Travel Bulletin 24th January 2014

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January 24 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,857 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

USA Coverage of the Florida Huddle plus new deals & product developments from operators

this week conference update 10 an insight into the topics raised at the AITO Agents' domestic conference

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bulletin briefing advantage outlines its new consultancy approach for members

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new investments, routes & flight offers

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cruising how investment has led to a significant growth in cruise sales

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newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - Palm Beach County CVB

Inset - CityJet

This Week 3

news

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agent bulletin

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conference update

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puzzle bulletin

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bulletin briefing

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training

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usa

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seat-only

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cruising

the latest announcements, product launches & industry reports

offer from Hoseasons to win £70 in Love2Shop vouchers every day until March 11

an insight into the topics raised at the AITO Agents' domestic conference

play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher

Advantage takes a new consultancy approach for its members

what's new in Travel Gym plus the latest training modules & courses

news from the Florida Huddle travel trade event plus updates from operators

new investments, routes & flight offers from airlines

CLIA examines how investment has led to a significant growth in cruise sales

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AGENT AMIGOS...Funway Holidays hosted eight travel agents on a visit Mexico for the first time recently. Agents were given the opportunity to win their place on the trip, following a booking incentive that asked agents to confirm a Mexico package holiday with a minimum stay of seven nights, flying with British Airways. Pictured at Dreams Riviera Cancun are, from the left (back row): Daniela Castillo, Dreams Riviera Cancun; Bob Honeyman, Ramsey World Travel; and Andy Travis, Funway Holidays, with (front row): Lucie Jones, Liphook Travel; Julie Giles, Travelabout; Carol Shoesmith, Designer Travel; Kay Willis, Newells Travel; Desni Fowler, Midcounties Co Op; Gemma Venning, Bath Travel and Denise Emery, Funway Holidays.

Post Office Travel Money report reveals best value hotspots STERLING’S SLOW climb back to strength against most holiday currencies means the forecast is looking much brighter for UK tourists planning trips abroad this year, according to the eighth Post Office Travel Money Holiday Money Report.

Prices are down in 70% of the 44 destinations surveyed by the Post Office for the annual report’s Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer with the biggest falls of 30-32% in Jamaica, Japan and the Gambia. Bali emerges as best value overall while Portugal’s Algarve is cheapest in Europe.

Resort prices in Portugal and Spain provide the report’s most unexpected story. Even though sterling is still weaker year-on-year against the euro (-1.9%), prices have plummeted 18% in the Algarve. As a result, Portugal emerges as Europe’s cheapest destination for the first time since 2010 and its barometer total of just over £35 suggests Portugal’s most popular resort area means strong business in the year ahead.

Conversely, Spain is the only euro zone country surveyed to register a significant price rise. A 22% increase in meal costs on the Costa del Sol accounts for the overall rise in the price of eight typical tourist items to around £39, which means that Spain falls from joint first place in last year’s Costs Barometer to sixth position.

However, Spain is in the minority as the report says that cheaper tourist meals

account for the lower prices it found in most destinations. Boosted by a sterling surge that will give UK visitors extra money to spend in more than threequarters of the most popular holiday destinations, the report found that eating out costs less now than a year ago in 30 of the resorts or cities surveyed.

These include Bali, which has toppled both Sri Lanka and Spain from the top spot they shared a year ago. At around £31 for the barometer items, including an evening meal with drinks, Bali’s prices are more than a third cheaper than in Sri Lanka, which has fallen to 15th place after registering the barometer’s highest price rise of 38%. A slump in the value of the Indonesian rupiah makes tourist costs 19% cheaper in Bali now than a year ago.

In the euro zone Portugal is not the only destination surveyed where prices for UK tourists will be lower. Resorts in Cyprus (Paphos), Greece (Corfu) and Italy (Sorrento) are also cheaper, although Italy remains most expensive in the eurozone – and in Europe overall - with a barometer basket costing around £81, more than twice as much as either Spain or Portugal.

In its forecast of likely trends for 2014, Post Office Travel Money tips Burma, Qatar and the Philippines as emerging destinations to watch.

For more information see www.postoffice.co.uk/worldwidecosts

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newsbulletin Mandatory fuel charges ‘costing holidaymakers to Spain €50m a year’ IN ONE of the busiest months for holiday bookings, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is warning UK holidaymakers planning to hire a car in Spain to be wary of very low car hire deals as they may risk facing a mandatory fuel charge when they try to collect the car at the airport.

The warning comes after new research conducted by the company revealed that a fifth (20%) of UK travellers that hired a car on their last visit to Spain were forced to pay an additional 'mandatory' fuel charge before they were allowed to take the vehicle. This figure rose to 45% when previous trips to Spain were included. The main reason that holidaymakers from the UK gave for selecting their car rental provider was price (46%).

Consumers who took part in the pan-European research reported that the average additional charge was 80 per rental. Based on the estimated number of transactions in Spain’s car rental leisure sector the total cost to holidaymakers could be as much as €50million.

The mandatory fuel charge is typically applied by some car rental brands who want to present the cheapest headline price, often through aggregator websites that display prices from different providers on the same page.

Of those UK consumers that had been forced to pay an additional mandatory charge, the vast majority (69%) had booked via a price comparison website.

While information about the additional charges may be available in the small print or the terms and conditions, often the true cost is only revealed when the vehicle is collected at the branch. This is despite the fact that in many cases, the customer had already made a payment they believed was the full ‘drive-away’ cost of the rental.

The company's senior vice president, Jim Burrell, said: “We’re a relative newcomer to the Spanish market, as we only opened operations there at the start of 2013.

However, in this short time we have become very concerned by mandatory fuel practices, which we believe are unfair to the consumer. These charges appear to be relatively commonplace in Spain, but there is a risk we could see them spread to other parts of Europe.

“We believe that the price quoted should be the minimum ‘drive away’ price with no mandatory extras.

That is a far fairer and comparable way for consumers to select their car rental provider. We’d like to see pressure brought to bear to stamp out these compulsory charges or at the very least to ensure greater transparency so that consumers know before they commit to the reservation that they will be charged for fuel at the branch. We have approached several MEPs in Brussels, MPs in the UK, and consumer groups throughout Europe, to try and bring greater awareness of this practice.”

THE MAGIC NUMBER...Leeds Bradford Airport is preparing for another busy year, with seven route launches so far announced for 2014. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will launch its first destination between Leeds Bradford and Copenhagen from March 31 with a twice-weekly service, while Jet2.com and Eastern Airways will both introduce new destinations to compliment their existing schedules. This week, Eastern Airways introduced services between Leeds Bradford and Southampton, expanding on their current operations to Aberdeen. Pictured marking the announcement is the airport's aviation development and marketing director, Tony Hallwood.

Thomas Cook & Brand USA announce European Partnership Agreement Thomas Cook Group and Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the US, have announced a cooperative marketing agreement aimed at promoting the US as the world’s leading destination for European visitors.

The multimillion dollar agreement is the biggest media and partnership deal Brand USA has made with a travel retailer in Europe, and is part of a fully integrated omnichannel campaign targeting travel-intenders across the operator's platforms from online through to in-store, direct and inflight.

The partnership, which will initially last for three months from its launch this month and run simultaneously across the UK, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, will see the two companies embark on a high-profile, multi-media campaign that utilises all of the holiday company’s consumer and trade touch-points. It will include in-store promotions across the operator's retail estate, prominence in brochures, a variety of social media activities and dedicated sign up by staff to Brand USA’s new agent training tool – the USA Discovery Program; as well as innovative print and digital marketing activity.

Qbic Hotel London City offers one-night breakfast stays from £59 LONDON’S NEWEST budget hotel, Qbic, located in the east end, close to Brick Lane, is offering rooms from £59 per night including breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Working in conjunction with two charities, FoodCycle and BikeWorks, Qbic offers sustainable practices and community initiatives, such as

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employing at least 50% of the workforce from the local area and its partner charities.

The property offers a unique guest experience tailored to the local area, including impromptu cookery sessions, temporary art exhibitions and local excursions with a twist to ensure guests leave with a story.

Communal area, Qbic Hotel London City

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Newsbites ●

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EUROPCAR HAS opened its first Mobility Centre at ExCeL London. The centre provides a range of services for visitors to ExCeL including access to car hire services, including a chauffeur-drive service from Prestige at Europcar, a valet service and bus and coach services to and from London City Airport.

THE SOUTH West Coast Path Association has launched an initiative with the aim of raising £250,000 for improvements to the South West Coast Path. The ‘Great South West Walks’ 2014 will consist of 100 guided circular walks to take place between September 20-28 to raise funds.

See www.greatsouthwestwalks.co.uk VISITORS TO Turkey, travelling after April 10, will need to apply online for a visa.

For details see www.evisa.gov.tr THE ST. REGIS Mauritius Resort is offering complimentary Wi-Fi

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internet connection in all its limousine cars.

BEACHCOMBER HOTELS has announced that Royal Palm Marrakech is now open for bookings and, to mark the occasion, is offering two special discounts with savings of up to 50%. Guests travelling before February 12 will receive 50% off accommodation costs and those who book before September 14 will receive 30% off.

Call 01483-445610 or see www.beachcombertours.co.uk CIRQUE DU Soleil will present KOOZA at Spain's PortAventura in summer.

Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com FRED.\ HAS introduced a standalone brochure for its new Canaries product – the Hotel Jardin Tecina which is located on the island of La Gomera. The operator is promoting the hotel and golf complex in the UK to travel agents

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in addition to initial product offered

by Fred.\ which is focused around central European city breaks and tailor-made holidays to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, as well as beer festivals and river cruise options including the MS Mozart.

Prices for a three-night stay at The Hotel Jardin Tecina, including flights and transfers, lead in at £589 per person based on stays until February 4, while seven-night packages start from £654.

THE KUONI Sale campaign, which runs until February 17, has been designed to broaden the appeal of the brand and reach out to new customers who have not considered Kuoni in the past. All social media activity will use the hashtag #WithinYourReach that features in all the marketing channels used in the campaign, providing holiday inspiration and offers.

Up to £1,686 saving per couple in Funway Holidays’ January sale FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has issued a January sale showcasing the destinations of New York, Las Vegas, Florida (including Orlando), St. Pete/Clearwater, California, Oahu in Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Barbados.

Holidays lead in at £499 per person based on seven nights in Orlando, staying at the three-star Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista, which offers a saving of £158 per couple.

The £1,686 saving per couple applies to a seven-night stay at Sandals Barbados, which currently leads in at £1,299 per person, for a summer departure.

Other deals offered include free upgrades, free nights and free breakfast, all at selected hotels. Regional deparures are also available and the offers are available for bookings made up to January 31.

For more information see www.funway4agents.co.uk

Cosmos issues second edition brochures for 2014/15 with £49 per person deposit COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its second edition Summer Holidays and Greece 2014 brochures as well as its Indian Ocean brochure for 2014/15 with a deposit of £49 per person for bookings made before March 31 with nothing to pay until ten weeks prior to departure.

For both summer holidays and Greece brochures, the range of family product has been reviewed and a new family holiday concept ‘Ultimate Family’ has been introduced to highlight properties which provide an exceptional family holiday experience.

The newly branded properties feature outstanding family facilities including family rooms, entertainment, playgrounds plus kids’ menus with a choice of more than 40 hotels across 14 destinations. Also available are a choice of ‘Family

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Friendly’ branded properties that offer a choice of facilities and value for money.

Holidays to Tunisia are also now available with the launch of Monarch’s scheduled flights to Enfidha from Gatwick and Manchester (Wednesday and Sunday) offering shorter transfer times to a range of resorts including Port El Kantaoui and Sousse. A sevennight package price leads in at £299 per person.

The operator has also developed its Croatia programme for 2014 to include the region of Split with flight departures from Birmingham available three times weekly. As well as the city of Split, resorts include Podstrana, Vodice, Sibenik, Baska Voda, Tucepi, Makarska and the Island of Brac.

The new Summer Holidays

programme offers flexibility across 19 destinations featuring mini-summer breaks of up to six nights, traditional seven- and 14-night holidays as well as long stays from 15 to more than 100 nights. Mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Italy, Algarve, Madeira, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Morocco and Tunisia are now on sale.

The company has also launched its Indian Ocean brochure with more luxury properties in the key destinations of Goa, the Maldives, Mauritius, Kenya and Sri Lanka to include a newly featured East Coast region with the resorts of Passikudah and Trincomale. Seven-night packages cost from £599 per person in Goa and £1,095 in Kenya.

All package prices include flights, accommodation and airport transfers.

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @Ryanair NEW ROUTES: We've launched 4 new @Ryanair routes at @manairport to Barcelona, Bologna, Fuerteventura & Gran Canaria! http://bit.ly/1eIWr8Y @TravelodgeUK Kids stay and eat breakfast for FREE! T&C's apply http://bit.ly/1dYCAV4 @Monarch Is this on your radar?

'Touch base' with this funny article which takes a 'high altitude view' of business jargon http://ow.ly/sDzUc @VisitDublin Planning on visiting #Dublin but don’t want to break the bank? Read our budget guide to the city http://bit.ly/1i1udsZ @LondonCityAir British Airways to increase flights to Isle of Man from London City Airport. Read more http://bit.ly/1j0h4OZ

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

VOUCHER DEAL...Matthew Bottomboy from Inspire in Bramhall, Cheshire, was one of the first 70 winners to be presented with £70 in Love2Shop vouchers following the launch of Hoseasons' booking incentive, which offers agents the chance to win £70 every day until March 11. Matthew is pictured with the operator's Zena Calderbank.

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

Free ski passes at half-term & Easter from Powder White POWDER WHITE is offering families a chance to hit the slopes for free during the coming school breaks with free ski passes at all its top resorts. Families can enjoy potential savings of up to £240 per person or £1,440 based on a family of six. The offer is available on all fully catered chalets in Verbier, Courchevel, Val d’lsere, St Anton and Meribel, for stays starting from February 8 for half-

term and April 5 for Easter.

Fully catered accommodation includes daily hot cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, pre-dinner Champagne and canapés, three-course dinner with dinner wines and unlimited house wine (six out of seven nights) plus a free local area, six-day, lift pass.

As an example of prices, a seven-night stay on a fully catered basis at The

Verona in Verbier, departing on February 8, leads in at £699 per adult.

Children under 12 receive a 10% discount, with prices from £629 and the chalet sleeps six and features an open-plan living/dining room and balcony, offering views across Verbier and the valley.

To make a booking see www.powderwhite.com or call 020-8877 8888.

Winter sun offers from £275 from Belleair Holidays BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is featuring a selection of winter sun offers to Malta for departures up to March 31 from 13 regional airports.

The lead-in holiday for the deals is seven nights at the self-catering Sunseeker apartments departing from Gatwick on January 28 from £275 per person.

Other offers include a half-term break for seven nights' self-catering accommodation at the Sunseeker Apartments from £1,540 for a family of four. It includes flights from

Gatwick, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction, based on a February 15 departure.

Alternatively, a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the four-star Qawra Palace costs from £475 per person. It includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction, based on a March 3 departure.

For further information or to make a booking visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

Debut Dom Rep property by Starwood Hotels’ Westin brand STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts' Westin brand has opened its first property in the Dominican Republic.

Owned and developed by Grupo Puntacana, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club – which is located in the grounds of the Puntacana Resort & Club – offers 200 rooms and suites with ocean views, direct beach access, two dining experiences and access to the resort’s facilities.

Brian Povinelli, the company's global brand leader, said, “The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is an outstanding addition to our portfolio in the Caribbean, where we now offer five world-class Westin resorts. In this spectacular beachfront location guests can enjoy all of the

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Westin brand’s signature programmes and amenities, designed to inspire well-being and send them home feeling better than when they arrived.”

The hotel is located in the Playa Blanca area and offers an outdoor pool, poolside grill, lobby bar, cigar bar, children’s club, meeting and wedding facilities plus walking trails. Additional amenities include a spa, 24-hour business centre and a gym.

Nearby amenities include a golf course, marina, selection of restaurants, horse-riding and an ecological reserve featuring 12 fresh water lagoons.

For more information on the property see www.westin.com and for details on the resort visit www.puntacana.com

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P ES 9 P IC £ 8 6 PR M O FR

PANAMA CITY BEACH

Panama City Beach is located in the Northwest region of Florida and spans 27 miles of glorious beachfront along the Gulf of Mexico. Mixing true Southern Hospitality with world-class amenities and attractions, Panama City Beach offers an unparalleled travel experience.

WIN A FLY DRIVE HOLIDAY TO THE FLORIDA BEACHES* -J ]SY [SYPH PMOI XS IWGETI XLI 9/ ERH ¾] [MXL :MVKMR %XPERXMG XS XLI *PSVMHE &IEGLIW JSV E RMKLX HYVEXMSR PSSO RS JYVXLIV ;MXL WS QER] QYWX WII HIWXMREXMSRW E ¾] HVMZI LSPMHE] MW XLI TIVJIGX [E] XS HMWGSZIV XLI XVYI HMZIVWMX] XLEX *PSVMHE LEW XS SJJIV 8S FI MR [MXL E GLERGI SJ [MRRMRK SRI SJ SYV ¾] HVMZI LSPMHE]W WMQTP] ZMWMX www.funway4agents.co.uk and complete our short survey. With 8 up for grabs, you have more chance than ever before! All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw with the winners being chosen at random shortly after the closing date.

HOLIDAY DESTINATION(S) & DURATION

DEPARTURE DATE

SALE PRICE

Panama City Beach (4 nights)

November 2014

NOW FROM JUST £869pp

Panama City Beach (4 nights) & Orlando (4 nights)

November 2014

NOW FROM JUST £929pp

To book visit funway4agents.co.uk or call our experienced travel advisors on

0844 557 0626

NEW FLORIDA BEACHES 2014 & 2015 BROCHURE OUT NOW

8IVQW ERH GSRHMXMSRW QE] ETTP] %PP TVMGIW EVI GSVVIGX EX XMQI SJ HMWXVMFYXMSR ;I EVI ½RERGMEPP] TVSXIGXIH %830 %&8% : < -%8%

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newsbulletin Free Business Class upgrade with Wendy Wu Tours & Air China WENDY WU Tours is offering a free one-way Business Class upgrade to customers booking their holiday to China from Gatwick departing during 2014.

The deal, which is available on any of the operator's tours to China and tailor-made holidays, applies to bookings made by January 31, for travel between March 30 and October 24.

The company's managing director, Laurence Hicks, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with

Air China and Gatwick Airport to offer this amazing and exclusive deal to our customers. As the UK’s largest specialist operator to China, our ability to negotiate such spectacular offers for our customers comes through strong relationships with other likeminded suppliers. Our very special relationship with airlines, built on the back of 16 years successful commercial partnerships, enables us to negotiate such spectacular offers exclusively for our customers.”

Air China has a modern new fleet of aircraft and their Business Class provides a fully flat-bed with an 80” seat pitch and a choice of English entertainment on large, private screens.

The free upgrade is offered for the return journey but customers can also opt to upgrade to Business Class on both legs for £400 per person.

For more information visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-310 9232.

Half-term family fun in Swedish Lapland from Taber Holidays TABER HOLIDAYS has introduced a new family break to the Luleå archipelago, departing on February 17 and 24.

The three-night trip includes a range of excursions, such as a Nordic Adventure Skills session where guests will walk by snowshoe into the nearby forest, learn how to make a fire in the snow and both cook and eat outdoors sat on reindeer hides.

Other highlights include a two-hour dog sledding trip, a four-hour snowmobile excursion and a visit to Brändöskär, a

fishing village dating from the 17th century.

Prices start from £1,650 per adult and £783 per child including flights from Heathrow, transfers, accommodation at Brändön Lodge, breakfast and dinner.

The trip is based on two adults per booking and a child aged between six and 11.

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

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES

PETER SOMMER Travels has added a 'Walking and Exploring Cappadocia and the Land of the Hittites' option, which combines the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cappadocia with a selection of walks along the recently-opened Hittite Way. The trip is led by expert archaeologist and historian Nota Karamaouna, who has excavated and surveyed at a number of sites in Cappadocia.

Walking between three and fours hours daily, guests will learn about the ancient Hittites and take in sites such as the Yazilkaya Sanctuary, where chief gods and goddesses are carved into the rock; visit underground cities; take in a rock-cut monastery; visit Pigeon Valley with its rock-cut dovecotes; and sample regional foods and wines. Departing on October 5, prices lead in at £2,450 per person based on two sharing and includes nine nights' halfboard accommodation, two other meals, transfers, all entrance fees and guiding. Flights are extra.

For details call 01600-888220 or see www.petersommer.com

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View photos from Travel Bulletin’s first ever Online Training Showcase, held in London recently, on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/events

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Up to £200 off School Summer Holidays with Lodges & Parks from Hoseasons.

Visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents

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Win a fly-drive holiday to the Florida Beaches with Funway. Complete a simple survey and you’re in the prize draw.

Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway

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BROCHURE OF THE WEEK: A2Btravelextras & resorthoppa. Low cost leisure and business airport transfers in over 9,000 cities and resorts in over 90 countries worldwide.

Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk to view in digital format.

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

FOR EVERY 2014 Butlins, Haven or Warner Leisure Hotels booking made by February 9 for a minimum three-night break, Bourne Leisure is giving agents the chance to win one of 50 Winter Wonder Goody Boxes featuring delights such as a cuddly Brainz, hot chocolate and marshmallows in a mug, magic gloves and a £5 Love2Shop voucher. The operator is giving away ten goody boxes weekly and one of the boxes will also contain a Bonus Token providing an exclusive code that will allow agents to claim their choice of either an iPod Shuffle, Ticketmaster vouchers, £50 Love2Shop Vouchers or a Kindle. To receive their bonus gift, the winning agent needs to become friends with Brainz on Facebook and post their exclusive code on his page. Throughout the campaign, agents who complete any of the Bourne online training courses can also claim a free family day pass.

For details see www.bourneexpert.co.uk

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TO MARK its 70th birthday this year Hoseasons is offering travel agents the chance to win £70 worth of Love2Shop vouchers every day until March 11 when they make a booking.

For full terms and conditions of the prize draw visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdfs/ seventy.pdf and to make a booking

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A NEW Kuoni passport incentive for travel agents has been launched alongside the company’s 2014 turn of year sale. The promotion runs until February 17 with a selection of new prizes - from Hunter wellies to a new iPad Air - to match the number of bookings made. To receive the prizes, agents need to log the reference when making a booking and email the details or send a hard copy of the passport to the trade sales team. Agents can also earn one booking when they join Kuoni on social media: follow @kuonitrade on Twitter or facebook.com/ KuoniTradeRelations FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is offering a range of MoneyCard incentives for agents. Throughout this month, agents who book a Secrets, Dreams, Breathless, Now, Zoëtry or Sunscape property in Mexico or the Dominican Republic, together with flights, will earn up to £20 on their MoneyCard per booking when they make the booking at www.funway4agents.co.uk or £15 per booking via the reservations team. From now until the end of March, agents who book a Barbados holiday including flights and at least three nights' accommodation will earn double

Fancy a fam?

GOLD MEDAL has launched a mega fam incentive in conjunction with Delta Air Lines, where four teams of independent agents will be taken to secret locations on the carrier's network before heading to Las Vegas for a stay at MGM Grand. Places will be split between the top selling agents and the most improved year-on-year. Agents are automatically entered to win a place on the mega fam when they make a booking.

League tables that track performances are published at www.goldmedal.co.uk each week, and highlight those that are currently in line to secure a seat, and those in the running to swoop in and take a top spot.

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on their MoneyCard (£20 per online booking and £10 via the reservations team), while each week this month, one agent will earn £250 on their MoneyCard for any package booking made that week including seven nights or more staying at a Walt Disney World Resort on-site hotel. The company is also offering one winner the chance to earn £100 on their MoneyCard this month for any package booking made including Virgin Atlantic flights.

See www.funway4agents.co.uk

see www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0844-847 1144.

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EMIRATES HAS announced a new agent incentive worth more than £60,000, offering two luxury holidays to Dubai and Mauritius and six daily prizes of £500 Love2Shop vouchers. The first incentive runs until the end of this month and comprises of two twincentre holidays to Dubai and Mauritius. The holidays, each for two people, include Business Class flights, chauffeur driven service, lounge access and eight nights' accommodation in Dubai and Mauritius. The daily Love2Shop vouchers will be awarded to agents who make bookings from each of the six airports serviced by the airline - Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow.

For details see www.emiratesagents.com/uk

Training update A NEW training element incorporati ng the USA Discovery Program has been added to Brand USA's 2014 Megafam sign up process. Brand USA, together with British Airways and American Airlines, has confirmed the destinations and routes for the Megafam, which take s place from May 15-22.

Seven itineraries covering 21 states have been created in conjunction with the partner airlines , and agents can win a place by entering flights sold to and within the US with BA and American Airlines at www.usam egafam.co.uk. Agents will also be required to complete two Specialist modules on the agent training site – www.usad iscoveryprogram.co.uk, with a Family module the latest add ition to the site.

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newsbulletin Regent Holidays promotes Alternative Asia programme

Ted Wake, deputy chairman of AITO Agents and joint MD at Kirker Holidays, offers an insight into the recent AITO Agents' domestic conference...

WHEN THE poet & pop impresario Ian Dury wrote the song ‘Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3’ in 1979, he could not possibly have imagined that his song title would have been adopted by AITO Specialist Agents for their 2014 January Conference. It proved an excellent and very relevant theme and, as all present would testify, it was a great conference – just the right blend of networking, inspiration and direct communication between the cream of the UK’s independent travel agents and the best specialist tour operators.

The mood amongst delegates was certainly optimistic about bookings for 2014, with more confidence about margins.

Although a competitive market, customers have learnt that, while expert advice might make a holiday a little more expensive than DIY, it is worth every penny. Paul Chapman’s keynote address was a timely reminder that “20% of clients want to pay a premium – make sure you always make the upgrade available.” It certainly struck a chord with everyone present.

Those AITO devotees who have attended the past ten years or more enjoy the event because it is – a bit like Ian Drury was himself – short and sweet. Arriving on Saturday afternoon, there was an optional speed-dating session, a glamorous Gala Awards dinner and networking in the convivial bar after dinner.

Sunday morning started with a short two-hour conference session, followed by the invaluable marketplace, where agents and operators talked business from 11.30-14.00, including lunch. It’s a simple but very effective formula that makes the 24-hour conference the AITO Agents’ most popular annual event. Drayton Manor Hotel, just north of Birmingham, proved a great venue. I loved my one-night stay, and was impressed with the adrenalin park tour (not to mention the Thomas the Tank Engine paraphernalia!). What was most memorable, however, was the excellent service. Every employee at this family-owned business was polite, well-trained and passionate about delivering great service – all qualities to which AITO operators and agents aspire.

If you are a member of AITO agents but have not (yet) attended, you will probably be wondering why on earth anyone would want to leave their office at the busiest time of year. I urge you to try it next year, and to speak to those who’ve previously made the commitment. During peak sales, even the best sales people need to be energised to convert just a couple more sales each week; there is no better or more relevant time of year to inspire all members of your sales team to greater heights.

I am optimistic about what lies ahead, and the recent AITO conference is top of my list of Reasons to be Cheerful about bookings for 2014. I hope to see you in Prague for AITO’s overseas conference in June, and perhaps at next January’s UK conference too. There is no better way to ensure that the year gets off to a flying start.

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January 24 2014

REGENT HOLIDAYS has launched its 2014 Alternative Asia brochure with new offerings in destinations including North Korea, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, China, Burma and Indo-China.

As examples, a 15-day Odyssey Along the Silk Road covers one of the most remote sections of the Silk Road, through Kazakhstan into China, beginning in the capital city Astana and travelling through the Kyrgyz highlands. The tour includes an overnight stay in a yurt camp near a 15th century caravanserai before venturing over the 12,000ft Torugart Pass into Western China. The tour departs on September 2 and costs from £3,045 per person, based on two sharing and including flights, accommodation in three- and four-star hotels, most meals, transfers and transport.

Alternatively, a 13-day Highlights of Sichuan & Yunnan Group Tour begins in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and takes in Zhongdian Province, renamed Shangri-La in 2001 after the 1933 James Hilton novel Lost Horizon. Highlights include a visit to the 17th-century Sumtseling Monastery, also known as Little Potala Palace, plus a visit to the remote and mysterious Yunnan province – home to 25 different minority tribes, many descended from Tibetans with their unique dialects, colourful traditional dress and history. The tour departs on June 14 and prices lead in at £2,645 per person including flights, accommodation in threeand four-star hotels, most meals, all transfers and transport, plus the services of a guide/driver.

The new brochure can be downloaded from www.regentholidays.co.uk/brochure. For details call 020-7666 1244.

Dedicated Disney Cruise Line section on DisneyStars.com training tool DISNEY DESTINATIONS International has launched a new version of DisneyStars.com, which now includes a dedicated section for Disney Cruise Line.

The online training tool is being distributed across the UK, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands as well as two new destinations - France and Italy.

Agents now have access to detailed itineraries and entertainment options on board for families, kids and adults, as well as dining information such as the rotational dining concept.

Sections have been re-organised and are now more focused on instructing agents on unique selling points and factors that differentiate the company from other cruise lines.

Agents can put their knowledge to the test with interactive content such as online quizzes and each month someone from each country will be selected as the winner of their region and will be featured on the website, along with receiving a prize.

For more information and to register visit www.disneystars.com

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 003

Raven Lint

A➠

B➠ This operator specialises ‘inn’ walking and cycling holidays

C➠

Facial Iron

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:

Fill in the blank in the title of this Katy Perry song: “………. Girls”

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, January 30th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 10th January is Rachel Coulson, Cruise and Travel Lounge in Cheshire.

January 10 Solution: A=7 B=4 C=2 D=8

Staircase in Rome?

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

Number: 003

Across 1. Thomas Cook brand, specialising in family holidays (8) 6. Hotels and resorts company (5) 8. Island on the Great Barrier Reef, sounds colourful (5) 9. Wightlink ply this waterway (6) 10. Paris airport (4) 12. German city (4) 13. 1 Across offers holidays to this Tunisian resort (6) 16. Popular Spanish island (5) 17. Mediterranean country (5) 18. Mr Cumberbatch, recently seen as Sherlock Holmes (8)

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Down 1. One of the Musketeers, sounds like a part of Greece (5) 2. Belgian city and port (6) 3. Capital of Latvia (4) 4. Female Big Bang character, sounds like a small coin (5) 5. US state and Oscar nominated film (8) 7. The Azores archipelago is situated in this ocean (8) 11. Scenic lake in Banff National Park (6) 12. State capital of Idaho (5) 14. Longwood specialises in holidays to this country (5) 15. Largest island of the Seychelles (4)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 January 24 2014

11

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

David Moon, head of business development at Advantage, outlines the new consultancy approach for members PEAKING FROM an Advantage Travel Partnership perspective, we are delighted that so many of our member partners are enjoying such a strong period of trading at the moment. What is particularly encouraging is the renaissance that independent agents are enjoying in the eyes of the consumer who are re-acquainting themselves with the benefits and services that they can offer them.

S

“What is particularly encouraging is the renaissance that independent agents are enjoying in the eyes of the consumer who are re-acquainting themselves with the benefits and services that they can offer them" However, no organisation can afford the luxury of resting on their laurels - agents need to constantly fine tune their business proposition to ensure that peak performance is maintained.

In 2014, we will continue with what we started last year by getting closer to our individual member partners - understanding their individual needs and working with them on the refinements that they need to make to their businesses.

This level of effective engagement can only really be achieved if we are able to offer a truly bespoke service and we are currently recruiting more business development consultants to our central team to boost our capability to deliver a range of business planning tools to our member partners including: ● Full business reviews: Setting clear business objectives with key performance indicators and regular reviews ● Business coaching/mentoring ● Business and marketing plan writing ● Profit and loss, and cashflow forecasting Although it is likely that our member partners will already prepare and implement business plans, our

12

January 24 2014

approach will not only provide valuable objectivity but will also allow us to tailor and refine the Advantage Travel Partnership portfolio to meet the individual needs identified as part of the business planning process.

As part of our partnership portfolio, we will also be extending the range and reach of our consultancy services - offering individual expertise to our member partners in areas such as HR, IT, legal compliance, accountancy and staff development. Experts at our disposal will come from both within the central Advantage organisation and also from external consultants who will provide added value services to member partners.

And working on the basis that all activity needs to be effectively measured in order to be able to properly calculate return, we also intend to provide every member partner with an annual benefits statement which will specify the overall financial benefit each member partner has had from the organisation over the year.

"In 2014 we will continue with what we started last year by getting closer to our individual member partners - understanding their individual needs and working with them on the refinements that they need to make to their businesses."

Ultimately, each member partner has control over the direction, focus and operating profile of their own business but we believe that with the right level of engagement and intervention, we can assist our member partners in fashioning a business strategy that drives maximum business efficiency and a consistent level of profitability.

I hope to update you regularly on what this new approach is managing to achieve.

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Make a booking to Oman and a earn arn rewards!

Register your booking for 7 nights or more at www.omanbooki www.omanbookingrewards.com rewards.com and you will receive a ou for your support. ÂŁ10 shopping voucher once your clientss have travelled as a thank you m trip to Oman in 2014.

Sign up today for rewards, prizes and a chance to win a place on a fam

Beauty has an address For more information on Oman please contact: Oman Ministry of Tourism UK & Ireland Repre Representative OďŹ&#x192;ce Tel: 0208 877 4524 | Email: oman@represe oman@representationplus.co.uk | Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om Study: www.omanacadamy.com

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trainingbulletin CLIA UK & Ireland offers workshops to ‘new to cruise’ agents CLIA UK & Ireland has launched a series of nationwide workshops aimed specifically at agents who are new to cruise, or who have little cruise experience.

The five workshops will provide a combination of selling techniques for ocean and river cruise holidays, together with product knowledge and networking opportunities with cruise lines.

The workshops are entitled ‘Kick Start Your Cruise Sales’ and take place in Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Norwich. They will be accompanied by an online training module exclusively for those attending the workshops with both elements forming part of the association’s accreditation process.

Andy Harmer, director of the

association, said: “Cruise holidays continue to grow in popularity so there’s huge potential for travel agents to increase their sales. These workshops are designed for those who haven’t previously sold cruise holidays, providing relevant information, techniques and ideas which can be taken back to the workplace and put into practice immediately.

"We will be joined by a variety of cruise lines ensuring delegates are familiarised with the many different holiday choices available when taking an ocean or river cruise.”

The workshops will take place in September, October and November and places are limited.

For further information visit www.cruiseexperts.org

THE GLOBAL Travel Group recently ran a training day for agents near Milton Keynes, including sessions on social media and supplier speed dating. The day also included a prize draw with Alan Webber (centre) from Sun, Sea & Ski Holidays winning the first prize of a three-night stay at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus. Pictured with Alan are Joanne Briggs from The Global Travel Group and Darren Eade, Aphrodite Hills Resort.

Win a fam place to the BVIs THE BVI Tourist Board is offering agents the chance to win a place on its fam trip which departs in March.

To enter, agents should register on ‘Nature’s Little Secret Agents’ online training programme, pass all eight modules and log two bookings by March 7.

For details see http://uk.bvisecretagent.com

14

Visit Portugal announces February workshops TURISMO DE Portugal (Visit Portugal) is hosting two workshops for agents next month in partnership with The Network.

Taking place in London on February 11 and in Manchester on February 12, the events will be attended by around 35 Portuguese partners.

Registration commences at 17:30 and is followed by presentations and workshops before a buffet dinner and quiz.

A prize draw will also be announced before the event concludes at 22:00.

For more information or to register your interest in attending email portugalevents@thenetwork-uk.com

January 24 2014

Five tips on how to succeed at social customer service

by CAROLYN BLUNT, co-author of ‘Delivering Effective Social Customer Service’

Educate your customers that social media is a service channel. Send out regular and simple tweets to let people know you are online and ready to help. ● Listen! When your customers are unhappy they are likely to share their experience and this can be extremely damaging to a business.

Make sure you have a plan ready for a social crisis and everyone is fully briefed on it. ● A speedy reaction is essential. Your customer will use social media because it is the quickest way to get their voice heard so ensure you respond with the same speed; the optimum response speed should be no longer than 15 minutes. ● Update your customers with the latest deals and information. Not only does this make you an essential knowledge stream it also means that your social content is current and not repetitive. ● Share your new discoveries with your customers - the most popular destinations and also the hidden gems.

This will encourage loyalty and engagement with your customers and you will be seen as a key travel ‘influencer’. ●

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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trainingbulletin

VISIT KENT has launched a new trade website specifically designed to help operators and group travel organisers plan trips to the Garden of England. The multi-platform website provides information about group-friendly places to visit and stay, refreshment options, new itineraries and coach parking. For the first time, the organisation is offering a bank of bookable wholesale packages for tour and group travel organisers. The site is divided into four key user-friendly sections – About Kent, Itineraries, Plan Trips to Kent and Useful Information.

See www.visitkent.co.uk/trade

Tourico Holidays launches Travel Academy for graduates TOURICO HOLIDAYS has launched a Travel Academy, offering training for graduates interested in entering the industry.

A total of 30 applicants will be accepted for each of the four quarterly ten-week sessions throughout the year.

Those interested in participating must first apply online and pass a series of interviews and assessments before being selected for the programme. Upon

completion, graduates can interview for positions primarily in product development but potentially in sales, marketing and operations. Successful students will be placed in positions best suited to their skills and personality, with every qualified and successful student receiving a job offer from the company.

For more information visit www.thetravelacademy.com

Win a luxury day trip with Eurocamp’s new OTT module WITH EUROCAMP holidays now available through the trade for the first time, the operator is giving agents the chance to win a luxury day trip when they complete its online

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modules at OTT by February 28.

The prize includes a day experiencing Paris’ sights and sounds, as well as a Champagne lunch up the Eiffel Tower.

This year sees the unification of the operator with its sister company, Keycamp.

For details call 0844-844 0000 or see ott.travel and www.eurocamp4agents.co.uk

March launch for Americas workshop THE ANNUAL Americas Workshop, dedicated to Latin America, takes place at the Royal Geographical Society London from March 11-13, and brings together UK tour operators and ground handlers in Latin America.

This year around 60 suppliers will be exhibiting at the workshop including small lodges, haciendas, boutique hotels, rainforest lodges, expedition cruises and the DMC's represented by Americas.

For more information call 020-7223 4330, email americas@americas.co.uk or see www.americas.co.uk

January 24 2014

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Visit CaesarsTravelAgents.com today to get the most Las Vegas for your clients. Caesars Entertainment, making life easy for travel agents who do the same for us.

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usa Everett Bradly & The Cast of ‘After Midnight’

Atlantic City & Texas additions from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 has added Atlantic City and Texas to its 2014 brochures.

The company's product manager, Jonathan Couch, said: "We have a great offering of Caesars hotels in Atlantic City and this will form part of multicentre trips with New York and Philadelphia.

“The US continues to sell very well for us and forward bookings are looking very encouraging.

Areas such as New York, Las Vegas and Florida are showing continued growth with customers taking advantage of early booking offers to Las Vegas and Florida where they continue to offer free nights and added value including complimentary breakfast.”

For further details see www.travel2.com

AGENTS WITH clients heading to New York this winter now have a choice of three additional shows.

After Midnight, The Bridges of Madison County and Cabaret have joined The Broadway Collection, a group of top Broadway shows, each selected for their popularity with international audiences. The move now brings the total number of shows to 23, with After Midnight now running and The Bridges of Madison County and Cabaret scheduled to launch on February 20 and April 24 respectively. Operators selling packages include Attraction world, Encore Tickets, Lastminute.com, Virgin Holidays, TUI Travel, Titan Travel and Superbreak.

For details visit www.broadwaycollection.com and www.spotlightonbroadway.com

Riviera Travel highlights 15-day California tour RIVIERA TRAVEL is highlighting its 15-day California & The Golden West itinerary which leads in at £1,599 per person.

The tour explores western USA’s national

parks, native Indian history, desert landscapes, forests and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Guests will take in the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion

National Park and Yosemite plus a stay in Las Vegas, along with guided tours of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.

For more information see www.rivieratravel.co.uk

Las Vegas savings of up to £249 per person from Hayes & Jarvis MORGAN FREEMAN, Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline have convened on the big screen for new film ‘Last Vegas’, which recently hit UK cinemas.

In the film, the foursome head to the land of casinos and cabarets for a stag do for Michael Douglas' character, and as they are determined not to act their age, the antics unfold.

Much of the movie was filmed at the Aria Hotel and Hayes & Jarvis has launched a new offer at the five-star property, located on the Las Vegas Strip.

Departing on February 27, a four-night stay costs from £699 per person, with savings of £131 per person, including flights from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic.

The company is also offering a fournight break at the four-star Golden Nugget from £599, offering a saving of £249 per person. It includes direct flights from Gatwick to Las Vegas with Virgin Atlantic, based on a February 27 departure.

For more information or to book call 01293-735831 or see www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk

British Airways and Norwegian offer direct routes to wider US destinations THIS YEAR sees the launch of new direct flight routes to the US, leading to destinations becoming more accessible to UK visitors.

British Airways is set to become the first carrier to provide a non-stop flight between London and Austin.

The five times weekly service

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commences on March 3 before moving to daily flights from May 5. Prices for a return flight in World Traveller start from £511. In addition to its existing A380 route to Los Angeles, the carrier will also begin A380 services to Philadelphia from June 5 and to Washington, D.C.

commencing September 1.

Meanwhile, Norwegian is set to launch flights to Los Angeles, New York and Fort Lauderdale from Gatwick.

Taking off on July 2, the airline's twice-weekly Los Angeles route costs from £199 one-way, while a day later sees the launch of its

New York route, running three times weekly, at an introductory offer of £149.

Twice-weekly flights to Fort Lauderdale commence on July 4, with a lead-in price of £179 one-way.

For details see www.ba.com, www.norwegian.com and www.discoveramerica.com

January 24 2014

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usa Virgin Holidays adds tours to second edition Florida brochure TWO NEW Worldwide Journeys tours have been added to Virgin Holidays' second edition Florida 2014 brochure - the fly/drive Southern Heritage Tour and Rhythms of the South – Atlanta to Orlando, both of which take in the Panhandle and parts of the Deep South.

For details see www.virginholidaysjourneys.co.uk As an example of packages, a sevennight stay in Orlando, including scheduled

flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick, accommodation at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort Universal Orlando and car hire, costs from £1,219 per person, based on two adults travelling and sharing a Courtyard Family Suite. The price is based on a May 12 departure and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges.

To book or for details see www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844-557 3859.

Win an iPad Air with Attraction World’s booking incentive ATTRACTION WORLD is giving one agent the chance to get their hands on a 16GB iPad Air, worth £400.

To be in with the chance of winning, agents should make as many bookings as they can for the following Grand Canyon tours by the end of February: any Helicopter Golden Eagle Tour; any Grand Celebration Tour; any Eldorado Canyon Tour by bus or helicopter; any Grand Canyon Explorer Tour; and the North Canyon Helicopter Tour. All tours offer live booking availability and immediate confirmation.

Agents should email booking references to iloveprizes@attractionworld.com to enter.

The agent who has made the most bookings will win the prize.

For details call 0871-700 8888.

Four Points by Sheraton opens second hotel in Jacksonville STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts Worldwide has announced that its Four Points brand has opened its second hotel in Jacksonville, Florida.

Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront offers 72 oceanfront suites and the hotel recently completed a $2million renovation.

Facilities include an outdoor pool and whirlpool, 24-hour fitness centre, fullservice dining and 1,800sq.ft of meeting space.

For details see www.fourpoints.com

New Andy Warhol exhibition at St. Pete/Clearwater’s Dali Museum ST. PETE/CLEARWATER'S Dalí Museum is host to a new exhibit showcasing the works of Andy Warhol until April 27.

Entitled 'Warhol: Art. Fame. Mortality.', the exhibit includes approximately 35 paintings, 20 drawings, 50 photographs

and a selection of films by the American artist, on loan from The Warhol Museum in Pennsylvania. Photos of and by Warhol are also displayed, as well as portraits of artists and celebrities that he worked with. Entry to the exhibit is included in

the admission price for the Dali Museum which costs £12.80 per adult.

Concessions are available for students, children and seniors.

For details see www.thedali.org and www.visitstpeteclearwater.com

Loews Nashville Hotel pilots text message concierge service THE LOEWS Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville is piloting a new text concierge system which allows guests to make requests via text message.

Upon checking in, guests can opt to register their mobile telephone number at reception which will allow them to make text requests for the entirety of their stay.

Using a personal text service programme called Zingle, guests can also text the hotel requests while away from the property.

Located in Nashville’s Midtown, the property features 340 rooms including 14 suites.

For more information visit www.loewshotels.com

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ELTON JOHN will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to perform his chart-topping hits for 'The Million Dollar Piano' show. At the centre of the performance is the show’s namesake piano, an engineering marvel featuring more than 68 LED video screens. Tickets are now available for various dates in March and April, with prices starting from $55.

For details see www.thecolosseum.com

January 24 2014

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usa

THE PALM Beaches, a collection of luxury resorts, boutique and trusted-brand hotels across 15 dining and entertainment districts, is encouraging visitors to discover unique experiences, aside from its 47 miles of beaches. Examples include full-moon bike rides along some of Riverbend Park’s 15 miles of trails, up-close animal encounters at Lion Country Safari, spring training for two teams – St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins, a dive with the private S.C.U.B.A. Country Club, plus interaction with the turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s special rehabilitation facility.

Trafalgar adds new itineraries to 2014 brochure TRAFALGAR HAS issued its 2014 brochure featuring a number of Insider experiences which offer guests unique insights, hidden treasures and Be My Guest experiences.

The operator reports that sampling local food and delicacies has always been popular with its guests and, off the back of this popularity, it launched the new Taste of North America programme. The new itineraries give guests the chance to engage in cookery classes using locally sourced ingredients and visit farms and producers to get a better understanding of the transition from vineyard to vino or dairy to dessert.

The brochure also features new tours including a 15-day Best of the West adventure and a ten-day Family Experiences trip, Florida Fun ‘n’ Sun, with up to 7.5% savings off all North American tours booked and paid for by January 31.

The operator's director of sales, Paul Melinis, said: “A guided holiday with Trafalgar is the perfect way to cover the big distances in the US in comfort and style, while getting under the skin of the country with the help of our trusty travel directors and local guides who know their destinations better than anyone.”

As an example of prices, a new 11-day New York Zest & New England’s Best itinerary, which journeys through New York and New England, costs from £2,950 per person, based on two sharing. It includes flights, private transfers, coach transport, ten breakfasts, seven additional meals, included sightseeing and activities such as city and museum tours, tastings and cookery classes.

For more information visit www.trafalgar.com

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Come get a taste of all Louisiana has to offer, from our unique cuisine to our vibrant music scene. It’s where the music never stops— and most of it started.

Phone Number: 0208 460 7082 Brochure Request Line: 0800 652 8251 Louisiana@ttmworld.co.uk

©2014 Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism

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usa A round-up of news from the 38th annual Visit Florida Huddle THE 38TH annual Florida Huddle, Florida’s travel trade event, took place from January 14-16 in Palm Beach County.

Huddle, which is now owned and operated by Visit Florida, welcomed travel suppliers from across the state to meet directly with domestic and international buyers. This year saw a 12% increase in buyer delegates compared with last year, with total registered attendees amounting to 345 companies with 595 delegates and buyers from more than 20 countries.

Will Seccombe, president and CEO of Visit Florida, said that the state had welcomed record numbers of visitors over the last two years, of which a significant portion has been overseas visitors from 184 countries.

In total, Florida welcomed 89.3 million visitors in 2012, an increase of 2.3% over the previous year. Visitor numbers for the first three quarters of last year have also been recorded as very positive and large numbers are expected for this year.

Meanwhile, Visit Florida unveiled its winter brand campaign, Summer this Winter, which is part of its existing Must Be the Sunshine campaign. It focuses on attracting visitors to the typically warm winters of the Sunshine State and invites guests to head to 'the warmer side of winter'.

The event's host, Palm Beach County, revealed that there are 1,000 new hotel rooms in the pipeline including a new

Hilton hotel which will be connected to the Palm Beach County Convention Center - the only convention centre in the state to have an adjoining hotel. A new Palm Beaches Outlet shopping mall will also open next month.

In other news, Fort Lauderdale has been named official host of Visit Florida Huddle 2015. The destination saw a total of 13 million visitors last year and is set to welcome additional numbers following new flights and developments. These include new flight from Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale with Norwegian Airlines from July 2014 and the destination will boost hotel capacity with the introduction of the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort; a La Costa Hollywood; and the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Resort and Residences.

Meanwhile, plans were unveiled by All Aboard Florida for a new high-speed passenger rail service that will link downtown Miami and Orlando Airport in just under three hours, with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

The service is expected to be operational by 2015.

Orlando theme parks returned to Florida Huddle this year where Universal Orlando Resort revealed the line-up for its 2014 Mardi Gras celebration with an extended concert series featuring a line-up of artists including Robin Thicke, Nelly and The Wanted. The celebration offers 20 nights of concerts coupled with the legendary Bayou bash.

Palm Beach County Convention Center

Disney Magic Deals launch from Funway

HUDDLED UP...Pictured at this year's Florida Huddle are, from the left: Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO, Discover Palm Beach County; Will Seccombe, president and CEO, Visit Florida; Eileen Forrow, Visit Florida Huddle; and Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO, Brand USA.

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January 24 2014

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has launched its ‘Disney Magic Deals 2014’ brochure, which is valid until March 3.

The 16-page brochure offers savings of up to 30% with holiday prices leading in at £679 per person for seven nights at the Disney’s All-Star Resorts, based on two adults sharing and including flights.

Other offers include savings of up to 30% on hotels, £75 off Disney Tickets when booked in conjunction with flights and a Disney hotel for a minimum of three nights, kids (17 years and under) stay free when sharing a room with at least one paying adult at Disney resort hotels, kids eat free (under 11 years), free lounge passes and a free VIP coupon book at the Orlando Premium Outlets.

For details visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

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usa Alaska predicts rise in numbers for 2014 following last summer's boost VISITORS TO the US' largest state, Alaska, grew by 7% in summer last year to 1,693,800 compared to summer 2012, with numbers expected to rise again this year.

Visitors can experience Alaska by sea this year, with a total of 30 large cruise ships scheduled to call into the state. Icy Strait Point, a small-ship cruise port located 30 miles west of Juneau, will act as a port of call for Celebrity Cruisesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Solstice (www.celebritycruises.co.u k) and NCLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Norwegian Pearl (www.ncl.co.uk).

For adventure-seekers, Winterlake Lodge (www.withinthewild.com), which is located 198 trail miles northwest of Anchorage, is launching three new outdoor excursions this winter, featuring helicopter rides,

cross-country skiing and snowmobile excursions.

All training and meals are provided for the trips.

Visitors looking for cultural experiences this year can attend Celebration (www.sealaskaheritage.org /celebration), a biennial Alaska Native festival featuring processions, dance performances, arts and crafts, workshops and lectures. The festivities run from June 11-14 at several venues in Juneau.

Meanwhile, access to Alaska is being boosted with the launch of nine direct flights weekly with Air North (www.flyairnorth.com) in the summer between Fairbanks and Dawson City in Yukon, Canada. The flights will be utilised by Holland America Line for its land/sea journeys to

reduce travel time between Dawson City and Fairbanks.

Delta Airlines (www.delta.com) has also announced seasonal

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seatonly

United Airlines unveils new investments at San Francisco UNITED AIRLINES and its partners at San Francisco International Airport are preparing to open the newly renovated Boarding Area E in Terminal 3, which will provide the airline's customers with modern, flyer-friendly conveniences.

Scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, the 68,800sq.ft boarding area will offer ten gates for the carrier's customers and will be able to accommodate more than 50 departures daily.

Boarding Area E will offer an up-close view of the airfield and the Bay Area from a 23ft-high window wall.

Customers will also benefit from several other amenities including an interactive information and entertainment area; comfortable seating options that include Fritz Hansen “egg” chairs and swivel lounge chairs; dining and concession options from Bay Area vendors, such as Klein’s Deli; free Wi-Fi; nine work stations and access to more than 375 power outlets; a yoga room; and an interactive kids’ play area.

The airline is making other investments in Terminal 3, including a new reception area for the airline’s Global Services customers and a new check-in area for MileagePlus Premier customers, both scheduled to open in September.

For more information visit www.united.com

IN RESPONSE to demand for shoulder and off-peak holidays, Air Malta will start summer early this year by serving a range of UK regional airports from April in time for the spring and Easter period. Flights to and from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Exeter and Norwich will be begin on April 8 until October 28.

The regional services are offered in addition to the regular scheduled services to/from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. The carrier offers a free allowance of 20kg for baggage and 10kg hand-luggage per person.

Flights can be booked at www.airmalta.com

Special Aruba fare from MAN with KLM TRAVELLERS SEEKING a great value winter getaway can take advantage of a special fare being offered by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

The carrier has launched a £680 return fare (including taxes) from Manchester to Aruba, available for flights departing until February 28.

The carrier operates five times a week to the island, via its international hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

To book or for details see www.klm.com or call 0871-231 0000 and for more information on Aruba visit www.aruba.com

Experience the FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup with TAP Portugal TAP PORTUGAL operates flights from the UK to 12 destinations in Brazil via Lisbon, ideal for clients looking to attend the FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup. England will play their first match on June 14 against Italy in the group stage of the tournament, with Manaus – one of the newest destinations to be added to the airline’s Brazilian network – taking centre stage as the backdrop.

The city will play host to four World Cup games to be played in Arena Da Amazonia, a specially built stadium.

Alongside Belém, Manaus will be added to the airline’s schedule in June. The new services signal its first destinations in northern

Brazil, widening its existing network in the South American country.

Other World Cup stadium destinations served by the carrier include Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Recife, plus Belo Horizonte and São Paulo, the latter two of which will be the destinations for England’s remaining group stage matches against Costa Rica and Uruguay, respectively.

The new route will further expand the airline’s existing global connections, via Lisbon, to 79 destinations in 34 countries worldwide.

Flights from the UK to Manaus cost from £735 per person including taxes and charges.

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

Air Europa launches three times weekly Santiago service from March AIR EUROPA has announced the launch of a new route to Santiago, Chile, via Salvador, Brazil.

From March 31, the airline will fly three times weekly to the city and will also increase operations to Salvador, Brazil, from four to five flights weekly from March 27.

Outbound flights will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Gatwick at 17:20 and arriving in Madrid at 20:35 for the 21:50 flight to Santiago. Passengers can then take the 21:50 flight from Salvador to arrive in Santiago at 07:00+1.

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Inbound flights are also on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and travel from Santiago to Salvador from 20:3510:45, Salvador to Madrid from 15:00-16:20 and Madrid to Gatwick from 15:00-16:20.

Colin Stewart, UK general manager for the airline, said: “This year is all about growth. With our new routes, increased frequencies and focus on continuing to provide the highest levels of service to our customers, I am confident we will further consolidate our place as the airline of choice to Latin America.”

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seatonly All Nippon Airways launches new route between London and Tokyo ALL NIPPON Airways (ANA) has announced a new service between London and Tokyo Haneda in response to growing demand for the route.

The expansion, effective from March 30, will make the company the largest airline at Haneda, offering the most international flights to and from the airport.

International travellers are increasingly looking to Haneda as a hub, due to its accessibility for central Tokyo (13 minutes

by Monorail) and its range of domestic flights, allowing for easy access to destinations such as Hiroshima, Matsuyama and Okayama.

The airline operates a dual-airport strategy in the Tokyo area, capitalising on the respective strengths of Haneda and Narita airports.

Osamu Shinobe, president and CEO of the airline, said: “With the new slots being added to Haneda Airport, we are seeking to utilise the strengths of both Haneda and Narita airports to offer an increased level of convenience for domestic and international routes, gaining new international customers travelling between Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Also in line with the Haneda expansion, we are planning to offer an enhanced lounge and services to deliver a fivestar airline experience both in the air and on the ground, allowing customers to experience Japan quality at all times.”

For more information visit www.ana.co.jp

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Carpatair off to a flying start at Luton ROMANIAN AIRLINE Carpatair has launched services from Luton to Chisinau, capital of the Republic of Moldova.

Services operate twiceweekly on Thursdays and Sundays, with fares starting from £103, including taxes.

The route will be operated by a 148-seat Boeing 737-300.

Simon Harley, airline development manager at the airport, said: “It is fantastic that Carpatair are now operating from Luton. This is our first service to the Republic of Moldova and to be able to launch a new destination with yet another new carrier choosing to come to Luton is testament to the airport’s convenient location and efficient operations.

“With Carpatair’s quality on board service and competitive fares, we are sure the Chisinau flights will be a great success.”

For more information see www.carpatair.com

CityJet puts focus on core routes from LCY in new summer schedule CITYJET HAS announced details of its new summer network and schedule that commence on March 30.

The carrier is focusing on strengthening its core routes from London City Airport, with increased frequencies on key destinations, while opening a number of new routes from Cardiff Airport. The increased capacity to existing destinations will strengthen the airline's current network, and will provide additional connections to passengers flying on partner network hubs.

Last week, the carrier launched four new routes from Cardiff by introducing

services from Cardiff to Glasgow and Paris-Orly.

This will be followed by flights to Jersey and Edinburgh for the summer schedule.

Other developments include capacity on London City-Dublin flights increasing by 38%; increased capacity of 100% to Florence from London City; and an 18% capacity increase in flights from London City to Paris.

With the new reconfiguration of the network, the airline will withdraw loss-making routes, mainly in Germany and Luxembourg.

For more information visit www.cityjet.com

InBrief ● ESTONIAN AIR has launched a seasonal air link between Tallinn and Munich. The airline offers the

route once weekly on Saturdays until March 29. One-way fares from Tallinn cost from €120.53 including all fees and taxes, subject to availability.

For details see www.estonian-air.com ● LUFTHANSA HAS announced a 7% increase in capacity on services between Heathrow and Frankfurt from the start of the summer timetable. From March 30, all flights between Heathrow and Frankfurt will be operated by the larger Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft resulting in almost 1,000 additional seats every week. ● 'FRESHLY COOKED Eggs' is the latest First Class breakfast menu option to be hatched by Malaysia Airlines. Cooked from scratch on board by cabin crew, passengers can tuck in to scrambled eggs, sunny side up, soft-boiled or poached eggs. First and Business Class passengers can also enjoy the airline’s ‘Chef on Call’ service with the option to pre-book in advance a range of gourmet dishes, from Malaysian favourites and chef’s recommendations to light healthy choices. The carrier has recently announced its partnership with Chef Richard Corrigan to create and launch a limited edition inflight menu from February, drawing inspiration from his two flagship London restaurants, Corrigan’s Mayfair and Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill. ● AIR NEW Zealand has signed a licensing agreement with China Airlines for its Economy Skycouch seat. Under the agreement, China Airlines will commence the introduction of the Skycouch to its fleet of new 777-300ERs from September. The locally designed Skycouch is a row of three Economy seats that together adapt to create a flat flexible space to stretch out and relax in. It was developed as part of a three-year innovation process to re-invent the long-haul flying experience.

January 24 2014

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cruising AMERICAN CRUISE Lines is building four new riverboats for American river cruising which will enter service between 2015 and 2017. Construction has commenced on the first two ships, with the first to begin cruising in spring 2015. The new vessels will include larger staterooms, private balconies plus dining and lounge venues. At least one of the four new ships will operate cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers from the Pacific Coast to the Idaho border, more than 500 miles inland.

For details see www.americancruiselines.com

Exclusive themed mini-cruises from Superbreak SUPERBREAK IS offering agents the chance to book packages for two new and exclusive themed mini-cruise breaks with some of the UK’s most popular tribute acts.

Customers can sail from Hull to Amsterdam with P&O Ferries, with the chance to spend a day in Amsterdam.

A Madonna and Michael Jackson Ultimate Party Cruise costs from £79 per person and departs on March 8 travelling overnight to arrive in Rotterdam the following morning, where a transfer to Amsterdam is arranged. A full day can then be spent in the city with the option to join an afternoon party in a city centre bar before the ship departs home again that evening, arriving in Hull on March 10.

A Take That, Robbie Williams, Michael Buble and Westlife Themed Party Cruise departs on November 8 and costs from £89. Two acts perform on the outbound journey and two on the return.

Both mini-cruise breaks can be found in the operator’s new 2014 Mini Cruise Breaks brochure which has recently launched.

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

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MSC Cruises launches two-year ‘renaissance programme’ for Lirica ships MSC CRUISES has announced a €200m programme that will involve all four of its Lirica class ships over the next two years.

The ‘renaissance programme’ has been commissioned by shipbuilding company Fincantieri in Italy and will be completed by 2015.

The renovation of the line's Armonia, Lirica, Sinfonia and Opera will add new entertainment options, technological advances, extended shops and up to almost 200 new cabins per ship.

The ships will feature a new spray park with a pathway of water features and water cannons. Boutiques will also be enhanced with new interiors, additional space and a new perfumery.

Gianni Onorato, the line's CEO, said: “When our four Lirica class ships return to the seas after a total of 38 weeks in dry dock, they will be entirely new ships with additional amenities and comfort for our travellers.

"The extensive ‘renaissance programme’ represents a huge investment, and reaffirms, once again, our company’s dedication to high standards, cutting-edge technology and continuous product innovation.”

Following renovations, the ships will offer an additional 193 cabins (plus 59 new cabins for crew members).

For further information visit www.msccruises.co.uk

Carnival Cruise Lines welcomes Dr. Seuss characters on board CARNIVAL CRUISE Lines has unveiled an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises which will bring the children’s brand and its characters to the line’s fleet of 24 Fun Ships.

The Carnival Seuss at Sea programme offers a variety of youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences featuring the world and words of Dr. Seuss.

Highlights include The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends in the main dining room, available for $5 per guest.

Each ship in the fleet will also have a selection of books as well as toys and themed activities.

Special showings of movies such as ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ will be shown outdoors on the giant screen as part of the line’s Dive-In Movies programme.

On Carnival Freedom, which is undergoing a major refurbishment in May, and Carnival Vista, which debuts in early 2016, there will be a Dr. Seuss Bookville play space.

Also featured will be Seuss-a-palooza Story Time, A Rhyming Good Time - an interactive reading event that brings to life the world of Dr. Seuss.

At other times during the voyage, families will have the chance to meet and interact with characters, participate in photo opportunities and experience events and activities such as the Seuss-a-palooza Character Parade. A variety of themed retail items will also be available.

The programme commences on the line's Splendor next month, with implementation across the full fleet by 2015.

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(1) Ponant bonus fare based on two people sharing a cabin, excluding pre/post transport, port and security taxes. Ponant bonus fare is susceptible to change depending on the availability at the moment of the reservation. More informations at www.ponant.com Photo Credits : © Compagnie du Ponant, Istockphoto.

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Luxury Cruising by Compagnie du Ponant

ADRIATIC AND AEGEAN SEA: THE ULTIMATE YACHTING EXPERIENCE Taking a cruise with Compagnie du Ponant in the Mediterranean offers you a perfect combination of relaxation, exclusivity and cultural discoveries across a range of locations such as Venice, Kotor and Athens.

The 132-cabin, 5-star yacht LE SOLÉAL reaches some of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets whilst treating guests to unrivalled passenger service, the finest cuisine and a bilingual crew ready to tend to your every need. Discover the treasures of the World by sea.

Summer 2014 - 13 departures from € 1250(1)

Start your journey on ponant.com

Contact your travel agency or call our UK call centre

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rivercruising Discounts of up to £1,000 per couple with Avalon Waterways AVALON WATERWAYS has launched its second edition 2014 river cruise programme with discounts of up to £1,000 per couple as well as a prize draw offering agents the chance to win a place on a seven-night Avalon river cruise fam trip. To be entered into the draw, agents should email the booking reference to agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk with subject line ‘Avalon Fam’ before February 28.

The £1,000 saving per couple applies on bookings made before January 31 on selected river cruises with spring departures on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle and Dutch Waterways, as well as up to £800 per couple discount on all departures of the company's 16-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & Mekong cruise (from £3,595).

The choice of European river cruises includes the eight-day Tulip Time (from £1,295), eight-day Tulips of Northern Holland (£1,420), 13-day Rhine & Moselle (£2,635), 13-day Blue Danube Discovery (£2,369), ten-day Balkan Discovery (£2,210), 11-day Burgundy & Provence (£2,130), 12-day Capitals of Central Europe (£1,935), ten-day Legendary Danube (£2,140), 13-day European Splendour (£2,869) and 12-day Upper Rhine to the City of Music (£2,525).

Agents who book any river cruise before February 28 will be entered into a prize draw to win one of ten places on a sevennight luxury river cruise Tulip Time departing the UK on April 9, including flights, cabin excursions, transfers and most meals.

The company's 2014 European River Cruise brochure features three new Suite Ships (the Avalon Poetry II, Illumination and Impression) due for delivery in spring, as well a choice of new themed cruises.

To meet demand for those wanting to combine their interests with a holiday, a new choice of themed cruises are available this year - from beer tasting or golfing on the Austrian Highlights & Bavaria cruise (July 7 and October 13), Wellness Cruise for yoga and healthy dining options on Blue Danube Discovery (July 14) and the history of World War I to coincide with the centenary of its start in 2014 on the Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches (April 1) and Grand France (March 24). These are in addition to the existing choice of Wine, Music, Art & Impressionist, Culinary, European History & Politics, Jewish Heritage and Festive cruises.

Meanwhile, the company's range of worldwide cruises for 2014 includes a new Amazon cruise on Aria, which is in addition to the existing choice available on the Mississippi, Mekong, Yangtze plus coastal cruising around the Galapagos Islands on a new ship, the Isabela II. To book or for more information call 0800-668 1801 or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk

CMV's Magical Rhine itinerary marks line's debut river cruise programme CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) has introduced a river cruise programme for 2014.

The line's head of retail sales, Lisa Jacobs, said: “Our leisurely and friendly style is ideal for river cruising and the formula of travelling in a floating hotel through some of Europe’s most interesting places is bound to appeal to our customers who enjoy scenic cruising.”

The first departure, Magical Rhine, begins with a flight to Munich on May 19 to join the Vienna 1 in Nuremburg for a seven-night cruise. The cruise takes guests through the Rhine Valley and includes visits to Würzburg, Koblenz and Cologne through to Amsterdam.

On May 26, the ship will sail from Amsterdam on a Grand European Discovery cruise for 14 nights, sailing along the Rhine and Danube to Budapest. The cruise journeys through Holland and includes stops in Cologne, Rüdesheim, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Bratislava.

On June 9, a similar 14-night itinerary, but in reverse, will operate between Budapest and Amsterdam. The itineraries are also available as seven-night sectors to/from Nuremberg, while optional pre- and post-cruise city stays are available in Amsterdam and Budapest. Prices for seven nights including flights and transfers, full board cuisine, house wine/beer with lunch and dinner and selected half-day excursions lead in at £1,199 per person and £1,999 for 14 nights.

For more information or to book see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

RIVIERA TRAVEL is offering ten river cruise itineraries on seven different four-star superior and five-star ships, all with full board accommodation and tours included. As an example, an eight-day Blue Danube River Cruise on the five-star MS Lord Byron costs from £999 per person.

For details see www.rivieratravel.co.uk

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cruising Selling cruise is CLIA

by ANDY HARMER, director, CLIA UK & Ireland Director HE CRUISE sector never fails to surprise. The years of investment and innovation on-board and ashore, the great working relationship between cruise lines and travel agents, and the willingness of scores of land-based holiday customers to try something new and take a cruise holiday for the first time has led us to significant growth in the numbers cruising over the past decades.

In 2001 there were just 776,000 cruises taken by UK passengers; by 2004 it had exceeded the one million mark for the first time in our history; and by 2008 we reached almost one and a half million.

Despite the tough economic years from 2008 we have succeeded each year to set a new record, and between 2008 and 2013 cruise numbers grew by 21% taking us to 1.79 million last year.

All great news of course – but for me the significant growth has been the growth against other package holidays. In 2001 we represented just 3.8% of all package holidays sold. By 2012 we were up to almost 12% - or one in eight of all holidays sold.

As more and more people take to the rivers and oceans we can foresee much more word of mouth marketing, as those who have taken their first cruise return to talk about exceptional levels of service, great choice, and amazing destinations. These are truly extraordinary holiday experiences that have left hotels and land-based resorts struggling to compete.

It is little wonder that there has been this tremendous growth when you consider the levels of investment being made to create memorable customer holiday experiences – and this is true on rivers as much as it is on the ocean.

Each new ship brings a new level of opportunity – from alternative dining on river ships, to ocean ships which have upwards of 25 different dining options available. From river cruising on the Mississippi and Mekong, to cruising to Antarctica and Borneo, there is a cruise experience for everyone.

And how wonderful to have been given the opportunity to explore the newest cruise ship in the world – the Norwegian Getaway – at the start of this year. There is nothing quite like seeing a brand new cruise ship to remind you of why cruising continues to grow.

I was impressed with the whole ship, the great dining choices, the water-park and the evening entertainment being made available, as well as all public spaces and cabins.

It is the fact that cruising now offers these kinds of experiences that will really impress even the most ardent land-based holiday-maker. They will surely appreciate that the choice and variety of experience now available in cruise is second to none.

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January 24 2014

Antarctic launch from Compagnie COMPAGNIE DU Ponant has launched its new brochure of five-star expeditions in Antarctica for the 2014/15 season.

From this November through to January 2015, the line offers three itineraries - Emblematic Antarctic, which discovers icebergs and the drifting ice pack where seals and colonies of penguins live, and leads in at €4,300 per person for ten nights; Historic Antarctic, which takes in the Antarctic Peninsula and the grassy moorlands of the Falkland Islands and costs from €4,530 for 15 nights; and The Great Southern Loop, which highlights three regions Falklands, South Georgia and the northern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, with prices from €6,150 for 15 nights.

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

Hurtigruten issues 2015/16 preview brochure HURTIGRUTEN HAS introduced a new preview brochure including more flight options and new itineraries for 2015/16.

The brochure showcases Norwegian and Explorer voyages and includes more direct flight charters as well as a new coastal itinerary and an ex-UK Fjord Highlights Explorer Voyage.

Discounts of up to 25% are available on selected Coastal Voyage bookings made by September 30 and Explorer Voyages made by June 30.

Coastal Voyages cost from £819 per person for a six-day Classic Voyage South for departures from January-March 2015 on full-board.

A number of new regional flying options have been added to the programme with direct charters to Norway now offered from five new regional airports – East Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Dublin and Jersey. Additional charters have also been included from existing regional departure airports, with 69 planned in total for 2015.

Inclusive packages with flights start from £999 per person for a five-day Arctic Highlights trip departing from Gatwick on March 16, 2015. The itinerary, which offers a half-board basis, departs from Tromso and sails north to Kirkenes before returning to Tromso.

A one-off Fjords Highlights has also been added to the programme, departing from Dover on May 1, 2015. The tenday trip, on MS Fram, sails to Norway visiting fjords including Lysefjord, Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord before returning to Dover. Prices start from £1,949 per person based on a fullboard basis and two sharing.

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

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BEAT THE WINTER BLUES!

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Our holidays offer not only outstanding value for the money, but most importantly, tons of fun. With exciting new bars and lounges, tantalizing new dining offerings, expanded deck and pool facilities and much more – your clients are in for a real treat when they cruise with Carnival.

Book between 1st Feb – 28th Feb 2014 and take advantage of our amazing February campaign ‘Beat the Winter Blues’.

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cruising Asia getaways from Crystal Cruises We asked our staff the following question this week: If the opportunity arose, what new skill would you like to learn?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk I'd like to learn how to swim!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk To learn to breakdance

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Italian and upholstery

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk To learn to play the harmonica

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Flying

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk To play the guitar

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk A cool martial art. Capoeira, I think

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Fly an aeroplane

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk To play the piano

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Learn how to salsa

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk Free running

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Would love to learn the Sai!

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk Tight rope walking

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

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CRYSTAL CRUISES has created 19 new 'Crystal Getaways' in Asia and the surrounding region for 2014.

Time-strapped travellers now have almost twice as many options to experience a luxury, all-inclusive cruise in Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius, Africa and Australia this year, with a range of five- to tennight trips available.

Philip Ordever, the line's vice president of international sales and marketing, said: “Whether craving a warm weather escape in winter, planning a family holiday during school holidays or some inspiration and pampering in a region that does both so well, we have a plethora of choices for travellers.”

Five-day cruises start from £1,070 per person, including departures on February 17 visiting Shanghai and Hong Kong; February 23, calling at Darwin, Komodo Island, Lombok and Bali; and March 5, travelling to Bangkok, Sihanoukville and Singapore.

Meanwhile, a ten-night cruise to Singapore, Jakarta and Mauritius costs from £2,861 per person, based on a March 10 departure. Six-, seven-, eightand nine-night cruises are also available.

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

Fred. Olsen releases Balmoral itineraries for 2015 FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has unveiled a selection of new 2015 itineraries on Balmoral, which are now available to book.

Guests who book the new itineraries can also upgrade to the line’s allinclusive drinks package from £10 per person per night.

Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director at the cruise line, said: “With every cruise season, we are looking to create new itineraries and attractions that will excite our guests, and we are working closer than ever with the destinations to give our guests the best experience when ashore.

“We are proud of our Norwegian heritage and, because of the smaller size of our ships, we are able to offer the very best scenic fjords cruising available. This is why we have included four identical Norwegian fjords cruises on Balmoral for 2015, which will give our guests plenty of opportunity to get right to the heart of this stunning and unique part of the world.”

Highlights from the new itineraries include a seven-night Half Term City Breaks cruise departing from Southampton on May 24, 2015. The cruise is ideal for families planning breaks around the school holidays, visiting European cities including Hamburg, with a cruise along the River Elbe and the North Sea Canal; Amsterdam, with an overnight stay; and Antwerp for a second overnight stay and a cruise along the Western Scheldt River. Prices start from £539 per person.

Alternatively, an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise departs from Southampton on May 3, July 3 and 25 and August 21, 2015 and calls at Stavanger, Bergen and Flåm (Aurlandsfjord), where guests can take in one of the world’s steepest railways. The ship will then take guests on a fjord cruise passing the UNESCO site of Nærøyfjord, with stops in Olden, Nordfjord – one of Norway’s longest fjords – Maurangerfjord, Furebergfossen and Hardangerfjord. Prices start from £629 per person based on a May departure and two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin. All meals, on board entertainment and port taxes are included.

Guests who book more than one cruise at the same time can also benefit from savings of up to 30%, while members of the Oceans loyalty scheme will also qualify for an extra 5% off the cost of cruises when booked in advance.

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

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Highlighted Word: RHODES Travagrams: (top) Inntravel

(bottom) California

Where Am I?: The Spanish Steps

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January 24 2014

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Guaranteed sunshine, crystal clear waters and amazing historical sights…

...all with guaranteed savings Save

Save

£200

£100

this summer

on winter sun

Low deposit Just

£75pp

Our award-winning holidays to Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Makadi Bay start from as little as £399 pp, all inclusive, with direct flights from 12 UK airports. Guaranteed sunshine comes as standard, but book any summer holiday now and you are guaranteed to save money, too.

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

Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Discount is per booking, not per passenger and applies on holidays booked by 28/02/2014 and departing 01/05-31/10/2014 (£200) or 01/11/2014-30/04/2015 (£100). Other conditions apply; see brochure for details. ATOL protected 9749. ® Red Sea Holidays logo is a registered trade mark of Red Sea Holidays UK Ltd. © 2014.

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