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June 9 2017 | ISSUE NO 2,018 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Australasia
Operators capitalise on new non-stop flights to Perth
this week puzzle bulletin 11 play Su Doku for your chance to win an Amazon Echo
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personality bulletin find out who’s in the hot seat this week
usa operators, attractions & hoteliers showcase their new products
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holiday parks new deals, shows & attractions introduced at parks around the UK
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On top of the world… COSMOS’ LARGEST fam programme for 2017 is in full swing where a selection of agents are being taken on a range of tours around the world. So far agents have travelled to Thailand, Canada, China, New York and Philadelphia to boost their destination and product knowledge, and more trips are planned for the coming months. Pictured at the top of the Empire State Building in New York are, from the left: Darren Lenton, Thames Valley Travel; Marc Butler, Lincolnshire COOP; Dan Ferguson, Affinion; Anna Hall, Cosmos; and Frank Furneaux, Broadway Travel.
ABTA & Travelife encourage industry to make sustainable holiday pledges
Cover Pictures: Main - Rob Bayer
Inset - Funway Holidays
MAKE HOLIDAYS Greener is returning for 2017, led by ABTA in partnership with Travelife for Hotels & Accommodations. This year’s campaign launched on July 1 and encourages holidaymakers and the travel industry to make sustainable holiday pledges, take care of the local environment and support local communities in holiday destinations. Travel businesses are being encouraged to join in with the annual campaign which will run until August 31 and aims to raise awareness of more sustainable holidays. Businesses can participate by encouraging customers to make a pledge and also by pledging to organise a clean-up activity in resorts for their staff and customers. Travel companies should contact sustainabletourism@abta.co.uk to sign up. Holidaymakers taking part will be able to choose one of 15 sustainable holiday pledges which will cover all aspects of a holiday from eating local food to saying no to plastic. Those wishing to support Make Holidays Greener with a beach clean will be able to make this pledge. Last year, more than 700 sustainable holiday pledges were made with recycling water bottles, reusing hotel towels and using local transport amongst the most popular pledges. In addition, almost 2,000 people collected more than 6,000kg of
This week
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news a round-up of the latest industry news & developments
notes from normanton Sandy reflects on the recent terror attacks
agent bulletin this week’s booking incentives & training events
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rubbish as part of 125 beach cleans in 23 countries. As part of its Better Places programme, ABTA works closely with its members to develop sustainability approaches that are right for them. Additionally, the Travelife certification programme for managing sustainability in hotels and other types of accommodation, works with hotels to improve how they manage their environmental and social impacts, such as reducing their energy or water consumption, and ensuring they support local people, businesses and culture. Nikki White, ABTA's director of destinations and sustainability, said: "We’re delighted to be leading this fantastic initiative and working with the industry to support more sustainable holidays. We know that two-thirds (65%) of people think travel companies should ensure that their holidays help the local people and economy and so Make Holidays Greener is the perfect way for the industry to engage with customers and tell them about all the fantastic work being done in this area. "I would encourage travel businesses to get involved with Make Holidays Greener, whether they’re organising a beach clean or encouraging their customers to make a sustainable holiday pledge.” The pledges are: Organise a holiday clean up; eat local produce; buy local souvenirs; talk to locals in their languages; respect local customs; reduce, re-use and recycle – leave and recycle any packaging at home before you travel; say no to plastic – avoid plastic straws and bags on holiday; offset your continued on next page
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puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for your chance to win an Amazon Echo with Jet2Holidays
bulletin briefing news & views from AITO
personality bulletin we find out more about G Adventures’ brand ambassador from Peru
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usa operators, attractions & hoteliers showcase their new products
holiday parks new deals, shows & attractions introduced at parks around the UK
australasia operators capitalise on Perth sales following launch of Qantas’ direct flights
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continued from previous page carbon; use local transport; switch off electrical devices in your accommodation when you’re not using them; save water – reuse towels and take shorter showers; protect children – support local community projects and refrain from giving money to begging children or visit orphanages;
tell the world about positive holiday experiences and leave an honest travel review; look for the Travelife logo - stay at a hotel that cares for the environment and its staff such as Travelife certified hotels; and free choice – the chance to organise or suggest an activity specific to your holiday. For more information email sustainabletourism@abta.co.uk
Voyages to Antiquity revamps customer loyalty programme VOYAGES TO Antiquity has relaunched its loyalty programme to offer additional benefits to further reward long-standing repeat guests. With the repeat guest booking rate sitting at 51% for this year and rising to 72% to date for forward bookings for winter 2017/18, the line is committed to rewarding its loyal following. The revamped loyalty programme – The Voyages to Antiquity Odyssey Club – rewards past guests while encouraging new guests to repeat book and is split into three tiers, with guests moving up through the tiers as
they experience more cruises. Repeat guests can also experience dedicated reunion cruises with exclusive excursions, invitations to exclusive events in the UK and aboard, future cruise discounts, complimentary on board credit, on board upgrades, free luxury leather travel wallets and dinner with the captain. Jos Dewing, the line's managing director, said: “Our guests are incredibly passionate about the brand and continue to choose to sail with us year-on-year. The high guest repeat rate is testament to our brand's
continuous evolvement as we add new destinations and experiences to the Voyages to Antiquity offering. "From November we will offer yearround cruising, following the introduction of 12 new culture-focused itineraries across Cuba and the Caribbean. Whilst the Caribbean archipelago may already be a popular cruise destination, our new winter cruises are focused on helping guests journey beyond the traditional tourist spots for a more authentic Caribbean flavour." For more information see voyagestoantiquity.com
NEWS BITES ● IN LAST month’s Manchester attack a young travel agent, Chloe Rutherford, lost her life along with her boyfriend, Liam Curry. Chloe worked for Graeme Brett and family at Westoe Travel in South Shields; she was 17 years old and just embarking on her travel career. A Just Giving page has been set up for the families at http://bit.ly/2rX6zcA ● BRITISH AIRWAYS is offering flights to Italy's Florence from Birmingham Airport. The inaugural service was the first of the new routes to take off followed by flights to the Spanish sunspots of Malaga, Ibiza and Palma providing more than 17,000 seats to the sun from Birmingham this summer. Flights are operated at weekends by modern Embraer 190 jet aircraft, with fares from £29 one-way available from ba.com ● SOFITEL LONDON St James has joined the Clean the World hospitality initiative to donate its soaps and discarded hygiene products to be recycled for humanitarian organisations around the world. After being collected from its 183 guest bedrooms and suites, the items will be hygienically recycled and distributed to shelters for homeless, children and women, as well as to food banks, veteran groups and people struggling due to economic misfortune or natural disaster.
PRO AGENTS...The Melia Rio de Nacional in Brazil recently hosted a competition online with Travel Bulletin for agents to win up to £170 worth of Love2Shop vouchers, by learning more about the property and the travel agent portal - MeliaPRO. The winners were Larraine Atkin from The Travel Company Edinburgh; Lisa Jankus-Scott from Carrick Travel; and Ann Barber from Travel Counsellors. Pictured is Larraine Atkin who picked up £20 in vouchers.
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● JET AIRWAYS is to launch its third, non-stop, daily service between Heathrow and Mumbai. Effective from October 29, and as part of the airline’s forthcoming winter schedule, the planned departure for 9W 115 - the new daytime service from Heathrow – will be 15:30, with arrival in Mumbai at 05:55, On its return, 9W 116 will depart Mumbai at 09:05 to arrive in Heathrow at 13:35. ● SEA LIFTS has launched its summer season with transfers available from 18 new airports including Faro, Paris, Olbia, Porto, Bologna and Florence. Visit sea-lifts.com for details.
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newsbulletin Saga introduces two new all-inclusive holidays to Turkey
New VR experience from Hurtigruten HURTIGRUTEN HAS launched a virtual reality experience for agents and guests to trial a selection of excursions available on the brand’s Explorer and Coastal voyages. The VR experience showcases nine unique offboard activities in destinations including the Arctic, Antarctica and coastal Norway, and the content is captured via drones while 360 cameras bring the destinations to life. Guests and agents will find themselves transported to the remote wilderness of Antarctica to kayak amongst icebergs, feel the Arctic wind whilst galloping on horseback across the Norwegian plains or embark on a mountain hike and be mesmerised by the majestic scenery of the Lofoten Islands. The line's regional sales managers will take the VR experience along with them to meetings with key travel agents across the UK to educate them on the excursion offering. In addition, a selection of VR headsets will be available on board ships from late summer with expedition teams encouraging guests to learn more about the company's adventures. For more information visit hurtigruten.co.uk
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TREETOP TREAT...Peter Kay has cut the ribbon on Manchester’s new attraction, Treetop Nets. The Bolton born star opened up the new Heaton Park treetop adventure park in time for half-term to offer sky-high giant bouncy nets with walkways, slides and tunnels. The attraction's sister attraction, Treetop Trek, which will feature Europe’s longest belay ropes course and more than 20 zip wires, is set to open next month to complete the treetop adventure park. Pictured marking the launch with comedian Peter Kay (right) is the park's managing director, Mike Turner. For more information visit treetopnets.co.uk or call 01539-447186.
New Lakes & Mountains Summer 2018 preview brochure from Inghams INGHAMS HAS launched its Lakes & Mountains Summer 2018 preview brochure with frozen prices and a range of early booking offers, saving up to £660 per couple if booked before September 30. The new brochure features more than 100 European resorts, cities and tours, including the new Slovenia and Austria twin-centre option. Holiday durations are fully flexible, with seven, ten and 14-night stays, as well as a choice of twin-centre resort combinations, escorted rail tours, short breaks and city breaks. For early bookings, all prices in the preview brochure have been held at summer 2017 levels and, to help budgets stretch further, the operator has also frozen the prices of many of its pre-bookable excursions and Swiss walking and travel passes to summer 2017 levels, until September 30. The company has also expanded its partner hotel range to include two new properties for summer 2018. The three-star, family-friendly Hotel Pavillon des Fleurs on the shores of Lake Annecy, France, is ideal for clients looking to be active, with prices starting from £819 per person for seven nights. In Austria, the three-diamond Chalet Linda in Kitzbühel offers guests a relaxed base five minutes’ walk from the village centre, with prices from £559 for seven nights. The new brochure also features an extensive range of complimentary extras included in the price of many holidays such as free guided walks in selected resorts; free packed lunches and afternoon tea and cake in all chalets, chalet hotels and many partner hotels; half price travel throughout Switzerland; free use of cable-cars, chairlifts and public transport in many resorts in Austria, Italy, France and Switzerland; free bike hire in many hotels; free walking maps; and no single supplement at selected hotels. For more information visit inghams.co.uk
DUE TO growing demand, Saga Holidays is launching two new allinclusive holidays to Turkey. Both resorts are locally rated five-star, with all meals included as well as a free bar open up to 24hours a day. In addition there will be single rooms available for solo travellers on all departure dates with no single supplement. The trips also include a visit to Antalya's picturesque old town to see its 13th-century fluted minaret, the triple arched Hadrian's Gate, built in 130AD and the Hidirik Kulesi tower reputed to be a former Roman lighthouse. For travellers that enjoy a longer break there are also some long stay deals, with three weeks for the price of two from £899 per person or four weeks for the price of three from £1,099. Ben Stratton, the company's holiday creator for Turkey, said: “Turkey is a great destination and it’s fantastic to see that holidaymakers are once again keen to travel here. As a destination it offers sunshine, culture and outstanding value for money. These are not only outstanding hotels - they are also in fantastic locations." The properties include the Antedon Hotel in Kemer with seven nights from £399 per person including flights for stays between September through to April 2018, and the Sentido Parissia with seven nights from £399 including flights for stays between September and March 2018.
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Cathay Pacific adds more choice from LGW & MAN RESPONDING TO customer demand, two of Cathay Pacific’s routes between the UK and Hong Kong have seen a boost in frequency. Gatwick has moved to a daily service whilst Manchester increases to five flights per week. The airline's Manchester service will also join Gatwick in becoming an Airbus A350-900 operation. Both routes have previously operated four flights per week. From this month, the carrier will operate a total of 47 non-stop flights per week between the UK and Hong Kong seeing Heathrow offering five flights daily, Gatwick moving daily and Manchester providing five flights weekly. By December, frequency will further increase to provide a choice of 49 flights weekly, as Manchester joins Gatwick to offer a daily flight. The airline has also reopened its newly renovated lounge at Heathrow – the only lounge on its expanding global network outside of Hong Kong to offer separate First and Business Class areas. Paul Cruttenden, the carrier's marketing and digital sales manager in the UK, said: “We are delighted to be increasing our schedule from Gatwick and Manchester to Hong Kong. The additional frequencies coupled with the
introduction of the ultra-efficient A350 on our Manchester route, underline the deep-rooted commitment we have to providing both business and leisure passengers with increased convenience and superior in-flight products.” For further information see cathaypacific.co.uk
Earn with Funway & AMResorts TO CELEBRATE the new partnership between Funway Holidays and AMResorts, agents are being offered the chance to earn more via the operator's agent loyalty scheme, MoneyCard. Throughout this month the companies are offering double rewards for all package bookings including a stay at an AMResorts property. Agents can earn £200 per booking when the booking value exceeds £20,000, £100 when the booking value exceeds £10,000-£19,999, £50 when the booking value is between £5,000 - £9,999 and £20 per booking when the booking value is up to £5,000. To sign up for MoneyCard visit yourmoneycard.co.uk
Flybe commences new weekend summer sun routes from regional airports FLYBE HAS started operating 11 new routes to regional France and Italy from eight UK airports via its new weekend leisure hub at Southampton. The seasonal flights operate each weekend through to September 3 as part of the airline’s 2017 summer schedule from Aberdeen, Belfast City, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. Operating on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, the majority of routes are new services to some of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations - Avignon, Bergerac Dordogne, Bordeaux, Brest, La Rochelle, Limoges, Nantes, Perpignan-Rivesaltes, Rennes, Toulon-Hyères, and Verona (excepting Belfast). The carrier's weekend leisure hub gives regional passengers extra choice and the opportunity to seamlessly connect through Southampton to their final destination with one initial check-in at their departure airport. Full details of the schedule are available at flybe.com
Visit the Far East for less with Finnair
HAYS WINNER...TIPTO member James Villa Holidays awards its ‘BIG Villa Giveaway’ incentive winner, Victoria Hollings of Hays Travel in Darlington, with vouchers worth £3,000. Pictured with Victoria is Ryan Carroll from James Villa Holidays and Hoseasons.
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FINNAIR HAS launched its flight sale to Asia with the release of extra special Economy and Business Class fares to a variety of destinations. Customers booking by June 20 are offered promotional fares on flights to Asia from the UK via Helsinki, including Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Seoul. Finnair flies from Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh to 18 destinations across Asia via Helsinki. As examples of fares, a return flight to Beijing leads in at £419 in Economy Class and from £1,428 in Business Class. Travellers can also travel on the carrier's new direct route to Goa to explore beaches and tropical spice plantations from £1,407 return in Business Class, following its launch on November 29. The special offers are available on bookings made by June 20 for travel between September 1 and March 31, 2018. For a full list of sale fares and terms and conditions visit finnair.com
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CLIA reveals Cruise360 location CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) has revealed details of its inaugural travel agent event Cruise360 which takes place in Copenhagen. Following the theme of ‘Discover Together’ and with a focus on destinations and the industry’s land based experiences, the event will discuss the importance of destination knowledge in cruise sales and review some of the major cruise destinations. Within the conference sessions held on Regal Princess and Norwegian Getaway, the event will welcome some of the industry’s most prominent destination experts including Robin West, the expedition team leader for Seabourn, and Peter Kollar, head of international training and development at CLIA, who will cover ‘Why cruise destination knowledge is key to your business’. In addition, the conference will welcome industry leaders Stuart Leven (vice president EMEA and managing director RCL Cruises Ltd and chair of CLIA UK & Ireland); and Kyriakos Anastassiadis (CEO of Celestyal Cruises and chair of CLIA Europe). The inaugural European event will be held in Copenhagen from September 9-11 and will also feature ‘Cruise Sales Masterclass’ learning programmes, where three of the sessions will also focus on ‘destination’. The Masterclass courses will provide information and new skills for agents to enhance their cruise sales. The course themes will include selling destinations, marketing and sales techniques. The main programme starts on September 9 and concludes on September 11. For details see cruiseexperts.org
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JENNA'S JOY...Jenna Anderson from Thomas Cook Eastleigh recently won a four-night, all-inclusive stay at the Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort by entering the Sandos Hotels & Resorts’ competition online at travelbulletin.co.uk
APT returns to Russia with new luxury river cruising in 2018 APT HAS announced the return of its Luxury river cruise programme in Russia, with two new departures scheduled for August 2018. The 13-day Russian Waterways itinerary will traverse the network of rivers and lakes that joins Moscow with St Petersburg, allowing guests to discover lavish city palaces, country towns and Soviet era remnants alike. Travel agents are invited to pre-register clients to be the first to receive details of the new cruises, which will be available to book soon. Commenting on the new programme, the company's head of sales and commercial, Angela Waite, said British travellers are intrigued by the idea of visiting Russia and strong sales for the operator’s Premium cruises to the region were a good indication that interest in the new luxury departures was likely to be high. She said: “Russia is an exciting prospect for river cruisers looking for new and exciting destinations to explore. With stunning scenery, fascinating history, and the comfort and convenience of returning to the river each night, we’ve experienced increased demand for our Russia cruises. "Our new luxury cruises will join our already popular premium product in Russia, allowing agents to offer their clients a choice of styles and departures with the added peace of mind that they’ll be travelling with an experienced and trusted operator to the region.”
The Russian Waterways itinerary is priced from £4,695 per person twin share and includes ten nights on the newly renovated 182-passenger MS Excellence Katharina and two nights’ land accommodation in St Petersburg and Moscow. The cruise commences in St Petersburg, where guests visit Catherine Palace, attend a ballet concert at the Hermitage Theatre and experience an APT Signature Experience of a before hours tour of the State Hermitage Museum, including a chance to attend the exclusive Hermitage Peacock Clock ceremony. From St Petersburg, guests cruise the Neva River to Lake Ladoga before moving onto the Svir River. Docking in the village of Svirstroy, they visit a local family for traditional pastries and a glimpse into everyday Russian life. On Lake Onega, the cruise visits Kizhi Island, home to the World Heritage-listed 18th century Transfiguration Church, before setting sail on the Volga River bound for Moscow, where guests visit Red Square, the colourful St Basil’s Cathedral, ride the famous Russian Metro and take a WWII bunker tour which includes a performance from a military choir. The itinerary departs August 29, 2018, and also runs in reverse on August 19, 2018 and includes flights, sightseeing, meals and drinks, transfers and tipping, a cruise director, local guides and private transfers. For further information email agentclub@aptouring.co.uk, call 0800-046 3002 or see aptouring.co.uk
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Caledonian Sleeper brings Scottish escapes to busy Londoners
Notes from . . . n o t n a m r No
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ELL I think the word I’m looking for is ‘eventful’ that is certainly what the last couple of weeks have been, starting with the cowardly bombing of Manchester targeting children (which is a new low) and then the London attack last weekend. It’s times like this when we see a real ‘pulling together’ of people and communities along with the rest of the country and the world. Gestures made by other countries in support - such as Dubai lighting the Burj Khalfa up in the shape of the Union Jack - really help strengthen the ‘sticking together’ attitude and sends a clear message to others that we’re not scared of them. BA...what can I say? They had the chance to change bad into good but totally ignored the opportunity to shine and come out of the huge IT glitch looking good. Instead they failed on customer service, with nearly 600 flights cancelled and 1,000 affected, 6,000 bags left on the tarmac during downpours at Heathrow (the airline was shipping them to Milan to be sorted), and 1,000 had to be trucked across Europe. All the customers were complaining about not being able to find out anything or know what was happening and, to add insult to injury, you had to phone a premium line to find out anything. The Yorkshire Masquerade Ball is on Thursday July 13 and I’m totally sold out! I can’t wait, but before that I’m looking forward to a quick week in Gouves, Crete. For your diaries Wetnose Day will be taking place across the UK on Sept 29 - Oct 1 to help promote the issue of animal welfare and to raise much needed funds to cover essential food & medical treatments for animals in desperate need in the UK. Some great stars are supporting it; my favourite Paul O’Grady, Amanda Holden, Paul McCartney, Tom Hardy, Brian May, Joanna Lumley and more - see wetnoseanimalaid.com and please support. ‘A lion never loses sleep over the opinions of sheep’ and ‘Always believe that tomorrow will be better than today’.
by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire
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CALEDONIAN SLEEPER is inspiring busy Londoners to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives with an awakening escape to Scotland. The overnight rail service has launched a new campaign which showcases the country’s outdoor experiences. Cycling through the glens of Inverness, kayaking across Loch Lomond, exploring the Cairngorms’ wild landscapes and hiking over mighty mountains are top of the company's list of Scottish escapes, all of which can be reached via the overnight journey. The service has also partnered with golf holiday package company DP&L Golf to offer guests a golf experience to some of Scotland’s most iconic courses. The company provides set itineraries including travel, accommodation, transfers, meals and golf experiences in St Andrews, Inverness and Carnoustie. Avoiding the hassle of airport queues, London guests can board Caledonian Sleeper at Euston Station before stepping off the train the next morning in Scotland. Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s guest experience director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “The spring and summer months are one of the best times of year to visit Scotland. With a direct service to stations across Scotland, guests can travel stress-free with their outdoor equipment or golf clubs and maximise their time in the wilderness of The Highlands, the mountains of the Cairngorms or on St Andrew’s famous golf courses.” For details or to book visit sleeper.scot and dpandlgolf.com
• NEW: a seven-night half-board stay, a £100 Love2Shop voucher, six bottles of beer or wine all to be WON with The Heritage Le Telfair in Mauritius • NEW: A £25 restaurant voucher and a £25 Odeon voucher to be won courtesy of A-Rosa River Cruises & Cosmos • NEW: Win one of three Amazon Echos with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment! • Win a three-night all-inclusive stay at the Marconfort Benidorm Suites, with Shakatak tickets
To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk
June 9 2017
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Booking incentives ● Premier Holidays and Tourism
malaysia have unveiled a joint destination marketing campaign to showcase the country’s diverse mix of holiday options. a selection of exclusive tactical offers and multi-centre itineraries for clients to experience the wonders of malaysia, incorporating both city and beach elements, are available during the campaign along with various materials for agents to promote the offers. For every inclusive malaysia booking made, agents are also being rewarded with up to £150 in shopping vouchers, valid in more than 130 High street stores. details at trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7444.
FUNWAY FAM...Funway Holiday s teamed up with British Airways to offer one age nt the chance to win a four-night holiday for two to New Orleans, including flights and accommodation. To ent er, agents had to book a package holiday to the Deep Sou th, with the winner being Kieran O'Flinn (left) from Grimsby Travel. Pictured with Kieran is the operat or's business development manager, Amy Drumm ond.
● For every saga Travel booking made
this month agents are being offered £100 in shopping vouchers for every ocean cruise booked and £20 for every holiday. agents will also be entered into a prize draw to win a place on the company's seven-night ‘Best of the West’ Usa fam trip. To claim the vouchers and enter the draw, agents should email booking details to incentives@saga.co.uk
● silversea is giving agents from
across the UK the chance to win an amazon echo as part of its silversea advocates recognition programme. Ten winning agents will be chosen from a shortlist provided by the company's regional sales managers, with each submitting agents deserving of recognition based on sales performance, marketing promotions or attendance at events. details at silversea.com
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AGENT TRAINING ●
PATA is hosting its latest Quiz Nights in Newcastle on June 28 and Leeds on June 29. For details see pata.org.uk
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TRAVEL COUNSELLORS has launched a series of roadshows as a result of an influx in travel professionals joining the company this year. Held at eight venues across the UK, attendees can enjoy an array of regionally inspired dishes and drinks at each event, from afternoon tea in Exeter to gin tasting in Edinburgh, as well as meeting with a host of representatives and Travel Counsellors from the company. The roadshows will be held in London, Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham, Lincoln, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow throughout June. For details call 0808-231 2879 or visit travelcounsellors.com/register
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Avis Budget UK launches Beep one-stop-shop for UK travel trade AVIS BUDGET UK has announced the launch of a new website for the travel trade which brings the company’s Avis Car Rental and Budget Car Rental brands on to the same platform for convenient, one-stop-shopping for travel professionals. It also features destination and driving guides and training tools for agents. Avis will be bookable on the Beep portal so that travel agents can conveniently and quickly offer customers the company's products and services. Budget will also be available through Beep, providing agents with commissionable booking and access to
quality, well-maintained vehicles at approximately 3,500 locations in more than 120 countries. Avis Budget Group’s appointed UK director of travel partnerships, Jeanette Harper, said: “Beep makes the booking process simpler, more efficient and
more rewarding for our valuable trade partners. “We’re thrilled to launch the new portal and look forward to spreading the Beep word at forthcoming trade events including the ITT and ABTA conferences and visiting travel agencies as part of an upcoming merchandising campaign.” Agents receive commission when they make a booking through Beep and there will be monthly incentives and competitions for agents including the chance to win an Amazon Echo every month. For further information see abgbeep.com
First Choice celebrates holiday memories with new movie-making campaign TO HELP holidaymakers transform their memories this summer, First Choice has launched its ‘All In Productions‘ competition offering four lucky filmmakers the chance to have their movie professionally edited and premiered on the big screen at Vue, as well as the chance to win a family holiday to the operator's Azul Fives by Karisma Resort in Mexico. The competition will also be promoted in Thomson featuring First Choice stores across the UK, with digital screens showcasing inspirational content to encourage holidaymakers to share their best holiday moments. New research conducted by the operator has revealed that with the rise of Instagram’s photo sharing culture, four in ten UK adults admit they are ‘social tourists’ – exploring an average of 14 new countries each year, thanks to the social media feeds of family and friends. Two thirds of UK adults also admit that they have been inspired to travel more widely after seeing and reading about destinations on Facebook and Twitter. The average Brit takes 85 photos when on holiday, a 38% increase on the 62 snaps taken five years ago. Almost a fifth of people admit they have posted photos when on holiday with the sole purpose of inciting ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out) and making family and friends jealous. The rise of Snapchat and Instagram stories has meant we are a nation of aspiring movie directors – the average holidaymaker now captures nearly 40 minutes of holiday footage, which is almost double the amount of film we were shooting five years ago. Surprisingly, Brits share city landmarks over sunny beaches, with New York voted the top destination shared on social media (42%); however, only 29% of Brits have actually visited the city. The Eiffel Tower is the most photographed landmark, closely followed by the Statue of Liberty and Disneyland in Florida. Jeremy Ellis, the operator's marketing and customer experience director, said: “It’s clear to see that we love capturing memories on holiday, but are still a little shy when it comes to sharing with our family and friends. "Whilst technology has made it easier to capture content, taking the time to edit footage is still a barrier to the perfect holiday film. We want to inspire holidaymakers to make the most of their footage and have created all-inproductions.co.uk to share tips and tricks from experts.”
Virgin Atlantic announces biggest season from Belfast in 2018
GRJ showcases Oberammergau itineraries in preview brochure
VIRGIN ATLANTIC is increasing the number of flights from Belfast International Airport, as it announces its biggest ever season operating from the city. From 2018, the airline’s Belfast to Orlando route will run from March to September, more than trebling the number of seats from the Northern Irish capital to the sunshine state. The carrier is this year celebrating 25 years of flying from the UK to Orlando, having flown millions of customers since the route launched and to celebrate, both Belfast International and Glasgow Airport have seen expansions in their Orlando flying programme. A Boeing 747-400 aircraft will operate next summer’s Belfast to Orlando service on Mondays commencing on March 26 – September 4, with an additional service on Fridays between June 22 and July 13. The aircraft will be configured with 14 Upper Class seats, 66 Premium Economy seats and 375 seats in Economy.
GREAT RAIL Journeys has released its 2018 brochure preview of Europe, UK & Cruising by Rail, including three itineraries in 2020 taking customers to celebrate The Oberammergau Passion Play. The play takes place once every ten years and tells the story of the life and death of Jesus Christ. Performances take place between May and September and the tradition has taken place since 1634 where the inhabitants of Oberammergau made a vow to perform a passion play every ten years if God would spare them from the bubonic plague. The itineraries explore either Lake Garda, the Austrian Alps or the Castles, mountains and Lakes of Bavaria and all three include top tier tickets to the show. Prices start from £2,145 per person for an eight-day tour and customers can save up to £150 per person when booking on or before August 15. For details see greatrail.com or call 0800-240 4470
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puzzlebulletin
Win an Amazon Echo with Number: 023
A➠ Complete this Su Doku puzzle and then go to the competition section on travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions and submit the highlighted numbers.
B➠
A...
C➠
B...
C...
D...
Closing date for entries is Friday, June 16th. The winner for May 26th is Sion Jones from Teithiau Menai Travel.
D➠
#Chris from the Jet2Holidays’ Tradeteam this week?
Cast your eyes over this historic Byzantine landmark in this ever popular Jet2holidays Eastern mediterranean island.
For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I? Please see page 22
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Number: 023
Where is
Crossword
Across 1. What is the name of the Jet2holidays Regional Sales Manager for the North? (5) 4. Johnny, back in his pirate role at a cinema near you (4) 7. One of the Rocky Mountain states (7) 8. African country, initially (3) 9. Capital of the Campania region (6) 11. Currency of Argentina (4) 13. Cornish fishing port and resort (4) 14. Capital of Poland (6) 17. Manchester International airport code (3) 18. American rapper, sounds like a terrier (7) 20. Popular Rhodes resort (4) 21. Prague is the capital of this Republic (5)
Down 1. Rag'n'Bone Man's hit single and album (5) 2. Luton International airport code (3) 3. Capital of Niger (6) 4. Kent resort close to Dover (4) 5. Major port for Greek island hopping (7) 6. Airport serving the Algarve (4) 10. State capital of Arizona (7) 12. Lithuania is located on the shore of this sea (6) 13. Capital of Peru (4) 15. Bradley, host of The Chase (5) 16. Capital of Samoa (4) 19. Abu Dhabi is the capital (3)
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Industry Insight by...
Bamboo Travel’’s director, Robin Ball, explains how the company’s strategy for working with agents is paying off...
W
E HAVE worked very hard at establishing our reputation as Asia experts since founding Bamboo Travel in 2006. With the prospect of selling through the trade, we would have to relinquish the 100% control that selling direct gave us, so you can appreciate that we were nervous at going down the agent route. The mass market High Street chains tend to focus on volume, which is just not how we operate. However, the kind of independent agents that are affiliated with AITO have a passion for exotic, long-haul destinations and value customer satisfaction as much as we do. We joined AITO at the beginning of the year and we have subsequently been able to meet likeminded, AITO Specialist Travel Agents, who actively promote independent operators like ourselves. We recently attended a networking dinner with some of the best agents in the south west, which we found very useful indeed. There is no
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substitute for meeting people face-to-face in the email age, and we now have access to the most suitable agents in the UK to promote our product and the confidence to start selling through the trade. Although we have an extensive library of sample itineraries for the 18 countries that we sell in Asia, the majority of our trips require a degree of tailor-making which requires very good product knowledge; how many people know about the Tiaochuacha Courtship Festival at Liuzhi, or can organise a game of petanque with the locals in Luang Prabang? But over time, the agents we are successfully working with have got to know our style, and do not expect us to quote for ‘fly and flop’ packages. In fact, we now have a dedicated agency sales manager who is currently putting together an agents’ handbook to help them to understand our way of doing things, but of course we are always available at the end of the phone.
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Juber Chambilla Luve
G Adventures, chief experience officer & brand ambassador On weekends I like to… Read books about the history of Peru. I try to keep learning so that I can offer more insight and knowledge to travellers joining my trips. What’s your favourite gadget? My mobile phone is a part of me! It helps me with everything and I have so many amazing apps. What is the last picture you took on your phone? It was taken at Machu Picchu with my amazing G Adventures group. They were very cool people. But I’m very lucky - so far all my groups have been great! What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten? Worms! Our local guide found some Suris (a type of worm found in the Amazon) and he said they were a jungle delicacy. He asked for a volunteer to taste it, of course nobody in my group was crazy enough to do it but me! What's your most embarrassing moment? Once I had a guy on my trip who wanted to propose to his girlfriend, so he asked me to help him. We chose the perfect place and time, and a lot of people got involved to make it perfect. Then she said ‘no’ - I was so embarrassed for him.
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What's the best compliment you've received? One of my travellers told me “Juber, you are an angel”. He later confessed to me that his son had died a few days before he started the trip. First he wanted to cancel, but his family told him taking the tour would help him to clear his mind. The day we were in Machu Picchu I took him to a special place where the Incas used to say goodbye to their relatives who have passed away. He felt the spirit of his son and thanked me. Everyone on the trip was emotional and that moment will stay with me forever. My greatest strength is... Perseverance and discipline to always be the best I can be. What’s your favourite quote? The best way to push a boat is to go with the current. Things happen naturally, I don’t force people to do things they don’t want to do. Who is your celebrity crush? Ronaldo - the best football player of all time. What's the best thing about your job? Meeting people from all over the world, and travelling. I’m also grateful for the opportunities G Adventures gives us, like being able to come to London to help educate agents about Peru.
What's a typical day like? I wake up early and say hello to everyone, and ask how they are. I chat with them, organise transfers and call the local guides so they know to expect us. I help travellers with all sorts of things during the trip; money exchange, banks, bartering at local markets, and assist when they forget or lose things. What is your top travel tip? Eat in reputable places so you don’t get sick. Where’s your next holiday to? Arequipa. I plan to take my family there - it is four hours from where I live. Anything else that you’d like people to know about you? I come from Puno and I was born more than 4,300m above sea level. I studied tourism at la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano. Tour leading in Peru is a serious profession, and I have been working in travel for 17 years. My travellers are in good hands! Plus, I’m very friendly and I love questions!
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ATTRACTION WORLD is offering visitors the chance to see the best The Big Apple has to offer with a New York package. It includes a threeday hop-on/off bus pass, entrance to the Empire State Building, lunch or dinner at a choice of venues, a one hour central park bike ride and a VIP Dine4less Card. The package is priced at £99 per adult and £85 for a child aged three to 11 years. Visit attractionworld.com
Colorado provides active mountain adventures with new summer tours & offerings THIS SUMMER, Colorado can be explored via several new adrenaline-pumping thrills and tour options each offering visitors a unique adventure in the mountains. New for this summer, Canyoning Colorado will offer canyoning and canyoneering descents and training in the mountain town of Ouray. Adventurers will have the chance to explore eight canyons in the Uncompahgre National Forest, located on the outskirts of the town, with no previous experience required. From June, Vail Resorts’ summer offering, Epic Discovery, arrives in Breckenridge with an Alpineer Challenge Course, Ariel Adventure Tour, climbing wall, Expedition Zipline Tour and more. The summer expansion, combined with existing activities like the Mountain Coaster and Alpine Slides, connect all ages with the national forests in an active way. Meanwhile, Steamboat Ski Resort is working with manufacturer, Wiegand, to install the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, the longest coaster in North America. Debuting this summer and expected to operate year-round, the mountain coaster will descend more than 400 vertical feet with a riding length of more than 3,500ft.
Celebrating the Craft Beer industry in the state, Tourmappers North America has introduced ‘Colorado Mountain Crests & Craft Brews’. Running on select dates from June until October, the new group tour is led by ‘Beerologists’ who are experts not only in the destinations along the route, but also in the history, diversity, flavours and evolution of the craft beer industry. Starting in Denver, the tour encompasses Estes Park, Boulder, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Telluride, Durango, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Colorado Springs. The 12-day itinerary allows travellers to customise their experience by choosing additional activities they’d like to participate in throughout the trip, such as a jeep tour and horseback riding. Alternatively, At Your Pace Cycling is offering two new guided bike tours to their summer roster. Visitors can tap into Colorado’s cycling opportunities and taste the flavour of local craft brews on the new ‘Loveland Bike & Brews Guided Day Tour’ or enjoy the wines offered and beauty of Colorado’s Western Slope on the ‘Palisade Wine Country Guided Bike Tour’. Further information can be found at colorado.com
Visit Orlando thanks 2016 visitors with record-breaking recognition VISIT ORLANDO unveiled its milestone visitation number of 68 million visitors in 2016, continuing to make it the number one visited destination in the US. The tourism association showed its appreciation by gathering thousands of hand-written thank you cards from local attractions and hotels to post to the actual visitors who supported the destination in 2016, achieving a Guinness World records title of ‘Most greetings cards collected in 24 hours’ in the process. George Aguel, president and CEO of the tourism association, said: “Orlando’s visitation number represents the emotional connections we make with millions all over the world. The love they show us never ceases to inspire us, and led us to launch a year-long campaign around two important words: thank you.” In total the Orlando tourism community handwrote 3,144 thank you cards for #OrlandosBIGThankYou. The new campaign will run through the remainder of the year thanking millions of guests for their support through hand-written cards, social media channels, marketing communications, destination websites and member programmes.
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usa Funway celebrates ‘Summer of Love’ FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is celebrating San Francisco's 50th ‘Summer of Love’ anniversary with a selection of special packages designed for those looking to relive the summer of 1967. Malcolm Davies, product destination manager for the operator, said: “Guests will be able to experience a kaleidoscope of events celebrating the summer of love in and around the San Francisco Bay Area through a series of local events, exhibits, and tours designed to take you back in time. “This summer is a great time to visit San Francisco, and another plus point is the new flights launched earlier this year by British Airways and Norwegian Airlines to Oakland nearby San Francisco, making it a really accessible area too." As an example of packages, the operator is offering seven nights in San Francisco staying at Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Walk. Priced from £1,780 per person it includes flights with Delta Airlines from London and is based on two adults travelling on August 4. Visit funway4agents.co.uk for more details.
Sweet Home Alabama and Florida campaigns from Premier PREMIER HOLIDAYS has unveiled two America campaigns in conjunction with the tourist boards found in each destination, valid until the end of this month. The operator’s Florida marketing campaign includes a fly/drive holiday to the Sunshine State, with a stay near Disney and car hire. Run in conjunction with Visit Tampa, Experience Kissimmee and The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, the 14-night fly/drive costs from £1,599. The itinerary includes seven nights at Disney Area Executive Home in Kissimmee, four nights at Wyndham Garden Fort Myers Beach and three nights at the Barrymore Hotel in Tampa. A range of materials to promote the campaign such as posters and flyers containing product information and tips on how holidaymakers can spend their time in each destination can be accessed by
agents. The operator has also created a themed video to offer added exposure for Florida which agents can share online. The operator has also launched a dedicated Alabama campaign promoting city and beach stays, and a fly/drive holiday. Offers include ‘The Sweet Home Alabama Trail’ fly/drive from £1,649 with two nights in Memphis, one night in Muscle Shoals, two nights in Huntsville, two in Birmingham, two in Montgomery and two nights in Mobile, including car hire. Posters, flyers and images are available for agents and the operator will also be running a social media campaign to further promote the offers. Both campaigns include flights and are valid for travel in November. Visit trade.premierholidays.co.uk for more details.
Ceasars invests $90million in Flamingo Las Vegas CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT Corporation has announced that as part of its continued commitment to providing guests with the best possible experience, the company will be launching a USD$90million complete renovation of 1,270 rooms at Flamingo Las Vegas. The renovation will begin in late August, with the first guest arrivals expected in November, and final completion of all rooms expected in the second quarter of 2018. Guestooms will feature contemporary and retro-chic designs with accents that celebrate the property’s rich history as a key piece of the Las Vegas Strip. The resort recently celebrated its 70th anniversary and features more than 3,500 guestrooms and suites. It is also home to a 15-acre pool and wildlife habitat, complete with waterfalls, mature island vegetation, tropical wildlife, three pools and several outdoor wedding gardens.
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Whistle-stop promo tour from Arizona A DELEGATION FROM Arizona’s leading tourist destinations jetted in late last month for a whistle-stop promotional visit to leading travel industry figures. They included representatives from the Arizona Office of Tourism, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff and Scottsdale, where the completely rebuilt Mountain Shadows resort opened in April. It is on the Paradise Valley site of the original Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort, which was built as one of the first luxury properties in the region in 1959. The new 183-room boutique hotel has a signature restaurant with desert views and is a neighbour to the redesigned par-3 18-hole Mountain Shadows Golf Club. Meanwhile, Mesa, just south of Scottsdale, is promoting the latest craze by offering Goat Yoga classes, and the current trend for glamping, where Schnepf Farms has a collection of vintage polished aluminium trailers on its 300-acre organic peach farm. For more destination details see visitarizona.com
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usa THE MOUNT Washington Cog Railway has opened a new base station experience, free to its visitors. Exhibits at the museum include an interactive cog wheel and rack, documentary and a bio-diesel train simulator. In addition, hikers who want to summit the mountain and experience the train journey can now do both in a single day with an option to purchase one-way tickets up or down on the train for US$48 per hiker. The famous mountain climbing cog railway will also be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2019. Visit thecog.com for details.
Blue Man Group welcomes travel trade THE BLUE Man Group has unveiled a new travel trade programme, making it easier for agents to book tickets for their clients. The entertainment show, which has US productions in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston and Chicago, is now available to book at net rates directly from the group and through partners such as Broadway Inbound. Joe Tropia, national marketing and sales director at the production company, said: “We’re delighted to be creating new and exciting ways to collaborate with the travel trade. We constantly develop and refresh what happens on stage, so it comes naturally to keep improving the way audiences can access tickets too. “Our resident shows in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston and Chicago continue to play to capacity all year round, and we want travel professionals to send a message to their guests to book in advance to ensure they get the best seats for the best price.” Mixing art, music, comedy and state-of-the-art technology, performances are a celebration of human connection and encourage audiences to see the world in a new perspective. To become a Blue Man Group Travel Partner, agents can email Joe Tropia at jtropia@blueman.com or see blueman.com
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Further expansion planned in Detroit THE RECENT 2017 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism focused on the regeneration of Detroit. Speaking at the conference, Larry Alexander, president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, said: “Roughly 19 million people visit here each year and they spend well over $6billion dollars. International visitation has grown substantially with upwards of two million visitors coming to Metro Detroit annually from international markets particularly the UK, Canada, Germany and China.” In the past few years $11billion worth of investment has been injected into the city; new developments currently underway include Detroit’s Cobo convention centre, which recently completed a $279million renovation and expansion, resulting in a 30,000ft. atrium with floor to ceiling windows, a TV studio and a new 40,000sq.ft ballroom, which was the location for Martin Luther King’s original ‘I have a dream’ speech. The city’s hotel product is also expanding; currently, there are nearly 5,000 luxury hotel rooms in Detroit with more currently under construction, adding a further 1,000 rooms downtown and 2,800 throughout the region. New hotels include the Foundation Hotel at the site of a former Detroit Firehouse and the first hotel from the worldwide luxury lifestyle brand based in Detroit, Shinola. More than 100 new restaurants, breweries, distilleries and coffee shops have opened in the last three years and, last month, the QLine officially opened. The street car system runs 3.3 miles each way along the main city artery Woodward Avenue, connecting all attractions and dining venues between downtown and midtown. To find out more visit michigan.org
Rail Discoveries unveils Deep South tour NEW FOR 2017, Rail Discoveries has launched ‘America’s Deep South’ tour. Louise Heatley, head of product and contracting for the operator, said: “With 2017 being the 40th year since Elvis’ death, joining a tour that celebrates American music from the Deep South is a great way to remember ‘the King’. The Deep South is famous for Blues, Soul, Jazz and Rock n Roll and this tour showcases the history of all these genres.” Ten days exploring the heartland of great American music costs from £1,995 per person and the itinerary includes New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis and Graceland. The first departure of this tour is on September 16 with another departure scheduled for November 11. Visit raildiscoveries.com or call 01904-734939 for more information.
New Delta service opens up the West Coast for UK visitors DELTA AIR Lines has commenced flights between Heathrow and Portland in the state of Oregon, opening up a new non-stop destination for British travellers in the United States’ Pacific North West. The airline will fly four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer season. Dwight James, transatlantic senior vice president for the airline, said: “As the only airline to fly non-stop between Britain and Portland, we are offering more choice for customers during the peak travel season this summer between the UK and US. “We have been growing our network in the UK for the past three years, alongside our partner, Virgin Atlantic, and this summer we have up to 39 flights a day to the United States enabling people to reach every corner of the country with ease.” Visit delta.com or call 020-7660 0767 for more details.
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‘Seasiding’ trend puts coastal staycations top of 2017 wish list ‘SEASIDING’ IS one of the most popular ways to spend a holiday in 2017 according to Parkdean Resorts. The new term has been coined by the holiday park operator to describe a trend in holidaymakers booking a trip to the seaside, either for their children to share in the same experiences they enjoyed years ago or to simply appreciate the fun of a holiday by the sea. The UK staycation market has grown steadily over recent years, with many people opting for domestic holidays over going abroad. As a result, the company welcomed more than 500,000 holidaymakers in 2016, a figure which is expected to increase this year - with a demand for coastal breaks in particular emerging. The Isle of Wight, Cornwall and Wales are among the most subscribed regions for Seasiders, with parks in these areas seeing an increase in popularity, thanks to beaches, tourist attractions, vintage-style ice cream parlours, trendy street food establishments, festivals, events, and quirky gift shops all found nearby. John Waterworth, chief executive of the company, said: “This year will see more and more people reliving memories of childhood holidays at the sea, reflected by an uplift in
our booking figures for 2017 breaks across our coastal parks. “While nostalgia and tradition play an important part in the trend, ‘seasiding’ is all about holidaying at the coast in new ways. The seaside offering has evolved considerably over the decades since my parents visited as children, not least on our parks which now provide caravans with central heating and double glazing, and often with indoor pools and adventure play areas, making it comfortable to holiday both sides of the peak summer months. “There's nowhere better to holiday than the British seaside – you only have to look at Newquay in Cornwall, Porthcawl in Wales or Tynemouth in the North East to see towns with true character, impressive independent businesses and a whole host of things to do, as well as stunning coastal scenery to enjoy. “We have made a significant investment of £50m across our parks on accommodation, retail and leisure facilities this year, where families can create memories that will last a lifetime.” To celebrate what the seaside has to offer the operator has launched a dedicated section to Seasiding on its new website at parkdeanresorts.co.uk/seasiding
AQUAGLIDE HAS opened at Tattershall Lakes Country Park in Lincolnshire. The inflatable aqua park includes a floating assault course, a trampoline, a human catapult, a cyclone, Kaos - a big pillow that blasts people into the air - and the UK’s only volley ball court on water. Other watersports available include cable wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, waterskiing and jet skiing. Visit awayresorts.co.uk for more information.
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Tribecas to arrive at Hayling Island Holiday Resort MILL RYTHE Holiday Village on Hayling Island, which is owned by Away Resorts, will be home to the holiday park company’s latest Tribeca caravan concept this summer. This will mean that the holiday village will be offering guests a wide choice of accommodation options; from the traditional 1930 chalets of the Sunshine Camp era to the modern 21st century holiday home. There will be three Tribecas with private hot tubs at the site, which will be available to stay in from July 24. The accommodation option can sleep up to six and prices for four nights from July 24-28 lead in at £958. The Tribeca is a boutiquestyle caravan with a New York loft-house apartment feel, with industrial-style lighting and wall coverings, but with soft, plush furnishings. It features a central, light-filled and airy living space with the adults’ and children’s bedrooms either side, an open-plan kitchen plus a living area. The adult bedroom has boutique hotel features, such as a flatscreen TV and a stand-alone bath-tub, as well as a separate en suite. The holiday village has also invested £80,000 in a new high ropes course, which is reported to be proving popular with guests. For more information visit awayresorts.co.uk
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holidayparks Haven offers agents educational breaks
HAVEN HAS opened Hafan y Môr’s new swimming complex, Splash Away Bay. Following a £3million investment, the entire complex has been restyled and features three flume slides, play areas for young children, a multi-lane slide, bubble pool, lazy river, wave pool and a lane for those wanting to just swim. Welsh Olympic swimmer Jazz Carlin, who won the Silver medal in both the women’s 400m and 800m freestyle at the Rio 2016 Games, attended the launch event and officially opened the swimming complex. Its opening represents one of the largest in the company’s portfolio and is the centre piece of an overall £5.5million investment in the park.
WITH SUMMER almost here, Haven is giving agents the chance to enjoy a break with their families staying in a deluxe caravan at a choice of 36 UK coastline holiday parks. Agents have the option of booking a three- or four-night midweek break from £79 per family or from £119 on selected dates throughout June. Prices are based on a family sharing a deluxe two- or three-bedroom caravan that sleep up to six or eight people. Agents can also upgrade to a Prestige two- or three-bedroom caravan for three- and four-night breaks from £99 and £139 per caravan, respectively. The offer is subject to availability and is offered on a first come, first served basis. In order to book a break agents can email their ABTA number, contact details, the date and park they’d like to visit and how many people in their party to trade.sales@bourne-leisure.co.uk In other news, the holiday park operator is bringing its Camp Cardboard sessions back for July and August. Designed to fire the imagination, the activity uses recycled cardboard boxes, paper and tape and allows children to create whatever they want – from forts and mazes, to giant cardboard sandcastles. Sessions are available free of charge to guests across all of the company’s parks except Far Grange and Lydstep Beach. Children of all ages are welcome to take part when accompanied by an adult and each activity session must be pre-booked. For further information visit bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0333-202 5270.
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GREAT SOUTHERN Rail, which operates Australia's cross continental rail journeys – The Ghan and the Indian Pacific – has created six new Rail and Sail journeys designed to explore Australia, New Zealand and Singapore in a relaxed, stylish and comfortable setting. Itineraries include ‘Circumnavigate Australia’ travelling Sydney to Sydney via Lombok & the Indian Pacific, ‘Australia & New Zealand’ travelling from Perth & Auckland via Sydney and the Indian Pacific, and four differing ‘Australia & Singapore’ tours.
Flight Centre sells ‘Perth Long Weekend’ packages from £1,679 FLIGHT CENTRE is now selling non-stop packages to Perth from £1,679 to celebrate the launch of Qantas’ direct flights to Australia. With return fares on the new non-stop route initially starting from £1,232 alone, the ‘Perth Long Weekend’ package includes a four-night stay in a five-star hotel and private airport transfers for £447 extra. The world’s fastest route from London to Perth launches on March 25, 2018 with a flight time of 17 hours – three hours quicker than the current shortest flight time to Australia. The rote will be served by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which does not have to stop to re-fuel enroute, and passengers can enjoy the latest Qantas cabin configurations with 42 Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy and 166 Economy. The daily flights will be part of a new London to Melbourne return service via Perth, departing Heathrow at 13.30 and Perth at 18.50. This year the company also launched its first Australia Travel Trends Report which found that the average person spent 12 days in Australia in 2016 compared to 15 days in previous years. Other findings revealed that Glasgow is the most expensive UK departure point and Edinburgh is the cheapest; travellers to Australia are most likely to be from London, Bristol & Glasgow; in 2016, Premium Economy fares were on average 34% cheaper year-on-year; Business Class fares were 10% less expensive than the previous year; and Doha is the fastest growing connection to Australia (60% year-on-year increase in stopovers), followed by Hong Kong (21% year-on-year increase) Visit flightcentre.co.uk for more details.
Travel 2 adds Hotel St Moritz TRAVEL 2 IS now featuring the newly refurbished Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown New Zealand as part of its Australasia offering. Rachel McMurdo, the operator’s assistant product manager for Oceania, said: “The luxury four-star hotel is a member of the MGallery Group by Sofitel and will feature elegant rooms with spectacular lake views. “We have also added the four-star M Social Hotel in Auckland to our New Zealand offering which is due to open in October. The hotel is very contemporary and is in a fantastic location overlooking Princes’ Wharf with views of the sparking Waitamata Harbour. The trendy Beast and Butterflies restaurant and bar will serve ‘Eclectic Pacific’ cuisine and signature cocktails from the longest bar in Auckland.”
Etihad Airways goes double daily from Abu Dhabi to Sydney in October ETIHAD AIRWAYS has announced that all 14 weekly flights on its Abu Dhabi – Sydney route will be operated with its flagship A380 aircraft, effective October 29. The current daily A380 Sydney flights will be joined by a second daily superjumbo service, upgraded from a 328-seat Boeing 777-300ER. The announcement comes as the airline marks its tenth anniversary of flying to Sydney, its first Australian destination. Featuring the carrier’s three-room suite ‘The Residence’, the additional deployment of the 496-seat double decker aircraft means one of Australia’s largest cities will join London and New York as an all-A380 operation. The Sydney – Heathrow route, via Abu Dhabi, will also offer guests the convenience and comfort of a seamless all-A380 service in both directions. The airline’s three daily Heathrow flights are operated with an A380 and beginning June 1, the second daily New York service will be upgraded to the superjumbo. Visit etihad.com for more information.
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australasia Emirates to launch third daily Brisbane service EMIRATES WILL introduce a third daily service to Brisbane, Australia from December 1, complementing the airline’s existing two daily services. The service will be operated on a B777-200LR aircraft with eight seats in First Class, 42 in Business and 216 in Economy, increasing capacity on the route by 3,724 seats a week, inbound and outbound between Brisbane and the carrier’s hub in Dubai. This will give passengers in the UK greater access to Australia with just one stop in Dubai. The inbound service EK430 will depart Dubai at 22:00, arriving in Brisbane at 18:15 the following day, while the outbound flight EK431 will depart Brisbane at 22:25, arriving in Dubai at 07:00 the next day. The service will operate alongside two existing daily services to Dubai. Flights EK434 and EK435 operate non-stop between Dubai and Brisbane and onwards to Auckland, New Zealand, while flights EK432 and EK433 operate between Dubai and Brisbane via Singapore. Additionally, with codeshare partner Qantas, Emirates offers services to Singapore twice-daily from Brisbane. The news comes as the airline announced it would be upgrading its third daily service to Melbourne from a B777-300ER to an A380 operation from March 25, 2018. Brisbane is renowned for its thriving culture and is the major international gateway to the Gold Coast, a tourist hot spot and host of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. For more information visit emirates.com
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GOLD MEDAL recently treated its ‘most improved’ agents selling Western Australia to a trip Down Under on a fam to experience the delights of the destination first hand. Agents visited Perth, Rottnest Island, Pinnacles National Park, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Denham and Shark Bay to see the best of Western Australia. Pictured enjoying the sights are, from the left: Alice Hook, Appleby Travel; Sandy Tseng, Toplux Travel; Adele Kent, Lincolnshire Co-operative Travel; Amy Coggin, Garstang Travel; Sakil Moosa, The Savvy Travellers; Tara Passmore, Destination Lounge; Jacob Stead and Louisa Jackson from Gold Medal.
Princess Cruises unveils Australia programme for 2018/19 PRINCESS CRUISES has announced that it will homeport four ships in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for the 2018/19 season. A total of 95 sailings will take place between May 2018 and April 2019 and the cruises, which are on sale now, take in 18 countries and 70 destinations. The programme includes sailings on the line's newest ship, the 3,560-guest Majestic Princess. Sailing from Sydney and Auckland, voyages range from six to 13 days and call at New Zealand, Tasmania, Fiji and other islands in the South Pacific. The ship will also embark on two Australia and Asia voyages: a 22-day sailing from Shanghai to Sydney in August 2018 and a 17-day sailing from Brisbane to Hong Kong in March 2019. The 2,000-guest Sun Princess will also make 13 round-trip departures from Sydney to New Zealand, Fiji, Tasmania and Queensland, as well as a 19-day Asia and Australia voyage sailing from Hong Kong to Sydney. Prices start from £1,388 per person for a 13-day New Zealand voyage, departing on November 20, 2018. For more information visit princess.com/holiday or call 0843-374 2402.
Great Rail Journeys ticks off New Zealand from the bucket list CLIENT’S KEEN to tick off New Zealand off the bucket list can take advantage of Great Rail Journeys’ Grand Tour of New Zealand special offer. The 22-day tour exploring the ‘Youngest Country on Earth’ costs from £5,795 per person and takes customers to both the North and South Island, showcasing the country’s scenery and breathtaking views. The itinerary includes excursions to Te Anau Lake and Caves, Bay of Islands and a cruise around the Milford Sound. Louise Heatley, head of product and
contracting for the operator, said: “New Zealand seems to be on everyone’s bucket list and it’s no wonder why; with steaming geysers, picturesque mountains, bottomless fjords and lush forests, the islands are truly magical. This tour ensures customers see and do all the main attractions, so they can tick New Zealand off their bucket list.” Departures in 2018 fall on February 18 and November 18. Visit greatrail.com or call 0800-240 4470 for more details.
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australasia
BRIDGECLIMB SYDNEY and the Australian Academy of Tai Chi and Qigong recently came together to host the world’s first Tai Chi class at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In the last few years, BridgeClimb has hosted special limited edition climbs and one-off special events for local and international festivals and is becoming a ‘must-do’ tourist attraction in Sydney, with more than 3.5 million people aged from eight to 100, having climbed the bridge since it opened in 1998. Visit bridgeclimb.com
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TravelBulletin
Where Am I?: Paphos Harbour Castle
We asked our staff the following question this week:
Which fictional place would you like to visit? Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk
Matthew Weinreb Sales Executive matthew.weinreb@travelbulletin.co.uk
Oz
Edge of the world
Lauretta Wright Editor lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk
Kathryn Frost Sales Executive kathryn.frost@travelbulletin.co.uk
The Daily Planet's offices (Superman!)
Adam Potter Editorial Assistant adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk
Oliver Barton Events & Sales Administrator oliver.barton@travelbulletin.co.uk
Hogwarts
Wonderland
Paul Scudamore Contributing Editor
Nicky Valsamakis Design Team Leader nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk
Craggy Island (Father Ted)
Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Middle Earth
Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Heaven...but not yet
Bill Coad Account Manager bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk
Matt Gill Senior Account Manager matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk
The planet of Eternia
Miriam Brtkova Designer miriam.brtkova@travelbulletin.co.uk Atlantis
Lucia Mathurin Design Apprentice lucia.mathurin@travelbulletin.co.uk Stark Tower
Nelly Mendes Production production@travelbulletin.co.uk Candyland
Bedrock
22
June 9 2017
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