Travel Bulletin 25th May 2012

TB2505 2012 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 23/05/2012 12:25 Page 1

May 25 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,780 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

this week agent bulletin discover what's in store for Gemini this month

9

10

hotel bulletin new survey reveals global room rates continue to rise

13

personality bulletin which sales director was given the nickname 'Chopper' at school?

Far East

Promoting Hong Kong’s activities & events to entice first time visitors

25

caribbean boost your knowledge of the islands' diversity to sell with confidence

S01 TB25005 Start_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:15 Page 2

S01 TB25005 Start_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:15 Page 3

newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - HKTB, Dragon Boat Carnival

Inset - Sandals, Grande Riviera

This Week news 3

BALKAN BACKING...Balkan Holidays has announced a partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise money for the charity commencing with a sponsored walk along the Thames Pathway by Balkan staff later this month.

Pictured are, from the left: Aleks Zaharieva and Rupert Diggins from Balkan with Kate Macauley, Macmillan fundraising manager and Simon Osborne, Balkan.

For details call 0845-130 1114 or visit www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents

the latest industry news, trends & offers

ABTA reveals the economic value of outbound travel

8

notes from normanton

9

agent bulletin

10

hotel bulletin

11

puzzle bulletin

12

staff review

ABTA UNVEILED new research at its annual Travel Matters policy event recently, revealing the considerable economic contribution made to the UK economy by outbound travel.

The report by the Centre for Economics Research (Cebr), highlights that outbound travel directly contributes more than £22billion to the economy, representing 1.6% of UK GDP. With the inclusion of contributions made by industries supplying the sector, the total economic impact rises to more than £54bn or 3.8% of UK GDP. The research was commissioned by ABTA to obtain an accurate picture of the outbound sector’s contribution to the UK economy, which is often portrayed as only making a negative dent on the UK’s trade deficit versus domestic or inbound tourism. In fact, findings from the study show that holidaymakers spend an average of £532 per head, equivalent to £31.2bn annually, in the UK on products and services before they start their holiday overseas, which is nearly the same as their spend abroad (£31.6bn).

This ranges from spend at the local travel agent to clothes and accessories, cameras, sun tan lotion and toiletries.

And nearly £1.8bn is spent in UK duty free before holidaymakers step onto a plane.

13

what has the owner of Sandy Travel been up to lately? discover what's in store for Gemini this month new survey reveals global room rates continue to rise win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the prize Su Doku puzzle find out what Jill Sayles thought of her hotel stay in Buenos Aires

personality bulletin which sales director was given the nickname 'Chopper' at school?

15

far east

21

uk & ireland

25

caribbean

promoting Hong Kong’s activities & events to entice first time visitors a round-up of the latest programme additions & new deals boost your knowledge to sell with confidence

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

In addition to its economic contribution, the outbound sector makes a significant contribution to UK jobs, accounting for 620,000 people in full time employment, which is more than the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors combined and accounts for 2.6% of the UK workforce. When jobs that are reliant on supplying the industry are taken into account, this figure rises to 5.2% of total UK employment, highlighting that the industry sustains a larger number of jobs than its economic contribution alone would suggest.

The association's chief executive, Mark Tanzer, said: “For too long it has been assumed that by going abroad on holiday, money is being taken out of the UK economy. This report proves conclusively that the foreign holiday market makes a huge contribution to the UK economy and is an essential component of a healthy and dynamic UK economy. Outbound travel employs hundreds of thousands of people and directly contributes over £22bn to the economy, supporting a range of sectors. With this in mind the Government must recognise and support outbound travel in its current and future policies and planning strategies to deliver growth to the wider economy.”

The full report can be downloaded at www.abta.com/drivinggrowth

May 25 2012

3

S01 TB25005 Start_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:15 Page 4

newsbulletin Just Sunshine highlights agent educationals as Turkey bookings take off JUST SUNSHINE reports a good start for its new Turkey programme, with many agents who already support the company's Tunisia programme now also generating Turkey sales.

The new programme offers more

than 300 properties across 13 resorts, with a selection of accommodation types and styles, from self-catering to all-inclusive and from smaller boutique hotels to luxury resort properties, The operator operates frequent

educational visits to Turkey and interested agents should contact the company's national sales manager, Tony Blakey, by emailing tonyblakey@justsunshine.com For more information call 0844-756 0056 or see www.justsunshine.com

Star Awards 2012 Last chance to vote for your 2012 favourites!

CALLING ALL agents – you still have one last chance to win one of three fantastic prizes when you vote in Travel Bulletin’s 2012 Star Awards! But be quick – voting closes on June 1.

Visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards or complete the loose insert in this issue.

To reserve tickets or to discuss sponsorship opportunities email jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk or call 020-7834 6661.

Newsbites ●

●

●

●

4

FLYBE HAS launched three new summer routes from Newquay Cornwall Airport to Belfast City, Newcastle and Norwich. The routes operate through to September and one-way fares start from £43.99 including taxes and charges.

See www.flybe.com TRAVADDICT.COM HAS partnered with tour operator Peregrine Adventures. The company will feature more than 400 of the operator's tours on its search-engine which allows users to find and compare worldwide tours from adventure travel operators.

THE CRUISE Portfolio has launched its redesigned Website which is specifically aimed at helping travel agents sell its five cruise clients – Crystal Cruises, Orion Expedition Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Tauck River Cruises. The site ofers access to the lastest news, special offers, links to social media sites, itinerary information and agent areas where agents can view incentives, order brochures and ask questions.

See www.cruiseportfolio.co.uk GORDON RAMSAY is set to open two new restaurants in Doha this month. Gordon Ramsay Doha and Opal by Gordon Ramsay will both open at The St Regis Doha.

Rates at the property lead in at £325 per night for a superior room, which offers complimentary benefits including a Jazz at Lincoln Centre welcome gift, in-room Wi-fi internet access, a 30-minute Remède spa massage and a St Regis afternoon tea in Sarab Lounge.

For details email reservations.doha@stregis.com or visit www.stregisdoha.com and www.qatartourism.gov.qa/

May 25 2012

A SHAW THING...Terry Shaw from Taber Holidays joined agents to celebrate the launch of the new Iceland Express flights from Edinburgh to Reykjavik at the Dynamic Earth venue in Edinburgh recently. The new flights will operate twice weekly from June 21 to August 31. The operator is featuring a total of nine summer tours to Iceland, including the new 'Viking Challenge' and 'Best of Iceland' itineraries. Pictured marking the new service are, from the left: Sigríður Heiðar from Iceland Express, Terry Shaw from Taber and Thórunn Reynisdóttir and Skarpheðinn Berg Steinarsson from Iceland Express.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Travel Bulletin Star Awards - make your vote count in

the only truly open vote for agents nationwide! Hurry voting closes on June 1st!

Vote now via www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards ● A2B Transfers are offering a fantastic 20% agents

concession on both transfers and airport parking, see the enclosed mailing for more details.

For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S02 TB2505 News 1_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:43 Page 5

newsbulletin Tweets of the Week

FORTUNE FRIENDS....Cyplon Holidays has launched a Supreme Agents Club, which offers travel agents a range of benefits for every ten package holidays booked via the operator, including priority access to special offers, inhouse product training and updating, a bag of Greek/Cypriot speciality foods and priority invitations to the company's trade events and educationals. Pictured with their certification as a Supreme Agency are, from the left: Bernice Curtis, Joanne Bechman and Zuzana Zvalova from Fortune Travel in London.

For details see www.cyplon.co.uk or call 0800-074 8888.

Who’s saying what on Twitter... @NCLairport The terminal extension is nearly finished - it's looking better every day! http://pic.twitter.com/2znf LWs3 @cottages4you Jubilee short breaks are now on sale. Enjoy a 4 night UK break from only £370: http://bit.ly/Ha96z6. @dominicanrep_UK Occidental Grand Punta Cana Hotel, Dominican Republic - 7nts All Inclusive from £899 http://bit.ly/ttNf5I @Pontins Early summer from £35pp, Summer from £55pp and Jubilee from £60pp. Check out our offers: http://www.pontins.com/of fers-late-deals/ @voyageantiquity We are pleased to announce that our 2013 programme is now on sale - some exciting new ports of call http://bit.ly/Kl3S7n @audleytravel New marine park to be created off the west coast of #Australia to protect humpback whales: http://bit.ly/KWcIWf @PATATravelNews Missed out on the PATAmPOWER webinar last Friday? Catch up by checking out the mPOWER videos here http://ow.ly/b2soC @InghamsHolidays Deal of the Day: 4* Hotel Antico Monastero, Gardone Riviera frm just £299! 7nts, 30/5: http://bit.ly/LkWsO8

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ TravelBulletin www.travelbulletin.co.uk

International SIM card Toggle Mobile launches to trade A NEW international SIM card, designed to stop travellers being hit with large overseas phone bills, is being launched to the trade.

Toggle Mobile is being made available to agents who will be able to buy a SIM card for £9 and sell it for £15. The card will initially contain £10 credit and the agent will also receive 3% commission from each additional top-up made by the customer.

The new mobile technology allows users

to receive free incoming calls in more than 100 countries worldwide and international calls from £0.04 per minute plus customers can add up to nine local numbers on top of a permanent UK number. The local number enables travellers to make both regional and international calls at a reasonable rate.

To apply email b2b@togglemobile.com or for more information see www.togglemobile.co.uk

Wendy Wu Tours launches ‘Unbeatable Asia’ late offers campaign across selection of tours WENDY WU Tours has launched a late offers programme offering savings on popular tours including up to £500 discount per couple on selected bookings made before June 30. The operator has discounted the price of nearly 80 departure dates on 11 of its tours to China and Indochina and reduced price departures are available for travel between June and November, with guaranteed savings of more than £100 per couple on all tours included in the offer.

For example, a 27-day China Highlights tour costs £2,390 including accommodation and flights including a saving of £500 per couple.

For details call 0844-875 2436.

May 25 2012

5

S02 TB2505 News 1_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:43 Page 6

newsbulletin Bamboo Travel adds 18-day 'Wild Borneo' trip from £2,695 BAMBOO TRAVEL has launched a new 18-day trip called Wild Borneo, which includes the chance to trek for six days, deep into the jungle accompanied by the nomadic Penan Tribe.

The experience has been created to demonstrate how the tribes survive and how they interact with the rainforest that they have fought hard to protect from government deforestation. The itinerary commences in the historic riverside city of Kuching, with a visit to the Semonggoh orangutan sanctuary.

The expedition starts from the coastal town of Miri with a flight to the Long Banga airstrip close to the border with Kalimantan, where the next six days are spent with the nomadic Penan tribe, trekking in the rainforest of the Pulong Tau National Park, whilst learning their forest skills.

The second part of the tour is spent in Sabah, home to Borneo's highest mountain, Kinabalu, to explore waterways

h c t a W Ones to u mmes yo el progra v a tr p to the A pick of to miss... t n a w don't

Luxury Train Journeys in India on Sunday 27th May at 09:00 on The Travel Channel Luke Kenny takes The Southern Splendour for a luxurious train journey through the history and culture of the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The train travels through Trichy, Thanjavur, Madurai, Kanya Kumari and Alleppy before ending in Cochin.

Titan launches 2013/14 preview brochure TITAN HAS issued its 2013/14 preview brochure, Early Booking Bonanza, to its trade partners. Featuring a host of tours and cruises extending into 2014, the brochure offers a range of special discounts from £25 to £300 per person on prices planned to feature in August’s Worldwide brochure, and are available for bookings made by July 31.

As an example, guests can save £300 per person on a Deluxe Alaskan Voyage and the Rocky Mountaineer, an 18-day cruise-tour, which leads in at £3,395 per person.

CYPRUS £40

Quality accommodations from 3# Boutique Hotels to Villas with Pools matched by product knowledge & 40 years experience To request brochure or to booking call us on 020 8340 7612 Email: sales@cyplon.co.uk

6

incentive for package holiday bookings (book by 30/6) Holidays Bookings over

£6,999

will receive an amazing gift of Bubbles & Truffles

May 25 2012

which attract orangutans, elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and a variety of colourful and rare birds. The second part of the itinerary also includes travelling by boat to stay in the village of Abai, with a boat exploration of the Kinabatangan River. From there, a flight will be taken to a beach resort near Kota Kinabalu, to end the trip with two nights’ rest and relaxation.

Prices lead in at £2,695 per person based on two sharing for a departure next month, including flights, nine-nights’ hotel accommodation, six nights in a homestay/expedition style hammock, breakfast, seven lunches and seven dinners, all road transfers, shared boat transfers and tours on both a private and shared basis.

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

MOVERS

JUMEIRAH GROUP has appointed Nicholas Clayton as chief operating officer and Austin Frost as vice president of sales and marketing – Europe. ● TITAN HAS appointed Mike Coombs as key account manager for Central and Northern England. ● TRAVEL INDOCHINA has appointed Raj Mistry as business development manager in the south of England. ● HOLIDAY EXTRAS has promoted Jason Hindle to head of commercial operations. ● IAN CUTTS has been appointed key account manager for Dertour. ● NICK MARNEY has been appointed sales director of Your Car Hire. ● TRAVELODGE HAS appointed Peter Manby as revenue director. ● TOURISM IRELAND’S Great Britain trade sales team, the Industry Activation Team, has appointed Debbie Moran as industry activation account manager to bolster operations in England and Wales. ●

On the Go Tours issues latest brochure ON THE Go Tours has launched a new brochure featuring group tours, family holidays, local festivals, private journeys, tailor-made itineraries and unique experiences to Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Israel and Lebanon.

The brochure offers guaranteed departures for a minimum of two passengers, no mandatory single supplements, year-round frequent departures, locally guided tours and transfers.

New for this year is an eight-day Egyptian Explorer from £549 per person, which includes camel riding, boating on the Nile, a visit to a village school, the pyramids, tombs and King Tutankhamen’s treasure.

An add-on day trip to El Alamein, four hours north of Cairo, costs £59 per person and is available year-round on all group tours or tailor-made holidays visiting Cairo.

Two new Israel coach tours have also been added - an eight-day Biblical Lands tour from £949 and an eight-day Heritage & Holy Land trip from £999, as well as three new Morocco tours, leading in at £699 for a ten-day Imperial Cities & Saharan Sands group tour, which takes in four cities - Marrakech, Fes, Rabat and Meknes.

For more information or to book visit www.onthegotours.com or call 020-7371 1113.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S02 TB2505 News 1_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:43 Page 7

newsbulletin Fred. Olsen launches new online centre for travel agents FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has relaunched its Travel Agents’ Centre on its Website at www.fredolsencruises.com/travelage ntcentre In collaboration with agents, the site has been redesigned to be more appealing, user-friendly and easy to navigate, creating a useful ‘one stop shop’ for agents, who can find key information, make bookings and access the latest offers.

The site features online training, details of how to contact sales support, the ability to request point of sale material and order brochures.

E-posters can be customised and downloaded directly by each agent and the site also features the latest news releases plus a weekly sales newsletter.

To mark the launch of the new site, agents have until May 30 to enter a competition to win an iPad. To enter agents should follow the company on Twitter @FOCLSalesTeam and post a tweet telling the line what they like most about the new site using #FredTAC. Bonus points will be awarded for creative entries.

Attraction World extends portfolio with six new Greek islands ATTRACTION WORLD has added six new Greek islands to its portfolio and significantly grown its offering in those already featured.

Tours in Halkidiki, Kefalonia, Kos, Skiathos, Corfu and Leftkas have been added and a wide range of options are available from sightseeing trips to cruises, all of which are fully commissionable to agents.

As examples, in Halkidiki a Mount Athos Cruise leads in at £62 per adult and £31 per child, while an island-hopping

tour in Leftkas costs £31 per adult and £15 per child.

Snorkelling in Skiathos is available for £57 per adult and £38 per child, while a Lazy Day Three Islands Tour in Kos leads in at £41 per adult and £21 per child.

The operator has also added new tours in its existing Greek destinations including Zante, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes and Mykonos.

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

S02 TB2505 News 1_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:43 Page 8

newsbulletin

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N hat a mixed couple of weeks! I must say I am fed up of hearing and reading about the euro and Greece and Spain etc., At least the euro is up which is about time and I would certainly still go to Greece whatever they say! Why aren’t people more positive that the euro is up and petrol has come down - it has to be a bonus for us car drivers!

W

Have you all voted for the Star Awards for Travel Bulletin? For those of us in the Yorkshire area let’s not forget our wonderful international airport Leeds Bradford – I think they deserve the Star UK Airport award - they have improved and done so much in the last couple of years. Improvements are still ongoing and it will be even better by the end of this summer – and of course they do have the best trade sales team as well with James and Emma – they are so passionate about LBIA, so get voting and put them on the map!

What fantastic news that Sunvil has acquired Planet Holidays - like Mathilde's weddings that she organises I think it will be a perfect marriage! I think the two companies will complement each other perfectly and both contribute to the amalgamation - it would not have been the same without a Planet Holidays!

What can I say...despite everyone thinking the country is in a mess and doesn't know what is happening the public well and truly voted well with BGT! A talent contest to find the best of British entertainment and Pudsey the dog won it paws down. I had tears in my eyes I was so pleased and that dog just looks as if it is laughing all the time and I thought it was brilliant that two young opera singers and a boys choir came 2nd and 3rd - we have had enough of boys (and girls) bands!

'You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him' and 'You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice'.

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

Go

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win a place on Funway’s Hong Kong Fam Trip.

For full details on the three different ways you can enter, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

●

Win an Amazon Kindle courtesy of AMResorts. To enter, just answer 3 quick questions on AMResorts four separate brands. Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

●

Next week is your last chance to cast your votes for the 2012 Travel Bulletin Star Awards. All completed entry forms are placed in a prize draw to win 2 return flights to Spain, courtesy of Jetset Flights. Closing date is Friday 1st June 2012. Register your votes using either the insert enclosed with this magazine or online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards

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

8

A RAY OF SUNSHINE…Karen Eason (left) from Wiltshire-based agency Sunshine Travel was recently named the winner of 2by2 Holidays 'Feel Different' competition, which asked agents to tell them how they wanted to feel different and how they intended to increase their bookings for holidays to South Africa. Karen told the Africa specialist that she wanted to feel like she had visited the set of the Lion King. She also came up with a detailed plan on how she would increase her sales of South Africa holidays. Karen is getting married later this year so with the help of the operator’s Claire Farley (right), she has put together a Cape Town and East Cape safari honeymoon. The competition was run in conjunction with South African Tourism and South African Airways.

May 25 2012

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

S03 TB2505 News 2_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:06 Page 9

agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

●

TO CELEBRATE 30 years in the industry and mark its return to Croatia, featuring the island of Hvar, Transun is offering agents a £20 Love2Shop voucher with every booking made before July 31. To redeem quote 'Travel Bulletin' at the time of booking. Prices start from £599 per person for a three-night Heavenly Hvar break, including flights, accommodation and three excursions.

For details call 01865-265200.

AGENTS CAN claim two free nights at Al Fresco’s new parc, Paris Est, when they make summer bookings with a value of £1,250 per mobile home or above by May 31, for departures in July and August. To claim, email beckylee@alfresco.ie quoting the relevant reference numbers of the booking made plus the details of the date you wish to travel, number of nights and name of people travelling. Plus until

September, for all bookings incorporating Eurostar and TGV, agents will have a chance to win free Eurostar and TGV train tickets.

For details call 0871-971 0600 or see www.thomsonalfresco.co.uk/agent ●

TRAVEL 2 is working with Travel Indochina and Vietnam Airlines this month to give one lucky agent the chance to win a holiday for two to Vietnam including flights and five nights at the five-star Ana Mandara Hue, including breakfast and two free spa treatments. To be in with a chance of winning, agents need to make a new booking before May 31 to Vietnam on a Travel Indochina small group escorted tour, tailor-made itinerary, beach option or luxury river cruise. Plus, if the booking includes flights with Vietnam Airlines, agents will receive two entries.

For details see www.travel2.com

Agent invites TRAVEL BULLETIN is inviting agents to a Greece & Cyprus Showcase evening at Elysee Restaurant in W1 on Tuesday May 29 from 18:15 until 22:00. The event will enable agents to learn more about the destinations, including accommodation, flight options, activities, cultural tours, spas, weddings and tailormade packages. The evening will offer a combination of networking,

presentations, entertainment, food and wine and a free prize draw.

To confirm your free place email the names and job titles of up to four staff members to jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk or call 020-7834 6661.

FOLLOWING ON from its series of roadshows, the Morocco National Tourist Office will be holding its

annual Meet Morocco Product Workshop in Central London on June 12. The event will take place at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel with business sessions commencing at 12:00 until 17.00. A seated lunch will be served and an update from the Moroccan National Tourist Office team will be given.

For details email events@destination-representation.com

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Gemini?

YOU MAY find yourself struggling financially this month and into the early part of June, but by getting help from the professionals things should start looking more positive by mid-June. To get you out of a tricky spot think about selling items that are too costly to keep - you might end up making a small mint. Now is also a good time to start thinking about savings and pensions if you haven't already done so.

Lucky day: Wednesday Lucky number: 23

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

HAT TRICK WINNERS...Andy Harris (left) of Travel 2 is pictured at the recent Manchester Derby game with the winners of the company's Abu Dhabi incentive - from the left: Nick Bland of Millington’s Travel, Keri Gee of Omega Travel and Joel Criddle of Dave Criddle Travel.

May 25 2012

9

S03 TB2505 News 2_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:06 Page 10

hotelbulletin Global room rates continue to rise according to Hotel Price Radar from HRS HOTEL RATES across the world continued to rise in the first quarter of this year according to the Hotel Price Radar conducted by hotel portal, HRS. The company calculated that the most expensive hotel stay, on average, was in Rio de Janeiro. For a hotel room on Sugarloaf Mountain, travellers paid an average of £192.88 per room per night during the first three months of 2012.

British cities also saw an increase in prices. Rates in London increased by 4.33%

ahead of the Olympics, with the largest increase recorded in Liverpool which saw rates increase from £63.37 to £71.57– an increase of 12.55%.

The cheapest hotel rooms were in Bangkok, Prague and Beijing, with average prices of around £48 per night.

Meanwhile, in the first quarter of this year, the most popular European cities for the company were Vienna, Paris, London and Prague. While room rates in Vienna remained

Centara Grand Maldives offers new ultra-inclusive programme CENTARA GRAND Island Resort & Spa Maldives is operating under a new ultra-inclusive five-star programme from the beginning of January 2013, giving guests a cash-free island experience that includes free excursions, free daily spa signature treatments, free daily mini bar, enhanced dining options and a personal trainer programme.

The enhanced meal options include sparkling wine during breakfast, selected wines of the world during lunch and dinner, and the invitation to join the Sundowner Cocktail Party each evening for complimentary drinks and snacks. Sparkling wine will be offered at reception upon arrival, and a selection of beer, soft drinks and mineral water is available in the guest room mini bar and replenished daily. There is also a choice of excursions, all complimentary and available on a daily basis and guests can enjoy a complimentary daily spa treatment.

For more information visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

virtually unchanged at just under £74 per night, London and Prague in particular benefited from the ongoing city break trend and recorded high visitor numbers.

In this year's Olympic city, average room rates rose in the first quarter by just over 4.9% to an average of £100 per night due to high demand. The cost of hotel accommodation in Prague rose by more than 9% to a still relatively low £49 per room per night.

The most expensive hotel stay in Europe, at an average of just under £123 per room per night, was in Moscow and prices in Zurich also cost just over £116 per night. Both cities' average hotel prices remained virtually unchanged from last year.

Meanwhile, hotel prices dropped in about half of the European cities surveyed.

The greatest decline was by more than 10% in Oslo and around 9% in Lisbon.

For more information visit www.hrs.com

InBrief ● IBEROSTAR HOTELS & Resorts has unveiled its new

hotel segmentation, now with four categories: IBEROSTAR, IBEROSTAR Premium, IBEROSTAR Premium Gold and IBEROSTAR The Grand Collection.

For details see www.iberostar.com ● ALILA HOTELS & Resorts has launched a new-look

Website, designed to offer a contemporary and informative platform to showcase the company's portfolio with added ipad, tablet and mobile functionality.

For details see www.alilahotels.com ● FIESTA HOTEL Group’s Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel has

launched a new Website and has announced new partnerships with web and app giants such as YouTube, Slideshare, Foursquare and Pinterest to further boost its social media presence. The new site features a photo gallery of all the hotel and music venues’ facilities and offers visitors a virtual tour around the venue, linked to a new YouTube online video channel. ● THE FOUR-STAR properties, Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong

and Cosmo Hotel Mongkok in Hong Kong, have been certified as Green Hotels by Green Globe for the implementation of 100% smoke-free policies. Both hotels are managed by Boutique Series by Kosmopolito and are members of Utell Hotels and Resorts. ● FOR GUESTS staying in one of Mandarin Oriental,

JUMEIRAH CARLTON Tower in South West London has completed the refurbishment of more than 100 rooms in collaboration with interior designer, Lynne Hunt London. The renovation has also created The Tower Rooms, a new room type which offers views of the London skyline. The room design utilises modern furniture and state-of-the-art technology and new TVs and entertainment systems have been installed. Complimentary Wi-fi is also available throughout the hotel for guests. Responding to customer feedback, the five-star hotel has also included electrical outlets on both sides of the bed and espresso machines in the rooms. Rooms start from £220 per night for a superior room, and £255 for a Tower Room excluding VAT. For details see www.jumeirahcarltontower.com or call 020-7235 1234.

10

May 25 2012

Barcelona’s Mandarin Terrace rooms or luxury suites, a private butler service is now available around the clock.

The service includes complimentary Sunset Cocktails inroom and morning tea or coffee with guest wake up calls and newspapers. Bath and pillow menus can be tailored for a bespoke experience, and for those looking to indulge in retail therapy, the butler can arrange for private in-room shopping. Rates at the 98-room hotel cost from £427 for a Mandarin Terrace room and £590 for a Suite.

For details email mobcn-reservations@mohg.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB2505 News 2_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:06 Page 11

puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 066

Doll Who Yo

A➠

B➠ You can take the Walk of Fame in this district

C➠

Clog One

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, May 31st. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 11th May is Paul Deane, Weston Sovereign in Somerset.

May 11 Solution: A=4 B=6 C=9 D=7

You will smell fragrant in this European city

Where Am I?

You can climb this double glazing company!

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

Number: 066

Across 1. European airline (3) 3. Swiss city and canton (7) 6. American city, popular with jazz enthusiasts (3,7) 8. Historic city in northern France (5) 10. San Francisco airport code (3) 11. Sydney is the capital of this state, initially (3) 13. Actor, Hugh (5) 15. Famous five in North America (5,5) 17. State capital of Wisconsin (7) 18. Comedy TV show, Not Going ___ (3)

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Down 1. Ben Ainslie started the Olympic torch relay from here (5,3) 2. Famous landmark in Blackpool (5) 3. Luxor airport code (3) 4. They beat Bayern Munich to lift the European Cup (7) 5. Spend them in South Africa (5) 7. English county (8) 9. Lakes and Mountains holiday specialist (7) 12. The ___, offers luxury residences at sea (5) 14. Asian capital city (5) 16. Luton airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 May 25 2012

11

S03 TB2505 News 2_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:37 Page 12

newsbulletin Butlins splashes out £13million on new waterpark for Skegness

staffreview Jill Sayles from Travel Bulletin stayed one-night at the Algodon Mansion, Relais & Châteaux hotel in Buenos Aires. Here are her thoughts...

First impressions ................................9/10 Very friendly welcome and offered a much needed cool drink after a long flight. The room wasn’t ready, but I was allowed to use the rooftop pool, terrace and bar area for a couple of hours.

Comfort

........................................................10/10

My Imperial Suite had a king-size bed, a separate living area with a large flatscreen television. The spacious bathroom had a free standing bath and separate oversized shower. The fixtures were made from Italian Calacatta marble and French Limestone with Hansgrohe attachments.

Quality ..............................................10/10 Five-star quality and service throughout. The hotel, which has ten suites, was renovated from a mansion built in 1912 in the French Classical design and is located in the elegant Recoleta district of Buenos Aires.

Affordability ........................................9/10 The Imperial Suite costs US$605 per night.

Service ..............................................10/10 The staff were extremely helpful and friendly, especially the receptionist and 24-hour butler service.

Good to know ............................................

A NEW £13million waterpark is set to open at Butlins Skegness next year, as part of an ongoing investment programme at Sir Billy Butlin’s original holiday resort.

The new development will feature indoor flumes and rapids and a lazy river ride that takes guests on an outdoor aqua-adventure. A new wave pool will also feature as well as a central whirlpool, hot tub and shallow areas for young children. Outside, the new play area will feature fountains that turn into water displays after dark.

For further information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

(UK & Ireland feature - page 21)

Al Fresco Holidays launches Summer Games programme TO CELEBRATE the season of sport this year, outdoor holiday specialist, Al Fresco Holidays, has introduced a Summer Games programme across seven of its parcs in Spain, France and Italy.

Families will have the chance to pit their wits, courage and sense of fun whilst on holiday and compete against other people from a range of nationalities. The programme is designed to allow families to spend time together as well as bringing new people together and holidaymakers will be able to show off their skills at a range of sports and activities including: volleyball, mini golf and baseball.

Parents also have the chance to take part in activity favourites with their children such as wheelbarrow races, egg and spoon, tug of war and the three-legged race.

The programme is free to all customers on site and is available at Sanguli Spain, Les Méditerranées Beach Garden & Beach Club, La Baume, Le Clarys Plage, Château Des Ormes, La Croix Du Vieux Pont France and Marina Di Venezia Italy.

For details call 0871-971 0600 or see www.thomsonalfresco.co.uk/agent

Try the award-winning wines and fresh farm products at the hotel's Chez Nous restaurant made at its sister property, the Algodon Wine Estates in Mendoza. Agents can earn 8% commission on bookings at Relais & Châteaux hotels.

Overall scoring.....................

10/ 10

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.

12

May 25 2012

LUCKY GUY...Steve Guy (right) from Baileys Travel in Wellingborough won a six-night holiday to Cape Town, including three nights at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa Cape Town and three nights at Shamwari Game Reserve, in Premier Holidays' recent agent incentive to encourage agents to make bookings to South Africa. Pictured celebrating with Guy is the operator's national sales manager, Dave Kneale.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB2505 News 2_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:06 Page 13

personalitybulletin

Mark Hopper The multilingual sales director from Getabed.co.uk always takes his iPod with him when travelling...

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

My children.

"Rather than stress balls in our office we have Getabed-branded stress beds! They’re great for taking out your frustrations on"

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Holidaying in France.

Where was your last work-related trip?

New York.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Funny, punctual, and generous.

What have your travels taught you?

To value what you have.

What is the best advice you recall?

The only way to be on time is to be early.

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

Money.

Career path ● ● ●

●

1983: YTS Thomas Cook 1986-1993: ILG overseas manager 1994-1998: Various sales manager roles in tour operators including Hayes & Jarvis, Island Cruises and Argo Holidays Present: Sales director at Getabed for the last four years.

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

Cancellation charges, amendment fees and speed up security at airports.

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

My former colleague Paul Lacey, sales director at Hayes & Jarvis.

What's your favourite city and why?

Palma, because of my favourite bar, Abaco!

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

Professional footballer.

What is your motto in life?

1 Tequila 2 Tequila 3 Tequila FLOOR!

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

What is your favourite mode of travel?

Upper Class!

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

To fly. If only to avoid paying £1,000 for a flight to Orlando in August!

What was your nickname at school and why?

Chopper, due to football prowess...

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

My iPod. What's your favourite airline and why?

Emirates, because their service is second to none and their First Class cabin is amazing.

How do you deal with stress?

Rather than stress balls in our office we have Getabed-branded stress beds! They’re great for taking out your frustrations on.

What special skill do you have?

I speak Spanish and German.

How do you cope with the advances in technology?

Embrace them and learn fast.

What’s your favourite movie of all time?

Wayne’s World.

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

Daniel Craig.

What do you love about your job?

It’s a cliche but every day is different, plus I get to travel a lot.

May 25 2012

13

S03 TB2505 News 2_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:06 Page 14

S04 TB2505 Far East_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:08 Page 15

fareast

Highlighting Hong Kong’s activities & events to entice first time visitors

by DAWN PAGE, director UK & Northern Europe, Hong Kong Tourism Board ONG KONG welcomed more than 11million visitors during the first quarter of this year, with arrivals from the UK showing a 10.1% increase over this period. This is great news and reflects how much Hong Kong has to offer the UK visitor. Although we expect these numbers to carry on growing, this year we have a busy schedule of exciting activities to draw even more visitors to Hong Kong.

H

First timers One of our aims for this year is to attract more first time visitors and a younger crowd, and Hong Kong has all the right attributes to do this, starting with The Summer Spectacular, which includes the Dragon Boat Carnival. This year will see British Team Raging Dragons competing in the International Races, as well as the ultimate shopping festival with great sales and offers, live music with the Summer of Pop and the Lan Kwai Fong Beer Festival.

Hong Kong is a great place for a girl’s long weekend of shopping, dining and pampering or soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches or as a stag party destination, where boys can unleash their adventurous side and take part in activities such as sea kayaking, wake boarding or playing a round of golf.

Come sunset, Hong Kong takes on a whole new persona, sophisticated and diverse, with fantastic roof top bars and cool nightclubs attracting top DJ’s from the UK and around the world to tiny local restaurants serving inexpensive gastronomic delights or restaurants with romantic views over the harbour.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Stay & play Hong Kong has long been a key stopover destination to Australia or combined with beach destinations, but the territory has a lot more to offer than just a place to transit through. Did you know that Hong Kong has more than 260 outlying islands?

Many of them remain uninhabited while others have small villages where life is a world away from the metropolis and visitors can spend the day exploring these islands by boat.

Hong Kong’s coastal area has a rich array of beaches, coves, bays, cliffs, arches and sea caverns just waiting to be explored.

There is also the lush countryside to highlight to clients, which offers fabulous hiking trails and spectacular panoramic views, some of which are only 40 minutes away from downtown.

A hands-on approach We are working on a number of initiatives with the travel industry this year by adopting a more hands-on approach, which includes providing year-round onsite training to reservation staff to give them the knowledge and confidence to pitch itineraries to their clients. For those companies not able to take part in these sessions we have a great free online training programme at www.specialisthk.com/sphk/en/tls/sphk/fe_intro for agents to use to increase their knowledge of Hong Kong. We will also be keeping in regular touch with the industry by providing a new bi-monthly e-newsletter. And as well as all the training, we will be taking part in great events such as the UK Travel Industry Dragon Boat Races with Macau, various PATA events and roadshows and planning trade incentives and fam trips.

We are also currently running a joint campaign with Funway Holidays and Travel Bulletin for agents to enter a competition to win a fam place to Hong Kong this year. There are three ways to enter - via the Chopsticks Challenge (London event), by becoming a Hong Kong Specialist or by making a booking to Hong Kong with Funway Holidays.

So come and join us and get to know Hong Kong – Asia’s World City! ✦

May 25 2012

15

S04 TB2505 Far East_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:07 Page 16

fareast EVA Air to add seven new 777-300ERs to fleet to be completed by June 2016 EVA AIR joined Boeing and GE in a signing ceremony earlier this month in Taipei, Taiwan that formalises the carrier’s plans to add seven more brand-new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to its fleet.

The carrier will purchase three of the new 777-300ERs from Boeing and lease the remaining four from GE Capital Aviation Services Limited. Deliveries are planned to start in June 2014 and be completed in June 2016. The airline is currently operating 15 of the aircraft on its long-haul routes worldwide.

The carrier's president, K.W Chang, said: “We took delivery of the first of our current 15 fuel-efficient 777-300ERs and introduced them on long-haul flights in 2005. Our flight records confirm the aircraft’s extraordinary performance and provide clear evidence that it meets both our high safety standards and operational requirements, leading us to adopt it as the backbone of our fleet.

Deployment of the additional seven of these aircraft and gradual replacement of our other aircraft types with 777300ERs will standardize our fleet and

give us greater operational flexibility.”

The airline is configuring its 777300ERs with 333 seats in three cabins, 39 in the luxury new Royal Laurel Class business, 56 in Elite Premium Economy and 238 in Economy. As the new 77300ERs are placed in operation, the airline will be increasing flight frequencies on busy routes and replacing the older aircraft that it now operates on long-haul flights to North America and Europe.

For more information visit www.evaair.com

InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam invites families to reconnect THE NEW five-star InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam on the Thai island of Koh Samui, is inviting families to ‘Reconnect’ with a villa promotion tailored for parents with children.

The Family Retreat Package is available until July 15 and costs from 13,982 baht (approximately £277) per night for a minimum three-night stay.

It includes accommodation for four in a two-bedroom villa with daily breakfast, transfers, complimentary amenities for kids, a 60-minute spa treatment for parents and complimentary dining for children when parents eat at any one of the resort’s bars or restaurants.

The property features its own private beach, seven swimming pools and a ‘Planet Trekker’ kids' club that keeps children entertained with handicrafts, games and supervised play.

Family activities available onsite include snorkelling, sailing, ocean kayaking and mountain biking, whilst the resort also features two tennis courts, free Wi-fi and a library of DVDs and ipods for hire.

Tropical Pavilion Room, Samui Baan Taling Ngam

For more information visit http://samui.intercontinental.com or email reservations@ickohsamui.com

Korean Air introduces new Gatwick route

TANJUNG RHU in Langkawi, Malaysia has launched a summer package offering free nights and discounts on spa treatments.

Guests booking seven nights will receive three free nights’ bed-andbreakfast accommodation plus a 25% discount on treatments at the resort’s JivaRhu Spa. The offer is valid for bookings made by June 30 for stays up to July 31. A programme of free activities, including mangrove tours, nature walks and cookery classes are also offered.

For details see www.tanjungrhu.com.my

16

May 25 2012

KOREAN AIR has launched new flights to Seoul in South Korea from Gatwick, complementing the carrier's existing daily flight from Heathrow.

This new service will mean that the airline now operates routes to/from Seoul throughout 16 cities in 11 European countries and will link London and Seoul ten times a week through both Heathrow and Gatwick gateways. The Gatwick flight timings will also allow passengers to connect onwards to Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian destinations. There are also many dual destinations opportunities for the leisure traveller, including Bali, Australia and New Zealand.

The airline's Boeing 777s will be used on the Gatwick route, offering a total of 248 seats including eight First Class Kosmos Suites, 28 Prestige Sleeper (Business) seats and 212 Economy Class seats.

Jeong Soo Park, the carrier's general manager London, said: "This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to providing convenient flight times and access to South Korea, as well as onward connections to South East Asia and Australasia. We look forward to welcoming our first customers through Gatwick this year and building a long-term relationship with the airport.”

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S04 TB2505 Far East_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:07 Page 17

S04 TB2505 Far East_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:07 Page 18

fareast 13-night Japanese cookery tour from InsideJapan Tours INSIDEJAPAN Tours has introduced a 13-night 'Japanese Food and Cookery' tour led by 2011 UK Masterchef winner, Tim Anderson.

Anderson travels with the group from Michelin star restaurants in Tokyo to street food stands in Fukuoka, running five exclusive cooking courses en-route including sushi making and soba noodle making. The tour includes a range of dining and cultural experiences in Japan and also uncovers some hidden gems. It departs on November 8 and prices lead in at £4,900 per person.

Meanwhile, a 13-night 'Tohoku Treasures' self-guided adventure allows travellers to experience rural Tohoku, its UNESCO heritage

temples, mountains and hot spring regions, as well as volunteer in the tsunami hit area of the region.

The package allows people to get involved with ongoing relief efforts in the worst tsunami effected towns with volunteer group, 'It's not just mud'. The trip is designed to allow travellers to meet the locals, get stuck in and then explore the rest of the traditional and inspiring region.

Prices lead in at £1,470 per person including accommodation, transport within Japan and some private guiding.

For more information see www.insidejapantours.com THE CABOCHON Hotel has opened in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district. The eightbedroom hotel offers four standard studio rooms and four luxury suites which feature separate living areas and bedrooms. Several of the rooms have private balconies overlooking the hotel’s courtyard garden. Facilities at the hotel include a rooftop garden with a swimming pool, a restaurant serving authentic Thai and Laotian cuisine, bar, lounge area and two salons.

Rates start from approximately £83 per room per night for a standard studio and £116 for the suites. Both prices exclude service and tax.

For details see www.cabochonhotel.com

Funway Holidays offers up to 40% accommodation savings in Thailand FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is offering savings of up to 40% at the three-star Ibis Samui Bohput Resort in Koh Samui.

Prices lead in at £769 per person for seven nights based on two sharing for bookings made

by June 30. The price includes 40% off the room price, daily breakfast and lunch plus transfers and is based on a September 12 departure with Thai Airways.

The operator's Far East product manager, Nandita Patel, said: “The Far East is offering a variety of special offers to stimulate demand, from free nights, free breakfast and free upgrades, with a good range of tactical airfares in place allowing for Far East holiday packages at great value for money.”

For more information or to book see www.funway4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 3131.

Hayes & Jarvis responds to demand for all-inclusive with dedicated brochure launch HAYES & Jarvis has launched its Worldwide All Inclusive brochure, featuring a choice of resorts in Thailand and Bali.

The company's commercial director, Niel Alobaidi, said that changing trends in the marketplace have meant that far sighted Far East hoteliers were recognising the benefits of moving to an all-inclusive model.

He said: “Our customers want to exercise a stronger control over their spending budget and booking an allinclusive resort provides them with the reassurance of knowing up front what their holiday will actually cost. They also want a broad destination choice and this means that hoteliers in popular resorts in Thailand and Bali stand to gain a lot by offering an all-inclusive option.”

The operator's latest brochure spotlights three resorts in Bali - the Club Bali Mirage, Melia Benoa Resort and Aston Bali Beach Resort & Spa. While on Phuket, the company showcases the

18

May 25 2012

Apsaras Beach Resort & Spa, Thailand

four-star Apsaras Beach Resort & Spa and the five-star Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket.

Prices for a seven-night all-inclusive package at the Centara Grand start from £1,844 per person in September, while a

week at Apsaras Bech Resort & Spa costs from £1,434 per person in October.

Bali all-inclusive prices start from £1,319 per person for a seven-night package at the three-star Club Bali Mirage in November.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S04 TB2505 Far East_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:07 Page 19

fareast SilkAir launches new flights from LHR to Singapore SILKAIR HAS launched a new flight from Singapore to Wuhan in China.

The flights operate three times weekly and fares from Heathrow to Singapore with Singapore Airlines lead in at £995 per person, or £975 per person from Manchester, which is a twin city of Wuhan, including all taxes and fees.

From the beginning of next month, all three daily departing flights from Heathrow will also be operated by a A380 aircraft for the first time.

For bookings or more information visit www.singaporeair.com or call 0844-800 2380.

12-night Spice Islands itinerary from Crystal Cruises CRYSTAL CRUISES is offering a 12-night “Spice Islands & Beyond” voyage, which starts with an overnight in Bali on February 23, 2013 and visits Semarang, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi before finishing with an overnight in Singapore.

Cruise-only prices lead in at £2,119 per person based on two people sharing a deluxe stateroom with picture window including all meals, alcoholic beverages, port taxes and gratuities.

For more information or to book call 020-7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk and www.tourism.gov.my

Tasik Dayang Bunting, Langkawi

S04 TB2505 Far East_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:07 Page 20

fareast Emirates Tours adds Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia to portfolio

A DIFFERENT view of Macau’s skyline is now available with a new harbour cruise, which sails along the city’s coastline, taking in the views of famous attractions such as the A-Ma Temple and the Macau Tower. Starting at the historical Inner Harbour, the Macau Harbour Cruise runs daily at 13:00, 18:00 and 20:00.

Footsteps of Raffles Afternoon Tea in Singapore from AW AGENTS CAN now offer their customers booking trips to Singapore the chance to learn more about Sir Stanford Raffles on an afternoon tour featured by Attraction World.

The tour starts from where it all began, at Raffles Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is believed to have first stepped ashore in 1819. It's then on to an exhibition that traces the history of the Singapore River.

Next on the agenda is a visit to Raffles Hotel, where activities were held for the high-society in 1800s. Here, guests can enjoy afternoon tea with English local delicacies, followed by a cruise along the Singapore River and a visit to a Pewter Gallery to discover the history of pewter and role of tin in the development of Singapore as a trading port.

Prices for the tour cost from £56 per adult and £28 per child.

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

W Singapore set to open in August W SINGAPORE is scheduled to open on the island of Sentosa this summer.

Sentosa is situated just off the southern tip of Singapore and offers beach bars, restaurants, spas and attractions, such as Universal Studios and the casino at Resorts World.

For more information visit www.yoursingapore.com

EMIRATES TOURS has introduced a range of luxury private tours and beach holidays to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for the first time.

The operator’s new Indochina programme, which has been introduced to support the launch of Emirates Airline’s new daily flight to Saigon (officially named Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam on June 4, includes private touring itineraries and twin centre city and beach escapes.

The private tours, which offer ten-, 13- or 16-night itineraries, allow travellers to take in the highlights of each destination, with prices leading in at £1,855 per person for the tennight ‘Classic Vietnam’ tour, which begins in Saigon before heading to Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi and ending with a stay onboard a deluxe junk ship in Halong Bay. Longer itineraries also include the temple complex at Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the ancient Buddhist city of Luang Prabang, Laos.

The operator is also offering twin-centre holiday options, starting from £1,459 per person, that combine a two-night

city break in Saigon including a half day city tour and a stay at beachfront resorts in Indochina, including Nha Trang, Con Dao and Hoi An. The company's general manager, Fabio Prestijacopo, said: “The Indochina region has been rapidly emerging as a holiday hot spot for UK travellers over the past few years due to its diverse offering of colonial charm, relaxing beaches and fantastic value for money.

Our customers have been requesting packages to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for some time, and now that Emirates is introducing its daily nonstop flight between Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City, we are finally able to offer a distinctive portfolio of tailor-made private tours and luxury beach holidays to the region.”

The Indochina package prices are based on two adults sharing and include Economy Class flights with Emirates from Gatwick, internal flights in the destinations and private transfers. Tours also include a personal guide and sightseeing in each destination.

For more information call 020-7590 1450.

Intrepid adds train journeys and temple stays to Asia trips INTREPID TRAVEL has added a Classic Trans-Siberian trip to its range of holidays for this year. The 15-day itinerary travels from Beijing to Moscow on the Trans-Siberian railway, via the isolated landscapes of Mongolia. Prices start from £2,215 excluding flights.

Travellers pass the Great Wall of China, experience oldworld villages with spires, turrets and cobble-stoned streets, visit the former naval base of Vladivostok, travel through the forested wilderness of Siberia and take in Lake Baikal - the world's largest lake, which holds 20% of the world's fresh water - before reaching Moscow.

James Thornton, the operator's general manager, global sales, said: "From the bustling streets of oriental China to the cathedral-studded sights of European Russia, this classic journey will open people's eyes to the history, scenery and people that make up this fascinating region that straddles two continents."

The company has also introduced a 14-day trip from Beijing

20

May 25 2012

to Seoul, which costs from Gyeongbok Palace, Korea £2,860. The tour gives visitors the chance to experience Buddhist life with an overnight stay at Magoksa Temple which includes changing into robes, honouring periods of silence, taking part in chanting and sharing meals with the monks. Other highlights include a tea-tasting ceremony, a hike up Mt Namsan and the chance to see North Korea from the demilitarised zone.

There are also visits to a number of different sections of the Great Wall of China including a relatively unrestored, crumbling section in the rural countryside away from the tourist trail.

Thornton said: "Korea is still relatively untouched by tourism, and this new trip contrasts the traditions of village and temple life in Korea with the modernity of bustling Beijing."

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S05 TB2505 UK & Ireland_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:21 Page 21

uk&ireland New Cotswolds break from Inntravel combines pudding sampling and walking INNTRAVEL HAS introduced a new short break in the Cotswolds which combines a range of traditional British puds at the original Pudding Club with three days of walking hotel-to-hotel along the Cotswold

Way. Prices lead in at £535 per person, based on two sharing and include four nights' breakfast accommodation, three dinners, one picnic, an afternoon tea, three days’ walking, maps, route notes, luggage

Superbreak teams with Continuum SUPERBREAK IS now working with Continuum Leading Attractions which offers a choice of attractions around the UK. These can be booked by agents as part of a package including a hotel stay and offer customers the chance to do and see a little more whilst away on a short break.

Attractions include York’s Sweet Story, which tells the story of chocolate and confectionary in York. Covering three storeys, visitors see chocolate come to life, from its roots in Central America to our present love affair with all things sweet. Prices cost £10.50 per adult and £8.50 per child. Kent Life is a Heritage Farm attraction spread over 28 acres and offers the opportunity for families to learn about Kent. Prices are £8.95 for adults and £6.50 per child.

Other new attractions that now feature in the operator's portfolio include Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth (£8.25 per adult and £7.40 per child) and The Canterbury Tales, a reconstruction of 14th century England to experience the sounds, sights and smalls of a bygone era, from £8.50 per adult and £6.50 per child.

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

transfers and a transfer back to the first hotel. An upgrade to Pudding themed room costs £21 per person per night.

For details visit www.inntravel.co.uk or call 01653-617000.

Hoseasons aims to make family breaks more affordable with new promotions HOSEASONS IS offering two new promotions aimed at making family breaks more affordable during the school holidays.

The first offers up to £100 per week off holidays taken during the June Jubilee half-term week – with up to £50 off short breaks and 34 holiday park locations to choose from.

The second promotion offers a similar discount at 59 holiday park locations across the UK during the whole school summer holiday period.

The discounts are available across a large selection of both ‘Family Fun ‘ parks, which offer activities and entertainment, and the more leisurely ‘Relax and Explore’ parks, which feature quieter locations which are ideal bases for exploring the local area.

Prices for a three-night break for a family of four during the school summer holidays start from £147.

For more information or to book see www.hoseasons.co.uk/agen ts or call 0844-847 1144.

Brighton i360 Tower back on track after securing loans totalling £17million BRIGHTON’S PROPOSED tourism magnet, the 175m i360 viewing tower, could be back on track thanks to government and council loans totalling £17million.

The new Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership has agreed a £3m loan to the project from its Growing Places Fund.

The government fund is designed to beat the credit crunch and overcome lack of confidence from investors. The tower’s

developers Marks Barfield have so far raised £18m of the required £35m and still need a further £14m to complete the project.

Now Brighton & Hove City Council have proposed a solution to kickstart the project, which will see the council borrow funding to provide the developers with a secured loan of £14m.

The authority stresses it has not suddenly found a new source of council funds. If agreed by the council’s cabinet,

the project could be re-started within two or three months and completed in two years.

Officials believe the risks will be relatively low while benefits could be huge. A completed tower would be expected to attract up to 800,000 visitors a year, spending upwards of £5m in the city and encouraging up to 18,000 more people to stay overnight.

For more information see www.visitbrighton.com

An artist’s impression of the i360 Tower

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

May 25 2012

21

S05 TB2505 UK & Ireland_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:21 Page 22

uk&ireland Haven promotes Big Green Weekend HAVEN'S BIG Green Weekend takes place on Friday June 8 across all of the company's holiday parks.

The weekend encourages families to leave their cars behind and join in with a range of fun family events that won't impact on the environment. Activities include green fancy dress, animal face painting, building bug hotels, guided nature walks, bat hunts, rock pool scrambles and beach clean ups.

Hog roasts and barbecues serving locally sourced meats are also being offered.

The weekend highlights the operator's commitment to local communities with Farmer's markets and local craft stalls invited to the parks, car boot sales and fund-raising events for local charities.

All 35 of the company's holiday parks hold a Conservation Award through the scheme initiated by Professor David Bellamy and 32 parks also hold the Green Tourism for Business Scheme award.

Several parks employ a full time park ranger, not just to manage the park environment, but to also offer guided walks and nature-aware activities to holidaymakers, developed in association with The Wildlife Trusts.

Three-night breaks arriving on June 8 cost £204 for a family of up to six people staying in standard self-catering accommodation.

For more information call 0871-230 1919 or see www.bourneleisuresales. co.uk

22

Last minute Isle of Wight Festival tickets up for grabs ACTS INCLUDING Tinie Tempah, Jessie J, Lana Del Rey, The Darkness and Bruce Springsteen will performing at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival, which takes place from June 22-24 at Seaclose Park in Newport.

Wightlink is offering last minute ‘ticket and travel’ three-day weekend packages for the 11th annual festival.

Three-day non-camping festival and travel tickets cost from £183.70 for foot passengers and £255.50 for a car and driver. This means that four people travelling together by car will pay a total of £806.60 – or £201.65 each. Camping-inclusive packages are also available and lead in at £214.70 per person for foot passengers and £286.50 for a car and driver, while four adults travelling in one car will pay £930.60 (£232.65 per person). Special rates are also available for motorbikes and children aged 15 or under.

For more information call 0871-376 1000 or visit www.wightlink.co.uk

Isle of Wight Festival

Scotland welcomes staycation boom trend FIGURES ANNOUNCED last month have shown that Scotland is in the midst of a ‘staycation’ boom.

According to a survey by UK tourist boards, British visits to Scotland have increased by 10%, with spending by overnight visitors to Scotland up by 14% compared with last year. Staycations – where people choose to holiday locally have increased in popularity since the onset of the financial crisis. With money tight, people are choosing to stay closer to home and explore the beauty of their own country rather than travel abroad.

Mark Calpin, chairman of Lanarkshire Tourism Association, said: “With such beauty and history right on our doorstep, it's little wonder that the British public are choosing to holiday in Scotland. With no need to worry about expensive air passenger duty or flight delays, and the freedom to hop in a car or on a train when you choose, Scotland is your

May 25 2012

oyster!"

One of the most popular family attractions in central Scotland is the Strathclyde Country Park, where visitors can take a walk or cycle around the parkland by Strathclyde Loch, or try sailing, wind-surfing or water ski-ing at the park’s Watersports Centre. Nestled within Strathclyde Country Park is M&Ds, Scotland’s only theme park, which features five rollercoasters, two water rides, family rides and Amazonia – an indoor tropical rainforest.

For the more adventurous traveller, Cumbernauld Outdoor Activity Centre offers a range of activities, including paintballing, archery and 4x4 off road driving. It also houses Scotland’s largest Birds of Prey Centre, which contains many rare species of birds, with regular displays hosted daily.

For more information see www.visitlanarkshire.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S05 TB2505 UK & Ireland_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:26 Page 23

uk&ireland VisitGuernsey launches new e-brochure for walking enthusiasts

Couple at Saints Bay

VISITGUERNSEY HAS launched a new walking e-brochure to celebrate the Island’s miles of cliff top paths, rural lanes and mild climate, which make it ideal for a walking themed break.

The new e-brochure includes everything needed to plan a visit to Guernsey with walking in mind - from events listings and videos for inspiration, to maps and practical travel information.

A highlight of Guernsey’s landscape are the Ruettes Tranquilles, a growing network of quiet country lanes where priority is given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with a top speed of just 15mph. Clearly marked, the Ruettes Tranquilles offer a chance to explore Guernsey’s peaceful countryside.

For those after a more guided ramble, Guernsey celebrates the outdoors during the autumn [September 8-16] Walking Weeks, with diverse programmes of themed walks. From a wander around St Peter Port’s historic streets to a more vigorous coastal ramble to learn about Guernsey during the German Occupation of World War II, the series of walks on offer include a variety of lengths, routes and themes to suit any interest and ability.

As well as the downloadable e-brochure a variety of maps and walking guides are available for Guernsey, including the newly published ‘The Channel Island Way’ featuring walking routes for Guernsey and four other Channel Islands.

To download the new e-brochure visit www.visitguernsey.com/walking

Summer breaks from only

£60*

Summer of fun

New Wave Hotel and Apartments opens July 2012

“

per person per break

New live entertainment this summer!

Stars from Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice Jedward Live Stephen Mulhern hosting family shows Acrobatic Circus Character Sports Day Extreme Gravity

To become an expert like me, complete our fun online training modules at ButlinsSpecialist.co.uk

”

To book visit BourneLeisureSales.co.uk or call 0845 070 4742 Terms and conditions: *Price based on 4 sharing a Standard self-catering apartment on selected June term-time 4 night midweek breaks. Full terms and conditions apply as stated in the current Butlins brochure.

Offers apply to new bookings only and are strictly subject to promotional availability. Butlins Skyline Limited, 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. Registered in England No. 04011665.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

May 25 2012

23

S05 TB2505 UK & Ireland_Layout 1 23/05/2012 12:21 Page 24

uk&ireland Irish Ferries extends free Wi-fi service to passengers travelling to Ireland IRISH FERRIES has extended Wi-fi services on ferries to Ireland, so that all travellers can connect to the internet free of charge.

Wi-fi is now available on the cruise-ferry Ulysses and fast-craft Dublin Swift, which both sail between Holyhead in North Wales and Dublin; and on the Isle of Inishmore ferry service between Pembroke in South Wales and Rosslare. For details see www.irishferries.com Meanwhile, agents who book self-drive, self-catering holidays to Ireland with Irish Ferries Holidays before June 16 can save their clients £70 on seven-night stays starting between July 14 and August 17. The deal

applies on selected self-catering cottage complexes, based on two adults with a car and include cottage accommodation and ferry crossings. Children can travel and stay free of charge.

The operator is also highlighting two-night breaks in June at the three-star Beresford Hotel in Dublin for £99 per person for foot passengers, based on two sharing.

The price includes breakfast accommodation and Holyhead-Dublin crossings. Prices for self-drive visitors start from £169 including ferry travel for a vehicle and passengers.

For more information or to book see www.irishferries.com/holidays or call 0871-730 0400.

Tourism Ireland promotes discounted deals for golf breaks on Website TOURISM IRELAND’S Website offers golf fans the chance to follow in the footsteps of US Open champion Rory McIlroy and Open Championship winner Darren Clarke with a range of discount deals, with breaks starting from €69.

One-, two- and three-night-stays, both north and south of the border, are available and included in the list of packages is the chance to play at Royal Portrush, host of this year’s Irish Open

from June 28 to July 1, as well as three of County Antrim’s top courses from £199 per person.

Golfers heading further south to take in a ladies’ golfing package at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club can do so from €149 per person.

The offer, which is based on four people sharing a cottage, includes three nights’ accommodation, 18 holes at O'Mahony's Point course at Killarney

Golf and Fishing Club and unlimited golf at Castlerosse Golf Club over one or two days, plus a voucher for a fourcourse dinner with wine for €25 per person.

The packages are part of the Tourism Ireland’s ‘Time to Play’ initiative to promote golf in Ireland to a wider audience.

For more information visit www.discoverireland.com/golf

ABTA No. Y0662

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 25

caribbean e g d le w o n k r u o y t s Boo y it s r e iv d ' s d n la is e h t of e c n e id f n o c h it w to sell

by MARTIN GRASS,

NCE UPON a time the Caribbean was the sole domain of the rich and famous but over the past 25 years all that has changed. Airtours opened up the value market with cheap charter flights to the Dominican Republic (although the very first charters were in the early '70s) and this was quickly followed by the likes of Thomson, First Choice and Thomas Cook.

For those that prefer to use and have the flexibility of schedule airlines, both Virgin and British Airways have a comprehensive route network and nearly all islands can be reached via Miami. Some islands are not suitable for this market and continue to attract only those clients with a large budget. This gives the Caribbean a unique selling point as clients can choose anything from small bed-and-breakfast resorts to a whole island if they have the money.

O

The growth of all-inclusive The Caribbean is also famous as the birthplace of the all-inclusive resort and the first true all-inclusive was opened by John Issa, the owner of SuperClubs in the late 1970s. In those early days even cigarettes were included! From the first resort the concept has spread all over the world. As every island is very different so are the all-inclusive resorts and what is included. When booking clients travel agents should read the small print to see if “all drinks included” means just local brands or also international ones. The same thing applies to food - is there just a buffet or does the resort have a selection of a la carte restaurants that are also included? To overcome this confusion, we invented the Super Inclusive to differentiate product and show that it included a number of restaurants at each resort as well as motorised watersports, transfers and free weddings.

Other resorts have followed with similar names. Allinclusive resorts now form the largest sector of accommodation across the region. For travel agents they offer the opportunity of greater commissions as the initial costs include all the extras. How many other hotels pay commission on food and beverage?

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

bs

director, Superclu

Spot the differences A mistake many consumers and travel agents often make is to assume the Caribbean islands are all the same, just sunshine and beaches. This is far from the truth. The larger islands such as Cuba, with a land mass slightly smaller than England, has mountains, lush green plains and numerous islands as well as a number of historical sites listed by UNESCO which includes a large part of the capital Havana. Jamaica, probably the most famous of all the islands offers fantastic mountain scenery, secluded bays, beaches and rain forests, as well as many excellent restaurants and “rum shacks”. Contrary to some reports Jamaica is perfectly safe to drive around as long as you avoid certain parts of the capital, Kingston. The countryside has lots to offer, apart from meeting the friendly locals, including hiking trails, wildlife tours and rain forest canopy walks. Horse riding takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Caribbean. Afterwards relax with a cool Red Stripe beer in a country that has been the setting for many famous films including at least three of the James Bond series and Cocktail. The islands of the Eastern Caribbean also offer an immense diversity of attractions and island hopping is popular among many visitors. From the stunning Pitons of St Lucia to the sophisticated nightlife of Barbados, the Caribbean has something for everyone. New islands are always opening up to the UK market. Look out for the French and Dutch islands becoming popular in coming years. They are very different to the traditional English-speaking Caribbean.

Despite current economic constraints, sales for 2012 to the region are up proving the Caribbean has a strong base to build on for the future.

The best way to sell anything in life is to experience it and we are committed to supporting our tour operator partners with rooms at our resorts for travel agent fam trips. However, the very best experience for agents and their partners is to take advantage of our fantastic agent rates available at all our resorts in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Cuba and Brazil. We look forward to giving you a warm welcome! ✦

May 25 2012

25

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 26

caribbean Rum & Cocoa holiday from Barbados properties Cap Maison & Hotel Chocolat CAP MAISON and Hotel Chocolat, two boutique resorts in Barbados, have launched a new Rum and Cocoa package which is commissionable for agents at 10%.

Designed to showcase St Lucia’s rum and cocoa heritage, Cap Maison in St Lucia has teamed up with UK chocolatier Hotel Chocolat and its new boutique hotel in the south of the island, to provide a seven-day holiday of indulgence.

Highlights include a rum appreciation evening at Cap Maison and a full day excursion to Hotel Chocolat near Soufriere. This starts with a boat cruise along the west coast of St Lucia, stopping at the picturesque Marigot Bay en-route. Guests then travel further

south, taking in the majestic Pitons to Soufriere where they will discover the Rabot Estate, home to Hotel Chocolat and Saint Lucia’s oldest cocoa plantation. Here they will learn about the chocolate making process and create their own chocolate bars with the guidance of the cocoa farmers. Guests will also enjoy a cacao cuisine lunch at Hotel Chocolat’s Boucan restaurant and learn how to make ganache for decadent chocolate truffles.

The package includes seven nights' accommodation in a Courtyard Villa Suite, based on two sharing; a day excursion to Hotel Chocolat; activities at the Rabot Estate Cocoa Plantation in the south of the island; boat transfers from the north to the south of the island

from Cap Maison to Hotel Chocolat; a special pairing dinner with selected rum and wines served at The Cliff at Cap and in the wine cellar; a twocourse lunch at Cliff at Cap for two people with a free bottle of wine; a rum appreciation evening at Cliff at Cap’s rum bar; a seafood barbecue on the private Smugglers Cove beach; daily breakfast at ‘Cliff at Cap’ restaurant; a complimentary bottle of the chairman’s reserve rum and a selection of St Lucian favourites in a mini hamper; plus transfers.

The lead-in price is £3,300 until December 19, excluding a 10% service and 8% government tax.

For reservations or more information call 020-8614 0077.

Travelsphere promotes 16-day Cuba tour from £1,879 & early booking savings on 2013 tours TRAVELSPHERE IS highlighting its 16-day Cuba tour which offers sightseeing in Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Cienfuegos Botanical gardens and Havana.

Tours depart on various dates between September and November, with prices starting from £1,879 per person (based on September 13 and October 4 departures).

Prices are based on two people sharing and include

scheduled flights from Gatwick, transfers and other tour transportation, 14 nights' accommodation, dinner on seven nights and the services of a tour manager.

For early bookers for 2013 tours prices start from £1,999 plus an early booking discount of £100 if booked before July 31.

For more information visit www.travelsphere.co.uk or call 0800-112 3313.

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 27

caribbean Grenada's Mount Cinnamon offers new summer package THIS SUMMER, Mount Cinnamon in Grenada, is offering a new package aimed at guests seeking a luxury Caribbean experience at an affordable price.

The boutique resort is offering seven nights for the price of five, or a total of four nights will be extended free of charge, when clients book 14 nights.

Children 16 years and under stay free and children two years and under dine free. Two free hours of babysitting on a daily basis (for children under 12) will also be offered and children under 12 years eat free for two days during the week’s stay.

Prices after the discount start from $315 (£193) plus taxes per night in a one-bedroom suite, including breakfast for a family of four with two children under 16 on a seven-night visit, or $290 (£178) plus taxes on a three-week stay.

Complimentary airport transfers are also included and the offer is valid until August 31.

For more information visit www.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com or email reservations@mountcinnamongrenada.com

ST LUCIA is soaring for Hayes & Jarvis according to its latest Trends Report, which reveals a year-on-year booking increase of 55%.

According to the operator, it is a combination of keen prices and allinclusive value that is driving the boom in bookings. One of the big winners this year is The BodyHoliday (pictured), which has undergone a £14.5m makeover. Activities include yoga and t’ai chi to jungle walks and a range of water-based activities, with seven-night all-inclusive packages leading in at £2,299 per person including flights and transfers.

For details call 0871-200 2211 or visit www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents

Tourism arrivals to Dominican Republic grow by 7.8% during January-March THE ARRIVAL of tourists to the Dominican Republic through local airports increased by 7.8% during the first quarter of this year, surpassing the numbers presented by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) regarding the Caribbean region. The country's Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, recently presented the new statistics and explained that the increment in the number of tourists visiting the country "is an extraordinary achievement".

In March alone the increase registered at 9%, for a

total of 479,354 visitors - 39,471 more than last year.

During the January-March quarter of this year, the number of visitors that entered the Dominican Republic through the country's airports was 1,355,749.

Punta Cana continued to receive the largest number of tourists, with an 8.47% increase in arrivals and the destination receives on average 62% of the total number of tourists visiting the country.

For more information visit www.godominicanrepublic.com or call 020-7242 7778.

Sandals receives two Platinum Certifications from EarthCheck SANDALS NEGRIL Beach Resort & Spa and Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort have been recognised for their environmental efforts by EarthCheck, a certification and benchmarking organisation, which has awarded both resorts with a Platinum level certification.

EarthCheck's CEO, Stewart Moore, said: “This achievement highlights the long term commitment that Sandals Resorts has shown to the communities and environment of the Caribbean.

They’re well ahead of most governments and industry players globally as a result of their efforts, and serve as a leader in the field of sustainable practices.”

For more information visit www.sandals.co.uk/difference/ecofriendly-resorts.cfm Meanwhile, the company has announced the reopening of the newly-renamed Balmoral Tower at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island in the Bahamas.

After undergoing a $17million

upgrade, Balmoral Tower now features a lighter, more contemporary look. Large balconies have been added to 35 of the ocean view rooms and an additional 11 ground-floor rooms have now become walk-out rooms, providing direct access onto the newly-finished white concrete pool deck, which incorporates local fauna and conch shells. Beachfront fire pits and an expanded lounge area are also new features of the property.

Sandals Grande Riviera

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

May 25 2012

27

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 28

caribbean RCI announces winter 2013/14 Caribbean cruises ROYAL CARIBBEAN International has announced its winter 2013/14 Caribbean cruises on six ships, including new itineraries from New Orleans.

Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas will together offer 140 sailings on 31 itineraries that will call at 20 ports of call.

Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas have all undergone recent enhancements to deliver more dining options, new entertainment and modern features that first debuted on the line’s newest ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

Serenade of the Seas will offer new Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans (Louisiana). Guests can be on board when the ship crosses the Atlantic and arrives in The Big Easy for the first time, on a 15-night itinerary, departing on November 27, 2013 from Barcelona. The first sailing will be a one-time, nine-night Caribbean Adventure, departing on December 12, 2013, calling at Key West (Florida), Nassau (Bahamas), Labadee (Haiti), and Ocho Rios (Jamaica). Serenade of the Seas will then alternate new seven-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean itineraries. On the Western Caribbean itinerary, guests call at Falmouth (Jamaica), Grand Cayman and Cozumel (Mexico), while the Bahamas itinerary calls at Key West, Nassau and CocoCay (Bahamas).

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will continue to alternate seven-night Eastern and

Western Caribbean itineraries. Sailing roundtrip from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale (Florida), the ships will call at Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten on the Eastern Caribbean sailing and at Falmouth, Cozumel and Labadee on the Western Caribbean sailing.

Independence of the Seas will also call Fort Lauderdale home for the season, and alternate six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries. On the six-night sailing, guests call at George Town, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, and Labadee. On the eightnight sailing, guests call at San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and Labadee.

Additionally, Freedom of the Seas will continue its year-round sailings from Port Canaveral, along Florida’s Space Coast. The ship will alternate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, guests call at St. Thomas, St. Maarten and CocoCay. Select itineraries will feature calls at San Juan instead of St. Thomas. On the Western Caribbean itinerary, guests call at Falmouth, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Labadee.

Meanwhile, Navigator of the Seas will debut in Galveston, Texas and offer two Western Caribbean itineraries, both seven nights in length. One itinerary calls at Falmouth, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, while the other calls at Roatan (Honduras), Belize City (Belize) and Cozumel.

For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk or call 0844-493 2061.

CORAL REEF Club, Barbados has created a Diamond Package to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The sevennight package is available at both the Coral Reef Club and its smaller sister property, The Sandpiper, and includes seven nights’ accommodation in a garden room or cottage with Champagne and flowers on arrival; breakfast and dinner daily, with the option of exchange dining at other luxury hotels on the island; a Natura Bissé Diamond Magnetic Ritual for two (90-minutes) in the spa; an invitation to the owners’ cocktail party; free watersports including waterskiing, kayaking and Sunfish sailing; and free use of tennis courts and professional coaching. Seven nights lead in at £2,060 per person, based on two adults sharing a Garden Room, including flights from Gatwick with BA and transfers.

For details call 0161-492 1354 or visit www.carrier.co.uk

28

May 25 2012

Save 65% on a Caribbean beach holiday with Elegant Hotels THE SUMMER clients can benefit from a range of savings when staying at Elegant Hotels, Barbados.

The collection of five luxury hotels and resorts located on beaches on the west and south coasts offers guests familyfriendly accommodation, all-inclusive options and adult-only properties.

Available through most UK tour operators, packages for a seven-day holiday including flights at Elegant’s Tamarind start from £1,045 in summer, whereas the same package in the high winter season costs £2,983; offering savings of more than 65% in summer.

New for this summer, Tamarind will also be launching a full board meal option for guests called ‘Taste of Tamarind’ which, for a cost of $110 per adult, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and all nonalcoholic cocktails. With this meal plan, guests will also be invited for theme nights such as Steak Night and Bajan Fish Grill.

Packages for the company's adults-only property, The House, are available in July from £1,541.50 while the same package booked in December starts from £4,143.50. The property also offers complimentary jet lag massage, Champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening canapés.

Properties also offer a watersports programme at no added cost including stand-up paddling, snorkelling, sailing, boogie boards, kayaking, banana boats, windsurfing and water-skiing.

For more information or to book visit www.eleganthotels.com or call 0800-917 3534.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

A

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 29

caribbean Seven free nights offer at Half Moon

INTREPID TRAVEL has introduced a new tour in Guyana for travellers who want to get off the beaten track. The destination was added to the programme because it offers a wealth of experiences for travellers, from searching for jaguars in the Iwokrama Rainforest to visiting traditional villages and soaking up the Caribbean vibe in Georgetown.

A 14-day Guyana Nature Experience costs from £2,615 per person, including lodge accommodation, most meals, transfers, jaguar spotting, trekking, a canoe trip, boat rides, mountain hikes, visits to local villages and other activities.

The company's general manager of global sales, James Thornton, said: "We take travellers off the beaten track in more than 100 countries around the world and we're always looking for new destinations where curious explorers can see some amazing sights and experience local life. Guyana has a lot of appeal for nature and wildlife-lovers and other adventure travellers."

Free nights at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club NISBET PLANTATION Beach Club in Nevis is offering reduced rates for its higher category rooms.

For bookings made by June 30, the resort is offering seven nights for the price of five for its Deluxe Garden rooms, Lower Deluxe Junior Suites and Upper Premier Junior Suites. The room rate also includes breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner.

Travel must be completed by December 20 to qualify for the discount.

For more information visit www.nisbetplantation.com

E N XT SA TI E LE L N 31 D ST E M D AY !

HALF MOON, a RockResort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is offering seven free nights for holidaymakers booking a seven-night stay between now and November 15, with stays to be completed

by December 20.

The deal offers savings of up to £865 per person with ITC Classics, where a 14-night stay leads in at £1,729 per person, based on two adults sharing a superior room on a roomonly basis. The price includes Economy Class flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and private transfers.

For details call 01244-355527 or visit www.itcclassics.co.uk and www.halfmoon.rockresorts .com

Intrepid Travel introduces new tour in Guyana to portfolio

JAMAICA SAINT

U

BAHAMAS TURKS

&

HALF PRICE* Luxury Included® holidays from the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resorts

FOR OUR BEST 2 FOR 1 OFFERS CONTACT YOUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Call Agency Sales 020 7590 0210 | Email agencysales@sandals.co.uk | Visit sellingsandals.co.uk WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS 16 YEARS RUNNING

LUCIA

ANTIGUA

*Book by 31 May 2012. Savings are up to 50% and vary on selected rooms, resorts and dates. 50% saving also on accommodation only bookings. Minimum stay 7 nights. For travel through 2012 and 2013, dates vary depending on resort. Not combinable with any other offer. Subject to availability. Sandals Select Points and free nights cannot be used in conjunction with this offer, but points and nights can be earned. Terms & conditions and blackout dates apply. ABTA and ATOL protected.

CAICOS

In conjunction with

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 30

caribbean Trinidad and Tobago to host 14th Sustainable Tourism Conference We asked our staff the following question this week: What's your favourite High Street shop?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Pandora....I love looking at the charms

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk

TRINIDAD AND Tobago will host the next Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in 2013, the CTO has announced.

Deputy permanent secretary at the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Tourism, Raye Sandy, said: “We are truly honored to host STC-14 in Trinidad and Tobago. We look forward to hosting a varied conference that builds on the learnings of STC-13 and showcases Trinidad and Tobago’s sustainable tourism product.”

The CTO, organiser of the annual conference on sustainability in the Caribbean, will begin discussions soon with Port of Spain around a suitable conference date, which will be announced in the coming months. Work is also expected to begin on a conference programme shortly.

Lakeland Ltd

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Muji

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk The Royal Albert, The White Hart, The Alma, The Old Ferry Inn, The Rosendale, The Paxton...oh, SHOP! The 99p Store

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Shopping is a chore for me - I prefer the pub!

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk NikeTown - innovative, exciting and proof it doesn't have to be price-driven

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

Barbados & St Lucia savings from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 is offering a selection of discounts in Barbados and St Lucia.

As examples, in Barbados the Fairmont Pavilion is currently running free night offers from now until September, with the best offer being two nights for the price of one throughout September.

At Rendezvous in St Lucia, the property is offering up to 30% off between now and October on an all-inclusive basis.

Meanwhile, the operator has added a new five-star all-inclusive resort in St Vincent to its programme.

The Buccament Bay is currently running launch offers with up to 50% off rates with free internal flights from St Lucia on its own new airline – Harlequin Air. The resort has a Pat Cash Tennis Academy and Liverpool Football Club Academy.

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is offering seven nights at Sandals Emerald Bay in an Exuma Honeymoon Luxury Room from £2,319 per person. The offer includes flights with BA and Bahamasair and is based on an October 7 departure.

For details see www.sandals4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 0624.

The pound shop !!

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com It has to be Mothercare!

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Size? - for any style of sneaker

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Gosh Comics in Soho

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com An internet cafe with fast broadband

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited - Travel Bulletin is published weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA & GTG agent.

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

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

30

Audit Bureau of Circulations Business magazines

May 25 2012

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. LOT, 3. LUCERNE, 6. NEW ORLEANS, 8. REIMS, 10. SFO, 11. NSW, 13. GRANT, 15. GREAT LAKES, 17. MADISON, 18. OUT. Down: 1. LANDS END, 2. TOWER, 3. LXR, 4. CHELSEA, 5. RANDS, 7. SOMERSET, 9. INGHAMS, 12. WORLD, 14. TOKYO, 16. LTN.

Highlighted Word: CANNES Travagrams: (top) Hollywood

(bottom) Cologne

Where Am I?: Everest

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 31

S06 TB2505 Caribbean_Layout 1 23/05/2012 11:59 Page 32

The Executive First® Suite.

Give your personal space what it wants.

More personal space.

Go to aircanada.com, call us at 0871 220 1111 or contact your IATA travel agent.

Executive First Suites are available on overseas flights on all Air Canada-operated aircraft, except on certain Boeing 767s. ®Executive First is a registered trademark of Air Canada.