Travel Bulletin 2nd August 2019

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August 2 2019 | ISSUE NO 2,118 | travelbulletin.co.uk

BULLETIN BRIEFING Elite shows how agents are dealing with uncertainty to make their business grow

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS A perfect match: find the ideal destination wedding for your clients

Giving agents the edge AGENT BULLETIN

AUSTRALASIA

Whip up some tasty Thai treats with Travel 2’s latest incentive

Check out the highlights from our first-ever Australasia showcase in Dorking

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Cover pic : © Masson

Get your clients feeling festive with these fantastic winter breaks

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NEWS BULLETIN

AUGUST 2 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

THIS WEEK 04

NO ROOM TO RISE Your customers will be pleased to know that a number of factors mean that hotels in many popular cities will not be imposing steep room rate increases.

NEWS Industry news from around the globe to help agents sell better

08 AGENT INSIGHT James from Travel Designers on selling weddings and honeymoons

09 AGENT BULLETIN Prizes galore and online training courses for multiple destinations

17 WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS Why more couples are choosing to elope (and the destinations they’re going to!)

23 CHRISTMAS MARKETS Get your clients into the festive spirit with these merry market breaks across Europe

IN MANY major destinations across the world, the ability of hotels to increase room rates is going to be significantly restricted. A global boom in hotel construction is increasing the supply of guest rooms, and this is taking place at a time when international trade tensions are dampening demand. In particular, this combination of factors will keep hotel room prices down in destinations which are popular with business travellers, as well as those visiting for leisure.

The data comes from The Hotel Monitor 2020 by American Express Global Business Travel in which analysts have reported on room rate movements on a

region-by-region basis. In Europe, small room rate rises are forecast, which the report attributes to low growth, Brexit-related uncertainty and the general global economic outlook suppressing demand.

On the supply side, hotel development is still high – Germany leads the boom with 379 projects in the pipelone, followed by the UK with 281 new hotels under construction. London will gain 10,000 new rooms between now and 2020.

Similarly, flat occupancy and extensive hotel construction will limit hotel prices rises in US cities. Chicago and San Francisco will see room rate increases of 5% and 4% respectively, while in New

York, room rates are expected to fall by 3% as 29,000 new rooms become available in the coming months.

In Canada, however, room rates are more likely to rise thanks to a relatively strong economy and slowed room capacity growth, particularly in Toronto.

Central and Latin American destinations can expect hotel room rates to rise as demand is outstripping hotel room capacity, with hotel construction down 25% yearon-year. Likewise, room rate increases are expected in Asia-Pacific destinations as demand keeps up with supply. Bangalore and Tokyo will see room rates rise by 5% and 4% respectively.

27 AUSTRALASIA Dive into Ningaloo Reef with these top tips from Western Australia

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

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NEWS BULLETIN

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New offerings on land and sea for surging Vietnam VIETNAM IS experiencing a surge in British visitors with the south-east Asian country’s tourism board recording a 104.4% increase in UK visitors in the first six months of 2019, compared to the same period last year.

On an international level, foreign visitors to Vietnam reached a record total of 15.5 million in 2018.

Among the companies expanding their offerings in Vietnam to tap into this growing market is Centara Hotels & Resorts. Centara aims to open at least 20 new hotels across Vietnam in the next five years. Centara Sandy Beach Resort Danang is the brand's first property in the country, located on the central coast.

The company is looking to open hotels and resorts spread across the country including major economic hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Haiphong, and other high-growth areas such as Danang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh and Hoi An. There is also strong potential in the southern coastal areas of Vung Tau, Ho Tram and Mui Ne, due to new road infrastructure connecting the region with HCMC and the development of a major new airport in

Centara Sandy Beach Resort Danang

nearby Dong Nai province.

Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of the hotel group, said of the Vietnamese market: "Boosted by booming intraAsian travel, more relaxed visa policies and impressive improvements to transport infrastructure, the country is already well on track towards another record-breaking tourism year in 2019.”

Also in Vietnamese hotel news, the five-star Emeralda Resort – Ninh Binh has undergone a series of upgrades to enhance its appeal. These include an organic restaurant, external renovations of the traditional-style villas and an extensive upgrading of the events facilities.

For river cruise fans, Pandaw is catering to this growing market with a twice-

weekly sailing from Saigon, in the south of Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital starting in September.

Sailing aboard the colonial-style Indochina Pandaw, the itinerary takes in much of the Mekong Delta with trips through the mangroves and bamboo forests, horse-and-cart rides through the countryside and a separate boat trip through the Gao Giong bird sanctuary.

The ocean cruise market in the area has received a boost with Ponant adding a ‘China and Vietnam’ voyage to its offerings. On October 28, 2020, Le Lapérouse will depart from Shanghai, for a ten-night Asian cruise that will take in Halong Bay and conclude in the Vietnamese port city of Haiphong.

Germany seeks to attract more visitors from the UK INTERNATIONAL INCOMING overnight stays in Germany are up overall, according to the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) but the UK component of this is down.

The Federal Statistical Office in Germany registered 23.8 million international overnight stays in hotels and accommodation with at least ten beds, representing an increase of 3% compared to the same period in 2018. The source markets of the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Denmark and Sweden all registered doubledigit growth. Ireland reported a 5% increase.

However, overnight stays from Britain are down 3% during the first quarter of 2019, despite a 0.6% increase in March.

Petra Hedorfer, CEO of GNTB, commented: "We are in a difficult market environment internationally, with trade conflicts, a still unresolved Brexit issue and the economic slowdown in the Eurozone.

However, through highly engaging marketing campaigns, such as the German Summer Cities, we are stimulating demand in the markets and simultaneously, are developing activities to help us meet the challenges of the market’s digital transformation.”

Expert-led itineraries aimed at adventurous history buffs PETER SOMMER Travels has launched two new historyfocused itineraries with one trip covering the footsteps of Alexander the Great in Macedonia, and the other taking in Hadrian’s Wall on foot. ‘Exploring Macedonia’ is an 11-night itinerary including the royal tombs at Vergina, Thessaloniki and the ruins of Philippi. It is priced from £3,995 per person.

‘Walking Hadrian’s Wall’, priced from £2,875 per person, is an eight-day walking tour, including the major points of interest along the famous wall and seven nights’ accommodation in a 14th century castle. Both trips are led by expert guides. See www.petersommer.com for more information.

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NEWS BULLETIN

AUGUST 2 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Freedom Travel Group gets adventurous FREEDOM TRAVEL Group has joined the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (ATAS). The aim is to support its 155 members and 140 homeworkers in selling holidays in this expanding market segment.

The group is planning to develop marketing materials that agents can use on the high street, on websites and via social media. As part of ATAS, Freedom members will be able to access additional fam trips, training sessions and accreditation.

“We are delighted to be welcoming the members of The Freedom Travel Group to ATAS,” said Paul Melinis, chairman of ATAS. “The touring and adventure sector

The adventure travel market is going from strength to strength.

goes from strength-tostrength, and the support of our travel agent partners is core to that growth.”

Matt Harding, Head of Freedom Travel Group added: “With such positive

growth in the touring and adventure sector, we want to offer our members and homeworkers the very best opportunity to develop and expand this exciting area of their business”.

European Waterways makes most of Irish boom WITH IRELAND’S Central Statistics Office reporting that the country is on track to welcome a record number of visitors, European Waterways is urging agents to book soon if they have customers interested in taking a hotel barge cruise on the River Shannon. The Shannon Princess has already sold out all cabins for 2019 and more than 50% have been sold for 2020.

This journey includes tours of estates, castles and medieval architecture, opportunities to try traditional Irish fare, such

as Guinness, whiskey and oysters, and a private display of the ancient art of falconry.

“The classic Shannon Princess cruise is a veritable immersion into Irish history and gastronomy,” said Derek Banks, managing director for European Waterways. “From the moment you come aboard, you’re greeted with Irish coffee and ‘black velvets’ – a traditional Irish cocktail of stout beer and champagne – and are instantly transported into a world of ancient customs and lore.”

Rates for 2020 start at $4,600 per person.

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‘Appy days for passengers on Fred. Olsen cruises FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has introduced an interactive app to assist its guests in making the most of their cruise experience, while on board Fred. Olsen's four ocean ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – as well as during their time ashore and before they set sail.

The main features of the app are a pre-cruise countdown, pre-booking for shore tours, cruise history, access to the onboard room account, menus for the bars and restaurants, destination information, a daily newsletter, reminder alerts, a ship tracker and deck plans.

“One of the main challenges was developing an app that moves across time zones and can be used with minimal internet connectivity, which is essential in ensuring that we are able to enhance our guests’ cruise experience,” said Ben Williams, head of marketing for the company.

“This allows guests to see the digital ‘Daily Times’ newsletter and restaurant menus each day, as well as giving independent guests a host of destination information on the go.”

Healthy, international focus for Warner’s new menus MORE HEALTHY options and the opportunity to try cuisines from around the world are the two main focuses of the new summer menus at Warner Leisure Hotels. The lunch menu, available with the Simply Dining package at all 14 properties, introduces stone-baked pizza, sweet potato fries and more grains, fresh fruit, eggs and pickles, as well as international options including Middle Eastern mezze and Italian cut meats and cheese.

In terms of new leisure options, three Warner hotels – Bembridge Coast, Gunton Hall Coastal Village and Lakeside Coastal Village – are all offering bowls breaks from £185 per person.

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NEWS BULLETIN

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HROUGHOUT MY travel career, destination weddings and honeymoons have become a speciality. I have been attending local and national wedding shows for almost ten years, meeting newly engaged couples and helping them find either the perfect wedding abroad or dream honeymoon − and I absolutely love it. These trips are no ordinary holidays. They are hugely important milestone occasions in people’s lives so the pressure is on to get it right.

When it comes to marrying abroad, I quickly try to establish just how ‘Bridezilla’ the couple, or one of the couple, can be.

My advice would be that for those that want to be involved in every single, tiny detail, then marrying abroad may not be the right thing for them. I find the beauty in marrying while on holiday is taking the stress out of everything by letting someone else take care of the details.

With a destination wedding, you typically will be marrying in beautiful scenery, and all you really need to worry about, most of the time, is booking the right package, and letting us, the agents, sort out the legal side of things with the tour operator − then all the customer has to do is simply turn up and tie the knot!

I have organised some wonderfully picturesque weddings, from getting hitched on safari in Kenya, to marrying on a Thai beach after sorting the legalities in Bangkok, to pretty much all the Caribbean islands, to Mexico, to New York and beyond.

There are some wonderful packages out there to suit all budgets and group sizes. Agents just need be sure to go through the right tour operator with a wedding specialist team. You don’t want to be lumbered with working out every legal detail − there are companies who can do this for the happy couple.

My preferred wedding partners include If Only…, Beachcomber Tours and Kuoni.

AUGUST 2 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

CHA-CHA IN CRETE... Aldemar Knossos Royal & Royal Villas on the island of Crete welcomed Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard, his girlfriend Abbie Quinnen, and his parents. Demonstrating that celebrities love a good deal as much as everyone else, they travelled to the island of Crete with Jet2holidays. AJ and Abbie are pictured with Albina Prenga, the guest relations manager, and Michael Gasparis, the hotel manager.

Connect to bustling Busan with Finnair’s new route BUSAN, SOUTH Korea’s second-largest city will become Finnair’s 20th Asian destination when the airline commences flights next year.

The Finnish carrier will operate direct flights between European airports and Busan three times a week from March 30, 2020. Busan (pictured) will be the airline’s second destination in South Korea, following the Helsinki to Seoul route which launched 11 years ago.

Finnair flies up to seven times daily from London Heathrow to Helsinki, twice daily from Manchester and up to twice a day from Edinburgh.

“Korea is one of our top markets globally, and we have been operating to Seoul for 11 years. We are delighted to be able to offer a new destination to our customers in Korea and to continue growing sustainably in Asia,” said Ole Orvér, Finnair’s chief commercial officer.

For more information on Finnair flights from London, Manchester and Edinburgh, visit www.finnair.com Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea.

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AUGUST 2 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

AGENT BULLETIN

AGENT TRAINING AGENTS WHO become an Italia Specialist via an Italian Tourist Board e-learning course could win a place on a fam trip to Italy, which will take place before the end of the year. To become a certified Italia Specialist, agents need to complete five short modules. For more information, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travelgym

SUNNY DISPOSITION... Balkan Holidays rewarded some of its topselling agents with a fam trip to the popular Bulgarian resort of Sunny Beach. Eighty agents from across the UK enjoyed the experience.

Pictured from left to right, with the award for Best Selling Consortium 2018 is the team from Hays Travel: Beth Morley-Jackson, Melissa Gutherie, Elle Hughes, Stacey Collis, Holly Turner, Denis Ilic, (Balkan Holidays) Lynsey Jones (Balkan Holidays) and Abbie Wiles.

AGENT INCENTIVES ● AGENTS CAN be in the running to win a Thai cooking class experience, worth £69, with Travel 2’s latest incentive. Agents who make a booking to a destination from Travel 2’s Far East 2019/20 brochure between now and August 26, with return flights, a minium of three nights’ ground arrangements, and a minimum deposit of £100 per person or the balance paid in full, will be eligible. For more details about the incentive, go to www.travel2.com ● SPANISH TOUR operator Hidden in Spain is extending its 15% travel agent commission on all preplanned tours through to August 31. This is part of the company’s increased efforts to explore partnership opportunities with agents worldwide. The company can work with travel agents to customise group or independent tours based on the agents’ requirements for their clients, such as flight arrangements and accommodation. The company specialises in Camino Way walking tours and guests can travel alone or with English-speaking guides. For more information, visit www.hiddeninspain.com or email luis@hiddeninspain.com

● BOURNE LEISURE’S ‘Unwrap the Great British Summer’ incentive closes on August 11. The incentive offers agents the chance to win £100 in Love2Shop vouchers each week. All agents who make and register a booking with Butlin’s, Haven or Warner Leisure Hotels will be in with a chance of winning. Bookings need to be for guest arrivals in August and they can be registered by logging them at www.BourneLeisureSales.co.uk

RIVIERA TRAVEL is running a series of online training modules to allow agents to qualify as an expert with the escorted tour operator.

Every 100th agent who completes the online modules will receive a £50 Love2Shop voucher.

To find out more and take the courses, log on to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travelgym THE JOURNEY Beyond Specialist online training programme will boost agents’ knowledge on a range of Australian tourism experiences, including rail expeditions, as well as Cruise Whitsundays and Rottnest Express. For more information about the courses and marketing material, go to www.journeybeyondspecialist.com

ADVANTAGE TRAVEL Partnership has added travel technology provider Dolphin Dynamics as a preferred business parter. Members of the consortia who start using Dolphin Dynamic’s systems in the next year will receive a discount on training for the products, as well as a discounted set-up fee. To learn more about the products, go to www.dolphind.com

EGYPTIAN EPIC... The West End cast of The Prince of Egypt has been announced. Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Christine Allado (Tzipporah) and Alexia Khadime (Miriam) will star in the new musical based on the Dreamworks animated film. The season starts on February 5 with previews at London's Dominion Theatre and opening night is February 25.

Tickets are on sale through the usual ticket agents or call 0344 847 2311.

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NEWS BULLETIN

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An ocean of opportunities for agents with Princess Cruises THE 3,080-GUEST Crown Princess has become Princess Cruises’ fourth MedallionClass ship and first UK-based ship to feature the OceanMedallion.

Announced at a special trade event held onboard the vessel last week, it means that guests sailing out from Southampton will now be able to make full use of the technology as it sails on a series of British Isles voyages this summer.

The OceanMedallion, which is the same size as a 10p piece, has been designed to offer a frictionless and far more personalised holiday experience for onboard guests. The complimentary wearable device offers handy features such as automatic stateroom entry, expedited arrival, a family and friends locator and on demand services such as the ability to order drinks, food and retail items and have them delivered directly anywhere onboard. Seven more ships are planned to become MedallionClass vessels by the end of 2020.

During the onboard announcement,

Tony Roberts, the cruise line’s vice president for UK & Europe, addressed the trade, saying: “Today is an opportunity to not just celebrate the launch of OceanMedallion but also to thank you for your partnership with Princess Cruises in the UK. Without the partnerships we have with you, we really wouldn't have achieved the things we have achieved or the opportunity to do some of the things that we're going to do next. From me, it’s a massive thank you for being here today and for also being a part of our journey.

“We've continued to grow within the UK, which is something we're very proud of and we're announcing the launch of our 2021 Europe programme; earlier than we ever have before for mid-August. We will continue to have five ships based in Europe – three ships sailing from the UK demonstrating our continued faith and growth within the UK market.”

The 2021 season will include a total of nearly 500 days cruising from the UK in Southampton across three ships - Grand

Guests will be able to enjoy simple, wearable technology while at sea.

Princess, Island Princess and Crown Princess – an increase of 9% on 2020. The 2,600-guest Grand Princess will sail the longest ever period for a UK-based ship, from April to November. Meanwhile, Princess Cruises’ two newest ships, Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess, will be based in northern and southern Europe respectively. It means that every ship based in Europe during 2021 will feature the OceanMedallion.

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PUZZLE BULLETIN

AUGUST 2 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

WIN A GOODY BAG EACH WEEK!

SUDOKU

A

B

Complete this Su Doku puzzle and then go to the competition section on travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions and submit the highlighted numbers.

C

A... B... C... D...

Closing date for entries is Thursday, August 8th.

Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

D

WHERE AM I?

The Jet2Holidays Su Doku winner for July 12th is Angela Robinson from Althams Keighley.

July 12th Solution: A=8 B=4 C=2 D=3

Across

Down

1. How many UK bases do Jet2holidays fly from? (4) 3. Inventor played by Benedict Cumberbatch in The Current War (6) 7. Tyrolean ski resort, sounds like a dinner jacket, in short (3) 8. Eurostar stop (7) 9. State capital of Texas (6) 10. Scenic Scottish isle (4) 13. Cornish river and resort (4) 15. The Jurassic Coast is a popular destination in this county (6) 18. California home of Disneyland Resort (7) 19. London Luton airport code (3) 20. Capital of the Czech Republic (6) 21. Largest of the Caribbean islands (4)

1. Liverpool recently hosted this sport's World Cup (7) 2. Mount Zeus is the highest point on this Cyclades island (5) 4. Capital of Qatar (4) 5. Star Trek Vulcan played by Leonard Nimoy (5) 6. Historic city on Spain's Costa de la Luz (5) 11. Country on the Baltic (7) 12. English golfer, ___ Fleetwood (5) 14. Japanese city (5) 16. Popular Costa Dorada resort town (5) 17. South American country (4)

Solution: Across: 1. NINE, 3. EDISON, 7. TUX, 8. ASHFORD, 9. AUSTIN, 10. SKYE, 13. LOOE, 15. DORSET, 18. ANAHEIM, 19. LTN, 20. PRAGUE, 21. CUBA. Down: 1. NETBALL, 2. NAXOS, 4. DOHA, 5. SPOCK, 6. CADIZ, 11. ESTONIA, 12.

TOMMY, 14. OSAKA, 16. SALOU, 17. PERU. Where am I? - Fuerteventura

CROSSWORD

It’s the top pick in the Canaries for seaside perfection, and it isn’t far from the coast of Africa. If you’re after wowing views, you’ve just won big.

For more games and prizes please sign up for emails on the jet2holidays trade site and Partners2success on Facebook…

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BULLETIN BRIEFING

AUGUST 2 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Industry insight by...

John Escott, general manager of Elite Travel Group, talks about getting feedback from agents on the high streets, growing businesses and dealing with uncertainty ONE ASPECT of my job that I very much enjoy is visiting Elite Travel Group members at their agencies.

It is always interesting and informative to visit our members and understand from them what is happening on the high street, their concerns, successes and, most importantly, the strategies being used to attract new customers. Many members now hold regular themed evenings and travel shows, as well as embracing social media and undertaking local marketing to attract new customers. They give a high level of service to current customers to ensure they return. My feedback indicates that it is tough out there but many members are finding their niche and succeeding in growing their business − sales of long-haul, cruising, tailormade and touring holidays are seeing significant growth and forward bookings for 2020.

Perhaps the public are hoping the Brexit uncertainty will be resolved by then. We can but hope!

Social media is an area that many in the travel industry are just getting to grips with. Understanding it

and knowing how to use it effectively is not straightforward, but it is vital that we give it a try. A few weeks ago, we held a social media training event for our members in conjunction with Bruce at Ginger Juice. Bruce was informative and gave members plenty to think about on how to move their social media strategy forward. It was interesting to hear that constantly featuring offers does not always have the desired response. It is more effective to bring your social media to life, make it more personal, share the teams’ travelling experiences

I do hope that the uncertainty surrounding the future of Thomas Cook will soon be resolved. Reports in the press suggest that a takeover by Fosun is close. I hope so, as this will help bring confidence and clarity back to the industry. Thomas Cook is a household name and a major player.

Hopefully, this takeover will allay the fears of the travelling public, as well as their dedicated staff. Let’s hope the new owners realise the important role that the independent agent could play in achieving their future success.

It is tough, but many agents are finding their niche and growing their business and use it to inspire and make your content fun and interesting. The feedback has been tremendous, with many members now having more confidence in utilising social media which, in turn, will help to generate interest and hopefully bookings in the future.

It is always sad to see a longstanding operator go into administration as was the case with Cuba Holidays.

It re-emphasised the importance of ensuring that every travel agent has up-todate supplier documentation in place, including agency agreements. As if rebooking

affected customers isn’t enough, some members have expressed concern over their dealings with the CAA, delays and demands for more paperwork. It is with concern, however, that one member was told that all direct bookings would be dealt with first, and then they would process claims via travel agents. The member reported that their customer had questioned why they should have booked through a travel agent – if they had booked direct their claim would have already been resolved. I do hope that all bookings are treated equally and any claims in future are resolved quickly and fairly for all affected customers.

Finally, I am sensing that Japan will certainly be in the public eye over the coming year. I know from feedback that there has already been an increase in enquiries for this exciting destination.

In 2020, the Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo, but even more exciting for me is the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on September 20, with the final on November 2.

Be prepared for even greater interest in Japan − and come on England!

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NEWS BULLETIN

AUGUST 2 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Going First Class to South Africa’s hidden gems FIRST CLASS Holidays has launched a 100-page brochure covering a diverse range of South African itineraries. Released in conjunction with South Africa Tourism, the brochure covers a range of products, including guided tours, selfdrive itineraries, lodges, game reserves and rail journeys.

Examples of the itineraries include a 13-night tour which takes in Swaziland and Zululand, as well as Kruger National Park, Durban, the Garden Route and Cape Town, priced from £2,479 per person.

Another itinerary combines luxury hotels and rail travel on the 11-day ‘Cape Town, Rail and Safari’ tour, with prices starting

An impala at Kruger National Park.

from £5,699 per person, including an airport meetand-greet, ten nights’ accommodation, all transfers and two private tours.

First Class has appointed South Africa specialist Julie Molyneux to lead the company’s South African department.

“I can’t wait to share some of the hidden gems: walking tours focusing on local cuisine, visits to local artists

and craft gin experiences with our clients,” Julie said.

“We can combine South Africa with a bucket list experience – a trip to St. Helena Island, previously only accessible by ship, flights to this extraordinary island are now available from Johannesburg and seasonally from Cape Town.”

The brochure will also include holidays in the Seychelles and Mauritius.

Easier access by air to Thailand THAI AIRWAYS has inked an agreement with Flybe to make it easier for passengers in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Newquay to access Thai Airways flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

Flybe passengers flying from these airports will be able to connect to Thai Airways flights at Heathrow all within Terminal 2, for a convenient connection. As well as Bangkok, Thai Airways also flies to Toronto and Copenhagen from Heathrow, and codeshare partners include SAS Ireland, Air Canada, SAS Scandinavia, Danish Air, Jet Time and TAP Portugal.

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CRUISE SHOWCASE

CATCHING UP during the drinks reception, from the left, are Travel Counsellors Katie Heaton, Sandra Grantham, Gill Nicholls, Sarah Clarke, Amanda Taplin and Marie Rowe.

LOCAL TRAVEL agents were given a warm welcome to our Cruise Showcase in Reading. With popular operators and some of the biggest cruise names in tow, learning more about each one’s unique USPs and holiday options made for an evening of smooth sailing for our guests as they gathered top advice from brand representatives, took part in games and even the chance to pick up some great prizes!

JAMES SCOTT of Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes from the left: Emily Williams and Judith Lipp from Thomas Cook; Norma Herbert and Susie Ward of Susies Luxury Travel; and Sue Dunbar of Triangle Travel.

JAMES BOWDEN of Flight Centre was the lucky winner of a Retro Classics Candy Bouquet Hamper courtesy of Hayley Van der Steen from CMV.

LUCY HONE was on hand to talk about Fred.\ River Cruises and she presented a ÂŁ40 shopping voucher to Jon Stubberfield of Trailfinders.

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THERE WAS lots of learning to be had at the Leger Holidays table. Pictured front left and going clockwise is: Katie Heaton, Sarah Lake, Michelle Goulding from Travel Counsellors; meeting the operator’s Ashley Dellow; along with Adam and Ben Burgess, Suzy Heslop and Keith Heslop, all Travel Counsellors.

NICKI CAMBRAY of Full Circle Travel was delighted to pick up £50 in Love2shop vouchers, gifted by Paul Mellon from Riviera Travel.

ALANA JONES (left) from Titan Travel presents a £50 lifestyle voucher to raffle winner Hays Personal Travel Advisor, Tracey Milligan.

CHRISTINE HARVEY (left) of Not Just Travel was the winner of a £40 Love2Shop voucher, gifted

by Belleair and the company’s Rebecca Osborne.

MARIE ROWE of Travel Counsellors was thrilled to win a fam trip place with CroisiEurope, pictured here with the line’s John Fair.

Want to be a part of the #TBShowcases action?

Our next event will be the Cruise Showcase taking place in Cambridge on September 18. To confirm your place or find out when we will be hosting our next event near you contact events@travelbulletin.co.uk

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WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

JUST THE TWO OF US Move over Gretna Green, California is the new hotspot for couples choosing to elope THE NUMBER of Brits heading abroad for their weddings may be on the increase, but so too are the number of engaged couples choosing to forego the potential expense and stress of a big ceremony in favour of the ease and romance of eloping together.

On average, couples are saving £105 a month to put towards their wedding.

However, with the typical price of a wedding in the UK estimated at £30,355 (along with predictions that by 2028 this will increase by 17%) time spent saving and total cost will continue to play an important contributing factor in client’s plans. Add to this hen and stag parties becoming increasingly extravagant, the pressure of social media for weddings to look extra special, and the minefield of where to cut off the guest list; it’s small wonder that 60% of engaged couples now consider eloping when planning their big day.

In light of this, Grosvenor Casinos has revealed the top 15 global destinations for an elopement and ranked them in a new ‘Wedding Elopement Index’ complete with California leading the way. The ‘Golden Coast’ scored six out of ten in the survey of couples looking to elope, saw 247,016 couples tie the knot there in 2018 and also ranked highly in the social analysis; with 580 UK couples tweeting and Instagramming their elopements on social media.

Not to be outdone, Las Vegas which is renowned for its lavish casinos, bright lights and white chapels came second in the overall rankings.

In the past year, 672 UK residents Instagrammed their Vegas elopements, which sees 204 weddings per day (which is more weddings per day than some entire countries, including Austria, Greece and Belgium).

Other high-ranking US destinations include New York, Florida and Hawaii, with exotic island destinations such as the Bahamas, the Seychelles, Fiji and Barbados doing well.

Other noteworthy elopement destinations include South Africa, Ontario in Canada and Cyprus.

To check out the full index go to www.grosvenorcasinos.com/ vegas-in-numbers

Nautical Nuptials WITH CELEBRITY Cruises, clients can opt for a range of wedding packages including options at sea, in port and on shore, as well as vow renewal and engagement packages.

It was the first US cruise line to offer same-sex weddings at sea.

Nicola McNeish, the cruise line’s head of sales for UK & Ireland, said: “On Celebrity Cruises Solstice-class ships, guests can choose to get married on the ship’s real grass lawn with panoramic views from the ship’s top deck. Guests can choose the Sea Package, which is an all-inclusive ceremony where every detail is handled. The legal, captain led ceremonies cover all the details including flowers and photography. The big advantage to choosing a cruise wedding, is that the honeymoon starts immediately after ‘I do’, while all of the details are handled by a dedicated wedding planner.”

The ’Nautical Nuptials – At Sea Package’ starts from USD$2,995.

Visit https://celebrityweddings.ewed dingcalendar.com

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WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS

A PERFECT MATCH Discover how to create the perfect destination wedding with Joanna Rymaszewska, weddings & business development executive for AMResorts.

BREATHTAKING BACKDROPS and romantic settings are just the beginning when it comes to a destination wedding in the Caribbean and Mexico and there really is a package to suit every type of happy couple – whether planning an intimate ceremony or extravagant celebration; seeking a social, vibrant and stylish resort; or choosing a budget-conscious yet brag-worthy wedding.

Be inspired Every client is different, so it’s important to find out what they really want out of their big day. At AMResorts, we try to avoid cookie-cutter weddings and encourage clients to send images or blogs that inspire them. If clients are struggling, each resort has its own Pinterest page which can be used as a source of inspiration to see some of these ideas brought to life. It is worth highlighting the advantages of having an attentive on-site wedding co-ordinator to help make these ideas possible so that with the communication between you, me and our wedding coordinator, the organisation of a client’s dream destination wedding becomes that much easier. To get the spark of every wedding started, each of our resorts offers a complimentary wedding package when the required room type and length of stay is booked, including all the essentials needed for the special day such as a wedding cake and sparkling toast, bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) and turn-down service.

Attention to detail With the necessities covered, your clients can then begin to tailor-make their dream wedding with those all important extras. They can choose to upgrade to an elevated package, which can include hairstyling and makeup application, private

cocktail and dinner reception, photos and video, live music, floral centrepieces, choice of couples’ spa treatment and ceremony décor, and more depending on the brand chosen.

At our Secrets, Breathless, Dreams and Now Resorts & Spas, the packages offering these inclusions will cost $3,299 per couple. With the average UK wedding costing around £20,000, it’s a great opportunity for agents to highlight the fantastic value these kinds of packages provide as they make up just 12% of that cost!

If looking for something more elaborate or unique, your clients can choose from a host of special touches such as fireworks, a photo booth or a butterfly release. For some couples, it’s not just about these tangible inclusions but the setting: we’ve had clients who’ve wed surrounded by nature in a secret garden at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa and dive beneath the surface with an underwater wedding at Secrets Aura Cozumel.

Lock in those sales There are so many unique selling points and experiences available to clients, including the different concepts we offer at our seven brands so if you’re unsure on how to sell an AMResorts wedding or honeymoon, a great starting point is by ordering or downloading our wedding guide: amragents.blog/weddings. You can find out more by reading through our dedicated Agent Guide (amragents.blog/agent-guide) and updates on our blog (amragents.blog).

After hosting several wedding fam trips last year, the travel agents couldn’t believe the set ups and inclusions that are possible, and the things they learnt really helped them to lock in some fantastic wedding bookings.

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SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA...

Sandals & Beaches elevates its destination wedding experiences with new overwater and rooftop wedding locations

SANDALS AND Beaches Resorts have expanded their wedding offering by adding a number of new locations where couples can tie the knot.

The all-inclusive brands have selected three of their Over-The-Water Gazebos to become part of the collection of signature wedding venues.

Located at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia; Beaches Ocho Rios and Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica, guests can now marry atop the crystal blue water of the Caribbean. At an additional cost, guests can reserve the gazebos for their ceremony or reception.

In addition, brides and grooms staying at Sandals’ newest property, Sandals Royal

Barbados, and neighbouring Sandals Barbados can now tie the knot at the brand’s first rooftop infinity pool, overlooking the beaches and shores of the Caribbean. At an additional cost, couples can reserve the roof top terrace, which seats a maximum of 50 guests, for wedding ceremonies or cocktail receptions.

Guests can hold their wedding ceremony at Sandals Resorts’ Over the Water Wedding Chapels situated at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort and Sandals flagship, Sandals Montego Bay. For more information call 020-7590 0210 or visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk

Go platinum at The Crane NESTLED ON a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic, the historic Crane Resort in Barbados not only offers a scenic backdrop for ceremonies, but houses a dedicated events team to help pull those finer wedding details together: from preparing the Crane Beach or one of the clifftop gardens to a preferred theme, coordinating a live steel drum band to play the couple’s favourite song, or arranging snow-cones to provide refreshment for the congregation.

Couples can opt for the Platinum Wedding Package which includes a ceremony with tropical floral arrangements, a dinner reception at one of the resort’s venues and logistical aspects such as the arrangement of a local religious minister, licencing fees and marriage certificates.

Newlyweds can recuperate after the celebrations with a complimentary his-and-hers massage at the newly renovated Serenity Spa and put an exclusive $200 concierge credit towards a host of Bajan experiences, from a lively Harbour Lights dinner show to a sunset catamaran cruise.

The Platinum Wedding Package starts from a rate of $1,750, valid until December 21.

For further information visit www.thecrane.com

Pick your ‘moon at Mirihi Island THE BOUTIQUE island retreat of Mirihi Island in the Maldives has launched four honeymoon packages for newlyweds: the Supermoon, Pampermoon, Foodiemoon or Adventuremoon.

As an example, on the Pampermoon, couples will be invited to start each day against the backdrop of the rising sun with a private yoga session before indulging in pampering treatments at Mirihi’s Duniye Spa, including the 135-minute ‘Full Moon Magic’ treatment, where guests can sip Champagne while enjoying massages, a tropical bath infusion, and a ‘Honeymoon Indulgence’ ritual featuring his-and-hers massages in a romantic setting.

The package starts from approximately £3,902 per couple for seven nights in a Water Villa on a half-board basis, and each package can be individually tailored.

For more information on the other packages and resort visit www.mirihi.com

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A ‘Romance Extravaganza’ at Bahia Principe BAHIA PRINCIPE Hotels & Resorts’ all-inclusive properties can offer brides and grooms a choice of six packages at any of its hotels in Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

The options are Emerald, Romance Extravaganza, Unforgettable, Sunshine, Romantic and Free Wedding.

Emerald is the most luxurious option, offering a venue for 30 guests, premium floral decoration for the ceremony and dinner, a premium

wedding cake, one-hour cocktail party with appetisers and drinks after the ceremony, two-hour open bar after the dinner, live music during the ceremony and the cocktail reception and a private professional photographer throughout the wedding ceremony (valid until this December).

As well as the ceremony with floral decoration for the ceremony and dinner for 30 guests, wedding cake and live music, Romance

Extravaganza and Unforgettable offer advantages such as 20% discount at the spa, room service breakfast the morning after the wedding for newlyweds, and a romantic dinner for the bride and groom in one of the specialty restaurants.

If clients want a more intimate ceremony, the packages Sunshine, Romantic and Free Wedding may suit. A bridal bouquet with a selection of roses or tropical flowers, decoration, music and special dinners are some of the advantages of these packages.

For more information go to www.bahiaprincipe.com/en/weddings/ packages/

Honeymoon on a private yacht DREAM YACHT Charter has launched a by-the-cabin honeymoon option that couples can enjoy in some of the world’s most romantic hotspots such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Indian Ocean, Asia, the Pacific and the Mediterranean.

Understanding that honeymoons are all about couples spending quality time together, couples need not worry about having to hoist sails or drop the anchor as the yachts have a full crew to manage the sailing and cook meals.

The company is further offering discounts of up to 50% for the bride for couples booking a honeymoon on selected by the cabin cruises in the British Virgin Islands, the Grenadines, Grenada, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Thailand.

Visit www.dreamyachtcharter.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Image Credit: Lucerne Tourism/Daniel Ammann

TIS THE SEASON… …to keep your clients jolly as we shine a spotlight on Lucerne and how best to gift-wrap the city, lake and mountains into one super Swiss break LOCATED IN the heart of Switzerland, the Lake Lucerne Region is one of the most diverse in the country and a destination where visitors can enjoy a wide range of fun winter experiences thanks to its relatively compact size: from wandering the Christmas markets and streets of Lucerne city, to enjoying a festive cruise on Lake Lucerne, to spending a day in the snow in the foothills of the Alps.

In tandem with enjoying the traditional mulled wine, Christmas trees and twinkling lights of Lucerne’s markets (a full timetable of which, with dates, times and locations can be found here: www.luzern.com/en/highlig hts/christmas-inlucerne/christmas-markets/) the run-up to Christmas sees traditional events take place across the region, making for a good opportunity for clients to take in some of the local culture.

The clanging cow bells of Samichlaus Auszug herald the arrival of St. Nick, while the large and intricate lanterns of Klausjagen make for a pretty night-time spectacle and there is of course Sternsingen (Christmas carolling) to be enjoyed throughout the advent season.

While in Lucerne City, visitors might like to take a guided ‘Pine Boughs and Bright Lights’ tour, led by locals with thoughtprovoking and funny stories about the city’s customs in December, secrets shared on Santa Claus and a visit to a life-size nativity scene.

Be sure to further suggest a visit to ‘Live on Ice’, on Europaplatz in front of the KKL Luzern, the city’s culture and congress centre. Here visitors can don skates and admire views of the city and the lake from an ice rink which is open and festively illuminated from November 24 to January 2, 2020.

If clients are staying on

for New Year’s Eve, they can expect to see the traditional firework spectacular over the bay of Lake Lucerne with many partner hotels serving special menus, and gala cruises offered on the lake.

There is the Lilu Light Festival with intricate displays of colour from Swiss and international artists illuminating Lucerne in the evenings between January 9 and 19, 2020.

Ski and snowboard slopes, sledging runs, cross-country skiing runs, snowshoe trails and walking routes all make for some extra fun and activities across the snow sport areas of the region with the TellPass a price-savvy ticket option. It offers unrestricted travel on trains, buses, boats and aerial cableways throughout and options for two, three, four, five or ten consecutive days. (Visit www.tellpass.ch/en/) For further destination information visit www.luzern.com/winter

A merry-time on Magellan CRUISE & Maritime Voyages is offering a range of mini-cruises this December, delivering passengers to popular city break destinations at a time when Christmas is very much in the air.

Magellan will sail from London Tilbury on December 8 on a fournight ‘French Festive Getaway’, cruising the River Seine and calling at: Rouen, the ‘city of a hundred spires’; Honfleur with its cobbled streets, picturesque old harbour and optional excursions to Deauville for some chic Christmas shopping; and Zeebrugge, from which passengers can opt to soak in the festive atmosphere of Bruges and explore its Christmas Markets; before returning to London Tilbury.

Fares are available from £319 per person, based on two people sharing a twin inner cabin.

Magellan will also depart from Tilbury on December 15 for a three-night Seine mini cruise. This pre-Christmas short break will similarly call in at Rouen and Honfleur so guests can stock up on their Christmas gift shopping and without any concerns about baggage allowance for their return journey to Tilbury. Fares are available from £239.

Full details can be found at www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844 998 3877.

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HYGGE HOLIDAYS Help clients get into the Christmas spirit & experience the markets of Denmark

Image Credit: Lasse Salling (photographer) & Wonderful Copenhagen, via VisitDenmark

CHRISTMAS IS the time of year when the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ really shines through with the Christmas markets across Denmark the best place to experience it first-hand.

In Copenhagen, thousands of lights adorn the 60 cosy cabins that make up the Christmas market at TIVOLI Gardens, selling twinkling decorations, intricate knitwork and handicrafts along with local delicacies and hot beverages.

There is also the iconic Christmas Market to be found in Nyhavn. The picturesque old Copenhagen harbour is lined with stalls that can be explored as visitors stroll by the water and, set in the heart of the city, is the market at

Kongens Nytorv which offers views of Hotel D’Angleterre with its grand Christmas decor.

The market is handily located right next to the historic Magasin department store, a good place to duck into for some Christmas gifts.

Denmark’s second city of Aarhus also offers some great Christmas market options that agents can recommend; Tivoli Friheden for example is decorated with more than 300,000 Christmas lights, infused with tunes of carol singers and filled with stands. The city also plays host to the largest decorated Christmas tree in Denmark.

Go to www.visitdenmark.com to find out more.

A very Victorian Christmas from Shearings SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has launched a ‘Birmingham Christmas Market’ tour that includes a day in the city to enjoy the Christmas Market found on Victoria Square and New Street.

The tour includes a ‘Very Victorian Tour’ at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge. Beginning at Blists Hill Victorian Town, guests can travel back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age. At this time of the year the town is decorated for Christmas with carol singers and a range of other treats.

The four-day tour departs December 6 and 13 and is priced from £149 per person including coach travel from selected pickup points around the UK, three nights half-board accommodation and the two excursions.

Go to www.shearingsagent.com

Walking in the air with Arena Rail FOR A festive musical break this Christmas, Arena Rail Holidays has combined a tour of some of Europe’s oldest and largest Christmas markets with an exclusive concert in Cologne, performed by national treasure Aled Jones.

Based in Cologne, the four-day ‘German Christmas Markets featuring Aled Jones’ tour includes a daytrip to Bonn’s medieval Old City for a chance to wander the festively lit markets and witness its town hall transform into an advent calendar.

Travellers will also get a chance to explore Cologne’s maze of market stalls and enjoy a private performance by the internationally acclaimed Welsh baritone in the city’s 19th century Trinitatiskirche church, with a chance to meet the singer back at the hotel during the post-concert CD signing and Q&A session. The trip departs on December 11 and is priced from £1,095 per person, based on two sharing.

For more information visit arenarailholidays.co.uk or call 01858-435644.

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Forget the Polar Express. Hop aboard the Christmas Train in Vilnius WINTER MAKES for an attractive time to visit Vilnius in Lithuania, with white snow framing the palaces, churches and small streets of the UNESCO listed Old Town and November 30 seeing in the official start of the festive season with the annual lighting of its Christmas tree.

What follows is a festive flurry of fairs, concerts for classical music lovers and the chance to even participate in a Christmas Race (held on December 15) alongside residents who have welcomed in the holidays this way since 1975, dressing as elves, Snow Whites, and Santa Clauses and dashing through the central streets.

The festivities run right through until January 7 and visitors keen to explore can always hop aboard the Christmas train zipping to some of the most festive areas of the city. Traditional Christmas villages will open at the Cathedral and Town Hall Squares offering hot drinks, tasty sweets and both traditional and contemporary gifts made by locals. For those looking to

take their gift shopping to the next level, agents can suggest the fashion designers’ fair ‘Design Square’ taking place in an open-air setting on December 17-23, or the Christmas Pop-Up market at the club Kablys, which promises to bring interesting local fashion, interior design artists, and food makers under one roof.

For those of us who leave Christmas shopping to the last minute, the alternative Culture Centre Loftas is well prepared with its ‘Uptown Christmas: Last Minute Market’, which will feature the work of more than 100 designers

and creators.

Families might wish to stop in to the unique and interactive Vilnius Toy Museum during their trip and Vilnius’ central square makes for a good recommendation too. Visitors can admire the life-size nativity scene traditionally located next to Vilnius Cathedral and, on Christmas evening, the wall of this cathedral will illuminate to tell a magical 3D fairy tale. This spectacle will take place between December 25 and 29 and will undoubtedly draw large crowds of old and young alike.

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AUSTRALASIA

DIVE RIGHT IN With Freckles the manta ray a viral sensation, Tourism Western Australia shares top tips on how best to experience Ningaloo Reef A VIDEO released by Tourism Western Australia of the amazing underwater rescue of Freckles the giant manta ray from Ningaloo Reef has gone viral, picked up by news organisations and watched by millions of people around the world.

The encounter sees the three-metre-wide Freckles approach underwater photographer Jake Wilton from Ningaloo Marine Interactions to help remove fishhooks that had been embedded under her right eye. Wilton, who was diving with British TV broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Hall when the ray approached them, said: “I’m often guiding snorkellers in the area and it’s as if she recognised me and was trusting me to help her. She got closer and closer and then started unfurling to present the eye to me. I knew we had to get the hooks out or she would have

been in big trouble.” The video shows Jake rise triumphantly from the ocean before the grateful giant ray swims majestically away.

Ningaloo Reef, found along Western Australia’s Coral Coast, is Australia's largest fringing reef and unlike most other reefs, is easy to access just by stepping off the beach with a snorkel and mask. The encounter with Freckles took place at Coral Bay, which is located along a section of Ningaloo Reef. The area is renowned for swimming with manta rays which congregate there in large numbers year-round. Other marine wildlife which can be spotted on the Worldheritage listed reef include humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles and over 500 species of fish and 250 coral species. One of the biggest visitors to Ningaloo Reef is the giant but gentle whale shark; it’s the only

place on the planet where large numbers visit every year from April to July, so close to land. Ningaloo Reef is also the only place on the planet where it’s possible to swim with the ‘Big Three’ all at the same time – Giant Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales – in July.

Qantas operates daily flights from Perth to Learmonth Airport, Exmouth and gateway to the nearby Ningaloo Marine Park.

Visitors can drive to Exmouth from Perth along the Coral Coast Highway.

Avis Australia is now offering seasonal one-way car rentals between Perth and Exmouth from April 1 to October 31 in 2019 and 2020 with prices starting from $250.

Agents can check out the uplifting footage at http://bit.ly/2XOqA0X or for more destination info, visit www.westernaustralia.com/ uk

Try the Ultimate Canopy Tour ROTORUA CANOPY Tours is now offering its Ultimate Canopy Tour; a higher, longer and more immersive experience than it’s already award-winning Original Canopy Tour.

Image credit: Rotorua Canopy Tours

Taking guests even deeper into the untouched New Zealand forest, the experience is half an hour longer than the original, and features a 400m zip line, a spiral staircase and cliff walk.

Each is led by a highly trained kiwi guide to keep guests safe and make them smile, with amazing facts delivered as they make their way amid the treetops.

The operator this year received a Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Award, which recognises those operators who exemplify an exceptional visitor experience and a commitment to Tiaki (care for people, place and culture in New Zealand).

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HEADLINE SPONSOR

AUSTRALASIA SHOWCASE THERE’S LOTS of learning to be had as our networking sessions get under way.

ON THE spot prize winner David Plender from Kanoo Travel was delighted to pick up a case of Australian wine from Tourism Australia’s Alison Crook.

EMMA ROWAN (left) from Tourism Queensland presents a True Grace Village rosemary & eucalyptus reed diffuser to winner Sonia Murray Smith from Travel Counsellors.

TRAVEL BULLETIN welcomed agents to its first ever Australasia Showcase in Dorking, Surrey.

Through a combination of presentations and networking with expert representatives from tourism boards, airlines and operators, agents had the chance to deepen their knowledge on this aweinspiring part of the world. There was time to soak up the evening sun during a wine reception and BBQ as too a chance to pick up some great prizes!

KAY JACKSON for the Cook Islands, Richard Howarth (centre) from Journey Beyond and Dan Wright from South Australian Tourism Commission ready to welcome agents.

SAM GEMMELL (right) from Qantas was on hand to deliver the latest airline news to agents and also presented Gail O’Donohue from Travel Counsellors with a goody bag during the prize draw.

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MATT NEWMAN from Travel Counsellors was the raffle winner of a £50 Amazon Voucher, gifted by Sarah Parry from Delaware North.

A QUICK snap of all our amazing exhibitors on the grounds of the Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel, just before the evening gets under way.

FROM THE left, Dan Wright from the South Australian Tourism Commission shares top destination tips with David Assender and Chanel Diep from Kuoni.

PICKING UP her prize of a bottle of Moet was Jenny Seabrook from Explorer Travel with Mike Lee from DriveAway.

ROYAL BRUNEI Airline’s Wayne Newton and Aurora Kataroshi (right) present Sandie Connelly from Reigate Travel with a £50 Love2Shop voucher.

JAMES JOHNSON from Dorking Travel was thrilled to win a free ticket with Fiji Airways, presented by the airline’s Daniela Parnoffo.

Want to get in on the #TBShowcases action? Our next event will be the Cruise Showcase taking place in Cambridge on September 18. To confirm your place or find out when we will be hosting our next event near you contact events@travelbulletin.co.uk

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Help clients take a step in the right direction AS A part of the Signature Experiences of Australia, ‘Great Walks of Australia’ has launched a new collection of inspirational videos.

Showcasing the 12 multi-day guided walks that comprise the collective, the videos shine a spotlight on the natural beauty and landscapes of Australia and have been designed to show visitors that the best way to discover them is by foot.

Each of the guided, multi-day walks are unique and cover areas such as the Tasmanian wilderness, the rugged Victorian coastline, the ancient rainforests of Queensland, UNESCO World Heritage-listed islands and the outback of South Australia and the Northern Territory.

They all play their part in a wider initiative put together by Tourism

Australia and industry partners that package and promotes Australia’s tourism experiences within a variety of niche areas and special interest categories.

The videos are available to watch on the Great Walks of Australia YouTube channel and for more details go to www.tourism.australia.com or https://greatwalksofaustralia.com.au

Discover the beauty of the night sky

Image Credit: Dark Sky Project, via Tourism New Zealand

A NEW home of astronomy and astrotourism has opened on Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.

The Dark Sky Project offers a fully guided, 45-minute interactive experience and is a world-first in that it combines Māori astronomy and science to help visitors understand the scale of the universe, the wonder of its creation from both a scientific and cultural perspective, as well as the magnitude of recent discoveries.

The centre includes the Dark Sky Diner offering spectacular lake and mountain views, and a range of day and night dining options. It will also be the departure point for the astrotourism business’ outdoor, evening stargazing experiences. With Takapō in the middle of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – the largest dark sky reserve in the world and the first to receive gold status – it makes for an ideal spot to visit for those keen to gaze into the night sky.

Where are you travelling to for your summer holiday?

Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Nerja in Spain.

Matt Gill Senior Account Manager matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Hopefully Greece.

Georgia Lewis Managing Editor - News news@travelbulletin.co.uk Just got back from Madeira.

Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Macau and then West Sussex.

Adam Potter Features Editor adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk Somewhere cold to escape this heat!

Bill Coad Account Manager bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Barbados – after 20-odd years!

Vidwan Reddy Online Editorial Assistant vidwan.reddy@travelbulletin.co.uk Majuli.

Sarah Terry Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk Tuscany and the Island of Elba.

Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Greece.

Hannah Carter Events Coordinator hannah.carter@travelbulletin.co.uk A staycation in the Cotswolds.

Ashweenee Beerjeraz Events Assistant ashweenee.beerjeraz@travelbulletin.co.uk I’ve been on three already!

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