Travel Bulletin 16th June 2017 by Alain Charles Publishing

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All-inclusives

June 16 2017 | ISSUE NO 2,019 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Emerging trend sees Brits seeking luxury deals

this week news 3 industry calls for global kitemark system to protect airline passengers

pix mix images from the Skywork event in cooperation with Travel Bulletin

training a round-up of new online & offline training programmes & events

activity & adventure operators highlight new options for agents to sell to clients

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Far East fam… EVA AIR, in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Bangkok Airways, hosted seven UK agents on a fam trip to Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand and Da Nang and Hoi An in Vietnam, to educate them on their products. As part of the ‘Destination Asia’ trip itinerary, agents visited Vietnam’s Non Nuoc Sculptures Village; embarked on a city tour of Denang; indulged in local cuisine in Hoi An; took part in farming and fishing tours; and spent a day island-hopping around Coral Island, Koh Larn. Pictured enjoying one of the local experiences are, from the left: Vicki Kennedy, dnata; Jean-Sebastian Saleem, Audley Travel; Harriet Spencer, TUI; Chhaya Shahm, Major Travels; Cara Barratt, Premier Holidays; Sutanita Thavornchak, TAT; Serena Irving, Bangkok Airways; a Vietnamese local; Gil Rodriguez, EVA Air; Jessica Voak, Virgin Holidays; and Vishal Chandnani from emailflights.com

Cover Pictures: Main - Tonkid

Inset - Florida Keys & Key West, Funway Holidays

Majority of British tourists unaware of their rights as an air passenger RESEARCH FROM Travelzoo reveals there is a lack of understanding among British travellers regarding their rights as an airline passenger. The company's ‘Understanding Air Passenger Rights’ survey reveals the majority of Brits (82%) either have no idea or only have a rough understanding about their passenger rights if they are bumped off a flight. British travellers feel it’s hard to understand what their rights are and think passenger rights should be clearer.

If you have booked a flight that departed from Europe or are flying with a European airline, you’re entitled to a full refund if your flight is cancelled, unless this is due to extraordinary circumstances. However, only two fifths (43%) of UK consumers are aware of this. The survey also revealed that 74% of respondents don’t realise that they don’t have to take a flight that has been delayed by more than five hours and that the airline legally has to give booked passengers a full continued on next page

This week

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news industry calls for global kitemark system to protect airline passengers

at home with eileen discover what Eileen got up to on her three weeks Down Under

agent bulletin a look at this week’s booking incentives, fam trips & offers

travelbulletin.co.uk

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puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for your chance to win an Amazon Echo with Jet2Holidays

bulletin briefing news & views from ANTOR

pix mix images from the Skywork event

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training a round-up of new online & offline training programmes

all-inclusives emerging trend sees Brits seeking luxury deals

activity & adventure operators highlight new options for agents to sell to clients

June 16 2017

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newsbulletin continued from previous page refund, as well as food and drink and overnight accommodation in some cases. Adding to this, 36% of those polled believe different airlines within Europe offer different compensation for affected travel. In reality, the same passenger compensation rights apply to all inbound and outbound flights within the EU, as outlined in Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. The research follows on from news stories about passengers being forced off of airlines due to overbooking. As a result of recent incidents, 37% of respondents say the situation has got out of control and that airlines should be held accountable. However, it’s worth noting that airlines do legally have the right to deny boarding for passengers. When a flight is overbooked, an airline must first call for volunteers who are willing to give up their reservation for the flight. If there are not enough volunteers, then an airline will be forced to deny boarding to passengers against their will - only 36% of UK travellers know these rules around overbooking. The company's president, Richard Singer, said: “There is clearly a lack of understanding of passenger rights when flying. While the information is available, it’s hard to find, complicated to understand and even more difficult to submit a claim. Those entitled to compensation are either unaware that they are or don’t bother trying to claim because they perceive the process as being too much hassle.” Airlines are currently facing numerous challenges including the complication of a possible laptop ban which would affect travel from the UK to the US. Currently passengers are restricted from taking laptops, tablets and e-readers over 16cm long onto flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tunisia, instead having to put them in the hold. This, along with other circumstances out of their control, such as delays and cancellations, means it’s important

Headwater caters to those juggling diaries with short break offers HEADWATER HAS unveiled a new selection of four-night walking and cycling breaks to meet the demands of those with busy diaries, heavy work loads and increased family responsibilities. The new breaks feature the same hallmarks as traditional trips including interest-packed routes; handpicked hotels; great food and wine; luggage transported between hotels; high quality bikes with GPS route navigation (for cyclists) and 24/7 support both in the UK and overseas. Electric bikes are also offered on all cycling holidays. The only significant difference is, rather than moving on every alternate day (as is the format of the longer six-, eight- or ten-night trips), on the four-night breaks, guests will walk (or cycle) to a new hotel every day. To counteract this, the company has carefully designed all routes so that distances are kept relatively short (and generally on the flat), leaving lots of free time for exploring independently, visiting local places of interest or just relaxing by the pool. For bookings and further information call 01606-822675.

June 16 2017

that consumers know their rights, but also that they are aware of the rights an airline has too. Singer believes the current confusion around passenger rights poses an ideal opportunity for airlines to gain trust from British tourists. He said: “While clearer information about regulations is required, there is also the chance to be proactive in helping customers claim their rightful compensation. By implementing a system where passengers who are entitled to a claim are automatically notified, airlines stand to reap the benefits of customer loyalty through turning an unavoidable situation of disrupted travel into something that distinguishes them from others.”

NEWS BITES ● MOXY NYC Times Square is set to open this summer featuring 612 stylish guestrooms and flexible meeting spaces, coupled with socially activated public spaces and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel will also be home to the city's largest indoor/outdoor hotel rooftop bar scene, offering enchanting amusements, Empire State Building skyline views, light bites and decadent cocktails. Seasonal rates range from US$249 -$429 from a double room to a king suite. ● ANA HAS launched ANA Global – a suite of services that gives Mileage Club loyalty members more opportunities to earn and redeem miles. The new ANA Global Mileage Mall and ANA Global Selection, powered by partner Collinson Latitude, allows members to redeem miles online as direct payment for hotels, car hire, merchandise, gift cards and experiences, while also ramping up the number of miles they can earn through the online Mall. ● FLYBE HAS signed Heads of Terms with Eastern Airways to establish a new alliance. The move is the first step towards finalising a five-year franchise partnership under which Eastern will operate its scheduled route network under the Flybe brand; and agreeing a joint revenue and risk sharing agreement, covering four Eastern aircraft, to fly existing Flybe branded routes from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. The four aircraft will operate under the Flybe franchise and will improve connectivity for Scotland. ● DISCOVER LOS Angeles, the city’s official tourism marketing organisation, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, has released a Discover L.A. app, a pocket guide exclusively made for those looking to optimise their experience in the City of Angels. It is available for free download at discoverlosangeles.com/app and an Android version will be released shortly.

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Record number of comedy shows from Carnival Cruise Line CARNIVAL CRUISE Line will provide guests with more laughs this year, hosting a record 25,000 shows at its Punchliner Comedy Clubs featured across its 25-ship fleet. Offering more comedians and performances than any land-based comedy club in the US, the line's Punchliner Comedy Clubs feature a line-up of comedians who perform 30-minute shows multiple times each voyage with at least two comedians performing each night, and all shows offered on a complimentary basis. Two early-evening PGrated shows offer all-ages fun for the whole family while later performances feature more R-rated, adultoriented comedy. Approximately ten shows are presented during short cruise itineraries, with roughly 20 shows per cruise on longer length voyages. The line's vice president of entertainment Sarah Reno said: “Our guests love to laugh and have fun, and the Punchliner Comedy Club is by far one of the most popular venues on board with both established and up-and-coming comedians who keep audiences laughing and entertained. “Plus, many guests have never been to a comedy club so this is a wonderful way for them to try something different and check out an entirely new form of entertainment.” For details visit carnival.com

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SAFARI SO GOOD...Qatar Tourism Authority recently hosted its inaugural UK mega fam trip to Qatar taking 31 UK & Irish agents to Doha with Qatar Airways. The accommodation was hosted by the Intercontinental Hotel Group and attendees visited a number of attractions during their stay. Pictured enjoying a desert safari are, from the left: Priyantha Pilapitiya, Lycafly; Jhuel Miah, Netflights; Sam Cooper, RB Collection; Katie Johnson, Trailfinders; Dean Sheriff, Qatar Airways; Jo Higgins, Only Exclusive; Ross Woodier, Millington Travel; Ilona Kviste, JTA; Wendy Webster, Gold Medal; Katie Smith, Qatar Tourism Authority UK; Kathryn Ketchen, Travel Counsellors; Eleanor Campbell, Kuoni; Julie Yearsley, AUS Travel; Ava Mehta, Qatar Tourism Authority UK; Tina Yakubu, Jetset Holidays; Michelle Murray, Travel Counsellors; Victoria Foot, Qatar Tourism Authority UK; Andre Migliarina, Go Hop; Sarah Brammer, Travelbag; Aoife Devine, Club Travel; Zoe Paterson, Barrhead Travel; Lizzie Adamson-Brown, Travel Counsellors; Liberty Barrons, Wexas Travel; Kahlia Davis, Travelbag; Sandra Cartwright, Travel Counsellors; Janaka Rajarathne, Lycafly; Naina Karsan-Mohammed, Kenwood Travel; Ian Mcilwraith, Trailfinders; Sunny Singh Sachdev, Travelpack; Henry Hopkinson, Trailfinders; Abdurrahman Bobat, Serendipity Travel; Tracy Crowley, Travelmood; and Jennifer Doig, Stewart Travel. For information on Qatar see visitqatar.qa

Saga adds second Floral Delights of Holland river cruise A SELL-OUT Floral Delights of Holland river cruise has prompted Saga to add another sailing to meet demand from guests wanting to visit the gardens of Appeltern, Utrecht and Keukenhof in spring 2018. River cruise ship Amadeus Royal makes a round-trip from Amsterdam and the first port of call is Tiel, where an included half-day excursion to Appeltern Gardens is offered to provide inspiration for garden lovers through an innovative collection of individual garden designs. Utrecht Botanical Gardens are next on the itinerary and feature one of Europe’s finest rock gardens as well as tropical greenhouses.

Amadeus Royal sails on to the city of Haarlem for the annual Flower Parade where a procession of floats carry displays of colourful blooms, before guests are taken to see the floral displays at Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million bulbs are planted to create the world-famous beds of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, alongside pavilions of exotic and scented blooms. On return to Amsterdam guests can also take an optional excursion to Amsterdam’s Botanical Gardens. The seven-night itinerary leads in at £1,249 departing on April 18, 2018. For details call 0800-300400 or visit saga.co.uk/rivercruises

Esprit Ski announces 'BAT Week' for Christmas departures ESPRIT SKI has announced that Christmas Week this year has now become a Babies And Toddlers (BAT) Week. The deal is for all departures to France and Austria on December 19 and departures to Italy on December 23, with prices starting from £2,479 for a family of four (two adults, one child aged two to four and one infant). BAT Weeks offer value savings for parents of babies and toddlers, plus a host of add-ons and also run throughout January and selected dates in February. During these weeks, the operator's added value offers include free infant places – saving £115 per infant; half-price nursery places – saving £162 per infant; and halfprice Spritelets and Snow Club – saving up to £217 per toddler. For further information see espritski.com or call 01483-791920.

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New route to Dusseldorf from Flybe with one-way fares from £34.99 FLYBE HAS announced an expansion of its 2017/18 winter schedule with a new route to Dusseldorf from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) that offers a choice of up to six flights a week. Tony Hallwood, aviation development director at LBA, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport welcomes the introduction of Dusseldorf onto the Flybe schedule from Winter 17. This gateway to the Rhine-Ruhr economic region is so important for business travellers across the Leeds City Region. "In addition, the flight will offer convenient access to the many attractions along the River Rhine, a beautiful area of Germany that has plenty to offer leisure travellers. Dusseldorf also attracts weekend break visitors to events such as the famous Christmas Market.” Seats are available for booking now at flybe.com with one-way fares from £34.99 including taxes and charges available for travel from October 29.

2018 European River Cruises brochure launch from Emerald Waterways EMERALD WATERWAYS has released its 2018 European River Cruises brochure, which showcases a collection of itineraries that sail through Central Europe, France and Portugal. The line's global brand curator, David Winterton, said: “Our fleet of revolutionary Star-Ships is now one of the youngest on Europe’s waterways, with three innovative new Star-Ships launched this year, offering our guests modern luxury at an affordable price. Plus, we’re excited to continue our journey in 2018 with the addition of three new eight-day itineraries, sailing in Europe.” The company's popular Danube, Main and Moselle river cruises will be accompanied by the launch of two new itineraries on the Rhine and a new sailing through Holland and Belgium, all of which feature in the new brochure. The eight-day Charms of Holland

and Belgium explores the destinations' past and present and guests can peruse museums and historically relevant landmarks, ending their trip walking the streets of Edam, famed for its delicious cheese. Alternatively, the eight-day The Classic Rhine starts in the Dutch capital and allows guests to enjoy guided bike tours and museum visits, before sailing the beauty of the Rhine towards Germany. And finally the eight-day The Majestic Rhine journeys through Germany and includes a visit to Rüdesheim to see Seigfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Other experiences include an exploration of the picturesque spa town of BadenBaden in the southwest of the Black Forest and visits to Strasbourg and Colmar. To celebrate the launch of the new collection, guests booking a 2018 river cruise by July 31 will receive a free premium drinks package, entitling

them to unlimited drinks on board. Prices start from £1,170 per person, with a saving of up to £1,250 per couple, based on the eight-day Danube Delights itinerary from Nuremberg to Budapest.

Total eclipse for Royal Caribbean guests

ATLANTIS ADVENTURE...The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism took a group of agents on a fam trip to experience the destination for themselves. Pictured about to embark on the Atlantis Submarine Seaworld Observatory Tour are, from the left: Jill Balfe, Tropical Sky; Tina Braiden, Funway Holidays; Sara Coates, BA Holidays; and Will Boocock, Original Travel.

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THE 'GREAT American Eclipse', 99 years in the making, is already booking up hotels across the country, and Royal Caribbean International is providing an ideal solution for thrill seekers to experience the once-in-a-lifetime event. The cruise line will host a seven-night Caribbean sailing on Oasis of the Seas, which will cruise to the optimal spot at sea for guests to witness the total solar eclipse on August 21. The line's president and CEO, Michael Bayley, said: “We’re set to take vacationers on an unprecedented experience that is nearly a century in the making. A total solar eclipse hasn’t crossed the entire US since 1918, and with many of our ships sailing the Caribbean along the projected path, the stars aligned. Oasis of the Seas will have the vantage point of the century and an unforgettable celebration out at sea that adventurers won’t want to miss.” The voyage sets sail on August 20 from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida and visits the eastern Caribbean destinations of Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Nassau, Bahamas. To book or for more information see royalcaribbean.co.uk or call 0844-493 3033.

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New flights from Stansted to the Big Apple JET2.COM AND Jet2CityBreaks have announced four exclusive trips to New York this winter from Stansted, making the company the only operator to fly directly to the Big Apple from the airport. Following the launch of flights and holidays from Stansted in March this year, the airline and operator have launched shopping, Black Friday and Thanksgiving trips direct to New York. All four-night trips are on sale now and a 327seat Airbus A330 will come into operation at Stansted for the flights, enabling the company to add more seats and capacity. Steve Heapy, CEO of the companies, said: “We are delighted to be launching our popular New York trips from Stansted this year, making us the only airline and tour operator to fly directly to the Big Apple from the airport. "With our flights and holidays programme performing exceptionally well from our new base, we expect the same level of popularity for these trips. With Thanksgiving and Black Friday in New York up for grabs, these trips-of-a-lifetime offer something very special for everyone.” Packages start from £699 per person secured for a £60 deposit, while flight-only options are available from £299 including taxes. For further information or to book visit jet2.com and jet2citybreaks.com

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STARS OF THE SHOW...London’s leading tour operators and travel agents participated in the twoday 'Brasil Junino Seminar' which took place across two days at the start of the month at the Embassy of Brazil in London. The group - about 90 in total - got to learn more about some of the lesser-known Brazilian tourist destinations and were also treated to a series of music performances and authentic June dances while enjoying a typical Brazilian cocktail reception. Pictured are, from the left: Gautham Ghosh, Bluebird Travel; Iraklis Tetradis, Embassy of Brazil; George Singh, Hays Travel; Muna Qaoud, Bluebird Travel; Lilas Nascimento, EMBRATUR; Norina Tarelli and Teresa Caiazzo, Star Travel. For details see brasiljunino.com.br

Olympic offers new destinations in winter sun programme OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has unveiled its winter sun programme available to book online following the company’s brochure release last month. The operator, which is celebrating 50 years of Island expertise this year, has added three new Island options: Madeira, Cape Verde and La Palma in the Canaries, alongside its strong Cyprus offering. The company's chief commercial officer, Clare Tobin, said: "Our reputation as an island specialist means we have seen an increasing demand for inspiration and great deals beyond the summer 'Med Season'. With holidays available for all budget levels, from families to couples, our winter brochure choices are really taking off.

"From those who book with us year after year, feedback is particularly positive on the variety of island options, and with our extensive knowledge of island holidays, the team is able to match a customer to the right island according to their preferences and needs.” As an example of prices, a seven-night stay at the four-star-plus Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus costs from £386 per person based on two travelling. It includes breakfast accommodation in a twin inland view room and flights from Gatwick with departures available on December 6. To book or for more information call 020-8492 6868 or visit olympicholidays.com

ABTOT teams with CAA to offer new protection service ABTOT, THE Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust, has announced the launch of its new ‘ABTOT Combined’ total protection service and industry-first merchant services facility. The association has partnered with the CAA to provide financial protection for both flight-inclusive and non-flight travel packages for its members, making it the only association to offer total protection via a combined ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) and bonding scheme, allowing organisers to be fully compliant via a single trade body. It is also launching a low-cost, competitive card payment facility allowing ABTOT to take on some of the responsibilities of the merchant acquirer. The merchant service facility will ensure all claims are met by ABTOT in case of member collapse or failure.

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e m o h t A en...

e l i E h wit

r Eileen eworke h? m o h s a t What h p to this mon been u

UST GOT back from our trip to Australia - I had a great time and really enjoyed spending time with the family in Sydney and getting to know our new granddaughter, Sophia. Things didn’t go exactly according to plan as staying with the family proved too disruptive and so after a week we decided it was best for us to move out. We took the opportunity of then going off on a couple of short trips. We headed to the Blue Mountains for a few days and then took a flight to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland for a few days relaxation. On returning to Sydney, we rented a very nice apartment at Double Bay, a ten-minute ferry ride from the city for the duration of our trip. Sydney is such an easy city to get around and public transport with its network of trains, buses and ferry services is inexpensive. The Opal card (similar to London’s Oyster card) can be bought and topped up when needed and can be used on all methods of transport, even on out of town services. We took the train from Sydney to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, using our Opal card and were surprised at how little it cost - a journey of two hours cost under £4 per person each way. For customers not wanting the extra expense of car hire or an organised trip to the Blue Mountains, I would definitely recommend taking the train. On arrival there is a hop-on, hop-off bus service available from outside the station which makes stops at all the main attractions, so it couldn’t be easier. The Blue Mountains is a really beautiful scenic region with plenty to see and do including self-guided walking trails, kayaking, rock-climbing and biking. It’s also possible to visit Scenic World which offers multiple ways to view the region including the world’s steepest incline railway and a cable car across the valley. For the less adventurous, there are some lovely little shops to browse around in Leura as well as the Everglades’ historic house with its beautiful gardens. In Katoomba, a visit to the new Cultural Centre for art displays and exhibitions is well worth a visit. I would recommend a minimum of a twonight stay to get the most out of this lovely region, but for those with limited time or budget, a day trip is definitely worth considering.

NEWS BITES ● COLLINSON GROUP, the insurance and assistance firm behind brands such as Columbus Direct and Intana Global, has partnered with digital health specialist babylon to enhance its product portfolio. Through the babylon app, users will have free video or telephone access to a doctor at any time wherever they are in the world. Additional features include a symptom checker while prescriptions can be issued wherever possible to nearby pharmacies. The new service is initially being rolled out to the group’s customers, with a view to offering it as an additional service to the rest of Collinson Group’s client base. ● CLIENTS CAN take a family holiday to Holland and Northern Europe with Stena Line’s Harwich to Hook of Holland route and the line is promoting good availability on sailings this summer with fares from £178 return for a family of four travelling by car. See stenaline.co.uk ● EUROPA-PARK’S new attraction, the Voletarium, has officially opened. The largest ‘Flying Theater’ in Europe allows passengers to immerse themselves in the world of the aviation pioneers and scientists, brothers Eckbert and Kaspar Eulenstein and experience a four-and-a-half-minute ‘flight’ across Europe. ● YOTEL HAS announced plans to open its first city property in the Netherlands to complement its YOTELAIR Schiphol airport hotel, marking its sixth hotel property in Europe. Due to open in late 2019 with 204 cabins, it will be located at Asterweg, Amsterdam Noord. ● VOYAGER INSURANCE Services Limited has launched Voyager Plus Travel Insurance, which rebrands and replaces its former WEBroker Travel Insurance product.

• NEW: Wine & Chocolates and a £50 Accessorize gift card to be won with Liverpool John Lennon Airport • 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 • £25 restaurant voucher and a £25 Odeon voucher to be won courtesy of A-Rosa River Cruises & Cosmos • Win 1 of 3 Amazon Echos with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk

June 16 2017

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Booking incentives ●

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Monarch, together with Leeds Bradford airport, have launched a competition for agents to win a 24-hour break to Marbella. For the chance to win, agents should book a flight or holiday for summer 2017 from Leeds Bradford airport at monarchagents.co.uk by July 22. the top 16 agents who book the most number of passengers will be jetting off to Marbella on September 14 from LBa for a VIP experience. cLIa cruISe line members are offering agents a number of agent incentives throughout this month of June. they include...

-cryStaL cruISeS' ‘Bonus Bingo’ incentive sees

uK agents work their way across five lines on a Bingo card with prizes awarded as each line is completed. those completing all five lines during the incentive period will be rewarded with a place on a fam for themselves and a guest. agents also have the chance to win vouchers up to £250 plus a number of ‘spot prizes’ for every line they complete. the incentive is valid until June 30 - see crystalcruises.co.uk can win £10,000, £5,000 and £1,000 prize jackpots by making a Princess cruises booking on selected 2018 sailings in balcony staterooms or above. the line is giving away a total of £100,000 tax free to agents and for a chance to win agents should make a booking online at princess.com and then complete a survey at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/princess100k. the incentive is valid until July 31.

BARBADOS BREAK...UNNA Lux ury Resorts and Residences in Barbados recent ly hosted a group of agents and operators during the Barbados Connect event. Pictured at Port Ferdina nd Marina and Luxury Resort are, from the left : Victoria Cranmer, Paradise Promotions; Gilbert Bro wn, barman with UNNA Luxury Resorts and Res idences; and Jo Plummer and Mark Finch from Tropic Breeze.

-agentS

- For

eVery amadeus river cruise booked, agents can earn rewards points to exchange for prizes. agents can be in with the chance of winning Love2Shop vouchers of up to £200, a case of prosecco, Beats eP headphones, a meal for two at Prezzo, an amazon echo or an iPad mini. In addition, if agents make a booking before June 30, they will be entered into a prize draw to win a fam trip place to experience river cruising first-hand. the winner of the fam will be announced on July 3. See amadeus-rivercruises.com/agent-portal

- agentS

can win £20 worth of Love2Shop vouchers for every booking made with avalon Waterways. there’s no cap on the number of vouchers that can be won, so the more cruises sold, the more agents can win.the incentive is valid until June 30 and is applicable to all new bookings for 2017 and 2018. See avaloncruises.co.uk/agent-login

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Fancy a fam? TRAVEL 2 IS giving agents the chance to win a trip to Mauritius as part of its latest incentive – Air France/ KLM ‘You’ll love the lengths we go to’campaign. The operator has teamed up with Air France and KLM to launch the new flight route to Mauritius and highlight the existing network of destinations that the airlines fly to. Agents will be selected for a place on the fam trip from the following categories: Top performing Air France/KLM agent; Most improved Air France/KLM agent; Top Indian Ocean room night agent; Most improved Indian Ocean room night agent; and two Wild Card places for those making a qualified booking before July 14. See travel2.com for details.

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Warner Leisure Hotels launches new online service, My Warner Table WARNER LEISURE Hotels has officially launched the My Warner Table concept, a new online service designed to improve the guest experience. Allowing guests to reserve a place in their preferred Late Lounge zone before they arrive, My Warner Table guarantees guests will have the same space every night for the duration of their stay. In response to customer feedback and the guest behaviour staff have witnessed, there is a clear trend of guests either dining early or rushing their evening meal to ensure a 'good seat' at the Late Lounge. My Warner Table has been introduced to avoid this and improve guests’ dining experience by allowing them to secure their Late Lounge spot well ahead of arrival so that they don’t miss any entertainment action. On booking a break, guests can visit mywarnertable.co.uk to reserve their zone for free within just an hour or so. Guests need their booking reference number and the lead surname to log in. An easy to navigate map of the Late Lounge highlights the available zones and with a simple click of the preferred zone and then a click of the reserve button, guests will have secured they’re preferred seating area. The service is available across ten properties including Thoresby Hall, Cricket St Thomas, Gunton Hall, Norton Grange, Nidd Hall, Holme Lacy House, Sinah Warren, Bodelwyddan Castle, Bembridge Coast and Littlecote Hall. Prices for a three-night weekend break at Norton Grange Coastal Village, Isle of Wight start from £203 per person based on a July 21 arrival and two adults sharing standard accommodation inclusive of the Simply Dine package.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages extends buy one get one free deal for 2018 bookings CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) has extended its 'buy one get one free' deal for 2018 bookings by a further month until Saturday July 1 following demand. The offer means that the first adult pays the full fare and the second sharing person travels for free, and is based on the current remaining availability of cabins. The company's head of trade, Lisa Jacobs, said: “Looking forward to a cruise is part of the overall holiday experience. Being able to offer an early booking deal for 2018 cruises, where the first adult pays the full fare and the second adult, sharing twin accommodation, travels free has to be good news. "There is just one exception - our Arctic and Greenland Expedition Voyage on Marco Polo at the end of July next year which is more than 90% sold already. “Otherwise there are different UK departure points, various itinerary

choices, cruise durations and a fleet of traditional ships.” The BOGOF deal applies to all departures including the Columbus Round the World Cruise on January 5, 2018 where £14,999 will offer a 121night sailing for two people. Alternatively, Magellan's cruise from Bristol on October 22 for six nights is during half-term and includes the River Seine, Rouen, Antwerp and Amsterdam before returning to Tilbury. The adult fare is from £759 (£379 per person) and the cruise is one of eight that is operated as a multigenerational cruise so that grandparents can include their family including grandchildren. The child sharing fare is from £99 per child. Fares quoted are based on two sharing a twin inner cabin and include full board cuisine, afternoon tea and late night snacks, a Captain’s cocktail party, complimentary tea and coffee between 06:00 and midnight, big show

entertainment, cabarets and classical interludes, daytime activities, leisure facilities, guest speaker, porterage of luggage, port to cabin and port taxes. For details or to book see cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844998 3877.

Early launch of 2017 Christmas Markets from Osprey Holidays

BROCHURE BUDDIES...Pictured marking the launch of Super Break's new 2017/18 Overseas Short Breaks brochure, which highlights more than 500 properties across 24 countries, are the operator's Claire Dutton and Graham Balmforth.

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OSPREY HOLIDAYS has launched its Christmas Markets programme for this year with prices starting from £140 per person. Usually launched in August, the company has made it much earlier this year so agents can take full advantage of the early booking offers that are now available. Destinations include Vienna from £290 per person, Amsterdam from £279, Budapest from £169, Berlin from £140 and Copenhagen from £300. The Christmas Markets season starts around the last week in November until the first week in January and the operator is urging agents to encourage clients to book early to take advantage of the deals. For details see ospreyholidays.com, call 0131-243 8098 or email book@ospreyholidays.com

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puzzlebulletin

Win an Amazon Echo every week with Number: 024

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 23rd 2017. The winner for June 2nd is John Hall from Carrick Travel.

D➠

#Dale from the Jet2Holidays’ Tradeteam this week?

Located on Cretan Eastern coast on the bay of Mirabello. Think Jet2holidays…Think Santa...

For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I? Please see page 22

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Number: 024

Where is

Crossword

Across 1. What is the name of the Jet2holidays Regional Sales Manager for the South? (5) 4. Muscat is the capital (4) 8. Eurostar stop (5) 9. Rod Stewart rocked this festival last weekend, initially (3) 10. Costa Teguise is a popular resort on this island (9) 13. Pigeons flock to this London Square (9) 15. Penang international airport code (3) 16. Petite Aussie performer (5) 18. Aidan Turner plays this character in the BBC Poldark series (4) 19. Known as the Pink City (5)

Down 1. Orange trees line the streets of this Spanish city (7) 2. Linate and Malpensa airports serve this city (5) 3. Newcastle international airport code (3) 5. One of the New England states (5) 6. Australian state initially (3) 7. Shakespeare wrote a play about two gentlemen of this city (6) 11. Juneau is the state capital (6) 12. Home of the 2017 America's Cup (7) 13. North African capital city (5) 14. Historic Flemish city (5) 15. Golf term and a Cornish port (3) 17. The circuit of a race track (3)

June 16 2017

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by... Tracey Poggio, chair of ANTOR, asks which generation is the most important for agents to be targeting...

S WE are together continually trying to get to grips with the ever-evolving generations’ purchasing behaviour, technology usage and influencers, ANTOR members and the British Guild of Travel Writers heard from the ‘horses’ mouths’ which generation the travel industry should put the most effort into attracting and why, with a representative from each generation putting forward their case... The Babyboomer quoted statistics from silvertraveladvisor.com’s research (very interesting reading) arguing that his generation are the “largest, wealthiest and have the most time to travel”. This 50+ generation represent 76% of the UK’s wealth, 68% are financially comfortable, one in ten pensioners have wealth of £1m, 48% spend £3,200+ per person on annual holidays, the 50+s represent 58% of UK travel and tourism expenditure - increasing year-on-year and 70% take three holidays per annum. Other statistics included 55% book tour operator packages and 33% travel well into their 80s with a vast expenditure on cruises (£2.1b in 2015). More than previous generations the boomers are more adventurous having already visited so many places and they are now discovering former backpacking destinations such as Vietnam. Lastly, when they come home they show friends, family and relatives their photos and videos - and are therefore a great source of word-of-mouth recommendations. Generation X, or the lost generation, claimed to be the ‘Storytellers of the Future’ caring about the environment, comfortable with luxury and technology. They have strong earning power, age and experience on their side, look for value for money and experiential travel and one day they will be the Silver Travel Generation. They are great fans of multi-generational travel, independent, travel on their own, with friends or as a couple. Celebrations are the big trip rather than a big party at home and they are showing their children how to travel and creating a future generation of travellers. Digitally very savvy, they are story orientated and share their experiences widely, wanting to engage and gain engagement - but also know how to unplug! Generation Y or Millennials reminded us that they have grown up with social media and are the most connected

June 16 2017

generation of all. Travel for them is a birth right and for 68% a priority - higher than paying off debts. By 2020, one in three workers will be Gen Y and they are more interested in working for a purpose than career development.They partake in a high level of Bleisure holidays (extending business trips for leisure holidays) and are digital nomads, always surfing and looking out for internet cafes. They don’t just travel to visit; they live in destinations. They travel for authentic experiences always connecting. They probably won’t retire before they are 80 years old so they are preparing for the long view. Lastly, the Gen Z representative explains that they are a new force in the industry and are already present in travel decisions (88% have sway over family holiday choices – Virtuoso). They will represent 25% of the population in 2020 and 40% of all consumers in Asia. They are dominated by mobile and are a digital generation that grew up on social media - very different from any generation that has gone before and big disruptors. Connecting is fundamental, multi-tasking and switching continually and seamlessly they have the attention span of eight seconds. They place a high value on privacy and tend to use snapchat or whisper having abandoned facebook. They look for content on YouTube and Instagram and create stories as great curators and contributors. They may not be the largest generation yet but they are very different. Following great debate the imminent audience voted for Generation X as the one to invest most in attracting at the moment – do you agree? You can vote at antor.com Many also agreed that labels for generations should change; as they grow older and into the next generation their behaviour and desires change, rather than having to invent a new generation name each time. Due to the large number of non-British ANTOR members present it was interesting to learn that generational behaviour is not cross-cultural and that Babyboomers in the UK are very different from those in Cyprus for example. Finally, following on from our last article perhaps we should also be considering BotHols in the future…holidays for our new robot generation? Meet ANTOR members at ANTOR Meets the Travel Trade on June 20: email secretariat@antor.com to register.

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eventbulletin

SKYWORK AIRLINES, in partnership with BE! Tourismus AG, recently teamed up with Bern Tourism and London City Airport to treat travel agents to an evening of networking at London's Sky Bar at the Grange Holborn Hotel. Agents were thrilled to be updated on the destination and the airline's product and services, plus enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner. Two lucky winners also walked away with an amazing fam trip to Bern. Here's a selection of pictures from the event....

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June 16 2017

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Invites you to attend a

Far East Showcase An agent networking evening

Monday 3rd July

Newcastle County Hotel

Tuesday 4TH July

Edinburgh DoubleTree by Hilton Agents, come and join us at this informative, fun event enabling you to learn more about the accommodation and flight options available to this enriching destination. Discover the bustling cities, exotic wildlife and sun drenched beaches in this stunning part of the world. With the diverse range of activities and tailor-made packages on offer, you can create something unique to meet your customers needs. The evening will involve a combination of networking and presentations, delicious themed food and drinks, exciting entertainment along with a free prize draw with a number of fantastic prize to be won. Registration: 18:00 hours Networking & Presentations: 18:30 hours Buffet, Entertainment & Prizes: 20:00 hours Carriages: 21:30 hours To con rm your place at this amazing event, email the names of up to 5 staff members by Friday 30th June to: oliver.barton@travelbulletin.co.uk or telephone:

020 7834 6661 for more information.

SPONSORS

EDINBURGH

NEWCASTLE

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training

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS will be holding a series of ‘Florida Beaches’ training events this month, one per week starting in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Reading and Manchester. The events are designed to promote the operator’s Florida Beaches destinations and will be a chance for agents to find out a bit more about them and to have a bit of fun with a cocktail making masterclass during the evening. Invites will be sent out by the company’s on-the-road sales team. Visit funway4agents.co.uk

Celebrity Cruises increases interactive agent training on Eclipse & Silhouette THIS SUMMER Celebrity Cruises will be hosting seven interactive training events for agents across the UK on Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Silhouette. The sessions will give agents the chance to explore the onboard features and activities, as well as the dining facilities and customer service. To ensure the training is interactive, the cruise line has added a treasure hunt (GooseChase) to the programme, which involves agents working in groups to solve riddles that take them to specific areas of the ship. The line is also offering a 30-minute online training session on September 20 hosted by an onboard sales manager from the ship. The training will offer agents insights and advice on how best to maximise sales opportunities with guests and encourage them to re-book. In tandem with this, new guests sailing with the cruise line who re-book their next cruise whilst onboard will automatically have their reservation credited to their preferred travel partner, enabling agents to receive commission on each of the bookings. To support the training, agents will be able to take advantage of a host of exclusive benefits available to guests to incentivise them to book. This includes offering up to $500 of onboard credit to redeem against spa treatments, shore excursions and speciality dining.

Claire Stirrup, the line’s director of sales UK and Ireland, said: “Last year was strong for us in terms of onboard sales and we have already seen a record increase this year in demand from guests keen to book their next sailing whilst on their current holiday. “We are keen to ensure our agents have the training, support and knowledge to maximise this and let us do the work for them. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.” For more information go to cruisingforexcellence.co.uk

Inghams offers agents the opportunity to train & win with The Academy INGHAMS HAS announced Helen Sanders from Carrick Travel as the winner of its first prize draw from The Academy, a new learning portal for travel agent partners. Over the coming months, agents who register with the portal and complete a minimum of three training modules will be automatically entered into a monthly prize draw. Prizes include £150 worth of Love2Shop vouchers, an iPad, flights with BA, a £150 experience day voucher and a holiday to Austria. Following its launch in March, the operator has reported that its training academy has been ‘very successful’, with more than 3,249 modules completed. So far, the top performing modules have been: ‘An Overview of Inghams Italy’, ‘Lake Garda’ and ‘The Lakes’. To register, agents can visit learning.inghams.co.uk/ and enter their usual agent password to get started.

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June 16 2017

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allinclusives

SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI Resort & Spa has introduced a new all-inclusive Maldives package. It includes accommodation in a private villa, a choice of cuisine across the resort’s three restaurants, an unlimited selection of beverages, unlimited nonmotorised watersports and discounts across many other resort activities, including spa treatments at CHI, The Spa. Prices lead in at approximately £599 per person, per night. See shangri-la.com for more information.

Jet2 highlights family-friendly range for agents to promote RECOGNISING THE importance of keeping kids entertained whilst on holiday, Jet2holidays has highlighted a selection of its family focused breaks, in addition to its Experience More range that offers extras such as free entrance to well-known waterparks and theme parks. For any budding young zookeepers or intrepid adventurers, the onsite Terra Natura animal parks at the Magic Natura Animal Waterpark & Polynesian Lodge Resort in Benidorm, Costa Blanca offers the opportunity to see tigers, rhinos and elephants up close, while the Aqua Natura waterpark offers waterslides and a wave pool. When the day’s adventures in the animal and waterpark are complete, the resort offers a selection of dining options, from internationally inspired buffets to gastronomical dining as well as nightly entertainment suitable for families. An allinclusive, seven-night stay at the four-star resort is priced from £536 per person based on two adults and two children departing from Leeds Bradford on September 4. Alternatively, the four-star Hotel Los Patos Park in Benalmadena, Costa Del Sol has an onsite splash park complete with slides and a pirate ship. The hotel also has a kids’ club for five to 12-year olds which offers small team games, arts and crafts, drama, music and story time, as well as a supervised indoor play area with a dedicated TV and movie area.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive, departing from Leeds Bradford on August 30, leads in at £583 per person based on two adults and two children. At Mallorca’s only ‘Play & Stay’ hotel, Sol Katmandu Park and Resort, guests can enjoy daily access to Katmandu Park, where families can experience the highflying adventures of the 4D Experience, battle the walking dead at the Zombies! XS Dark Ride or saddle-up for a Wild West shoot-out adventure on Desperados. The onsite Katlantis Park features a water fortress with multiple twisting slides and more than 150 interactive water elements to keep children entertained. Additional child-friendly facilities include the Katlantis Soft Play and a kids’ club offering arts and crafts, team games and water-based sports. The operator is offering a seven-night, allinclusive stay at the resort for £619 per person based on two adults and two children travelling from Stansted on September 7 The price includes 22kg luggage allowance, transfers and resort flight check in - the free service which allows customers to securely check in their bags at the hotel on their day of departure, leaving them luggage free for the rest of the day and at the airport. For further details call 0800-408 5587 or visit trade.jet2holidays.com

All-inclusive Bali break from Gold Medal FOR A BALANCE of fun and relaxation on an all-inclusive break, Gold Medal is recommending a stay at the Sol Beach House Bali Benoa. The resort offers a range of leisure services including Balinese flower arrangement and cooking demonstrations, and guests can also take part in activities such as water aerobics, table tennis and giant chess, as well as health and beauty treatments at the spa. The all-inclusive package includes all meals with a la carte options, snacks, unlimited local alcoholic beverages, non-motorised sports and nightly entertainment. With flights from Heathrow, a seven-night stay at the four-star resort in a premium room costs from £999, valid for travel until June 22. Visit goldmedal.co.uk or call 0800-014 7777.

Local cultural experiences & Swahili traditions from The Zanzibar Collection NOTING AN increased desire from holidaymakers to experience more during their holiday - without the additional cost - The Zanzibar Collection has launched new ways for guests to experience the local culture. The collection is comprised of four individual properties: Breezes Beach Club & Spa, Baraza Resort & Spa, The

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Palms and, the latest addition, Zawadi. The latter three properties are allinclusive and, to enhance the offering beyond traditional food and drinks, are offering guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Swahili culture that Zanzibar is renowned for. New for this summer, both adults and children can immerse themselves

in the spirit of the destination and learn Swahili traditions such as palm weaving, cooking traditional Swahili dishes and learning to speak Swahili. The Collection is offering guests these additional classes on a complimentary basis. Visit thezanzibarcollection.com for more details.

June 16 2017

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allinclusives

THE MOORINGS is highlighting its all-inclusive crewed yacht charters in the British Virgin Island. Packages are available year-round and include a private captain to handle all the sailing and a gourmet chef, along with all food, snacks and drinks throughout the holiday. Various crewed yacht sizes are available, all with en-suite cabins, and are also commissionable to agents. A seven-night sailing holiday in early November on a Moorings 4800 catamaran with three en-suite cabins costs from £10,535 for up to six people. Visit moorings.co.uk for details.

Funway reports 25% rise in Caribbean bookings FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has reported a 25% increase, year-on-year for its all-inclusive Caribbean bookings. Malcolm Davies, product destination manager for the operator, said: “Our Caribbean business is performing extremely well compared to last year and many of these bookings are for families. Customers want to exercise stronger control over their spending budget and booking an all-inclusive provides them with the reassurance of knowing what their holiday will actually cost.” In light of the trend, the operator is highlighting the family-friendly, all-inclusive five-star Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort in Mexico. Davies said: “The hotel is packed with family-friendly features including its very own waterpark. Another plus point for families is

the fact the property is located within a very safe gated community and offers an ‘Explorer's Club for Kids’ aged three to 12, and a ‘Core Zone Teen Club’ for those aged 13 to 17. “Designed with families in mind, the resort also offers two-bedroom villas within the resort’s Preferred Club that can accommodate up to eight guests, along with exclusive access to a lazy river. Additionally, there are more than 120 bookable connecting rooms.” As an example of packages, the operator is offering seven nights from £1,935 per person including flights for two adults and one sixyear old child travelling with British Airways from London, based on an August 11 departure. Visit funway4agents.co.uk for more details.

Grecotel’s White Palace Resort goes all-in on luxury living WITH THE DEMAND for luxury all-inclusive trending amongst discerning travellers, Grecotel’s White Palace Resort is inviting guests to indulge in its new LUX ME concept. It combines a 24-hour mobile concierge service; sea view accommodation; three à la carte restaurants, four bars, one Mediterranean buffet and a unique Agreco Farm culinary experience; live music and entertainment and activities such as yoga, dancing, movies and family parties into a single package. Yiannis Zoulakis, general manager for the resort, said: “It is no longer enough to have just a restaurant, a spa and amenities. The best all-inclusives can now be found where the gastronomy means local, fresh and organic produce, where the spa is inspired by cultural traditions and the amenities are so natural and unique you cannot find them anywhere else.” For more information or to book visit grecotel.com

June 16 2017

New family initiatives from Regnum Carya Resort THE ALL-INCLUSIVE Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort in Turkey’s Antalya has added to its family-friendly offering with access to Antalya’s largest theme park and a revamp of its ‘Chuckles Kids’ club. The recently refurbished club caters to young travellers from ages four up to 17, offering a range of entertainment and experiences; from a kids’ only restaurant, cinema and Lego room, to a nonalcoholic bar and terrace. Water-babies can also slide, splash and dive their way through the on-site water park, Aquaworld, while adventurers traverse the treetops at the Adventure Park. During their time at the resort, adventurous families will also have exclusive, complimentary access to the newly launched Rixos Land of Legends Theme Park, offering thrill-seekers roller coaster rides, water slides, theatrical performances and 5D cinema. Visit regnumhotels.com/en for more information.

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allinclusives

Championship Golf package from Elegant Hotels MARRYING GOLF enthusiasts with a Caribbean holiday, Elegant Hotels’ Turtle Beach is to offer complimentary rounds of golf from October 1. Part of the ‘Elegant Inclusions’, customers will have daily access to the Barbados Golf Club found on Barbados’ southern coast and its facilities, including its par 72 18hole championship course. Located minutes from Turtle Beach, the golf club offers a selection of facilities - from a newly built driving range to a terraced clubhouse that houses the pro shop, where guests can find a wide range of golfing attire. Transfers to and from Turtle Beach and club rentals are included. The all-inclusive, allsuite hotel features modern suites overlooking gardens and offering ocean views. It offers a wide selection of complimentary watersports, along with fitness classes, tennis clinics and mixology classes, three different restaurants, a coffee shop and an ice-cream parlour. Rooms start from £334 per night on an allinclusive basis. For more information visit eleganthotels.com

NEW FOR 2018, Rail Discoveries has launched an all-inclusive ‘A Portrait of the Impressionist’s Seine’ tour. Across seven days, clients can explore Northern France and the world of impressionist painters, while cruising the Seine on MS Seine Princess on May 18 next year. The itinerary includes visits to Rouen, Paris, Monet’s House and Gardens, plus three onboard talks by impressionist experts, with prices starting from £1,545 per person. Visit raildiscoveries.com

Debut Jamaica resort lunch from AM Resorts AMRESORTS HAS taken its Unlimited-Luxury concept to the next level with its first resort in Jamaica - Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa. The new, all-inclusive adult-only resort has been designed to attract sophisticated singles, couples and friends. Montego Bay was chosen as an ideal location as one of Jamaica’s top tourist destinations thanks to the wealth of attractions on offer in the area including Montego Bay Marine Park (Jamaica’s first fully underwater national park), golf courses, the ‘Hip-Strip’, waterfalls and sugar cane plantations. Each suite at the resort has been designed with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, marble bathrooms and furnished private balconies or terraces with a whirlpool. More than half the suites also include a dedicated butler service, and the Unlimited-Luxury concept provides amenities including 24-hour room and concierge service, activities and limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options and top shelf spirits. For holidaymakers who like to party, there is a weekly ‘Booze Cruise’ included in the package which offers free flowing top-shelf liquor and two international DJs. The resort also offers access to the only rooftop pool in Montego Bay with the Altitude Rooftop Bar which has 360-degree mountain, ocean and bay views. As an extra benefit, guests who stay at the resort also have full access to Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St. James Montego Bay and their amenities, including 17 additional dining and bar options and Secrets Spa by Pevonia.

Unwind with included treatments at UNICO’s Esencia Wellness Centre AS PART of UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya’s allinclusive concept, guests can indulge in selected spa and beauty salon treatments. The Esencia Wellness Centre offers a selection of treatments, meaning guests can treat themselves at no additional cost to therapies such as a 30-minute body exfoliation treatment; a 60-minute deep hydration facial; 60-minute esencia signature treatment; 60-minute massage; 60-minute sun relief wrap; a 90-minute volcanic stones massage; or a 130-minute Agave for one treatment, inspired by Mexican tradition and which focuses on the use

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of blue agave as a moisturising agent. In addition to the ‘UNICO 20°87° Inclusions’ treatments, the wellness centre offers an extensive range of signature treatments, relaxation rituals, body and facial treatments plus wellness rituals. Fitness facilities and specialty classes are also available, along with a visiting instructor programme with personal training sessions, 18 luxe cabanas, hydrotherapy facilities with a plunge pool, hammam, beauty salon, barber shop and a steam and sauna room. For more information visit unicohotelrivieramaya.com

June 16 2017

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e r u t n e v d a & y it activ

CLIENTS CAN explore Reykjavik before embarking on a route less travelled across Iceland’s rugged highlands to Akureyri in the north. The six-night tour from Scandinavia Only leads in at £1,795 per person and crosses the heart of Iceland in a 4x4 highland bus passing landscapes such as the Geysir geothermal area and Kerlingarfjoll mountain range. Activity options include the chance to journey into the depths of Thrihnukagigur Volcano; experience a full day’s exploration to the Lofthellir ice cave; visits to Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall plus an optional whale-watching excursion from Akureyri. Departures are daily from June 15 to September 7. See scandinaviaonly.co.uk for details.

Simply Sweden launches island escapes for active travellers SIMPLY SWEDEN has launched two new island adventures this summer in the remote Faroe Islands and Gotland. Part of the Kingdom of Denmark - and with a deep-rooted Scandinavian culture, the Faroes will appeal to hikers, naturelovers and birdwatchers alike and the selfguided seven-night walking trip, ‘Faroe Islands – Walking Holiday’, explores the rugged landscape of the isles. Travelling between the islands by ferry, guests will stay in the capital Torshavn, as well as towns and villages such as Tvoroyri on the island of Suouroy, where they can immerse themselves in nature. On arrival, guests will be provided with descriptions of walking routes that they can follow at their own pace. On Suouroy, for example, the hike to Hvannhagi offers views over the islands of Lítla Dímun and Stora Dímun, while Mykines is known for its more challenging walks and rich bird life – including puffins and gannets – as well a thriving seal population. The trip, which is available until September, costs from £1,355 per person,

including seven nights’ breakfast stay based on two sharing a double or twin room, flights from Edinburgh and car hire. Meanwhile, a seven-night ‘Gotland at Leisure’ is a two-centre holiday that allows guests to experience all that Sweden’s largest island has to offer. Splitting their time between city and country, guests spend the first three nights in the capital, Visby – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich Viking history. The Hotel Stelor, housed in a converted 18th-century farmhouse, is the base for exploring the varied landscapes of long sandy beaches with eerie stone stacks, dramatic cliffs and the protected bog and marshland. The adventure costs from £1,350 per person, including seven nights’ breakfast stay based on two sharing a double or twin room, flights to Visby, transfers and car hire. It is available throughout this month, July and August. For more information visit simplysweden.co.uk or to book call 01427-700115.

New bike trail pushes free riders to their limits in Switzerland NOT FOR the faint-hearted but dubbed as a must-ride for advanced mountain bikers looking to push their limits, the Grütsch Trail opened last month in Switzerland. Situated in Lauterbrunnen, the red-classified route starts just below the Grütschalp Cable Car Station and descends approximately 600m over 3km. The 20-minute trail offers bikers everything to hone their free riding skills as they navigate the north shore areas, sheer drops and flow trails to the valley exit point. Visitors to the Jungfrau Region can access this and other adventures when travelling with a Jungfrau Travel Pass which allows them to travel as often as they like on Jungfrau Railways for the duration that suits them – three, four, five or six consecutive days – on a variety of popular routes in the region. The travel pass costs from £142 per adult for a three-day second-class pass. Visit jungfrau.ch/en for more information.

June 16 2017

Sail the Great Sound in Bermuda WITH THE 35th America’s Cup presented by Louis Vuitton well under way, guests who are inspired to spend more time on the water might like to try their hand at sailing on Bermuda’s Great Sound. If clients have a whole day to explore, they can rent a pontoon boat, jet ski or kayak and explore on their own or, alternatively, the Great Sound at sunset proves a popular choice with couples and families for a sunset cruise. Prestige Holidays is offering a seven-night holiday at the four-star Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa from £2,469 per person in a garden view terrace on a bedand-breakfast basis. The offer is based on two adults sharing and departing from Gatwick on July 10 with British Airways and includes a saving of £1,644 per couple. For further information visit prestigeholidays.co.uk

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Oceania introduces wellness programme at sea IN ADDITION to the complimentary use of gym and fitness facilities in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Oceania Cruises is breaking new ground by making its fitness and wellness classes complimentary. The cruise line is offering more than two dozen classes, all with professional instruction, for guests to choose - from ‘Sunrise Stretch and Relax’ or ‘Sunrise Yoga’ on deck to ‘Indoor Cycling’ or more comprehensive programmes such as boot camp, full body strength training or core conditioning. Bob Binder, president and CEO of the cruise line, said: “Dedicated wellness devotees and newcomers alike will discover an array of healthy-living choices to enhance their experience. “We are bringing a unique combination of rejuvenation, personal discovery and indulgence to our guests as they travel to the most exotic locales around the globe.” For more information call 0345-505 1920 or visit oceaniacruises.com

activity&adventure

Canada recommendations from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 is offering a variety of packages to experience the adventures that Canada has to offer, including the chance to see the local wildlife. Ross Sinclair, the operator’s senior product manager for the US, Canada and the Caribbean, said: “I would recommend Churchill, Hudson bay in Manitoba as the perfect place to see polar bears in their natural environment and would suggest going on a Tundra Buggy to get up close to them in a safe way. “Alternatively, a visit to Vancouver Island to see its variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, orca whales and eagles is a good option, or another top spot is Victoria where customers can take a zodiac powerboat ride up close to the orcas and seals between May and October. “It may be worth recommending to wildlife enthusiasts that they stay at the Knight Inlet where they can catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear.” The operator is highlighting its ten-day Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island tour to take in the best of the Canadian wildlife. Highlights include a zodiac powerboat trip with a marine biologist who offers insights about the habitat of orcas, minkes, grey whales, seals, porpoises and other marine wildlife, along with going in search on grizzly bears, eagles and foxes plus a full day in Vancouver. Prices lead in at £2,439 per person based on an October 1 departure with flights from London, nine nights’ accommodation in standard category hotels, nine days’ car hire, ferry crossings, a floatplane to Knight Inlet, bear watching at Knight Inlet Lodge and whale-watching in Victoria and Tofino. Visit travel2.com or call 0800-022 4182 for more details.

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activity&adventure

TENNIS LOVERS can hone their skills at the 27 courts found across Mark Warner’s beach resorts. For those who want to take their game to the next level the operator is offering two Intensive Tennis Weeks at its flagship resorts Levante on Rhodes and Lakitira on Kos. With a course supplement of £250, it includes 20 hours of workshops and court time hosted by LTA accredited coaches, doubles workshops, a 45-minute private lesson, evening social match play & mix-ins, an exhibition match, social dinners and an end of week tournament with prize giving. Visit markwarner.co.uk for more information.

Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Buxton Press Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

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Crossword: Across: 1. SIMON, 4. OMAN, 8. LILLE, 9. IOW, 10. LANZAROTE, 13. TRAFALGAR, 15. PEN, 16. KYLIE, 18. ROSS, 19. PETRA. Down: 1. SEVILLE, 2. MILAN, 3. NCL, 5. MAINE, 6. NSW, 7. VERONA, 11. ALASKA, 12. BERMUDA, 13. TUNIS, 14. GHENT, 15. PAR, 17. LAP.

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Where Am I?: Aghios Nikolaos - Crete

We asked our staff the following question this week:

If I could be anybody besides myself for a day, I would choose.. Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Annabelle Wallis (Chris Martin's new girlfriend)

Lauretta Wright Editor lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Either of my kids - so I had the luxury of being waited on hand and foot.

Adam Potter Editorial Assistant adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk Trump - so I could revert every preposterous policy he has put in place.

Paul Scudamore Contributing Editor ...to be Donald Trump and resign

Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Ronaldo

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

Kathryn Frost Sales Executive kathryn.frost@travelbulletin.co.uk Oliver Barton Events & Sales Administrator oliver.barton@travelbulletin.co.uk The Disney character Belle - I could go around singing to villagers all day!

Nicky Valsamakis Design Team Leader nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk

Miriam Brtkova Designer miriam.brtkova@travelbulletin.co.uk Dita Von Teese

Lucia Mathurin Design Apprentice lucia.mathurin@travelbulletin.co.uk Tomb Raider

Nelly Mendes Production production@travelbulletin.co.uk The Queen – so I could be royalty for the day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Matt Gill Senior Account Manager matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Usain Bolt.

Matthew Weinreb Sales Executive matthew.weinreb@travelbulletin.co.uk

Anne Hathaway

June 16 2017

Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk You may well have met this larger than life personality in person if you've attended any of Travel Bulletin's showcase events - you can't miss him (or his laugh!). A dab hand in the kitchen perhaps he can bake the team a cake to celebrate (hint hint Si)

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