Travel Bulletin 26th October 2012 by Alain Charles Publishing

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October 26 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,800 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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October 2012

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with this issue

Red Sea

Operators add new options on back of booking boost

this week cruising is ACE 8 brainstorm bulletin 13 why it's time for us all to be thinking differently

discover how other agents get clients to take out travel insurance

rail focus

a round-up of the latest deals & new itineraries

accommodationonly Hoseasons launches new 'Daisy Door' range for 2013

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newsbulletin

This Week news 3

Cover Pictures: Main - Red Sea Holidays

Inset - Eurostar

industry updates, the latest offers & new product launches

cruising is ACE

agent bulletin

puzzle bulletin

agent review

brainstorm bulletin

why it’s time for us to all be thinking differently new travel agent photo competition from Brand USA complete the crossword for your chance to win a £50 Pizza Express voucher find out what one agent thought of his 'Amazon to the Andes’ trip discover how other agents get clients to take out travel insurance

personality bulletin

usa

red sea

rail focus

accommodation-only

which business development manager knows how to make a good cocktail? BA & Brand USA announce new partnership operators add new options following boost in bookings

a round-up of the latest deals & new itineraries Hoseasons launches new 'Daisy Door' range for 2013

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FIORD FRIENDS...Anzcro UK recently took a group of agents on a fam to New Zealand. Pictured taking in Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park are, from the left: Gillian Hartigan, Howard Travel; Christine Caldwell, Dorchester Travel; Alan Oram, The Travel Shop; Anneka Bones, Southern Cross Travel; Caroline Houghton, Travelplaces and Kathy May, Fred Olsen Travel.

Poll reveals Brits have 'No Interest' in making friends on holiday A POLL by www.sunshine.co.uk has revealed that the majority of British holidaymakers have no interest in making friends whilst away; with the majority preferring to keep to themselves on holiday. The poll was carried out as part of ongoing research into the holiday habits and preferences of people around the UK, in a bid to find out more about the phenomenon of ‘holiday friends’. A total of 2,107 British adults took part in the poll, each of whom had been abroad on holiday in the last 12 months. When asked, ‘Did you make friends on your last holiday abroad, outside of the group you were travelling with?’ less than one in ten (8%) said ‘yes’. All respondents were asked what they thought of making friends on holiday; 51% said they had no interest, 34% said they like to make friends and 15% were indifferent. Of those who said they had no interest in making friends, 46% put it down to not wanting to get stuck with people for the duration of their holiday, while 22% said they wanted ‘alone time’ with the people they were travelling with, such as friends or family members. Some 71% of those who had made friends on their last holiday abroad said they didn’t stay in touch after the break.

Choice of UK ports influences Brits’ decision to take cruise NEW RESEARCH from www.bonvoyage.co.uk, which polled 2,146 Brits aged 30 and over, has found that in order to make them more likely to go on a cruise holiday, the majority of holidaymakers would like more UK port options for cruise departures. Respondents were initially asked, ‘Have you been on a cruise holiday before?’ to which the majority, 78%, said ‘no’. Those that had stated that they had never been on a cruise before were then asked to specify the reasons why and the majority, 39%, stated that they couldn't afford the combined price of flying to the port as well as the cruise holiday, whilst just over a fifth, 21%, said it was because they 'couldn't take enough time off’ to fully enjoy the cruise holiday that they wanted to go on. A further 12% admitted that they had ‘never considered’ the idea of going on a cruise,

whilst more than a quarter, 28%, declared that they weren't planning on going on a cruise until they had retired. Those polled were then asked to choose the reasons that would entice them to go on a cruise from a list of possible answers. The top five answers were more UK port departure options (62%), more all-inclusive fly/cruise packages (49%), the option to stay in a city overnight (31%), more long-haul destination choices from UK ports (28%) and personalised itineraries (19%). The majority (52%) of those who said that they would like to see more UK ports admitted they would be more likely to consider cruising if this was the case, whilst just under a fifth, 19%, said that they would book a cruise for their next holiday if there were a larger variety of UK port options.

October 26 2012

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newsbulletin Travelsphere launches 2013 brochure under new brand identity TRAVELSPHERE HAS launched its new brochure for 2013 under a new brand identity, bringing together the best of the previous Travelsphere and Page & Moy brands. The new ‘Holiday Collection’ brochure offers itineraries from £449 per person, including new European and longhaul itineraries to destinations such as Turkey, Indochina and Patagonia, more exclusive excursions for guests and a migration of coach holidays to rail. The company's sales director Colin Wilson said: “Trade sales have grown steadily for Travelsphere, recording a 34% growth in revenue and 14% growth in passenger numbers in 2012 so far and we’re looking forward to working closely with the trade to help them boost their sales through our exciting new brand. "As well as our new brand identity and Holiday

Collection brochure, we’ll also be launching stand-alone River Cruise and China brochures very soon and will be supporting agents further through activity including incentives, fam trips and training.” Examples of new tours added for 2013 include a 13-day Treasures of China from £2,459 per person, an eight-day Turkey’s Blue Coast and Gulet Cruise from £1,049, an 11day Pousadas of Portugal from £1,299; and a five-day Walking in the Ahr Valley by Rail from £529. Prices include a tour manager, accommodation and a choice of excursions. A range of pre-bookable excursions, special departures, stop-overs or ‘extend your stay’ options are also available. For details visit www.travelsphere.co.uk or call 0844-567 3319.

Titan issues Cruise & Tour and River Cruise 2013 brochures

Rainbow Tours adds new options in Madagascar for 2013

TITAN HAS launched its new Cruise & Tour and River Cruise 2013 brochures. Free onboard credit of up to £200 per cabin is available, along with pre-paid gratuities included on selected itineraries. Itineraries range from an 18-day Mighty Yangtze and Best of China tour, costing from £2,795 per person, to a musicallyinspired ten-day Danube Symphony tour on MS Mozarperfect, which leads in at £1,595. Included are excursions and meals, along with land stays and the services of a tour manager on the majority of itineraries. Each holiday also includes flights and door-to-door transfers as part of the operator’s VIP Home Departure Service. For more information visit www.titanagents.co.uk

RAINBOW TOURS has added two new small group tours in Madagascar for next year. An 18-day ‘Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tour’ offers the opportunity to discover a variety of wildlife from many species of lemur to reptiles, frogs and invertebrates, as well as to explore the island’s regions and flora. It is available for groups of six to 12 and departures are between May and December. Prices lead in at £3,945 per person, including flights, transport, accommodation, meals, entrance permits and a tour leader. Also available is a 12-night Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Express Tour, which costs from £3,350 and offers guests the chance to discover Madagascar’s diverse habitats and wildlife. For details see www.rainbowtours.co.uk or call 020-7666 1250.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Moroccan

SHIP MATES...Major Travel recently hosted a group of agents to the ‘Empress’ Pullmantur cruise ship in Dover. The day included a ‘cruise clinic’ question and answer session, followed by a tour of the ship and a buffet lunch. Pictured are, from the left: Dawn Tompkins, Emma Hughes and Natasha Jones from TUI with Andrew McKenna from Major Travel. For details visit www.majorcruise.co.uk

October 26 2012

National Tourist Office's latest operator digest - detailing all the contacts for tourism in Morocco. Further details on 020 7437 0073

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

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @VisitBritain Get in the ghostly spirit with Halloween Afternoon Tea at the Royal Horseguards hotel http://bit.ly/QWnWyu @LegerHolidays Do you currently own an Android phone or tablet? If so, check out our new blog post on the top 5 Android apps... http://fb.me/1xLEzlUMj @DERTOUR_UK Visit Munich this Christmas & check out some of the 12 markets which sell traditional arts, crafts & tasty treats! http://bit.ly/XnQUe3 @Gatwick_Airport A second runway at Gatwick Airport - our infographic shows why it makes sense: http://bit.ly/QrkFpr @EurostarUK Our new fleet is coming... Have a peek behind the scenes here http://bit.ly/RDDoiA @1stclasshols Canada 2013 Out Now! Our 'Complete Guide' & 'Coach Tours' brochures are out now. http://fb.me/XQLy4tyj

WINNING FORMULA...more than 1,000 travel agents took to the slopes in the last few weeks as part of Inghams' Ski Training roadshows. The events took place at Chill Factor in Manchester and Tamworth Snowdome and agents participated in a ‘learn to ski’ taster session, as well as ski product training from overseas tourist boards. Agents also took part in an après-ski quiz which was won by Co-operative Travel from Manchester. Pictured from the agency are, from the left: Laura Taylor, Mark Coventry, Anne Muir, Eddie Jordan, Andy Reddington, Ian Lazarus and Beth Nealis.

Journeys of Distinction introduces new brochures for 2013/14 JOURNEYS OF Distinction has launched a selection of new tours and new-look brochures for 2013/14. The brochures now feature 22 Classic tours, including four new UK tours, 29 Light tours and new for 2013, all-inclusive tours to China, Kenya, Cuba and Egypt. The luxury classic collection includes The Very Best of Indochina, a 16-day journey following the Mekong River exploring Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as a ten-day tour to Shimla & the Foothills of the

Himalayas, where customers experience the rituals and customs of an age old era through authentic India and the British Raj. New additions include a tour into Namibia, and a return into Japan, while four new UK tours have also been added which include Scotland, Ireland, Northern England and Southern England. The operator is currently offering all agents £50 Love2Shop vouchers for bookings made before November 30. For more information visit www.jod.uk.com

Holiday Autos launches free to phone campaign HOLIDAY AUTOS has introduced free phone numbers for its reservations and sales support teams. The move follows other developments made by the company this year, such as a clearer display of the full-to-full petrol policy availability by car, a list of supplier names and details of on/off airport locations on its Website. The new reservations number is 0800-093 3210 and the new trade sales support number is 0800-093 3222.

Villa Select adds Far East, Central America & Caribbean properties for 2013/14 VILLA SELECT has launched its latest brochure showcasing new properties for 2013/14. The operator has increased its portfolio to include worldwide destinations with new villas in the Far East, Central America, and the Caribbean. Many of the villas are exclusive to the company and each has been individually sourced and offers a maid service, luxury hamper and a barbecue. All properties also offer a beachfront location or view and private swimming pool. As examples, new villas in Barbados include Coconut Ridge

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which sleeps four and features a tennis club and swimming pool. Prices lead in at £1,995 per week. Also in Barbados is Moon Reach which sleeps ten and leads in at £14,495 for the week. In Belize, ten new villas have been added to the operator's portfolio including the Sapphire which sleeps four and costs from £2,695 for the week and Kulkulcan, which leads in at £5,695 for the week and sleeps up to six people. For more information visit www.villaselect.com or call 01789-764909.

October 26 2012

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newsbulletin Explore launches tours in Iraq, Kosovo & the Philippines EXPLORE HAS introduced tours in Iraq, Kosovo and the Philippines in its new Discovery brochure. Until November 19, customers receive a 5% discount on any new tour, on top of any loyalty discount that they may be entitled to. An example of itineraries available is an eight-day Highlights of Kurdistan tour, which visits the provinces of Erbil, Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah and costs from £2,991. Five departures are planned from May to October next year and the price includes flights, accommodation, most meals, transport and the services of a tour leader, local guide and driver. For more information call 0845-291 4541 or visit www.explore.co.uk/travelagents

Newsbites ●

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2013/14 Asia debut from SeaDream SEADREAM YACHT Club has announced that it will deploy one of its twin mega-yachts, SeaDream II, to Asia for winter 2013/14 after the completion of her summer 2013 Mediterranean season. The first of the ship's departures is a 15-night ‘Passage to the Far East’ voyage from Athens on October 12, 2013. It includes a transit of the Suez Canal plus excursions to Egypt’s archaeological sites en-route to Mumbai, as well as government fees, handling & port taxes. Prices lead in at £4,050 per person. From Mumbai, she will sail onwards via Cochin, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands to Thailand before heading to Singapore. The 13-night trans-Indian Ocean sailing costs from £3,995 per person. The ship will visit almost every coastal country in South East Asia, as well as visiting Northern Australia during a six-month programme including destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), East Timor, Indonesia, New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong. For more information or to book call 0800-783 1373 or visit www.seadream.com

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FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has improved the e-tickets that it issues to its cruise guests. The e-tickets now provide detailed information on check-in times and the departure terminal for each cruise as well as other information such as dress codes and themed nights. SKIERS TRAVELLING by train to Meribel in the three Vallées ski region in France can now book a new minibus transfer initiative. The service means that skiers arriving on the daytime Eurostar Ski Train will be met by a dedicated, shared transfer from Moutiers station that delivers them to the door of their hotel or chalet for a fixed cost of €20, anywhere in the Méribel valley. To book visit www.3vt.co.uk or for more information on how to travel to Méribel by train, visit www.snowcarbon.co.uk LUFTHANSA HAS announced it will commence weekend summer services to Cardiff from Dusseldorf from May 4, 2013. WEBTRENDS HAS announced that Alitalia has implemented Optimize, a testing and targeting solution which has helped increase online bookings by more than 7% in three months. PEGASUS AIRLINES has launched scheduled flights between Istanbul and Batumi, Georgia. GATWICK AIRPORT Limited is to commence detailed work on the options for a new runway, which will be submitted to the Independent Commission on Aviation Connectivity. The submission will be consistent with the airport's commitment to the 1979 legal agreement with West Sussex County Council, which prohibits Gatwick from constructing a new runway before 2019. TAP PORTUGAL has launched its latest campaign this autumn to promote its new daily flight schedule between Manchester and Lisbon from October 28.

Early booking deals at Peter Island

CHUCKLE CHUMS...Superbreak recently treated some of its key trade partners to a VIP night out to see Michael McIntrye, live at the O2. Getting ready to enjoy the show are, from the left: Julia Lo Bue Said, leisure director at Advantage; John McEwan, chief exec at Advantage and chairman of ABTA; Jane Atkins, sales director at Superbreak; and Graham Balmforth, national sales manager at Superbreak.

October 26 2012

PETER ISLAND Resort & Spa is offering customers the chance to save up to £800 per couple on 2013 bookings. The resort, located in the British Virgin Islands, is offering an early bird discount for all new bookings made before November 30 for travel between January 4 and December 19. As an example of prices, Caribtours is offering a seven-night stay from £1,475 per person, based

on two adults sharing an Ocean View Room on a room-only basis. It includes scheduled flights, transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick. The resort, which is only accessible by boat or helicopter, offers a variety of land and sea activities and clients can take advantage of the resort’s ‘Island Buyout’ programme for special occasions. For more information visit www.peterisland.com

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newsbulletin Xmas market getaways with Carrier CARRIER IS highlighting a selection of short breaks and Christmas markets that explore a range of cities including Prague and Marrakech. Savings of up to £220 per couple are available at the Rocco Forte Augustine Hotel in Prague, where three nights for the price of two is offered, based on two sharing on a bed-andbreakfast basis. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers and the offer is valid for travel from November 1– December 29, for bookings made by the end of this month. For details see www.carrier.co.uk or call 0161-492 1374.

Australia, NZ & South Pacific brochure from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 has unveiled its latest Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure for agents. The 2012/13 brochure features 12 new hotels, 33 new tours and eight luxury itineraries throughout the regions, along with two round-the-world itineraries showcasing how the South Pacific can be built into a larger trip. In response to agent feedback, more self-catering and ‘affordable’ options have been added to the brochure, including some self-drive itineraries. Highlights include a 29-day Round the World Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific independent tour, which includes two days' sightseeing in Singapore, a cruise around Sydney harbour, a visit to the geothermal resort of Rotorua, a visit to the lagoons of Fiji and a stay at one of LA’s classic Grande dame hotels. Prices include flights, hotel accommodation, transfers, highlight dinners in Sydney and Uluru and touring by air-conditioned coach in New Zealand. Agents can also offer clients the chance to tour Australia with Maui Motorhome and Britz Campervan from £18 per day (in low season), which sleep between two and six adults. For details of early bird savings and special offers call 0800-022 4302.

Weekly ski service to Swiss Alps from Eurostar THIS WINTER Eurostar is teaming up with TGV Lyria to launch a new weekly service between London and some of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts. The new service will carry ski and snowboarding enthusiasts from St Pancras and Ashford to the heart of the Swiss Alps and the Valais region from December 22 until April 13 next year. Resorts include Verbier, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Gstaad. With a connection in Lille Europe on to a high-speed service, passengers will arrive at Aigle, Martigny, Visp and Brig stations for onward transfers to resorts. Ski passengers will also be able to carry an extra item of luggage in addition to the normal luggage allowance at no extra cost. Return fares start from £189 return, with Standard Premier fares from £299 which includes spacious seating as well as light meals and drinks. For more information call 0843-2186 186 or visit www.eurostar.com

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newsbulletin Cruising is

by Andy Harmer, chairman of ACE HE THEME for our events in 2012 has been Think Differently – it has been a theme we have used for a series of seminars, and it was also the dominating theme for our Selling Cruise Conference in Southampton in May and our Columbus Day event in September. We chose the theme for three reasons. Firstly because the consumers that buy cruise holidays are changing rapidly. The way in which they get their information about holidays; the way in which they interact with business; and their expectations for their next holiday changes constantly. Add to that the ever changing economic situation in which we find ourselves, unpredictable world events, rapid progress in technology and all of the social changes taking place and we have a modern day consumer almost unrecognisable from previous years. So, we need to Think Differently to reach these customers simply because just working in the traditional way will not suffice anymore. The second reason is that when we switch land-based holidaymakers to a cruise holiday we are asking customers to Think Differently about their next holiday. They are not used to the supreme value, quality, dining, enrichment, entertainment and destinations that cruising offers (why would they?) and so it is our job as advocates of cruise to ensure that we all work together to help raise the profile of this sector of travel. And finally Think Differently is a theme that naturally sums up some of the incredible advances that are made every time a new cruise ship, a new port and itinerary, and a new onboard feature is added to the cruise offering. Cruise ship design and build is moving so fast with exciting ships now being built including Princess and Norwegian Cruise Lines for launch in 2013, and these will showcase the latest developments in design. That same innovation is to be found in all sectors, including river cruising, where new ships are also being launched to ensure that it remains the fastest growing sector within cruise. Of course Thinking Differently isn’t just about building new ships; it is a business philosophy; a clear desire to stand out from the crowd, to embrace new technology and thinking, and to use this to grow our sales and our cruise business. In good times as well as those that are more challenging we must seek out new opportunities to build our existing business. It is not always going to be easy – but thinking differently never is.

Join TV gardening expert Charlie Dimmock with Fred. Olsen AS PART of its Vistas enrichment programme, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is welcoming TV gardening expert Charlie Dimmock on a cruise to the Canary Islands next year. Charlie will offer keen gardeners a wealth of opportunities to visit gardens ashore. Braemar visits Funchal (Madeira), Santa Cruz (La Palma), Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) and Charlie Dimmock Arrecife (Lanzarote). Braemar’s M1311 ‘The Gardens of Madeira & the Canaries’ cruise departs from Dover on April 22 for 14 nights and guests booking by November 5 can benefit from the line's all-inclusive drinks package, which includes beers, wine, spirits and soft drinks for £5 per person per night. Prices start from £1,389 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin-bedded cabin, including all meals and entertainment on board plus port taxes. The cruise also offers an extra bonus of £100 per cabin free onboard spending credit for ‘Outside’ grades and above, subject to availability. For details see www.fredolsencruises.com or call 01473-742424.

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Make sure you enter our weekly crossword, sponsored by The Holiday Team. Full details can be found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of this issue. You could be the lucky winner of £50 of Pizza Express vouchers. Send your entries to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword

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Missed our All About The Eastern Mediterranean Supplement? You can still view it in digital format on www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Destination Asia: Up to 50% hotel discounts and great incentives to be won on properties in China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore with Travelcube. Go to www.travelcube.com.

All this and more at:

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

October 26 2012

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

TO CELEBRATE the launch of Villa Select's new brochure (see page 5), all agents who make a booking by December 31 will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a place on the operator's 2013 fam trip to one of the luxury villas in the collection.

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CLUB MED IS offering agents a £20 Love2Shop voucher for any ski bookings made to Peisey Vallandry, Pragelato Vialattea and Valmorel, plus a £100 Love2Shop voucher for bookings to Valmorel Chalets. The offer is available on bookings made by November 7. For details call 020-8780 8642 or see www.clubmedtraining.com

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WESTERN & Oriental is running an incentive programme in which agents can sign up to and receive regular email updates on a range of offers. These include Love2Shop vouchers, the chance to win Oxygen Facials for Anassa Cyprus Bookings or tickets to the Manchester Derby football match for Abu Dhabi bookings using Etihad flights. See www.wandotravel.com

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PREMIER HOLIDAYS is offering agents the chance to earn Capital Bonds vouchers for every holiday booking made, comprising of both accommodation and international flights, for a minimum of two people. The amount awarded is dependent on the destination booked and the value of the booking. For details see www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7444.

It’s in the stars… What’s in store for Scorpio? PREPARE FOR a new adventure over the next few weeks as you become increasingly independent and are more fine tuned with what you want out of life. You might want to tone down your social life once in a while (even if it is your birthday!) as you run the risk of becoming ill. Use the time instead to reflect and recharge your batteries. Towards the end of next month you'll find yourself even busier, particularly at work, but remember to take time out to have fun also. Lucky day: Tuesday Lucky number: 45 www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Agent competition BRAND USA has launched a trav el agent photo competition in the UK and Ireland . A bespoke Website, www.famphotousa.co.uk , has been built for agents to upload their photogr aphs taken on recent fam trips in the US. Travel agents have the option to ‘like’ their favourite pho tos, generating a peer to peer social element. Pho tos can be uploaded from any US fam taken since January 2011 and can be uploaded from a camera or mobile phone. Photos of landsca pes, people or animals taken in colour, black and white or Instagram are all welcome. The site allows entrants to upload up to four pho tos, along with their details and locations of the photos. All entries will be judged by profess ional photographers and 12 winning agents will have their photos printed in a new 2013 Brand USA desk calendar, which will be distributed to all trav el agents. The overall winner will win a place on a megafam in spring 2013. The closing date is Nov ember 9 and winners will be announced on the site on November 16.

FREE LIVING...Etihad Airways has announced the winner of its ‘Live Free For a Year’ competition, who was picked at random from agents that booked a set number of tickets during one month. The £55,000 cash prize went to Matt Parkhouse (second from left) of Worthing-based specialist sports event travel agency, TravelPlaces. Pictured with Matt is the carrier's cabin crew and Nick Warren , director at Travel Places. October 26 2012

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newsbulletin Leger adds 23 new tours to 2013 European brochure LEGER HOLIDAYS has launched its special anniversary brochure to mark 30 years in operation next year. It features 23 new tours offering a range of four to 19-day tours taking in the highlights of Europe and beyond. An extra three holidays have also been added to the Grand Explorer range of ‘experience-more’ escorted touring holidays, as well as further cruise-based breaks, walking tours and holidays timed to coincide with some of Europe’s must-see events. Examples of new tours include Fire and Ice - the wonders of Sicily, Italy and Austria, where 16 days taking in Pompeii and Mount Etna, contrasted with Europe’s largest glacier, Grossglockner, and the Krimml Falls, leads in at £1,399 per person. A 19-day Transylvania, Bulgaria and Best of the Balkans option is also new, taking in seven historic countries with prices from £1,649. The operator is also extending its Silver Service package to more tours this year, which offers extra legroom, a rear lounge to relax, free personal headphones with DVDs and a choice of music and porterage at all hotels. For more information or to book visit www.legerbreaks.info or call 0844-504 6250.

Jet2.com adds three new destinations from Glasgow JET2.COM HAS announced its growth plans at Glasgow Airport including three new destinations, an additional aircraft to be based at the airport and more flights to key sun destinations for next year. The carrier has put on sale flights to Murcia which take off every Monday and Friday from May 24, 2013, with fares starting from £41 per person. Flights to the Croatian resort of Pula are also now on sale with weekly flights starting from June 18, and fares from £49,

while weekly flights to Menorca will operate from May 25, with fares from £41. More than half a million seats are now available for next summer - a 20% increase on 2012, with increased frequency on flights to popular holiday hotspots including the Canaries, Mallorca, Ibiza and Turkey. A fourth dedicated aircraft will also be permanently based at the airport creating more than 50 new jobs. For more information visit www.Jet2.com

New Oman & Jordan tour from Jon Baines Tours JON BAINES Tours has launched a new tour that follows the ancient frankincense trade route through Oman and Jordan and highlights how the ingredient shaped the region. The tour, which is commissionable to agents and departs from March 22-April 4 next year, starts in Muscat and travels to ancient towns along the coast, before visiting Jordan. Here guests visit desert cities and Umm Qais, Mount Nebo, Bethany and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, finishing in Amman. For more information or to book visit www.jonbainestours.co.uk

inspiring exotic breathtaking

MOROCCO Affordable luxury holidays, private tours & twin centres

0800 008 7288

www.classic-collection.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 086

An Curd

A➠

B➠ French word for duck and change one letter to find the name of this cruise line

C➠

Salsa Veg

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 desert strip is a good place to make a million.

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, November 1st. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 12th October is Laura Yates, The Travel House in Pembrokeshire. October 12 Solution: A=6 B=8 C=4 D=3

Crossword

Sponsored By

Cake with Raffles?

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted by the blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword to submit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prize draw and one lucky winner will win £50 Pizza Express vouchers. Closing date for entries is Thursday November 1st. Across 1. Operator, specialising in short stay holidays in UK and Europe (10) 5. Capital of Iraq (7) 6. Largest US state (6) 7. Ancient Egyptian goddess (4) 10. Capital of Peru (4) 12. P&O cruise ship (6) 15. US city, sounds like a musical (7) 16. Historic and picturesque German city and castle (10)

Down 1. Bond is back in this movie showing at a cinema near you (7) 2. This city is Jordan's most visited tourist attraction (5) 3. Capital of Latvia (4) 4. South American mountain range (5) 5. Host city of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest (4) 8. Prince William comes to the rescue in this helicopter (3,4) 9. Flows through Florence (4) 11. One of the New England states (5) 13. She sings the title song of 1 Down (5) 14. Currency of South Africa (4)

Number: 086

Congratulations to Linda Myers, Hays Travel who won the 12th October crossword prize of £50 Pizza Express vouchers

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THE HOLIDAY TEAM IS A CONSOLIDATOR PROVIDING BEST VALUE FLIGHTS & PACKAGE HOLIDAYS TO BOOK CALL 020-8843 4300; www.theholidayteam.co.uk

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 October 26 2012

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agentreview Mo Docrat from Round the World Experts in London went on a ten-day G Adventures ‘Amazon to the Andes’ trip with work colleagues. Here’s what he made of the adventure…

First impressions ....................................8/10 We received a warm welcome from our Peruvian chief experience officer (CEO), Barbara (or ‘Babs’), who clearly laid out the plan of action for the next few days. I felt at home when we arrived and my immediate liking for the people was just a taste of what we could expect in terms of hospitality.

Comfort ....................................................9/10 The accommodation on the first night was a discreet hotel that was deceptively large with a beautiful courtyard. It just got better, particularly in Cuzco and the jungle. Who would have expected a jungle lodge, set in virgin forest, with huge beds and a hammock?

Quality ......................................................8/10 Outside of the pre-arranged components of the trip there was a lot of choice on offer as to how to spend your time. By far the best quality element of the 'product' was our CEO and the people, who had exceptional knowledge and delivered it with enthusiasm.

Affordability ............................................7/10 This was a fam trip, but everything we experienced was reasonable and I would have been happy to pay for it in full if I were there again. In tourist areas prices can be exponentially high, but you'll always get the price down if you really want to save extra soles for the sport of it.

Service ....................................................8/10 Any part of the trip that required service was great. The Peruvians have a perpetual smile on their faces and always tried to meet our needs.

Good to know .................................................. Do the challenging but short walk up to the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu for mind-blowing views of the valley and the lost city.

10 / 10

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

October 26 2012

GREAT LITTLE DEAL...pictured marking an exclusive partnership agreement between Affordable Car Hire and Great Little Breaks, which means that clients booking packages in the UK and Ireland through the Great Little Breaks Website and call centre will also be able to add Affordable's car rental are Vivienne Hudson from Great Little Breaks and Chris Laxen, Affordable Car Hire.

CostSaver brochure from Trafalgar TRAFALGAR HAS issued its 2013 CostSaver brochure for Europe & Britain, featuring 34 cost-effective trips, including five new itineraries across Italy, Spain, Britain and Germany. The brochure offers the best features of the company's First Class programme (guided holidays with planned itineraries, the services of a travel director and luxury coach transport), but with more optional excursions and fewer inclusions, giving guests more free time and flexibility to choose what to do. Overall savings of up to 30% are available versus the cost of arranging an independent trip, with prices staring from £89 per day. To help guests save more, the operator has enhanced its 10% early payment discount for 2013, which offers guests savings of up to £618 on 2013 CostSaver itineraries (land-only) booked and paid by December 27. Previous guests can also save more by combining the 10% early payment discount with a 5% past guest discount. New itineraries in the programme are the Jewels of Italy, Highlights of the Italian Lakes, Impressions of Spain & Portugal and Highlights of Germany. For more information call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

New Aeromexico flight from Heathrow AEROMEXICO HAS announced that it will launch flights from Heathrow to Mexico City from December 14. Three weekly flights will be offered, departing from Terminal 2 at Mexico City and arriving at Heathrow's Terminal 4 where other airlines from SkyTeam are currently in operation. With the new service, passengers and members of SkyTeam will also benefit from an extensive network that includes many destinations in Europe such as Prague, Vienna, Zurich, Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Athens, Moscow and Istanbul. Convenient flight connections will also be available to regions like North Africa and the Middle East, to cities including Carthage, Cairo, Dubai and Tel Aviv. For more information visit www.aeromexico.com

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brra ain insstto orrm mb bu b ulllle ettin in BRAINSTORMBULLETIN ENCOURAGES travel agents to work together by pooling your ideas and sharing your problems and solutions. This week, Deborah Allen, a homeworker for Hays Travel in Durham, asked for your feedback on the following...

How do other agents get clients to take their travel insurance when so many people have it with their banks? Here's what some of you thought... WE DO not directly sell travel insurance as we don’t have any staff trained to do this. However, we do recommend that they take Holiday Extras insurance (and include details with their confirmation invoice) and earn a referral fee that way. PENNY BONES, SOUTHERN CROSS TRAVEL, EAST SUSSEX I TELL them bank insurance may not cover bookings over £5k or cruise bookings. They may also have more restrictions on medical or extreme sports and they will almost certainly have a higher excess. CATHIE O'DEA, TRAVEL COUNSELLORS, LONDON WE RUN through our insurance with clients to explain exactly what they are covered for - especially their flights from Guernsey to the UK. We also explain to the client that some policies with banks are not fully inclusive and do not cover for every area of the holiday - especially when the majority do not cover flights from Guernsey to the UK. If they did need to make a claim on our insurance we have staff that can help go through the claims form, relieving some of the stress of filling these forms out. TAMMY LE NOURY, WAYFARERS TRAVEL, GUERNSEY

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TSINCE 2002, when our insurance sales were £20,000, so a nice earner at 40% commission, last year was down to £4,000. Clients now either take out annual insurance or have cover with their bank or credit cards, but it is clear that many travel on the assumption that they are covered, when this may not cover for cancellation or medical expenses. We are officially licenced to sell travel insurance, with two members of our staff having taken the ABTA training programme, and we work with Covermore Insurance to offer this service. We always ask our clients if they wish to have travel insurance, and if they say no we ask for details of the insurance company, and even emergency contact no, as tour operators often insist on this. If clients are skiing or taking part in more adventurous travel , we will also advise them that they require special cover. We do not go as far as asking our clients to sign indemnity forms, to confirm the details of their insurance cover, although we have discussed this on many occasions. Old age insurance is probably the most commonly asked question, and there are some insurance companies that specialise in this, mainly ones that do not sell through agents. It has become an unprofitable area of our sales to promote, and this is not helped by the bad publicity that travel agents receive from the national press, which always suggests that travel agents rip off the customer. However, we do see this as an important responsibility for us to advise all our clients of the importance of adequate insurance cover, in addition to many other travel suggestions such as health precautions and sustainable tourism advice, and this is an area that we will be showing more prominently on our new website, due for completion soon. You cannot force clients to take out insurance, or to prove that they have adequate cover. ANDREW BROWNRIGG, CHAIRMAN, HASLEMERE TRAVEL

STAR RESPONSE

WINS a £10 op v Lo e2Sher h vouc

WE OFFER our travel insurance (Blue Insurance) to our customers when they book their holidays with us. We do ask if they are covered by their banks or they might have travel insurance that can also be linked with their household insurance (not a lot of customers know this and end up paying for extra insurance they do not need). We tell them how much our premium is and also what they would be covered for in the event they would need to make a claim. Some customers like to have everything booked with their travel agent as then they do not have to fill in all the holiday details like when they are going and how long do they need cover for. Also, with some holidays there are insurance companies that do not cover dangerous sports like water rafting and jet skis etc. so the customer will feel more at ease with us if we tell them what they can and cannot be covered for while they are away it also puts their mind at ease when they know they have an agent who knows what they are talking about. MARIE RAYNER, TRAVEL COUNSELLORS, BOLTON

THE NEXT BRAINSTORM QUESTION IS: As a travel agent we have started to sell passport holders and offer a Western Union money transfer service to create additional revenue. Have any agents got any other creative ideas to get more revenue in their agencies? If you have a dilemma or question that you would like to ask other agents then please email lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk with the subject 'Brainstorm'.

October 26 2012

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Richard Swain The business development manager of Travel Indochina knows how to make a good cocktail…

Who is your ideal travelling companion? Alan Carr – imagine what a laugh it would be!

“I don’t really have a motto; I just try to be positive. I don’t see the point in being negative and worrying about things too much”

Where was your last work-related trip? We’ve recently started selling tours of Burma, so I was lucky enough to visit. I can’t recommend it enough, very friendly and welcoming people and some amazing sights to see. What have your travels taught you? That money can’t buy happiness – sometimes the simple things in life are the best.

Career path

What is the best advice you recall? An oldie but a goodie – treat others as you wish to be treated.

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If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be? Taxes, taxes and taxes! I don’t think the current APD system is very fair and the government really needs to look at a fairer way of taxing passengers, especially those who have to get a domestic flight to London!

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Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career? Michael Palin – I loved watching his travel documentaries growing up; he definitely made me see there is a wider world out there to see! What's your favourite city and why? Hoi An in Vietnam – it has a beautiful old town area which has lots of little streets to explore with some lovely cafés and restaurants to sit outside and people watch. The whole place has a really gentle paced way of life and with a beach just 15 minutes away from the old town area is a perfect place to unwind on your travels.

October 26 2012

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Aug 2004 – May 2007: Sales consultant at Travelbag May 2007 – Sep 2010: Team leader at On The Beach Sep 2010 – present: Business development manager, Travel Indochina

What is your motto in life? I don’t really have a motto; I just try to be positive. I don’t see the point in being negative and worrying about things too much. What is your favourite mode of travel? A peaceful boat ride at sunset – a great way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

What's your favourite airline and why? Malaysia Airlines – the staff are so genuine and friendly. Great legroom too. How do you deal with stress? I find that prioritising tasks and not procrastinating about things helps me manage my workload successfully, and hopefully not get too stressed. Also a good cup of tea always helps! Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry? Not being able to take every agent who’s said to me “so when am I going?” on a fam trip to our part of the world, so they get to experience the region first-hand and, more importantly, enjoy Travel Indochina’s style of travel. What special skill do you have? I can make great cocktails - or so I think after a few of my own concoctions! How do you cope with the advances in technology? I’ve always used computers and been willing to learn and adapt to change during my career. But technology can only get you so far; great customer service will always be an important part of succeeding in my view.

If you had a super power what would it be and why? To be able to fly – think of all the fuel surcharges and taxes you’d be able to avoid! I’d just have to work out how to get my luggage to follow!

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you? Well I either get called Smithy from The Bill or Simon from The Inbetweeners – so I guess it’d have to be one of them!

What item do you always take with you when travelling? A good book! I’m currently working my way through the Sookie Stackhouse series – fantastic books.

What do you love about your job? I love being on the road and meeting new people, and sharing my knowledge and passion for Asia with agents and their clients.

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HAYES & Jarvis has added The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles to its latest US brochure for the first time, along with Hotel Bel-Air. Four-night flight-inclusive prices start from £1,499 per person at the Beverly Hills Hotel and £1,529 per person at Hotel Bel-Air. The operator is also featuring two properties on the Pacific Coast Highway. Located on ‘Billionaire’s Beach’, the Malibu Beach Inn is close to both Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, with a one-night stay leading in at £159 per person. Further north, the cliff top Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur offers westward views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east. One night at the retreat costs from £419 per person.

New ‘Mighty Mo’ dive site in Florida DIVING ENTHUSIASTS looking for a new site this winter can head to Fort Myers in south-west Florida, where the World War II warship, USS Mohawk (the ‘Mighty Mo’), was recently sunk. The 165ft ship lies 28 nautical miles off the coast of Fort Myers and 90ft underwater. Divers can explore the ship and view a range of sea life, while those not confident enough to go to these depths can explore the smokestack, which is about 50ft below the surface. Divers must have an advanced diving certification and prices cost from £90 for the boat trip. For more information visit www.deansdivecenter.com

$50million Squaw Valley redevelopment project enters second year WINTER 2012/13 will mark the second year of the US$50million Squaw Valley renovation project in Lake Tahoe. The improvements will aim to enhance the first-time visitor’s experience and the terrain park experience for guests. Features include installation of the Big Blue Express, a new, high-speed six-pack chairlift to replace the High Camp chairlift. The Links double chairlift will also be removed and replaced with a triple chairlift called Mountain Meadow, which will be realigned to bring skiers and riders up to the ridgeline near the top terminals of the Solitude and Silverado lifts. Meanwhile, substantial resources will be invested in the snowmaking system, which

will include high-efficiency snow guns and new piping to ensure the best possible snow surface, while the Olympic Plaza Bar will be completely remodelled, paying tribute to the resort’s Olympic heritage, with collage murals commemorating the 1960 Olympics. The resort is also partnering with Burton and its Learn to Ride (LTR) programme to offer specially-designed equipment for beginner snowboarders (both kids and adults). Also undergoing redevelopment in the Lake Tahoe region are Homewood Mountain Ski Resort and Alpine Meadows. For more information visit www.gotahoenorth.com

Love2Shop vouchers from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD is offering agents a £5 Love2Shop voucher for every Grand Canyon ‘To The Edge & Beyond Tour’ booked until December 31. To claim, email booking references to grandcanyon@attractionworld.com The operator has also launched a 30/60 minute airboat ride through the Everglades, plus a visit to the Wildlife Park, with sunset trips also available. Prices start at £16 per adult and £13 per child, aged three-12. All tours are fully commissionable.

British Airways & Brand USA announce new partnership to promote destination BRITISH AIRWAYS and Brand USA have formed a partnership to position the carrier as the first UK Founding Airline Partner for the tourism marketing body. The airline will work with the organisation on a number of initiatives to promote the US as a travel destination, including industry and agent activity along with advertising campaigns and a mega fam for agents. As part of its Founding Partner status, the airline will receive a host of benefits from the organisation, such as priority on new initiatives, promotions and marketing co-op campaigns, as well as inclusion at all of the company’s functions at major industry events. The marketing body, which started operations in the UK

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on May 1, recently announced that phase one of its UK campaign generated £2.3million spend and preliminary results indicated strong upward trends in intent to visit, consumer sentiment and engagement. It has also announced the launch of a bespoke Website, www.TV.thebrandusa.co.uk, dedicated to television programme idea submissions. The site has been developed specifically to accept confidential television ideas from production partners before a shortlist is put before a Television Advisory Board. The Board will then collaborate with the company to create the programmes, the aim of which will be to encourage travel to the US. For more information see www.discoveramerica.com

October 26 2012

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usa Ranch Rider sees upturn in adult-only holidays & offers five-night breaks from £1,020 US RANCH holidays are reportedly selling well, particularly on adult-only breaks, according to Ranch Rider. The operator’s managing director Tony Daly said: “At the end of the season there are plenty of cowgirl and adult themed weeks for couples and singles. Our portfolio of ranch stays is also especially enticing for those clients who want a holiday with a purpose, a growing number of people looking to learn a new skill.” As an example, the Double E ranch in New Mexico operates year-round and offers beginners’ level cowgirl camps from February through November, with dates including November 4-9 this year. The five-night holidays are open to a maximum of ten guests, with activities such as a cowgirl camp rodeo complete with barrel racing and team penning. The small group size also allows beginners to learn a range of horsemanship techniques. A five-night stay leads in at £1,020 per person with no single supplement and includes meals, taxes and gratuities. Transfers are excluded and lead in at approximately £46 per person from Silver City. Flights are also available on request. For more information call 01509-618811, email info@ranchrider.com or see www.ranchrider.com

Caesars unveils new name for renovated Imperial Palace Resort IMPERIAL PALACE, Caesars Entertainment’s centre-Strip resort, is to be renamed The Quad Resort & Casino. Guests will begin to see the brand transformation as early as next month and the official conversion will be completed by December 21, with renovation plans scheduled to finish by late next year. Tariq Shaukat, the operator’s chief marketing officer, said: “Historically,

this resort has had a very lively, welcoming appeal and we want to continue to build upon those qualities. The Quad will be a social and spirited environment where our guests, dressed up or dressed down, will find what they need.” The first phase of casino renovations will cover 35,000sq.ft and is scheduled for completion in spring next year. The second phase will include an additional 30,000sq.ft of gaming space with a

centralised promenade bar, scheduled for completion in late 2013. Plans also include a dual-sided lobby bar, Starbucks, a retail promenade and a series of restaurants and eateries. The resort will remain open throughout the duration of the construction period with precaution taken to minimise guest disruption. For more information see www.quadlv.com

W French Quarter renovation update THE W French Quarter Hotel in New Orleans has undergone a complete renovation of its 97 guest rooms, Living Room, studio meeting spaces and outdoor courtyard. The property has also opened SWEAT, a new fitness centre, plus a new signature restaurant, SoBou. Other hotels that have been recently renovated in New Orleans include The Residence Inn New Orleans Downtown, the Hyatt French Quarter and the Windsor Court Hotel. For more information visit www.wfrenchquarter.com

Win a trip to Las Vegas with Funway AGENTS MAKING a booking to New England with Vacations to America this month have the chance to win a place on a fam trip, organised in partnership with Discover New England. Until March, the operator will be selecting one agent every month to join the trip and each winning agent will receive a ‘New England Basket’ for their branch, with gifts from all six states of New England. The company offers fly/drive, escorted and tailor-made tours across all 50 US states. For more information see www.vacationstoamerica.com

October 26 2012

TO CELEBRATE 20 years of US travel and the launch of its new 2013 brochure, Funway is offering an agent and their partner the chance to win a four-night stay in Las Vegas. The prize includes two nights at The Venetian Resort in a Venetian Suite and two nights at The Palazzo in a Palazzo Suite, with Economy Virgin Atlantic flights from either Gatwick or Manchester. For a chance to win, email win@funway.co.uk with your US online booking references made with the operator between September 1 and October 31.

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NOBUBEAUTY N NOBU BEAUTY

NOBU NOBUSTYLE STY YLE

NOBU DESIGN NOBUDESIGN

INTRODUCING THE WORLD’S FIRST NOBU HOTEL

Learn more at CaesarsT TravelAgents.com.

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usa Intrepid adds ‘road trip of a lifetime’ in North America brochure INTREPID’S NEWLY-ADDED ‘New York City to Miami’ tour, featured in its 2013 North America brochure, is being billed as the ‘road trip of a lifetime’. From the Big Apple to the beaches of Florida, the 15-day tour explores the monuments and museums of Washington DC, hikes through Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Mountains, before taking in blues and jazz scenes in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. There is also the chance for guests to

experience Orlando’s theme parks, visit Cape Canaveral and soak up the sun on Miami beaches. Prices lead in at £1,265 per person, excluding flights. To celebrate the launch of its new brochure, the company is offering 20% off North America bookings made by November 12 for travel by October 31, 2013. To receive the discount, quote promotional code 9282 when booking. For details see www.intrepidtravel.com

Ffestiniog Travel makes tracks across the West Coast FFESTINIOG TRAVEL has announced details of its 2013 programme, West Coast USA. Featured in its new Unforgettable Rail Journeys 2013 brochure, a 14-day itinerary encompasses the coastal scenery of Northern Canada, Oregon and Washington State, as well as Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. For a June 11 departure, prices lead in at £2,895 per person, based on two sharing, including flights from London, all rail journeys, overnight accommodation on one Amtrak train in roomettes, all meals whilst on the ‘Coast Starlight’, a barbecue lunch on the ‘Skunk’ train, evening meal on the Napa Valley Wine Train, admission to the Sacramento Railroad Museum, coach travel and transfers, plus the services of a tour leader throughout. For more information call 01766-772030 or visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com

Roaring Camp 10, California

Loews Hotels & Resorts announces new Hollywood property LOEWS HOTELS & Resorts has purchased the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in California. The 20-storey hotel, which is located on the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, offers 632 guestrooms, 32 suites and more than 48,000sq.ft of meeting space. The property will undergo a £16.7million renovation later this year and is part of the Hollywood & Highland Center which provides guests with access to more than 80 shops, 26 restaurants and eateries, two nightclubs, seven movie screens, eight bars, 12 bowling lanes and the Dolby Theatre. For more information visit www.loewshotels.com

October 26 2012

Virgin launches 2013 preview brochure VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has launched its first USA & Canada 2013 preview brochure, featuring a range of offers. The programme includes self-drive tours, escorted tours, rail tours and cruises and offers include savings of up to £200 per couple on Las Vegas holidays; free access to the ‘v-room’ when staying in a favourite or platinum hotel in Las Vegas; free nights and room upgrades; and teen prices at featured San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and New England properties. New for next year is the Sanctuary Hotel New York, which is located in Times Square, and features a lobby bar, restaurant and rooftop lounge. Meanwhile, a new 14night Amtrak rail tour is offered, travelling from Vancouver before crossing the border and stopping in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco before finishing in Los Angeles. Prices start from £599 for a fly/drive in Boston including flights for a departure from January 720. The company has also expanded its Worldwide Journeys range, including a ten-day Grand New England tour which leads in at £1,565 per person, based on two adults sharing. It includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow to Boston, transfers, mixed-board accommodation, sightseeing, guides and all taxes. Prices are based on select departures in 2013. For more information visit www.virginholidays.co.uk and www.virginholidaysjourneys .co.uk

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HOLIDAY DESIGNERS is offering a seven-night breakfast stay at the three-star Captain’s Inn in El Gouna from £489 per person. The deal is based on a November 19 departure and includes flights, airport tax, baggage and transfers, with two people sharing a twin/double room. For details call 020-3384 0023 or visit www.holiday-designers.com

Mosaic sees trend in visitors combining Red Sea relaxation with classical tours MOSAIC HOLIDAYS' new Egypt brochure, launched at the end of this month, features a selection of luxury accommodation options for clients looking to book beach holidays in popular Red Sea resorts. They include Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa and Cleopatra in Sharm el Sheikh, Dawar El Omda in El Gouna and The Radisson in El Quseir. Meanwhile, the operator reports that bookings to the destination have recently increased. The company's founder and managing director Sabina Shaida said: “Egypt is showing real signs of being on the road to recovery as bookings pick up gradually and Red Sea resorts are as popular as ever. "Increasingly, visitors to Egypt are combining relaxation on the Red Sea with tours of classical Egypt, including

Nile cruises, as they look to get more out of their precious holiday time. "For those looking for winter sun without the bustle and hubbub of the popular and most established Red Sea resort of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh, quieter alternatives which also make for perfect locations to relax after a Nile Cruise, are the Red Sea coastal resorts of Hurgada, Dahab, El Gouna, El Quseir, Soma Bay, Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib. All of these destinations offer beautiful scenery, colourful coral reefs, world class diving, and expansive stretches of sandy beaches." The operator also reports that Jordan is continuing to go from strength to strength, despite unrest in other areas of the region. Shaida said: "Jordan's Red Sea resort of Aqaba is increasingly popular, thanks

to the ever expanding tourism infrastructure as well as its proximity to the World Wonder that is Petra. "This year, Jordan is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the rediscovery of the Rose Red City, which, coupled with the 50th anniversary of the release of David Lean’s epic, Lawrence of Arabia, puts Jordan in the spotlight. "Spring and autumn remain popular times to travel, although Aqaba truly is a year-round destination. The beauty of Jordan is that the small size of the Kingdom makes it the ideal destination for private touring, combining impressive and fascinating cultural, religious and historical sightseeing with blissful relaxation on the Dead and Red Seas." For more information see www.mosaicholidays.co.uk or call 020-3393 8588.

Longwood Holidays offers five-star half-board stay in Taba Heights for £509 LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS has announced the launch of its latest brochure for 2012/13, which features a comprehensive Red Sea programme. The operator's business development manager Alan Meadows said: “This brochure is a statement that Longwood Holidays, although still committed to the core destinations that have made us successful,

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are also looking to increase the range of products offered after feedback from travel agents. Agents can also be assured of the high levels of service and expertise of our knowledgeable team that they have come to expect. In addition to our own charter flights, we offer a wide range of departures from many regional airports and total flexibility

of holiday durations across all of the destinations on offer.” The company has negotiated a range of special offers including early booking offers, kids specials, new all-inclusive hotels, offers on golfing and diving holidays and solo traveller weeks. As an example of prices, a stay at the five-star Hyatt Regency in Taba Heights

leads in at £509 per person, based on halfboard for a December 4 departure. It includes flights from Gatwick, Hyatt Bonanza - a free upgrade to a sea view room, 25% discount on massage treatments/products and 15% discount on beverages. For more information or to book visit www.longwoodholidays.co.uk or call 0844-770 1450.

October 26 2012

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All you have to do is relax Guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, above and below the water.

The Egyptian Experts ABTA No.Y2507

Call 0845 072 2477 Visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent

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redsea MONARCH AIRLINES has launched twice-weekly flights to Sharm el Sheikh from Birmingham for the winter 2012/13 season. The carrier's managing director Kevin George said: “We are delighted to be expanding our winter 2012/13 flights programme from Birmingham Airport, providing our customers in the Midlands with even more flexibility and choice. The launch of the Egypt flight, already a popular route for us out of Gatwick and Manchester airports, is a great opportunity for those who wish to escape the UK’s cold winters. This is followed by another exciting route launch in December when we have our first flight from Birmingham to the popular ski destination of Grenoble.”

Classic Collection adds properties in Sharm el Sheikh and a new Nile Cruise CONFIDENT THAT the booking situation to Egypt will improve for winter 2012/13 and summer 2013, Classic Collection Holidays has introduced two new properties in Sharm el Sheikh to its Egypt 2012/13 programme and a Nile cruise on a deluxe traditional Dahabeya boat. The operator reports that summer sales are currently 6% up year-on-year and winter sales are already slightly ahead of last year, which has promoted the company to feature the five-star deluxe Stella di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa in Na’ama Bay and the five-star Grand Rotana Resort & Spa in Sharks Bay. Early booking offers are applicable to both hotels with savings of up to £112 per couple per week at the Grand Rotana Resort & Spa on all holidays booked

before April 30, 2013 for travel next summer. Seven-night winter prices start from £669 per person. The Stella di Mare has the same early booking offer but with savings of up to £84 per couple per week, with sevennight prices starting from £613 per person. The operator has also introduced Nile cruises on the luxury Yakouta Elite Dahabeya, a traditionally styled Nile river boat as historically used by Ottoman officials and the favoured transport in ancient times of Cleopatra and Julius Ceasar. The vessel, which is a modern replica of a traditional Dahabey, offers six deluxe cabins and can be booked exclusively for small groups, or the cabins can be

MS Yakouta Elite Dahabeya

booked individually. The eight or six day cruise starts from Esna and highlights include the temple at Edfu, El Silsela temple, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Full board prices start from £1,365 per person for the six-day cruise this winter, excluding flights and transfers. For details call 0800-008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

Olympic Holidays confident of booking increase following revised hotel rates WITH HOTELIERS on Egypt's Red Sea coast still offering generous rates to win back business lost during the Middle East's political turmoil, Olympic Holidays views the Red Sea's future with confidence. The operator's commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: "While the Red Sea resorts are far removed from what's happened in Cairo, their business has suffered as a result. But they have responded well and the hotel rates reflected in our new Winter Sun 2012/13 brochure are exceptional, making a holiday in Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, El Gouna and other resorts more affordable then ever. "Considering the current limitations on capacity, the Red Sea has sold well for us this past summer and sales overall for the region have been better than we might have expected. "A Red Sea holiday represents excellent value as the flight is five hours and the standard of hotels in the region is extremely high, from three-star right through to luxury level." For the coming winter the company is offering direct flights from major UK airports to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada using easyJet, Thomson Airways, Monarch and

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other carriers. Lambrianides said: "There are outstanding offers to be found in all the Red Sea resorts. Great prices from hotels like the Savoy Sharm and the Hiltons have made it a superb holiday option." Meanwhile, the operator has added the four-star Ibis Styles Dahab Lagoon hotel, the former Coralia, in Dahab, 60 miles from Sharm el Sheikh, in its new Winter Sun 2012/13 brochure. The hotel offers 139 rooms, including three suites and 20 family rooms and is located two miles from Dahab's resort centre, on a 650m stretch of sandy beach. In the company's 2013 Summer Sun programme, Red Sea additions include the three-star Naama Star Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh and the five-star Movenpick Resort Hurghada in Hurghada. As an example of prices, a seven-night half-board stay at the newly featured four-star Ibis Styles Dahab Lagoon costs from £426 per person in February 2013, based on two sharing a standard garden view room. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers. For more information or to book call 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

October 26 2012

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redsea Red Sea Holidays' latest brochure features new resorts & deals RED SEA Holidays has issued a new October 2012– November 2013 brochure featuring new resorts and offers. Building on its existing offering, the new brochure features a redesign to reflect the more upmarket product offering. Highlights include both customer and Tripadvisor reviews for the first time, new resorts and increased excursion and golf options and pre-bookable golf packages at a choice of PGA-designed golf courses in locations in Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Soma Bay and Sharm el Sheikh. The operator has been collecting customer satisfaction surveys from all Red Sea hotels and third party hotels since summer 2012, and has used the data for on-going quality control and in developing the sun ratings for each hotel. All hotels now display customer ratings for location, accommodation, food and overall satisfaction. The total number of people rating their Red Sea Holidays holiday as good or

Makadi Spa Hotel

excellent currently stands at 95%. Jason Hilton, the company's sales director, said: "We are enjoying continued growth and we’re confident that with our increased product offering we will maintain our reputation as Egypt experts. "Our new brochure reflects the quality of product development and

with a bigger choice than ever there is something for every holidaymaker. We’ve had a strong summer with sales figures and revenues up on summer 2011 and winter 2012/2013 sales already off to a promising start. We’d attribute this to the increased demand that we’ve seen and our increased flying programme into the Red

Sea which has grown by more than 40% for this winter.” As an example of packages, a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Makadi Spa in Makadi Bay leads in at £645 per person. It includes flights from Gatwick and is based on departures from November 26-December 17.

MÖVENPICK HOTELS & Resorts has taken over two existing properties in Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. The Mövenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh is located at the end of Naama Bay and offers views over the bay and five private beaches close to natural corals. The property offers 302 sea-facing rooms and villas. The Mövenpick Resort Hurghada (pictured) offers 252 rooms and suites and is located on a long stretch of private beach, complete with its own marina. The resort offers a range of entertainment and activities for guests, including watersports, a private diving centre and horse-riding. The company has also announced that in the first quarter of next year, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Soma Bay will open, offering 424 rooms, a spa, seafood restaurant and meeting facilities.

October 26 2012

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railfocus

Inca Rail & Andean Railways sign agreement for new Peru service INCA RAIL and Andean Railways have signed an agreement for the creation of Peru’s second largest private passenger rail company. Until now, the companies have operated independent rail services carrying tourists between the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu. Juan Alberto Forsyth, CEO for Inca

Rail, said: “This is still work in progress, but we are already benefiting from many operational synergies and we are providing our passengers with improved services and facilities. This is a partnership of like-minded organisations. "Our friends at Andean Railways share our belief in the importance of great customer service, sustainable

and authentic travel experiences and the care and protection of Peru’s amazing natural environment.” By combining their marketing and operational resources, the new partnership expects traffic to grow to more than 250,000 passengers next year, with plans to double this by 2015. For details see www.incarail.com

Rail Europe offers buy-one-get-one-free Swiss Pass RAIL EUROPE is offering two Swiss Passes for the price of one for travel until the end of next month. The pass offers unlimited rail travel on long-distance and local train services throughout Switzerland. It also covers the public transport systems of around 40 Swiss cities, offers discounted accommodation in many Swiss hotels and allows free admission to more than 400 museums throughout the country. The pass will also cover travel on the majority of the

country’s scenic rail routes and boat cruises, including the Glacier Express, the Chocolate Train and the Bernina Express. Until November 23, clients booking a fourday Saver consecutive pass (normally £167 per person), or a four-day flexi-pass (normally £193 per person), can buy one and get one free. Travel using the pass must be completed by November 30. For more information or to book call 0844-848 4066.

New offers from Great Southern Rail GREAT SOUTHERN Rail has extended its industry offer for travel in Gold Service, offering buy-one-get-one-free bookings until November 30. The company has also introduced a 30% discount off Gold Service or the AUD$ equivalent off Platinum Service if booked by December 24, for travel up to March 31, 2013.

Agents can offer clients free Eurostar upgrade with Kirker Holidays AGENTS HAVE until October 31 to offer clients a complimentary upgrade to Standard Premier Eurostar travel on short breaks by Kirker Holidays, alongside additional offers and discounts. The upgrade is valid for new bookings only and applies to travel between

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November 1 and December 31, subject to availability. Sample packages include a three-night stay in Bruges at the four-star Grand Hotel Casselbergh. Prices start from £395 per person for Sunday to Thursday trips, offering a saving of £100 per person.

Alternatively, guests can receive up to 20% discount on weekend stays in Brussels during November and December. Three nights at the five-star Hotel Amigo start from £460 per person, saving £98 per person. Prices are based on two people sharing and include

Standard Premier travel, breakfast accommodation, guide notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of a concierge. Some packages also include private transfers. For more information call 020-7593 2288 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

October 26 2012

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railfocus Great Rail Journeys & Treyn introduce 39 new tours for 2013 GREAT RAIL Journeys and Treyn have together launched 39 new tours for next year, including destinations from England to Ecuador. Tony Byrne, national sales manager for both companies, said: “Travel agents have given tremendous support to Great Rail Journeys and Treyn this year and I am sure this will continue in 2013. Our trade sales have increased by 25% yearon-year and we may well expand our sales team by the end of the year to meet demand from travel agents.” New options include the seven-day Castle in the Highlands Scotland tour, with prices starting from £645 per person based on two sharing. It includes two nights’ half-board hotel accommodation in Glasgow; four nights’ half-board accommodation at Glenborrodale Castle, including a Haunch of Venison Dinner on the final evening; three journeys on the West Highlands Line, including one on the Jacobite Steam Train (the ‘Hogwarts Express’); and other selected excursions and tours. The price is based on an April 21 departure and includes the services of a tour manager. Other tours include the 13-day Puglia & Basilicata programme, which leads in at £1,875 per person based on two sharing. It includes Standard Premier Class Eurostar travel

The new Catalan Coast tour

from London including a light meal and drinks, First Class rail travel as described in the itinerary, 12 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, ten dinners, guided tours, selected excursions, transfers and most porterage. The price is based on an April 5 departure and includes the services of a tour manager. For more information see www.greatrail.com and www.railholidays.com

Diamond Rail Holidays highlights dedicated agents' training site & issues new brochure DIAMOND RAIL Holidays has launched its latest brochure for 2013, in which all but one of the fully escorted tours begin with a Eurostar journey from St Pancras, and all include rail journeys through destinations including Switzerland, France, Marrakech, Scandinavia, the Italian Lakes, Austria and Scotland. The company is also offering visits to agents to provide detailed training and briefing, supported by the launch of its dedicated agents’ site.

Highlights for next year include a six-day Jacobite Steam Train tour exploring Scotland’s scenery, with a trip on the Paddle Steamer Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. An alternative seven-day trip is also available combining a visit to Edinburgh and the chance to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Prices start from £699 per person. Meanwhile, a five-day Glacier Express Winter Magic programme has two winter departure dates and

includes a trip on the world’s slowest express train through the Swiss Alps, with prices from £799. All tours include travel by Eurostar from St Pancras; onward return rail travel; hotel accommodation with many meals included; excursions; and tour managers. Most also include optional rail travel from points nationwide. For more information call 0844-544 7581 or visit www.sellingrailholidays.com

Free off-train excursions from Danube Express THE DANUBE Express has issued its 2013 programme featuring new itineraries and all off-train excursions included at no extra cost. New for next year, the company is introducing the Central European itinerary, which departs from Budapest and visits the cities and palaces of Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic, with the tour concluding in Prague. Meanwhile, a Transylvanian tour crosses Central Europe, journeying through four countries in four days. Starting in Istanbul, the itinerary includes Bulgaria and the Carpathian Mountains en-route to Transylvania, where guests can discover the sights linked to the Dracula legend in Braşov and Sighişoara. The final leg of the journey crosses the Great Hungarian Plain with a visit to a ‘Puszta’ horseshow ahead of arrival in Budapest. This journey is also available in the reverse direction from Budapest to Istanbul and both of the above tours lead in at £2,790 including three nights’ accommodation on the train. Alternatively, guests can now combine the Transylvanian and Central European journeys to visit eight countries in ten days. Prices start from £4,990 including six nights on the train and three nights’ breakfast accommodation in Budapest at the four-star Danubius Hotel Astoria. Prices are per person and are based on two sharing a deluxe twin ensuite compartment on the train with all meals, complimentary beverages, scheduled sightseeing and the services of a train manager for selected departure dates in May, June and September. Deluxe single accommodation is available at a supplement. The company can also add on services for air or rail travel from the UK as well as four- and five-star hotel accommodation. For more information call 01462-441400 or visit www.danube-express.com

October 26 2012

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railfocus Rocky Mountaineer unveils new options for 2013 including Coastal Passage route ROCKY MOUNTAINEER has announced a range of new travel options for next year. The company will introduce a new stop in Lake Louise that will enhance its First Passage to the West journey; debut its Coastal Passage route, a scenic journey departing Seattle, Washington State; and offers SilverLeaf Service departures on its Journey through the Clouds route. The company's director of sales EMEA Leslie Peden said: “We are always looking for new ways to keep our

product best-in-class and offer greater travel options for our guests. With the launch of these innovative initiatives, travellers will have even more choice to see and experience Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies by rail." The introduction of Lake Louise, Alberta, as a destination on the First Passage to the West route will enable guests staying at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise a quick and direct transfer to their hotel. Coach transfers are

included on all packages except two-day rail-only. The Coastal Passage route will connect Seattle and Vancouver en-route to the Canadian Rockies. Guests will traverse the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and the mountains of the Canadian Rockies. The onboard experience includes GoldLeaf Service in a bilevel custom-designed dome coach, offering panoramic views with gourmet cuisine in a private dining room and

personalised service. SilverLeaf Service will also be available on the Journey through the Clouds route between Vancouver and Jasper, Alberta. Guests will see the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson and Pyramid Falls. The singlelevel glass domed coach offers a 167% larger viewing area than RedLeaf Service and guests will be provided with commentary and a hot meal service at their seats. For details visit agent.rockymountaineer.com or call 00 800-0606 7372.

Eurostar teams with TGV Lyria to launch weekly service to Switzerland THIS WINTER, Eurostar is partnering with the international high-speed train service TGV Lyria to launch a new weekly service between London and some of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts. On sale now, the new service will carry ski and snowboarding enthusiasts from St Pancras and Ashford to the heart of the Swiss Alps and the Valais region from December 22 until April 13 next year. Resorts include Verbier, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Gstaad. Nick Mercer, the company's commercial director, said: “Our research shows ski customers are seeking a more civilised way to reach their resorts by travelling by highspeed rail from London to the heart of the Swiss Alps. Our direct ski services to the French Alps have grown in popularity year-on-year and we expect this new service to the Swiss Alps to have similar appeal. “With the highest runs in Europe, spectacular scenery and reliable snow, Swiss skiing offers something for everyone. With the resorts located just

a short distance from the train stations, passengers have a much more seamless journey than travelling by air.” With a connection in Lille Europe on to a high-speed service, passengers will arrive into Aigle, Martigny, Visp and Brig stations for onward transfers to their resorts. Ski passengers will also be able to carry an extra item of

luggage in addition to the normal luggage allowance at no extra cost. Return fares start from £189, with Standard Premier fares from £299, offering more spacious seating as well as light meals and drinks. The company’s direct ski services to the French Alps are also open for sale. For more information call 0843-218 6186 or visit www.eurostar.com

Festive journeys on British Pullman & Northern Belle from Orient-Express THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Orient-Express is offering a selection of seasonal journeys on the British Pullman and Northern Belle. Christmas Shopping on the Rails will depart from London Victoria on December 6, showcasing a selection of seasonal gifts and products from British brands on the Northern Belle. Experts from each brand will be on hand to offer advice and top tips. A four-course Christmas lunch will be served with Champagne and wine, and prices lead in at £350 per person. Clients can also opt for a Canterbury Carols tour on the British Pullman on December 11 or 18. Departing from

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London Victoria, guests will see the choir perform at Canterbury Cathedral and will then sing their favourite carols before having the chance to do some Christmas shopping. A four-course dinner will then be served with Champagne and wine on the train as it makes its way back to London. Prices lead in at £395 per person. The Northern Belle will also host Christmas dinners, departing on December 6 from Edinburgh and on December 12 from Ipswich and Norwich, with prices starting from £240 per person. For more information call 0845-077 2222 or visit www.orient-express.com

October 26 2012

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S07 TB2610 Accommodation Only_Layout 1 24/10/2012 14:17 Page 27

Five nights for the price of four at Florida’s Pointe Estero Resort POINTE ESTERO Resort is running a ‘Gimme five’ offer, where five nights are available for the price of four until December 20. The resort is located on a private beach on Estero Island, south-west Florida, and features suites with their own Jacuzzis alongside a heated swimming pool, private tennis court, outdoor hot tub, fishing and watersports on the private beach. The offer must be booked online at www.pointeestero.com and prices start from £87 per night for a one-bedroom Gulf view suite. Meanwhile, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, located on Estero Bay, has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation throughout the summer, in preparation for winter. A stay at the hotel from November 16-23 costs £1,050 based on two people sharing a double room. For more information or to book visit www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com Direct flights from Heathrow to Miami with Virgin Atlantic start from £682 per person and car hire is available with Hertz from £128.85 for a week’s hire in a Kia Rio, with both of the above resorts about a three-hour drive away from Miami.

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HOTEL LONE, Croatia’s first member of Design Hotels, has opened Prostor (‘Space’), a design store offering an exclusive range of products made by independent Croatian designers and artists. The hotel has also launched a new menu at its L restaurant, offering healthy, light lunchtime dishes and unusual evening meals. For details see www.lonehotel.com/en

Look beyond the beaches with Mallorca Farmhouses MALLORCA FARMHOUSES is offering a choice of private villas, cottages and converted farmhouses in some of Mallorca’s more rural locations. All properties feature a private pool and maid service, and nearly all offer complimentary internet connection. An example of properties is the Finca Sa Cavea, which is a four-bedroom farmhouse dating back to 1725. It is located in the south-eastern village of Cas Concos and is a short walk away from local amenities. Surrounded by miles of countryside, guests can hire bikes or visit the nearby tennis courts. The prehistoric Caves of Drac, which is host to Lake Martel – one of the largest underground lakes in the world – are located close by. Available this autumn/winter from £665 per week and sleeping eight, a week's stay at the property leads in at £83 per person. For more information or to book call 0845-800 8080 or visit www.mallorca.co.uk

IAVRA.com highlights how agents can get a piece of the holiday rental market pie IN AN effort to encourage and help travel agents take advantage of the $100billion vacation rental market, B2B holiday property rental site, www.IAVRA.com, is offering new agents a special promotion. Following a 30-day no obligation free trial, agents will be able to subscribe to the platform on a reduced monthly fee for the first year. The company says that there has been a growing trend towards holiday

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rentals as travellers crave bespoke experiences which go beyond typical planned holidays, and that rentals such as villas, city apartments and chalets provide the answer to this desire by providing the discerning traveller with privacy, intimacy and luxury that can be tailored to each individual holiday. The company’s portfolio includes properties from 51 countries across a range of prices, with the biggest

collections in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Caribbean and Mexico. Prices lead in at £300 per week for a two-bedroom property in Cyprus. Agents will earn a guaranteed minimum 10% commission on every rental. For more information visit www.iavra.com and quote promo code: FYPROMO for the reduced rate.

October 26 2012

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acommodationonly Hoseasons launches 2013 Holiday Cottages programme plus exclusive new range HOSEASONS HAS launched its 2013 Holiday Cottages programme, with around 1,600 hand-picked properties across the UK. More than 150 properties are new to the company's portfolio, ranging from the contemporary and modern to chocolate box cottages with plenty of history, as well as an eclectic mix of castles, manor houses, and converted mills, brewhouses, chapels, smithies and forges. Also included in the programme is a range of more than 250 Ultimate Cottages, which offer added extras such as swimming pools, luxury furnishings, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, hot tubs or particularly stunning locations. The programme features an extended selection of short breaks, with many properties offering short stays of two, three or four nights. The cottages sleep between two and 24 people – or more in groups of cottages. More than 1,000 properties also welcome pets, with prices starting from £260 for seven nights. Amongst the new properties introduced for the 2013 programme is Millcroft House in Derbyshire, a spacious and contemporary detached house sleeping 12 in seven bedrooms ideal for a large family. The property features two sitting rooms, five bath/shower rooms, a conservatory, games room and a large enclosed lawned garden with a patio area and hot tub. Prices start from £743 per week. Another new addition is The Stable in Southend-on-Sea in Essex. Offering sea views from the first floor, the cottage offers a fully-enclosed garden and sleeps two. Prices start from £331. Meanwhile, the operator has launched an exclusive new

range for 2013 called ‘Daisy Door, Cottage Style Collections’. The new collection combines the home comforts of a holiday cottage with the facilities of a park and lodge resort – offering consumers the opportunity of a flexible self-catering break. The new accommodation range is aimed at families, couples and groups of friends, with the accommodation providing the flexibility for large gatherings and special occasions. Four locations have been chosen to launch the new collection - Looe in Cornwall, Ayrshire in Scotland, Harrogate in Yorkshire and Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight. The company's managing director Pali Badwal said: “This is the latest in our on-going product development, and has been completely driven by listening to the new experiences our customers want. We found that people wanted a combination of the home-like feel of a cottage, and the luxury it brings, combined with some additional amenities such as outdoor adventure play areas and hot tubs. “One of the other unique differences is the creation of a focal point for holidaymakers during their stay. So, as well as the usual advantages of the cottage break, there will be someone on hand from arrival to departure, able to offer advice, recommendations and help through their stay.” The cottages sleep between two to eight people and offer a mix of contemporary and traditional, but with the emphasis on cottage style breaks. While each location will have its own individual feel there will also be a universal level of quality across all the Daisy Door accommodations, including flat screen TVs, DVD players, pocket sprung mattresses and quality linen and towels. The new sites will also offer free Wi-fi, walking and cycling routes direct from the door step and a good local pub within a couple of miles. There are also pet-friendly cottages and cottages with hot tubs available in each location. For more information visit www.hoseasons.co.uk or call 0844-847 1100.

Superbreak adds new hotel in Lake District SUPERBREAK HAS added the three-star Regent Hotel in the Lake District to its portfolio. The hotel, which is located at Waterhead Bay on the shores of Lake Windermere, offers a central location for exploring the region and 30 rooms. Situated a ten-minute drive from Windermere, Grasmere and Hawkshead, the property offers an indoor swimming pool and local fresh food. Prices lead in at £59.50 per person per night, including breakfast. For more information call 0871-221 4444 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

THE WOOD Norton, a newlyrestored Grade II listed boutique hotel in the Vale of Evesham, is set to open this autumn following a £4million restoration. The hotel consists of three main buildings – The Hall, Pear Tree Mews and Smith’s House – each offering a range of accommodation and meeting room space. One night’s bed-and-breakfast accommodation costs from £85 per room per night, while suites start from £235. For details call 0843-357 5585 or visit www.bespokehotels.com/ woodnortonhall

DoubleTree by Hilton opens fourth hotel in Greater Boston DOUBLETREE BY Hilton has announced the opening of a newly renovated hotel situated on Boston’s North Shore. The 364-room hotel features contemporary décor and furnishings and offers facilities such as complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and high-definition LCD TVs with XFinity fibreoptics. The hotel is located near Logan

October 26 2012

International Airport (BOS), the Beverly (Mass.) Municipal Airport and an hour away from Manchester (N.H.) International Airport. A Double Hilton HHonors bonus offer is currently available for stays from Sunday through Wednesday until December 30 inclusive. For more information or to book visit www.doubletree.com or call 0870-590 9090.

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accommodationonly Kimpton opens new property in Philadelphia KIMPTON HOTELS & Restaurants has opened its latest property, Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. The four-star hotel comprises 11 floors with 268 guestrooms, including 17 suites and 27 King Spa rooms. There is also 13,000sq.ft of meeting space and a ballroom. Other features include complimentary Wi-fi, a nightly manager-hosted wine hour in the living room and a fitness centre. For adventureseeking guests, the hotel provides bicycles and there are kites in every guest room for complimentary use. For more information visit www.kimptonhotels.com

Getabed.co.uk expands sales team GETABED.CO.UK HAS expanded its sales team to focus on travel agents in the north of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Amanda Leggett has joined the Hove-based business as business development manager (north) and will work alongside sales director Mark Hopper. Previous travel industry roles for Leggett include business development manager for luxury operator If Only. The company's commercial director Tony Quinn said: “We are delighted that Amanda has joined our team. We have ambitious growth plans for this, our 21st year, and her expertise and hands-on approach to the crucial north of England and Scottish markets will be invaluable moving forward.” Amanda Leggett

Casa Gangotena introduces Quiteño Culinary Tours THE CASA Gangotena Hotel in Quito, Ecuador is offering a culinary tour that takes guests through the San Roque food shops and market, introducing them to the flavours and produce of the neighbourhood. The hotel’s executive chef, Andrés Dávila, escorts guests on the Tour of Old Town Quito, which includes a stop at a ritualistic healing area and a visit to Molinos de San Martín, the last-surviving mill in the area. Here, the owners show guests the varieties

of flour they produce from Andean grains and pulses, many employed in preparing the restaurant’s dishes. Prices lead in at $460 (approximatley £285.84) for one night including breakfast and the tour costs from $45 (approximately £27.94). The tour is exclusive to those staying at the hotel and 48 hours’ notice is required for bookings, with a maximum of six people in a group. For more information visit www.casagangotena.com

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acommodationonly HRS reveals hotel room rates on the rise

We asked our staff the following question this week: What's the worst food on a menu that someone could order for you? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Oysters in a cream sauce

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Curry or any type of seafood

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Any cruel foods such as Foie Gras or Lobster

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Oysters, escargot, spinach and broccoli bake

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk A curry, the hotter the worst!

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Dry tuna with hard-boiled potatoes

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

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com Anything with raw tomatoes in

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@alaincharles.com A bowl of salad, with tomatoes and anchovies

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com

LONDON HAS seen room rates rental car reservations and other soar in the second quarter of 2012, important travel documentation according to HRS’ recent Hotel can all be stored in the Passbook Price Radar. The average room and accessed on the go. rate in London increased by 7.19% The company's managing from the same period last year. director Jon West said: “Working The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with the Apple Passbook celebrations, as well as the application is hugely exciting for imminent approach of the HRS. The Passbook enables us to Olympics, fuelled tourism in the supply our customers with capital, and pushed up hotel concise, up-to-the-minute prices as a result. information on their The company travel arrangements. Passbook HRS compared hotel room “We see a huge prices in ten cities potential for this across the UK and the application – rest of the world in Passbook could the second quarter of become the core 2012 with prices from application for the the same period the future management previous year, and of all digital New York has come reservations and out top with travellers tickets.” paying an average of The company has €187.25 per night for also launched a hotel room. The HRStimator, an cheapest hotel stays online calculator were once again in application that Bangkok with an allows users to see average rate of less how they can save up than €53.79 per room to 30% on their per night. annual hotel spend. Meanwhile, the The online tool hotel portal has been selected as enables corporates of all sizes to the hotel launch partner for the calculate the potential cost saving new Apple Passbook app, enabling they can gain by using HRS, iPhone and iPad users to access choosing from more than 250,000 documents and hotel data at a chain and independent hotels, glance. Customers will only have including 170,000 that are not to present their confirmation on available anywhere else. For more information visit the phone’s display when www.hrscorporate.com/savings checking-in. Hotel reservations, and www.hrs.com train tickets, boarding passes,

Snails and Frogs legs

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Oysters, sloppy salmon & squishy butternut

Production: Jeremy Walters production@travelbulletin.co.uk Tougue, makes me gag

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

October 26 2012

Hotelbeds expands in MEAPAC region HOTELBEDS, WHICH supplies more than 45,000 hotels across 147 countries to travel agents, airlines and tour operators, has announced its plans to grow the brand in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region. MEAPAC is comprised of the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Pacific Islands, and is the largest region for Hotelbeds worldwide. The company's managing director Carlos Muñoz said: “MEAPAC is where we see the greatest opportunities. It is now the fastest growing area of our business and an area we are very excited to be developing and investing in.” The company estimates a 40% future growth for the MEAPAC region by 2015, outperforming the estimated market growth (9.1%) and is looking to double its hotel portfolio in the next five years, with particular focus on Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan. For details see www.hotelbeds.com

puzzlesolutions Travagrams: (top) Cunard

(bottom) Las Vegas

Where Am I?: Madeira

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Pei Cobb Freed & Partners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SRA Architectes

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

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MALTA & GOZO Prestige Holidays offer a range of 4 and 5 star hotels in Malta and Gozo, from traditional elegant hotels to the more modern beachfront hotels, something to suit every client. Ask about all our latest offers to Malta including free nights and free room upgrades. Prices from ÂŁ667 at a 5 star hotel for a week in October. We offer flexibility using scheduled flights, so can offer long stays or short breaks for your clients. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget you will receive Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/malta