven- or ten-night 'Enticing Douro' option leads in at £1,466 and £1,954 per person respectively and visits Régua, Barc d’Alva, Vega Terrón, Pinhão and Bitetos. The itinerary includes complimentary excursions and tours of the area and landmarks.

A 13-night 'Port Wine & Flamenco' itinerary starts with a three-night stay in Madrid, before meandering along the Douro between the Spanish border town of Vega Terrón and Porto, before concluding with a three-night stay in Lisbon.

Prices lead in at £2,841 per person including all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner.

For more information call 0808-223 5009 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk

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2012 Find out more at www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Cruise lines implement new agent tool for flight & cruise bookings A NEW flight allocation tool that allows agents to book flights directly and search for the best rates has been launched by Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises as part of a $4million investment in improving how agents book flights.

‘ChoiceAir’ will offer a simple booking process for agents, with a dedicated online training course available on Cruising for Excellence. The course offers agents interactive demonstrations and a downloadable user-guide to keep users motivated and engaged.

Meanwhile, for every booking made until December 5, agents will be entered into a daily prize draw to win a £25 Love2Shop voucher, with more bookings meaning more chance of rewards. An additional weekly prize draw offering £250 in flight vouchers to a destination of the winning agents’ choice will also offered. All prizes are available to agents who make a booking using the ChoiceAir tool during the campaign period and complete the new training module.

For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk

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cruising Meet Shackleton and Scott with Quark Expeditions QUARK EXPEDITIONS has announced Jonathan Shackleton (cousin of Sir Ernest Shackleton) and Falcon Scott (grandson of Robert Falcon Scott) will be guest lecturers on the 11-day Antarctic Explorer voyage, departing February 9, 2013 from Ushuaia, Argentina.

The new lecturers will join the voyage as part of a unique Expert-in-Residence programme available exclusively on Ocean Diamond, featuring noted scientists, photographers and historians renowned for their expertise in the polar regions.

For more information visit www.quarkexpeditions.com

Norwegian Cruise Line unveils results for third quarter NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has unveiled its results for the quarter ending September 30, with operating income increasing by 8.8% to $174.1million, compared to $160million in 2011 and an improvement in operating margin to 25.8% from 24.0%.

The line has 11 purpose-built freestyle cruising ships, as well as two 4,000passenger vessels, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway under construction for delivery in April 2013 and January 2014, along with one larger “Breakaway Plus” vessel for delivery in autumn 2015.

The company has also announced upcoming enhancements to Pride of America, the line's US-flagged ship, which sails exclusive seven-day itineraries in Hawaii.

Meanwhile, the line's Getaway’s season itinerary will sail Eastern Caribbean voyages year-round from Miami.

Star Clippers offers third season of ‘Art Afloat’ voyages STAR CLIPPERS is again offering guests the opportunity to learn sketching and watercolour painting on two ‘Art Afloat’ tall ship cruises next year.

Participants can learn to paint and draw, or hone their existing skills, in the company of British artist Richard Nichols, who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes. Included in the price of the cruise is a special artist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sitting and sketching on location. The backpack contains sketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes and pencils.

As an example of cruises, a seven-night round-trip The ‘Art Afloat’ voyages give guests the opportunity to learn sketching and Monaco itinerary on Star Clipper departs on April 27 watercolour painting and calls at Calvi, Bonifacio, Costa Smeralda, Portoferraio, Lerci and Santa Margarita (for Portofino).

Prices are from £1,599 per person including flights to Nice. For travel by rail with a onenight stay in Monaco before the cruise, prices lead in at £1,849.

New for 2013, the company is offering a round-trip from Venice on Royal Clipper for eight nights, departing on September 27, and calling at Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj and Piran, with a night in Venice before the cruise. Prices lead in at £1,995 per person including flights to Venice and one night’s bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Venice.

The price includes transfers, full board on the ships, all art equipment, daily tuition and a welcome cocktail party.

For more information call 0845-200 6145 or visit www.starclippers.co.uk

Hapag-Lloyd commences Antarctic 2012/13 season HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES has commenced its Antarctic 2012/13 season. The line's Bremen set sail earlier this month on its first expedition cruise via the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Orkney Islands to the Antarctic Peninsula, with the Hanseatic scheduled to follow next month.

Highlights of the cruises include a zodiac tour in Paradise Bay and setting foot on the Antarctic mainland; landings in colonies with hundreds of thousands of penguins on South Georgia; bathing in the hot springs of Deception Island; whale-watching; cruising through the pack ice and to huge table icebergs; sailing though the Lemaire and the Neumayer Channel; a visit to a scientific station; and landing at Cape Horn.

As an example of prices, a semi circumnavigation of Antarctica on Hanseatic leads in at £13,360 per person cruise-only for 26 days.

For details visit www.hl-cruises.com

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cruising New itinerary from MSC Cruises combines Egypt, Jordan & Israel MSC CRUISES has launched a comprehensive itinerary to combine the best of Egypt, Jordan and Israel, with itineraries offering a full range of shore excursions including historical tours, relaxation and snorkelling opportunities in the Red Sea and a variety of adventurous desert tours.

Until April 6, 2013, MSC Armonia has a full schedule of 21 seven-night cruises, departing every Saturday from Sharm

el Sheikh, calling at Safaga, Egypt; Eilat, Israel; Aqaba, Jordan; and Sokhna Port, Egypt. A seven-night cruise which includes cruise and flights from London costs from £769 per person and a balcony cabin including flights costs from £1,119 per person.

For more information or to book visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844-561 1955.

MSC’s Armonia

European Waterways promotes cruises along the canals, rivers & lakes of Europe EUROPEAN WATERWAYS has launched its 2013 brochure featuring cruises along the canals, rivers and lakes of Europe on a fleet of hotel barges, ranging in size from six to 20 guests.

New highlights in the programme include cruises along the Canal de la Marne au Rhin in AlsaceLorraine on the newest addition to the fleet, the 12passenger ‘Panache’; cruises to Champagne on

three hotel barges at various times of the year; Longer Waterway Journeys; and voyages of exploration of varying duration through several countries.

Also on offer is a range of themed charter cruises that can be arranged for special interest parties, featuring activities such as golf, walking and wine appreciation. The average crew ratio is one crew member for every two

passengers and includes a captain, chef, tour guide and hostesses.

Prices for six-night cruises based on double occupancy lead in at £2,250 per person on hotel barge Scottish Highlander in the Scottish Highlands in an en-suite cabin and £14,400 for six passengers on Nymphea in the Loire Valley for a whole boat charter.

The cruises operate from

March to October and include accommodation in air-conditioned, en-suite cabins; all gourmet meals on board; selected domaine and château wines; an open bar; daily escorted shore excursions; local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

For more information call 01753-598555, visit www.gobarging.com or email sales@gobarging.com

Crystal Cruises offers new solo fares on increased number of 2013 voyages CRYSTAL CRUISES is offering low single occupancy fares on an increased number of cruises to more destinations next year.

Solo travellers have a choice of a different worldwide cruise in almost every month from April to November, with single supplements of 10%, offering savings of up to £500 on ten varied cruises of seven to 18 nights.

The offer applies to new bookings made by December 31 for the following 2013 cruises in a deluxe stateroom with picture window: April 12: Kobe to Vancouver – 18 nights for £4,042 cruise-only; May 9: Rome to Istanbul – nine nights for £2,966 fly/cruise; May 23: New York to

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Reykjavik – 12 nights for £4,267 fly/cruise; June 25: Stockholm to Copenhagen – ten nights for £4,013 fly/cruise; July 6: Istanbul to Rome – seven nights for £2,485 fly/cruise; July 20: Stockholm to Copenhagen – ten nights for £4,010 fly/cruise; July 30: Copenhagen to Stockholm – ten nights for £4,010 fly/cruise; September 2: Dover to Barcelona – nine nights for £3,141 fly/cruise; November 2: Rome to Lisbon – 13 nights for £3,745 fly/cruise; and November 23: Miami to Rio de Janeiro – 16 nights for £4,209 fly/cruise.

For more information or to book call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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cruising We asked our staff the following question this week: What's on your Christmas wish-list?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk A Satnav as my sense of direction is terrible

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Vodka, Perfume Shop voucher and a huge bag of Haribo

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Same as last year - an iPad - still haven't got one and a Kindle

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk A jolly gathering in the local pub, rest of Christmas Day in front of a roaring log fire - and snow

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Holland America Line expands Alaska CruiseTours HOLLAND AMERICA Line has announced it is expanding its Alaska CruiseTours programme in 2013, with additions including three new Triple Denali itineraries, four short pre/post ‘sampler’ tours for guests with limited time and enhancements to existing tours.

Ranging from ten to 20 days and departing between May and September, all cruises combine a three-, four- or seven-day Inside Passage cruise with overland tours.

The tours have been created to highlight the best of Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history. Six tours also feature Canada’s Yukon Territory with its Klondike Gold Rush heritage and national parks such as Kluane National Park and Tombstone Park.

The MS Amsterdam will join MS Volendam and MS Zuiderdam on select CruiseTours during the sevenday Inside Passage itineraries sailing round-trip from Vancouver, Canada.

As an example, a Triple Direct to Denali offers guests a three-night stay at Denali, featuring the Tundra Wilderness Tour and scenic cruising throughout the Gulf of Alaska. The Glacier Discovery itinerary sails from Vancouver to Anchorage, or vice versa.

Fares for the 12-night CruiseTour start from £1,195 per person excluding flights, based on two sharing and include a free upgrade from inside to ocean view stateroom, for a May 12, 2013 departure.

For more information or to book call 0843-374 2300 or see www.hollandamerica.co.uk

Paul Gaugiun reveals shore excursions for Caribbean & Panama Canal voyages PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises has revealed shore excursion options for guests on seven-night Caribbean and 13- and 14-night Panama Canal voyages on its 90-guest Tere Moana.

Guests can pre-reserve standard shore excursions for a maximum number of 13 travellers or, for a more intimate experience, pre-paid tours are also available for two to six guests which include private transportation with a personal driver/guide.

Tere Moana’s Caribbean voyages cruise roundtrip from St Martin and visit Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Basseterre, Les Saintes and St Barts. Eight departures are offered on December 29; March 9, 16 and 23; November 30; and December 7, 14 and 21, 2013 with cruise-only fares starting from £1,983 per person.

Shore excursion options for Caribbean voyages include Tortola which features a dolphin swim, scuba dive, eco-snorkel and kayaking; and St Barts, which offers a St Barts

Island Tour, Yellow Submarine tour, ATV adventure, BLUE CAT snorkelling tour and BLUE CAT snorkelling & one-tank dive tour.

The ship's Panama Canal voyages cruise between St Martin and Puerto Caldera and visit St Barts, English Harbour, Les Saintes, Oranjestad, Willemstad, Cartagena, Panama Canal (transit), Isla de Coiba† and Corcovado National Park (Marenco).

Two departures are offered on January 5 and February 24, 2013, with cruise-only fares starting from £3,759 per person.

Shore excursion options for Panama Canal voyages include Marenco which offers a Corcovado National Park hiking tour, horseback riding to the Last Frontier and marine wildlife safari; and Willemstad, which features a Willemstad walking tour, a Jewish heritage tour and Curaçao Sea aquarium tour.

For more information or to book call 020-7434 0089 or visit www.pgcruises.com

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. DFDS SEAWAYS, 5. VERMONT, 8. ORA, 9. DUNEDIN, 10. PER, 11. AMY, 12. LA PALMA, 13. MRU, 14. NICOSIA, 16. ABERYSTWYTH. Down: 1. DAVID HAYE, 2. SFO, 3. ANTON, 4. ANNAPOLIS, 6. RUNNYMEDE, 7. FERMANAGH, 12. LUNDY, 15. CPT.

Highlighted Word: AFRICA Travagrams: (top) Pegasus

(bottom) Bangalore

Where Am I?: Sri Lanka

30

November 23 2012

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TB 297x210 Uniworld Sale 14.11.12.indd 1

14/11/2012 14:39

Pei Cobb Freed & Partners – SRA Architectes

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SKYPRIORITY. BECAUSE YOU ARE OUR PRIORITY. SkyTeam introduces SkyPriority, an alliance-wide priority service label which is easy to spot at every SkyTeam-served airport around the world. Wherever you fly with SkyTeam member airlines, you* will automatically benefit from priority check-in, baggage handling, boarding and transfer desks. To learn more, visit skyteam.com *First Class, Business Class, and SkyTeam Elite Plus passengers.