Travel Bulletin 30th March 2012

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March 30 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,772 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

All About

north africa

Cruising

March 2012

Your one-stop guide

A round-up of new itineraries & the latest offers

to all the latest news and developm ents in North Africa

Produced by

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

North Africa supplement with this issue

this week agent bulletin 9 Crystal Cruises offers agents ÂŁ50 Love2Shop voucher in new booking incentive

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uk & ireland Tourism Ireland jumps to it with new campaign to boost visitors from UK

cultural tours & eco-tourism Tourism Authority of Thailand highlights eco-tourism initiatives for holidaymakers

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india Travelsphere predicts India will be top-seller for 2013

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newsbulletin

This Week news 3

TWITCHING TIME...Saint Lucia Tourist Board hosted its first birding fam trip earlier this month and the group, including owners and senior staff from UK birding operators, spotted all the endemic birds of Saint Lucia including the island's national bird, the Jacquot Parrot and also visited a range of properties. Pictured taking in the sights are, from the left: Sarah-Jane Thompson, Wild Wings; Adams Toussaint, Saint Lucia Forestry Department; Nigel Jones, Ornitholidays; Sylvester Augustin, St Lucia Birding; Gerry Griffiths, Avian Adventures; Keith Vinicombe, Bird Watch; and John BrodieGood, Wild Wings. All attendees will be adding Saint Lucia to their birding programmes for 2012 & 2013.

notes from normanton

Leger Holidays reveals consumer trends for 2012 getaways

a round-up of the latest news, developments & deals

8 9 11

agent bulletin Crystal Cruises offers agents £50 Love2Shop voucher for bookings on selected Med voyages

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

all about me

Inset - Cosmos, Burma

one homeworker reveals her experiences in the travel industry

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event bulletin

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uk & ireland

Cover Pictures: Main - Seven Seas Voyager

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discover what the owner of Sandy Travel has been up to lately

22 & eco-tourism

the news in pictures from Tourism Ireland's new promotional plan Tourism Ireland jumps to it with new campaign to boost visitors from UK

cultural tours

the Tourism Authority of Thailand highlights ecotourism initiatives for holidaymakers

25

india

29

cruising

Travelsphere predicts India will be top-seller for 2013 a round-up of new itineraries & the latest offers

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

ACCORDING TO Leger Holidays, 2012 is the year of upgrades and longer stays for British holidaymakers, despite the economic downtown, following a poll of more than 1,000 respondents.

When surveyed, more than 43% of Brits said that a holiday was what they were most looking forward to this year, and rather than cutting back on the occasion, the operator's sales suggest that consumers are now far more likely to make the most of their holiday allowance by opting for something extra special.

Key trends identified in the survey include upgrades: investing in extra comfort; longer stays: travelling for longer duration; and opting for experiential destinations.

In terms of luxury upgrades, compared to last year, the number of Silver Service short breaks sold by the operator is up by 33% this year, with as many as seven out of ten customers opting for the service when booking. Facilities include extra leg room, on-coach entertainment with free headphones, on-board climate control and a spacious rear lounge.

When it comes to booking a holiday, it’s not just the destinations or types of travel that people are investing in but the length of holiday too. As a result of this trend, the operator has seen a substantial rise in the sales of its tours of 12 days or more, recording a 40% year-on-year uplift.

Creating a holiday around a must-see destination or experience is also becoming increasingly popular amongst travellers. Rather than concentrating solely on rest and relaxation, holidaymakers are looking for locations which offer an added sense of achievement or the opportunity to experience things they haven’t witnessed before.

Events such as Formula 1’s Belgian Grand Prix and the Floriade 2012 Expo are currently some of the operator's most popular destinations, while for families Disneyland Paris is one of the most sought after experiences.

The operator's marketing director, Huw Williams, said: “Holidays have always provided that all important respite from day to day life. However, when facing economic climates like we see today, they become so much more vital for our wellbeing. As such, rather than budgeting or cutting back on their annual escapes; consumers are investing in them in order to making the very most of their time away.

It’s a real sign that people are more aware of the value of money and the importance of quality when it comes to something as critical as a break away.”

For more information call 0844-504 6250 or visit www.leger.co.uk

March 30 2012

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newsbulletin Superbreak introduces new London shows, events & attractions to programme SUPERBREAK IS featuring a range of new shows & attractions in London over the coming months.

As examples, a package that includes a saver ticket to watch Singin’ In the Rain costs from £102 per person, staying one night on a bed-and-breakfast basis at the threestar President Hotel, based on two sharing.

Other new shows include Sweeney Todd, The Sunshine Boys, All New People and Top Hat. Alongside concerts at the O2 Arena, this summer a range of new events for families are coming to London. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be launching in Kensington Gardens between May 8 and September 9.

Royal-themed events available include Buckingham Palace & Garden Highlights Tour, featuring an audio tour of the State Rooms and guided highlights tour of the 39 acre gardens, which is the setting of the Queen's Garden Parties will be available from August 16, including one night’s accommodation from £135 per person.

A Private Evening Tour of Buckingham Palace which features an exclusive evening guided tour of the State

Rooms once the doors have closed and which is exclusive to the operator is available on October 5 and 6, priced from £245 per person including two nights' accommodation.

New to the brochure and added to a hotel booking are a number of new attractions including a new Shark Reef Encounter at Sea Life London Aquarium from £18 per person, including priority entrance.

Also new for this year is a studio tour for The Making of Harry Potter from £162 per family including accommodation; London Rock Tour Classic Rock and Beatles Sites from £30 per adult and £20 per child (aged four-12); a visit to the London Film Museum from £13.30 per adult and £9.50 per child (aged five-15); a Private Tour Of Hampton Court from £99 per person including one night’s accommodation; a Private Evening Tour of The Tower of London from £139 per person including one night’s accommodation; and a Harrods Vintage Bus Tour including a river cruise & Champagne at Harrods for £49 per adult and £44 per child (aged four-15).

For details call 0871-221 1199 or visit www.superbreak.com/agents

Free 'Cruise the Blues' trip from AW ATTRACTION WORLD is offering a free ‘Cruise the Blues’ boat trip with lunch for clients booking one of eight specific tours in Turkey's Marmaris and Icmeler before the end of May. All tickets are fully commissionable to agents and tours featured in the deal include Scuba Diving for £15 per adults and £13 per child (aged seven12); a trip to Ephesus for £55 per adult and £28 per child; a trip to Dalyan (Caunos) by boat for £25 per adult and £13 per child; a trip to Pamukkale for £52 per adult and £26 per child; an Ephesus & Pamukkale tour for £90 per adult and £44 per child; an Ecoventure off-road safari for £22 per adult and £11 per child; a trip to Koycegiz Lake and Dalyan (Caunos) for £25 per adult and £13 per child; and a Turkish Night for £30 per adult and £15 per child.

For details see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

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VIKING VICTORY.... Joanna Lumley became the godmother of the Viking Odin, one of four new Viking River Cruises' Longships launched in Amsterdam last week, designed by maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten. The ships set sail immediately along a range of routes throughout Europe, taking in rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Great Rail Journeys - offering: first class rail travel, high standard hotels, all excursions

and most meals are included within the package price. To make a reservation call 01904 734200 and for further details on all our holidays visit: www.greatrail.com ● Cox & Kings - We hope that this new mini-brochure enables you to grow your luxury

short breaks sales and we look forward to serving you and your customers in the year ahead. For an even greater range of destinations check online at www.coxandkings.co.uk/short-breaks. ● Funway Holidays - Florida Preview out now, all the best offers for the sunshine state,

free lounge passes year-round from London, Gatwick and Manchester. Half price deposit for all April bookings. Seven nights for the price of 6 on villas and fantastic free Disney dining - book by July 10th.Reservations 0844 557 0626 or visit www.funway4agents.co.uk ● Viking River Cruises - The Great Big Viking River Cruises Giveaway - New Brochure,

New Ships, New Savings, Amazing Prizes to be won!

Email us at agents@vikingrivercruises.com

March 30 2012

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Spring opening for India’s Leela Palace Chennai LEELA PALACES, Hotels & Resorts is set to open its Leela Palace Chennai eighth property in Chennai in the South East of India this spring, which will be the city’s first beachfront luxury hotel.

The opening of Leela Palace Chennai will bring back some of the early glory of its history as the UK’s first bastion in India from which an empire grew – it was formerly a banana grove.

Located in a quiet residential area of Chennai, the 14-storey hotel is located on a 6.25-acre site facing the Bay of Bengal and will feature 329 rooms and suites; five international restaurants, serving Indian, Italian, Asian, Western and Japanese food; a dessert bar; spa; swimming pool and fitness centre. A 24-hour butler service will also be available in the Royal Club.

For more information visit www.theleela.com (India feature - page 25)

Late honeymoon escapes with Emirates Tours FOR CLIENTS looking to secure a late deal honeymoon package, Emirates Tours has put together a selection of offers at its finest properties across the Indian Ocean for travel from next month through to July.

Bookings must be made by April 30 and savings of up to £1,820 per couple are available, with extra benefits for the bride and groom.

As an example, a seven-night half-board stay at The Residence Mauritius costs from £3,169 per couple, offering a saving of £750. The price includes flights, a complimentary stay for the bride, complimentary Champagne and a Catamaran cruise. The offer is based on two people staying in a Colonial Garden View Room with breakfast and dinner daily and is valid for travel between May 1 and July 15.

For more information call 020-7590 1450.

£1million price tag for 124-day cruise SIX STAR Cruises has created a luxury 124-day holiday, which costs £8,000 per day.

The exclusive holiday, thought to be the most expensive cruise to ever go on sale, has been specifically designed for discerning holidaymakers who love to live the high life - and have deep pockets to match.

The cruise departs from Los Angeles in January next year and includes visits to a total of 28 countries including French Polynesia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Maldives and Mauritius.

The epic trip has every last detail catered for, and begins when the holidaymaker is picked up from their home

by Sikorsky helicopter.

The transfers whilst in the US are equally as glamorous - a chauffeur driven ride in a Rolls Royce Phantom.

Holidaymakers stay in the Royal Suite on 'Silver Whisper', which features two bedrooms over 1,000sq.ft., two marbled bathrooms, a separate dining area and bar and two spacious verandas.

For more information visit www.sixstarcruises.co.uk

Holy Island & Northumberland coast trip from Inntravel INNTRAVEL, WHICH offers a selection of self-guided short walking breaks in the UK, has launched a new Holy Island & The Northumberland Coast trip, which is available from April 1 to October 31.

Guests on the self-guided hotel-to-hotel walking break can discover the peace and tranquillity of rural Northumberland, taking in unspoiled coastlines.

Rural and coastal routes take in the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, St Cuthbert’s Way, Bamburgh Castle and the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.There is also the chance to take a boat trip to the Farne Islands to spot seals, migratory puffins and other seabirds up close.

Guests stay in two guesthouses - one adjacent to St Cuthbert’s Way footpath with coastal views across to Holy Island in Beal and a stay in a converted chapel in Seahouses.

Prices lead in at £280 per person based on two sharing and include four nights' breakfast accommodation, one picnic, luggage transfers between hotels and walking maps and notes.

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

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March 30 2012

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agentreview Gill Brown from Travelcentre in South Manchester booked a three-night stay at Travelodge, Sheffield Richmond.

Here's what she thought of the accommodation...

First impressions ..............................10/10 Nice out-of the way hotel but within easy reach of the city centre. A very warm welcome was received and although reception was not always manned, a quick press of the buzzer brought help immediately.

h c t a W Ones to rammes avel prog tr p to e th A pick of ant to miss... w 't n o d u yo

Great British Railway Journeys on Tuesday 3 April at 19:30 on BBC4 On his journey from Swindon to Penzance, Michael Portillo explores Torquay, where he meets meteorologist David Braine to find out whether the town is Britain's warmest spot. He also takes a trip on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, sails up the River Dart and visits Totnes.

Comfort ............................................10/10 Surroundings were very clean and comfortable. We were given more towels and bedding on request. I also asked for more tea/coffee which we were given. A problem with the bedroom heater was immediately fixed and the person who fixed it was extremely helpful.

Quality ..............................................10/10 Excellent – especially for a budget hotel. It felt like five-star.

Affordability ......................................10/10 Very affordable – it cost around £60 a night as this was a short notice booking. The hotel also offers excellent deals if you book well ahead. Staff were extremely courteous and polite and any special requests we made were met.

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

Budget hotels such as the Travelodge are fantastic. You don’t need to pay top prices for top hotels. The Travelodge really is top accommodation with excellent service.

Overall scoring: ..................

10 / 10

MOVERS Oceania Cruises has appointed Louise Craddock as sales manager, South of England, to spearhead a new sales drive to agents operating in the South. ● Ian Thomas has been appointed commercial director for QHotels. ● David Hinder has been appointed sales executive for the South West and South Wales at Superbreak. ● Intrepid Travel has appointed Lizzie Maber as sales & marketing coordinator. ● Danielle Genty-Nott has been appointed regional manager, UK and Europe at Tourism New Zealand. ● TAP Portugal, a member of Star Alliance, has appointed Rui Lemos as general manager for the UK. ● Brittany Ferries has appointed Dan Joynes as business & trade development manager in order to strengthen the company’s relationship with the trade. ● Accor has appointed Thomas Dubaere as managing director for UK and Ireland. ● Wendy Wu Tours has appointed Ben Briggs as marketing manager. ● Visit York has appointed Nick Cust OBE as chairman. ●

St Lucia Jazz Festival package from Funway

Gill receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for her review.

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

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March 30 2012

NOW IN its 21st year, the St Lucia Jazz Festival has become one of the major events on St. Lucian’s calendar of events.

During the month of May, more than 50 international, regional and local artists will perform, with multi Grammy award winner Lionel Richie set to take centre stage.

Other confirmed acts include Ziggy Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley; R&B singer Keri Hilson; The Gypsy Kings and jazz artist Joshua Redman.

The event takes place from April 30 to May 30 and Funway Holidays has put together a special 11-night package for jazz enthusiasts. Prices lead in at £1,999 per person based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation at Sandals Halcyon and flights with BA, based on travel on April 27.

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Butlins adds new flavours to short breaks with launch of three restaurants BUTLINS HAS launched three new dining options – The Deck, Beachcomber Inn and The Firehouse Grill.

The Deck restaurant, at the Bognor Regis resort, opened this month and is designed for those staying at the soon-toopen Wave Hotel. The restaurant will offer a grilled BBQ selection as well as a variety of fresh pasta and sauces cooked to order.

Also in Bognor Regis, a new Beachcomber Inn offers a modern gastro-style pub serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has a new lounge menu serving lighter bites throughout the day, as well as a children’s menu.

Meanwhile, the Minehead resort also

has a new addition to its restaurant portfolio in the form of the new Firehouse Grill, a new restaurant giving guests the chance to spice up a choice of meat and have it cooked to individual taste. The restaurant also has vegetarian options as well as a frozen yoghurt bar and a dedicated children’s menu.

Dining plans are available to buy for £13.50 per adult per day and £6.75 per child for food court dining. Premium dining plans cost £21 per adult per day and £10.50 per child.

Prices at the Wave Hotel and Apartments start from £689 for a family of four sharing a Reef Apartment on a self-catering basis for a three-night

The Wave Hotel

weekend stay. This includes access to a range of facilities and activities including sports coaching, the funfair, Splash Waterworld and all live entertainment.

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

Summer savings of up to £2,160 with Swan Hellenic SWAN HELLENIC is offering savings of up to £2,160 per cabin this summer.

Clients paying in full at the time of booking can cruise from £1,705 per person for a 15-day cruise on MV Minerva. Each booking is non-refundable and the cabin number will be allocated the day before the cruise departs.

As an example of prices, a 14-day Gardens of the Celtic Fringe cruise leads in at £1,745 per person and offers a 20%

saving (£1,700 per cabin) on the brochure price. The cruise departs on July 19 from Portsmouth and calls at destinations in Ireland, England, Guernsey and France. Excursions include the Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Beara, Tresco Abbey Gardens, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Seine River transit to Rouen.

For more information visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844-822 0679.

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Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N HANK GOODNESS it has been a bit busier – and it’s great that we have lots of nice sunshine to encourage people – it certainly seems to be making people think they really need a holiday (I know the feeling!) I also think people seem to be in a more positive frame of mind. I have redone my window and put a map of the world in - if nothing else it makes people stop to look, even if it is only to point out where they have been!

Kieran from Jet2Holidays came in to see us. They are certainly proving a good alternative (as well as in their own right) to sell for Thomsons and Thomas Cook when their prices are ridiculous on their Website and we have managed to cross sell quite a few - worth considering.

Had a great night at the Geordie Ball - thanks to Stephanie Robins of Antatolian Sky for inviting me and I am sure Darren and his team will have raised lots of money for St.Oswalds Children’s Hospice, Newcastle.

The good news is that Stephanie has agreed to have a table at the Yorks Ball on the 12th July. There are still tables left, so come on you tour operators out there, support the Yorkshire Ball - it is a great evening and let’s face it, we don’t have many big events in Yorkshire.

The event is themed as ‘A night at the Oscars’ so email me for more details: Sandra@sandytravel.co.uk I can’t wait for the end of April (18th–22nd), when I will be spending a few nights (mini educational – thanks to Mark Richardson of Constantinou ) at the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites in Paphos. It looks wonderful and it is quite a few years since I was last in Cyprus. I’ll also be celebrating a special birthday on the Jet2 flight coming back on the 22nd!

‘All except the shallowest living involves tearing up one rough draft after another’ and ‘Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead’.

T

TRAINING TRIO...AITO Specialist Travel Agents recently held its London product training roadshow at the Marylebone-based Swedish Church.

Hosted by Visit Sweden, attendees were updated on new developments in Sweden – including Daniel Craig’s starring role in the new Stieg Larsson film. Pictured is Julie Lovell (right) from Vacations to America showing the company’s latest brochure to June Blaiklock (left) from Traveltime and Debbie Suenson-Taylor from Haslemere Travel.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Brochure of the Week is: Treyn’s ‘Holidays by Rail’ brochure for Winter, Christmas & Spring 2012/13, including all the popular favourites and a number of new experiences. The brand new brochure contains over 30 tours including visits to Europe’s spring carnivals and snowy escapes; short breaks to Europe’s Christmas Markets; and Christmas & New Year celebrations.

●

There’s still time to win a superior Hotel Chocolat Easter Egg courtesy of Castaways.

Every booking before April 6 qualifies.

Visit www.castaways.co.uk/travel_agents.html to become a Preferred Agent.

All this and more at:

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

CYPRUS Cyplon Supreme Agents Club

Specialist in Tailor-Making Holidays matched by product knowledge & 40 years experience

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

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March 30 2012

email sales on how to join and what the benefits are

Price Matching Will be Considered Book on line www.cyplon.co.uk or Email: sales@cyplon.co.uk To request brochure or booking call us on 020

8340 7612 www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT is offering agents the chance to win a range of prizes in its new booking incentive. To be in with a chance of winning, agents need to register bookings for the company's Las Vegas resorts at www.caesarshowstopper.com before April 15.

Agents can also play the company's Tic-TacShow game to earn the chance to win one of nine random prize offerings, as well as refer colleagues to earn bonus entries for random prizes.

●

CRYSTAL CRUISES has launched a new incentive and is giving a £50 Love2Shop voucher to agents booking selected 2012 Mediterranean voyages between now and April 30. The incentive is valid for new bookings on all Serenity’s Mediterranean voyages departing between June 19 and November 28. Agents can claim their vouchers (by May 15) by emailing claire@cruiseportfolio.co.uk The new incentive is in addition to the line's 'Sell 3 Sail Free' incentive where agents who make three new bookings on any 2012 Mediterranean departures on Serenity can earn a free cruise for themselves and a partner on any of the company's 2012 departures.

For details call 020-7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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●

TRAVEL 2 is continuing its 30th birthday celebrations by offering agents the chance to win tickets to the Manchester Derby, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Winners will receive a ticket to watch what could be the title decider between Manchester City and Manchester United on Monday April 30 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. To qualify for the incentive, agents have to confirm a booking on any flight or package holiday to Abu Dhabi with the company by April 13. Agents will receive one entry for any flight booked and will receive three entries if they book a flight and hotel package.

See www.travel2.com for details.

PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS is offering agents booking winter breaks by April 30 a £10 Love2Shop voucher for every passenger booked to Canada or any of the operator's European destinations. Bookings to Bermuda will earn agents £20 per passenger and any non-winter bookings to Canada will earn £10 per booking on holidays up to the value of £5,000 and £20 for bookings above this.

Agent offer BALKAN HOLIDAYS has launched a new online training manual for agents to gain in depth knowledge of its featured destinations in Eastern Europe. The eightmodule programme covers the operator's winter and summer programmes and can be accessed via its dedicated agents' Website at www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents Agents successfully completing any of the manuals before the end of April will receive a certificate and the chance of winning one of six educational places to Bulgaria flying from either Doncaster, East Midlands, Edinburgh or Leeds Bradford airports. The operator has also announced that it is now live on the ABTA SPS Payment System.

For more information call 0845-130 1114.

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March 30 2012

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter...

Jet Airways For a 360º view of our flight simulator & detailed info about some major instruments in the cockpit, click here > http://bit.ly/GLHEGA PATA Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Open New Business Lounge http://ow.ly/9Ptq4 Best Western Hotels A “Girls Getaway” is fast becoming a growing trend in tourism. Have you recently taken a girls trip? http://bit.ly/AEx2Zd VisitBritain Discover why the London 2012 Olympics aren't just focussed on the Capital: http://ow.ly/9KngU Travel Professionals Reduced Rates + FREE Half Board - Hilton Vilamoura, Algarve. From £711pp, departs 1 Oct for 7nts on half board. http://l8card.co.uk/4R

Black Tomato Need a challenge? This is ours http://bit.ly/GJzjGp

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

Treyn issues new 'Rail & Stay' brochure RAIL HOLIDAY specialist, Treyn, has launched its new unescorted rail holiday product, ‘Rail & Stay’. The programme, which has a dedicated 24page brochure, has been designed for travellers who want an independent rail holiday without a group or tour manager, but with the confidence and value that all the hotel accommodation and rail travel has been checked and approved by the company.

The operator's new Rail & Stay programme offers European city breaks by rail to nine destinations including Paris, Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam, Berlin, Venice, Rome, Cologne and Nice. Each holiday includes rail travel from St Pancras in London (although rail travel from the traveller’s local destination can also be arranged) and hotel accommodation.

Brochure prices lead in at £195 per person for a twonight city break to Brussels including bed-andbreakfast accommodation at the three-star Park Inn Brussels Midi hotel which has a city centre location and Eurostar travel.

To book or for more information call 01904-734940 or visit www.railholidays.com

Summer sale by VoD offers savings of up to £1,953 per person VOYAGES OF Discovery is offering a series of summer savings of up to 40% per person on 2012 cruises. Prices start from £489 per person for an eight-day cruise, including transfers and gratuities.

All cabin grades have been reduced; meaning the higher the grade of cabin booked, the bigger the saving. The sale is valid on all bookings made before April 12.

As examples, an eight-day Voyage to the Mediterranean, departing on September 17, leads in at £489 per person, while a nine-day D-Day, Normandy, Dunkirk and Beyond itinerary departs on June 9 and costs from £589.

Prices include flights, transfers (where applicable), gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a guest speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on-board.

For more information call 0844-822 0820 or see www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

Olympic signs new deal with Aegean OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has strengthened its summer 2012 offering in signing a new deal with Aegean Airlines to provide flights on key routes this summer.

The first routes announced are Birmingham to Cyprus, Humberside to Crete, Belfast to Cyprus and Belfast to Rhodes, with the first departure on May 4.

Call 0844-499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com

Save on a Classic Round Voyage with Hurtigruten HURTIGRUTEN IS offering up to 25% off its Classic Round Voyage for selected departures next month, including direct flights.

Guests can save up to £535 per person on a 12-day voyage departing from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border and back, with prices leading in at £1,452 per person.

The charter flight packages will depart on April 9 and 20 from Stansted to Bergen and both voyages will be on board MS Nordnorge, a ship decorated in a maritime style with a slight art deco influence. Guests travelling in April will also be able to experience their journey under a new ‘Arctic Awakening’ theme, including a wide range of shore excursions and on board activities.

For details call 020-8846 2666 or see www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

FREE N FREE NO.1 O.1 TRAVELLER TR AVELLER LLOUNGE O U NG E P PASSES ASSES WITH W ITH EEVERY VER RY B OOKING TO TO BOOKING ORLANDO! O RL ANDO!

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PRICES P R I C E S FROM FR O M £ £575PP 575PP Brochure B rochure rrequests: e ques t s: w www.trade-gate.co.uk w w.trade -gate.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Ascetics Slurry

Number: 058

A➠

B➠ This cruise line sails on clear waters – but how clear are they?

C➠

Beanie Sours

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:

A great place to learn the Tango

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, April 5th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 16th March is Susan Tooke, Emsworth Travel in Hants.

March 16 Solution: A=7 B=4 C=6 D=8

The World Economic Forum is held in this popular ski resort.

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

Number: 058

Across 1. Family-owned operator specialising in Scandinavia (5) 4. Red Funnel operates to this port (5) 6. National airline of Lebanon (3) 7. P&O cruise ship exclusively for adults (6) 9. Rocky Mountain state (5) 12. Nassau International airport code (3) 13. Surname of Scottish musician, Midge (3) 14. Capital of Jordan (5) 16. Bird on Gulf Air's logo (6) 18. San Francisco airport code (3) 19. Flows between Devon and Cornwall (5) 20. Andorra is on the border of this country (5)

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Down 1. One of the judges on the TV talent show, The Voice (3,5) 2. Known as the Living Museum of the North (7) 3. Wine from 20 Across (5) 4. North African capital city (5) 5. Celebrity fashion guru, Gok (3) 8. Capital of Sierra Leone (8) 10. National Trust property on the Thames, ___ House (3) 11. The Dinar is the currency of this country (7) 14. Major hotel group (5) 15. Thomas Cook brand (5) 17. International airport code for 14 Across (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 34 March 30 2012

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newsbulletin Theme park to launch fully inclusive ticket CHILDREN'S THEME park Gulliver's has announced plans to launch a fully inclusive ticket to offer families better value.

The company, which has theme park sites in Milton Keynes, Warrington and Matlock, says the ticket will help families budget more easily for a day out.

The ticket will cost from £21 per person and will include admission price, all rides and attractions, food, drinks and snacks. One package will also include a voucher towards a toy to take home.

Tickets will be on sale from the Easter break onwards.

For more information visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk or call 01925-444888.

Newsbites ●

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Gold Medal and Emirates target Manchester growth GOLD MEDAL has teamed up with Emirates for a joint venture marketing campaign aimed at boosting sales of the airline from its base in the North of England.

The campaign will see the operator target 30 key independent agents across the North West with marketing and promotional support to drive sales of the airline's services from Manchester.

Agents will receive a range of point of sale material including a mini-brochure showcasing the company's latest Emirates offers to destinations throughout the Middle East, Australia, the Indian Ocean, the Far East and Africa.

Agents will also be supplied with branded pop-up stands and flight-boards, as well as a £200 marketing fund for use on local promotional initiatives.

As an added incentive, throughout the campaign period, which runs until April 8, agents will be able to offer their clients a £50 High Street voucher as an incentive to upgrade their booking to Business or First Class.

Keeping an i on Apps

owners UCH and iPad IPHONE, ITO the t ou ab n more can now lear new a h ug ro th nds wnload.

Falkland Isla do ch is free to hi w p ap el trav to the ides a guide The app prov ces, with en ri pe best ex destination’s trips. arch and plan s, tag tools to rese ie ar browse itiner Visitors can shot of ap sn a and gain s ce en ri pe ex uding rmation incl practical info hen to visit tting there, w details on ge nce O . quirements and entry re ch and ar se n users ca downloaded, pp offline.

Falklands A explore the

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March 30 2012

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VISITENGLAND HAS launched a new online training course to help tourism businesses deliver excellent service to disabled customers. Designed in partnership with disability organisation, DisabledGo, the course is specifically tailored to help those working within the tourism industry. A total of 1,000 free spaces are available to tourism businesses in England, and businesses can register up to five places each by visiting: www.disabledgo.com/tourismtraining THE LOWCOSTTRAVEL group reports that more than 10,000 agents have signed up to use the lowcostbeds platform across Europe. The increase in agents follows a rapid programme of European launches, including Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

THE BERMUDA Department of Tourism has teamed up with 15 participating hotel properties and its major tour operator partners, to launch an exclusive promotion.

The ‘Compliments of Bermuda’ promo offers guests up to $500 resort credit for a minimum of five nights booked. The deal is available for bookings made by April 15 for travel until May 6.

ON JUNE 15, Caribbean Airlines will launch four weekly non-stop services from Gatwick to Trinidad and Tobago.

The new service will be shortly followed by a three times weekly services to Bridgetown, Barbados and onward to Trinidad.

For details email cto.uk@caribbean-airlines.com or visit www.caribbean-airlines.com ETIHAD AIRWAYS has increased its baggage allowance for premium guests by 10kg, meaning Business Class passengers can now travel with up to 40kg of luggage.

FARELOGIX HAS launched an iflybags iPho ne app, which gives travellers th e option to ca lculate baggage fees and allowan ces across hundreds of airlines while on the go.

Available for download fr om the App store, iflybag s tells travel lers how much it will cost them to check everything fr om luggage to bicycles to musical in struments an d much more. The ap p takes into account airline-spec ific rules and trav frequent flye r status, to pr eller esent the best combina tion of checke d bags for individual or multiple tr avellers on a single it inerary. The app is being offere d at an introd uctory price of $0.99 .

For details se e www.farelo gix.com

th Cyprus ENSIVE Nor A COMPREH r free fo available guide is now from e on the iPh download on features p ap e h ler. T Direct Travel information sive comprehen nctions, teractive fu in g in d u cl in s. eo d os and vi maps, phot g in ew vi e clud Highlights in otos and h p s, ap m s, description tions, istoric attrac sights h on s eo d vi er h ot d els, an beaches, hot ides; inu g rt so re ive with interact e road maps; and ctiv depth intera tions, s for attrac map location ations, hospitals, e st hotels, polic beaches h stations, ac co , sports I?” A “Where am entify and ports. id rs se u helps function also . their location

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All About Me Michelle Stammers Job Title: Personal travel advisor Company: Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors Location: Homeworker in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands No. of years in current job: 9 If you’d like to take part in ‘All About Me’, send an email to jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk or call 020 7834 6661

Every day is so different to the last. It can be exciting, stressful, fun and demanding.

how many rooms a hotel has or how many room categories it has. I avoid fam trips that just have multiple hotel visits for this reason.

STRANGE BUT TRUE...

MY BIG MISTAKE...

A client asked me where he needed to take his car at the airport as he thought a fly/drive meant that you take your own car and it goes on the plane with you.

I deal with all my clients over the phone and one client had a very deep voice. I assumed it was a man and it turned out to be woman.

I LOVE MY JOB...

THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOLIDAY I’VE SOLD...

MY FAVOURITE DESTINATION IS…

A ski group booking for 28 people for £28,000. Also sold to a premiership football manager to Dubai with his family staying at Atlantis the Palm for £22,000.

Las Vegas. It’s so over the top and glitzy but such an exciting place to be.

WHAT’S WORKING FOR ME...

Luxury holidays and high spenders are the main area of my business now. Especially tailor-made itineraries.

Anything that can't be done by the clients on the internet themselves!

WHAT’S HOT & WHAT’S NOT...

Best selling is Caribbean, Spain and ski bookings. Worst is Bulgaria, Tunisia and Egypt.

I WANT TO LEARN...

Adventure style holidays ie walking,trekking, cycling. I have won a place on the Explore Everest base camp trip and will be trying it for myself in May! THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY...

A tailor-made itinerary across America. I spent over 2 weeks and did nearly 20 adjusted quotes for the client. It was within budget and exactly what he asked me for. I was waiting for him to ring me with his card details and he just never called me back. He wouldn't answer my calls and I never spoke to him again.

OVERHEARD IN MY AGENCY...

My colleague had a client that returned from her holiday and said the apartment was dirty. She produced a pair of socks out of her bag and shook them over the desk to show how much dust was on the bottom, claiming that this was from her apartment floor. And a client that said she fell over in her bathroom because the floor was unsafe showed us a picture of her bare bottom with a big black bruise on it as evidence.

THE BEST FAM I’VE BEEN ON...

Israel last year. We stayed in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Eilat. Organised by the tourist board. We actually experienced the feel of each place by being a tourist going on all the trips, eating in local restaurants, talking to the locals, having an amazing guide. When you want to sell somewhere, you are selling the feeling, the experience, the sights and sounds and memories - not

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March 30 2012

THE PLACE I’D LIKE TO VISIT…

New Zealand- hire a motor home and explore.

MY TIP FOR INDUSTRY NEWCOMERS...

The way you treat a client matters above anything else.

They need to feel nurtured, valued and cherished. Use every contact you have with them as an opportunity to impress them. You must try and improve your product knowledge whenever you can by doing online training or attending training courses. Choose Twitter or Facebook to keep in contact with your clients.

CLOSING THE DEAL...

There isn't just one thing I say to close the sale because you can’t treat all clients the same. Some need a direct approach, some need to be handled gently and some would get offended if I put pressure on them. I keep a record of every client I have and I know everything about them. They trust me and know I would never sell them anything that wasn't completely perfect for them. I call each one when they return to have a chat about their holiday. It’s very rare they are not delighted with their holiday.

THE ONE THING I WANT TO SELL MORE OF…

There isn't anything I would want to sell more of but I would like to continue increasing my client bank with a view to targeting more of the luxury market.

I’M GREAT AT …

Retaining my clients and promoting myself.

I AM/I WANT TO BE A SPECIALIST IN...

The high spend adventure style holidays sector.

IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING...

I would love to stop online discounting by tour operators that really don't need to do this. If the price was the same for online and agents, it’s a win-win situation for whoever gets the booking. At the moment, it’s the clients that are winning and not the operators or the agents.

MY FAVOURITE OPERATOR IS...

I have had some really good customer service from Kirker, Sunvil and Sovereign.

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Inspiring destinations within your reach

TREYN

Summer 2012 INTRODUCING BRAND NEW

RAIL & STAY Superb value independent city break holidays by rail

Take a look at our

INSPIRING DESTINATIONS

BRUSSELS BRUGES AMSTERDAM PARIS NICE COLOGNE BERLIN ROME VENICE

www.Railholidays.com OR CALL 01904 734888

FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE

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eventbulletin The Ambassador of Ireland Bobby McDonagh hosted a reception at the Embassy of Ireland in London recently to help launch Tourism Ireland's new promotional plan for the Great Britain market to the whole of "the island of Ireland"...

the left: the Ambassador of TAKING CENTRE STAGE...are , from Garry; John Lahiffe, Tourism Ireland, Bobby Mc Donagh ; Seamus Mc chief executive of Tourism Ireland; Anne Lahiffe; Niall Gibbons, rism Ireland’s UK Market.

Ireland; Vanessa Markey, head of Tou

JUMPING TO IT....are , fro m the left: Marie McCar th y, Irish Ferries; Miriam O’Con nell, Tourism Ireland ; an d Astrid Nitzsche, Imagine Ireland.

MICHAEL'S MATES...Michael J Feeney (left) hooks up with Neville Jam es (middle) and Barry Higgins from ebookers.

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March 30 2012

A FLYING VISIT...Keith Ten (left) from Aer Lingus and Tony Kelly from Irish Ferries catch up with Anne Lahiffe (second from left) and Kay Woods.

HEAD COUNT....from the left are: Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland; Vanessa Markey, head of Tourism Ireland’s UK Market; John Lahiffe, Tourism Ireland; and Bobby McDonagh, Ambassador of Ireland. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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uk&ireland

Tourism Ireland jumps to it with new campaign to boost visitors from UK

by PAUL SCUDAMORE, contributing editor Ballybunion Be

I

RELAND HAS just launched its new marketing campaign to capitalise on last year’s growth in visitor numbers from the UK which saw an increase of 5.1% to the Republic and 6% to Northern Ireland compared to 2010. In all, there were 2.8million visitors to the Republic from the UK, representing roughly half of the total inbound market, and the aim of the new campaign is to help generate growth of 5.5% this year.

The “Jump Into Ireland” theme is appearing across the new range of advertising and marketing material, with the outdoor advertising campaign having just launched, and a second quarter multi-channel TV campaign due to start this weekend. This will be supported by a year-long radio campaign.

Part of the outdoor campaign will be highlighting Northern Ireland’s new Titanic Belfast visitor experience, which opens tomorrow and coincides with the centenary of the sinking of the Belfast-built ship. Tomorrow also kicks off a festival of Titanic-related events in the city which will run over the next three weeks.

The outdoor advertising campaign has been designed to target the key regions for generating business to

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Northern Ireland – London and the South East, Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.

In addition, as well as a mix of banners, pop-ups, screensavers and homepage takeovers on sites such as Trip Advisor, Travel Supermarket, Skyscanner, Amnet and Facebook, there is co-operative marketing with the airlines and ferry companies to further boost awareness and help towards the increase in visitors who will benefit from the Irish government’s reduction in tourism VAT to 9%, and helping to underline the value for money message.

Tourism Ireland’s chief executive Niall Gibbons said: ”Our first quarter marketing activity has already resulted in a great uplift in enquiries to our Discoverireland website, which is obviously very encouraging, and our second wave of marketing activity is set to build on that success.

“That, coupled with our recent PR and marketing push for St Patrick’s Day, as well as the buzz around the opening of Titanic Belfast will help us achieve our goal of an increase in visitor numbers of 5.5% by the end of the year.”

While statistics reveal that some 60% of bookings are made

ach, County Ke

rry

independently, the trade is acknowledged as a key element in helping to drive visitor growth this year, and part of Tourism Ireland’s overall support for agents and operators is its participation in trade shows throughout the year, culminating with World Travel Market in November – by when it will know if its efforts to increase visitor numbers has achieved its target.

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uk&ireland Shearings Holidays celebrates UK breaks with launch of new campaign & brochure SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has launched a new campaign promoting reasons to holiday in the UK this year.

The ‘Discover Your Great Britain’ campaign highlights the operator’s range of British breaks, and is supported by a new 24-page brochure.

The company is also offering agents the chance to take advantage of joint marketing opportunities, with point of sale materials such as window displays.

Caroline Brown, the operator's commercial director, said: “This year is shaping up to be fantastic for British tourism.

“With monumental events such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, there are so many great reasons for people to stay in the UK for their holiday. With this in mind, our Discover Your Great Britain campaign has been designed to help

agents sell the ‘best of British’ to their customers.

“With so much activity putting British holidays at the forefront of the public’s minds, there’s never been a better time for agents to sell British holidays to their clients.”

The new brochure highlights holiday programmes from March through to October and includes Diamond Jubilee themed breaks, with special celebration packages in its own Bay and Coast & Country Hotels, and an exclusive 13-day Diamond Jubilee Celebration Cruise on the Athena.

Meanwhile, the operator has launched a number of new UK breaks for this year, visiting London, Lancashire and Liverpool and Belfast.

As examples, itineraries include a five-day Titanic Belfast and Saint Patrick Trail from £319 including

half-board accommodation at the four-star Park Plaza Hotel and luxury coach travel. A “by air” option including flights and transfers is available from £439 and departures are available between June and October.

A five-day London's Royal Palaces has also been introduced and leads in at £389.

Highlights include a River Thames cruise, a trip to Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

There is also an included excursion to the recently refurbished Kensington Palace.

Based at the St Giles Hotel, Feltham, the holiday includes four nights' half-board accommodation, three excursions and coach travel.

For more information or to book call 01942-823449 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Away Resorts offers seven-night breaks for £200 to Isle of Wight AWAY RESORTS is offering families the chance to enjoy some time out at its holiday resort with its own secluded beach on the Isle of Wight for £200 for seven nights.

Inspired by the Isle of Wight's resurgence in the festival scene, Whitecliff Bay on the southeast side of the island has mixed festive and family activities to create a Canvas Village glamping area and Magic Roundabout chill-out zone.

The Midnight Screen outdoor cinema is also back for this year.

For children activities include abseiling, archery, kayaking, flying remote control helicopters, water walkerz, walking trails, cheerleading school, geocoaching (a high-tech treasure hunting game using GPS devices), body zorbing, Junior Geo (kids can pan for gold and make their own fossils), Crack Pots (painting pottery, puppets, faces and hands) and Science Bugs (children can try out a collection of experiments and nature discoveries).

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Banana boats at Tattershall

For the pre-schoolers, there is a friendly character called Bear in the Woods, who takes the kids on little adventures live on stage.

Seven nights in a fourberth economy chalet start from £200 on April 6.

Other accommodation including luxury holiday homes, with standard and serviced camping pitches are also available.

March 30 2012

Meanwhile, the company's other two holiday villages are also geared up for Easter. Each park has its own unique selling point but the activities for children remain the same at each park.

As an example, Tattershall Lakes Country Park in Lincolnshire is a lake-side retreat offering activities such as water-

skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, banana boats, pedaloes, fishing and golf, plus a new £1.2million pool complex.

Along with Easter egg hunts and chocolate challenges, the park will also be hosting the National UK Jetski championships on April 14 and 15. A four-berth Lil Lodge costs £352 for seven nights from April 6.

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uk&ireland Wightlink launches new guide for dog owners travelling to Isle of Wight WIGHTLINK HAS published a new guide for Isle of Wight visitors, which aims to attract holidaymakers travelling with dogs.

Pawprint, a 24-page illustrated booklet, has been launched to coincide with next month's National Pet Month and has been written with the help of Island dogs and their owners.

The booklet includes the favourite haunts of a dozen Wight dogs and covers all four corners of the Island.

The company's marketing manager, Kerry Jackson, said: “Our previous guides have proved big hits with visitors so we hope that Pawprint will be received just as enthusiastically.

From the numbers of visitors travelling with their dogs on our ferries, we know that there is strong demand and agents can use this to target clients who want to holiday with their pets.”

The booklet can be downloaded from the Isle of Wight Guide & Events section at www.wightlink.co.uk/pawprint and printed copies are available free by calling 0871-376 1000.

Attraction World adds new tours & experiences in Blackpool ATTRACTION WORLD has added three new products in Blackpool to its UK tours, experiences and excursions portfolio, which are commissionable to agents.

They include a visit to Madame Tussauds Blackpool for £14 per adult and £11 per child, aged three-14; a visit to Blackpool Tower Dungeon for £14 per adult and £11 per child (minimum age three years); and a visit to The Blackpool Tower, including the new SkyWalk, for £12 per adult and £9 per child.

Meanwhile, the operator has added two new guided bike tours to its portfolio of products available for visitors to London.

The tours are for both adults and children (aged ten and over) and include The Grand London Bike Tour, where guests cycle casually along riverside pathways, cycle lanes and park routes, stopping to take in highlights such as the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace. Prices are £20 for adults and £15 for children.

A Secret London Bike Tour reveals the history of the East End and costs £20 per adult and £15 for children.

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

GRJ promotes Jubilee Thames cruise AGENTS WITH clients who’d like to experience some of the luxury that the Queen will enjoy as part of her 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations, can opt for Great Rail Journeys’ ‘The Spirit of Chartwell Cruise’, a luxury boutique cruise which carries up to 40 passengers.

Spirit of Chartwell is the ship that the Queen will sail on as part of her Jubilee celebrations and the operator is highlighting four-night trips on the vessel along the River Thames on June 17 and 24 and July 1 and 8 from £798 per person.

The price includes visits to Kew and Windsor with coach transfers, full board dining, a journey on the MV Passepartout to the upper reaches of the Thames, a Captain's welcome reception and a voyage director.

For more information call 01904-521980 or visit www.greatrail.com

Early summer breaks from just £149* for the whole family

Value tickets promo from City Cruises CITY CRUISES, which operates a frequent sightseeing service between the four major destination piers on the River Thames (Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich), is highlighting a family River Red Rover ticket, which offers unlimited one-day travel for two adults and up to three children.

Tickets cost £33.50 and for an extra £5 families can travel on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) on the same day.

Meanwhile, following the company's success in being awarded a contract to operate the 2012 Games River Tour Service to the Equestrian events at Greenwich Park, the operator has invested in the development of a dedicated 2012 Games booking portal, which can be accessed from www.citycruises.com or by calling 020-7740 0400.

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To learn more, visit our “online training course at HavenSpecialist.co.uk ” To book visit BourneLeisureSales.co.uk or call 0871 230 1919 Terms and conditions: Price based on up to 6 people sharing a Standard 2 bedroom caravan at Caister, Norfolk on 15 June 2012 for 3 nights. Full terms and conditions apply as stated in the current Haven brochure. Offers apply to new bookings only and are strictly subject to promotional availability.

March 30 2012

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uk&ireland Hoseasons sees last minute Easter weekend bookings double HOSEASONS REPORTS that it has seen a 100% increase in late bookings for park accommodation for the Easter weekend as holidaymakers leave it to the last minute to decide on their spring staycation.

The operator has also seen strong increases in year-round demand for the best known destinations with Cornwall, East Anglia and the South Coast increasing by around 20%, compared with the same four week period last year.

The company’s vice president of lodges and parks, Pali Badwal, said: "We’ve seen a surge in the last few weeks for popular UK holiday destinations, but have been surprised by the late demand for Easter. Last year we saw increased demand for late bookings, especially in the summer months, but to double the number of bookings for the Easter period is remarkable.

Pali Badwal “Economic factors obviously have an impact

on people’s holiday choices, but as the figures suggest, there is still demand for UK breaks, and it’s the timing of the decision making that’s changing. There are also some great offers for the last-minute bargain-hunters who are prepared to be flexible, while others may have been waiting for the first signs of spring.

“Another trend we have seen is the continued popularity of the best known ‘destination brands’ like Newquay, Great Yarmouth and Bournemouth, with families returning this Easter to areas they know and trust.

"Continued investment in quality accommodation and new facilities on holiday parks, with more than 1,000 new units added to parks in 2012, is bringing customers back for great holidays in locations they love, while the creation of new Autograph and Evermore lodge developments are bringing new consumers into the staycation market.”

For more information visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0844-847 1144.

Exclusive weekend Jersey breaks from Premier Holidays PREMIER HOLIDAYs has launched exclusive weekend packages to encourage bookings to Jersey for spring and summer, which lead in at £269 per person.

The operator's short-haul manager, Beverley Scarr, said: “Three-night bookings to Jersey are currently 60% up year to date. Only an hour’s flight away, Jersey is the perfect weekend destination for a girly break. The island boasts great bars and restaurants, fun adventure activities and a fantastic range of spas.

“We have recently launched our second edition Channel Island brochure, featuring a range of new products including Les Ormes Lodges in St Brelade. Summer is the perfect time to visit Jersey and take advantage of some great offers.”

The company recommends that women take a trip to Creepy Valley Activity Centre, where they can experience the Zip Wire and King Swing. Following a day of adventure, a stop by the Old Portelet Inn for lunch is suggested.

A three-night stay leads in at £269 per person by sea or £355 by air. On arrival in Jersey, guests will be transferred to the fourstar Radisson Blu Waterfront, St Helier, which is located close to Jersey’s boutiques and cafés. The offer is valid for travel throughout May. Alternatively, clients can spend three nights at the Hotel De France and Ayush Wellness Spa in Jersey from £290 per person by sea or £385 by air in May. The spa offers a range of treatments, including an Ayush Indian head massage and hot stone therapy.

Packages are based on two adults sharing and include travel by sea from Weymouth or flights from Gatwick to Jersey and a glass of Champagne on arrival.

Agents can also benefit from a booking incentive, where they can earn £5 of shopping vouchers for any booking made to Jersey.

For more information or to book visit www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7444.

WILDERNESS SCOTLAND is highlighting a new mountain biking trip for this year, The Hebridean Trail, which departs on May 5-11 and September 8-14 and leads in at £995 per person. The Outer Hebrides journey is 280km and weaves its way through seven islands on a variety of ancient paths, historic byways, mountain tracks and quiet roads.

For details visit www.wildernessscotland.com

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March 30 2012

Insight Vacations' forum creates new Channel Islands itinerary EVERY YEAR, an itinerary is devised by Insight Vacations' Insight Forum, an online community of past guests and tour directors who regularly share ideas and tips. Guests have the opportunity to share their travel experiences with others and plan their next trip.

A new itinerary for 2012 has now been created from the forum called The Channel Islands, which starts in Guernsey and travels to St Peter Port. Highlights include a guided tour of St Peter Port, taking in the fortifications from German occupation of WWII, visiting the ‘Little Chapel’, decorated with shells and broken pottery and spending an afternoon browsing the boutiques of ‘Arcade’ lanes or relaxing in one of the many bistros.

An included excursion to the island of Sark is also featured, as well as a stay on Jersey.

The seven-day itinerary leads in at £1,425 per person, based on twin share, land only.

For more information call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.onestoptouringshop.co. uk

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

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

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

countryside and to get a sense of Island life barely touched by time.

For clients after a more guided ramble, Guernsey celebrates the outdoors during the Spring (May 5-13) and Autumn (September 8-16) Walking Weeks, with diverse programmes of themed walks.

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

For more information see www.visitguernsey.com/walking

Essentially Prestige sees 18% growth for 'Closer to Home' programme ESSENTIALLY PRESTIGE reports that it has seen a surge in UK bookings with business up 18% on this time last year.

The operator's ‘Closer to home’ UK programme features St Mary's, Tresco, Bryher and St Martin's in the Isles of Scilly and Jersey, Guernsey and the lesser-known Channel Islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm. Commenting on

the strong sales, the company's deputy managing director, David Nash, said: ‘’Our booking figures show that the great British holiday is very much alive and kicking.

This year is a great year to stay in the UK and Visit England's "Holidays at Home are Great" campaign will give a further boost to British breaks.

"Sales to the Channel

Islands are beginning to pick up after our launch last year with Jersey and Guernsey business looking particularly strong. The Old Government House Hotel in Guernsey remains our top selling property."

The operator's UK breaks lead in at £259 for a threenight stay at the Crebinick Guest House in St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly including ferry crossings from

Penzance. In addition, there are flights from Southampton, Bristol, Exeter, Newquay and Lands End and a helicopter service from Penzance.

The operator is also offering agents £10 Love2Shop vouchers for every booking made.

For more information or to book visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480600.

4 nig hts fr om

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Hengar Hengar M Manor anor Country P Country Park ark N North or th Cornwall Cornwall

The B Bay ay YYorkshire orkshire M Moors oors &C Coast o ast

Devon D evon H Hills ills H Holiday oliday Village Village SSouth outh D Devon evon

Great Great Glen Glen Water Water Park Park Northern N o r thern H Highlands i hl ig hlands

Crowhurst Crowhursst P Park ark Lo Lodges dges EEast astt Sussex S u s s ex

B Brynteg rynteg North Nor th Wales Wales

Finlake Finlake LLodges odges SSouth outh D Devon evon

G Gurnard urnard Pines Pines IIsle sle o off Wight W i g ht

Kielder Kielder Water Water Lodges Lodges Northumberland Nor thumberland

Piperdam Piperdam Lodges Lodges Southern S outhern H Highlands ighlands

New New for for 2012 2012 Bainland Bainland Country C ountry P Park ark LLincolnshire incolnshire New New for for 2012 2012 O Oakdene akdene Forest Forest H Hampshire ampshire

N New ew ffor or 2 2012 012 S Sherwood herwood Castle Castle H Holiday oliday Forest Forest N Nottinghamshire ottinghamshire N ew ffor or 2 012 New 2012 Hunters Hunters Q Quay uay Southern Southern H Highlands ighlands

B Book ook N Now! ow! V Visit isit www www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents .hoseaso s ns.co.uk//a agents o orr call: call: 0 0844 844 4 847 847 1144 1144 *Price applies to accommodation only on o 4 night stays, stays, starting 14th May 2012 , at selected selecteed Go Active Breaks locations on selected accommo accommodation, dation, sleeping 6 (based on maximum occupancy), subject to av availability, aailability, booking terms and conditions apply. apply. Pleasee note that Hoseasons does not own or oper operate ate anyy of the parks and/or accommodation it features. features. All activitiess and/or events are run and operated operated by the relevant relevantt park and not Hoseasons.

Hoseasons. New locations for 2012 do d not have the activities available available until April 2012. Charges and age restrictions apply for some activities. activities. Note not all a the activities are available available at all Go Active Breaks locations – please check www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents for a full activity listing and booking conditions. conditions.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

See See booking booking cconditions onditions ffor or ffull ull details ooff oour ur A BTA m embership details ABTA membership

March 30 2012

ABTA ABT TA No. Y0662

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S04a TB3003 Cultural Tours_Layout 1 28/03/2012 12:35 Page 22

s r u o t e r u t l u c ism &eco-tour

Arenal volcano, Costa Rica

Trafalgar promotes ten-day Costa Rican eco-adventure from £1,115 TRAFALGAR IS highlighting its ten-day eco adventure in Costa Rica, which leads in at £1,115 per person.

The tour allows guests to get up close to the rainforests and exotic wildlife of the destination and highlights include a ride to Tortuguero National Park by river boat, visiting Tortuguero Village and the Green

Turtle Research Station and cruising the canals in search of wildlife.

At Monteverde Cloud Forest, guests stay for two nights in park and join a park naturalist for a guided walk.

Activities on the tour include whitewater rafting, a canopy walk, a night trek in the forest and swimming under waterfalls. Other activities include

escorting turtle hatchlings on their way to the ocean and a coffee plantation tour.

Prices include private door-to-door transfers, accommodation, 19 meals in total including a Be My Guest lunch in Arenal and sightseeing.

For more information visit www.trafalgar.com

Dertour marks 150 years of Gustav Klimt with two-night Vienna package GUSTAV KLIMT would have celebrated his 150th birthday this year and Vienna is marking the event by honouring the painter with several special exhibitions on his life and work.

His best-known painting "The Kiss" can now be seen at the Vienna Belvedere. A “KLIMT – The Collection of the Wien Museum” exhibition is also being held between May 16 and September 16, while the Historical Museum of the City of Vienna will present a wealth of Klimt-related objects from its own holdings, including the painter’s Portrait of Emilie Flöge (1902), posters, publications, the artist’s painting smock, his death mask, and Egon Schiele’s drawing of the dead artist. The

centrepiece of the exhibition, however, will be the 400 Klimt drawings, the largest collection in the world, which will be shown for the first time in its entirety.

Dertour is offering a two-night package to Vienna which costs from £599 per person, including flights from Gatwick, transfers and two nights' breakfast accommodation at the Design-Hotel ‘The Levante Parliament’. A three-course dinner, museum ticket for the Belvedere Palace and a two-hour exclusive city tour in a chauffeured limousine is also included.

For more information call 020-7290 1111 or visit www.dertour.co.uk and www.wienmuseum.at

Kirker Holidays highlights availability for range of 2012 cultural tours KIRKER HOLIDAYS has availability across a number of its 2012 cultural tours.

These include The Palaces & Galleries of St Petersburg, a six-night tour departing on May 10, August 16, September 6 and December 21. Prices lead in at £1,997 per person, based on two sharing in May, August and September and £2,396 in December. The price

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includes BA flights from Heathrow, six dinners and one lunch, all entrance fees/gratuities, Russian visa and the services of a tour lecturer and tour escort.

A 15-night Mediterranean Music Festival at Sea on Fred.Olsen’s Black Watch, with an exclusive programme of musical performances, departs

March 30 2012

from Dover on July 7 and leads in at £2,298 per person, based on two sharing. Ports of call include Motril (for Granada), Cagliari, Naples, Palermo, Algiers and Lisbon.

Also available is a Music Cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, a nine-night cruise on Fred.Olsen’s Black Watch, with musical performances by the

Chilingirian String Quartet and a performance by Dame Josephine Barstow.

The itinerary departs from Dover on May 10 and prices lead in at £1,598 per person, based on two sharing. Ports of call include Stavanger, Flaam, Olden, Bergen, Kristiansand and Oslo.

For more information call 020-7593 2284 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

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culturaltours&eco-to

urism

Tourism Authority of Thailand highlights eco-tourism initiatives for holidaymakers THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) is encouraging holidaymakers to become more eco-conscious by offering suggestions on how to travel more responsibly. These include: Offset your carbon foot print before you travel and donate to a tree replanting organisation; walk or cycle while on holiday where possible; hire a local guide and eat local produce; refill your water bottles each day to save on plastics; use water sparingly at hotels; turn off lights, TV etc. when not in your room; use a fan rather than air-conditioning where possible or keep to a minimal temperature; re-use hotel towels; don’t litter; and travel with a re-useable bag for shopping.

Other suggestions include making a booking at a Green Leaf hotel (there are more than 120 hotels involved in the programme); trade a day of watersports for John Grey Sea Canoe or trade an elephant trek for a day at an elephant conservation centre; and switch your coffee from Starbucks for a local Thai café and try locally produced Doi Tung coffee.

As an example of a Green Leaf property, the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui has various initiatives in place including a

Longwood promotes Israel & Jordan itineraries LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS is keen for agents to highlight Israel as an ideal destination for clients seeking a diversity of attractions coupled with a mix of landscapes and modern culture.

The company offers several different ways of exploring the destination, including guided tours around the main historic sights. As an example, the Holyland tour takes visitors to the biblical sights of Israel in a week, with prices leading in at £1,219 per person based on seven nights' breakfast accommodation departing from Luton.

Also being highlighted is Jordan, where visitors can discover the city of Petra and uncover the treasures of the ancient world.

Prices for a 'Jordan World Wonders' tour start from £1,569 per person and include flights, transfers and five-star half-board accommodation.

For more information see www.longwoodholidays.co. uk or call 0844-770 0450.

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water treatment plant on site and a heat reclaim system.

The resort’s leisure & environment director, Joe Clasby, said: “Essentially the Green Leaf foundation gives you a threepart questionnaire: screening, qualifying and grading. The questions cover front of house, back of house, spa, fitness everything really. It's mostly to do with environmental aspects although there is a strong element of Thai culture to it as well.

To qualify as a Green Leaf property we had to show that we had all our environmental systems in place - waste separation, recycling, reduction and conservation strategies etc. and that our employees were trained to understand why we asked them to be environmentally conscious.”

TAT is currently working with Make Holidays Greener and has also produced a variety of brochures such as GREET, 50 Great Green Escapes, Go Green and Adventurous Holidays – all of which can be ordered via info@tourismthailand.co.uk for free.

For more information visit www.tourismthailand.co.uk and www.greenleafthai.org/en/index.php

Cosmos Tours & Cruises introduces 12-day ‘This is Burma’ tour COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has introduced a new 12-day ‘This is Burma’ tour to meet demand for the destination .

It includes city sightseeing in Yangon, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin and Bagan and costs from £2,095 per person including flights, ten nights' full board accommodation, a guide, transfers and all local and airport taxes.

The operator's product manager, Amy Shine, said: “We believe this tour will attract lots of interest; there’s such a focus on travelling to Burma at the moment as the country continues to open up to international tourism.

"In recent years, we have broadened our long-haul programme to offer customers more cultural experiences in destinations which are not necessarily easy to arrange holidays to. Escorted touring in destinations like China, India and South America is the perfect option as all travel arrangements are taken care of, leaving our customers to relax and enjoy the culture and historical highlights of these countries.

“We are always adding to our long-haul

product range and this year, the Burma tour is in addition to our newly introduced tours in Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Kerala in Southern India."

Meanwhile, the company has added an additional departure date (October 8) to its new eight-day 'Discover Green Galicia' tour to meet the steady increase in demand since its launch.

The tour is a leisurely scenic tour based mainly in the seaside town of Samieira on the Atlantic coastline of Galicia in north-west Spain, but with a range of historical and cultural sightseeing excursions included during the stay.

Highlights include city sightseeing and cathedral entrance in Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Pontevedra, La Coruna and Ourense.

Prices lead in at £769 per person including flights from four UK airports, two nights in Oporto and five nights in Samieira, all of which are on a half-board basis.

For more information call 0844-573 0668 or visit www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

PARKROYAL PENANG Resort, situated along Batu Ferringhi Beach in Thailand, is highlighting a range of cultural tours available to book at the hotel, including a visit to Gurney Drive. The tour takes guests to a treasure trove of Penang’s local and international food, where the Hawker Centre provides an array of culinary treats, including fried flat noodles (Char Keow Teow), seafood and herbal pork soup (Bak Kut Tea). The resort is also offering travel agents a special rate of RM250 (approximately £52.64) for a night's stay.

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m is r u o t o c e & s r u o lt a r cultu New options from Wellbeing Escapes combine wellness with local culture WELLBEING ESCAPES has launched a new wellbeing programme designed to provide balance for a restful and rejuvenating but interesting holiday.

Discover & Unwind combines spa treatments and fitness alongside culture and discovery of the local area.

The programmes vary at each of the company's destinations but all include the combination of outdoor activities and excursions and treatments on site.

Rooted in the belief that cultural stimulation and a connection to different customs and environments

are an intrinsic part of the wellbeing experience, the operator has selected the most uplifting activities in each destination. Examples include jeep safaris, snorkelling, spiritual hiking in the rainforest, cooking, art, local produce tasting, candlelit meditation, kayaking, boat

cruises, cultural tours and guided walks.

Destinations include Cyprus, Italy, Morocco, Grenada, Malta and Vietnam, with new additions in India, Miami, Oman, Italy and Greece to be launched soon.

For more information visit www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk

Kuoni launches sustainable travel experiences with new ananea product KUONI HAS launched a new sustainable product called ananea, aimed at holidaymakers who want to book ethical travel.

Holidays available under the ananea brand, a word that derives from the ancient Greek word for renewal, are available only via an e-brochure, which features video streaming and slide shows.

Featured tours in the e-brochure also offer authentic travel experiences, from jungle hideaways to volunteering trips, from tours off the beaten track to indulgent luxury escapes. Examples include private access to key projects on an exclusive Born Free Kenya safari; an insight into selfsufficiency in a Sri Lankan village; learn how Vietnam’s people have been scarred by war and contamination in moving and inspirational visits with Green Cross; take a selfdrive tour of South Africa’s Garden Route, staying at Fair

Trade lodges; or discover South India adding on environmental activities such as nature walks, a tribal heritage tour and cooking classes.

Volunteering holidays are also available including Volunteers Without Borders in Thailand, teaching English to village children, helping with building projects and assisting with the development of ecological tourism projects.

The lead-in price is £549 per person for a three-night stay in Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in November, a ‘hotel’ of 32 rooms spread over the regenerated medieval town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, 90-minutes from Rome. Each room has been conserved, often with salvaged materials and using traditional techniques and local craftsman to do the restoration.

For more information call 01306-871187 or visit www.kuoni.co.uk/ananea

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india ALILA DIWA Goa has unveiled its new spa, Spa Alila. The ten-room spa at the resort is set between Majorda beach and the verdant rice terraces of Southern Goa and features a yoga centre, juice bar, beauty bar, fitness centre and a facility where guests can sample and blend their own personalised massage oils. A range of locally inspired treatments and Balinese favourites are offered for couples and solo spa seekers, with five double treatment rooms and five single rooms, each equipped with individual steam, chill shower and outdoor patio with day bed. Signature treatments include a Balinese Crème Bath, a hydrating crème hair bath with essential oils of rosemary, lavender and grapefruit combined with a nourishing base of coconut and cocoa butter.

For details visit www.alilahotels.com

50% saving on Easter family trip from Oberoi Hotels & Resorts OBEROI HOTELS & Resorts is offering savings for families travelling to India from this Sunday through to September 30. Clients booking a Premier Room (based on two people sharing) for a minimum of six nights at participating hotels, will receive an extra complimentary room for two children, subject to availability.

Activities available across a range of properties include spa therapies and daily yoga sessions for adults (where a 25% saving is offered) and activities that explore India’s traditions of arts and crafts, cooking and regal heritage for children, under the supervision of certified hotel staff.

Examples include traditional kite-making from paper and bamboo, Rajasthani style dancing, cooking classes and treasure hunts.

After a day of adventure, children can retreat to their rooms to enjoy toys and treats gifted on their arrival, including bubble bath and toys, children robes and slippers, DVDs and board games.

Prices lead in at £270 per night and participating hotels include Oberoi properties in Rajvilas, Udaivilas, Vanyavilas, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Cecil.

For more information visit www.oberoihotels.com

Great Rail Journeys expands programme following demand GREAT RAIL Journeys reports that there has been huge growth for India to date and as a result of this the operator has expanded its programme this year.

The company's marketing and sales director, Alex Roberts, said: “There has been a huge growth in the India rail holidays market, and we’ve seen 150% growth year-on-year to India. It's arguably the best way to see the country and we have some amazing luxury holidays at affordable prices.

"We have introduced a long-haul programme for Treyn for the first time in response to market demand for long-haul tours starting at less than £1,500 per person for a tour to India.”

As examples of prices, a new 13-day India’s Golden Triangle leads in at £1,750 per person, while sister company, Treyn, has introduced an 11-day India’s Tiger’s & Palaces. The tour leads in at £1,495 per person including scheduled flights, rail travel on the Shatabdi Express in air-conditioned seats; nine nights’ breakfast accommodation, three lunches, nine dinners (including one gala dinner), a sightseeing tour of Delhi, a guided tour of Agra, a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, two game drives at Ranthambore National Park, a sightseeing tour of Jaipur, a visit to the Amber Fort, a guided tour of Patan and Badal Mahal, all transfers and the services of a tour manager.

Attraction World highlights Agra & Taj tour ATTRACTION WORLD is promoting its Agra and Taj Mahal full day tour from Delhi.

Agra is famous for the marble edifice, the Taj Mahal, as well as the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city made by Emperor Akbar.

Tours are commissionable to agents and prices lead in at £155 per person.

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

ITC Hotels adds Rajputana in Jaipur to Luxury Collection ITC HOTELS has announced a new addition to its Luxury Collection of Indian hotels – ITC Rajputana in Jaipur.

Designed along the lines of a haveli (a traditional Indian mansion), the complex, with its split levels, hidden courtyards, manicured gardens and minimalistic lattice work, is a tribute to local Rajput architecture.

The resort's accommodation is made up of 201 rooms and 17 Suites and guests will be able to choose from a range of options including Royale rooms, luxurious chambers and Executive Club rooms featuring workspace for the corporate traveller.

The property also features five restaurants and bars, a range of leisure facilities including a spa, outdoor pool, gym and jogging track for keen runners. Conference facilities are also available.

A night's stay at the property costs approximately £188 on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

For more information see www.itchotels.in

March 30 2012

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india Banyan Tree Kerala winter launch

BALES WORLDWIDE is offering a 12-day Luxury India with Oberoi itinerary, including scheduled flights, accommodation and sightseeing encompassing Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Mumbai, staying in each of the destinations for two nights. The trip includes an English-speaking guide, sightseeing itinerary and deluxe accommodation. Prices lead in at £3,175 per person and are based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed board basis, including airport taxes and fuel surcharges on selected departures this year.

To book call 0845-057 0600 or visit www.balesworldwide.com

BANYAN TREE Kerala, located in Kochi on the west coast of India, is scheduled to open later this year. The resort is a 45-minute drive from the airport and another 20 minutes by speed boat.

Designed as a luxury all-pool villa resort, the property offers unobstructed views of the surrounding backwaters alongside privacy and exclusivity.

It also features the first Banyan Tree Spa with a dedicated Ayurvedic Centre, a houseboat for customised journeys on Keralan backwaters, as well as meeting facilities for small groups, an all day restaurant and a Banyan Tree Gallery.

Travelsphere predicts India will be among top-selling destinations next year TRAVELSPHERE IS predicting that India will be one of its top sellers next year.

Julie Franklin, national account manager for Page & Moy Travel Group’s escorted touring brands Travelsphere, Just You and Page & Moy, said: “India has seen a steady growth recently and is up significantly compared to last year. We have a really strong offering in the destination and are already predicting that it will be one of our top destinations for Travelsphere in 2013.

"Our flagship is still Beyond Golden Triangle, a tour which takes our clients to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur -

probably the best known destinations in India, but it also included Ranthambore National Park, where clients will get a chance to spot a tiger. It also offers an overnight in tented accommodation at Samode Bagh, one of our Travelsphere clients’ favourite hotels.

"For some time now we have been offering Shimla add-on, which agents can bolt on at the end of the tour.

We've seen a massive rise in bookings for this add-on and we are now offering it on every departure.

“We’ve also noticed that Kerala is doing very well and captures customers’ imagination with stunning

views of backwaters and spice plantations. As this tour is mainly about seeing the natural beauty of the region we have renamed it to better reflect its nature. It's now called Kerala Vistas.”

A 14-day Beyond the Golden Triangle with the Shimla add-on costs from £2,098 with departures available throughout this year and next, while a ten-day Beyond the Golden Triangle leads in at £1,299.

A 14-day Kerala Vistas option, with departures available this year and next, leads in at £1,799.

For more information visit www.travelsphere.co.uk

Centara Hotels & Resorts opens first stand-alone Spa Cenvaree in Northern Goa CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts will open its first stand-alone Spa Cenvaree during the first quarter of this year, to be located at the Arcon Arcade, a lifestyle and shopping complex, in Northern Goa. It will feature 13 treatment rooms, a couples spa suite with private ensuite facilities including a sunken Jacuzzi, a nail and hair salon, a Zen garden

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with a relaxation lounge and a wide range of water facilities including Vichy rain shower, steam bath and hot air sauna.

Amongst the range of experiences is the Spa Cenvaree Signature massage which brings together a blend of Ayurvedic, Thai, Swedish, Shiatsu and reflexology techniques paired with medicinal heat compress.

March 30 2012

Other treatments on offer include Ayurvedic healing, traditional Thai massage, hot-stone therapy and foot reflexology. For a more contemplative experience, guests can choose the multi-day spa retreats, focusing on detox, de-stress and emotional balance.

Couples can share their experience in privacy with programmes personalised for him and for her.

Seasonal therapies such as the Winter Recharge and Summer Best packages are also created to counter the effects of seasonal change on the body, mind and spirit.

As a post-treatment experience, guests are invited to relax in the Zen garden to sample a collection of Indian tea.

For more information visit www.spacenvaree.com

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S05 TB3003 India_Layout 1 28/03/2012 12:24 Page 27

Kathakali Dancer, Kerala India Tourism, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH. Tel: 0207 437 3677 info@indiatouristoffice.org

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NEW BROCHURE NEW SHIPS NEW SAVINGS AMAZING PRIZES TO BE WON! SEE INSERT FOR MORE INFORMATION OR EMAIL US AT agents@vikingrivercruises.com

VRC Travel Bulleting Advert.indd 1

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cruising

MSC CRUISES has finalised negotiations and signed a contract to take over a 140,000-ton cruise ship, to be named MSC Preziosa. The ship will become the 13th addition to the line’s fleet, as well as the fourth ship in the series of fantasia-class ships, which include MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida and the MSC Divina which will be christened in May. The new vessel will be delivered at the end of March next year and will feature 1,751 cabins, 18 decks (14 of which are for passengers), four main restaurants, two speciality restaurants, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools, including an infinity pool, 12 whirlpools, a bowling alley, a sports area with playing fields, a fitness centre, a children’s area and a spa.

For details see www.msccruises.co.uk or call 0844-561 1955.

Crystal offers shipboard credits on selected Mediterranean voyages CRYSTAL CRUISES is offering a shipboard credit of up to $3,200 per stateroom on selected Mediterranean voyages this year if booked before April 30.

The offer, which is exclusive to the UK and is based on two people sharing a stateroom, is valid on 14 of Crystal Serenity’s Mediterranean itineraries departing between June 19 and November 28.

The credit – ranging from $500 per stateroom up to $3,200 per stateroom depending on the voyage booked can be used for spa treatments, shore excursions, Connoisseur’s List vintage wines and select single malt

whiskeys, exclusive Vintage Room dinners or purchases from the shops.

Serenity’s 2012 Mediterranean voyages are priced from £2,519 per person (based on the seven-night voyage from Rome to Venice departing on August 6), including scheduled flights, transfers, and seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an allinclusive basis, plus a shipboard credit of $500 per stateroom.

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

Oceania Cruises introduces culinary discovery tours WITH THE debut of its new luxury cruise ship `Riviera’ in May, Oceania Cruises is expanding its culinary enrichment programme with the introduction of Culinary Discovery Tours to more than 25 ports worldwide. Designed for each port, the new tours provide guests with the opportunity to explore local food markets in small groups, alongside an expert chef.

Guests will have the opportunity to visit an artisanal cheese maker, a chocolatier, a wine vineyard or a fish market. Tours also incorporate mini-lectures, demonstrations or lunch before returning to the ship’s culinary centre for a hands-on cooking class, drawing inspiration from the local market.

The company’s culinary enrichment director, Kathryn Kelly, said: “In Athens, guests will visit the Agora meat and fish market followed by lunch in the Plaka. When in Barcelona, we enjoy a Spanish olive oil tasting, shop at Santa Caterina Market and then finish the day with lunch at a top tapas restaurant.”

The new tours will launch this spring in Europe on the 1,250-guest ships Riviera and Marina and the programme will roll out in Asia, South America and the Caribbean in winter 2012/13.

Prices start from $175 per person, including the escorted market tour and cooking class.

On the line’s smaller, 650-guest ships – Regatta and Nautica – the new tours will combine excursions to local markets with hands-on cooking experiences at a shore-side cooking school or a well-known restaurant kitchen. In Istanbul, for example, guests will follow their tour with a cooking class at CookingAlaturka.

For more information visit www.oceaniacruises.com or call 0845-505 1920.

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Viking announces six new builds for 2013 VIKING RIVER CRUISES has announced that it has commissioned six more Viking Longships for delivery in 2013.

The six vessels will be joining the line’s Freya, Idun, Njord, Odin, Aegir and Embla and will feature new design and technology, including sustainability upgrades, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations for a smooth ride.

For more information visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk

March 30 2012

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cruising Celebrity announces six ships in Europe for summer 2013 FROM SPRING 2013, Celebrity Cruises will offer its broadest range of cruises on six contemporary ships which will visit 25 countries from seven departure ports; a total of 88 destinations in Europe, six representing the line's ‘firsts’.

The first-time destinations include Liverpool; Waterford (Ireland); Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands; Varna (Bulgaria); Sevastopol, the second largest port in Ukraine; and Kristiansand in Norway.

The line's associate vice president and general manager, UK & Ireland, Jo Rzymowska, said: “We are offering some great itineraries across the two UK-based ships featuring more popular destinations such as Iceland. Agents have a huge range of cruise options to choose from next summer, all based from the newest fleet in the industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing the recently refurbished Celebrity Infinity become a firm favourite in the UK.” As an example, the newly refurbished Celebrity Infinity will be based from Harwich for the first time next year and will offer ten- and 11-night British Isles, Norwegian Fjords and Iceland & Fjords itineraries. In September 2013, the ship will present the “Immersive Europe Wine Cruises”, complete with overnight stays in Paris/Normandy, Bilbao and Bordeaux, with prices from £899 per person based on a 12-night cruise only. The price is based on an early booking offer which expires on May 31.

For details visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk

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March 30 2012

Shearings charters new Athena ship SHEARINGS HAS launched five new exclusive ocean cruises for 2012 on the newly chartered MV Athena.

The ship has a gym, outdoor pool, a spa and a beauty salon as well as bars and a show lounge.

Itineraries include a 12day Historic Spain, Portugal and Morocco cruise from £1,149, where highlights include a visit to Casablanca, a chance to see Galicia’s unique Crystal City, a trip to the UNESCO world heritage site of Porto and trips to the cities of Cadiz and Lisbon.

The holiday departs on May 24 and the price includes all meals on board, a Captain's cocktail party & gala dinner, entertainment programme, parking and free cruise connect to port by coach.

A five-day Gardens of Cornwall and Normandy itinerary, which departs on June 4, is also new and gives guests the opportunity to take in the flora of southern Britain and Northern France.

Highlights include a trip to St Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, a chance to discover the Cornish countryside, a visit to Falmouth harbour and bay and a chance to explore the fishing village of Honfleur.

Prices lead in at £569 including all meals on board, a Captain’s cocktail party & gala dinner, entertainment programme, parking and free cruise connect to port by coach.

Other new additions include a nine-day Jewels of the British Isles from £867 departing on June 8; a 12day Norway and Land of the Midnight Sun from £1,335, departing on June 16; and a 13-day Jubilee cruise from £1,377, departing on June 4.

For details call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

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cruising AmaWaterways adds new cruise products for 2013 AMAWATERWAYS IS introducing four new itineraries in France and Portugal for 2013, cruising the Seine for the first time and returning to the Douro after an absence of nearly two years.

The line offers a total of 25 cruise itineraries across Europe, Africa, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and is increasing its fleet to 15 luxury river cruisers with the debut of the new AmaPrima in April 2013 on the Danube and the Rhine and the AmaVida, which debuts on the Douro in March 2013.

The new 164-guest AmaPrima is a sister ship to the innovative new ship AmaCerto (which debuts next month) and incorporates advanced river cruise ship design with spacious staterooms, most featuring exclusive twin balconies, a heated swimming pool, multiple fine dining venues, a complimentary Internet and Infotainment system with 42” flat screen TV, complimentary Wi-fi and free use of on board bicycles.

The new 108-guest luxury AmaVida will cruise Europe’s Douro River Valley and features balconies in the majority of its staterooms and suites, which range up to 323sq.ft. Guests are offered fine gourmet dining with free-flowing local wines, in addition to a casual al fresco dining option. The vessel also features a sun deck swimming pool; fitness centre and spa; complimentary in-stateroom Internet access on a 42” flat-screen and ship-wide Wi-fi.

The ship will cruise two new itineraries on the Douro in 2013, from March through to November: `The Enticing Douro’ cruises Portugal for seven nights land-only or as a ten-night land-cruise holiday. Guests taking the ten-night option will spend three nights discovering Lisbon with five-star breakfast accommodation and cruise to Porto, Régua, Barc d’Alva, Vega Terrón, Pinhão and Bitetos. The itinerary will include free excursions to the countryside of the Trás-os-MontesRegion; Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a Castelo Rodrigo tour; Palacio de Mateus palace tours and the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery.

The week long cruise costs from £1,466 per person, including all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and free Wi-fi and the ten night land-cruise stay costs from £1,945.

A seven-night `Port Wine & Flamenco’ cruise meanders along the Douro between the Spanish border town of Vega Terrón and Porto and operates from April to October 2013.

Guests will visit the small town of Pinhão, known as the wine lovers Mecca, then venture to the region of Trás-os-Montes; the former Roman village of Bitetos and its 11th-century Alpendurade Monastery, before heading to Porto.

Prices lead in at £1,831 per person, including all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and free Wi-fi. .

The company will also introduce Seine cruises for the first time in 2013, commencing in March, with two new itineraries, a seven-night cruise of the Seine, and a combined 14-night cruise of the Seine and the Rhone.

For more information call 0808-223 5009 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk

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Seabourn launches European Suite sale SEABOURN HAS issued a European Suite Sale, featuring a range of promotional benefits, such as complimentary veranda upgrades and onboard credit on bookings of premium category suites, on more than 100 voyages in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe this year.

The sale includes cruises on the line’s fleet of six intimate ships, which visit more than 160 European destinations.

Complimentary upgrades to veranda category suites are available on select cruises on the line’s Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest vessels. These include a seven-day St Petersburg and the Baltic cruise from £2,499 per person, with a complimentary veranda upgrade. The route (on Sojourn) sails from Copenhagen to Stockholm and departure dates are June 15, July 15 and August 13. Ports of call include Copenhagen, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm.

The company is also offering a free veranda upgrade on its seven-day Adriatic and Greek Isles cruise, which leads in at £1,899. The cruise sails from Venice to Athens on Quest on October 27 and ports of call include Venice, Koper, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Kerkira, Corfu, Mykonos and Athens.

Prices are cruise-only and are based on two people sharing a suite on an all-inclusive basis.

To book or for more information call 0845-070 0500 or visit www.seabourn.com

March 30 2012

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cruising Paul Gauguin announces 2013 sailing schedule on newly renovated ship The Gauguin PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises has announced its 2013 sailing schedule on its newly renovated ship, The Gauguin, which features new flooring and carpeting, new furniture and window treatments, decorative wall panels and new signage.

All suites and staterooms have also been updated with new teak railings and bathroom floors, while the casino has been extended and new built-in banquettes now feature on the Promenade on Deck 5.

Following this year’s inaugural 11-night sailing to the Australs & Society Islands, The Gauguin will return on September 21, 2013, to see humpback whales cavorting off the coast of Rurutu. Throughout next year the ship will also visit the islands of French Polynesia for seven-, ten-, 11- and 14-night sailings.

The launch of guest-host sailings have proved popular for the line this year and as a result the company will be continuing the programme on selected 2013 sailings. Among the guest hosts will be environmentalist and oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau, creator of The Gauguin’s Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme.

Cousteau will offer lectures with videos of his work and accompany several dives from the ship.

Savings of up to 50% off standard cruise fares plus free flights from Los Angeles are currently being offered for next year’s sailings, which lead in at £4,094 for a seven-night Tahiti & Society Islands sailing based on March 9 and 16 departures.

The price includes Economy flights from the UK, transfers, a night in Los Angeles and use of a day room post-cruise.

Strictly stars line-up this summer on P&O Cruises’ Oriana STRICTLY COME Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood will join dancers Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite, Katya Virshilas and Pasha Kovalev on the P&O Cruises’ Strictly cruises this summer.

Revel Horwood will join the dancers on Oriana in May and will then return to the ship in July with a line up of professional dancers from the series including Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor.

The top names from the BBC programme will entertain passengers with the foxtrot, rumba, quickstep, jive and more during a 12-night Canary Islands cruise on May 28 and a 14-night Fjords cruise on July 14.

In addition to watching the professionals’ routines, passengers will also be able to see a collection of the costumes worn by the celebrities and stars in the 2011 series, as well as join Craig Revel Horwood for a night in the theatre.

Prices for Oriana’s 12-night Canary Islands cruise lead in at £1,459 per person. The cruise departs and returns to Southampton and ports of call include Ponta Delgada, Horta, Madeira, Gran Canaria, Lisbon and Vigo.

Prices for Oriana’s 14-night Fjords cruise lead in at £1,599 per person. The cruise departs and returns to Southampton and ports of call include Stavanger, Alesund, Trondheim, Trondheimsfjord, Ny Alesund, Tromso, Bergen, Eidfjord and Hardangerfjord.

To book or for more information call 0843-374 0111 or visit www.pocruises.co.uk

Strictly stars - from the left: Pasha Kovalev, Katya Virshilas, Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe

World War II remembrance cruise for £589 from Voyages of Discovery VOYAGES OF Discovery is marking the anniversary of the D-Day landings with a D-Day, Normandy, Dunkirk and Beyond cruise retracing the steps of the World War II conflict for £589 per person.

On the anniversary of the landings MV Discovery will visit the famous Cherbourg beaches to pay tribute to the brave men that represented their country in military combat. Other ports of call include Rouen,

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Heligoland, Ijmuiden and Harwich. A former soldier, Brigadier Hugh Willing, will be a guest speaker, offering his commentary on war history and sharing his past experience serving in a NATO headquarters.

The company will make a donation to Help for Heroes and continue to fundraise through sales of promotional items.

The eight-night voyage departs from

Portsmouth and calls at Cherbourg, St Peter Port, Rouen, Dunkirk, Heligoland and IJmuiden before returning to Harwich (England).

Prices are based on an inside cabin and include all gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, guest speaker programme, meals and entertainment.

For more information or to book call 0844-822 0820 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

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Luxury European River Cruises Danube Maine Moselle Rhine Rhône Seine Yangtze Mekong

2013 Preview Brochure - On Sale Now! Book by 23 May ’12 and save up to £1500 per couple New suites ships Avalon Artistry II & Avalon Expression launching 2013 Choose from eleven cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Rhone rivers and Dutch Waterways Priced from £1,145 per person for an 8 day luxury Rhine cruise - Amsterdam to Basel

For details of the early booking offers on 2013 Avalon cruises or for brochures call 0800 668 1865 or contact

agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk All air-inclusive packages are protected by ATOL. AvalonWaterways is a trading name of Cosmos Coach Tours Ltd; Registered in England No. 1175122. Registered Address: Avalon Waterways (trading name of Cosmos Coach Tours Ltd), Prospect House, ProspectWay, London Luton Airport, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 9NU. *Lead in price is based on the departure marked with an asterisk on each itinerary. These offers apply to new bookings only, are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. AvalonWaterways reserves the right to withdraw offers at any time.

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cruising Carnival Destiny undergoes $155m refit

We asked our staff the following question this week: What is your favourite board game?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Cluedo

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Balderdash - it's awesome!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Monopoly and Scrabble

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Chess when there's time, backgammon when there's not

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Monopoly

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk The classic 'Test Match' cricket game from the '80s

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

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com Mousetrap

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Tiddly Winks

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Mahjong

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com Kingmaker and you can't beat a bit of Kerplunk

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

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

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

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Audit Bureau of Circulations Business magazines

March 30 2012

CARNIVAL DESTINY will undergo a $155million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of new innovations unique to the vessel.

The refit will also include a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship, providing the opportunity to incorporate new on-board spaces.

Following the extensive redesign, which also sees the addition of 182 cabins, the ship will be renamed Carnival Sunshine following the 49-day dry dock, which will take place from February to April 2013.

The ship will then embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning in November 2013.

The line’s president and CEO, Gerry Cahill, said: “This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else.”

For more information call 0845-351 0556.

Avalon Waterways launches new training modules AVALON WATERWAYS reports a significant growth in sales through the trade, and to help agents increase their product knowledge and have more confidence to sell, the company has launched a range of training modules with Association of Cruise Experts (ACE) as well as agent training website, www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk The modules are designed to give agents an overview of river cruising and demonstrate the differences between river and ocean cruising as well as provide detailed information about the company's cruise experience and fleet of modern ships.

To further help agents sell river cruises, the cruise operator is set to host two fam trips this spring based on its four-night ‘Taste of the Danube’ itinerary, while its sales team have also been on the road to take part in several agent cruise roadshows organised by ACE, designed to provide more product knowledge and selling tips.

Meanwhile, following high demand for suites and higher grade staterooms, the company is set to launch two more suite ships, ‘Avalon Vista’ and ‘Avalon Visionary’. The christening ceremony on May 11 in Holland will bring the fleet’s total of suite ships to three.

Post-christening, the Avalon Visionary will introduce Panorama suites to the River Rhine for the first time, sailing the eight-day Romantic Rhine (from £1,735) as well as several Christmastime cruises. The Avalon Vista will sail the 11-day ‘Legendary Danube’ (£2,345) cruise and 13-day ‘Blue Danube Discovery’ (priced from £2,595) as well as the 15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ (£3,165).

For details email agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk or call 0800-668 1865.

2013 Saga Cruises on sale with Titan TITAN HAS issued its new Classic Cruise Collection 2013 brochure, featuring three Saga cruise ships. Early booking discounts offering savings of up to 35% as well as a range of other special offers are offered and every cruise includes scheduled flights and door-to-door transfers as part of the VIP Home Departure Service.

Agents can order brochures through by visiting www.titanagents.co.uk

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. TABER, 4. COWES, 6. MEA, 7. ORIANA, 9. IDAHO, 12. NAS, 13. URE, 14. AMMAN, 16. FALCON, 18. SFO, 19. TAMAR, 20. SPAIN. Down: 1. TOM JONES, 2. BEAMISH, 3. RIOJA, 4. CAIRO, 5. WAN, 8. FREETOWN, 10. HAM, 11. TUNISIA, 14. ACCOR, 15. MANOS, 17. AMM.

Highlighted Word: BAHAMAS Travagrams: (top) Carnival Cruises

(Bottom) Buenos Aires

Where Am I?: Davos

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WELCOME TO THE

UNESCO COUNTRY 1 | Litomyšl, 2 | Žďár nad Sázavou, 3 | Lednice and Valtice, 4 | Český Krumlov, 5 | Kroměříž, 6 | Třebíč, 7 | Kutná Hora, 8 | Telč, 9 | Holašovice, 10 | Olomouc, 11 | Brno, 12 | Prague

CzechTourism, 13 Harley Street, London W1G 9QG, uk.czechtourism.com

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THE LATEST IN LUXURY Caesars Palace isn’t just somewhere you visit. It’s something you experience. And with the opening of the spectacular new Octavius Tower in January, luxury is reaching all-new heights. Joining the ranks of the renowned five towers of Caesars Palace, this groundbreaking addition features 668 rooms, including 60 suites and six luxury villas. Amenities include media hubs, framed HDTVs and an innovative iPad®/iPod touch® app that lets guests communicate with hotel services. Unique in every way, the Octavius Tower combines modern and sophisticated design with the ultimate in comfort for the Las Vegas adventure seeker.

Rooms are now available for bookings.

Visit CaesarsPalace.com for details.

CaesarsTravelAgents.com

Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2012, Caesars License Company, LLC.