Travel Bulletin 5th July 2019

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Giving agents the edge

AGENT INSIGHT

EVENT BULLETIN

BULLETIN BRIEFING

UK & IRELAND

What is that ‘magical extra’ that sets agents apart?

Check out all the highlights from Jetset’s Golf Day

Practical steps to future-proof your business in a digital age

Game of Thrones stars give Belfast exhibition their stamp of approval

There’s more to Mexico than meets the eye…

Cover pic : © Andrea Izzotti

July 5 2019 | ISSUE NO 2,115 | travelbulletin.co.uk

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NEWS BULLETIN

JULY 5 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

THIS WEEK 04

VIP FESTIVALS Not all travellers are tightening their pursestrings – cash-rich festival goers are opting to forego public transport and travel to this summer’s big gigs in fine style.

NEWS Presenting your finalists for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards

09 AGENT BULLETIN Get training for your chance to win a trip to Japan!

10 EVENT BULLETIN Antor meets the travel trade

14 BULLETIN BRIEFING How can technology be used to enhance your business?

15 MEXICO What a trip to Mexico’s Pacific Coast can offer to families

It’s not just the big name acts who are seeking VIP experiences at festivals this year.

FESTIVAL GOERS with big budgets are spending more money on private aviation to get to gigs in style, rather than relying on commercial airlines and public transport.

As the European music festival season kicks off with big club nights in Ibiza and Mykonos, Tomorrowland in Belgium and Glastonbury, a private jet operator is reporting that it’s not just artists and DJs who are arriving in style but attendees who are prepared to pay for their own VIP-style grand entrance.

PrivateFly reports that 15% of all its European private jet bookings in June and July are to music events, up from 10% for the same period last year.

“With the hassles and delays often involved of getting in and out of these major events by traditional means, we’re seeing more demand for private air travel – from groups of friends celebrating a special birthday in style; to a growing number of corporate entertainment flights. It means the party can start the second you step foot on board,” said Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly. “Many want to fly out early and back late, minimising travel time, beating queues, and keeping overnight stays to a minimum. So being able to choose your own departure times is a big advantage.

Then there's the ability to delay the return flight if the

programme overruns. The artists and acts themselves work to a very tight schedule at this time of year, so many want to fly out fast as soon as their slot ends, and onto the next venue.”

This reflects the travel trends for 2019 as reported in a study by Hayes & Jarvis which found that attending a unique cultural event was the fifth most popular experience on their customers’ wish lists, and luxury air travel bookings are up. Hayes & Jarvis has recorded a 17% increase in customers booking premium and business class flights between October 2018September 2019 compared to the same period in the previous year.

19 UK & IRELAND Get ready to dive into Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters

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REACH FOR THE STARS The votes are in for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2019!

TRAVEL AGENTS have been voting in huge numbers for their favourite destinations and suppliers, deciding on who they want to see pick up that most highly prized of travel industry accolades – a Travel Bulletin Star Award!

The launch of our special Star Awards Preview issue in April officially kicked off the process; complete with a new nominations stage in which agents were exclusively handed the reigns to nominate those organisations they felt have helped them the most over the last year. Those who received the highest number of nominations in each category were announced as finalists on May 31 and since then the votes have been coming in thick and fast from agents all over the UK for those they feel embody the very best in travel.

Long standing favourites have been pitted against some bold new rivals across 32 travel industry sectors, covering: Star Destinations, Stars of Luxury, Stars in the Sky, Stars of Land & Sea, Star Operators, and Supporting Stars. Several new categories were also introduced for this year including: Star LGBTQ+ Destination, Star Leisure Airline, Star Worldwide Hotel Brand, Star Rail Operator, and Star Trade Sales Team.

The votes are now all in. The official window for voting now closed and, as we carefully count each one, no doubt all the finalists will be waiting in keen anticipation for September 9, when Travel Bulletin will be announcing the winners of 2019 at its 23rd Star Awards ceremony at the Landmark Hotel in London.

To see the full list of finalists visit: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/star awards/finalists-2019 To reserve your ticket to attend the prestigious event in September go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/stara wards/tickets Or for further information on the event, sponsorship opportunities and ticket enquiries email jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk

New Star Awards Sponsor - Gran canaria GRAN CANARIA is excited to be sponsoring the Travel Bulletin Star Awards this year. We want to thank you, the travel agents, for your loyalty! You are playing an essential role in keeping Gran Canaria as one of the favourite destinations in the UK - almost 900 thousand British tourists choose Gran Canaria every year for their winter breaks or summer holidays.

This beautiful island, known as a ‘Continent in miniature’, is definitely worth exploring. Clients can take a beach holiday to the south of the island and soak up the Canarian sun at the Maspalomas dunes, Meloneras, Amadores and pretty Puerto Mogán, with luxury hotels set along the long ocean front promenades and golden sand beaches, along with excellent spa and golf facilities that can exceed the expectations of even the most demanding of clients. But why not also tempt them with a city break to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (known for its amazing Las Canteras Beach, delightful old quarter and fantastic culture of outdoor living) or tailor-make

a break that includes a couple of days immersed in nature, to explore the spectacular central massif, wandering along scenic trails with breathtaking views and superb stargazing.

Also, be sure to recommend a visit to the amazing new ‘Poema del Mar’ Aquarium from the Loro Park Group, which houses the largest curved window exposition in the world, and upcoming for this month and August, the worldrenowned Cirque du Soleil will be bringing its show ‘TOTEM’ to Meloneras.

- Katerina Bomshtein, Gran Canaria Representative UK & Ireland To check out this year’s full complement of sensational sponsors go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/starawards/sponsors

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NEWS BULLETIN

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Family fun on the run with Butlin’s BUTLIN’S IS offering timestrapped families a range of two-day break options with whistlestop jaunts to any of the company’s three resorts.

Prices start from £148 per family for a short stay at the Minehead property. The twoday weekend break options span either a Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday across selected dates throughout the rest of the year.

The company’s Bognor Regis resort has a new £40m all-weather pool facility, which is designed to bring the seaside inside with stickof-rock slides, rapids, a wave machine and special areas for toddlers.

Live evening entertainment is available across all breaks at the three

resorts, including ABBA: Here We Go Again; Salute, a Little Mix tribute act; and J Sheeran, who sings the hits of Ed Sheeran. This year’s pantomime is Sleeping Beauty, and kids can meet Mr Men, Little Miss and Teletubbie characters.

Beecham House could be a boost for tours to India

Other attractions include the traditional fairground, silent cinema and the popular Animal Antics show.

Older children are catered for with a selection of activities, including archery, go-karts, high ropes and mini Segways.

INDUS EXPERIENCES is expecting a surge in interest in holidays to India thanks to Beecham House, the ITV period drama set in India, particularly around Delhi. Other locations in the series include Chomu Palace and the Amber Fort, both in Rajasthan, and the Taj Mahal in Agra.

The tour operator offers a seven-night Classical Golden Triangle trip, showcasing the highlights of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Prices start from £1,398 per person based on two sharing.

Finnair wings it to Beijing with new routes FINNAIR HAS opened up China to more passengers with flights from Helsinki to Beijing’s new Daxing International Airport commencing in November. Daxing, a starfishshaped building designed by the late British architect Zaha Hadid, will be open for business in September. It features the largest single airport terminal in the world.

The Finnish national carrier will operate three times a week to Daxing from November 3. This is in addition to its existing daily flights to Beijing Capital Airport. The new frequencies mean Finnair will offer up to ten flights every week to the Chinese capital.

Passengers will be able to fly to Daxing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays on Finnair’s Airbus A330.

Finnair flies up to seven times daily from London Heathrow to Helsinki, where passengers can then pick up connections to Beijing, as well as other destinations across Asia and the Far East.

“With the new flights, we are proud to offer even better connections between Beijing and our 100 destinations in Europe. Our aim is to grow sustainably in China, which is among our top global markets,” said Ole Orvér, Finnair’s chief commercial officer. “The new Beijing Daxing International Airport is a key hub for international travel to and from China and will serve our customers well. We are grateful for the support and collaboration from both authorities and our partners in opening the new Daxing flights.”

For a longer tour, which combines all the elements of the Classical Golden Triangle itinerary, the 15-night Rajasthan Rural & Regal tour offers insights into the life and culture of this north Indian region. Highlights include a camel ride and overnight stay in a wilderness camp. Prices start from £2,100 per person based on two sharing.

Indus can assist agents with selling extensions to destinations, such as Kerala, Goa, Amritsar and Nepal.

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

PRIDE ON THE HIGH SEAS… For the third year in a row, Celebrity Cruises is celebrating Pride Month by hosting its annual Pride Party at Sea, with Olympic medalist Adam Rippon reprising his role as Grand Marshal for the festivities. The Pride Party at Sea extravaganza, took place on ten ships across the brand’s fleet, including Celebrity’s newest ship, Celebrity Edge.

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Beyond the Rocky Mountains with natural Colorado THE COLORADO tourism board is promoting destinations for natureloving visitors beyond the Rocky Mountain National Park. Located 90 minutes from Denver, the US state’s capital, the park attracts more than 4.5 million visitors per year, making it one of the top three most-visited national parks in the country.

The tourism board is now encouraging tourists to take the time to check out some of the state’s other parks.

Located beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The 40,000 acre park is home to the tallest sand dunes in the US, the highest of which reaches 750 feet. It is a popular park with stargazers, having been awarded International Dark Sky Park status in recognition of the quality of its dark night skies and the park’s commitment to preserving and educating about the night sky.

Cliff faces etched with scratches and carvings make up Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, resulting from nearly two billion years of exposure.

This park is known for its opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking and rock climbing, and is another park

The spectacular scenery of Great Sand Dunes National Park.

popular with tourists interested in astronomy.

Comprising 5,000 archaeological sites and 600 cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park offers insights into the history of southwest Colorado. Dating back to 7500BC, the Cliff Palace is the largest of the cliff dwellings and is where around 100 Ancestral Pueblo people once called home – visitors can take a guided tour which involves ascending 120 stone steps

and five 8-10ft. ladders.

Wexas is offering a 13-day Highlights of Colorado tour with visits to Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde national parks, as well as Denver, Glenwood Springs and Durango. Prices start from £1,885 per person including return flights and car hire.

For more information visit www.wexas.com and to find out more about the attractions of Colorado, go to www.colorado.com

Tauck-ing off for exclusive tours of King Tut’s tomb TAUCK IS launching two new Egyptian itineraries for 2020, both of which include exclusive after-hours private tours of the Valley of the Kings where visitors will be able to experience the tomb of Tutankhamen. As well as the historical experience, the tours feature a multiple-night Nile River cruise aboard a luxury riverboat.

The 13-day ‘Jordan & Egypt: Petra to the Pyramids’ tour starts in Amman, the Jordanian capital, and concludes in Cairo. This is priced from £6,590 per person plus airfare for double occupancy. A second tour, ‘Egypt: Jewels of the Nile’, runs for ten days and focuses exclusively on Egypt. It is priced from £5,140 per person plus airfare for double occupancy.

For the Nile cruise, guests will sail on the Oberoi Zahra or the Oberoi Philae, with 22 and 27 staterooms respectively. Each room has a private bathroom and both vessels offer a range of dining options, free internet, fitness centre, spa, cinema, dance floor, and swimming pool.

“Tutankhamun’s tomb lay basically undisturbed for more than 3,000 years,” said Dan Mahar, Tauck’s CEO. “It’s far easier to reflect on the sheer magnitude of the history you’re experiencing if you’re with a small, intimate group, after everyone else has left for the day. It elevates an already memorable visit to a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

For more information, call 0800 810 8020 or go to www.tauck.co.uk

ACCESS ALL AREAS… The Langdale Estate in the Lake District is making its surrounding countryside more accessible for guests. It has teamed up with Lake District Mobility – a local charity working to make outdoor trails in the Lake District accessible to people with disabilities or limited mobility – to offer two Tramper allterrain electric scooters for guests to hire during their stay. To find out more, go to www.langdale.co.uk.

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All aboard Flora for the Galapagos Islands CELEBRITY CRUISES has launched its newest ship, Celebrity Flora, which has been designed exclusively for voyages to the Galapagos Islands. The company says it is the most energy-efficient ship of its kind in the region with a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and 360degree views of the Galapagos Islands.

To celebrate the launch, Celebrity Cruises is offering a 25% discount on selected 2019 and 2020 Celebrity Flora sailings when booked before July 31.

The ship can host up to 100 guests in all-suite accommodation with personal attendants, onboard certified naturalists, and Celebrity Cruises’ signature outwardfacing design. She is the first vessel in the Galapagos to be equipped with cutting-edge oceanographic research equipment, known as Oceanscope. The programme

builds on a relationship of more than 20 years with University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

These institutions benefit from the ship’s consistent itinerary to create an ideal way for scientists to gather and measure ocean circulation dynamics.

The ten-night Galapagos Islands Outer Loop fly/cruise on Celebrity Flora departs on February 28, 2020, with prices starting from £8,309 per person in a Deluxe Suite, based on two people sharing.

The holiday includes return flights from Heathrow; transfers; two nights of precruise hotel accommodation; a seven-night cruise departing from Baltra. The ship calls at Daphne Island, Gardner Bay, Suarez Point, Cormorant Point, Bahia Post Office, Moreno Point, Urvina Bay, Espinoza Point, Vicente Roca Point, South Plaza, Dragon Hill, and Puerto Ayora, before returning to Baltra for transfers and the flight home.

For more information call 0800 441 4054 or visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk

London links up with direct flights to Zhengzhou ZHENGZHOU, ONE of China’s eight ancient capital cities, can now be accessed directly from Heathrow, with a new route launched by China Southern.

The destination is known for its cultural attractions, such as the Shaolin Monastery, Pagoda Forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site which is considered to be the birthplace of the martial art of kung-fu.

For business travellers, the city is an important manufacturing and commercial destination, particularly in the textiles industry.

This latest route means Heathrow now offers 13 direct connections to Chinese cities. It will operate twice-weekly out of Terminal 4, using a 787-800 aircraft. More than 1.3 million passengers travelled from mainland China to Heathrow in 2018, an increase of 14% over previous years.

Malta releases a map for history-loving travellers MALTA COULD be a winning destination for customers looking to learn about history while on holiday, thanks to a downloadable map released by the Malta Tourism Authority.

The Pre-History Trail map takes visitors back in time to discover the vibrant past of the Mediterranean archipelago, the history of which dates back to 1,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids were built.

Major points of historic interest on the map include temples, churches, statues and catacombs, with the

remains at one of the catacomb sites dating back to 4000 BC. Other Maltese sightseeing highlights for history buffs include the Ggantija Temples on the island of Gozo; the archaeology museum in Valletta, the capital; and the Kordin Temples (used by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans) and Saflieni Hypogeum (an ancient burial site) both in Paola.

For more information about Malta’s historic attractions and to download the map, visit www.maltauk.com

Mӧvenpick opens spa in the heart of Bangkok A NEW hotel in Bangkok offers visitors respite from the excitement of the lively Thai capital. The Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood has the Bangkok high rises in sight but is surrounded by 1.2 acres of gardens. As well as the spa, pool and wellness centre, there are 293 rooms and suites equipped with yoga mats and a dedicated health and fitness TV channel.

Health conscious travellers can sample organic dishes at the resort’s restaurant Tamarind Natural Dining while Cinnamon lobby lounge offers guests a wine bar.

“Bangkok is a bustling and vibrant metropolis that travellers from all over the world aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime,”said Patrick Basset, chief operating officer of Accor for Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives.

For more information, go to www.movenpick.com

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NEWS BULLETIN

GIVING CUSTOMERS great experiences is what wins us as agents repeat custom and loyalty. Sure, everybody wants value, and these days, we all need great travel photos for our social media channels, but ultimately delivering feel-good moments is what makes a holiday a success.

For example, I recently planned a holiday for a couple travelling to East Africa. During the planning it became apparent that some of their requirements had to give – the husband wouldn’t see his favourite gorillas, and Giraffe Manor was fully booked, depriving his wife of a close encounter with the animals she loved the most. Working closely with our suppliers in Kenya, however, we found the perfect solution. The flight connection from Zanzibar back via Nairobi would mean a lengthy connection, so to avoid an unwanted airport transit we arranged a memorable final day.

The couple will fly back to Nairobi early and will be met by a driver who is taking them to the Giraffe Centre (next to the Manor) to meet and feed the giraffes, before heading to Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage after lunch. The mornings here are incredibly popular, and the sessions often oversubscribed, so the trick here is to sponsor an elephant in the customer’s name (which costs just $50) entitling them to a more personal “sponsors-only” experience. Finally, we sorted out dinner at a restaurant before heading to the airport for their evening departure. All boxes were ticked, and there’s no way they could have organised this themselves online.

Great customer experiences can be the result of creative thinking and planning, but can equally be borne out of necessity at little or no notice. Either way, as experienced travel agents we’re searching for the fairy-dust − the magical “extra” that sets us apart. More than price, or efficiency, it’s the experiences we deliver that make us stand out from the crowd and differentiate us from online-only offerings. I would argue that it’s this difference, that extra bit of fairy dust, that justifies our very existence.

JULY 5 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

MOROCCAN MAGIC... Accessing Essaouira, the bohemian coastal town on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast will become easier this autumn with Ryanair launching direct flights from London Stansted on October 29. The flights will depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The town has experienced a tourism boom in recent years as it was used as a Game of Thrones location.

MSC Seashore summer voyages on sale for 2021 MSC CRUISES has announced the opening of sales for MSC Seashore’s inaugural season in the Western Mediterranean.

Her maiden post-upgrade voyage will be in June 2021 with a seven-night itinerary calling at Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.

Until July 10, sales are only open to MSC Voyagers Club members and from July 11, all other guests will be able to make bookings.

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said, “Each and every ship that we build is different. MSC Seashore is an evolution of the ground-breaking Seaside prototype but this enriched ship has allowed us to further enhance the guest experience with the introduction of new features and facilities as well as some further improvement of the existing ones. With an increased capacity and expanded facilities, MSC Seashore will offer guests myriad opportunities to get closer to the sea, providing yet more options for holidaymakers to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean when the ship comes into service.”

The increased size of the ship – up by 16 metres – has allowed for some of the public spaces to be redesigned with the introduction of new public areas, as well as optimising the location of other areas of the ship. A new double deck show lounge has been created below the aft pool, and the indoor pool will be extended with an additional deck over and around the pool. For families, the kids’ area has been extended, and a state-of-the-art waterpark added.

For more information and to make bookings, visit www.msccruises.co.uk

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AGENT BULLETIN

AGENT TRAINING WOMEN IN Travel CIC, the social enterprise dedicated to empowering women through employability and entrepreneurship in the travel and tourism industry, will hold its first International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum from January 23-24, 2020 in Iceland.

Iceland’s First Lady, Eliza Reid, will be the event’s keynote speaker. Attendees will learn about global approaches to gender diversity and inclusion in the travel industry, take away practical tools to implement when they get back home and network with the broader, global industry. To receive the latest news about the event, agents can register their interest by emailing WIT@gecpr.co.uk.

Details about the event will be updated at www.womenintravelcic.com

FORTY FABULOUS YEARS... Jetset has recognised Glenda Cassell for 40 years of service to the company, starting her career as a secretary. Today she works in the accounts and refunds department. She has been hailed by agents for her industry knowledge and constant support.

AGENTS CAN go into the draw to win a fam trip to Setouchi, Japan, if they complete an online training course. The course covers the seven prefectures that make up the Setouchi region, including Hiroshima. There are 16 courses available and to be in the running to win a fam trip place, agents need to sign up to the training programme and complete the short introductory course. The trip will be in partnership with British Airways to celebrate the launch of its new direct flights to the city of Osaka. For more information about the course, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travelgym

AGENT INCENTIVES ● LUXURY TOUR operator If Only… has joined forces with the Ajman Tourism Development Department to offer agents the chance to gain £50 of Enhanced Earnings on their My Loyalty Card. This is part of the tourism board’s campaign, ‘Ajman: A Gem In The Emirates’, which promotes the attractions of this up-and-coming neighbour to Dubai.

To qualify, agents need to make a booking for Ajman lasting three nights or more until August 14. For more information, email Nicole.Baines@ifonlynet ● GOLD MEDAL is giving agents the chance to win one of ten places on a luxury VIP fam trip to Dubai, in partnership with Atlantis The Palm.

The winners of the three-day Ultimate Atlantis Showcase will enjoy a trip to the water-themed resort this November, staying in the new Imperial Club rooms on a half-board basis. The first seven places will go to agents drawn from those making qualifying bookings at Atlantis The Palm until August 4. One place will be chosen at random each week, with winners being announced live each Monday on Gold Medal’s Facebook page (@GoldMedalAgents). Three more agent winners will be announced at separate Gold Medal events this month.

Qualifying bookings must include flights to Dubai and a minimum of three nights’ stay at Atlantis The Palm. Bookings featuring suite accommodation will qualify for two entries into the prize draw. Double Farebank Rewards are available on all qualifying bookings. To claim their rewards and to enter, agents should send their booking references to UltimateAtlantisShowcase@goldmedal.co.uk Full details of the incentive are available on www.goldmedal.co.uk

COMPETITIONS! NEW: Win a £100 M&S voucher with Bradley International Airport and Aer Lingus

Win an Amazon Echo & a signed astronaut picture with Kennedy Space Center

Win a Jet2holidays goody bag.

FOR ALL COMPETITIONS ON THE SITE VISIT travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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ANTOR HELD it's annual "Antor meets the travel trade" workshop at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London.

Twenty-two tourist boards met with more than 60 travel agents, homeworkers and tour operators during a busy three hours of one-to-one meetings and networking over drinks and canapes, including Flanders Bruhl beer. Lots of lucky attendees won prizes on the night. Tourist Boards in attendance included Andorra, Italy, Austria, Bahamas, Czech Republic, Visit Denmark, Ras Al Khaimah, Egypt, Visit Flanders, Germany, Gibraltar, India, Israel, Jersey, Nassau Paradise Island, Qatar, Russia, Samoa, Sweden, Taiwan, Tobago and Tunisia.

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PUZZLE BULLETIN

JULY 5 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, July 11th.

Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

D

WHERE AM I?

The Jet2Holidays Su Doku winner for June 21st is Chontelle Baldwin, Travel Norwich Airport LTD in Norwich.

June 21st Solution: A=5 B=4 C=9 D=7

Across

Down

1. What do customers receive for free on the aircraft when on an Indulgent Escapes holiday? (6) 4. Tennis legend, Billie Jean (4) 8. African country, initially (3) 9. Historic city in the Tuscany region (5) 10. Capital of South Korea (5) 12. North African country (5) 13. Country pub (3) 14. Popular Austrian ski resort, St ___ (5) 16. Famous dam in 12 Across (5) 18. Hawaiian greeting (5) 20. Currency of Romania (3) 21. Cat, native to the Isle of Man (4) 22. Island hosting an annual Battle of Flowers (6)

1. Former capital of Tanzania (3,2,6) 2. US state (5) 3. One of the Dodecanese islands (3) 5. The Po is the longest river in this country (5) 6. Stormzy recently headlined at this festival (11) 7. State capital of Montana (6) 11. Town in Rhodes, known for its clifftop acropolis (6) 15. Huckleberry Finn author, Mark (5) 17. Ryan Giggs is manager of this country's football team (5) 19. Arrecife, Lanzarote airport code (3)

Across: 1. DRINKS, 4. KING, 8. RSA, 9. SIENA, 10. SEOUL, 12. EGYPT, 13. INN, 14. ANTON, 16. ASWAN, 18. ALOHA, 20. LEU, 21. MANX, 22. JERSEY. Down: 1. DAR ES SALAAM, 2. IDAHO, 3. KOS, 5. ITALY, 6. GLASTONBURY, 7. HELENA, 11. LINDOS, 15.

TWAIN, 17. WALES, 19. ACE. Where am I? - Dalyan

CROSSWORD

Enchanting lakes, crypts carved into cliffs, and astonishing sea creatures give this Turkish delight an unforgettable, fairy-tale feel.

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

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EVENT BULLETIN

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JETSET HELD their annual Golf and Spa day last week at The Macdonald Portal Hotel in Cheshire.

Sponsors and Agents alike enjoyed a fun-filled day with Golf or Spa, dinner, entertainment and a fantastic array of prizes, Travel Bulletin was on hand to bring you some pictures from the day!

Registration is open for the biggest Jetset event of the year !

We just need some drivers now !

Spa ladies ready for action

Spa ladies come out to play Hungry work this golf!

My oh my what a big rocket we have

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EVENT BULLETIN

JULY 5 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

If the round takes too long, at least there is a bed for the night!

Uncle Sam provided on course advice

Hungry work this golf!

At least the night started in a sophisticated fashion

All about speed on the Jetset hole!

A massive thanks to the sponsors of the day MAIN SPONSOR

Gurus Here for the travel trade

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BULLETIN BRIEFING

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Industry insight by...

David Moon, head of business development at Advantage, shows what it takes to remain relevant in a digital age…

IT'S OBVIOUS to most people that the ‘high street’ is going through a period of considerable upheaval and significant changes. It's not dying as some believe; however, we must accept that it is starting to look very different to what we have been used to.

As we know some of the big retailers have struggled with this over recent years, the most current example being that of the Arcadia Group. Some of the commentary I have read around the Arcadia Group’s problems suggested they struggled early on to get to grips with technology which put them on the back foot in keeping up with their competitors.

Most of the big brands on the high street now offer consumers a blended online and offline experience and being a reluctant shopper that appeals to me. As the father of a 20-year-old daughter, who is considerably more enthusiastic about shopping than I am, I know this combination appeals to her too, albeit for different reasons!

One of the business sessions at our recent annual conference in Sancti Petri was entitled ‘The Future is Now’ which was expertly delivered by our training and development partners at Reality Training.

The session explored some key challenges our agency members currently face and the opportunities which exist going forward if they are prepared to adapt to consumer’s changing needs.

The workshop format for the session instigated some interesting conversation that followed two clear distinct trains of

thought: firstly, a high touch service remains central to the business proposition for most independent travel agents. This makes sense as it differentiates them from online travel agents and adds value to the customer by enhancing the booking experience.

The general feeling was that this is something which should be cherished and exploited as it underlines to the consumer that independent travel agents offer a ‘fullservice’ service.

The second theme from the session was technology and how that will play a

“...technology should be embraced to enhance the booking experience your business is offering customers, at various touch points.”

greater role in our industry going forward.

This is important for a couple of reasons: ● Consumers across a broad spectrum of

ages are generally in tune with using technology to help facilitate a purchase (myself and my daughter are a prime example of technology being used across generations). ● Technology can also help to improve

productivity within a business, freeing up valuable time for sales consultants to speak with their customers ensuring they are receiving the best possible service.

Now I am not advocating that every travel agency needs a bookable website in the same way that retailers from other verticals do. That might be the right solution for some agencies but not for all. It is, however, about how technology should be embraced to enhance the booking experience your business is offering customers at various touch points.

For example, last year Advantage launched a quoting tool called ‘Advantage Connect’. The online platform helps our members create holiday quotes and provide that quote to the customer through a unique webpage, with rich destination and hotel content. A very practical way of combining the knowledge and expertise of a retail agent and delivering information to a customer in a more digital, engaging way through the use of technology.

It’s all about embracing the future and ‘The Future is Now’ mindset.

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MEXICO

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY What a trip to Mexico’s Pacific Coast can offer your clients WHILST VIBRANT culture, friendly locals and great weather all make for essential ingredients to a fun family break, Mexico’s Pacific Coast can add something extra thanks to the unique natural playgrounds and family-friendly activities they provide. Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, and Riviera Nayarit, in the state of Nayarit, can blend sandcastles, sea and sand with marine encounters and jungle adventures, all making for some great opportunities for families to make long lasting memories.

When it comes to holiday activities with the kids, playing on the beach often comes top of the list and Mexico’s Pacific Coast has many sandcastle-friendly beaches to choose from. A firm favourite in Puerto Vallarta is Los Muertos beach. The three-milelong beach is centrally located and is walking distance from the Malecón in the Romantic Zone (otherwise know as

the ‘Old Town’). It is probably the liveliest beach, with the most water sports available for kids, and parents can relax under umbrellas and palapas and let waiters from the beachside restaurants bring food and beverages straight to them.

Considered to be ‘Mexico’s largest swimming pool’, Rincón de Guayabitos in Riviera Nayarit’s Compostela municipality is a good option for children of all ages. Its location on a bay means small waves and a firm, sandy bottom so kids can wade in as far as they’re comfortable and it makes for a safe choice.

In addition to snorkelling and diving, visitors can get up close to sea animals on a variety of excursions. Wildlife Connection offers the opportunity to visit dolphins in their natural environment and to participate in a research project that helps understand

and protect them in Puerto Vallarta.

Riviera Nayarit has turtle protection programmes, with turtle farms dedicated to the harvesting, hatching and release of baby sea turtles - an interactive, educational and emotive experience.

The lush jungles that can be found across these regions are also home to hundreds of colourful birds, exotic plants and crocodile-filled lagoons; and these protected areas make for an exciting adventure for the whole family.

La Tovara National Park in Riviera Nayarit, for example, is made up of 1,600 acres of mangroves and marshland which can be explored on a boat tour. Or, Puerto Vallarta is home to Mexico’s longest and fastest ‘Superman’ zip line, which can be braved with Vallarta Adventures.

Go to https://visitpuertovallarta.com/ or http://www.rivieranayarit.com/ to find out more.

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TAG YOUR FRIENDS New summer activities complement teens’ clubs at Velas resorts

OFFERING SOMETHING for every age this summer, Mexico’s Velas Resorts is launching several new activities for teens to complement deal savings, spa treatments and dedicated Teens’ Clubs.

With family-friendly properties in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, the new activities include a Graffiti Workshop, Teen Movie Night, Tortilla Making, Pickleball and Training Camp. The latter, available at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, consists of a bungee, zip line, and climbing walls. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit also offers the adventure equipment for leisure use. At Grand Velas Los Cabos, the Graffiti Workshop, taught by a local muralist, encourages younger guests to get creative whilst at Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, new Pickleball courts encourage teens to be active outdoors.

The Teens’ Clubs at Grand Velas resorts are contemporary spaces where teens can make use of extensive games rooms complete with Xbox Kinect, pool table, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, karaoke with illuminated dance floor, and individual cubicles with Xbox and Playstation consoles with in-built seat speakers for enhanced game play. The lounges offer mocktails, soft drinks and snacks to enjoy whilst kids hang-out with their newly made friends. When it’s time for relaxation, massages, body treatments and facials for teens are also offered.

Activities vary based on the resort. A saving of 50% applies to teens aged 13 to 15 when sharing the suite with at least one adult.

For more information email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit https://summer.velasresorts.com/

Surf’s up in Mexico WITH ACTIVITY driven breaks a popular choice amongst holidaymakers and in recognition of the rise of surfing (to the point of the sport making its debut at the Tokyo Olympic Games next year), Funway Holidays is promoting the many surfing experiences to be found in Mexico.

Malcolm Davies, product destination manager for the operator, said: “Mexico is a true paradise for water sports lovers - in particular surfers, with no shortage of ideal locations for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

“As surfing has become more and more popular over the decades, the number of spots known for great waves has grown as well. With summer just around the corner, now’s the time for novices and pros to seek out the best surf.

We’ve selected a diverse mix of charming, slower-paced spots and mainstream areas in the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon.”

As an example, the operator has seven nights staying at the new all-inclusive Now Emerald Cancun Resort & Spa from £1,645 per person. This includes Heathrow flights with American Airlines and is based on two adults sharing and departing on January 10, 2020.

Go to www.funway4agents.co.uk for more details.

FOUR SEASONS Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is now accepting reservations from November 1.

Set against the backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains on the East Cape of the Baja California Peninsula, the 1,000-acre resort community of Costa Palmas stretches along two miles of swimmable white sand beach on the shores of the Sea of Cortez.

A contemporary design will integrate indoor-outdoor living throughout the resort’s 141 guest rooms, including 23 suites, all with views of the Sea of Cortez from private terraces. The grounds will house five dining options, 18 acres of organic farm and orchards; a spa and wellness centre; four pools; an 18-hole golf course and sports complex; a teen centre and ‘Kids for All Seasons’ programme. The resort will also be the first from Four Seasons with a private marina.

Visit www.fourseasons.com to find out more.

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A new Emerald heralds AMResort expansion NOW EMERALD Cancun, part of The AMResorts Collection, has officially opened its doors.

Further expanding the group’s footprint in the destination, the family-friendly property is located eight miles from Cancun International Airport and offers 427 luxury rooms complete with its signature ‘Unlimited-Luxury’ all-inclusive concept. This means guests can experience reservation-free dining at gourmet a la carte restaurants, 24-hour room and concierge services, unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits, daytime activities, live nightly entertainment and more – all without wristbands.

Additionally, the all-new resort features some distinct services and amenities, including: a redesigned spa and fitness centre; an Explorer’s Club, Core Zone Teen’s Club and Splash Park; Desires Nightclub; a wedding showroom; refurbished guest rooms; and an enlarged main pool thanks to the addition of heated infinity pool.

AMResorts has further announced that in its ongoing commitment to the enhancement of the guest experience, it will be rebranding the Sunscape Star Cancun to Dreams Vista Cancun Resort & Spa. Also incorporating an ‘Unlimited-Luxury’ all-inclusive concept, the rebrand will see elevated services, facilities and amenities. For example, the property will feature a Preferred Club, offering an elevated club level experience with exclusive

access to the adults-only roof top pool and a dedicated beach area. There will be a Splash water park, featuring two surf pools, a relaxation pool, an activities pool, pool and beach waiter service, a large climbing wall and a Dreams Spa by Pevonia. Across the resort, guests can expect unlimited connectivity with free Wi-Fi and international calling along with 24-hour room and concierge service. Moreover a Chef’s Table dining experience and international premium brand liquors available in all bars. In room upgrades include the introduction of Nespresso coffee makers in all rooms, Gilchrist & Soames bath & body amenities, and access to Crave interactive digital tablets for room service, spa appointments, access to activity programmes, wake-up call and more. Dreams Vista Cancun Resort & Spa will open on November 1.

Now Emerald Cancun

One for wannabe popstars A NEW ‘KIDZ BOP’ experience is to make its debut at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya for this summer.

By popping on over to the Pop Star Lounge, the partnership between the two brands will enable kids aged six to twelve to live out their pop star fantasies. They can put together red carpet-worthy looks, create a custom band name with Instaband, learn new dance moves with Step It Up, write their own songs with Hit Maker and design their next album cover at the Creation Station. Wannabe pop stars can star in their own music videos, take part in karaoke and the ‘KIDZ BOP Experience’ will also expand into the hotel’s weekly programming with a series of ice cream socials, pool parties and pop-up events.

This is an extension of the existing partnership and successful launch of KIDZ BOP at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. To celebrate the launch in Riviera Maya, The KIDZ BOP Kids will themselves make a special visit to the resort from August 12 – 16 for a live concert and a celebration filled with superfan events, activities and meet-and-greets.

The programme is the latest kid friendly activity to arrive at HRH Riviera Maya which saw the launch of the new 23 slide waterpark, Rockaway Bay, earlier this year and the Woodward Riviera Maya, the first action-sport facility in Mexico.

For more information visit www.hrhrivieramaya.com or www.KIDZBOPExperience.com

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UK & IRELAND

A MUST SEA Get ready to dive into Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 FROM WATER inspired legends to historic harbours, sweeping coastlines to the bounty of the sea, and not forgetting its reputation for wildlife, wellness, and whisky – Scotland will be placing a spotlight on its waters to ‘wet’ the appetite and encourage visitors to explore its natural landscapes, cultural heritage and adventurous activities A year-long programme of events has been planned for ‘Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters’, starting from January 1, 2020.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “From fishing and textiles, to whisky and wave power, Scotland’s waters have shaped our history

and influenced our culture, our stories and our way of life. Our coasts and waters are host to an amazing array of riches and are greatly valued and cherished by visitors and locals alike, so it’s fitting that we have a full-year placing them in the spotlight. Scotland’s distinctive scenery, landscape and our unique history and culture continue to remain the key motivations that drive visits to the country, so the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 presents a fantastic opportunity to play to our strengths.”

In addition to a range of new and existing events, the year will also provide the opportunity to celebrate a variety of authentic

experiences including: The Hebridean Whale Trail, the first of its kind in the UK, set to launch later this year; new road trip routes taking in Scotland’s winding coastlines and characterful communities including The Coig and the South West Coastal 300; and the TS Queen Mary on the River Clyde which is getting set to be one of the UK’s largest interactive maritime and social history exhibits.

The year will also encourage responsible engagement with Scotland’s coasts and waters.

For more information, visit visitscotland.com/ycw2020 or check out the video at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=j6FPR2Qw6tk&fea ture=youtu.be

Help clients find their epic in Wales AS PART of Visit Wales’ ‘Year of Discovery’, the tourism organisation is highlighting the many inspirational reasons to visit headed under The Wales Way. The Wales Way is a family of national routes designed to lead visitors on epic journeys throughout the country. ‘The Coastal Way’ travels the west coast around Cardigan Bay, a 180-mile road-trip between the sea and mountains. ‘The Cambrian Way’ is 185 miles and travels between Llandudno and Cardiff, through National Parks and big spaces; whilst the 75mile ‘North Wales Way’ leads past mighty 13th century castles into the Isle of Anglesey.

Each journey can be tailored and/or sectioned to suit any duration and clients’ interests and travel trade friendly itineraries highlighting the routes, activities and sightseeing opportunities can be found at: www.visitwales.com/info/traveltrade/itineraries

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GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL New luxury lodges provide greater privacy for Hoseasons guests at Cheddar Woods Resort and Spa FOR CLIENTS seeking a secluded Somerset staycation, agents can now offer a choice of 23 new lodges at Cheddar Woods Resort and Spa. The mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom properties all offer views of the Cheddar countryside and have been purposely placed to maximise privacy and enhance guests’ sense of getting away from it all. Each of the lodges comes with either private garden, enclosed decking or an outdoor patio area. The Resort owners have worked closely with the local authority to ensure the protection of natural habitats and local wildlife while the lodges were being placed on-site.

Mark Warnes, vice president of property services at Awaze UK, Hoseasons’ parent company, said: “It’s great to see Cheddar Woods Resort and Spa flourishing

and growing its allocation amidst strong demand for domestic short breaks in the UK. The quality of the new accommodation on offer in this idyllic countryside setting is among the best in our UK portfolio, and we’ll be doing all we can to raise awareness of it to national audiences through our extensive marketing activity and large customer database.”

The park has responded to a growing off-season demand for couples’ getaways by making nine of

the new properties one-bed lodges. It was also crowned Hoseasons’ ‘Go Active Location of the Year’ with activities on site including archery, fencing, cycle trails, nature trails, quad biking and Go Juniors (activities specifically designed for children aged three to seven).

A short break for a family of four (two adults and two children) starts from £215.

For more information visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0345-498 6153.

All aboard at Haven OFFERING FAMILIES the chance to become mini skippers for the day, Haven has launched a new RNLI boat activity involving mini replicas of the charity’s Severn Class AllWeather Lifeboats.

The new RNLI Boat Adventure can be found at Hafan y Môr Holiday Park in Pwllheli - one of Haven’s five newly developed parks – and is well geared toward younger guests, offering the chance to learn about RNLI’s water safety messaging whilst having fun on a scavenger hunt. Kids will use a map and roam ‘unchartered waters’ to find the clues and complete the challenge. Once they arrive at ‘port’ they will have the opportunity to dress up as a RNLI crew member to take some memorable holiday photos. The activity will run all season and costs £10 per boat.

In 2018, Haven raised over £122,000 for the RNLI charity and this year it’s continuing to run engaging fundraisers that help to raise awareness and vital funds to support life saving work. The partnership between RNLI and Haven also makes for a great opportunity to talk with thousands of families enjoying coastal holidays about safety around water. Haven guests wanting to learn more can also check out the familyfocused RNLI Water Smart activity, complete with a guided trail, mini games, and an opportunity to get to know the coastal landscape.

Visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk

Seize the day(light) with Rabbie’s AS HOLIDAYS on home soil become increasingly popular, Rabbie’s is highlighting the plethora of opportunities available to holidaymakers to now make the most of the long summer days and explore legendary locations scattered throughout the UK and Ireland.

The small-group tour operator offers more than 100 national tour options, taking guests to iconic landmarks and quaint spots in groups of no more than 16 people in top of the range mini coaches. Tours come complete with a ‘storyteller’ tour guide who is well versed on the history and folklore of each area and the must-see places to delve into.

Heather Reekie, director of marketing and sales, said: “The UK & Ireland tour industry is jam-packed with fantastic operators. We know it's hard for agents to choose who to book their clients with, but we believe we stand out from the crowd with our off-thebeaten-track itineraries, wide-selection of trips, no minimum-numbers policy, and eco-friendly travel credentials.”

To find out more go to www.rabbies.com

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Game of Thrones: The Touring Exhibition gets star approval BETTER KNOWN as Sir Davos and Bran Stark, Liam Cunningham and Isaac Hempstead Wright were among the first visitors to check out the Game of Thrones exhibition in Belfast, which is running to September 1.

As a key filming location for the series, Belfast was chosen as the first city, and the only one in the UK and Ireland, to host this official experience for fans. It features original costumes, authentic props and sets from seasons one to seven.

With a mix of immersive environments, interactive displays and multimedia content, the exhibition offers a journey into the worlds of Westeros and Essos through King’s Landing, the city of Meereen, the House of Black and White, the home of the Night’s Watch – Castle Black and the frozen lands Beyond the Wall. The show-stopping centrepiece of the exhibition is the Iron Throne Room. Never-before-seen artefacts from the Dragon Skull Pit and

Winterfell Crypt are also on display for the first, and only, time in Belfast. Liam Cunningham said: “The magnificent costumes, and props on display, including the dragons’ heads, are not copies, and you can see that by the level of detail. The exhibition is a new and fantastic experience.”

Big fans of Northern Ireland, the pair of actors were also keen to encourage people to explore the wider Westeros experience through the many filming

location tours available in the region.

Isaac Hempstead Wright commented: “The extraordinary thing about Northern Ireland is that within 30 minutes of the city centre you are in the most amazing landscapes. You’re right at the heart of Game of Thrones territory here. I can’t really sell it enough, there’s so much to do here and so much to see.”

Go to www.ireland.com or www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk to find out more.

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Unwinding with Warner Tapping into the trend for easily accessible short breaks Warner Leisure opens the doors to Studley Castle STUDLEY CASTLE, Warner Leisure Hotel’s first new opening in 20 years, is part of the company’s plan to broaden its client base with yearround entertainment and experience options and a high standard of accommodation and dining.

Travel Bulletin visited the newly opened property for the Warnerfest Weekend, which featured unsigned acts performing covers and original songs, as well as a retro DJ set from broadcaster Jo Whiley.

Speaking to Travel Bulletin at Studley Castle, Warner’s managing director Simon Thompson said it has taken “three or four years” to restore the Grade II-listed 1830’s building, located in the Warwickshire countryside, a halfhour drive from historic Stratford-upon-Avon. He said the time was right to open a new property because other sites are fully occupied all year round and guest numbers are increasing year-on-year: “It’s the next phase in our mission as a brand to get bigger in a sustainable way [by offering] short breaks in an environment that’s relaxing with great choices in food and entertainment.”

“There are still gaps on the map,” he

said when asked about plans for more hotels across the UK, adding that the group is always looking for more locations to ensure as many guests as possible can access Warner hotels easily.

Thompson also told Travel Bulletin that there is a trend for guests to seek out short breaks within an hour’s drive from their home so they can spend less time on the motorway or in airports and more time relaxing. While plenty of guests will still spend time at Warner properties using the onsite facilities, he said that the properties now “make it easy for guests to explore the local area. It’s not just about keeping guests in - we want them to get out and about.” At Studley Castle, for example, guests have the option of easily visiting local attractions, such as a nearby brewery and a gin distillery in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Thompson noted that offering a wide range of entertainment and food, as well as indoor activities such as heated pools, spas and shooting ranges, were important for attracting new business and maintaining the status of the properties as year-round hotels. He told Travel Bulletin that one-third of guests rebook before they leave and, among long-term customers, there is a trend towards them booking multiple breaks in advance rather than on an ad hoc basis, bucking the wider trend for consumers making last-minute bookings.

In terms of guest demographics, Mr Thompson said that Warner is not targeting one particular age group. He said the 14 hotels are aimed at anyone who wants to “enjoy a short break and recharge their batteries.”

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