Travel Bulletin 25th July 2014

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July 25 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,882 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Southern Africa Operators unveil their latest packages to entice clients

this week agent bulletin 9 new booking incentives plus what's in store for Leo?

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pix mix images from the Yorkshire Travel Ball

17 egypt operators meet demand for Brits seeking Nile cruises

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baltic states Baltic Sea region welcomes new port developments

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HAT'S THE WAY...Elite hosted a day out at Ascot for selected travel agents, co-sponsored by Holiday Extras, DoSomethingDifferent, Flexible Car Hire, Mark Warner and Prestige. Pictured glammed up and ready for the races are, from the left: Suzanne Warren, Prestige Holidays; Annabel Cove and Lucy Jones, DoSomethingDifferent; Leanne Kirkwood and Michelle Robinson, JTA Travel; Lynne Kirby, Enable Holidays; Anna Mavroulakis, Greece & Cyprus Travel; Mellissa Taylor, JTA Travel; Chantal Tomlinson, Flexible Car Hire; Mary Baxter, Enable Holidays; Neil Bassnett, Elite Travel Group; and Jen Neuschaffer, Mark Warner.

Cover Pictures: Main - Belmond - Southern Africa Inset - Egypt - Anatolian Sky

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this week's industry developments, product launches & special offers the latest booking incentives plus what's in store for Leo? play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher images from Jetset's annual golf day at the De Vere Wych Wood Park in Crewe

the night in pictures from the annual Yorkshire Travel Ball in Leeds

personality bulletin Iberostar's UK & Ireland sales & promotions manager is in the hot seat this week

egypt operators meet demand for increase in Brits seeking Nile cruises

short breaks Hoseasons reports UK getaways remain most popular choice for short breaks

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baltic states

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southern africa

Baltic Sea region welcomes new port developments

new regulations for children travelling to and from South Africa

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Holidaymakers urged to check travel insurance policy limits BRITS JETTING off on a foreign holiday pack around £1,000 worth of clothes, accessories, toiletries and valuables, including jewellery and electronic gadgets, according to new research by Gocompare.com Travel Insurance. However, if their luggage is lost or stolen, many could find themselves hundreds of pounds out of pocket if they've checked-in their baggage without first checking-out their travel insurance.

The company asked more than 1,350 people who holiday abroad to estimate the collective value of the items they take with them. The survey revealed that while holidaymakers typically travel with £967 worth of possessions, many are packing far more: 29% estimate that they take more than £1,000 worth of possessions on holiday and 18% thought the contents of their luggage was worth more than £1,500.

The company is warning that if holidaymakers don't check their travel insurance small print, they could find themselves hundreds of pounds out of pocket if their bags are lost or stolen.

A comparison of more than 1,000 travel insurance policies found an enormous variation in the cover limits available.

As examples, in terms of baggage cover, the majority of travel insurance policies provide cover for luggage but the overall limit for the value of possessions varies hugely - ranging from £200 to £10,000.

Typically the total cover limit for baggage is £1,500, but 7% of annual and 6% of singletrip polices don't provide any cover.

For baggage excess, depending on the policy you buy, the amount you will have to pay towards each claim for lost or stolen baggage is typically £50 or over - but can range from £25 to £250. Just under a quarter (24%) of annual and 27% of singletrip policies have an excess of £100 or more.

And pay-outs for lost or stolen valuables such as photographic equipment, electronic gadgets, computers, iPads, jewellery and watches - are limited to between £100 and £2,500 depending on the policy bought. The highest amount of cover under the policies reviewed was £2,500 for annual and £1,000 for single-trip policies, but most only provide £100 to £450 worth of cover.

The company's travel spokesperson, Caroline Lloyd, said: "While travel insurance primarily covers the cost of unexpected medical treatment and repatriation if you fall ill or are injured abroad, most policies also include cover for lost or stolen possessions.

However, cover limits, excesses and exclusions for holiday baggage vary widely from policy to policy, so it's essential that you read the policy terms and conditions to find a policy with the level of cover you need - rather than just opting for the cheapest.

"When you're choosing which items to pack, bear in mind that most travel insurers don't pay-out baggage claims on a new for old basis. They make allowance for wear and tear and will only pay-out the amount the item was worth when it was lost or stolen.

And most limit the amount that they will pay-out for a single item - typically in the range of £200 to £300. Cover for valuable or ‘high-risk' items, such as jewellery or small, high-value electronics - which are particularly attractive to thieves, is also restricted. You usually need cover for these items all year round - not just when you go abroad on holiday, so they are usually insured by home contents or other specialist insurance, not travel insurance. So if you're planning on taking valuables on holiday, it would be wise to check your existing insurances to make sure these items are covered away from home and top-up your insurance as necessary."

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SUMMER SELFIES...Agents have until the end of the month to enter Funway Holidays' #FunwaySelfie contest. To apply, agents should take a selfie with the operator's new USA brochure open on the destination they would most like to visit and submit the entry via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Agents can post the photo on the Funway wall via Facebook or tag a twitter post @FunwayHolidays or Instagram photo @FunwayHolidays. Prizes include a free place on a fam, a luxury USA-themed hamper and a half-price fam for £75. Pictured showing agents how it should be done are the company's sales team, from the left: Andy Travis, Gary McIntyre, Paul Mellon and Anna Barnes.

Visit Greece adds ferry schedules to website VISIT GREECE is now hosting a comprehensive Greek ferry schedule via the Greek Travel Pages – GTP – a ferry schedule portal, which can be found at www.visitgreece.gr/en/travelling_in_greece/by_sea All Greek islands are linked to the mainland by a variety of vessels including high-speed ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans, which have recently been refurbished, and the new schedule portal searches 85 ferry companies on more than 13,000 routes.

When searching for an itinerary on visitgreece.gr from the mainland to the islands, between islands, or to other mainland destinations, agents will need to enter the most suitable port for their clients into the search engine. As a guide, Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio are the three Athens ports – and are best for destinations in eastern Greece; Piraeus is the biggest of the ports and is the closest to Athens, situated south west of the city centre. There are

ferry routes from here to almost every island in the eastern portion of Greece, the island of Crete, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and much of the northern and eastern Aegean Sea. Normal ferries, catamarans and flying dolphins depart from Piraeus to the islands several times a day and Piraeus is connected to Athens and the airport by metro, rail links and buses. Meanwhile, the ports of Patras and Kyllini on the Peloponnese or Igoumenitsa on the west coast of mainland Greece can be chosen for sea travel between the mainland and Ionian islands.

The new ferry link schedule includes all the main Greek ferry companies and search results will provide details of all available options to the major destinations, what kind of vessel is available, how many stops there are, whether booking is recommended, maps of the routes and links to the ferry companies.

Warner Leisure Hotels announces new historic suites at Littlecote House Hotel WARNER LEISURE Hotels’ Littlecote House Hotel in Berkshire has seen the introduction of seven new historic rooms and suites to its Grade 1 listed Tudor property which are available for booking now.

The new accommodation is located in the grade II listed Stables Courtyard, which was once The Carriage House for the historic property. They are on the first floor just across from the main building and reception. Four of the new rooms are suites, equipped with a lounge area, and all seven of the rooms feature a 32-inch television, toiletries, fluffy bathrobe and slippers, en-suite, mini-fridge, spacious rooms and reserved parking.

Nightly rates start from £90 while a three-night break costs from £324 per person based on an October 17 arrival

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and two people sharing. It includes the Simply Dine package (Full English breakfast and three-course evening meals).

Meanwhile, the company has unveiled plans for new additions and refurbishments to its Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel in North Wales.

New Garden Lodges will open in two stages in February 2015 and April 2015; the Mulberry Coffee Lounge will be refurbished, extended and ready to enjoy this Christmas; and a glass atrium will open next summer.

Work on the new additions will start this September and will see the Mulberry Coffee Lounge increase its capacity from 40 to 70, opening in time for winter.

The biggest development at the historical castle is the addition of 45 new

Garden Lodges which will be built around landscaped gardens complete with ponds.

Three of the blocks will be two-storeys comprising of ten lodges in each and three will be single storey, containing five lodges in each. The first 20 lodges will open in February 2015 and the remaining 25 will open in April 2015.

A three-night break costs from £154 based on a January 16 arrival and two people sharing a standard room, including the Simply Dine package.

Agents are reminded they can earn a £5 Love2Shop voucher for every summer booking with Bourne Leisure until August 31.

For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141 111.

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newsbulletin Innstant Travel adds Châteaux & Hôtels chain INNSTANT TRAVEL has announced the addition of Châteaux & Hôtels collection to its portfolio.

The collection offers a group of individually owned properties ranging from charming boutique hotels in both rural and city locations to grand Chateaux Hotels with an emphasis on classic style.

One of the unique features of the collection are the various themes which incorporate the character of their locality.

As examples, seaside and ocean front hotels lead in at €54, charming hotels 2km from Paris start from €55, family and weekend breaks cost from €55 and golf weekend breaks lead in at €89.

For further information visit www.innstanttravel.com or email gary@innstanttravel.com

New brochure from Ski Independence SKI INDEPENDENCE has issued its 2014/15 Worldwide Collection which features more than 55 ski resorts across Canada, the US, France, Switzerland, Austria and Japan. A range of ski hotels, apartments, condos and self-catering residences are offered and all holidays are tailor-made.

For more information call 0131-243 8097 or see www.ski-i.com

A SLICE OF MADEIRA...Passengers were served a slice of Madeira cake by Jet2.com earlier this month to mark the launch of its new Madeira route from Newcastle, with fares available from £75 per person and package holidays with sister company, Jet2holidays, available from £369. Pictured ready to offer slices of cake are, from the left: the airline's cabin crew Emma Tomey, Laura Wilkinson and Helen Scrymgeour, with First Officer, Will Hurford.

MSC confirms Caribbean winter 2015/16 programme MSC CRUISES has confirmed details of its Caribbean sailings for winter 2015/16.

For the first time, the line will offer fly/cruise itineraries on its two ships in the region, MSC Divina and MSC Orchestra, beginning in Miami and Barbados respectively.

MSC Divina will return to the Caribbean in November 2015 after a summer in the Mediterranean and will offer a one-off, ten-night sailing taking in both Colombia and Costa Rica in Central America. Divina will then settle in to its familiar pattern of two alternating seven-night round-trips from Florida. At the end of the

season in April 2016 the ship will also offer an exclusive 14-night trip which includes two days and two nights in Bermuda.

Meanwhile, MSC Orchestra will operate a longer 14night Eastern Caribbean option embarking from Barbados. The company has taken a committed allocation of seats on British Airways’ regular service to the island to give guests the option of a simple fortnight’s package holiday. While the company has operated the Eastern Caribbean itinerary before, the winter 2014/15 has been altered to include a stop in Barbados specifically so Brits can join the ship.

Highlights for winter 2014/15 include a ten-night round-trip from Miami on Divina visiting Falmouth, Jamaica; Cartagena, Colombia; Cristobel, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Cozumel, Mexico and Miami, with cruise-only prices from £829 per person and fly/cruise prices from £1,429. Also available is a seven-night cruise from Miami on Divina featuring the new ports of La Romana, Dominican Republic; Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, USVI; and Nassau, Bahamas, with cruise-only prices from £399.

See www.msccruises.co.uk or call 020-3426 3010.

Brand USA lets agents decide on new module for USA Discovery Program BRAND USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has announced that its USA Discovery Program, an online training website for the UK and Ireland, will be encouraging agent members to vote for and decide on the next two training modules to be developed.

Voting for the new training

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modules allows agents the opportunity to choose one of five proposed future training modules.

The options shortlisted for development are: luxury experiences, cattle/dude ranches, shopping breaks, national & state parks and sports and sporting events.

Registered members should vote on the Community Poll button under

the Knowledge Forum page.

The new voting option follows the introduction of the new Member Photos page, which enables agents to share their snaps of the US, either from a fam trip or from a recent holiday, to inspire their colleagues to further discover the US. For details see www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @SuperBreak After rocking Glastonbury, The Black Keys are heading to The O2 as part of their 2015 tour! Don't miss out http://bit.ly/TmynxP #tickets @visitlondon 101 things to do in London for teenagers: go on a ghost bus tour. #KidsLondon http://ow.ly/z7zjK @ClassicHols Deal of the Day: 4* Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso Hotel, #GranCanaria, 7 nights, B&B dep from 8 Oct, from £649pp http://www.classiccollection.co.uk/deal-ofthe-day @visitseychelles Seychelles Tourism trade puts forward suggestions to boost up the industry as their mid-year marketing meeting closes http://buff.ly/WoLJ2n

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2015/16 preview launch from Collette THE 2015/2016 preview brochure from escorted tours specialist, Collette, has been launched three months earlier than before, offering 27 high quality tours that span the globe.

Previous years have seen the company producing smaller, A5 size preview brochures in September, but the earlier timing of the newly launched brochure reflects the growing confidence of the company, which has seen its sales increase by 26% in the last 12 months.

Tours in the new brochure are priced from January 2015 through to April 2016, and the majority offer long-haul choices in destinations such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, South

America and South Africa.

While agents will have to wait until September to discover what new tours will be on offer from the operator for 2015, they will be able to start selling several newly expanded and improved itineraries that feature in the preview brochure, with early booking savings of up to £250 per person on offer.

For example, the National Parks of America tour now comes with an option to finish with a Denver city break, offering the opportunity to enjoy a few days in the city and fly back direct from Denver. The price of the 15-day day tour starts from £3,149 per person.

As with all the company's escorted tours, prices

include many meals and excursions, high quality accommodation, the services of a tour manager and free door-to-door transfers within 100 miles of a UK departure airport.

For a copy of the latest preview brochure visit www.trade-gate.co.uk and for reservations call 0800-804 8701.

SkyWork moves London service to Southend Airport A NEW route from Southend to Bern will be taking off twice daily from October 27.

The SkyWork Airlines service is scheduled to easily allow business and leisure travellers to make a swift and hassle free day – or longer trip to the capital city of Switzerland.

Flights will depart Southend daily at 08:15 for a 10:55 arrival in Bern, with the return flight taking off from Bern at 18.40, arriving back in Essex at 19.30.

Southend airport's railway

station is 100 paces from the terminal building with up to eight trains per hour direct to London Liverpool Street in 53 minutes. The airport also promises its customers that they will wait for a maximum of four minutes to go through security, and those arriving with hand-luggage only can expect to travel from plane to train in just 15 minutes of the aircraft doors opening (30 minutes maximum if collecting luggage).

The airport's managing director, Roger Clements,

said: “We are delighted that SkyWork has taken the decision to move its operations from City Airport to Southend. It is the unique customer service commitments that only we offer, along with unrivalled onward transport links, which have led to this move. We look forward to working with SkyWork and hope they are the first of many new partners we will be welcoming.”

For more information visit www.flyskywork.com

SuperBreak unveils new online rail booking system for agents SUPERBREAK IS offering agents a new way to make rail bookings online, which offers guaranteed seats at no extra cost, best fare options and confirmed train times and routes at the time of booking.

The new system packages hotel and rail options together as part of the main booking process and the new search capability is flexible to use: agents select the hotel plus rail option, select a departure date, departure station and approximate departure and return train times. The company will then recommend packages showing the lowest fare rail options and its

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recommended hotels based on value for money or special offers.

The system then provides a grid that details the departure times and return times based on the customer's journey choice and the best value fares. Prices offered are per person and include the return rail fare and hotel stay and upgrades to First Class can be done at this point, with confirmed seat reservations made at no extra cost.

The operator's national sales manager, Graham Balmforth, said: “This makes things so much clearer and convenient for agents. Previously rail tickets were added as an add-on at

the end of a booking but now they are an integral part of the process. Agents can find the cheapest routes for customers, show them clearly how prices change depending on when they travel during the day and then confirm their seats and times so everything is booked and sorted."

All major UK rail operators are featured with fares both into London and around the UK, with prices from £7 per person, one-way from Birmingham to London.

For more information see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 01904-436000.

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newsbulletin September deals from Pandaw PANDAW RIVER Cruises is offering new sailings in the Arakan region of Burma and is highlighting sailing deals on the Mekong in Vietnam this September.

A seven-night Saigon and Siem Reap cruise-only itinerary leads in at £833 per person including a 20% discount and no single supplement. The RV Mekong Pandaw sets sail on September 15 from Siem Reap and calls at Kampong Cham, the Tonle River, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec and My Tho. Alternatively, a seven-night Chindwin Monywa – Homalin sailing costs from £1,840, including a 10% early booking discount, and departs on September 26 on Kalay Pandaw. Departing from Monywa, ports of call include Phowin Taung, Mingkin, Mawlaik, Sitthaung and Toungdoot before arriving into Homalin.

A seven-night Exploring Ancient Arakan cruise-only option is also available and leads in at £1,840 including a 10% early booking discount. Sailing on RV Kaladan Pandaw, guests depart on November 6, 2015 from Sittwe, and ports of call include Wabo, Mrauk U for an overnight stay, The Tattoo villages, Kyauktaw and returning to Sittwe for an overnight stay.

Prices are based on two people sharing a room and include all tips and gratuities, dining and non-premium drinks.

For reservations or further information see www.pandaw.com

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ETIHAD AIRWAYS has announced a three-year partnership deal which will see the carrier become the first official airline partner of the England Cricket Teams.

ARUNDEL CASTLE in West Sussex will again welcome the GB Theatre Company for three evenings of alfresco Shakespeare as part of the Arundel Festival on August 21-23.

A NEW guided walk company has been launched which promises tourists and walking enthusiasts a chance to explore areas the tour buses cannot reach in and around Scotland’s capital city. Edinburgh Walks places emphasis on private, guided walks that are interesting, informative, entertaining and affordable.

For details see www.edinburghwalks.com THE GERMAN National Tourist Board is anticipating a significant increase in interest in holidays to Germany following the world cup final in Brazil. The tourist board predicts that it will see up to 5.4 million overnight stays by visitors from the UK by 2020.

TUCAN TRAVEL has released a new 18-day group tour through Peru. The Amazon & Andes Group Tour runs once a week and prices lead in at £1,739 per person or £96 per day.

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newsbulletin Launch of 'Ultimate Family' brand for winter 2014/15 from Cosmos Holidays

MGM Resorts' Delano Las Vegas scheduled for September opening

MGM Delano Las Vegas

MGM RESORTS International has announced that the renovation of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay into the Delano Las Vegas is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of September.

The all suite luxury boutique hotel will have a defined separation from Mandalay Bay, and its new design, inspired by the desert, will feature different materials, tones and textures throughout the 1,100 guestrooms.

The hotel's general manager, Matthew Chilton, said: "Our typical client will be a well travelled individual who know what luxury is and expect something more creative during their stay in Las Vegas. The hotel will feature its own identity, offering separate social spaces and gastronomy options for guests."

Standard rooms have separate living and sleeping areas and nightly rates start from $200.

For more information visit www.delanolasvegas.com

BELMOND BREAK... Elite hosted a ‘once in a lifetime’ event on the Belmond Northern Belle earlier this month where members, board members and head office staff were treated to a day of luxury. Pictured travelling to London are, from the left: Howard Barclay, Belmond; Nigel Armitage, Millington Travel; Jackie Standridge, Spa Travel; and Laura Duncan, Elite Travel Group. The trip was sponsored by Belmond, Classic Collection and ITC.

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COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its winter holidays 2014/15 brochure with the new concept ‘Ultimate Family’ as well as an enhanced focus on its brand to highlight the choice, flexibility, customer service and financial protection available to customers.

The ‘Ultimate Family’ properties offer outstanding family facilities including family rooms, suites or interconnecting rooms, entertainment and playgrounds plus kids’ clubs and menus. The range includes more than 22 hotels across eight destinations offering convenient locations close to the resort centre or family-friendly beaches and attractions.

Also available are a choice of ‘Family Friendly’ branded properties providing a choice of facilities and value-for-money. Water parks either at, or near to the newly branded family hotels are also flagged up in the brochure.

Early bookers can take advantage of a deposit of £59 per person available on bookings made before August 31, as well as a range of low child prices across many destinations.

Seven-night package prices are from £179 per person for short-haul and £625 per person for long-haul including flights, accommodation and transfers.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Agents it’s your last chance to win an iPad Mini by devising a new slogan for the China National Tourist Office. Make your suggestion at ww.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win two round-trip Condor Economy Class tickets from London to Brazil, courtesy of Condor. Go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a £1,000 shopping spree at Selfridges, courtesy of the Lufthansa Group. Enter now at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a place on a fam trip to Fiji, courtesy of Fiji Airways. See www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win £75 worth of World Duty Free shopping vouchers from Birmingham Airport at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

AGENTS HAVE the chance to win a giant box of nostalgic sweets from the decade of your choice from Your Car Hire. From the 50s Mini Parma Violets, through to the Wham Bars of the 80s, relive your childhood and be transported back to those heady days! To be entered into the draw, agents need to make at least two car hire bookings this month for any date, duration or location. The company has also extended its cash incentive, where agents can earn £5 for every booking that includes the Damage Excess Waiver and £10 if it includes the Super Damage Excess Waiver, redeemable at love2reward.com Agents can visit www.yourcarhire.com/Car_rental/offers/claim-form.html and fill out the form, which should be submitted before the seventh of next month i.e. Bookings made in July should be submitted no later than August 7.

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TRAVEL 2 is celebrating Lufthansa’s new Premium Economy launch by offering agents the chance to win an iPad Air as part of its latest campaign. Any agent who makes a Lufthansa booking with a minimum three nights' ground arrangements by July 31 will be entered into the prize draw. The company is also giving agents the chance to earn shopping vouchers on all qualifying Australia bookings made by July 31 and agents can also win a seven-night holiday, a WII U games console or £100 shopping vouchers when they make a qualifying booking to a Commonwealth country with a minimum of three nights' stay by August 3. For details see www.travel2.com or call 0800-022 4182.

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A PISA THE ACTION...Karen MacLeod from Toucan Travel Limited poses with her Tipto bag in front of the leaning tower of Pisa. Agents can submit their ‘Bag Yourself A Prize’ entries by email to tipto@thenetwork-uk.com by the end of this month for the chance to win prizes.

AGENTS WHO are members of Funway Holidays' MoneyCard, which celebrates its birthday this month, have the chance to win a 'Birthday Bonus' of £5 in a daily draw when they make a booking to any of the operator's US, Mexico and Caribbean destinations by the end of this month.

See www.yourmoneycard.co.uk

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What’s in store for Leo? FROM NOW until mid-September you are more tied to domestic affairs - perhaps it's time to make some house updates or swap your living arrangements?

Relationships with friends also see an improvement, while your increased energy levels and confidence suggest you should try something new - just for you.

Lucky day: Sunday Lucky number: 18

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BRAVO FOR BRAVA...Agents were invited to a Costa Brava Girona roadshow which recently visited London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin to raise awareness of the Spanish region. Pictured at the London event are, from the left: Donata Spasciani, Odisea Charte; Miquel Calm, Girona Provincial Council; Paula Álvarez, Empordà Golf Resort; holiday prize winner, Simon Zacconi from Steamond Travel; and Sandra Perich, Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board.

AITO HAS announced that it will be heading to Istanbul for its 30th Overseas Conference in late November.

NEW RESEARCH from Gocompare.com has found that 4,479,132 European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) expire this year and the company is urging holidaymakers to check the expiry date on their card before they travel.

IN CELEBRATION of its 90th anniversary, the Gleneagles hotel in Scotland has signed an exclusive partnership with Virgin Balloon Flights to offer guests the chance to explore the Scottish landscape from the sky.

HOTEL INDIGO, InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) boutique brand, and the World Photography Organisation (WPO) have announced that they are to expand their partnership across Europe, inviting photographers to bring the local neighbourhood to life through the theme of ‘Flavours of the Neighbourhood’, designed to inspire people to discover and experience the local destination when travelling.

Avalon Waterways introduces new suite ships to 2015 Asia programme AVALON WATERWAYS has launched its Asia programme for 2015 featuring the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar for the first time with a newly designed Suite Ship, the ‘Avalon Myanmar’ and a sister ship, the ‘Avalon Siem Reap’ which will sail the River Mekong through Vietnam & Cambodia.

The company is offering a 15-day ‘Golden Myanmar & the Irrawaddy’ holiday including a ten-night cruise on the Irrawaddy River combined with a three-night Yangon city stay. The cruise is available on a north or southbound itinerary with the option of pre/post cruise hotel stays in Yangon, Bangkok or the scenic lake area of Inle. Highlights of the new cruise include the capital city of Yangon, the ancient city of Bagan, the U Bein Bridge at Amarapura, the sights of Mandalay, Bhamo, the

religious site of Sagaing as well as the Islands of Kyun Daw. Prices lead in at £5,369 per person.

Built by local craftsmen, both new Suite Ships have a passenger capacity of 36 and are specially designed to provide the best way of experiencing the unique sights and landscapes from the river. All staterooms offer 245sq.ft (larger than the European Avalon Suite Ships) and feature a wall-to-wall panoramic window measuring 14ft wide which opens to transform the living space into a large open air balcony, a large bathroom, spacious storage space and Comfort Collection beds.

Both smaller ships have been designed so that they can cruise to places currently not available with other cruise companies. Myanar will sail on the Upper Northern Irrawaddy and Siem Reap will be able to sail

into Ho Chi Minh City harbour.

A 16-day ‘Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ itinerary provides an insight into the culture, scenery and history of the area. The tour includes two nights at InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, a seven-night cruise on the River Mekong on Avalon Angkor and two nights at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa Hotel in Siem Reap. Highlights of the cruise, which leads in at £3,675, include Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap guided city sightseeing, Cu Chi Tunnels, Cai Be, Phnom Penh and the Temples of Angkor.

Early bookers can take advantage of £600 off per couple on cruise bookings made from the Asia programme before September 30.

For details call 0800-668 1801 or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk

The Holiday Team issues Dubai & Indian Ocean brochure with 15% agent commission THE HOLIDAY Team has launched a 180-page Dubai and Indian Ocean brochure, exclusively for the travel trade.

The major destinations featured include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Goa, Kerala, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles.

The brochure also offers more than 210 properties, ranging from value accommodation, to complete

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July 25 2014

luxury holiday packages, as well as guided touring products and cruises.

For multi-centre holidays, there are 16 suggestions and more than 35 day trips, which can all be tailored to clients' needs.

Agents will receive 15% commission for bookings made either online or via a dedicated and specialised call centre, which is open seven days a week, year round.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Love2Shop voucher in the

Su Doku prize puzzle

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

Number: 029

Charm On

A➠

B➠ King/queen of the airlines

C➠

Ancient Linen Trot

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:

This hotel brand is present among continents

Where Am I?

Dorset.

July 11 Solution: A=4 B=2 C=6 D=7

Image Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

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

The winner for 11th July is Angela Phillips, Bath Travel in

Indian State popularly known as God's Own Country

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

Number: 029

Across 1. Holiday parks operator (7) 6. One of the Arab emirates (5) 8. Sounds like a place to store data in the sky (5) 9. Currency used in 3 Down (4) 10. Name of the Commonwealth Games mascot (5) 13. Kathmandu is the capital (5) 14. Dame who recently broke a record with her album of wartime songs (4) 17. River border between Suffolk and Essex (5) 18. Florida city and Bay (5) 19. Country of more than 700 islands, The ___ (7)

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Down 1. Cheeky canine with his own movie, at a cinema near you (6) 2. Popular Rhodes resort (4) 3. Largest island in the Mediterranean (6) 4. This city was originally Norway's capital (9) 5. Andy Murray's mum, rumoured to be appearing on Strictly (4) 7. Popular Spanish city break destination (9) 11. Capital of Croatia (6) 12. P&O Ferries operates from Dover to this port (6) 15. Continent (4) 16. Bryce Canyon National Park is located in this state (4)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 July 25 2014

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airlinebulletin

InBrief ● FLYBE HAS launched a new six times weekly route to Maastrict

FROM AUGUST 22, Germanwings is offering a new connection from Dusseldorf to Stansted Airport. The new route will be available as twice-daily morning flights and evening flights on weekdays, and one flight on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for the new Stansted connection can be booked at www.germanwings.com

in the Netherlands from Southend Airport, operated by its franchise partner Stobart Air. ● AIR INDIA is now a member of Star Alliance. ● ETIHAD AIRWAYS has launched daily services to Perth, Australia.

UK travellers can depart from either Heathrow or Manchester, connecting in Abu Dhabi to the new service, with Economy Class fares starting from £725 return. The carrier will also launch its first service from Edinburgh in Scotland from June 8, 2015, with non-stop daily flights to its home base of Abu Dhabi.

For details see www.etihad.com or call 0845-608 1225. ● MALAYSIA AIRLINES has signed an agreement with Premium Plaza Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to offer its Economy class passengers transiting through the airport discounts of 25% off from now until the end of December 2015. ● FOLLOWING THE redesign of its swiss.com website, SWISS is further expanding its products and services over the next few months to offer customers greater scope and flexibility. All passengers can now reserve their preferred seat for a fee online in advance of their flight. A new 'Special Surprise' service will be introduced on July 29 where passengers will be able to treat a travel companion on board. The selection, which will all be available to order online will steadily expand, but will initially include a bottle of Champagne for approximately £39, a bottle of fine red wine for around £36, and on long-haul flights, a fruit or chocolate cake for approximately £31.

Oman Air’s Sindbad programme now processes missing miles claims in real-time OMAN AIR has made it easier for its Sindbad members to claim their missing miles, following the introduction of a real-time ‘Missing miles claim’ function on the airline’s website at sindbad.omanair.com Occasionally, for a variety of reasons, Sindbad miles do not get registered to members’ accounts and members have to claim for them. With the system improvement, members can submit these claims online and they will be processed instantly in real-time,

Accepted claims will be updated in member’s account immediately. If claims are rejected, members will be notified of the reason for the decision straight away.

By flying with the carrier, or any of its partner airlines, or by purchasing goods and services from the airline's many global partners, Sindbad members earn miles both in the air and on the ground, which can then be used for free flights, flight upgrades, raffles and promotions. Membership has three tiers, starting with

Sindbad Blue membership and progressing through Silver to Gold membership.

Each tier offers a range of benefits, with higher

membership status bringing exclusive lounge access, extra baggage allowance, priority check-in and other privileges.

New Gatwick departures & boost in frequency from Norwegian this winter NORWEGIAN IS expanding its route network from Gatwick with four new destinations to choose from this winter Madeira and La Palma for the sunseekers and Grenoble and Salzburg for the ski enthusiasts.

The carrier is also increasing the number of weekly departures on its routes from Gatwick to Lanzarote, Rome

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July 25 2014

and Larnaca. From October 28 and November 1, respectively, sun-seekers are offered two weekly flights from Gatwick to the Portuguese island of Madeira and one weekly flight to La Palma in the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, clients more keen on white and powdery conditions in the Alps this winter, can from December 13, fly direct to Grenoble

and Salzburg once a week.

Twice weekly flights to Madeira commence on October 28, with fares from £39.90 one-way, while the La Palma flight is offered weekly from November 1 with fares from £45.90.

Weekly flights to Grenoble and Salzburg commence on December 13, with fares from £29.90.

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pixmix Jetset held its annual golfing event on July 10 at Wychwood Park, Cheshire. This year saw the largest field of players and sponsors so far. Cathay Pacific were the headline sponsor, with media sponsorship by Travel Bulletin bringing you a flavour of the day...

e, Amanda HAVING A BLONDE MOMENT...ar an Smyth, Galvin (left), Qatar Airways; Adri ays.

Jetset; and Jane Hoyes, Qatar Airw

LINK(ED) ON COURSE...are, from the left: Chris Saunders, Trailstream; Julian Bartlam, Downes and Bartlam; Neil Jones, Magenta Creative; Andy Rogerson, Eshores; and Richard Fenton, Future Travel.

SPECIAL AGENTS ...F Damien Nicholson rom the left are: , Cruise First; Clive Barlow, Mulberry Trav GTG; Neil Jones, Ma el; Darren Bond, ge Jetset; and Nilo Sir nta; Paul Molyneux, inivasan, Travelpor t.

e James Hancock THE MAIN SPONSORS...ar m Cathay fro tier Car (left) and Jerome airline’s cabin Pacific, pictured with the . ers mb crew me

HANDS FREE...Jonathan Ditte (left) from Jetset and Rob Kenton from Triangle Travel get to grips with their driving skills.

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OVER THE BUUGY BLUES...are Warren Joy, JDA; and Simon Eddolls, Travel Bulletin.

Photos: Justine at Magenta Creative

TOP DOGS...Enjoying a sna Nutall (left) from Travel ck are Phil Vill Greg Garner from Orbital age Group and Travel.

July 25 2014

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pixmix The annual Yorkshire Travel Ball, which is now in its second year, took place at the new venue at the Village Hotel in south Leeds last week. Sponsors included Leeds Bradford International Airport and Jet2, and agents had the chance to win a range of prizes...

THE GIFT OF GIVING...Mike and Nicola Graham from Reuben’s Retreat receive a £1,000 cheque for the charity from Sandy Murray.

RULE BRITANNIA...Gina Cassidy from Andrew Earl Travel won two nights on P&O Cruises' new ship Britannia.

She is pictured with the line's Jonathan Davies.

SHOPPING GALORE...Martin Holling from Travel Empire collected £50 in Love2Shop vouchers from Sarah Rowbotham of Hoseasons.

SANDY'S SURPRISE...James Broughton and Emma Holliday from LBIA present Sandy Murray from Sandy’s Travel Escapes with flowers and gifts to congratulate her on a great evening.

YORKSHIRE GALS...Elle Boulonois from Marion Owen Travel won a Yorkshire hamper courtesy of Emma Holliday from Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA).

PAUL'S PAMPER...Paul Rushby from Direct Travel collects a spa box courtesy of Wayne Beard from Cruise & Maritime Voyages.

(29) GREECE IS THE WORD...Mike Bridges from Travel Counsellors won seven nights' self-catering accommodation in Greece, courtesy of Lynne Brocklesby from Olympic Holidays.

WINE AROUND...Helen Woodward from Spa Travel picked up an Italian box of wine from Daniele Broccoli from Typically Italian Hols.

CHOCS AWAY...Organiser of the Yorkshire Travel Ball, Sandy Murray, kindly donated a Thorntons hamper as part of the prize draw, which was won by Julie Bangham from Travel Experience/

LEEDS BRADFORD International Airport is giving agents the chance to win a Yorkshire goody bag. To enter, send an email with your full contact details to yorkshireball@travelbuletin.co.uk with the answer to the following question by August 31: LEEDS BRADFORD International Fortheir details see www.reubensretreat.org How much money does Reuben's Retreat hope to the end the year?

Airport is raise givingby agents theofchance to win own Yorkshire goody bag. For your

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July 25 2014

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personalitybulletin

Aishling McLoughlin Sales & promotions manager UK & Ireland, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts At home

At work

What's your favourite household gadget?

The coffee machine - I would not function without my morning cup of coffee so it's a necessity!

getting ready for the day (not easy with a five year old and a baby!), I then either head off to the office or jump in my car to head off somewhere for a meeting or event which happens quite often.

What are your favourite TV programmes?

Game of Thrones is fantastic and The Walking Dead, Nashville...a bit of a mixed list. I'm also afraid to say, reality shows are a fav too...The Real Housewives programmes are very entertaining!

Who has been your inspiration in the travel industry?

I've been very lucky in all my roles within the travel industry to have great bosses, so I would say each one of them have inspired me, starting with Keith Pope at TUI, to the most recent one Luis Sanchez, commercial director at IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts. Luis is such a pro-active, knowledgeable and focused 'jefe' who has introduced many new tools and reports to enable my colleagues and I in our jobs, and he supports us all the way.

What's a typical weekend for you like?

Spending Saturday with my daughters and Sunday is family day when Daddy is off work and we always try to make the most of it by going out for the day.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Reading, Reality TV and chocolate!

What do you do to relax?

Go for a massage, I absolutely love them.

And to read a good book.

At play Where would you most like to visit and why?

So many places to name but they include Thailand, Canada, Las Vegas and Maldives.

Do you use social media for work and play?

For work I have a Facebook page for our agents and partners and I also have a LinkedIn account which is great. For play, Facebook is enough to keep me busy!

What's your most embarrassing moment?

Oh there are a few...one that springs to mind is when I fell over on a date in the middle of Oxford St (I blame the high heels) but I now have children with the said date so it can't have been too bad, but I just wanted to die with the embarrassment at the time!

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July 25 2014

What other companies/organisations have you previously worked for?

I have expanded the UK & Irish markets for other hotel chains, including my first role in this field with Hesperia Hotels.

If you could change one thing in the industry what would it be?

The travel industry is unique and I wouldn't change much, possibly only how easily affected it is during tough financial times. It's very sad to see our fellow industry companies suffer.

What personal item do you have on your desk at work?

A picture of me drawn by my daughter. It's not exactly flattering but it makes me smile every time I look at it.

What's the best thing about your job?

The hotels I'm lucky enough to represent. We have some stunning hotels and I'm very lucky to 'have' to stay in them all the time.

What's a typical day like?

After a manic morning at home with everyone

What was the last email you received?

An email from an agent requesting a login to make a booking for a client on www.iberostarpro.com - always a welcome email to see.

What skill are you most proud of?

My self motivation and dedication to my job, which is a necessity for me as I work on my own a lot and I wouldn't get anything done if I didn't have these skills.

What do you love about the travel industry?

The people. It's a serious business but most people in the industry don't take themselves too seriously, and I've had some great laughs over the years.

“

The travel industry is a serious business but most people in the industry don't take themselves too seriously, and I've had some great laughs over the years

�

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egypt EXODUS IS offering a nine-night Nile cruise from £1,149 including flights from London, accommodation and most meals, with the first departure on November 15. The trip allows guests to visit all the major sites and attractions along the Nile including the Edfu and Kom Ombo temples.

To book call 0845-287 3647 or visit www.exodus.co.uk

Anatolian Sky Holidays welcomes increase in Brits seeking Nile cruises ANATOLIAN SKY is offering a selection of cruises along the Nile. With an early start each day, the itineraries aim to avoid the heat of the midday sun and allow guests the afternoon to relax after a morning of sightseeing.

The cruises take place on the five-star MS Nile Premium, a luxury, modern river cruiser featuring a small pool, cocktail bar, fitness room and restaurant serving a range of regional and international cuisine.

There are 56 standard cabins and two Ambassador suites with a balcony and

Jacuzzi, plus two Presidential suites.

The operator reports that it has seen a recent surge of interest in Nile cruising. The company's managing director, Akin Koc, said: "Egypt has a unique history and now that the political situation has calmed down we are finding that clients are starting to return. Of course, the Nile cruises and the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens are proving to be the biggest draw and we are finding that clients are seeing the benefit of visiting now, to

avoid the crowds and the queues.

"As a specialist, we can also arrange tailor-made holidays, so if a client wants to spend time in Luxor or Aswan at either end of their cruise we can arrange that for them."

Prices for a seven-night

stay on MS Nile Premium start from £1,045 per person based on two sharing a standard cabin. The price includes full board accommodation, flights from Gatwick and transfers.

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

Red Sea Holidays boosts summer 2015 capacity by up to 35% to meet demand RED SEA Holidays plans to increase summer 2015 capacity by 30-35%, adding further regional departures, including Belfast, to its current 13 UK airports.

The operator's sales director, Jason Hilton, said: “We’re seeing very optimistic signs that the market will continue to grow over the coming months and we’re also increasing our programme in to Luxor and our Nile cruise options.

"Our fixed child prices, from £439 and

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available on any date or duration, are also proving incredibly popular with customers, especially during the school holidays.

"Sales are very strong over the spring Bank holiday next year and we’re expecting that demand to grow, particularly with our guaranteed savings of £100 per booking for summer 2015.”

To coincide with increased capacity plans, the company is also focusing on

increasing consumer brand awareness, with plans to roll out further regional TV ads in September and December.

The operator is also adding two new hotels, the Movenpick Resort and Iberotel II Mercato, both in Sharm el Sheikh to its portfolio.

Summer 2015 holidays start from £459 per person, based on two sharing for a May 28 departure from Gatwick, including breakfast accommodation.

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egypt Discover Egypt offers long stay & Nile cruise option from £1,899 nn, holiday

by John Gui

researcher

John travels back in time on a trip to Cairo...

John Guinn runs Holiday Hut and has a weekly travel show on internet radio station, Secklow Sounds. He also contributes regularly to UK Health Radio.

OMETIMES IT’S easy to think of travel as a recent arrival, especially when compared to the history of Egypt. However, touring holidays have been around for quite a while. For example, on 25th January, 1869 a Thomas Cook tour left London Bridge station and arrived in Cairo ten days later.

According to Paul Smith, Thomas Cook’s company archivist, the group travelled to Paris by rail (crossing by boat from Newhaven to Dieppe). From Paris they travelled by rail to Brindisi, via Dijon, Chambery, Mont Cenis, Turin and Ancona, then by boat to Alexandria. That’s quite a journey before they finally reached their cabin. I can’t imagine today’s traveller putting up with that. After all, some complain if their flight has been delayed by just ten minutes.

Something else that wouldn’t be accepted today is the standard of the Nile streamers used back then. In the first few tours these were very basic. Paul couldn’t confirm how the toilets worked, but I can’t imagine that they were anything more than a hole in the floor. Happily for passengers, their onboard living improved once Thomas Cook started its own fleet of first class tourist steamers in 1886. One thing from back then I would enjoy today is the onboard entertainment. You can’t go wrong with eating, reading, chatting and playing cards. Who needs a gift shop and a disco?

The Thomas Cook archive has dozens of books, photos and brochures from these early Egyptian tours. Standards in travel may have improved in the last 145 years, but unfortunately the quality in the associated paperwork has fallen. For example, ‘Cook’s Handbook for Egypt, The Nile and the Desert’ warns the traveller that there may be periods of monotony while taking a tour that lasts from three to five weeks, but it does advise that ‘this cannot be more pleasurably relieved than by cheerful social intercourse'. I wonder how far you would get today if you approached someone and asked if they would like to participate in some cheerful social intercourse. The handbook also goes on to suggest that gentlemen should travel in light tweed suits. By a happy coincidence that’s also my fashion tip for the summer.

Perhaps instead of minimal emails, travel companies should return to the standards set by these travel documents from two centuries ago. However, I doubt that anyone would be brave enough to warn their clients that there may be periods of monotony during their holiday.

S

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July 25 2014

Maritim Jolie Ville Resort, Luxor

DISCOVER EGYPT has announced a new long stay holiday in Egypt that combines a seven-night Nile cruise, with a 21night stay at the five-star Maritim Jolie Ville Resort in Luxor.

The price is valid for departures on November 17 and 24, January 5 and 21, 2015 and April 20 and 27, 2015, based on two people sharing.

Agents can offer the new long stay winter sun package which includes flights from Heathrow, a seven-night full board cruise on the five-star Viking Princess with ten guided excursions, followed by 21 nights on a half-board basis at the Maritim Jolie Ville Resort, plus all transfers in resort.

The Viking Princess features 49 air-conditioned en-suite cabins that face out over the Nile. Facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, pool bar and lounge bar.

Highlights of the cruise include visiting the Valley of the King and Queens, the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon, Esna and Edfu, Aswan and its High Dam, as well as an optional excursion to Abu Simbel to see the four colossal statues of Ramses II. To book or for further information call 0844-880 0462 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering 15% off a trip on the Seascope Semi Submarine for adults, while children (aged three-12) go for £1. Adult prices lead in at £29 and the glass-sided vessel gives guests the opportunity to take in the delights of the Red Sea, three metres below the surface.

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Bright here.

Bright now.

Dazzling last minute deals to Egypt Award-winning holidays 4+ and 5+ hotels Named All Inclusive accommodation

Every holiday includes 20kg luggage, resort transfers and full rep service.

Most include free late check out, too.

From

£299 All Inclusive

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

Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Lead-in price shown is based on 2 adults sharing, and is available on at least one departure date from at least one UK airport.

Correct at 02 May 2014. Once sold out there is no guarantee that alternative holidays will be available at that price. Other conditions apply; see brochure for details. ATOL protected 9749. ® Red Sea Holidays logo is a registered trade mark of Red Sea Holidays UK Ltd. © 2014.

S05 TB2507 Short breaks_Layout 1 23/07/2014 15:24 Page 20

s k a e r b t r sho

LA CALA Resort in Malaga, Spain is offering a Family Summer Package for €134 per room, per night. The deal includes a stay in a superior double room, breakfast, free access to the thermal spa area, free access to the kids' mini club, parking and transfers to and from the beach. One child, up to the age of 12, can also stay for free.

For details see www.lacala.com/offers/summ er/summer-in-costa-del-sol

Shorter cruise segments from Silversea SILVERSEA IS offering shorter segment voyages this October on cruises that would normally be nine days.

As an example, Silver Cloud departs Istanbul on October 13 for a four-day voyage to Piraeus (Athens), Greece, with ports of call at Kavala, Thessaloniki and Volos.

The voyage offers an insight into Greek history with trips to some of Greek's most famous sights.

Prices lead in at £1,360 per person based on two sharing a Vista suite.

For details see www.silversea.com or call 0844-251 0837.

Funway offers 'Broom' breaks for hen & stag parties FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is offering 'Broom' packages that give soon-to-be-weds the chance to mark their last night as 'singletons' together with a mini break.

The operator's marketing manager, Nick Talbot, said: “For many, a joint celebration is the perfect choice, especially for couples with lots of shared friends also in couples. A Broom weekend is an ideal opportunity to put the

madness of wedding preparation on hold for a while and create some fantastic memories together before the big day.”

'Broom' weekends see the engaged couple and their friends getting together to celebrate together.

As examples, a three-night stay at the five-star Waldorf Astoria New York including flights with United Airlines costs from £749 per person, based on two sharing.

A ‘Broom Blow Out’ in Las Vegas leads in at £699, based on two sharing for five nights at the three-star Riviera Hotel, including flights with Virgin Atlantic, a deluxe Las Vegas helicopter night ride and VIP transport. Agents can save their clients an additional £50 per booking by quoting promotional code Trip5.

For further information see www.funway4agents.co.uk

Regent Holidays offers five-day Icelandic break for £855 with car hire & flights WITH PRIME Northern Lights season just a few months away, the four-star Hotel Ranga, situated 80minutes outside of Reykjavik, is opening its doors to an advanced astronomical observatory in Iceland. Free to use for guests of the hotel, the observatory is equipped with two high quality 11-inch computerised telescopes.

20

The scopes can be turned towards the stars to view detail on Jupiter, see Cassini's Division in the rings of Saturn and view details on the surface of Mars. In the daytime, guests can hope to see huge clouds of plasma emulating from the sun.

Even the distant Uranus and Neptune are within reach. If guests are unsure

July 25 2014

of which part of the Milky Way they’re looking at, the observatory can offer the assistance of its resident stargazing expert, Sævar Helgi, who is also happy to arrange lectures for groups.

The four-star Hotel Ranga is the main base for Regent Holidays' Iceland Short Break at Hotel Ranga. The five-day holiday

offers the freedom to explore all that Southern Iceland has to offer, both on land and in the sky, and is available from £855 per person. Prices are based on two sharing on a bedand-breakfast basis and includes car hire and flights with Icelandair.

For more information visit regent-holidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1290.

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shortbreaks Four-day Bath & The Cotswolds from £139 with Shearings

BARCELÓ'S ADULT-only, four-star Illetas Albatros Hotel, located in Illetas – 7km from the centre of Palma, offers views over the Bay of Palma and direct access to a cove below the property. On-site facilities include a spa offering a range of treatments and a large swimming pool surrounded by Balinese-style day beds. Rates lead in at €100 (approximately £80) per room, per night based on two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

For details see www.barceloilletasalbatros.com

Festive short breaks & new options from Grand UK Holidays GRAND UK Holidays is highlighting festive short breaks in Britain which feature it its latest brochure – covering winter 2014/15 – featuring more than 30 new holidays.

New seasonal options include Christmas escorted coach tours, New Year breaks, Turkey & Tinsel trips, Christmas markets and themed holidays.

Ten new Christmas breaks have been added, featuring popular resorts such as Morecambe, Chester and Blackpool, as well as scenic locations such as Somerset and Kent.

They cost from £319 per person for five days.

Five New Year options are also available, with breaks from £299 for four days, departing on December 30.

One of the most popular festive options returns again this year - the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, with prices from £239 for four days.

The tour includes excursions to local sights such as the Norfolk Broads and Norwich.

The Turkey & Tinsel breaks feature a range of ‘Festive Extras’ such as trips to local Christmas markets on selected dates.

A new itinerary features Mold in North Wales and offers excursions to visit

Chester Christmas market and Manchester Christmas market, with five days from £249.

There are two new additions to the range of UK and Continental Christmas markets escorted holidays – one coach tour and one river cruise.

The new coach tour is ‘Christmas Markets of Northern France’, which includes Amiens, Lille and Arras – and the river cruise is ‘Cruising the Rhine Christmas Markets’, which visits Koblenz, Rudesheim and Mainz.

For details see www.grandukholidays.com or call 01603-619933.

Three-night Malta break with Belleair Holidays from £430 BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is offering the three-star Primera Hotel from £430 per person.

The price includes direct flights from Gatwick, three nights' breakfast accommodation in a balcony room, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction. The offer is subject to availability and is based on two adults sharing for a September 5 departure.

For more information see www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

SHEARINGS IS highlighting a selection of short breaks with departures available between October and May 2015.

Examples include a four-day Bath & The Cotswolds option from £139 per person, with visits to Cheddar and Bourton-on-the-Water.

The price includes halfboard accommodation at the Lansdown Grove Hotel, as well as luxury coach travel.

Alternatively, a five-day Scottish Borders & Edinburgh itinerary leads in at £169 and gives guests the chance to explore Edinburgh and the surrounding area, with visits to Melrose and Kelso.

The price includes four nights’ half-board accommodation at the Waverley Castle Hotel, as well as two excursions and luxury coach travel.

Also being offered is a five-day Tenby & Pembrokeshire option from £169, where highlights include visits to St David’s, Britain’s smallest cathedral city, and Pembroke. Half-board accommodation at the Imperial Hotel, as well as two excursions and luxury coach travel are included.

For more information or to book call 0844-824 6359 or visit www.shearings.com

Free three-course dining offer with Imperial Hotels from SuperBreak AGENTS BOOKING short breaks to London between now and September 11 can take advantage of a new free dinner offer available with SuperBreak.

Clients booking two consecutive nights or longer at the Imperial, Bedford,

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President, Royal National or Tavistock hotels will receive a complimentary threecourse dinner on the first night of their stay.

Ideal for families, up to two children under 16 can stay for free if sharing a room with two full paying

adults. Children also receive an evening meal on the first night but will be charged for breakfast each day.

These hotels, which are part of the Imperial Hotels group, are three-star and prices in August start from

£107 per person for two nights at the Tavistock Hotel up to £126 for two nights at the Imperial Hotel.

For more information or to book visit www.superbreak.com/agents or call 01904- 436000.

July 25 2014

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shortbreaks Hoseasons announces new range of holidays to appeal to different client profiles HOSEASONS REPORTS that UK holidays continue to remain the most popular choice for short breaks, with customers not wanting to spend masses of time travelling to the destination.

In response to this demand, and a boom in the UK lodge holiday market, the operator has launched a range of holidays aimed at different customer profiles. These include Autograph Lodge Holidays designed for couples looking for romantic, boutique lodge getaways; Go-Active Breaks, for sporty families and groups of friends; Daisy Door Cottages for those looking for contemporary cottage retreats; and Evermore Lodge Holidays for families looking for a luxury break away.

The 2014 flagship collection of Lodges and Holiday Parks in the UK and Europe is the company's largest to date, with 574 locations on offer – 448 in the UK and 126 in Europe.

This year has also seen major expansion across the range of the company's specialist collections including four new Autograph Lodge Holidays locations in Shropshire, South Wales, Lincolnshire and the Yorkshire

Dales, bringing the total to 28. Offering stylish and contemporary lodge holidays, each with a private hot tub, Autograph Lodge Holidays offer the highest standard of accommodation, location and service for couples and groups of friends.

In addition to new lodge openings, there have been three new Evermore Lodge Holiday Collection locations in South Cornwall, Derbyshire and Cumbria; two new Go Active locations in Scotland and Cornwall, bringing the total number of destinations available to 18; and two new Daisy Door Cottage Style Collection locations in South West Scotland and North Wales.

The company's managing director, Simon Altham, said: “Our range of lodges has really caught the imagination for a British family getaway, and in general, lodges continue to be a popular choice for shorter breaks.

"The demand for shorter breaks has been steadily increasing over the last few years and 2014 is no different. In addition to booking their longer haul holidays, we’re finding that more and more people are looking for UK based

options for their second or third holiday or mini-break. Lodges with hot tubs seem to be especially popular for mini breaks as these elements instantly create a luxurious, relaxing and overseas atmosphere to a short break experience close-to-home.”

The company is offering savings of up to £240 on school summer holidays plus August Bank Holiday getaways starting from £299.

Meanwhile, new research conducted by the operator's parent company, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, reveals that more than a quarter of us now book our holidays a month or less before going away. Despite being well into the summer, the research shows that many haven’t finalised their holiday getaways, preferring to wait until the last minute to get a good deal. However, while Brits might be becoming more spontaneous when it comes to booking last minute short breaks, millions are still creatures of habit when it comes to destination, with more than 60% surveyed saying they have previously visited the destination they are planning on going to this summer.

European & Worldwide Escorted tours Experience truly unique tours with perfectly balanced itineraries, all escorted by experienced Tour Managers.

The UK’s largest overseas escorted tour operator Escorted Tours by air from only £419pp with many

regional airport departures Short breaks by Eurostar from only £259pp including

connecting rail from over 30 regional stations* Fully Bonded Typically Four-star standard No discounting Much more included - no selling of extra excursions on holiday Excellent Tour Managers Online booking at www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents

NEW 2014/2015 BROCHURE OUT NOW

For information on selling Riviera Travel holidays contact the Agency Sales Team Call: 01283 744307 or Email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk Reservations open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 9am-2pm for Travel Agents 01283 744370 For bulk brochure supplies please visit www.trade-gate.co.uk Terms & Conditions. Holidays organised by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected. Price based on two people sharing a twin room. *Supplement may apply for certain regional stations/airports. Single rooms and optional insurance available at a supplement. Additional entrance costs may apply. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel.

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shortbreaks Save up to 40% with Warner Leisure Hotels WARNER LEISURE Hotels is giving guests more reason to stay at one of its 13 properties throughout the UK this summer with its offer of a range of activities and additional savings on selected breaks, plus a free lunch.

Guests looking for something different this summer can book a Star Break at Alvaston Hall Hotel on August 22 to see opera sensation Russell Watson singing his famous hits.

Amongst the entertainment on offer, guests also have the opportunity to get involved in a selection of fun activities including the new ‘BalletBeFit- feel young’ which is for both ladies and gents and is ideal for clients looking to feel energised. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a spot of boules at selected properties, along with Zumba, archery and wine tasting.

A three-night Star Break at Alvaston Hall Hotel in Cheshire featuring Russell Watson costs from ÂŁ399 per person on August 22. The price is based on two adults sharing standard accommodation on a half-board basis.

For details visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141111.

BUTLINS IS urging agents to encourage clients to visit its resorts in August to take advantage of a range of deals, with prices starting from ÂŁ85 per person. A selection of activities are available throughout summer including live entertainment from kids' TV heroes Thomas the Tank Engine, Mike the Knight and Angelina Ballerina, along with a family pantomime, Superslam Wrestling, Titan the Robot and live shows including Blues on the Move and Freddie Live. A three-night break at Butlins Minehead costs from ÂŁ89 per person based on an August 1 arrival and two adults and two children sharing a silver self-catering apartment.

High Atlas short break from ÂŁ525 with Mountain Kingdoms MOUNTAIN KINGDOMS is promoting a long weekend of gentle walking through Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

The five-day 'High Atlas Short Break' is led by a qualified Berber guide and prices start from £525 including transfers, accommodation, transport, sightseeing and a Mountain Kingdoms’ kit bag. All meals are also included except for lunches and dinners in Marrakech.

Highlights of the trip include a night in a centrally located riad in Marrakech, a walking tour of the Old City, two nights in the green valley of Ouirgane and a visit to a traditional hammam.

The company is also offering a five-day 'Northern Lights & Winter Walks' option in Northern Iceland, where guests can explore the region's scenery and geothermal wonders.

Highlights include two nights in a family run wilderness lodge, complete with mini spa and private chef in the remote Troll Peninsula; walks to explore the sub-arctic scenery of icy fjords, ancient Viking farmsteads and snowcovered mountains; and visits to the Goðafoss Falls and Lake Mývatn.

Prices lead in at £1,875 excluding flights, and include a local guide, transfers, accommodation, most meals, entry to the Mývatn Nature Baths, return ferry to Hrisey Island and a Mountain Kingdoms’ kit bag.

For more information or to book see www.mountainkingdoms.com, email info@mountainkingdoms.com or call 01453-844400.

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Dubrovnik

17-day Treasures of the Balkans option from Insight Vacations INSIGHT VACATIONS is highlighting its 17-day Treasures of the Balkans option to agents.

Starting out in Budapest, guests will enjoy a welcome dinner as they learn about local history, before sailing to Serbia where the first point of interest along the way is Palic, followed by Novi Sad and finally Belgrade for a two-night stay.

Departing Belgrade, the ship heads to the religious city of Sarajevo, also known as Europe’s

Jerusalem, and then on to Dubrovnik, after a stop at Mostar to see the bridge, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most recognisable landmarks.

After the two-night stay in the coastal city, the itinerary takes guests to Montenegro, stopping off in Kotor to see the only fjord outside of Norway, followed by a trip to the Albanian capital of Tirana.

Other highlights include a venture east to Ohrid in Macedonia and visits

to Skopje, Sofia, Veliko Turnovo, Brasov and Bucharest. In Sofia a local expert takes guests to see the sights of St Sofia church and various other sightseeing spots.

Prices start from £3,185 per person and include flights, 16 nights’ breakfast accommodation, VIP doorto-door airport transfers, sightseeing and the services of a tour director.

For more information see www.insightvacations.com

Baltic Sea region welcomes port developments including new Tallinn quay MAY PROVED an exciting month in the Baltic Sea region with the ‘royal’ inauguration of four new terminals at Copenhagen Malmö Port; and the opening of a new €9.34million cruise ship quay at the Port of Tallinn.

Copenhagen Malmö Port has built four new dedicated cruise terminals, three in the Danish capital Copenhagen and one in Swedish city Malmo.

At a total investment in the region of DKK600million, the expansion of the Port of Copenhagen has taken place not only to meet future demands but also to further develop facilities. The pier will allow space for three large cruise ships along a 1,100m-long and 70mwide dedicated cruise quay. There are three terminal buildings, each of 3,300sq.m with green roofs and each terminal building has 1,800sq.m for passenger handling and 1,500sq.m for luggage handling.

Just across the sea in Malmö, Sweden, a 2,400sq.m warehouse has been converted into a cruise terminal to handle turnaround calls from Pullmantour who have moved “Empress” from Copenhagen to Malmö, where Malmö Airport is also being used as the gateway for three Boeing 747 flights.

This year, more than 323 calls on 71 different ocean

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cruise vessels from 37 international shipping companies will visit the Port of Copenhagen and the Port of Malmö.

Meanwhile, the Port of Tallinn has opened a new €9.34million cruise ship quay, which allows larger cruise ships to be docked, therefore increasing the destination's appeal to cruise operators. The opening of the quay on May 17 was marked with the mooring of the 330m long Royal Princess, the largest cruise vessel to have visited Estonia so far.

Board member of Port of Tallinn, Alan Kiil, said: “For the Port of Tallinn, the construction of the new quay was the largest single investment last year and will, on the one hand, satisfy the growing demand for Tallinn as a tourist destination and, on the other hand, help us meet the needs of cruise operators that want to use larger and larger vessels.”

During the 2014 cruise season, Tallinn will welcome around 300 vessels bringing approximately 470,000 cruise tourists to the capital of Estonia. The summer cruise season lasts until September 26, however, cruise tourists are also expected to visit Tallinn in October and December.

For further information visit www.cruisebaltic.com

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balticstates Lithuania sees increased demand for medical tourism over last two years LITHUANIA REPORTS that it has seen a boom in medical tourism, with patients from the UK increasingly looking at exploring the destinations to rely on their healthcare. Body Bureau, a London-based facilitator and pre-assessment clinic which specialises in infertility treatment, health screening and dentistry, says that healthcare visitors from the UK to Lithuania have increased by 19.5% over the last two years.

Over the same period, the total number of patients visiting from abroad was up by 42.3%. One Vilnius-based infertility clinic, Northway, reported a doubling of patient numbers in the past year.

The company's director, Aaron Zukauskas, said: "Vilnius is one of the most affordable destinations, offering great value for money and has a lot to offer, including a beautiful Old Town and many cultural events throughout the year.

"Lithuania is rated one of the top countries in the world for the quality of its health and hygiene. This helps make the country very attractive for people who want to improve their health or receive quality healthcare services for a fraction of the price.

"Some eligible travellers can also receive NHS-funded private treatment abroad thanks to the EU Cross-border Healthcare Directive, helping them skip waiting lists at home.”

A single course of IVF in the UK can cost between £5,000 and £8,000. However, by going abroad couples can expect to pay around £2,800-£3,800, including travel and accommodation.

Savings of up to 60% on dentistry, health screening and many other healthcare services also make Lithuania an increasingly attractive destination for medical tourism.

For more information visit www.lithuania.travel/uk

Eight-day Classic Baltics Holiday from £555 per person with IntoRussia INTORUSSIA IS offering an eight-day Classic Baltics Holiday from £555 per person.

The operator reports that it has seen a steady increase in demand for packages over the last 12 months, particularly for guided coach tours visiting the capital of each Baltic State, all of which have something unique to offer.

The capital of Latvia, Riga, is the

largest city in the Baltic States and the most popular for tourism with a wealth of cultural attractions and a thriving restaurant and bar scene. The Riga Radio and TV Tower, the tallest structure in the EU standing at 368m, offers views of the city from its viewing platform.

Tallinn, in Estonia, is the smallest of the Baltic States and is home to a plethora of museums and galleries. A must-see is the Old Town, a UNESCO

Heritage Site with well preserved buildings dating back to the 11th century.

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is an up and coming tourist hot spot with excursions available to Trakai, a huge castle built in the middle of a lake. As a year-round destination, the Old Town comes alive in the summer and transforms into a crystallised wonderland in the winter.

Highlights of Estonia from Regent REGENT HOLIDAYS’ Highlights of Estonia tour is being escorted by one of the UK’s leading experts on the country, Neil Taylor, author of the Bradt Guide to Estonia. Designed with his guidance, the eight-day tour uncovers the country’s historical highlights, as well as the Estonia of today. Departing on August 27, the tour journeys from the country’s capital, Tallinn to the university town of Tartu and on to the windmill-strewn Island of Saaremaa, before arriving in historic Haapsalu - a favourite health resort of the Russian Tsars.

Prices start from £1,365 per person based on two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Flights, transfers and entrance fees are also included.

For details see www.regent-holidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.

Estonian Air allows use of portable electronic devices ESTONIAN AIR has announced that it is allowing the use of portable electronic devices (PED) during all phases of its flights if set in 'flight mode' or an equivalent profile, with wireless and Bluetooth functions disabled.

Portable electronic devices include smartphones, tablets, ereaders, cameras and small handheld game consoles.

The carrier's chief commercial officer, Indrek Randveer, said: "This provides more convenience for customers spending time on board of our flights, as use was currently prohibited during take-off and landing, and is our first step in a larger concept to make flying with us more fun."

For further information see www.estonian-air.com

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honeymoons on the wild side...

+44 (0)207 647 1018 dparr@botswanatourism.org.uk botswanatourism.org.uk

indulgence with romance as standard.

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'Gentle Walking Namibia' option from Mountain Kingdoms MOUNTAIN KINGDOMS is offering a 17-day 'Gentle Walking Namibia' itinerary which explores Namibia’s natural highlights on foot.

The experience starts in the rugged Tsaris Mountains, before continuing on to the southern Namib Desert where guests can walk the world famous dunes at Sossusvlei. The sleepy coastal town of Swakupmund provides a change of scenery for two days and includes a boat trip out to the lagoon and time at leisure, followed by the Skeleton Coast with its seals and shipwrecks and Damaraland to track desert elephant and black rhino.

Guests will also have the opportunity to experience further game viewing and walking safaris at a private concession at the edge of Etosha National Park.

The park is famous for its floodlit waterhole offering excellent evening sightings.

The holiday concludes at the Okonjima Private Reserve where guests can observe the leopard and cheetah conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation.

The price of the trip includes a guide, most meals, airport transfers, accommodation, transport, sightseeing and a kit bag.

Prices lead in at £2,695 per person excluding flights and £3,795 including flights.

For further information see www.mountain kingdoms.com, email info@mountain kingdoms.com or call 01453-844400.

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southernafrica

BELMOND IS offering guests a free 35-minute helicopter safari when they book four nights or more at its luxury lodges in Botswana in July, August and September, including at least one night at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge. The 'Discover Botswana with Belmond’ offer also includes a secluded picnic in the bush and a fishing excursion.

To book or for more information call 0845-077 2222 or visit www.belmond.com

KwaZulu-Natal addition from Real Africa REAL AFRICA has added KwaZulu-Natal to its tailor-made portfolio this summer.

Lodges featured include Cleopatra's Mountain Farm House, Phinda Private Game Reserve, The Oyster Box in Manaar, Isandlwana and Fugitives Drift.

Meanwhile, the company reports that it still has availability on its Five Rivers safari special in Botswana, which is available from November to March and offers an ideal way to experience the destination at a fraction of the usual cost. Accommodation is at Kwando lodges throughout, and prices lead in at £3,095 for nine days which includes a safari to three diverse habitats - the Linyanti grasslands, the Linyanti wetlands and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.

For more information call 01603-283517, email enquiries@realafrica.co.uk or visit www.realafrica.co.uk

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southernafrica Escorted touring demand on the rise for Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 reports that it is seeing an increase in customers opting to take escorted touring trips in Southern Africa.

The company's product manager, Michael Creighton, said: “With the rate of exchange now in our favour, escorted touring trips have become more affordable and are the best way to see a country. They take the stress out of a self-drive tour and provide guests with a guide who accompanies the group throughout and provides interesting local knowledge.

"We highly recommend the 16-day Grand Tour of South

Africa. The Benjamin Boutique Hotel in Durban has recently been added to this itinerary and is one of the city’s most historic buildings. We also have an exclusive offer of 25% discount for selected departures in August and September.”

As an example, a 16-day Grand Tour of South Africa, including flights with KLM from Heathrow and transfers, costs from £1,799 per person.

Savings of up to £550 per couple are available as an exclusive offer and the trip departs on September 6 and 27.

Blyde River Canyon

Savuti Camp introduces ‘Sleep-out’ experience in the Botswana Delta WILDERNESS SAFARIS' Savuti Camp has introduced a sleep-out option for adventurous guests on outdoor decks overlooking the wildlife-rich Savute Channel in the Okavango’s Linyanti Concession.

Situated a 20-minute drive or 45-minute boat trip away from the camp, the two new ‘sleep-out’ decks offer guests a secluded, up-close-and-personal wilderness experience and the opportunity of sleeping under the stars in the Okavango Delta.

The Savute Channel is a deep, clear waterway that attracts a variety of wildlife including hippo, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, baboon and birds.

The two sleep-out decks, accommodating up to four people each, will be set up complete with comfortable beds and mosquito nets and basic ablution facilities nearby. A highly qualified guide will be on standby to ensure guests’ safety at all times and in case they need any assistance during the night.

Accommodation comprises seven large en suite canvas-and-thatch walk-in tents that are raised off the ground and face the channel. From the thatched dining area, a plunge pool and large viewing area with a fire pit extend outwards on raised wooden decks towards the waters that flow past the camp. Activities include day and night drives and nature walks with a guide.

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Free phone calls with Virgin Atlantic & Virgin Mobile from South Africa PASSENGERS TRAVELLING on Virgin Atlantic’s flights from Heathrow to Johannesburg or Tambo International will be able to phone home for free.

In order to take the hassle out of trying to connect and find a SIM card in an unfamiliar airport, the airline has teamed up with Virgin Mobile South Africa to provide its 300 daily passengers landing in from Heathrow with a free Virgin Mobile SIM which are pre-loaded with R20.00 airtime, equivalent to a 20-minute international call to the UK, and 100 MBs of data for talking, texting and internet access.

Virgin Mobile's chief operating officer, Jason Hair, said: “We know how important it is to connect with your loved ones when you land in a new country and we’re delighted to be able to offer our passengers connecting from London and the US to Johannesburg that all-important first call home, for free.

“We’re offering Virgin customers the whole package – we’re connecting our customers literally via Virgin Atlantic flights and figuratively through Virgin Mobile airtime and data services the minute they land."

The Virgin Mobile international calling rate is R0.99 (5p) per minute, whereas average international roaming rates are R26.10 (£1.45) per minute. An international SMS on Virgin Mobile will cost R1.50, where international roaming rates cost around R9.00 (50p). Virgin Mobile International data rates cost R0.99 per MB, compared to an average international roaming rate of R144.00 (£8).

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southernafrica Seasons in Africa offers five-night Northern Kruger combo A NEW, five-night Northern Kruger Combo package is being offered by Seasons in Africa, with accommodation at two of the operator's five-star lodges to offer guests a 'Big Five' African safari experience.

With prices starting from ZAR 30600 (approximately £1,673) per person in a luxury suite at both properties, the Northern Kruger Combo includes five nights accommodation (two nights at Kings Camp, two nights at The Outpost with the fifth night in the lodge of the client's choice), air transfers from Johannesburg's or Tambo International to Kings Camp, air transfers from Kings Camp to Punda Maria, road transfers to The Outpost through the park, air transfers from Punda Maria to Phalaborwa Airport, three meals daily and all beverages (excluding premium brands and cellar wines), plus two games drives daily together with the choice of optional walking safaris.

The Kings Camp Private Game Reserve is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve bordering the Kruger

National Park while The Outpost is located at Pafuri in the Northern Kruger National Park. Game drives and walking safaris are available in Kruger National Park.

Commenting on the new package, Ailsa Tavares, the company's sales manager UK & Asia, said: "The Five Night Northern Kruger Combo is an exciting combination and so far has gained significant interest from the trade due to the unique offering of arguably the most spectacular and remote location in South Africa, The Outpost, outstanding for walking safaris and birding in the Northern Kruger, coupled with a Greater Kruger Reserve and camp that never fails to disappoint with outstanding game viewing.

"All agents need to do is add a one-way flight from Phalaborwa to Johannesburg or onwards to their clients’ other selected destination – it is the perfect base for an otherwise complex safari itinerary."

To book or for further information email reservations@kingscamp.com

SAA complies with new regulations for children travelling to and from South Africa FROM OCTOBER 1, South African Airways (SAA) will comply with new regulations relating to children who travel to and from South Africa.

These new regulations were widely known in terms of the South African Immigration Amendment Act of 2010 and define children as persons under the age of 18.

In terms of the new regulations, when parents are travelling with a child they need to produce an unabridged birth certificate that shows the names of both parents. In cases where the certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.

When a child travels with only one

parent, additional documents should include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent. The affidavit should be no more than three months old from the date of travel.

In the case of a child travelling with a person other than a parent, the unabridged birth certificate must be supplemented by affidavits from the parents or legal guardians confirming that the child may travel with that person, copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian, and the contact details of the parents or legal guardian.

Similarly, a child travelling as an

unaccompanied minor would have to produce not only the unabridged birth certificate, but also proof of consent from both parents, or legal guardian and contact details, plus documentation relating to the person receiving the child in the republic. The latter documentation should include a letter stating the person’s contact details and residential address and contact details where the child will be residing, plus a copy of his or her identity document, passport or residence permit.

All documents must either be original or certified as true copies of the original, by a competent authority.

Documents not in English must be accompanied by a sworn translation.

For more information visit www.flysaa.com

Acacia Africa sees increased demand for trips to Zimbabwe ACACIA AFRICA says that while the more developed countries including South Africa, Botswana and Namibia are some of its best sellers, it's the up and coming destinations where the travel company is seeing real growth.

The operator's sales and marketing manager, Arno Delport, said: "Southern Africa offers something for all budgets and Zimbabwe is one of the region's rising stars.

Once a major hub for the backpacking brigade, the country is now attracting a broader array of clients including, families and first time safari goers.

"Competitive on price, Zimbabwe boasts some major wildlife highlights including the Hwange National Park, one of the world's last great elephant sanctuaries, and the Matobo National Park, home to significant numbers of endangered white rhino. Likewise, the landlocked country of Swaziland is gaining ground with many clients in search of a more intimate game drive experience."

The company is also expecting to see increased interest for Botswana following the Okavango Delta recently achieving UNESCO World Heritage status. The news is timely, as the dry season is one of the best times to view

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the wildlife, the continent's last remaining wetland wilderness, home to some of the most endangered species of large mammal including the lion, cheetah, painted dog and white and black rhino.

Overlanding is still one of the most affordable ways to see Southern Africa, and the operator's 20-day Cape Dunes & Falls accommodated overland expedition, covering four countries including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, is ideal for first time travellers and families.

Prices (excluding flights) start from £1,995 per person based on two sharing, plus a local payment from £301 per person including transport, accommodation, most meals and the services of a tour leader/driver.

Alternatively, a nine-day Kruger, Swaziland & Durban small group safari leads in at £795 per person with no single supplement, plus a local payment from £71 per person. It includes accommodation, transport, most meals and the services of a tour leader/driver.

For further information or to make a booking call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or visit www.acacia-africa.com

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southernafrica Experiential family safaris from andBeyond

We asked our staff the following question this week: Who in your life has influenced you the most?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk My lovely mum

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Probably my brother - we have always been in competition with each other!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Cousin, sister, mum, dad.

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Many people, but primarily my late father and current wife of 39 years (married, not age)

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk My mum, her genes and my upbringing

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk

ANDBEYOND IS offering families exciting, fun and rewarding safaris across Africa through its WILDchild programme and, in particular a new bush & beach itinerary ‘Black Spots and Beach Balls’, which has been created with kids in mind.

The new South African journey starts with a four-night safari at the family-friendly andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge in the Phinda Game Reserve, followed by a four-night beach break on the Umhlanga coastline.

Known for its abundant wildlife, The Phinda Private Game Reserve offers the chance to see the Big Five as well as rare species including the elusive cheetah and more than 415 bird species. The accommodation offers spacious family suites and trained staff to help children feel at home.

While adults take part in twice-daily game drives, nature walks and river cruises, children are kept entertained with a variety of ageappropriate adventures including fishing trips, scavenger hunts and shortened game-drives. Following an active few days, guests journey on to discover the Umhlanga coast, staying at the Oyster Box Hotel for four nights. This scenic stretch of coastline is on KwaZulu-Natal’s Golden Mile, 20km from the port city of Durban. The Kids’ Holiday Club at The Oyster Box offers a wide range of activities for children, as well as professional child-minding services.

The bush-focused WILDchild programme, which is available at all the company’s African lodges, is offered to children as young as six and the adventure begins on arrival, when each young guest receives a backpack filled with goodies. Activities for children are focused on the environment and celebrate the local culture of each destination.

As an example of prices, an eight-night 'Black Spots and Beach Balls itinerary' costs from £1,953 per adult, with children under six staying free.

It includes one free night at The Oyster Box Hotel and free flights between Johannesburg and Phinda Private Game Reserve. Children aged between six and 16 pay half price.

For more information visit www.andbeyond.com

I don't know about "influenced", but the work of Steve Jobs has made my life a whole lot more convenient

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Account Manager: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk Don Draper from Mad Men

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Assistant Designer: Lee Telot lee.telot@travelbulletin.co.uk Production: Erica Sesay production@travelbulletin.co.uk My mother

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Riviera highlights best-selling tour for agents to promote RIVIERA TRAVEL reports that its South Africa itinerary is currently its most popular and best-selling long-haul tour.

Selected departures are available until November 2014 and then January through to November 2015, with prices leading in at £1,899 per person for 16 days.

The fully escorted price includes scheduled flights from Heathrow; breakfast accommodation plus five other meals in three- and four-star hotels; a full day guided safari in Kruger National Park; a tour of the Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift; an internal flight to the ‘Garden Route’; whale-watching in Hermanus (depending on season); a scenic drive through Swaziland; a stay in the Western Cape’s Winelands with a cellar tour and tasting at a 300-year old wine estate; visits to the Cape of Good Hope, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town and Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum; a three-night stay in Cape Town; a trip to the Blyde River Canyon; the option to stay a night in a tented safari camp and experience a sunrise bushwalk; and the services of a tour manager.

For further information or to make a booking see www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents or call agency sales 01283-744307 or reservations on 01283-744370.

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. PONTINS, 6. DUBAI, 8. CLOUD, 9. EURO, 10. CLYDE, 13. NEPAL, 14. VERA, 17. STOUR, 18. TAMPA, 19. BAHAMAS. Down:1. PUDSEY, 2. IXIA, 3. SICILY, 4. TRONDHEIM, 5. JUDY, 7. BARCELONA, 11. ZAGREB, 12. CALAIS, 15. ASIA, 16. UTAH.

Highlighted Word: CYPRUS

TravelBulletin 30

July 25 2014

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(bottom) InterContinental

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