Travel Bulletin January 25 2013 by Alain Charles Publishing

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January 25 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,810 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Cruising Cruise industry forms global trade association

this week

agent bulletin whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for Aquarius this month?

showcase bulletin images from Travel Bulletin's Indian Ocean Showcase event

25 usa new product launches, the latest brochures & deals to offer your clients

seat-only carriers announce new routes & technology enhancements

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BULLETIN BASH...Travel Bulletin held its Indian Ocean Showcase event last week helping agents learn more about airline, operator and accommodation opportunities available across the region. More than 70 travel agents joined us at Carom restaurant in Soho and pictured enjoying the evening's activities are, from the left: Elaine Vaughan, Residence Hotels & Resorts; Jane O’Shea, Lux Resorts; Dany Konsein and Olivia Jackson-Price, Travel-PA; and Larissa Clark, Another World Adventure. (Showcase bulletin - page 14)

This Week 3

news

agent bulletin

the latest industry reports, offers & product launches the latest booking incentives plus what’s in store for Aquarius?

10 11

agent review find out what one agent thought of her fam trip to Peru

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

W-AITO-Go!

hotel bulletin

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news and views from AITO Agents Centara launches 'COSI Hotels' brand

cruising

usa

seat-only

showcase bulletin the news in pictures from Travel Bulletin's Indian Ocean Showcase event

training Richard English explains ‘It’s not what it is, it’s what it does’ that counts

cruise industry forms global trade association a round-up of new product launches, the latest brochures & deals to offer your clients carriers announce new routes, increased capacity & technology enhancements

Cover Pictures: Main - Le Boréal, Compagnie du Ponant Inset - DoSomethingDifferent.com

Third of Brits will holiday this year despite lack of funds NEW RESEARCH from Myvouchercodes.co.uk has revealed that more than a third of Brits will go on holiday this year even though they can’t afford it, with the large majority claiming that they will use ● continues on next page

TAMPA T AMPA BAY BAY

DISCOVER ONE OF FLORIDA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS…

7 NIGHTS FROM FROM £719PP Forr more details or to book,, call

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January 25 2013

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ORBITAL TRAVEL has added the five-star deluxe MS Mayfair to its Nile cruise programme. All cruises are fully escorted by an English speaking Egyptologist and prices lead in at £939 per person between February and early May (excluding Easter), with departures on Mondays. The cruise includes seven nights’ full board accommodation, transfers and 12 excursions and is commissionable at 15%. Flights are excluded. For details or to book email greg@orbitaltravel.co.uk

Hayes & Jarvis issues largest all-inclusive brochure HAYES AND Jarvis has launched its largest all-inclusive brochure to capitalise on the growth in demand for all-inclusive holidays over the past 12 months. Among the biggest successes for the company have been Mexico and The Dominican Republic, which are now the subject of significant product expansion in the new 2013/14 brochure. Seven of 21 new resorts featured are five-star properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, while a further four introductions boost the Indian Ocean programme, which has been the biggest growth driver for the operator in recent years. The brochure features 81 all-inclusive resorts across 18 destinations worldwide and provides a guide on what is covered in each resort, including the choice of restaurants, drinks and activities. Seven-night packages start from £739 per person based on accommodation at the fivestar Savoy Resort, Sharm el Sheikh, Thomson Airways flights from Gatwick and transfers, based on two sharing. For more information or to book call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

‘credit cards’ to fund their holiday. In a bid to discover more about travel spending habits, the company polled 1,919 people aged 18 and above from across the UK and initially asked them ‘Are you planning on going on holiday abroad this year?’, to which just under two thirds, 64%, answered ‘yes’. The respondents who were planning on taking a break were then asked to specify if they could realistically afford their holiday, to which more than a third, 35%, said ‘no’. According to the results, the top ways that cash-strapped Brits plan to fund their holiday this year were credit card (31%), borrowing money (22%), using savings (17%), asking a partner to pay (14%) and a loan (9%). The company's chairman Mark Pearson said: “With weather like ours, going on holiday is probably one of the things that we Brits look forward to the most every year, so I’m not surprised to see that so many people still plan on going away even if they can’t afford it.”

Winning EuroMillions ticket & set of false teeth make Travelodge list of bizarre left behinds

GIC The Villa Collection offers option to travel by Orient Express

TRAVELODGE HAS announced the mysterious objects left behind in its 527 hotels last year. With more than 13 million people staying at its properties each year, some of the items left behind have included a winning EuroMillions ticket; a stamp album worth a quarter of a million pounds; a trunk of chocolate bars; a diamond encrusted wedding ring; a Persian Chinchilla kitten worth £600; a set of false teeth with diamonds and a Rolex watch worth £50,000. The company also reported that during the last 12 months, more than 20,000 books have been left behind in 38,000 of its hotel rooms; 7,000 of which were Fifty Shades of Grey as fictitious trilogies became the most popular reads to be left behind last year. (Hotel bulletin - page 13)

GIC THE Villa Collection has launched its 2013 brochure which features new destinations, including Cyprus, plus a selection of new properties. It also includes the option to travel to Greece by Venice Simplon-Orient Express, journeying through the Swiss Alps. Prices lead in at £1,650 per person based on two sharing including one-way train travel, an overnight stay in Venice and seven nights at Villa Ioanna in Corfu including car hire and flights. Prices for Orient Express prices start from £3,200 per person. New villa highlights for this year include Villa Halikounas in Corfu, which costs £577 per person, based on six sharing and Villa Islands View in Kefalonia, which leads in at £623 per person based on six sharing. Call 020-8232 9780 or visit www.gicthevillacollection.com

January 25 2013

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @HALcruises Go on a 'Passage to the Far East' with HAL Mariner Fred as he begins his extended voyage on ms Rotterdam: http://bit.ly/V2IoQP @medhotels_com Would you turn down a free meal?! I wouldn't at the Le Meridien Limassol, check out this fantastic offer! http://eepurl.com/t0Cdz @GreatRail We've just opened up 2 new dates for our popular Inclusive Glacier Express tour: 25/05 & 15/06, prices from £1,798pp http://goo.gl/y803B @richardbranson Fantastic plastic news on Necker - we’re saving 200,000 plastic bottles annually http://virg.in/fpn @wholeworldwater @VisitBritain Until Feb 10, enjoy a London Underground Afternoon Tea @ the Palm Court hotel. Those little cakes are adorable! http://bit.ly/10wxqcG

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Winter savings & more flights from Red Sea Holidays RED SEA Holidays has released a new 2013/14 brochure featuring new hotels and resorts, a range of offers plus more flights. The programme also features the operator's largest choice of holidays including new resorts such as Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay. Taba and Taba Heights, popular with divers and ideally located for excursions to Petra in Jordan and to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, will also be back on sale for departures from next month, while new property additions include Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh, Sheraton Soma Bay Resort and Grand Rotana Resort & Spa. New flight routes include Birmingham to Hurghada, Leeds Bradford to Sharm el Sheikh from May, Stansted to Sharm el Sheikh from next month and Exeter to Sharm el Sheikh from May. Both Gatwick and Manchester will increase flight frequency to Hurghada to twice weekly from May, while Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Newcastle and Glasgow will continue to operate direct flights to Sharm el Sheikh. The company is also offering a guaranteed £125 per booking discount on all holidays departing from Stansted, Exeter and Leeds

LEEDING THE WAY...pictured marking Red Sea Holidays' new charter flights from Leeds Bradford (LBA) to Sharm el Sheikh, which launch on May 2, are, from the left: LBA's James Broughton; Jason Hilton, Red Sea Holidays; Emma Holliday, LBA; and Nicola Graham, Red Sea Holidays.

Bradford. A seven-night stay at the four-star Ghazala Beach Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh costs from £309 per person including breakfast accommodation and flights from Gatwick for bookings made by February 28 for travel between December 12-17. For more information call 0845-026 5973 or visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk

DFDS Seaways introduces new passenger sales structure DFDS SEAWAYS has introduced a new UK passenger organisation that will be responsible for all passenger sales for the company's four ferry routes on the English Channel, as well as the passenger routes from Newcastle to Amsterdam and Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark). The new UK sales organisation will be headed by Max Foster, who has previously been heading the line's joint passenger sales organisation in Germany. The new head of UK marketing & strategy will be Pete Akerman who has previously been head of marketing in Newcastle for the passenger routes from Newcastle to Amsterdam and Harwich to Esbjerg. The management restructure will mean that the company will be represented by one single UK sales organisation for all six UK routes, instead of the two organisations that previously existed. The company's passenger director Max Foster said: “The purpose of merging the two current organisations into one is to achieve stronger visibility and make it easier for our customers to find us and, from a trade perspective, make it easier for trade accounts to book with us and work with us. Trade accounts will now just have one contact point at DFDS Seaways covering all six routes in the UK.”

January 25 2013

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BALKAN HOLIDAYS is offering a seven-night ski or snowboard holiday with breakfast accommodation at the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena in Bansko from £534 per person in a deluxe twin or double room. Flights and transfers to and from the resort are included. The five-star property features a spa & wellness centre with Finnish sauna, Kneipp walking hydrotherapy treatments and Russian bath, plus a pool, sauna, gym and yoga studio. For details see www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents

Couples Resorts rebrands 280-room Barbados property for June launch COUPLES RESORTS and Casuarina Beach Club Limited have concluded negotiations for the lease of the 280-room Almond Casuarina Beach Resort in Barbados, effective from February 10. Under Couples Resorts management, the resort will operate as Casuarina Beach Resort through to May 31, offering the same facilities and amenities currently being provided, and during this period the company will embark on a US$3million facilities and property upgrade programme, designed to bring the resort up to the Couples Resorts standards. Upgrades include new décor and amenities in public areas and guest rooms, a new pool and Jacuzzi, new spa and salon, new gym and a new piano bar/lounge. From June 1 the resort will be rebranded as Couples Barbados and will become the island’s first and only allinclusive resort exclusively for adult couples. The resort will offer guests a range of exclusive value-added inclusions, including free roundtrip transfers, free weddings and renewal of vows, free golf (transfers and greens fees) at The Barbados Golf Club, a free glass-bottom boat ride, a free sunset catamaran cruise and scuba diving.

January 25 2013

Superbreak puts David Bowie exhibition packages on sale FANS OF David Bowie will soon be able to enjoy a new exhibition about him in London. From March 23, the V&A Museum will host ‘David Bowie is Retrospective’ - the first international exhibition of Bowie's career, with unprecedented access to his archive, and agents are now able to book packages which include overnight accommodation and tickets to the exhibition. The exhibition will trace his shifting style and reinvention that has captivated fans for more than five decades. The collection of memorabilia will include handwritten lyrics, original costumes, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs, Bowie’s own instruments and album artwork. The operator's package include tickets at two time slots each day, 11:30 and 14:30, with prices from £73 per person including one night at the three-star President Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis, based on two sharing for any day of the week until the end of April. For more information or to book call 0871-221 4444 or see www.superbreak.com/agents

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TAMPA BAY

Tampa T ampa B Bay’s ay’s p popularity opularity with with British British travellers travellers is is booming b ooming – aand nd iit’s t’s rreally eally nnot ot hhard ard to see see why! why! With W ith its it s m major ajor theme theme parks parks and and exciting exciting nnightlife, ightlife, eengaging ngaging museums museums and and glorious glorious golf, golf, ttranquil ranquil canoe canoe eexcursions, xcursions, w wall-to-wall all-tto-wall ssunshine unshine aand nd ssome ome of of the the Gulf best dining, G ulf coast’s coast’s vvery er y b est sshopping hopping aand nd d ining, Tampa Tampa ctivities and ust aabout bout Bay offers B ay o ffers aactivities and aattractions ttractions ffor or jjust IZIV ] FYHKIX ERH WX]PI 8LEROW XS HMVIGX ¾MKLXW IZIV] FYHKIX ERH WX]PI 8LEROW XS HMVIGX ¾MKLXW with Bay with British British Airways, Air ways, Tampa Tampa B ay iiss aalso lso extremely ex tremely accessible. accessible. And And its in central central west west Florida Florida its location location in puts puts itit within within easy easy reach reach of of Walt Walt Disney Disney World World®, powder-white beaches and and all all of owder-white beaches of the the SSeaWorld eaaWorld®, p other ey hhighlights. rregion’s egion’s o ther kkey ighlights.

N NEW EW B BROCHURE ROCHURE OUT O UT NO NOW! OW W! For more details on aayy request our T ampa B Tampa Bay brochure toda todayy at: www .trade-gate.co.uk www.trade-gate.co.uk

7 NIGH NIGHTS TS FR FROM ROM £719PP! For more details etails t il or to t book, b k, callll

0844 557 0626 orr vvisit isit

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Newsbites

MOVERS ● STUART FAIRLEY has joined Gold Medal as business

development manager. ● AMINE BOUGHALEB has been appointed UK director of the

Moroccan National Tourist Office. ●

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A MILLION people logged on to NewcastleGateshead.com's website last year and NewcastleGateshead Initiative is celebrating reaching an average monthly increase of 60% compared to 2011 with the launch of a new online shop stocked with Geordie themed gifts and souvenirs. See www.newcastlegateshead.com and www.shopnewcastlegateshead.com AS PART of ABTA’s 2013 “Look for the Logo” marketing campaign, a new leaflet and video describing the benefits of booking with an ABTA Member is now available. The marketing tools will help members communicate to consumers what benefits they get when they book with an ABTA Member. MERCURY DIRECT has announced that it has added the island of Lanzarote to its portfolio this year. A selection of offers including two weeks on halfboard with a third week free on self-catering from £549 per person are available to book. THE OPENING of Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport in Berlin, which is being built at a cost of €2.5billion, has been re-scheduled to launch in October 2013. ORIENT-EXPRESS Hotels, owners or part-owners and managers of 45 luxury hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties operating in 22 countries, has launched the Orient-Express Associate Hotels programme. For details see www.orient-express.com

● WILSON YONG has joined Singapore Airlines as general

manager UK & Ireland. ● ELITE TRAVEL Group has appointed Neil Basnett as chief

executive. ● SHARON FLAX-MARS has been appointed director of

tourism for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board. ● SIMON MCNAMARA has joined the European Regions

Airline Association (ERA) as director general. ● TRAVELODGE HAS appointed Brian Wallace as chairman.

MAN flight to Cairo by Discover Egypt TRAVELLERS IN the north of England and Scotland can now take advantage of a new flight departure from Manchester to Cairo being offered by Discover Egypt from June 1, departing five times weekly. The company offers a range of packages to Egypt including Nile cruises, city stays and Red Sea beach holidays that can all be combined with a stay in Cairo. For example, a seven-night twin-centre package to Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh currently leads in at £899, including flights from Manchester to Cairo, transfers, two nights at the Le Mercure Le Sphinx in Cairo and five nights at the Hilton Sharm Dreams in Sharm el Sheikh, both on a bed-and-breakfast basis. For details call 0844-880 0461 or see www.discoveregypt.co.uk

WEBSCLUSIVES

Rocky Mountaineer offers added value deals for bookings of seven nights or more ROCKY MOUNTAINEER is giving customers the opportunity to extend their rail journey through Western Canada with its new Stay and Play offer. From now until March 28, bookings of seven nights or more will receive up to £250 per person in travel enhancements with options such as extra hotel nights, excursions and meal plans. The added value can also be used as a credit towards the cost of the Alaskan cruise portion of one of several Rocky Mountaineer Rail and Cruise packages. As one of the packages eligible for the Stay and Play offer, the Western Explorer is an ideal option for travellers looking for a journey of adventure and exploration. Guests can begin or end their eightday/seven-night journey with a helicopter tour of the Canadian Rockies and also enjoy overnight stays in the destinations of Vancouver, BC, and Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, AB. The maximum added value of £250 per person is applicable to new bookings of seven nights or more in GoldLeaf Service only. Other levels of service, SilverLeaf and RedLeaf, are also eligible for the Stay and Play offer at a reduced value. For more information visit http://agent.rockymountaineer.com

January 25 2013

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WIN A FAM TRIP TO FLORIDA! Have you ever dreamt of year-round sunshine, soft sand and clear waters? If so, now is your chance to experience this by winning a place on one of Funway’s fantastic FAM trips to the Florida beaches travelling in May/June! For more details go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway

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Missed our ‘All About The Indian Ocean’ Supplement? You can still view it in digital format at www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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 ●

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IF ONLY...has announced that it has launched a January and February booking campaign to attract new audiences to Dubai in partnership with Emirates, DTCM, Jebel Ali Resorts and Mövenpick. The £50,000 campaign is designed to increase bookings to Dubai through independent retail travel agents. To help agents boost bookings, they can earn shopping vouchers with every booking, have the chance to win £1,000 marketing spend for their agency and be entered into a prize draw through an online quiz that is linked to DTCM’s Dubai Expert programme.

end of January, agents will earn a £10 Love2Shop with made booking Every voucher. the carrier will also be entered into a draw to win one of three shopping experiences. Meanwhile, clients will receive a complimentary VIP coupon book at Premium Outlet Centres across the US. For details see www.jetsetflights.co.uk ●

JETSET HAS launched a 'Three Times A Shopper' incentive for bookings this month. For every Virgin Atlantic passenger your agency confirms before the

CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages is giving agents the chance to win a mini cruise for two to Amsterdam & Ghent in October, an iPad2 or a £100 Love2Shop voucher for agents making bookings this month and next. To be in with a chance of winning, email the booking reference number to agency sales. For details see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6140.

It’s in the stars… What’s in store for Aquarius? YOU MAY find times are tough financially over the next couple of months, so be careful to watch the pennies. You'll also find a renewed confidence over the next few weeks and you will be willing to take new risks - go with the flow on this and you'll be pleasantly surprised that things, more often than not, will work out for the best.

Lucky number: 8

Fancy a fam ? TRAVEL INDO C

HINA has team with Vietnam ed up Airlines to of fer agents the chance to win a place on a fam trip to Vietnam in June. The trip will include fligh ts and an itin erary covering the highlights of Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An and Halong B ay. The prize is open to all UK agen ts book an esco who rted Small G roup Journey or A sia River Cru ise with the company by M arch 31 and th e more bookings mad e, the more ch ance of winning. The operator is al so offering Love2Shop vo uchers on al l bookings made by Jan uary 31.

Lucky day: Saturday

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January 25 2013

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agentreview Susan Prince from Midcounties Co-op Travel in Wolverhampton went on a nine-day fam to Lima, Peru and Easter Island with LAN Airlines and Condor Travel. Here are her thoughts...

First impressions ....................................8/10 With LAN Airlines I was pleasantly surprised. We flew Economy and the airline staff were extremely helpful. Leg room was plenty and the in-flight entertainment and food were of a very good standard.

Comfort ....................................................8/10 On arrival in Lima we were met by a Condor Tours’ rep who was extremley helpful & very informative. Spent 1 night in Casa Andina Select hotel in Miraflores - a very good 4* standard & a great location. We were made very welcome at this hotel. We also had a city tour which was a great experience as the tour reps were very informative.

Affordability ............................................9/10 I didnt have to pay for this fam although not many meals were included other than breakfast, two lunches and one evening meal. To be perfectly honest this trip was amazing and I wouldn’t have minded paying for all my meals.

Service ..................................................10/10 On arrival in Easter Island we were met by a Condor rep who was with us for the whole trip on the island. We stayed in a hotel called Puku Vai which was a very charming, comfortable 3* with excellent food & service.

Good to know .................................................. Never visit Easter Island without booking a tour guide, you cannot possibly learn as much about the history of this mysterious island without one. I guess the whole trip was possibly in the region of £3500-£4000 per person. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for something a little unusual, with great hiking experiences and an amazing beach (Anakena), which I would easily put in the top 10 beaches in the world. Easter island was like stepping back in time, a perfect mix of the South Pacific & Caribbean maybe 25 years ago.

9/ 10

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

January 25 2013

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r No AY I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013 – I think it is going to be a great year! At the moment I am doing freelance work from home until that special perfect part time job comes along – the cats think it is wonderful! Had a visit to Leeds Bradford Airport the other day to see how it is coming along – wow! - leaps and bounds. It is looking so good now with lots more open space and open walkways. The walkway is covered outside so you can stay nice and dry if it’s raining. I think one of the best things is the new Saltaire Bar and Eatery which offers regional produce and beer and has both the culinary heritage of Yorkshire with the high standards expected by global travellers. And since BA’s return last December to the airport with up to four daily flights to Heathrow and back, it has given Yorkshire-based customers the opportunity to connect with over 100 destinations worldwide from Heathrow - not forgetting Jet2, Monarch, TUI and Thomas Cook who have lots more to offer which has to be a great marketing advantage for LBIA and Yorkshire! Thank you to James Broughton and Emma Holliday for showing me around - I can certainly recommend the Yorkshire fish and chips in the Saltaire Eatery. In fact, you ain’t had fish and chips until you have tried theirs! I am busy organising the new-look Yorkshire Travel Ball which is on Thursday 18th July at a fantastic hotel called the Village Hotel which is just off junc 28 on the M62 south Leeds. Tables have been going like hot cakes. Do email me with any interesting info or just to catch up s.murray922@btinternet.com ‘If life was easy where would all the adventures be?’ and ‘Appreciate what you have before it becomes what you had’.

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email jill. sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 096

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

A Cad Hello Ministry Lurk

A➠

B➠ An airline fit for Queen Beatrix, so long as she is dressed in orange.

C➠

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9. Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, January 31st. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 11th January is Elaine Lumley, Hays Travel in Shildon. January 11 Solution: A=5 B=8 C=4 D=7

Crossword

Sponsored By

Why not say hello to the Pope in this city? After all, when in ....... !

Where Am I?

Capital city found on Mahe island.

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted by the blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword to submit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prize draw and one lucky winner will win £50 love2shop vouchers. Closing date for entries is Thursday January 31st.

Number: 096

Across 1. How many airports in Cyprus does Jet2holidays fly to? (3) 3. US lake, sounds tranquil (6) 7. Car rental company (5) 8. Rugby huddle (5) 9. Irish airport and river (7) 10. Johannesburg is this carrier's main hub (3) 12. Narita, Tokyo airport code (3) 14. 1 Down can take you to this island country (7) 16. Capital of Western Australia (5) 17. Famous mountain in the Bernese Alps (5) 18. Ferries operate from Newhaven to this French port (6) 19. LaGuardia airport code (3)

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Down 1. Oxford-based independent specialist tour operator (7) 2. Japanese city (5) 4. Californian home of the Dodgers and Lakers (3,7) 5. Glasgow's velodrome is named for this Sir (5) 6. Liverpudlian stand-up comedian (4,6) 11. European principality (7) 13. Island in the Inner Hebrides (5) 15. Famous roadside landmark, ___ of the North (5)

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

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 January 25 2013

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go! by KRISTINA HULME

Kristina Hulme of Travel by Design discusses highlights of the recent AITO Agents’ domestic conference

N MY opinion, the recent annual AITO Agents’ domestic conference in Warwickshire (January 12-13) is always attended by the best minds in the travel industry. It’s a great start to the year and well worth taking one and a half days out of the office to network with my fellow independent agents who, it seems, are bucking the trend! The event kicked off with a session about getting the most out of AITO membership, directed primarily at the 18 new members, but a useful reminder for long-term representatives too. What is so refreshing about AITO is that we listen and learn from others, rather than preach the old mantra. We were given a very useful little black book of AITO tour operators and affiliates, and I will keep this directory with me at all times as it contains all the notes I made during the conference.

“One of the issues discussed is dear to my heart - the lack of quality collateral being sent out by some tour operators to agents – I’m sure this will be a big topic for discussion in 2013” An open discussion took place during this session where agents exchanged marketing and operational ideas, including imaginative ways to recycle brochures, how to share information with clients through the local press, how to effectively work with a publishing house, and the value of a referral scheme from existing to prospective clients. One of the issues discussed is dear to my heart the lack of quality collateral being sent out by some tour operators to agents and I am sure this will be a big topic for discussion in 2013. It was good to see the AITO Agents’ chairman, Oliver Broad, and AITO Agents’ panel member, Gemma Antrobus, so up to speed on issues affecting all members. After spending at least eight years as a panel member myself, it is good to see the organisation’s Closer Ties agreement increasing its membership, with the wine tour operator specialist, Arblaster and Clarke, the latest AITO Operator to sign up. This agreement creates a level playing field between AITO Agents and Operators to ensure agents can sell holidays at the same price.

January 25 2013

The conference moderator, Jono Vernon-Powell of AITO Operator, Nomadic Thoughts, was engaging as usual as he introduced delegates to a range of interesting expert speakers. The overall theme of the conference was sustainability, with Dr Xavier Font from Leeds University encouraging us to look for products with a conscience. He also offered advice on how to market our sustainable efforts and holiday offerings to clients - for example, by avoiding mundane, corporate-sounding language. The subject of all-inclusive packages was discussed with my good friend and ex-AITO Agent Panel member, Andrew Brownrigg, who suggested a more sustainable solution might be to encourage hoteliers to include meals in local restaurants in order to support local businesses. Travel experiences can only be enhanced by partnering with local traders so surely this type of action is a no-brainer? The conference also saw David Moesli of the CAA discuss progress following the launch of the Flight-Plus ATOL regulations, which includes a new consumer website www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk - developed to improve the public’s understanding of the reform. My own company, Travel by Design, has just received a Flight-Plus ATOL and I made a mental note to promote this fact to our customers. Another useful tip I picked up was from Brendan Maguire, managing director of the conference’s headline sponsor, If Only. He encouraged delegates to think outside of the box and design more imaginative, unique itineraries to yield more bookings. Finally, it was exciting to learn of the destination of AITO’s overseas summer conference which will take place in Dubai from June 14-17. We’re all very much looking forward to the first-ever Middle East-based AITO conference!

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

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hotelbulletin Centara Hotels & Resorts launches 'COSI Hotels' brand CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts has launched a new hotel brand, COSI Hotels, designed for cost-conscious travellers who are searching for pocket-friendly accommodation prices. The first COSI Hotel is projected to open in 2015 and the company plans to have at least 30 operational by 2020. The company's CEO, Thirayuth Chirathivat, said: "The COSI brand has been developed in response to rapid economic expansion within the Asia Pacific region, which is increasing the volume of both domestic and international journeys. There is an enormous growth in

travel, and the significant growth of low-cost airlines is allowing people to travel more easily and conveniently. Travelling by low-cost airline in the Asean grouping currently accounts for 51% of the aviation industry in the Asean. Further, the Asean Economic Community or AEC will be implemented two years from now adding further demand. “These factors are leading to the need for convenient accommodation and also value for money. We see a great opportunity to develop a new brand to cover this economic segment, and we are now in the process of brand and product development for COSI Hotels.”

Double HHonors promotion from Hilton HILTON HHONORS, the loyalty programme for Hilton Worldwide’s ten hotel brands, has launched its latest global promotion, Double Your HHonors, where members can earn double HHonors points or double airline miles for qualified hotel stays completed by March 31. The offer applies at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. To participate in the promotion, members must register before checking out of their stay at www.hhonors.com/double

PARAGON HOTELS, owners of ten hotels throughout the UK, eight of which are operated under the Classic Lodges brand, is taking back the direct management of the Edinburgh hotel, The Roxburghe. It will rebrand as Crowne Plaza Edinburgh – The Roxburghe following a new franchise agreement with IHG. Set in the heart of the city in Charlotte Square, the hotel has undergone significant investment since 2008, with £7million being invested in updating all 199 bedrooms, the reception and lounge. The hotel, currently managed by Macdonalds, has been owned by Paragon for 15 years. The franchise agreement will see further investment in the bar and restaurant’s food and beverage offering, and the refurbishment of both the meeting areas and club bedrooms. A new lounge will be created, and the website will also be revamped and rebranded. For details see www.classiclodges.co.uk

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InBrief ● MÖVENPICK HOTELS & Resorts has launched its first hotel in

Paris. The Mövenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly is three metro stops from the Arc de Triomphe and this summer work will begin on the remodelling of the hotel’s 281 rooms and 19 suites as part of a multi-million-euro refurbishment project. ● THE FOUR-STAR Ocean View Hotel has opened in Dubai offering 338 rooms and suites, all with sea views. ● THE REZIDOR Hotel Group has opened the 127-room Park Inn by Radisson Lille Grand Stade in France.

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January 25 2013

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showcasebulletin Travel Bulletin’s recent Indian Ocean Showcase at London's Carom restaurant brought together leading market suppliers with more than 70 UK travel agents. A combination of tourist offices, operators and hoteliers were represented at the training event, with their products being successfully promoted to agents through a combination of formal and informal networking sessions. Here’s a snapshot of the evening in pictures...

CHEERS…enjoying welcome drinks are, from the left: Victor Kaye, Gadabouts Travel; Neil Sealy, If Only…; Barbara Goodman, Gadabouts Travel; and Dominic Carrick of If Only…

MALDIVES NETWORKING …catching up are, from the left: George Tamamdjiev from Save the Children International; Stephen W orswick of Highgate Travel Ltd; and Greg Young, Park Hyatt Maldives .

SIXTH SENSE…networking wi th Michael Vance from Six Senses is Lisa Gray (left) and Denise Barcessat, Co-operative PTA’s. 14

January 25 2013

, EXHIBITOR PALS…from the left are: Dougie Hill Great Rail Journeys; Eloise Vidot, Seychelles Tourist Office; Hansha Raghwani, Enchanting Mauritius; and Sebastien Styger, Six Senses Resorts & Spa .

RUM DUO…Bingo winner Steph Howes (right) from Travel-PA wins a bottle of rum presented by Anne Etheve from Reunion Islands Tourism.

TRAVEL TALK… networking at One&Only Resorts’ table are: Caroline Tjia (left), One&Only Resorts with Steph Howes and Maria Rodrigues (right) from Co-Operative Travel, Eltham . www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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showcasebulletin

AGENT BUDDIES… from the left are: Olivia Jackson-Price, Travel-PA; Maureen Murphy, The Co-operative; Donna Rowen and Karen Brooks, Travel-PA; Denise Barcessat, The Co-operative; and Dany Konsein, Travel-PA.

ISLAND WINNER…priz e draw winner, Jyoti Dosh i (right), from Thomas Cook Travel is presented with a three-night stay in a luxu ry beach suite for two, including breakfast on De sroches Island Resor t by Ailsa Tavares from Desroch es Island Resor t.

BINGO BELLES…Bingo winn er, Donna Rowe (right), from Trav elPA receives Champagne and a £20 Capital Bonds voucher from Sh aron Jones of Sunset Faraway Holid ays. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

THE ONE & ONLY…prize draw winner, Anna 0 Johnson (left), from Grosvenor Travel receives a £10 rts. M&S voucher from Caroline Tjia of One&Only Reso

WINNING BUBBLES…prize draw winner, Karen Brooks from Travel-PA, is presented with a bottle of Champagne by Greg Young from the Park Hyatt Maldives.

SEYCHELLES NETWORKING…from the left are: Maureen Murphy, Co-operative PTA; Eloise Vidot, Seychelles Tourist Office; and Denise Barcessat, Co-operative PTA. January 25 2013

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n i t e l l u b g n i n i tra It’s not what it is, it’s what it does by RICHARD ENGLISH, Retraining

S I mentioned in my last article, the San Marco hotel in Venice has all kinds of facilities available to its clients, and they are all there because all of them will appeal to their clients. In selling terms we call these kinds of things the “features” of the product. But as I also mentioned, there’s no point at all in simply reading out a list of all the features that a hotel or other facility might have – indeed, it can actually be counterproductive. One of the features of the San Marco is that the bedrooms have internet access and you might think that’s a wonderful thing and that, surely, everybody wants internet access, don’t they? Well, you might be surprised to learn that a recent travel press survey found that 85% of travellers would be happy with a “technology-free” holiday – only 15% wanted to stay in touch. So by mentioning internet to one of that 85% you might actually put him or her off. And once people start having negative feelings about the product you are offering they are less likely to buy it. Of course, I can already hear some of you muttering to yourselves, “Well, if something’s not right about the hotel then we should mention it”. And I agree. If a feature is really disadvantageous then you shouldn’t sell the product. But the truth of the matter is that every product – be it hotel or anything else – will have some features that ARE right for a client, some that are unimportant and some that are possibly disadvantageous. But it’s your business to sell the product that best meets your clients' needs; it’s not your job to write a hotel brochure. So tell them what it does In an earlier article I talked about finding out a customer’s needs and made the point you must discover the clients’ material needs if you are to book any kind of holiday at all. You need to know the when, where, who and how. And you will have found these needs out by the time you are trying to sell the San Marco. But it is now that you really need to know your

January 25 2013

customers' human needs – the things you find out by finding out why the customer is travelling; what he or she wants from the holiday. So let’s assume that you have found out that these clients want a good base from which to see a little of Venice but don’t expect to be going out every day and don’t want to spend a lot of time seeking out places to eat or drink. Obviously they will have many other human needs but these two will do for the moment. Tell them what’s in it for them You now need to show your clients just how and why the San Marco is right for them and to do that you need to select those features that you know will appeal to them and explain why. Before you do this, it’s a good idea to refer back to your investigation and restate your understanding by saying something like, “I think you told me that your wife and yourself don’t want to spend a lot of time looking for places to eat…?” Wait for your client to nod and then say, “…well your hotel has three different restaurants – plus there’s room service – so you’ll have plenty of choice without having to leave the building.” In this way you have explained just how and why the San Marco is the hotel for them. And there’s one other trick you can use and I did it above. Did you spot that I didn’t say, “The hotel has…” or even “The San Marco has…” I said “Your hotel has…”. By calling it “their” hotel they will start to think that this is what it is – “Their Hotel”. The hotel they will soon be staying in. The technique of taking a feature and explaining why it is right for your client is known as “selling the benefits” and it works all the time. And you don’t need to turn every feature into a benefit – just three or four well-explained benefits will get your clients ready to buy and, when you see a “buying signal” that’s the time to close the sale. For more information about this, or any other aspect of training, call Richard English on 01403-710371 or email retraining@pncl.co.uk ✦

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cruising

A CORDON Bleu Master Chef will add spice to Crystal Cruises’ luxury voyage through the Arctic Circle this year. Guests will be on Crystal Serenity as part of a 'Wine and Food' theme to enhance the line’s annual North Cape cruise which departs on July 5 from Copenhagen to Stockholm. The ship visits ten ports over 15 days and the culinary experts will offer hands-on instruction in preparing chef specialties, live cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and specially-designed menus for select Crystal Dining Room dinners. All-inclusive 'Book Now' fares for the 15-night sailing start from £6,357 per person if booked by February 28. For details call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

Nine cruise associations team up to form global trade association NINE CRUISE industry associations have announced they have agreed to operate under a common organisation with a unified structure to serve as the voice and advocacy leader of the global cruise industry. The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) and the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE) are among the nine cruise associations and will be known as CLIA UK, retaining their existing office in London. The other associations are Cruise Lines International Association in America, European Cruise Council, Asia Cruise Association, France’s AFCC, Brazil’s ABREMAR, Northwest and Canada Cruise Association, Alaska Cruise Association and International Cruise Council Australasia. The new association was created to provide increased benefits and a

globally unified voice for cruise lines, travel agents and business partners – all of whom contribute to an industry that creates nearly $100billion in economic impact and more than 753,000 jobs worldwide. For travel agents, the new association offers more robust partnership programmes and networking on a broader scale. For the PSA’s associate members, it provides greater opportunities for customer and business partner development. CLIA will be governed by a Global Executive Committee, chaired by Howard Frank, vice chairman, chief operating officer and member of the executive committee of Carnival Corporation & plc. Christine Duffy, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association, will serve as

the president and CEO of the new association, leading a team with responsibilities for international technical and regulatory issues, research, communications, industry relations and public affairs. Frank said: “We are now truly one industry with one voice. Given the tremendous growth and continuing globalization of the cruise industry, this evolution addresses the need to speak and act globally with a unified voice while recognising the importance of local relationships. The new association will play a vital role in proactively shaping the policy and regulatory environments on a global level and promoting cruising with various constituencies through more effective coordination, communication and stakeholder engagement.”

Avalon Waterways boosts portfolio with Mississippi, Nile & Galapagos cruises AVALON WATERWAYS has expanded its range of worldwide river and ocean itineraries to include the Mississippi, the Nile and the Galapagos. The new cruises will be bookable from the UK and packaged with flights, a private home pick-up service and airport transfers. As examples, a newly featured Mississippi cruise, the 13-day ‘Music City to the Big Easy’ leads in at £3,699 per person while a 12-day ‘Mississippi in the Fall’ costs from £3,429 on the American Queen , a classic style paddlewheel steam boat. Launching a range of three different itineraries on the Nile with departures available until the end of the year, the company features the five-star MS Mayfair, one of the newest vessels on the Nile which offers a range of facilities including a pool and jacuzzi, spa with steam & sauna, fitness centre, mezzanine lounge and nightclub. Itineraries include

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a nine-day ‘Highlights of Egypt’ from £2,519, a 12-day ‘Pyramids, Lake Nasser & Nile Highlights’ featuring a four-night Lake Nasser cruise on MS Kasr Ibrim from £3,529 and a 13-day ‘Egypt & the Nile in Depth’ with an optional Lake Nasser cruise extension from £3,053. All itineraries are combined with overnight stays in Cairo with guided city sightseeing. Meanwhile, to meet demand for cruising in the Galapagos Islands, two new itineraries have been launched to sail on the Santa Cruz ship. They include an 11-day ‘Ecuador & the Galapagos’ with two nights in Quito, two nights on the Baltra Island as well as four nights cruising the Galapagos National Park before returning for an overnight stay in Quito, with prices from £3,965. Also on sale is a 16-day ‘Discover the Galapagos & Peru’ from £5,249, including visits to Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Quito and four nights in the Galapagos National Park.

January 25 2013

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cruising Great Rail Journeys promotes new River Cruising by Rail programme GREAT RAIL Journeys is highlighting its newly launched River Cruising by Rail for 2013. The company's marketing & sales director Alex Roberts said: “Our river cruise tours are increasing in popularity as rail is an easier way to connect with a river cruise. Also, an escorted tour means you are in a group with 35 like-minded people, so all in all, it is a lovely and relaxing way to travel through Europe. And because we aren’t a river cruise supplier, we can offer a variety of river cruises to various destinations including the Seine, Rhine, Venice and the Douro on a variety of levels, from an intimate barge like the Anacoluthe to the five-star Superior Royal Crown.” As an example of prices, a newly introduced nine-day Venice Lagoon & River Po Cruise costs from £1,445 per person including Standard Class rail travel from St Pancras, one night’s half-board accommodation at the Holiday Inn Turin, one night’s half-board accommodation at the Hotel Continental in Lausanne, a six-night cruise on MS Michelangelo with breakfast, lunch and dinner, all transfers, porterage for certain sections of the tour and a tour manager. For details see www.greatrail.com

VoD marks 100 years of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show THE ROYAL Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show celebrates its centenary this year and Voyages of Discovery is inviting passengers to be part of the festivities on the British Isles and the Chelsea Flower Show cruise, available from £1,299 per person, based on two sharing. The 12-day cruise also features a selection of shore excursions to some of the UK's finest gardens including La Seigneurie Gardens (St Peters Port, Guernsey), the Eden Project (Fowley) and the grounds of Cawdor Castle (Invergordon). The price is based on a May 14 departure and includes transfers, on board gratuities, service charges, port/airport taxes, a guest speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on board. See www.voyagesofdiscovery.com or call 0843-221 8499.

Titan launches new Saga Classic Cruising 2013/14 brochure TITAN HAS introduced a new 2013/14 Saga Classic Cruising brochure featuring four Saga cruise ships, early booking discounts of up to 35%, door-to-door transfers and a selection of ex-UK sailings. The latest addition to the fleet is the Saga Pearl II, which will embark on her inaugural sailing in November with a 25-day voyage touring the Western Mediterranean. Prices lead in at £2,928 per person, offering a saving of 29% on the full fare. Other ships include the Saga Ruby, which was the last cruise ship to be built in the UK; the Saga Sapphire, which is the newest to the fleet and also the largest; and the Quest for Adventure, which offers itineraries that focus more on culture, history, scenery and wildlife. For more information visit www.titanagents.co.uk

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Cruising is

by RAY STEWARD, UK director of sales & marketing, Crystal Cruises FOR MANY travel agents, luxury cruising is an unknown quantity and something that they ignore because they just don’t get it. However, luxury cruising isn’t complicated and it can be a huge source of revenue if they just take a little bit of time to learn about this important sector of the cruise industry. One of the most important things to highlight is that luxury cruising IS affordable. While consumers are booking and have money to spend on their holiday, they are still looking for ways to make their money go further and the fact that most luxury cruise lines are all-inclusive is a huge advantage. This is something that agents need to highlight to their clients and make it clear that all-inclusive on a luxury cruise means that accommodation, food, drinks, tips and taxes are all included in the cost. It’s also worth remembering that with Crystal Cruises agents earn commission not only on the accommodation costs but also on all those “extras” such as meals, gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Another benefit of all-inclusive luxury cruising is that clients will experience the best of the best at no additional cost - and will, in many cases, enjoy onboard service better than many of the world’s most renowned five-star hotels. It’s also important to highlight the diversity that a luxury cruise has to offer and that clients need only unpack once while visiting numerous stunning destinations. This year we are increasing the number of days in port with more than 85% of voyages having two or more days in port, which really gives clients the chance to immerse themselves in a destination. Agents should also take advantage of online training, which the majority of luxury cruise lines offer and which provides agents with the know-how to sell with confidence. Crystal Cruises’ online training is available at www.discovercrystal.co.uk and is also on the ACE website. Agents shouldn’t be scared of selling luxury cruising. We know that it’s still alien to many of them but they should remember that we are the experts so they need to use our knowledge. We are here to support agents and we hope to see more agents selling luxury cruising in 2013.

January 25 2013

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cruising

InBrief ● VARIETY CRUISES has launched new itineraries for 2013 including The Sights and Sounds of

Cuba, The Seychelles Cruise and, from December, The Treasures of Costa Rica & the Panama Canal. The company is also adding an Antiquity to Byzantium cruise taking in sites of the Peloponnese and Greece. See www.varietycruises.com or call 020-8324 3114 ● AMAWATERWAYS HAS added four new itineraries in France and Portugal for this year, cruising

the Seine for the first time and returning to the Douro after an absence of nearly two years. The line offers a total of 25 cruise itineraries across Europe, Africa, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and is increasing its fleet to 15 luxury river cruisers with the debut of the AmaPrima in April on the Danube and the Rhine and the AmaVida which debuts on the Douro in March. Call 0808-223 5009 or see www.amawaterways.co.uk ● AUDLEY HAS launched a stand-alone Polar Expedition Cruising brochure. As well as cruises

within the Arctic Circle or Arctic Ocean and cruises within the continent of Antarctica, the company has also included South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Macquarie Island, as well as Iceland and parts of Baffin Island in Canada as these places are all visited by boats that sail on to the polar regions. Call 01993-838652 or see www.audleytravel.com ● AURORA EXPEDITIONS has implemented a new social media tracking service on its remote

voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic. The system, dubbed 'Track my Trip', allows passengers to share their experiences in real-time with friends at home via their preferred social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. ● HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises has launched Hebridean TV to enable agents and customers to

gain a fuller understanding of the brand’s individual cruise experience. Agents can access footage of the line's on and off shore services including its excursion programme and fine dining experience, along with different features and types of accommodation. For details see www.hebridean.co.uk or call 01756-704704. ● NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced its 2014 summer and year-round cruises. The

deployment includes Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, in their respective homeports of New York and Miami, along with three ships in Alaska, and four in Europe for the summer. The company will also continue to offer its Hawaii cruises year-round on Pride of America from Honolulu and short Bahamas itineraries year-round on Norwegian Sky. For details call 0845-201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk ● P&O CRUISES is offering value cruises during the traditional "wave" peak booking period from

December to February with holidays starting from £599 per person for a seven-night Vantage Fare, to include a Price Promise protection and a low deposit of 10% for bookings until February 28. Call 0843-373 0111 or see www.pocruises.co.uk for details. ● RED SEA Holidays is offering 14 nights in Egypt from £1,545 per person including a full board

four-night Nile Cruise which starts in Luxor and takes in the Valley of the Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and the temple of Horus. Call 0845-026 5973 or visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk ● MSC PREZIOSA will be christened in Genoa on March 23 and the company has signed an

agreement with Eataly, the Turin-based chain which will see the opening of the first two Eataly restaurants at sea on Preziosa.

Free onboard credit from Intourist INTOURIST IS offering £75 on board credit per person on all 2013 departures (excluding July 6) of MS Peter the First, for bookings made by February 28. The itinerary sails from Moscow to St Petersburg and the vessel features a range of spacious cabins, with twin, double and queen size beds, plus a number of cabins on the Boat Deck featuring balconies. Prices lead in at £1,595 per person for an 11-day cruise including flights from London. Regional departures are available for a supplement. For more information call 0141-204 5809, email info@intouristuk.com or see www.intouristuk.com

January 25 2013

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cruising New winter itineraries from Costa Cruises COSTA CRUISES has introduced new routes in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, United Arab Emirates, South America and the Caribbean. Six new itineraries are featured for winter 2013/14 season including ten and 11-night cruises on Costa Classica to the Canary Islands and Morocco; seven-night cruises on Costa Fortuna departing from Dubai, with a stopover in Muscat; 11-night cruises on Costa NeoRomantica around Greece and Turkey; seven-night cruises on Costa Pacifica in the Western Mediterranean; two seven-night cruises on Costa Mediterranea to islands in the Caribbean; and six and eight-night cruises on the Costa Fascinosa in South America. The company’s global strategy for the 2013/14 winter season focuses on both supporting the development of emerging markets as well as strengthening popular cruise destinations. Asia is a key destination in this strategy and in May Costa Atlantica will join Costa Victoria in the area and both ships will continue to sail around Asia during the 2013/14 winter season. Meanwhile, the number of cruises in the Caribbean will increase for winter with the addition of a third ship, Costa Mediterranea. Other confirmed winter destinations include the Red Sea, with one-week cruises on Costa Voyager from Sharm el Sheik, and the United Arab Emirates and Oman on Costa Fortuna. For the third year running, the company will offer a 100day Around the World cruise on Costa Deliziosa, departing from Savona on January 6, 2014. For more information visit www.costacruises.co.uk

Viking sails into 'Heart of Bordeaux' EXPANDING ITS portfolio of itineraries, Viking River Cruises has announced the launch of its first route along the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers in Southern France, with the first sailing scheduled for March next year. The eight-day cruise will begin and end in Bordeaux, giving passengers the opportunity to take in the city’s architecture, cafes and museums. Visiting the historical towns of Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne and Cadillac, the itinerary stops at three UNESCO sites, including Blaye’s 17th Century Citadel and Saint-Emilion, and takes in the scenic landscapes as it sails along the rivers. Named the ‘Heart of Bordeaux’, the itinerary will also appeal to foodies, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the regions’ specialities such as oysters, truffles and cognac, along with a selection of wines. Onboard enrichment programmes include learning to make caneles, a caramelised custard pastry; appreciation of Bordeaux wines with the guidance of a master sommelier; and brushing up on conversational French. The operator's managing director Wendy Atkin-Smith said: “We are very excited to launch such a fantastic new itinerary, especially as it is a route that isn’t covered by many other companies. The new addition goes a long way in showing our commitment to continually expanding our portfolio by adding new and exciting destinations for our customers to explore.” For more information see www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk

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Fares are per person, fly/cruise fares (unless otherwise stated) in UK sterling based on double occupancy in an outside stateroom for the first two full-fare guests in stateroom and include return economy class flights from London, overseas transfer (where available) and taxes. Port, security and handling charges which vary by departure. All other stateroom grades are available on request. Fares valid until 28th February 2013. All sailings include select fine wines, premium spirits, beers and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees plus pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. The above fares are available to new bookings only and only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. (c)2012 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.

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cruising Compagnie du Ponant set for new ship launch in July COMPAGNIE DU Ponant has announced the addition of a new ship, Le SolĂŠal, to its fleet, due to launch in July. The name, Le SolĂŠal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a combination of the French word for sun (le soleil) and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the one who leads the wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is a reflection of the line's focus on soft expedition cruises. When Le SolĂŠal begins her inaugural season, she will take passengers to the Arctic region, sailing through the North West Passage to the Bering Strait. The company is also offering zodiac excursions as well as hiking and helicopter tours for more adventurous guests. Le SolĂŠal offers 132 staterooms and suites, restaurants, lounges, a library, theatre and spa. The new ship is also environmentally-friendly and has been awarded the CLEANSHIP certificate. Meanwhile, the company has produced a 64-page brochure dedicated to discovering Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treasures in the

winter season 2013/14, where Le SolĂŠal will head for Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. As the cruise progresses, the line invites passengers to discover Asia in another way, mooring as close as it is possible to be near protected sites. The 17 different itineraries also offer a programme of shore excursions. As an example, a 12-day Hong Kong to Singapore cruise takes in the most important sites of Vietnam including taking a junk boat to the heart of Ha Long Bay, discovering Hanoi, Saigon and the Imperial City of Hue and sailing down the Cai River. It departs on October 30 and prices lead in at â&#x201A;Ź4,130 per person. For more information or to book call 0800-980 4027 or visit www.ponant.com

Hurtigruten removes single supplements on Transatlantic voyage HURTIGRUTEN IS offering single travellers the chance to sail its Transatlantic Voyage from Las Palmas to Buenos Aires without paying a supplement for travelling alone. Expedition ship, MS Fram, will return from her winter season in Antarctica on March 12, ready to sail around Europe in the summer, before making her way back across the Atlantic once again on October 18. The 17-day voyage leads in

at ÂŁ1,292 per person on a full board basis, excluding flights. Meanwhile, the company reports that its Arctic Highlights Northern Lights charter programme from regional airports such as Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast is 99% sold for the period January to March. All 25 departures of the short break itinerary travelling from Tromso to Kirkenes and back are now full and the operator is

hoping to have winter 2013/14 on sale in the next week to ensure agents have this product to sell to capture demand. Kathryn Beadle, the line's managing director, said: "There is still availability by utilising scheduled flights and agents are expertly switch selling their customers to this option.â&#x20AC;? For more information call 020-8846 2666 or see www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

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usa GREAT RAIL Journeys’ sister company, Treyn, is offering its best-selling 21-day USA Coast to Coast tour from £3,158 per person. Highlights include visits to the Statue of Liberty, the White House, the Wild West, the Rockies, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood Boulevard and the Golden Gate Bridge. The price includes flights; rail and coach travel; 16 nights’ hotel accommodation; three overnight train journeys; guided city tours in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco; four Amtrak journeys on the Capital Limited, California Zephyr, Southwest Chief and Coast Starlight; Rocky Mountain National Park excursion; two rail journeys on Durango and Silverton Railroad and Grand Canyon Railroad; transfers; luggage handling in the US; flight taxes and charges; and a tour manager. For details see www.greatrail.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts opens new property in southwest Florida NEW FOR 2013 is the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village near Fort Myers in southwest Florida, Starwood’s first full service property in the region. The new resort, previously known as The Resort at Marina Village, overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, Caloosahatchee River and San Carlos Bay, and is conveniently located for exploring the nearby barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Myers Beach and the regions’ multiple golf courses. The property offers 263 rooms and suites and 25,000sq.ft of meeting and function space. Facilities include a lagoon-style outdoor pool, clay tennis courts, a spa and a marina offering water sports, boat trips and fishing. The resort also features signature Westin

facilities including a WestinWORKOUT fitness studio, a Westin Heavenly Bed, Heavenly Bath and Heavenly Shower and the SuperFoodsRX menu. Following further renovations, the hotel will also offer a Westin Kids Club and convert its 4,000ft spa to a Heavenly Spa by Westin. Prices start from £205 per night for a double room with water views and a private balcony or patio with tables and chairs. For travel agents, the company runs a StarwoodPro programme where agents can participate in a training module. Once the module is completed, agents can access favourable rates and earn points to redeem against stays at any hotel in the company's portfolio with every booking. For details see www.starwoodhotels.com/pro and for resort information see www.fortmyers-sanibel.com

Headwater launches ten-day self-guided cycling trip across California NEW FOR this summer, Headwater has introduced a ten-day self-guided cycling trip across California. Arriving in San Francisco, guests will be picked up and taken to Yountville, home to the acclaimed French Laundry restaurant, and from here will follow a route through Californian wine country, including the Napa, Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys

– complete with tasting opportunities. The route mostly travels along quiet country lanes, stopping off at ‘old style’ country towns. The final stretch takes travellers through redwood forests and south along the Russian River to the Pacific Coast at Hitchcock's Bodega Bay. Optional extra nights can be booked at the beginning or end of the trip in San Francisco.

The trip departs on selected Sundays from April 7 to November 17, with prices leading in at £3,298 per person including BA flights, transfers, bike hire and luggage transfers between hotels. There is also the option to stay in small, family-run bedand-breakfast properties if guests prefer. For details see www.headwater.com

Caesars Entertainment teams with Ramsay to launch new eateries GORDON RAMSAY and Caesars Entertainment have opened a Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace and a Gordon Ramsay BurGR restaurant at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The celebrity chef began his partnership with the operator in May last year with the opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas. The pub section of the 290-seat Gordon Ramsay Pub &

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Grill aims to provide customers with an authentic English pub experience, while the grill section features dishes such as New Zealand Red Snapper and lamb T-bone. Meanwhile, BurGR offers a unique spin on the traditional burger, fries and milkshake meal, with options such as pork belly bao buns, sweet potato fries with vanilla powdered sugar and pudding shakes. For more information see www.caesarstravelagents.com

January 25 2013

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usa Attraction World offers exclusive pre-sell options for Florida's Soccer Day Camp

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT HAS added bike and hike tours in Los Angeles and new watersport experiences in Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando. A two-and-a-half-hour Hollywood on Location Bike Tour costs £34 for adults and £34 for children aged six-11, while a one-hour waterski/wakeboard session costs £110. For more information see www.dosomethingdifferent.com

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering agents the exclusive opportunity to pre-sell the Sunny Soccer Day Camp, a new attraction in Florida, where kids are taught by head coach and UEFA pro-licence holder, James O’Conner (ex Stoke City, WBA & Sheffield Wednesday). Kids are divided into three different age categories (from six up to 14 years) and take part in four hours of soccer, learning skills and techniques. Located close to Disney, the experience is now available to book Mondays to Fridays from July 1 to August 30 for £54 per child.

Brand USA launches megafam for travel agents FOLLOWING THE recent announcement that BA is its ‘Founding Airline Partner’ in the UK, Brand USA is offering UK and Ireland-based agents the chance to

experience its megafam trip. The fam is scheduled to depart on May 9 and will bring together 100 agents to experience multiple destinations across the US, as well

as BA’s transatlantic routes and American Airlines' domestic products. For more information see www.discoveramerica.com

New fly/drive options & free sat nav hire from Vacations to America VACATIONS TO America has launched St. Augustine, Cumberland Island and a selection of new fly/drive itineraries Savannah. The trip includes 14 nights’ for this year, covering a range of breakfast accommodation, flights, car destinations across the country. hire, driving directions, maps and A two-week Route 66 itinerary guide books. costs from £1,699 per person based All fly/drive bookings made before on two sharing, journeying through January 31 also include free Hertz Chicago, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, NeverLost navigation system hire, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Los worth £110. Angeles. The trip includes 14 nights’ Meanwhile, the operator has tipped room-only accommodation, flights Virginia as one of this year’s top from London and car hire. holiday destinations following today's Drive-in on Route 66, Illinois Alternatively, a 12-day New York, launch of the movie Lincoln, which is New England and Montreal tour leads directed by Steven Spielberg and was in at £1,799 per person based on two sharing and travels filmed in Virginia at sites in Richmond and Petersburg. from New York to Montreal, taking in the scenery of New The company is offering a variety of holidays which take England along the way and visiting Connecticut, in Virginia, such as a 15-day Virginia, Carolinas and Georgia Massachusetts and Vermont. The trip includes 11 nights’ fly/drive tour which costs from £1,835 per person based on room-only accommodation, flights and car hire. two sharing and includes 14 nights’ breakfast Meanwhile, a two-week Orlando to Atlanta tour leads in at accommodation, flights, car hire, driving directions, maps £1,875 per person based on two sharing and travels from and guides. Florida to Georgia. Highlights include visits to Daytona Beach, For more information visit www.vacationstoamerica.com

January 25 2013

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usa Collette and RHS team up in new Garden Holidays brochure UK GARDENING charity, the Royal Horticultural Society, has launched its first RHS Garden Holidays brochure in conjunction with Collette Worldwide Holidays. As well as tours in New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, The Azores, Italy, France and Spain, the brochure also includes two US itineraries An 11-day Gardens of American History tour leads in at £2,699 per person and combines horticulture and history, travelling from New York to Philadelphia, including visits to Brandywine Valley, Shenandoah Valley and Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Washington DC. Highlights include early entry to the New York Botanical Garden; the Brandywine Valley Longwood Gardens; a tour from the head of gardens at Ladew Topiary Garden; and a visit to Monticello house and gardens, the former home of Thomas Jefferson. The brochure offers a total of ten tours, with departures from May, and each tour is accompanied by a tour leader, with local guides also being used where appropriate. Some departures are also accompanied by an RHS horticulturist. For more information or to book call 0800-804 8710 or visit www.rhsgardenholidays.com

DELTA AIR Lines will add a third daily flight between Heathrow and Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport from March 31, to offer passengers a greater choice of flights from London, making onward connections to more than 150 destinations easier. Customers flying on the new Atlanta service will also benefit from in-flight Internet access as the carrier has started to install Wi-fi on its fleet of more than 150 aircraft. Top destinations for customers flying to Atlanta from Heathrow include Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas, Jacksonville, Los Angeles and Miami. For details see www.delta.com

Hayes and Jarvis expands New England offering with new character inns HAYES AND Jarvis has expanded its programme to New England in its 2013 US brochure, with the introduction of a collection of character inns in Massachusetts. The operator's US and Canada product manager Suzanne Harvey said: “The introduction of Massachusetts means that we are now able to offer a broad-based touring portfolio across all six New England states. “The five new Massachusetts inns

have been specifically chosen to ensure that there are accommodation choices in key areas like the Berkshires, Salem and the Green Mountains, where we expect greatest interest. “These include the historic Salem Inn, formed from three restored heritage houses in a town synonymous with the burning of witches.” Prices at Salem Inn cost from £87 per person per night, while other

deals include the 60s-style Briarcliff Motel at Monument Mountain in the Berkshires from £35 and the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge from £58. Sound of Music fans can now also stay at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, the Vermont mountain setting where the Von Trapp family settled after fleeing Austria, from £24 per person per night. For more information call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

Kimpton adds Hotel Wilshire to LA portfolio

Funway Florida fam trips up for grabs

KIMPTON HOTELS & Restaurants has purchased The Hotel Wilshire in Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile in partnership with OSM Investment Company. The 74-room boutique hotel is housed in a former medical office in the city's cultural centre, with easy access to the area’s restaurants, shops, museums and galleries. Located minutes from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood and Century City, the hotel offers 55 guestrooms and 19 suites, including a rooftop penthouse suite. It also features 1,750sq.ft of event space, including a boardroom with two floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Mike Depatie, the hotel group's CEO, said: “We’ve had an incredible year in 2012 with seven new hotels added to our collection, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our expansion in the highly desirable Los Angeles market. Hotel Wilshire is a perfect fit for the Kimpton portfolio and we’re pleased to partner with OSM on co-ownership of this hotel.” The hotel will offer hosted evening wine receptions, animalprint robes, wellness options, an InTouch loyalty programme, pet-friendly practices and an EarthCare programme.

FUNWAY IS offering agents the chance to embark on one of two Florida fam trips later this year (dates to be confirmed). Flying with Virgin Atlantic, the 20 selected agents will depart for Florida on the same day, but will be split into two groups on arrival. Each group will have different itineraries to cover all seven of Florida’s beaches: Bradenton, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key; Fort Myers & Sanibel; Florida Keys & Key West; Palm Beaches & Boca Raton; Panama City Beach; Tampa Bay and St. Pete/Clearwater. The two trips will form part of the operator’s Florida Beaches 2013 Campaign and the recently launched Florida Beaches brochure. To enter, agents need to provide confirmation of a Florida package holiday booking, including at least three nights in any of the destinations to be included on the fam itineraries. Once confirmed, agents must register their booking by emailing win@funway.co.uk by March 31.

January 25 2013

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seatonly THIS MARCH sees the launch of Sri Lanka’s first scheduled domestic carrier, Cinnamon Air. The service, operated by Saffron Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, will offer a timetable of scheduled daily flights linking Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo with key holiday locations on the South West coast, the East coast (in the summer season), Kandy, the Cultural Triangle and Hambantota/Yala. With no destination taking longer than 60-minutes to reach, flights to and from BIA will largely connect with arrival and departure flight timings of the national carrier and all major international airlines serving Colombo. The carrier will also offer short scenic flights and charter flights to any part of the island for groups, cruise passengers and corporate travellers, with prices starting from approximately £84 one-way. For details see www.cinnamonair.com

EVA Air to offer in-flight mobile & Wi-fi services EVA AIR has announced plans to provide in-flight mobile and Wi-fi communications on its new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The new service will be made available on the new aircraft next year, making the carrier the first in Taiwan to secure approval for its passengers to make mobile phone calls and use Wi-fi in-flight. The seven Boeing 777300ER aircraft will be equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and a GCS (Global Communications Suite). The carrier will operate its GCS on an independent frequency which will not interfere with flight navigation communications or jeopardise flight safety. The GCS service will enable passengers to make mobile phone calls, browse the internet and use their personal, Wi-fienabled mobile phones, tablets or laptops to read and send e-mails. For more information see www.evaair.com

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Air Europa increases flights to Havana & Santo Domingo AIR EUROPA will double its flights to Santo Domingo and will add three services to Havana per week from Madrid as of April 1. For UK travellers the service begins in Gatwick via Madrid with short connection times at competitively priced airfares. The additions have been introduced to the sales system and customers looking to fly from London after that date can now book online on the updated flight times. The carrier will double its non-stop service between Madrid and Santo Domingo, flying twice daily and will also increase flights from four to seven weekly

between Madrid and Punta Cana. The route between Madrid and Havana will also increase from seven to ten weekly flights. The airline's UK general manager Colin Stewart said: “We are delighted to announce the increase of flights to two amazing destinations, Cuba and Dominican Republic. This is part of our growing strategy within the Latin American region, and another step forward to bring Latin America closer to UK travellers at competitive airfares.” For more information or to book see www.aireuropa.com or call 0871-423 0717.

Royal Brunei Airlines announces improved flight schedules ROYAL BRUNEI Airlines has revamped the timing of London and Melbourne flights for the upcoming summer schedule as part of its efforts to better connect customers to beyond destinations in Europe and Australia/New Zealand. From March 31, daily flights from London will now shift to an evening departure at 17:50, which replaces the existing morning departure time, and provides better connections from UK domestic, Continental Europe and USA to the carrier's network. The daily arrival time at Melbourne is also improved to 05:00, which allows customers to transfer to Australian cities such as Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as to New Zealand on the same day. Departure times from Brunei to Dubai/London and Melbourne to Brunei will remain unchanged in order to maintain existing connections to all parts of the airline's network. Meanwhile, the carrier has launched its new branding and restructure for the first time in 25 years. The launch marks the emergence of a sleeker, more streamlined airline in response to the evolving and growing competitive market and completion of the rebranding process is timed to coincide with the entry into service of the 787 Boeing Dreamliner in October. For more information visit www.flyroyalbrunei.com

January 25 2013

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seatonly We asked our staff the following question this week: What was the last argument or debate you had with someone? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk I had my weekly Sunday argument with my son about doing his homework!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk An argument with my seven-year-old son. I wanted him to get some fresh air and play outside and he wanted to stay in and watch TV

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk The debate was about sustainable world food production and the importance of animal welfare when producing meat

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk My wife argued that we shouldn't go to the pub; I debated whether to go on my own. Cheers.

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

InBrief ● QATAR AIRWAYS is to increase its scheduled services on the Doha–Warsaw route

from February 1. The current four-times-a-week service is scheduled to move to a daily operation following passenger demand. See www.qatarairways.com ● UNITED AIRLINES has introduced satellite-based Wi-fi internet connectivity on the first of its international widebody aircraft, a Boeing 747 outfitted with Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s Ku-band satellite technology, serving transAtlantic and trans-Pacific routes. The carrier has also outfitted Ku-band satellite Wi-fi on two Airbus 319 aircraft serving domestic routes. The company expects to complete installation of satellite-based Wi-Fi on 300 mainline aircraft by the end of this year. ● ESTONIAN AIR reports that it carried 887,563 passengers last year. The load factor of the carrier's regular flights last year was 70.8% - 9.6% points higher than in 2011. During the school holidays in March and from June 6 to August 30, the airline will resume flights between Tallinn and Paris to meet the higher seasonal demand. For details see www.estonian-air.com ● AMADEUS HAS renewed its content agreement with KLM, giving travel agencies worldwide continued guaranteed access to the full range of fares and inventory relating to more than 74.8million seats and 90,000 flights operated annually by Air France and KLM. ● RYANAIR HAS announced a new route from Stansted to Kefalonia from April 1, with fares leading in at £47. For more information see www.ryanair.com

Recent debate was about the ethics of voucher incentives within the trade

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk None recently, but baby-naming discussions are on the horizon!

FROM MARCH 30, SATA International will resume direct flights from the UK to the Azores. Flights will operate every Saturday until October 26, with early afternoon departures from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azorean Islands. Prices lead in at £336 per person return, including taxes and charges, an in-flight meal, bar service and baggage allowance. New for this year, the carrier will introduce a no charge policy for diving equipment under 15kg to compliment the same policy that is already in place for golf clubs. For details call 0844-482 1678 or visit www.sata.pt

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk One of my friends over a pint discussing should Millwall FC have tried harder to keep Chris Woods in January

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Production: Jeremy Walters production@travelbulletin.co.uk Whether Brazil nuts are nuts or seeds

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

January 25 2013

Lagao Do Fogo, San Miguel

puzzlesolutions Travagrams: (top) KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

(bottom) Rome

Where Am I?: Port Victoria

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Experience the magic of Egypt Year round sunshine, exclusive hotels and 5000 years of history. All just 5 hours away.

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