Travel Bulletin 1st November 2019

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November 1 2019 | ISSUE NO 2,129 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Stunning Sardinia

AGENT BULLETIN

BULLETIN BRIEFING

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Incentives and training opportunities

Reflecting on a post-Thomas Cook travel industry

How to help your clients make magical memories

CROATIA & THE BALKANS Eastern European escapes

Cover pic : © Olena Z

DESTINATION BULLETIN

Giving agents the edge

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NEWS BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

THIS WEEK 04 NEWS The latest industry updates to keep agents ahead

JOIN THE CULTURE CLUB A survey of 1,782 Brits revealed the traits they associate with being a ‘good tourist’, including making an effort to learn more about the culture and customs of holiday destinations.

06 DESTINATION BULLETIN The spectacular sights, scenery and culture of Sardinia

09 AGENT BULLETIN Incentives, training courses and fam trip frolics in the US and UAE

10 BULLETIN BRIEFING John Escott from Elite Travel Group on a post-Thomas Cook industry

13 FAMILY HOLIDAYS A wide range of trips to ensure fun for the whole family

The survey found that 53% of Brits don’t make the effort to find out about the culture and customs of a country before travelling, citing time restraints as the reason.

HOLIDAY TRANSFERS specialists Taxi2Airport.com surveyed 1,782 Brits to discover the traits they most associate with being a ‘good tourist’, and sought to find out the factors preventing Brits from taking a more active approach towards learning more about a particular culture.

Taxi2Airport found that the majority of Brits (81%) believe for an individual to be a good tourist that they should make the effort to learn a few basic words and/or phrases (e.g. hello, thank you, bye etc.) in the language of the country they are visiting.

Thereafter, 75% feel controlled alcohol consumption is very

important for a person who is in a foreign destination.

Especially true, given British tourists notorious reputation of being rowdy and uncontrollable when drinking too much.

In third position, 70% think it is better not to talk about sensitive topics (e.g. economic/political/social issues etc.) in public, as it may cause offense or provoke a negative reaction from the visiting countries local citizens.

Interestingly, 54% consider trying domestic cuisines/eating at local restaurants a fundamental part of being a good tourist.

While 51% share the same sentiment about trying to shop at local stores and

buying domestically produced products/souvenirs where possible.

On the other end, just 26% place a willingness to use public transport (e.g. local buses, trains, trams etc.) in the travelling country as a major part of being a good tourist. Slightly higher, 37% said that not expressing in public any grievances or frustrations about the quality and price of tourist attractions was an essential trait for a wellmannered traveller.

The survey found that more than half of UK holidaymakers (52%) don’t find out about the culture and customs of a country before travelling, as they don’t have the time.

19 CROATIA Selling holidays to this fascinating part of Europe

Published by : Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place London, SW1W 0EX

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NEWS BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Glamping reaches new heights in Peru TERRA EXPLORER, the Cusco-based adventure travel specialists, have just launched their latest collection of small escorted group tours that introduce clients to Peru.

“Our top selling signature product is a two-day, one-night, ‘glamping’ short-break programme“, says Terra Explorer’s founder, Piero Vellutino.

“This itinerary and all our other products are jam-packed with safe, supervised but very exciting and invigorating outdoor adventure activities such as sea kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding and sailing on Andean e Cusco Andes”, says Piero.

Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are taken outdoors on both days at Terra Explorer’s private campsite situated alongside

Many of the outdoor activities in the itinerary are water-based

NEWSbites HOTEL OPENINGS - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will re-brand an existing hotel on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland at the end of 2020.

the waters of the Lagoon of Huaypo, some 3,500 metres above sea level.

At the end of day one, a Peruvian gourmet celebratory dinner is served inside Terra Explorer’s mountain-side ‘dining dome’ followed by drinks and storytelling under the stars, before retirement and a wellearned night’s rest in

luxurious tented accommodation.

More challenging activities follow on day two, such as hiking along the Inca Trail, birdwatching, wine tasting in outdoor settings and a wide range of other experiences on offer.

For more information, go to www.terraexplorerperu.com /en/

- The Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap has reopened its doors following a sixmonth restoration.

- The andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge has received a make-over that allows it to meet the expectations of today’s luxury safari traveller.

‘Rhine Highlights’ with Scenic River Cruises SCENIC HAS announced the ‘Rhine Highlights’ river cruise, with two new excursions in 2020.

Guests will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven in Bonn and tour through Gamburg castle in the eight-day sailing, which takes them from Amsterdam to Basel.

The itinerary features visits to Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Mannheim, Strasbourg and Basel.

Highlights include: A scenic ride along the oldest cog railway in Germany; a visit

to a local winery to sample some of the finest wines in Koblenz; an exclusive evening concert at a fine Baroque palace in Mannheim; a guided tour around the Roman baths of Baden-Baden; and exploration of the black forest region during a visit to the Vogtsbauernhof open-air museum.

The tour along the Rhine starts from £2,345 per person, departing April 15, 2020.

For more information, visit www.scenic.co.uk or call 080-8271 6331.

Britain lifts advisory against flying to Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh THE BRITISH government has removed its advisory against flying to Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, the British embassy in Cairo said in a statement.

“This announcement follows our aviation security experts’ close cooperation with their Egyptian counterparts,” said the British Ambassador to Egypt, Geoffrey Adams.

- The Treehouse London is set to open on Langham Place in Marylebone, featuring a bar with 360 views of the city.

The Kempinski Hotel Nanjing has opened its doors, and is located at the confluence of the city's bustling commercial centre.

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NEWS BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Immersive experiences with Regent Cruises REGENT SEVEN Seas Cruises has announced a collection of immersive experiences on-ship and on-land to be included in all 2020 Alaskan sailings.

The cruise line’s new Alaska programme features engagements for guests to expand their knowledge of the ‘last frontier’ state.

The programme includes cultural experiences on board Seven Seas Mariner for guests. These activities are scheduled for times after guests have returned from most shore excursions.

Destination experts, heritage and culture experts, Iditarod and nature experts share their knowledge with the guests during the journey.

A variety of Alaskan cuisine is served onshore and onboard. A ‘Great American Salmon Bake & Barbeque’ is held on the pool deck of each voyage,

All Alaska voyages in 2020 are aboard the 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner.

and guests may enjoy their own fresh catch from a shore excursion earlier in the day.

With ‘Go Local Tours’, guests can engage in local experiences led by community residents. They will learn about some of the locals’ favourite spots to eat and explore the hidden gems of Juneau, Ketchikan,

Skagway and Sitka.

Guests aged seven to 17 can participate in excursions designed for the ‘Club Mariner Youth Programme’ on outings in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, accompanied by counsellors.

For further information, visit www.rssc.com

Once upon a time in Beaverbrooks’ ‘Wild Woods’ BEAVERBROOK IS set to launch its ‘Wild Woods’ programme for families with children aged 6-12 years old.

Set in the heart of the Surrey hills, the programme will embrace the vast 470 acre estate to combine immersive woodland pursuits, bonding activities and suite accommodation for a family getaway.

The new pet-friendly family suites attached to The Coach House accommodate families of four and can be interconnected to house larger

families. The suites come fully equipped with thoughtful amenities for children such as a ‘Bedroom Adventure Pack’ full of games, crafts, teddy bears, storybooks and mini robes.

Babysitting services are available so that parents can relish downtime together, and ‘The Coach House Health Club & Spa’ is the perfect refuge for pampering. The ‘Wild Woods’ programme starts from £1,000 for a family of four.

To book, visit www.beaverbrook.co.uk

A theatrical break with Shearings SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has put its London theatre breaks programme on sale through to December 2020. Six West End shows have been added, bringing the total now featured to 15.

New shows include: & Juliet; Book of Mormon; Pretty Woman the Musical; The Prince of Egypt; Hairspray the Musical and Mary Poppins the Musical, and more.

Go wild for Cheetah plains CHEETAH PLAINS Private Game Reserve aims to change the way people safari in South Africa.

The sustainability credentials of the property mark an evolution for ecotourism in the region.

Utilising renewable energy, Cheetah Plains has established itself completely off-grid, harnessing the power of solar to heat everything from the pools to the water.

Three private home-style properties sleep up to eight guests, each with a private heated swimming pool, a wine gallery with accompanying sommelier and chef's kitchen with private chef, spa therapist and expert guide and game tracker team.

Fly direct to Johannesburg from the UK, where flights depart daily for Sabi Sands Game Reserve. www.cheetahplains.com

Smooth sailing with Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra LOCATED ON the Andaman coast on the province of Krabi, guests of Sofitel Krabi now can enjoy a variety of adventure activities designed to encourage exploration of the local area, including learning to sail either at the neighbouring islands or on the Sofitel Krabi beach during high tide.

Following a day of learning on the open water, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra’s concierge can organise private island tours for a slice of family adventure, on a speedboat trip to discover the natural beauty of nearby islands and hidden sandy beaches.

After a day on the open water, travellers can take a swim in the resort’s lagoon-style swimming pool, the largest in Thailand, before practicing their swing on the ninehole golf course, breaking a sweat in the fitness centre, on the running track or the tennis courts.

Rates start from £108 per night at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort on a room-only basis. www.sofitelkrabiphokeethra.com

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DESTINATION BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

SUBLIME SARDINIA Sardinia’s wild scenery, clean sea, warm weather, sunshine almost all year round, tasty gastronomy, local organic wine and friendly locals make it a unique destination, says Ilenia Cocco from the Italian Tourist Board.

THE BEST times of year to visit Sardinia are March through to early June and September through to November. Spring, early summer and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy everything this island has to offer. The island is not too crowded, temperatures never fall below 25 degrees during the day and rarely above 30 degrees.

Sardinia displays the jewels of its thousands of years of history. The island is

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL AROUND DURING A long stay, travelling by car is the easiest way to discover the island. If you are planning a city break in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, or in Alghero, in the north of the island,

A flamboyance of flamingos has taken up residence in Sardinia.

a treasure in which festivals, customs, artistic handicrafts and delicacies, celebrations of sacred rituals all shine on.

All year, visitors are inspired by the events and traditions that have been handed down over the centuries.

“A few days in Sant’Antioco island in mainland South Sardinia, with a few nights in Cagliari makes it the perfect place to recharge your batteries,” says Ilenia Cocco from the Italian Tourist Board.

The best beach is the 8km stretch of sand at Poetto, Cagliari, with turquoise sea, cafes and bars.

And the ultimate mustsee? The wild flamingos, which have lived in natural habitats for 40 years.

FAVOURITE SPOT TO SEE A SARDINIA SUNSET

TOP CULTURE TIPS

THE BASTION of Saint Remy in Cagliari is a peculiar area in the District of Castello. When you walk through the historical centre, going along lanes and little streets among tightly crammed houses, you can find yourself on a great terrace overlooking the city of Cagliari. The Bastion is one of the “newer” parts of Castello, dating back to the end of the 19th Century, while the rest of the district is of medieval origin. Nowadays, it is a meeting point for locals as well as tourists taking a break during their city tour.

ON AUTUMN weekends in Barbagia, culture, art and food and wine are on show. Each community has its own speciality. To visit the villages, board the Trenino Verde − the Green Train − known as “the most beautiful railway in the world”. Each route offers a unique relaxed experience.

The network covers 428km of magnificent scenery.

The Sagra di Sant’Antioco festival, the oldest festival in Sardinia and one of the oldest in Italy, takes place in Sant’Antioco island 15 days after Easter and on August 1. Sant’Antioco is the patron saint of Sardinia. Pilgrims come from all over Sardinia wearing local costumes.

Food, wine and music are part of the agenda.

To find out more about the Trenino Verde rail network, go to www.treninoverde.com

for instance, you can easily go around by foot, use the public transport or catch a local tuk-tuk.

The main airport of Cagliari is well-connected to the main cities of the island via a reliable and inexpensive train system.

BEST-KEPT SECRET ON SARDINIA SANT’ANTIOCO Island is an hour’s drive west of Cagliari.

It is connected by an artificial isthmus to the mainland, has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th Century as Sulci − Sant’Antioco Town is its modern name and it’s the oldest urban development in Italy. Calasetta is the island’s other town. They both boast amazing cultural and heritage sites, ancient cuisine and unspoilt beaches and nature.

Commercial Feature

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NEWS BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Step into the festive season early with Butlins BUTLIN’S INVITES guests to embrace the festive season early this year on one of its ‘Christmas Fantasy’ or ‘Just for Tots Christmas Fantasy’ breaks. Available across all three resorts between December 6-16, families can enjoy Christmas-themed activities and entertainment, as well as a meet and greet with Father Christmas.

With two-, three- and four-night options available, families can get into the festive spirit with a visit to Butlin’s ‘Winter Grotto’ to see Santa. Kids can visit the Skyline Pavilion for ‘Skyline Snowstorm’, a live performance from Father Christmas and his friends, which brings the festivities to life with story and song.

Little ones can create a special Christmas memento

Children can enjoy a meet and greet with Father Christmas

with Butlin’s festive arts and crafts sessions along with a family movie on the big screen at Butlin’s Silent Cinema.

Live entertainment is available throughout all breaks including themed shows such as the ‘Swing into Christmas Music Show’ and ‘Christmas sing-a-long with the Skyline Gang’.

For those looking to enjoy

a classic pantomime, Sleeping Beauty is available on all Christmas breaks A four-night weekend break at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, starts from £151 per family. This price is based on two adults and two children sharing a silver room when arriving on December 16.

For additional information, visit www.butlins.com

A bite of the big apple with Jet2 JET2.COM AND Jet2CityBreaks has put its New York trips on sale for Winter 2020, with more 19 four-night trips from six UK airports, alongside the reintroduction of direct flights and trips from Birmingham Airport.

This expanded programme includes trips from Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle Airports, giving holidaymakers more choice and flexibility when it comes to visiting the Big Apple.

In total, there are 6,000 departing seats on sale to New York, representing a capacity increase of 22%.

Trips are in time for Christmas shopping, Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

For further information, visit www.jet2.com

‘Barbados Cares’

European Waterways launches 2020/21 Hotel Barge Cruising Brochure EUROPEAN WATERWAYS has released their 2020/2021 brochure, featuring hotel barge cruise holidays on its fleet of 17 hotel barges on the inland waterways of nine countries – France, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.

With 103 pages, the illustrated brochure displays the wide range of hotel barges in the European Waterways’ collection, together with their respective six-night itineraries.

A feature in the brochure is the “When to

Cruise” guide, which highlights the best that each cruising month has to offer – from the bloom of Spring in April and May, to the excitement of the wine harvest in August and September.

The 2020 prices for a six-night cruise, based on double occupancy, lead in at £3,290 per person aboard L’Art de Vivre, cruising in Burgundy; or £24,500 for a whole boat charter of eight people. www.europeanwaterways.com/specialoffers-2

THE BARBADOS Tourism Marketing and members of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association have partnered to launch ‘Barbados Cares’, a campaign to provide visitors who were due to travel to Barbados with Thomas Cook, and have rebooked through other channels, with an in-resort credit of £100 and 20% discounts off a range of activities and attractions.

The booking window runs until November 30. www.barbadoscares.com

Anguilla sees record tourist arrivals THE ANGUILLA Tourist Board has seen record-breaking tourist arrivals in 2019, the highest in 27 years and representing an overall 20% growth.

The tourist board is expecting the growing trend to continue in 2020 thanks to hotel openings set to debut next year.

Additionally, the tourist board is preparing to reveal a new look for Anguilla after completing an extensive audit and content shoot of the island’s hidden adventures. Visitors in 2020 can now look forward to exploring untapped corners of Anguilla and its offshore cays in a series of off-the-beaten path experiences.

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NEWS BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

A whale of a time for families aboard Sky Princess GUESTS CAN lose themselves at sea while still keeping in touch with friends and family while cruising on Princess Cruises' new vessel – Sky Princess – thanks to OceanMedallion, a wearable device.

OceanCompass, accessible on portals throughout the ship and via guests’ smart devices, leverages the OceanMedallion to easily locate and chat with friends and family. It guides them throughout their journey so they can seamlessly navigate to their next point of interest.

It also enables interactive gameplay with PlayOcean, which allows guests to take part in digital scavenger hunts, interactive games and

NEWSbites EDINBURGH UPGRADE A NEW East Terminus will be constructed at Edinburgh Airport to house the licensed taxi operation. This is aimed at making pick-ups and drop-offs easier and is the first phase of a £20 million project to improve access.

ANIMAL ANTICS Sky Princess in Kotor, Montenegro, which is becoming a very popular port.

create their own avatars, as well as turning their smart device into a game controller for interactive gaming on the Movies Under The Stars topdeck screen.

An 11-day Scandinavia &

Russia voyage aboard Sky Princess is departing on May 28, 2020. A special offer is now available with prices from £1,949 per person. www.princess.com or 0344 338 8663

UGANDA TOURISM has announced the birth of a new baby rhino at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a baby gorilla in Bwindi and a gorilla family migrating across the border from Rwanda. The tourism board hopes these new arrivals will play a role in continuing the upward trend in visitor numbers to the country’s wildlife destinations.

Prestige offering lesser-known Croatian gems AWAY FROM the city break favourite, Dubrovnik, Prestige Holidays is offering new trips to destinations in parts of Croatia which are keen to encourage more visitors.

T-Nest, an eco-friendly five-star forest-lake resort, is scheduled to open at the start of summer 2020. Named after Nikola Tesla, who was born nearby, the resort will have 72 villas, the largest sleeping up to six people, as well as two restaurants, a natural heated outdoor pool, wellness centre and forest yoga space. A week based on two sharing a Romantic Villa on a bed-andbreakfast basis from £1,650 per person departing Gatwick in October.

Meanwhile, on the island of Kolocep, a 25minute speedboat ride from Dubrovnik, Prestige

is offering stays ay Kalamota Beach House, which has one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and a bistro-style restaurant.

The island is mostly covered in pine forest and features vineyards, olive groves and orchards of orange and lemon trees. As well as being handy for the cities of Dubrovnik and Cavtat, it is an easy location for visiting the other Elafiti islands of Lopud and Sipan.

Seven-night stays start from £900 per person based on a bed-and-breakfast basis with shared transfers, departing from Gatwick.

For more information, go to www.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425 480 400.

• Turn to page 19 for more on selling holidays to Croatia and the Balkans.

EUROWINGS GROWTH EUROWINGS HAS added new destinations from Stuttgart to its summer schedule. The low-cost airline will be flying three times a week to Bucharest, twice a week to Kos and every Saturday to Jersey. Flights between the German city and these destinations are now bookable. www.eurowings.com

New winter wonders for Crystal Ski Holidays FOR WINTER 2019/20, Crystal Ski Holidays has added two Norwegian resorts, Kvitfjell and Hafjell to its programme.

Kvitfjell will be hosting the Ski World Cup in 2020, and is an ideal resort for families with young children, offering runs for a range of abilities. Hajfell offers skiing for all abilities, with long runs and a terrain park. Just north of Lillehammer, both resorts are served by Gatwick-Oslo flights. Guests can take a rail transfer from Oslo Airport to Lillehammer and then a shuttle bus. There is a range of three- and four-star accommodation.

For more information, go to www,crystalski.co.uk

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NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

AGENT BULLETIN

AGENT TRAINING

AN ABU DHABI DO... Agents who work with the Department of Culture and Tourism − Abu Dhabi took a five-day mega-fam trip to the emirate.

The trip included the city, beaches, cultural sites such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the desert and Zaya Nurai Island (pictured).

AGENT INCENTIVES ● THE GAMBIA Experience will give away holidays to The Gambia to two agents who book a package holiday by November 15, departing from either Birmingham or Manchester airports. The prize includes a week’s bed-and-breakfast accommodation at Kombo Beach Hotel, including flights and transfers. The company’s weekly Birmingham flights will run from December 18 until April 22, 2020, and weekly departures from Manchester will run from December 16 until April 27, 2020. Every package holiday booking will count and there is no maximum on entries.

Winners will be announced in the week commencing November 18 and there will be one prize awarded for a Manchester booking and one for a Birmingham booking. For more information, go to www.gambia.co.uk ● MADHYA PRADESH Tourism will be running a competition for travel agents who attend World Travel Market (WTM), which runs in London from November 4-6. The tourism board will offer one agent the chance to win a fam trip to Madhya Pradesh, known as India’s “Tiger State”. To be in the runing, agents should book a meeting with the tourist board and answer a question to enter a business card prize draw. Meetings can be booked by emailing mpt@gecpr.co.uk. Alternatively, agents can enter via social media by posing for a photograph with a tiger or Mowgli at the WTM stand (AS530) and share online with the hashtag #MPTourism, tagging @MPTourism on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises, which operates luxury cruises around the British isles, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands and France, has become an associate member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), enabling the line to increase its presence and brand awareness with the travel trade. Through the partnership, the line has launched its online training module to more than 4,000 CLIA travel agents. Hebridean will offer various incentives to encourage agents to complete the online module. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland director, said: “We are delighted to have Hebridean Island Cruises join us as an associate member of CLIA. This partnership will enable Hebridean to have access to CLIA training event and will open the door to opportunities to network with our agent members.”

For more information on Hebridean Island Cruises, visit www.hebridean.co.uk

ABTA IS repeating its Travel Law For Beginners course, this time in Birmingham on November 13. The seminar is aimed at all travel industry professionals who require a basic understanding of travel law. The seminar offers a comprehensive, yet introductory-level, overview of the main legal issues which impact on the travel industry.

The sessions will be moderated by Matt Gatenby, senior partner, Travlaw, and the speakers will be Paul Macfarlane, senior solicitor, ABTA; Darren Hutton, head of international guest claims, RCL Cruises, Luke Golding, partner, Travlaw; and Ami Naru, senior associate, head of employment, Travlaw. For more information, go to www.abta.com/events

● AGENTS SELLING holidays to Jamaica could be in with the chance of receiving one of 50 McDonalds Jamaican Chicken sandwiches, courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board. To be in the running, agents need to make any booking to Jamaica, log on to www.jamaicarewards.co.uk and register the booking between now and November 19. The first 50 bookings will receive a sandwich delivered to their door.

COMPETITIONS! NEW: Win a 5 night all-inclusive deluxe stay at the new Palladium Hotel Menorca Pre-Christmas shopping fam in Chicago up for grabs with Macerich, Chicago, British Airways, and Brand USA! A £100 Amazon voucher could be yours courtesy of Villa Choices

MASSACHUSETTS MASSIVE... Travel agents from all over the UK experienced the US state of Massachusetts on a fam trip in partnership with Visit Massachusetts, Delta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. Highlights included a bike tour, Cape Cod National Seashore Park and a ghost tour.

FOR ALL COMPETITIONS VISIT travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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BULLETIN BRIEFING

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Industry insight by...

John Escott, general manager, Elite Travel Group, reflects on the knock-on effects of the collapse of Thomas Cook and what it will mean for the travel industry in the long term.

I FEEL sorry for those who lost their jobs in the wake of the Thomas Cook collapse, but it was pleasing to see the industry rally around and offer support.

It was a shrewd move by Hays Travel to acquire the 555 retail outlets of Thomas Cook from under the noses of its competitors. It’s great for staff who will be reemployed, but I am sure there will be a review of the shops that are uneconomic.

There will be a number of towns with multiple Hays branches so it will be interesting to see how many remain open in a year’s time.

Hays Travel received great PR with John and Irene portrayed as the saviours of the high street − I wish them every success. Many other retailers have announced expansion plans, showing confidence in the high street for travel retailing.

We are seeing the knockon effects of the collapse, such as job losses at airports around the country, hoteliers losing millions around the world and lost forward bookings. There are many other sectors affected too.

The consequences will be felt by businesses and employees for a long time.

For operators without an airline, there is a shortage of seats on many routes and prices will remain higher than they would have been in the short term. Operators who had seats on Thomas Cook aircraft are sourcing alternative airlines. It is an opportunity for big operators to add extra capacity and dominate the market further.

TUI has announced 2 million extra holidays for next year and Jet2 is planning to expand. Everyone should see this as a huge opportunity, as there are millions of holidaymakers who would have travelled

I watched Good Morning Britain after the Thomas Cook collapse and a guest said: “Nobody books through travel agents these days.” Luckily, Kate Garraway interrupted and said: “Well, I do!”.

Many operators have taken a serious financial hit and I hope everyone can see their way through this storm.

There are many rumours on social media about who is “the next to go”. We need to be careful about speculating without facts and help each other to get through this.

The one thing that has emerged is that the financial

“Everyone should see the collapse of Thomas Cook as a huge opportunity” with Thomas Cook who are now looking for alternatives.

We need to get the message out that customers should book through their friendly, knowledgeable local travel agent. They are there to help and advise − and to help when things go wrong.

The media can be unhelpful.

protection and bonding system needs a full review.

Have ABTA and the CAA been effective and do they have the necessary robust measures in place? It seems unfair that the ATOL holder has to take full financial responsibility and face financial loss, potentially

jeopardising their business through no fault of their own.

The government is expected to announce an airline insolvency review and there will be calls for change.

Some are calling for the APC of £2.50 to be increased. The government already collects enough money from every airline ticket sold with APD. Perhaps some of it should be used to provide protection?

We need to learn lessons and make changes.

The CAA has undertaken the largest repatriation since WWII in bringing home stranded holidaymakers. It seems ridiculous that aircraft are flown in from around the world at great expense to undertake these flights while Thomas Cook aircraft are sitting idly at UK airports.

Why not just continue the scheduled flying on those aircraft with the same crew to bring everyone home?

The one issue that arises was, should those without ATOL protection have been brought home? The simple answer is “no” in my opinion. Why not charge a levy on all seats sold so everyone is protected? The Thomas Cook collapse will be a monumental day in the history of the travel industry.

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PUZZLE BULLETIN

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

SUDOKU

Win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher in the Su Doku prize puzzle A 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:

B

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk

C

Closing date for entries is Thursday, 7th November. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The Jet2 winner for 18th October is Emily Crosbie, Regent Travel in Hartlepool.

D

18th October Solution: A=7 B=1 C=2 D=9

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I M A E WHER

The world’s largest cave and a must for adventurous travellers to this Far Eastern country. It can be reached after a rainforest hike with three-night expeditions available between February and August to explore its expansive caverns.

Across

Down

1. Major US airline (6) 4. One of the Great Lakes (4) 8. Cruise ship, ___ Princess, sounds like a gem (7) 9. Salt Lake city is the state capital (4) 10. Popular City Break destination (6) 13. European capital city (6) 14. Spooky festival recently held in Whitby (4) 17. City host of the 2019 China Open tennis tournament (7) 18. One of the Hawaiian islands (4) 19. Famous classical composer born in Salzburg (6)

1. Sacred Australian Rock now closed to climbers (5) 2. Reykjavik is the capital (7) 3. Popular Cornish tourist attraction, ___ Project (4) 5. British rock legend, ___ Stewart (3) 6. When this bird landed it left Russian scientists with a huge SMS roaming bill (5) 7. Scenic island in the Bay of Naples (5) 11. The Caucasus Mountains border this country (7) 12. First name of English singer/songwriter, ___ , sounds like an elfish haircut (5) 13. Free newspaper (5) 15. Multinational hotel and resorts brand (5) 16. Travel industry association (4) 17. Bahrain international airport code (3)

Mystery word: RALEIGH Where am I? - Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam.

Solution: Across: 1. UNITED, 4. ERIE, 8. EMERALD, 9. UTAH, 10. PRAGUE, 13. MADRID, 14. GOTH, 17. BEIJING, 18. OAHU, 19. MOZART. Down: 1. ULURU, 2. ICELAND, 3. EDEN, 5. ROD, 6. EAGLE, 7. CAPRI, 11. GEORGIA, 12. PIXIE, 13. METRO, 15. HYATT, 16. AITO, 17. BAH.

CROSSWORD

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

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

CYPRUS CHRISTMAS CRACKER Forget slaving away in the kitchen this festive period and book busy families on a Cypriot resort break without losing any of the Christmas spirit.

FOR FAMILIES wanting to shun the cold for a Noel and New Year under the sun, Columbia Beach Resort starts celebrating in the sun on 23rd December 2019 until 1st January 2020.

It has launched its 2019 Festive programme which promises to set the perfect traditional Christmas scene with food, a live performance from the Avdimou Elementary School Choir, Father Christmas and fireworks on the beach.

Executive chef Ioannis Giakoumidis will whip up Yultide treats from à la carte evening meals showcasing Cypriot fayre to mulled wine with roasted chestnuts and a traditional Cyprus Night.

For shopping trips ahead of the big

day, excursions are available to the Kings Avenue Mall in Paphos, and whilst there you can visit the world-renowned mosaics and the harbour area.

The Den Kids Club offers Christmas cookie decorating and cupcake baking, a festive family treasure hunt, mini bingo, face-painting and a selection of sports activities to choose from. Christmas Eve will be celebrated with a sparkling drinks reception in the West Lobby followed by a choice of either a buffet-style evening meal at Apollo Tavern or an à la carte dinner at the resort’s Gourmet restaurant, Bacchus. Christmas Day then begins with a bubbly breakfast followed by a chance to meet and greet Santa, before a traditional Christmas buffet

lunch with all the trimmings.

New Year’s Eve celebrations include fireworks on the Pissouri Bay beach.

The five-star Columbia Beach Resort is an award winning property located on the coast of Pissouri Bay on the island’s south coast.

A seven-night festive visit to Columbia Beach Resort starts from just £738 per person, based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged 2-11 years) sharing an Executive Suite, Garden View on a bed-and-breakfast basis, when departing on 21st December 2019. It includes return flights from London Heathrow to Larnaca with British Airways.

To book visit www.britishairways.com and for more information visit www.columbiaresort.com.

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

BACK AT BUTLIN’S

Why Crete fits all the family

CBeebies favourite Justin Fletcher and the cast of Milkshake Live return to Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness next year

FAMILIES COME in different shapes and sizes but Robinson Club Ierapetra promises a one-size-fits-all approach. With its latest resort set to open in May 2020 the brand is offering 64 different sports many of which are included in the full-board package. Families can take to the pool and learn to swim or take to the court for a game of tennis. There’s also watersports, kids clubs and the Robinson’s WellFit programme.

Crete is the largest Greek island and has a long summer season that extends into October. Robinson Club Ierapetra with 340 rooms is located on a 200m pebble beach on the island’s southern coast.

Bookings open this autumn.

Rates start from €875 per person for seven nights, full-board.

For more information visit https://www.robinson.com/en/en/ resort-holiday/greece/ierapetra/ club-details/

TV SUPERSTAR Justin Fletcher and characters Milkshake Monkey, Fireman Sam, Noddy and Teletubbies are set to headline at Butlin’s Just for Tots breaks throughout 2020.

Designed specifically for families with children under the age of five and held during term time, Just for Tots are available at all three of Butlin’s seaside resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness between March and October. Each break will feature either Justin Fletcher or the cast of Milkshake Live! which includes Milkshake Monkey, Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and the Floogals. Alongside these TV greats is also a whole host of cartoon favourites including Paddington, The Skyline Gang and Teletubbies.

The new year also welcomes Children’s TV

presenter and former Butlin’s Red Coat, Nathan Conner who will perform live on all Just for Tots breaks. His brand-new show promises to have kids on their feet as its cast offers laugh out loud entertainment.

All Just for Tots breaks offer access to the Traditional Butlin’s Fairground and Splash Waterworld, as well as providing a wide range of other daytime and evening entertainment.

The breaks also gives parents the chance to help their children learn a new skill, such as riding a bike with Balanceability or swimming with Puddle Ducks.

A four-night Just for Tots break starts from £160 per family when staying at Butlin’s Skegness Resort. This price is based on two adults and two children sharing a twobedroom Silver room accommodation, when arriving on 23 March 2020.

Start your Caribbean adventure in Barbados THE BEST family holidays are where you have everything you need in one place and that’s what the Crane in Barbados is offering with its resort hotel.

The property, which is set on the east coast of the island, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and promises to tick all the boxes for adults and children.

Families can use the lagoon-style pools, play a game of tennis or lay back out on the soft pink sands of Crane Beach. There’s even the option to explore the island with catamaran cruises, snorkelling with turtles, forest bathing and rum tastings available to book via the concierge.

Children aged 4-12 can also learn about Bajan heritage and culture at The Calypso Kids Club through playing traditional Caribbean instruments, wildlife sightseeing and a ‘Kiddies Kadooment’ dancing parade, with complimentary babysitting services available.

For the grown-ups there’s private plunge pools, rooftop terraces, clifftop sunrise yoga and spa treatments.

For more information visit www.craneresorts.com

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

WHEELIE GOOD BIKING

Gear up for a family e-cargo bike ride around Lake Constance FREEDOM TREKS is offering e-cargo bikes on a number of its tours in Europe next year including Lake Constance.

The trip promises fairytale castles, pre-historic stilt houses, half-timbered buildings and lidos during a week discovering the upper and lower shores of sparkling Lake Constance, on easy rides through Germany, Austria and Switzerland, before finishing in the historic city of Constance.

The Electric cargo bikes on the well-marked paths make it ideal for kids – big and small.

The longest cycle ride is just 25 miles. Two boat trips are also included in this tour.

Added highlights include entrance to Mainau Island as well as Germany’s familyfriendly theme park Ravensburger Spieleland and a return ride, by cable car, to the Pfander.

Plus, there’s free entry to the Sea-Life Centre in the city of Constance, which is now home to 10 Gentoo penguins.

Various discounts are available for children age five to 17.

A six-night Family Lake Constance selfguided tour, departing during the summer holidays 2020, costs from £606 pp (for two adults and two children, aged 6-13 - sharing a quad room). The price includes six nights’ B&B accommodation in three-star hotels, luggage transportation, maps and route information (GPS tracks available), local contact number for assistance, two boat trips (with bikes), entrance to the Sea-Life

Centre and entrance to the Lake Dwelling Museum in Unteruhldingen and the Rosgarten museum in Constance plus a coffee. Return flights, transfers and other meals and activities extra.

Bike hire costs from £36 per child (trailers and tag-along available), £73 per adult (hybrid with 24 or seven gears) or £177 for an e-cargo bike (seating two children).

For more information visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk

Why kids prefer the iPad to I-spy on long journeys IT’S GAME over for family classic car games as technology is killing off sing songs and I-spy, emphasising that now more than ever, staying connected has become an essential part of travelling, especially for the younger demographic. As such, agents should keep a lookout for offers which include internet connection on flights and even in hire cars.

According to the data of 2,000 parents, the average British family takes at least three long road trips a year. However, 38 percent of families never play I-Spy on a car journey any more, while 36 percent have never sung “ten green bottles” with their children, due to the use of iPads, in-car entertainment and music streaming. The findings revealed that 54% of adults miss playing the games they played with their parents such as I-Spy, 20 questions and the license plate game while travelling.

Shakila Ahmed from Travelodge, who commissioned the poll said that smartphones and tablets had “driven long established activities such as: playing I spy and singing car tunes such as Ten Green Bottles into the history books."

Skiworld prices have tumbled in half price sale SKI TOUR operator Skiworld is offering half-price chalet holidays in top snow-sure resorts for a limited time only.

The sale includes departure dates for Christmas, January, February, March and Easter. Their best deals include a Tyrolean chalet based in the rural hamlet of Zug, on the outskirts of Lech, Austria at £485pp departing on 11th January 2020. For Christmas there’s Chalet Hans, St Anton, also Austria, which is within close proximity (approx. 550 metres) to the Nassereinbahn gondola and nursery slopes. At £549pp, departing on 21st December this includes return flights, transfers, sixday chalet catering and some Christmas special extras, including traditional Christmas dinner.

Then there’s Chalet Aries, Val Thorens, France for those wanting quick access to the slopes and Val Thorens centre. Departing on 22nd February 2020, stay here for £618pp, including return flights, transfers and 6 days’ chalet catering.

To find out more visit: https://www.skiworld.co.uk/ski-deals/up-tohalf-price-ski-holidays

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Walt a way to spend Christmas WITH CHRISTMAS just around the corner, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is kicking off the festivities this month. The build up starts with a firework show on November 8th and the transformation of Cinderella Castle into a glistening ice palace at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

At the Animal Kingdom there will be the Tree of Like Awakenings spectacular, arctic Discovery Island Entertainment, the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and Christmas at Pongu Pongu in Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Other favourites include Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, a holiday wonderland at Disney

Springs and more.

Funway Holidays is offering seven-nights in Orlando staying in a three-bedroom Disney Area private villa with private pool.

Prices start from £1,500pp including return flights from the UK (London Gatwick) with American Airlines. Travel is based on a family of four (two adults, two children aged eight-toten), departing 22 December.

Malcolm Davies for Funway Holidays, says: “Christmas in Orlando is one of the most festive places to be in December, apart from maybe Lapland!

From the official treelighting ceremony; Disney Christmas parties; festivethemed live shows and even “snow” in Orlando – where guests can still wear their flip-flops!”

For more information about Orlando holidays, visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

Flipping amazing whale-watching FAMILIES WORLDWIDE has introduced a new range of tailormade adventures where children and adults alike will enjoy whalewatching, getting up close with some of the largest animals on the planet. From remote beachfront cabins on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to the waters off Vancouver Island, families will be accompanied by local naturalist guides to better understand the whales’ behaviour and habits.

In more than 40 countries from Asia to Europe, Africa to the Middle East, Families Worldwide’s programme of holidays crisscrosses the globe creating lasting memories, whether from multi-activity weeks, wildlife encounters, cultural journeys, winter fun or camping adventures.

For more information contact Families Worldwide (01962 302062, familiesworldwide.co.uk).

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DREAM HOLIDAY Dive with dolphins in the Maldives

A HOLIDAY to the Maldives often tops a family’s bucketlist for being a peaceful paradise and a perfect playground.

Happily, a trip to Konotta Maldives Resort offers both as it’s located within the crystal waters of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll with sandy beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs.

To dive straight into this world, the resort by the Outrigger Hospitality Group, offers sailing, canoeing, glass bottom boat paddling, jet skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, catamaran, wind surfing, fishing and more.

Beyond this, there are hundreds of islands to visit during family island-hopping tours and also the option to enjoy a dolphin quest. In between adventures, parents can indulge in Maldivian cuisine at one of the resorts restaurants. Children eat for free at the Blue Salt Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as receive complimentary access to the kids’ club, which includes two-

hours of babysitting offered daily. Also for the youngsters there’s the Coral Kids’ club, cooking classes, craft lessons, beach games, yoga and meditation.

An all-inclusive package allows guests to enjoy a complete holiday with meals, drinks and activities for one price. The package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at the three dining venues at the resort: Blue Salt Restaurant, The Deck and The Pool Bar and free-flowing drinks from 11am. Other complimentary benefits include use of the Navasana Spa hydro pool and steam room, one 30-minute foot massage per person, access to sunrise and sunset yoga, use of the fully equipped gym, the non-motorised water sports snorkelling equipment and the Movie under the Stars experience.

Prices start at £330 per night.

For more information, visit www.outrigger.com

Captivate kids with martial arts classes IF YOU’RE looking for more than sand, sea and sun this winter The Anam in Vietnam is offering vovinam martial arts classes.

The five-star beach resort on the south-east coast is surrounded by jungle-clad mountains and 300 metres of golden beach and crystal blue sea. The classes are designed to align body and mind through the art of self-defence.

It is based on the concept of Yin (negative) and Yang (positive) in ancient Asian culture. Vovinam is the largest and most developed Vietnamese martial arts with more than 60 schools across the world.

The classes will be led by resident vovinam master, Huynh Trong Nghia and will incorporate a range of attack and defence techniques that allow the participant to focus on the present moment. Huynh was awarded a silver medal in Vietnam’s Central Coast vovinam championships in 2017. Vovinam is the latest initiative from the Cam Ranh property which allows guests to uncover and experience authentic Vietnamese culture. Nightly rates at The Anam start from £157 for a Balcony Garden View Room.

For more information visit www.theanam.com, call +(84) 2583 989 499 or email info@theanam.com.

Family wellness on Lake Geneva SET ON the edge of Lake Geneva with a backdrop of the Alps and surrounded by forests and trails for adventures in the great outdoors, Hotel Ermitage at Evian Resort is perfectly-equipped for families with 47-acre private grounds and 80 spacious suites designed with younger guests in mind. This season, the hotel has been helping children of all ages to make their first forays into wellness with new complimentary Yoga Play & Parenting sessions designed to introduce children (and their parents) to yoga through playful postures with an expert instructor that parents can continue at home, aimed at teaching lasting methods of focus and concentration as well as improving strength and fitness.

After a relaxing yoga session, parents and children can head to the Spa Quatre Terres for parents to enjoy personalised massages and facials using organic ingredients or learn baby massage techniques, while older children and teens can have their first pampering experience with fruity facials, coconut and peach kids’ massages, facials and cleansing treatments aimed at teenage skin or mini foot and hand care for princes and princesses.

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CROATIA & BALKAN STATES

WHY CROATIA IS THE COUNTRY TO VISIT NEXT YEAR As Rijeka becomes the European Capital of Culture, and Zagreb presides over the EU presidency, find out why Croatia has it covered in 2020 CROATIA’S THIRD-largest city and biggest seaport Rijeka takes the baton as the European Capital of Culture – along with Galway in Ireland – with expectations of welcoming more than one million visitors next year.

This shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve, as Brits already flock to Dubrovnik which is the UK’s number one destination due to the Unesco listed Old City, the Game of Thrones and its 250 days of sunshine in a year.

Further up the coast, the Dalmatian region has seen a 5% increase in arrivals and a 2% rise in overnight stays up to September 2019, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board.

While thousands fly into Split and sail to the islands of Hvar and Brac, Rijeka will no doubt become the new corner of Croatia to discover. This lesser known city also sits on the sparkling Adriatic, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County overlooking the Kvarner Gulf.

It has been described as a city that

stands for “its libertarian spirit, vibrant cultural scene and social and cultural diversity” by tourism bosses.

Staying true to Croatia’s promise of sunshine, history and beauty, this harbour city has beaches, the ancient fortress of Trsat Castle and attracts cruise ships, ferries and catamarans for island hopping adventures to Krk and Cres.

As part of the “Capital of Culture” preparations, the ship Galeb has been transformed into a floating museum to become one of the cultural highlights of the city. The vessel once belonged to the Yugoslav President Tito and was visited by Winston Churchill when it sailed up the River Thames.

Events during the year include the Carnival Parade in February and gala concerts and exhibitions by well renowned artists.

Close to Rijeka lies Opatija - once the home of European royalty and today a wellness destination with numerous spas, health centres and the

Thalassotherapia hospital at the forefront of medical treatments.

As well as all this cultural activity, Croatia’s capital city Zagreb takes over the presidency of the European Union for the first half of the year. From January to June, this will bring its own calendar of political events.

There’s a buzz of excitement for the year ahead says Darija Reic, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in London.

“We are incredibly excited for what’s in store for Croatia in 2020. Hosting a rich and delightful programme featuring some of Croatia’s and Europe's finest artists, Rijeka will be showcasing everything it stands for - its libertarian spirit, vibrant cultural scene and social and cultural diversity. From the internationally reputable Carnival Parade in February to the gala concerts and exhibitions by well renowned artists, Rijeka is the hotspot for every culture buff, all year round.”

For more information about Croatia, visit croatia.hr

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NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

MAKE TRUFFLE PLANS Sniff out a gourmet holiday in Istria, land of the truffles

THE EXCITEMENT of autumn means the truffle season is under way in Istria.

This Croatian treat is a valuable delicacy with the most foraged-for item being the white truffle. The season starts in September and brings months of searching and sniffing for hunting experts and their sharp-nosed hounds.

These Istrian jewels are showcased at Zigante Truffle Days, a series of weekendlong events throughout the autumn months.

Locals and travellers can sip, savour and sample regional wines, try truffle-infused delicacies and taste the world’s finest olive oils. The only kind in the country, the event includes a truffle fair, exhibition of wine and other Istrian products, culinary workshops, truffle hunts in the forest, and various tasting experiences.

To experience the fun, San Canzian Village

& Hotel is a new boutique hotel, which opened in August. Set in the heart of the Istrian countryside, it has 25 rooms and suites. The property is located in the medieval village of Mužolini Donji, near Buje and Grožnjan, a 14th-century Venetian fortress, reborn as the most important art colony in Istria. The resort’s Noel Restaurant and Bar serves up the best of what Istria has to offer – expect to find the world’s best olive oils, rich reds and numerous truffle-infused concoctions on the menu.

Rooms at San Canzian Village & Hotel start from approx. £231 per night, on a bed-andbreakfast basis. Zigante Truffle Days run from September 14 to November 17 in Livade.

For more information, visit san-canzian.hr, or for Zigante Truffle Days, visit sajamtartufa.com/zigante-truffle-days

Tour the beauty of the Balkans EXPLORE THE Balkans with new itineraries offered by Regent Holidays that takes in south-west Serbia and the Bosnian town of Visegrad.

The six-day trip promises an insight into the region’s heritage while showcasing its lesserexplored corners. Visitors will visit the open-air Old Village Museum in Sirogojno, ride a narrow-gauge railway around the Mokra Gora mountains, sail across Uvac Lake and scout for vultures on a 4x4 along the Sjenica River.

The schedule includes a visit across the border to the Bosnian town of Visegrad for a scenic onehour boat trip down the River Drina, sailing under the town’s 16th-century Ottoman bridge.

The “Discover South West Serbia” tour departs on September 20, 2020, and is priced from £1,270 per person. This is based on two adults sharing on a mostly half-board basis. It includes transfers and return flights from London Heathrow to Belgrade with Air Serbia.

For more information, visit Regent Holidays www.regentholidays.co.uk or call 020 7666 1244

Shearings Holidays tours Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has added an eight-day Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina tour for 2020. It is the first time the operator has featured Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina in its programme and the tour combines these new destinations with four nights exploring Croatia.

The “Tour & Explore” itinerary flies into Dubrovnik and after an overnight stay heads into Bosnia and Herzegovina with a visit to the old city of Mostar, which was recently been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. There is the chance to see the iconic bridge as well as the Old Bazaar and mosque before heading to Sarajevo for a city tour and overnight.

The next stop is Belgrade in Serbia, where a guided city tour is included with the chance to see Republic Square, Tito’s memorial and Saint Sava Temple. It’s then onto the Croatian capital, Zagreb before heading to Plitvice Lakes National Park with its famous waterfalls.

Priced from £1214 per person to include return flights, resort transfers, seven nights halfboard accommodation and five excursions.

To read more, visit www.shearings.com

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CROATIA & BALKAN STATES

NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

MAKE FOR MONTENEGRO Jet2.com lands in Tivat for the first time

A DIRECT flight to Montenegro will bring beach breaks, marinas and magnificent mountain landscapes closer to British holidaymakers next summer.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will run a service from London Stansted and Manchester Airports to Tivat starting in May that will run through to October.

The airline will operate up to two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) from each airport.

Located on the west coast of the Balkan peninsula, Tivat offers resorts such as stylish Budva, chilled-out Becici and the stunning Herceg Novi. The coastal town of Tivat itself is nearby, as is the jaw-dropping Kotor Bay. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and

Jet2holidays, said: “The introduction of services to Tivat means that we are operating direct flights to Montenegro for the first time.

With stunning scenery, a wonderful climate, and fantastic resorts such as Budva and Becici on offer, we are expecting this destination to be hugely popular with holidaymakers. Yet again, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is giving holidaymakers and independent travel agents even more choice and flexibility when it comes to booking our award-winning flights and holidays.”

This is the airline’s third new route for Summer 2020, in addition to Preveza (Greece) and Zadar (Croatia).

For more information, visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com.

Radisson expands into booming Cluj-Napoca THE RADISSON Hotel Group has signed off plans to develop its fourth property in Romania’s second-largest city.

The Radisson Blu Hotel will open in Cluj-Napoca – based in the regional capital of Transylvania – in spring 2021.

Cluj-Napoca is based in the north west of the country and attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year due to its Ancient Roman landmarks and architecture. The city is also known for its artistic culture, fiery nightlife, great music and film festivals and bold architecture – ranging from Romania’s secondlargest Gothic church to baroque buildings and medieval towers.

The brand has located the new hotel in the historic centre near the Cluj Arena Stadium.

It will include 149 guestrooms, VIP apartments, a fine dining restaurant and a fitness room.

Nina Moldovan, president of the board and representative of the investor Winners Park Invest, said: “Cluj-Napoca is a destination that has a lot to offer – we are looking forward to opening our doors to everyone looking for a meaningful experience here very soon.”

Set off to Slovenia this summer SPECIALIST TOUR operator Balkan Holidays have released their new range for 2020, with lead-in prices held at £199 per person. The programme has been expanded to include trips to the lakes and mountains of Slovenia and a new hold luggage allowance of 22kg is included on charter flights.

New for 2020 is a special range of hotels under the banner of ‘Time of Your Life’, exclusively for the over 50s. There are nine hotels in this range, offering benefits such as no single supplements, free language classes and a free day trip.

Chris Ran at Balkan Holidays said: “Selling Balkan Holidays couldn’t be easier. My team on the road is ready to train and help any agents across the UK.” For more information, visit www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0207 543 5555.

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NOVEMBER 1 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

HO HO HO: ZAGREB IS TOP CHRISTMAS MARKET FOR A THIRD TIME

DITCH CHRISTMAS shopping at home and head to Zagreb, which has won the best Christmas Market destination in Europe three times in a row.

Come the end of the November, the city is taken over with the underground Christmas fairy tale in the Gric tunnel to the upper town

connected with the shortest and oldest funicular in the world.

There’s the Christmas tree on Ban Josip Jelačić Square, lantern lit avenues and street performances that turn the city into a magical Christmas experience.

At just over two hours from

Heathrow with direct links all year round, the Croatian capital also has six new luxury hotels and intends to break the record of 127,000 visitors who visited in December last year.

It also expects a boost in consumer spending in the range of £50 million.

For more information, visit croatia.hr

What's been your biggest family holiday disaster?

Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Missed flight due to motorway pile-up dovetailed with a vomiting child.

Matt Gill Senior Account Manager matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk My mum thought she’d left the door unlocked... flew home and she hadn’t!

Ashweenee Beerjeraz Events Assistant ashweenee.beerjeraz@travelbulletin.co.uk None so far - love a famo holiday!

Georgia Lewis Managing Editor - News news@travelbulletin.co.uk Camping, two weeks of rain...

Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Capsized the kayak, lost the campervan keys and my brother got sunstroke!

Bill Coad Account Manager bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Turning up at the airport with an invalid passport to travel to Bali...

Sarah Terry Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk At the seaside we ate our picnic in the car to the sound of rain and drove home Hannah Carter Events Coordinator hannah.carter@travelbulletin.co.uk Heat stroke & food poisoning within 48 hours

Alice Tully Events Assistant alice.tully@travelbulletin.co.uk I lost my passport, eventually finding it in my brother’s pocket just before the gate closed.

Mariam Ahmad Staff Writer - News news@travelbulletin.co.uk No running water for three days Vidwan Reddy Online Editorial Assistant vidwan.reddy@travelbulletin.co.uk So far, so good Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Kidney stone pain for 4 days out of 7

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