Travel Bulletin 25th March 2022

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March 25 2022 | ISSUE NO 4,194 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Giving agents the edge

PUZZLE BULLETIN

IN THE HOT SEAT

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

USA

Your chance to bag a £20 M&S voucher with our sudoku!

Tom Norwalk, CEO of Visit Seattle, on what’s new in the Emerald City.

Inspirational holiday ideas that the whole family can enjoy.

Our top picks for holidays to ‘the Land of Opportunity’.

NORTH AFRICA

Cover pic: Adobe Stock

Master the art of selling sensational breaks to this stunning region

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NEWS BULLETIN

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

THIS WEEK 04 NEWS

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ANTOR's latest research finds that overseas bookings in February reached record highs since the beginning of the pandemic.

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

A round-up of the announcements and developments in the industry.

06 AGENT INSIGHT Cat Reeves from Holidays Please on maintaining mental health through the highs and lows.

07 AGENT BULLETIN Featuring the latest training programme from Malta and more.

11 FAMILY HOLIDAYS Getaways to suit all ages and tastes!

17 NORTH AFRICA Voyage on the waters less travelled in Egypt and more.

9.2 million future international trips have already been booked.

ANTOR HAS found a positive outlook for the outbound travel industry in its research commissioned with BVA-BDRC. Bookings in early February were found to be higher than at any point since the start of the pandemic, with an increase of three million since September 2021. The association has estimated that 9.2 million future international trips are currently booked, involving 26.1 million individual visits from British travellers, spread evenly throughout the first three quarters of 2022. This represents an increase of 8.7 million traveller visits since September, with an increase

of three million trips.

The research revealed that the British public are more positive about the situation in relation to Covid-19 than at any point since the start of the pandemic (with the exception of May 2021). This translates to the highest comfort levels with overseas travel and travel by plane since this was first measured in November 2020.

Secondly, ANTOR found that strong comfort levels are converting to overseas bookings that are higher than at any point since the start of the pandemic and have jumped by three million since September. The positive indicator is driven by a spike in bookings in January 2021, following

restrictions around overseas travel being lifted by the UK government and continuing through February.

Additionally, it was discovered that younger, less risk-averse life stages such as pre-nesters and families are driving the growth in bookings, with less than half being made by families.

Finally, the leading barriers to travel are personal finances, the threat of quarantine and the hassle of testing/Covid-19 paperwork and not the fear of catching Covid-19. A number of these barriers can potentially be tackled by agents, as they can aim to make the booking process as straightforward as possible for guests. www.antor.com

19 USA Perennial favourites and off-thebeaten-track adventures.

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

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NEWS BULLETIN

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MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

FLIGHTbites

FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has unveiled its cruising programme for summer 2023, offering a host of sailings and a special offer exclusively for its travel agent partners.

The new sailings feature the chance to explore the Adriatic’s lesser-known cities of Durrës, Albania, Neum, Bosnia and Koper, Slovenia; witness the Midnight Sun in sailings to Arctic Norway and Spitsbergen; and sail the Amalfi Coast at sunrise and sunset.

The programme offers more than 40 sailings departing between June and October 2023, with regional departures available from Southampton, Dover, London Tilbury, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth and Belfast.

Guests will be able to take advantage of up to £250 per

Image Credit: Fred. Olsen Cruises

Fred. Olsen launches new cruising programme

VUELING HAS increased services for Easter with 24 international routes from the UK, including six direct routes from Gatwick Airport to the Spanish cities of Seville, Granada, Malaga, La Coruña, Menorca and Almeria.

The programme offers more than 40 sailings in total.

person to spend on board, or up to £500 per person when booking a suite. In addition, on selected July and August 2023 cruises, there is the option to add a third guest from £199 when sharing with two others, plus a number of no single supplement offers for solo travellers too.

To celebrate the launch, Fred. Olsen is offering 10

agents the chance to win a VIP cruise to Iceland this June. All agents need to do is register new bookings from the summer 2023 programme made by April 15, 2022 via the cruise line’s dedicated Travel Agent Centre. www.fredolsencruises.com/ agent

Holland America extends ‘Worry-Free Promise’ AS PART of its ‘Worry-Free Promise,’ Holland America Line is giving consumers the confidence to make travel plans through the summer with the extension of its Flexible Cancellation Plan book-by date to May 31, 2022.

Under the Flexible Cancellation Plan, guests who make new bookings by May 31, 2022, for itineraries that depart on or before September 30, 2022, can cancel for any reason and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of any cancellation fees that normally would be incurred. Cancellations must be made up

ITA AIRWAYS will operate a tripledaily service (18 weekly) from London City Airport to Milan Linate Airport, from March 28, 2022.

to 30 days before departure.

For added assurance, Holland America Line’s Cancellation Protection Program can be purchased for new cruises or Alaska Cruisetour bookings or existing bookings, as long as it is purchased before the date cancellation fees begin to accrue. Offered as a ‘Standard’ plan, guests can cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before cruise departure and receive refunds between 80% and 90%.

BRITISH AIRWAYS is launching a total of four new seasonal routes, including Luxembourg, Milan, Thessaloniki and Barcelona, as part of its BA CityFlyer service, between March 28 and October 29.

www.hollandamerica.com

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Poland remains safe and open for tourism THE POLISH Tourism Organisation in the UK has issued a statement affirming that it continues to welcome all visitors and remains a safe destination for travellers.

Dorota Wojciechowska, director of the Polish Tourism Organisation, said: ”I would like to assure travel agents and individuals that the country remains safe. The Polish government is doing everything it can to provide security for both the nation and the tourists...” www.poland.travel/en

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NEWS BULLETIN

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

EMERALD AZZURRA, Emerald Cruises' first ever ocean yacht, set sail for its maiden voyage on March 12, 2022.

Departing from Aqaba, Jordan, Emerald Azzurra sailed its ‘The Best of the Red Sea’ itinerary before repositioning to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Coast for the summer season.

Emerald Azzurra marks a milestone for the business as the cruise line’s first oceangoing yacht. Carrying 100 guests in 50 deluxe staterooms and suites, of which over 80% feature a balcony, the new yacht sailed the eight-day ‘The Best of the Red Sea’ itinerary. Guests called at the Egyptian resort towns of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, as well as Eilat in Israel, before

Image Credit: Emerald Cruises

Emerald Azzurra welcomes guests on board for its inaugural sailing

industry and changes things.

Emerald Azzurra is exactly that yacht.” said David Winterton, global director of brand and marketing at Emerald Cruises.

Emerald Azzurra will be officially welcomed to the brand’s fleet in Venice before the ship repositions to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Coast for the 2022 summer season.

THE NEW Zealand Government announced that the country’s international borders will reopen from May 1, 2022 to vaccinated travellers from visa waiver countries which include the UK. Fully-vaccinated travellers from the UK will be able to travel to the nation without needing to isolate on arrival, on provision of a negative predeparture test. Negative Rapid Antigen Tests will be required on arrival and on day five/six.

Visitors can look forward to new trails like adventure tours or events such as Rugby World Cup (2022) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup (2023).

www.emeraldcruises.co.uk

www.tourismnewzealand.com

Emerald Azzurra took to the seas for its inaugural sailing.

returning to Aqaba for an included guided tour of UNESCO World Heritagelisted Petra on March 18, 2022.

Offering guests a small ship cruising experience to ports and harbours only accessible to small yachts, the vessel features suites and a variety of public areas, including a wellness centre, spa, gym and infrared sauna.

“Every once in a while, a new yacht comes along in the

Palladium Hotel Group confirms summer openings in Balearics and Sicily

Image Credit: Palladium Hotel Group

THE HOTEL GROUP has confirmed summer opening dates and new developments at its Ibiza, Menorca and Sicily hotels. Palladium Hotel Group is set to kick off the summer season in Ibiza, Menorca and Sicily with the opening of its beachside hotels on April 1, 2022.

The brand's CEO, Jesús Sobrino, says: “This year, we will open even earlier than we did in 2019 as people start to rediscover the allure of travel once again. The appeal of our islands has not diminished in anyway and we’re therefore confident of being able to open our hotels for a long period this year.”

One of the group's biggest developments for the season will be the mid-may opening of TRS Ibiza Hotel. Sobrino added: “We have high expectations for the opening of TRS Ibiza Hotel. It is one of our most ambitious projects this year and the one that excites us the most because it involves exporting our leading luxury brand from America to Europe for the first time.”

Agents can learn about the brand's diverse portfolio of hotel brands on its online platform, Palladium Connect, as well as earning points and rewards for every booking made. www.palladiumconnect.com

New Zealand reopens to vaccinated UK visitors from May 1

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NEWS BULLETIN

Image Credit: NBCUniversal

AGENT

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

INSIGHT

CAT REEVES HOLIDAYS PLEASE THE TORNADO that has swept through our industry for the past two years is looking to finally be calming, and the road ahead is not only visible but super promising. There is a buzz in the air again within the industry and success is rolling in! Among this, it is very easy to brush aside the mental wellbeing of those who we work with and assume that everything is now rosy – but that is not necessarily always the case. That’s why we are continuing our campaign with Everymind, our mental health support programme, which allows all of our homeworkers and head office staff access to free advice and daily support.

We have trained mental health champions within the business who are educated in how best to help anybody who is struggling.

What I love about the programme is that it is very pro-active rather than just reactive. We encourage the team to join us for webinars, online yoga, or just to log in and see inspirational daily quotes to aim to maintain good mental health and not just firefight when things are tough.

We were inspired to introduce this before the pandemic when Dame Kelly Holmes spoke openly about her struggles with mental health – it began conversations across the team, and we are so glad that we did. Our team at Holidays Please has always been close-knit, with a focus on getting to know each other individually as we help grow businesses, and this element is a great contribution.

People in the industry are passionate and with passion comes great highs, but also lows. If we can ride the rollercoaster knowing somebody has got you strapped in safely and is there to hold your hand, then it’s a whole lot more enjoyable and you are more likely to survive the long ride. We love what we do, and a big part of that is the people we work with! We put people first and then everything else becomes a lot easier and more productive. We hope that we are helping to keep good people in the industry, even through bad times!

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Hollywood has confirmed the opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, the themed land based on the Nintendo video games. Set to open in 2023, the land will be previewed at an exclusive retail shop, expected to open soon. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD previously opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Sandals Resorts’ September Star Buys SEPTEMBER SUNSHINE awaits with Sandals Resorts' discounted package deals to Antigua and Barbados, at the brand’s Sandals Grande Antigua and Sandals Barbados properties.

The offers are available on select categories and departure dates throughout September 2022, with the discounted rates available to book until June 6, 2022.

Holidays can be secured with a £175 per person deposit, with the full balance due 71 days before departure.

Guests can enjoy seven nights in a Caribbean Honeymoon Grande Luxe Poolside Room at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa from £1,599 per person, with all-inclusive accommodation and return economy flights with British Airways from London Gatwick departing on September 15, 2022.

Image Credit: Sandals Resorts

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Savings are available at the brand’s Antigua and Barbados properties until June 6, 2022.

Alternatively, seven nights in a Caribbean Grande Luxe room at Sandals Barbados starts from £1,799 per person, based on an all-inclusive basis with flights from London Heathrow departing on September 13, 2022. www.sandals.co.uk/tas

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MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

AGENT BULLETIN

AGENT TRAINING KEEP IN the loop with Railbookers and its various destinations with its on-demand webinar series. The most recent episode, ‘Switzerland and Italy with Railbookers’, covered the operator’s offerings in the region, giving agents an insider’s look into the various experiences available in Switzerland and Italy, and the landmark train journeys throughout the region. www.railbookers.co.uk/where-to-start/on-demand-webinars

BECOME AN Oman Ambassador with the Sultanate of Oman’s trade training course. Agents are encouraged to gain knowledge on the destination’s expansive landscapes, from beaches to mountains, sweeping sands and dramatic fjords. www.omanambassadors.com YOUTRAVEL HAS partnered with Travel Bulletin to celebrate its 15th anniversary with a UK roadshow. On March 29 (Cambridge), March 30 (Reading), and March 31 (Gatwick), agents are invited to join the celebrations, hear from a host of suppliers, with chances to win a range of prizes, as well as great food and drink. www.travelbulletin.co.uk/component/rsform/form/1705-youtravel-15th-anniversary

MALTA TOURISM Authority has launched a new wellbeing training hub for its agent partners. The digital training programme comprises six engaging lessons, and helps agents to expand their knowledge of the wellness activities available across the island. Agents can complete an online quiz at the end of the course for the chance to win one of five luxury wellbeing goodie bags, with gastronomic items, soap, and a candle. www.malta-training.com

AGENT INCENTIVES ● IN CELEBRATION of 75 years of Alaskan exploration in 2022, Holland America Line is offering travel partners the chance to win a £75 Amazon voucher for the first 150 bookings made in March 2022. Wendy Lamich, director of sales, said, “We’d like to thank all our travel and tour operator partners for their loyalty and support in selling Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises and cruisetours.

2022 is proving to be an excellent year for Alaska sales – but there’s more work we can do to make our 75th year of operating in this spectacular destination a bumper one!”

Agents must email their booking references to salessupport@hollandamerica.co.uk to qualify.

● IF ONLY... has teamed up with AMR Collection for its ‘Tie the Knot’ campaign. Inspiring customers to plan a wedding, vow renewal or honeymoon to the brand’s Caribbean and Mexico resorts, the campaign provides an array of marketing materials and offers agents the chance to win a seven-night stay for two at one of AMR Collection’s resorts, with flights, to the top booker for three-night or longer stays at AMR properties with If Only... by December 31, 2022. www.ifonly.co/agent-incentives ● WENDY WU Holidays is including triple Wu Breakaways points on any Late Getaway bookings made by March 31, 2022. With savings of up to £300 per person available on the fully-inclusive, fully-escorted group tours departing from April 2022, agents can make the most of their clients’ budgets while earning extra points on the operator’s rewards scheme – points can be redeemed for free places on Wendy Wu tours. www.wendywutours.co.uk/late-getaways/

COMPETITIONS Win a two-night stay in London or Edinburgh with Cheval Collection, exclusive to Travel Bulletin readers. https://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/co mponent/rsform/form/1708-ChevalCollection-Competition

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BULLETIN INTERVIEW

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

In the hot seat with...

k l a w r o N m o T Visit Seattle

Tom Norwalk, Visit Seattle’s CEO, on why the Emerald City should be at the top of agents’ agenda in 2022, and what’s in store for visitors.

What are Visit Seattle's plans for 2022?

We’re thrilled to be back in the UK and engaging with industry representatives once more. Our plan for the year is to raise awareness and re-educate the trade on Seattle as the gateway to the Pacific Northwest and a leading city break and outdoor adventure destination. We hope to generate interest and inspire visitors to discover our sights, arts, culture, culinary scene and sports.

How is Visit Seattle looking to engage with the UK travel trade?

In autumn, we will launch an exciting agent incentive for top American Airlines and British Airways sellers to Seattle. Winners of the incentive will join a group fam trip where they’ll get a chance to experience Pike Place Market, Space Needle and more. There are eight places up for grabs. Earlier this month, we attended Unite USA where we met with key product managers to discuss destination news, marketing campaigns and product development.

Over the coming months,

we’ll be arranging more inhouse training and engaging webinars to keep our partners updated on Seattle.

Will 2022 welcome any developments in the city in terms of what it has to offer to tourists?

This spring, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will

debut its expanded arrivals facility. Improvements include eight new gates, increasing capacity and reducing connection time, as well as a new aerial walkway that connects passengers to the South Satellite terminal.

Our airport is typically one of the top 10 busiest in the USA so the refurbishment will

“

It is one of the most transformational times in Seattle’s history. There are new hotels, live music and theatre is back...

Seattle is ready to welcome your clients to the Emerald City.

“

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better serve the needs of those millions of international travellers. Our waterfront is undergoing a major resurgence to include a new park promenade, elevated connections between our world-famous Pike Place Market and the waterfront, and the rebuilding of Pier 58 and Pier 62. As a coastal city, the goal is to position the waterfront as a go-to place for restaurants, green space, shops and attractions. It’s expected to complete entirely by 2024.

It is one of the most transformational times in Seattle’s history. There are new hotels, live music and theatre is back, and we just spent the winter cheering on our new professional hockey team, Seattle Kraken! We are also looking forward to the opening of Summit, the 570,000 sq. ft. addition to the Washington State Convention Center in January 2023. All of these new developments, plus the wonderful hospitality of our partner hotels and attractions, means that Seattle is ready to welcome your clients to the Emerald City.

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PUZZLE BULLETIN

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

SUDOKU

Win a £20 M&S voucher in the Sudoku prize puzzle A Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to:

B

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk

C

Closing date for entries is Thursday, April 7. Solution and new puzzle will appear in the next issue.

The winner for March 11 is David Grist from HC Travel.

March 11 Solution: A=1 B=5 C=3 D=8

D

?

I M A E WHER

I am standing in a great cathedral, which is the burial site of Carolus Magnus, King of the Franks, anxiously anticipating the next public exhibition of his relics, which occurs every seven years.

Across

Down

1

1

5 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 18

European city and a cruise ship of the Holland America Line (9) Open air museum in County Durham depicting two hundred years of life in the region (7) Auckland international airport code (3) London cricket ground (5) One of the safari Big 5 (5) Star sign (3) Ancient British tribe once ruled by Queen Boudicca (5) Largest island in the Cyclades group (5) Title given to a knight (3) Popular Florida holiday destination (7) Carrier with a hub at Changi airport, ___ Airlines (9)

Australian actress who hosted the recent BAFTA Awards ceremony (5,6) 2 Edinburgh international airport code (3) 3 American resort city, nicknamed Cruise Capital of the World (5) 4 US national park, sounds colourful (11) 6 One of the Great Lakes (5) 9 Irish county (5) 13 Spend them in 14 Across (5) 17 Larnaca international airport code (3)

Mystery Word: RENO Down: 1 REBEL WILSON, 2 EDI, 3 MIAMI, 4 YELLOWSTONE, 6 HURON, 9 SLIGO, 13 EUROS, 17 LCA. Across: 1 ROTTERDAM, 5 BEAMISH, 7 AKL, 8 LORDS, 10 RHINO, 11 LEO, 12 ICENI, 14 NAXOS, 15 SIR, 16 ORLANDO, 18 SINGAPORE.

CROSSWORD

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

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Image Credit: Adobe Stock

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

ALL NEW AT ATHENA Several new additions to Constantinou Bros’ Athena Beach Hotel guarantee fun for all the family, as well as dedicated adult-only spaces for parents to kick back and relax.

Splash waterslides, landing pools, splash pads, and spray toys, guaranteeing endless fun for younger guests to the Paphos resort.

Parents can indulge in new areas, including a dedicated pool, swim-up cocktail bar, and Zephyr restaurant for breakfast and dinner.

All public areas, bars and restaurants have been refurbished, too.

Seven-night breaks start from approximately £333 per person, based on two adults and two children, departing in March 2022. www.athena-cbh.com

Image Credit: Constantinou Bros

NEW DEVELOPMENTS at Constantinou Bros’ Athena Beach Hotel are guaranteed to bring the family together and enhance the holiday experience for kids and adults alike.

The four-star property, in Paphos, was fully renovated last winter, expanding the accommodation options with new Superior swim-up pool rooms and a new floor of Superior suites.

Families can take advantage of additional expansions to the resort, including new children’s facilities and an adult-only zone.

Children’s facilities include new Oasis

Winter welcomed a host of family-friendly updates to the resort.

Walk on the wild side in Gibraltar GIBRALTAR HAS long been a destination for those wishing to get closer to wildlife on their holidays — along with the beaches and adventurous offerings across the island — with the famed Barbary macaque monkey serving as one of the island’s classic icons.

Wildlife is a key pillar of the island’s tourism, with a host of excursions and activities bringing guests side-by-side with the resident creatures and critters.

At the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park, nestled in the Alameda Botanic Gardens, visitors get up-close with native and exotic species, from tamarin and lemurs to marmosets and otters. Visitors can contribute to the park’s role in conservation, with local and international projects supporting species in the wild.

Entry to the conservation park starts from £6 for adults and £3.50 for children.

British Airways offers flights and three nights in a hotel on Gibraltar from £159 per person. www.visitgibraltar.gi / www.britishairways.com

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Image Credit: ToursByLocals

Whether it’s a close-to-home weekend away in London or a farflung escape to Istanbul, ToursByLocals’ escorted tour options show the highlights and hidden gems of their locales.

TOURSBYLOCALS’ UNIQUE tours will showcase popular favourites and hidden gems to families eager for exploration and adventure.

A Tale of Ms Potter This full-day Lake District tour sees guests follow in the footsteps of author Beatrix Potter. The tour travels through Ambleside, with visits to the Armitt Library & Museum Centre, home to some of Potter’s original work; Wray Castle; the Beatrix Potter Gallery; and the author’s childhood home. This quaint tour starts from £575 per eight-hour tour.

Royal London & Westminster Abbey This option ticks off London’s history of the crown — a great way to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Royal expert and passionate local guide Vivien escorts guests to Buckingham Palace, the home of the monarchy since 1836, along with a host of monuments, St James’ Park and Westminster

Abbey. This half-day tour starts from £350.

Istanbul’s Bazaars and Backstreet Markets For a truly unique shopping escape, the centuries-old covered Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, along with an amble down the backstreets of the Turkish capital, is a mustdo. Local guide Mine will guide guests through the hidden streets that only locals know, where travellers can enjoy a coffee break in one of the capital’s oldest coffee shops. This half-day option starts from £121.

Dates for the diary to get the most out of Malta MALTA IS set to welcome a packed schedule of family-friendly events this summer.

From April 5 to 17, 2022, L.O.L. Surprise! Live VIP Party, the live show based on the L.O.L. Surprise! toy range, will bring a live musical spectacle to the Malta Fairs & Convention Centre. Tickets start from £11 per person.

On April 17, 20, 23 and 30, 2022, the Malta International Fireworks Festival hosts international firework displays in Valetta’s Grand Harbour, sure to be a spectacle for all the family.

Throughout May 2022, the Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt will bring much-loved characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants, the PAW Patrol and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to the island, giving families a chance to explore the island along the way.

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

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Olive Farm Cooking Class & Pasta Factory Immersing guests in Italy’s culinary history under the Tuscan sun, this tour includes a visit to a family-run olive farm for a Tuscan pasta-making lesson and a local wine tasting before a visit to a quaint medieval village. The tour starts from £1,215 per group.

The BBC Concert Orchestra will take to the island with Lewis Capaldi and other guests on July 2, 2022.

For additional information, visit www.toursbylocals.com

Explore the full event schedule at www.visitmalta.com

Image Credit: Les Villages Nature

Les Villages Nature Paris: friendly to the earth and wallet FOR A nature-fuelled escape, with the chance to hire a bike and explore the local surroundings or meet animals at the BelleVie Farm, Les Villages Nature Paris fits the bill.

Away from the natural excursions, parents can book into the DeepNature spa or try out wine tasting, or the family can take a trip to the nearby Disneyland Paris.

10% savings are available on family escapes, with four nights in a selfcatered Comfort Cottage (sleeping four) starting from £778 per person. www.lesvillagesnature.com/gb-en

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

GREEK GULF FAMILY FUN

Image Credit: Olympic Holidays

Explore the Pagasetic Gulf and its family offerings this summer with Olympic Holidays’ package options.

OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is offering a choice of family holidays at the Leda Village Resort, located at the edge of the seaside village of Chorto.

Families can come together for various onsite activities including tennis, basketball and watersports, along with a host of seaside options in Chorto.

Although Chorto is a small village, there are

Mercury Holidays’ Grand Palladium family getaways SPEND SIX nights at the five-star Grand Palladium White Island Resort with Mercury Holidays.

Along with the all-inclusive stay, guests can partake in a variety of activities such as beach volleyball, tennis, archery and minigolf on-site.

Prices start from £1,215.96 per person with return flights from East Midlands airport departing on May 30, 2022.

mini markets plus cafés & tavernas by the sea for families to enjoy.

For a seven-night package, prices start from £429 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including flights from London Gatwick, travelling May 2022. www.olympicholidays.com

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Image Credit: Mercury Holidays

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

www.mercuryholidays.co.uk

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Save on Crete escapes with 25% off family escapes CAYO EXCLUSIVE Resort & Spa, the family-friendly haven situated on the coast of Crete, is offering 25% savings for families booking stays in Family Duplex, Deluxe Two Bedroom Villa and Two Bedroom Interconnected Room accommodation categories this spring.

As part of the offer, children aged two to 12 can enjoy a complimentary halfboard meal plan when parents pre-book.

Rooms are complete with private plunge pools and uninterrupted sea views, or go further ashore with two grand pools with sunbed and umbrella areas.

Guests have a choice of four restaurants, all of which offer a traditional-meets-

Image Credit: CAYO Resort

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25% savings for family bookings are available for departure dates between April 20 and May 27, 2022, and must be booked via the WebHotelier platform by March 31, 2022.

CORFU HAS long been a family favourite thanks to the diverse experiences on offer.

Corfu Aquarium collates local and exotic marine life, ideal for young budding marine biologists.

Mavroudis Museum Olive Mill can bring the family together to try olive oil making.

All ages can ride a Skyrian pony, and try out yoga, ‘healing with horses,’ or riding lessons at the nearby Equine Centre.

Rooms start from £134 per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis at Angsana Corfu, one of the area’s newest resort that hosts a dedicated children’s club and siwmming pool.

www.cayoresort.com

www.angsana.com

25% savings are available until March 31, 2022.

modern approach to Greek cuisine.

Parents can kick back and indulge at the tranquil spa and private spot on the Plaka beach, or work out at the dedicated fitness center with a variety of exercise equipment.

Excursions and experiences in Corfu

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

KICK BACK AT COCONUT BAY

All new in Lake Algarve: Domes Resorts

Image Credit: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

St Lucia’s all-inclusive haven, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, has everything families could need on a Caribbean escape.

ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY adventures at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa fit the bill for clients looking for classic Caribbean surroundings with plenty of facilities and activities for adults and children.

Spread across 85 acres of coconut plantation facing the ocean, the resort offers a true island experience, with the seclusion the Caribbean is famed for and the facilities of a premium all-inclusive.

Daily and nightly entertainment, such as the Caribbean nights every Saturday, complimentary water sporting equipment and access to the resort’s kid’s club are sure to keep the whole family occupied throughout their stay.

The resort’s family wing (Splash) boasts St Lucia’s only waterpark, home to waterslides, waterfalls and a lazy river. Kids can swim up to the pool’s wet bar and order a choice of mocktails and soft drinks, or head to the Coconut Bay Kidz Klub which offers

educational and adventurous activities. The facility comprises a dedicated children’s pool, mini zip-line, mini rock wall, a pirate ship, and a paintball court for older kids and teens.

Adults can take advantage of the supervised Kids Klub and the resort’s babysitting service to explore Harmony, the resort’s adult-only wing, indulge in wellnessfuelled treatments at the Sanctuary Spa, or drinks at any of the seven bars on-resort.

Kenwood Travel is offering seven nights on an all-inclusive basis for two adults and a child, starting from £1,395 per adult and £389 per child, based on two adults and two children sharing a Deluxe Garden View Splash room. The offer includes a saving of up to 65%, a ‘first child stays free’ offer and return flights with British Airways, departing from London Gatwick. www.kenwoodtravel.com

DOMES RESORTS is set to open its first international property (outside of Greece) on April 9, 2022.

The Mediterranean luxury hotel group is expanding its portfolio with the property, located near Vilamoura in southern Portugal.

Comprising 192 rooms and suites, the hotel’s interiors reflect its earthy surroundings, and features Domes Resorts’ luxury ‘Haute Living Selection’, providing a ‘hotel-within-a-hotel’ experience for guests looking for a more secluded stay.

The resort is home to a private saltwater lake, private access to the Praia de Falesia beach, four swimming pools, and a 1.2km deck stretching the gardens towards restaurants and observation pergolas.

Image Credit: Domes Resorts

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Children are sure to be entertained with KiEPOS, aiming to nurture eco-conscious minds and inviting children to plant greens, herbs and flowers.

Parents can get much-needed downtime at the Soma Spa or a choice of restaurants and bars. www.domesresorts.com

Image Credit: Shone Productions Ltd

National Holidays prime for pantomime this Christmas AGENTS CAN now book festive family coach trips this December, with National Holidays collating breaks including return coach travel, a trip to the pantomime, and a visit to Gulliver's World.

The pantomime included is Aladdin at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, and families can tick off the Gulliver's World theme park with a ride on the North Pole Express and a visit to Santa's Grotto.

Two-day breaks start from £149 per person, based on a December 17, 2022 departure date. www.nationalholidays.com/agents

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Image Credit: Adobe Stock

NORTH AFRICA

Tour operator Discover Egypt is offering a selection of Nile cruises for holidaymakers looking to getaway this year.

HILTON HAS announced an agreement with Societe Marhaba Beach to open Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort, Tunisia, in June 2022.

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

DISCOVER EGYPT is offering a range of cruises for travellers looking to have a sunsoaked getaway this year.

First on offer is a seven-night Nile cruise on board the five-star MS Tulip. This cruise, departing from Luxor, starts from £1,295 per person. The price includes flights, transfers, full-board cruise and 10 guided excursions.

Flights are from London Heathrow direct.

Alternatively, there is a four-night Nile cruise from Luxor combined with a three-night stay in Cairo for a chance to visit the world-famous Pyramids, as well as the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities which contains many important

pieces of ancient Egyptian history. Starting from £1,545 per person, the price includes the full-board cruise, accommodation at the Ramses Hilton in Cairo, return flights from London Heathrow and transfers in Egypt.

For those that want to stay on dry land and visit the ancient sites around Luxor, Discover Egypt offers a seven-night stay at the Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa Kings Island Luxor on a bedand-breakfast basis for £895 per person. This includes return flights from London Heathrow and transfers in resort. www.discoveregypt.co.uk

Image Credit: Hilton

ESCAPE TO EGYPT

Hilton announces plans for beach resort in Tunisia’s Monastir

The Hilton Hotels & Resorts property will offer beach-side vistas across the Gulf of Hammamet, as part of the new Palm Lake Monastir residential and commercial development and within close proximity to the historic towns of Monastir and Sousse.

Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort will offer a total of 332 rooms and suites, with views of the Mediterranean and will be set within landscaped gardens with access to the resort’s private beach.

Guests will also be able to enjoy two outdoor swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre featuring an indoor pool, as well as extensive fitness facilities, tennis courts and kids’ club for family entertainment. www.hilton.com

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NORTH AFRICA

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

A NOD TO NORTH AFRICA

Moroccan ‘Impact Initiatives’ with Intrepid Travel

Image Credit: Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel has unveiled its 2023 ‘Africa and Middle East’ programme, with a choice of North African escapes.

RIVIERA TRAVEL’S 2023 ‘Middle East and Africa’ programme offers a choice of comprehensive yet leisurely touring options across North Africa, from the ancient history of Egypt to the bustling streets and soukhs of Morocco.

14 itineraries are available, spread across 101 departure dates, with select options exclusively for solo travellers.

Marrekesh & the Atlas Mountains This six-day tour allows guests to discover Marrakech, from its medieval medina to the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and the Atlas Mountains, the region’s expansive mountain range. Guests will visit the Saadian Tombs, one of the most well-preserved examples of Moorish architecture, along with Essaouira, a 15th-century coastal town. This option starts from £699 per person.

Wonders of the Nile: Cairo to Aswan With visits to the Pyramids at Giza and the

monumental Sphinx, this tour covers all the must-do sites pivotal to Ancient Egypt.

Guests spend 14 nights aboard the MS Darakum as they traverse the Nile. This 15day option starts from £3,949 per person, with the 11-day return option starting from £3,099 per person.

Prices include return flights, transfers, all accommodation, tours and visits, selected meals, and an expert tour manager.

Will Sarson, head of strategy and innovation at Riviera Travel, said: “From immersive wildlife excursions to archaeological marvels, from city stays to remarkable river cruises, our Africa and Middle East tours offer a wonderfully-diverse range of experiences and adventures. With our expert local guides on hand at all times, guests can be assured they will make the most of their holiday, no matter where or how they choose to travel with us.” www.rivieratravel.co.uk

INTREPID TRAVEL has introduced ‘Impact Initiatives’ for 2022, continuing the company’s focus on sustainable travel.

22 new initiatives have joined the offerings, with activities that support the environment, marginalised groups or wildlife, and preserve Indigenous culture.

Erica Kritikides, senior product manager, explained, “Intrepid’s sustainable, experience-rich style of travel allows people to connect through immersive, hands-on experiences... the experiences we offer our travellers allows us to make a greater positive impact.”

Image Credit: Intrepid Travel

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Included on the 13-day ‘Morocco Uncovered’, 10-day ‘South Morocco Discovery’, 15day ‘Premium Morocco In-Depth’, and 12-day ‘Premium Morocco Explorer’ options, guests will visit Tawesna, a local teahouse in Air Benhaddou. The community-run teahouse provides women with an income to support themselves and their children, using natural and locally-sourced ingredients. www.intrepidtravel.com/about/res ponsible-travel

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Do good and do it all in Dahar DESTINATION DAHAR, in Tunisia, has unveiled a tour of the Dahar Mountains, designed to promote sustainable tourism and support the local communities around the mountain range.

The Dahar region has a centuries-old history of layered culture and tradition, including the Amazigh of Berber, who have lived in the region for over 3,000 years and preserve their traditional way of life. The destination board recommends a number of authentic guest houses for visitors.

Mountain biking and trekking are listed as must-do excursions while exploring the region. www.destinationdahar.com

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USA

COOL IN THE CAPITAL

Sesame Place San Diego to open its doors

TRAVELLERS CAN explore the historic Capital Region on a brand new escorted tour with Newmarket Holidays.

The 11-day tour is the first escorted tour in the region and includes time exploring the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown; a journey along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway; time to explore the eclectic city of DC, along with many more experiences.

The 11-night trip costs from £1,868 per person, with

Image Credit: Newmarket Holidays

Newmarket Holidays has launched a new escorted tour of the historic Capital Region in the USA.

Guests will tick off the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

departures from September 2022 through to October 2023 and a choice of departure points including London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Belfast City George Best airport. The price includes

return flights, nine nights’ accommodation, five included tours and excursions, services of a tour manager and all transfers in the US. www.newmarketholidays.co.uk

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to launch new attraction SLATED TO open in spring 2022, Kennedy Space Center’s ‘Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex’, will focus on the present and future of collaborative space exploration, enabling guests to celebrate the space programme. It will feature a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space, unique launch viewing opportunities and more. Tickets start from $57 for adults and $47 for children. www.kennedyspacecenter.com

SEAWORLD PARKS and Entertainment and Sesame Workshop has announced that the Sesame Place San Diego theme park will open on March 26, 2022.

The new 17-acre park will be the only Sesame Place location on the West Coast and the second location in the country. Ideal for families with kids of all ages, the park will be open year-round with Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions.

Guests will enjoy 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, including a kidfriendly rollercoaster and a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California.

The park will feature a musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighbourhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, daily live character shows, awardwinning parades, and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

Additionally, the park will open as a Certified Autism Centre, offering specialised services to guests. www.sesameplace.com

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USA

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MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Get more from Mardi Gras with Universal Orlando Resort

Image Credit: NBCUniversal

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO has celebrated the return of its Mardi Gras event, which began on February 5 and will draw to a close on April 24, 2022.

A packed schedule of live music, from Diana Ross to Jason Derulo, is set to take place, along with the 'Planet Mardi Gras' live parade, and international-inspired cuisine, from New Orleans beignets to Southeast Asian coconut curry.

Mardi Gras events are included in admission, which starts from US$109 per day. www.universalorlando.com/mardigras

Keep your California cool with 2022’s new openings

MSC IN NYC MSC Meraviglia will home port in New York City from April 2023, with sun-drenched Caribbean, adventurous Canadian and exotic Bahamas cruises on offer. along with several leisurely days at sea, from £669 per person for the six-night voyages and £1,469 per person for the 14-night equivalent.

Northern itineraries will sail for 10 and 11 nights, calling in Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. 11night itineraries also call at Newport, Rhode Island. The 10-night voyages start from £799 per person, with the 11-night options from £839 per person.

Select packages include end-to-end services, including a choice of flights, a four-star hotel with breakfast, excursions, cruise check-in at the hotel, luggage service from the hotel to the ship and private port transfers.

Image Credit: SeaWorld San Diego

www.msccruises.co.uk

Image Credit: MSC

MARKING A first for the cruise line, MSC Cruises is set to operate year-round from New York, with the season going on sale on March 9, 2023.

MSC Meraviglia will sail cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, New England, and Canada, with plenty of the itineraries visiting the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

The cruise line will take advantage of the convenient air links to New York to target international cruisers.

Highlights of the 2023 schedule include seven- and eight-night Caribbean itineraries, calling in Nassau, the Bahamas and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with prices from £599 per person for the seven-night options and £1,339 for the 14-night equivalent.

Bermuda itineraries span six nights, and include three days docked at King’s Wharf

A HOST of new openings await across the ‘Sunshine State’ for guests looking for a West Coast adventure this year.

From April 1, 2022, the ‘WinterWonderGrass’ festival of music, craft beer and local food will take to Palisades Tahoe, known as the ‘Spring Skiing Capital’ for its sun, snow and blue skies throughout April.

Opening in autumn, the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco will showcase local art and international talent in a modern 11,000-square-foot complex.

New hotel openings include The LINE SF, in San Francisco, with 236 boutique rooms and four unique dining experiences. The Napa Valley will welcome the 700acre Stanly Ranch Auberge Resort, guaranteeing a true ranch-life experience.

SeaWorld San Diego has unveiled the ‘Emperor’ penguininspired rollercoaster, the tallest of its kind in the state. Day tickets to the marine/theme park start from approximately £60 per person. www.visitcalifornia.com

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USA

MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

American Queen’s ‘The River of Legends’ cruise itinerary will see voyagers experiencing all that America’s ‘Deep South’ has to offer.

AMERICAN QUEEN Voyages' 12-night 'The River of Legends' cruise will take voyagers from New Orleans to Memphis, where they will experience culture, music, food, America’s Civil War and antebellum history along with the hospitality of the Deep South.

In New Orleans, travellers will take in the ambience of the restaurants and cafes in the French Quarter, the Jazz Clubs in Bourbon Street and the strolling musicians in Jackson Square.

The journey will take guests through Memphis, home to many artists including Elvis, and then on to Louisiana, for favourites

such as Nottoway and St Francisville and in Mississippi, they will enjoy the historic towns of Vicksburg and Natchez. In between, travellers will find traditional plantations, antebellum homes, gardens and oak trees.

Prices start from £3,395 per person, based on two people sharing a cabin.

If clients book a cruise before June 30, 2022, they will be able to enjoy an extra two nights post-cruise hotel stay, as well as an Elvis Experience Tour, plus a one-category stateroom upgrade. www.lightbluetravel.co.uk

Rentyl Resorts affirms commitment to the UK travel trade RENTYL RESORTS is reinforcing its commitment to the UK travel trade with the aim of raising its profile and boosting agent knowledge.

PR agency Orbis PR will work alongside the retained trade sales team at Silva Lining to ensure agents are up to date on individual brands, the latest developments, and the diverse product offering.

Communication will also educate the trade on Rentyl Resorts, its worldwide reach, and its future plans for expansion.

Rentyl Resorts offers holiday accommodation that combines the comforts of home with upscale resort amenities, premier services, and exclusive onsite entertainment. Orbis PR will support Silva Lining to clearly define this positioning as well as boost knowledge on its Orlando property portfolio – specifically The Bear’s Den Resort, Encore Resort at Reunion, Margaritaville Resort

Image Credit: Rentyl Resrorts

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

DEEP SOUTH DABBLES

and Spectrum Resort. Agents will be educated on new developments as well as offered key selling tips to help them secure bookings. www.rentylresorts.com

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

PLAY announces new route to Orlando from Stansted PLAY HAS announced the first route of its winter schedule, with a new route connecting Stansted to Orlando International Airport via Iceland.

With the first flight departing from London Stansted on September 30, 2022, prices start from £169 for one way.

As part of the winter flight schedule, which runs between September 30 and April 23, passengers can fly out of Stansted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with an elapsed time of 12 hours 40 minutes, while flights from Orlando to Stansted will run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with an elapsed time of 12 hours and 15 minute. www.flyplay.com

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MARCH 25 2022 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Fly to Austin from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

ENHANCING THE UK to USA flight lists from May 25, 2022 is Virgin’s new international non-stop flights. Virgin Atlantic’s service will fly between Austin, ‘the Live Music Capital of the World’, and London Heathrow. This marks the airline’s first new route from the U.S. since 2015.

Virgin customers arriving in Austin will now be able to connect, via the Delta Air Lines partnership, onto 10 US cities: Seattle, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Raleigh Durham and JFK, providing a great choice of multi-centre holiday itineraries.

The 787-9 aircraft will fly four times a week providing travellers to and from the Texas Hill Country with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.

Experience the eclipse from Texas

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

OMEGA BREAKS is offering a unique tour to witness the total solar eclipse in the state of Texas. The tour is accompanied by Pete Lawrence, a regular appearance on the BBC’s long-running ‘The Sky at Night’ programme and a world-class astrophotographer.

On the day of the solar eclipse, guests are taken into the path of ‘totality’, close to the centre line of the eclipse shadow track, to get a great chance of clear skies.

The tour will include a visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, city tours of San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, a visit to the famous Alamo, and a cattle drive and championship rodeo for an authentic taste of the ‘Lone Star State’.

Departing April 2, 2024, the nine-day ‘Best of Texas’ tour is priced from £3,299 per person, including international flights and accommodation. www.omegabreaks.com/agents

What, in your opinion, is the best dessert?

Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Apple pie and custard!

Mariam Ahmad Editor news@travelbulletin.co.uk Molten lava brownie with vanilla ice cream!

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

Ashweenee Beerjeraz Events Operation Manager ashweenee.beerjeraz@travelbulletin.co.uk Sprinkle cake with warm custard.

EVENTS: events@travelbulletin.co.uk

PRODUCTION: production@travelbulletin.co.uk

Bill Coad Account Manager bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Vanilla ice cream.

Sarah Terry Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk B52.

Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Blackberry and apple crumble!

Matthew Hayhoe Assistant Editor matthew.hayhoe@alaincharles.com Sweet crepes.

CIRCULATION: circulation@travelbulletin.co.uk

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