Travel Bulletin 25 Nov 2016

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November 25 2016 | ISSUE NO 1,992 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Mediterranean Islands

A round-up of what’s new to promote to clients

this week 3 news

head to the Baltics for a (cheaper) Christmas market escape

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puzzle bulletin play su doku for your chance to win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher

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event bulletin pictures from our Escorted Tours Showcase in London

18 air travel one in five Brits would support alcohol ban reveals new research

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Caribbean delight...

EARLIER THIS month Gold Medal and Travel 2, part of the dnata B2B UK group, took a group of agents on their first joint fam trip to the Caribbean. A total of 26 agents were split into three groups and sent to explore three different Caribbean islands including Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbados. The locations were kept tightly under wraps and pictured at the airport are the agents unveiling their final destinations.

Baltic bargain: Research reveals Tallinn offers best value Christmas Market for 2016

Cover Pictures: Main - Samot

Inset - Qantas

TALLINN OFFERS the best value of 11 Christmas Markets cities surveyed in Europe – a third cheaper than Stockholm, the most expensive, according to the Post Office Travel Money Christmas Markets Barometer.

The Estonian capital has taken the top spot in the annual survey of 11 European cities for the first time since 2012. At £538, the price tag for a two-night break for two was a third cheaper than in Stockholm (£801), which was most expensive in the survey.

Tallinn’s barometer total – comprising return flights, bedand-breakfast accommodation, city centre transfers, two evening meals for two with wine, coffee, festive drinks and also snacks at the Christmas Market – is 4% cheaper than a year ago, despite the weakened pound.

Although sterling is worth 18% less year-on-year against the euro, tourists visiting Tallinn will be ‘quids in’ because local prices there have fallen 10% and the cost of a two-night package is more than 10% lower as well.

Runner-up Riga, capital of Latvia, is another bargain option for UK shoppers because its barometer total of £547 is just 3%

09 This week 11 03 14

higher than 12 months ago.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “The great value available in these two Baltic capitals helps to dispel the idea that UK tourists will be seriously out of pocket wherever they travel abroad after sterling’s slump in value.

"Of course, this is not the case everywhere in Europe so the challenge for people planning trips in the coming weeks will be to do their homework and book a destination offering a combination of good value package prices and low costs for meals and drinks.”

Completing the East European top three list is Prague (£582), which has scored well because of the low cost of eating out in the Czech capital. However, the higher cost of flights and accommodation researched by Post Office Travel Money - over £100 more than for a trip to Riga – has kept Prague well behind the two Baltic State capitals on price.

The high cost of a Christmas Markets package also means last year’s ‘best buy’ Budapest (£634) has dropped to sixth place in the barometer table. Although the city is still cheapest

agent bulletin a look at this week’s fam trips, competitions, training and booking incentives

puzzle bulletin play su doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher

news

bulletin briefing

head to the Baltics for a (cheaper) Christmas market escape

news and views from the Elite Travel Group

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continued on next page

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event bulletin pictures from our Escorted Tours Showcase at the Grange Holborn Hotel in London

air travel one in five Brits would support alcohol ban reveals new research

mediterranean islands new developments see Magaluf attract families and older couples

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continued from previous page for meals, drinks and transfers at one-third (£89.96) of the cost in Stockholm (£298.69) or Copenhagen (£305.94), it was the most expensive city for a flight and accommodation package (£544).

Munich boasts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas Markets and has emerged in this year’s report as best value for a festive break in Western Europe. While

meals and drinks cost more than in the East, Munich’s package price was the cheapest of the 11 cities. As a result, the overall barometer cost for the German favourite (£609) was £142 lower than in neighbouring Austria, where a twonight break for two was priced at £751, as well as being £25 cheaper than Berlin (£634).

For further information see postoffice.co.uk/christmasmarkets

Heathrow predicts today's five-year olds will take more than 1,000 flights in lifetime NEW DATA released from Heathrow shows a sharp rise of children under five flying through the airport, as the next generation are fast becoming global jet setters.

New data reveals that the number of youngsters flying through Heathrow is at an all time high, with thousands of under fives taking their first flight in 2016, an increase of 15% compared to five years ago.

The research reveals that the average five-year-old of today is expected to fly more than half a million miles during their lifetime, the equivalent of flying to the moon and back.

To mark the news, the airport has released a short film; Top Tips from Tiny Travellers, a lighthearted guide to

travelling through the airport, lead by five and seven year-olds.

The video can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2gacRjN

Culinary cruise with European Waterways

ISLE BE THERE… The Isle of Man has officially been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to explore nature, having been inaugurated into the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in recognition of the Island’s natural environment. Pictured at World Travel Market earlier this month is Steve Crawley (left) from the Department of Economic Development for the Isle of Man and Ian Longworth from Isle of Man Railways, who were on stand to highlight the island’s extensive coastline, picturesque landscapes, heritage landmarks, vintage railways and unspoilt beaches to visitors.

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EUROPEAN WATERWAYS has introduced a new culinarythemed charter cruise on the elegant hotel barge Enchanté, cruising through the Southwest of France.

While meandering the Canal du Midi, guests will be treated to a selection of culinary delights during the sixnight itinerary.

Available as a charter only, the specially-tailored cruise is ideal for a group of friends or family to experience the region’s products and to meet the artisans behind them.

Enchanté is a state-of-the-art, double-decker hotel barge that provides luxurious accommodation for up to eight guests; after embarking in Narbonne and a Champagne arrival on board, guests can look forward to unique food experiences of the region - hunting for truffles in the Minervois hills and tasting the elusive white truffle; visiting a renowned farm that breeds the special Petit Gris variety of escargot; and touring L’Oulibo, a long-established olive oil press that produces the purist extra virgin olive oil from the famous Lucques olive.

For those who like to adorn a white apron, guests can join a ‘hands-on’ French cooking class alongside the Canal du Midi and enjoy demonstrations throughout the cruise from the onboard Masterchef. There is also the opportunity to visit the indoor market in Narbonne, where guests can join the chef to choose the ingredients for that evening’s dinner.

Prices including all gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions and local transfers lead in at £27,080, and a special 10% discount applies for March 19, 26 and April 2, 2017 departures.

For full details see gobarging.com/culinary-cruise

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Oceania Cruises launches OLife Ultimate campaign FOLLOWING ITS successful OLife Choice campaign, Oceania Cruises has launched OLife Ultimate on selected South American cruises sailing from Lisbon, Buenos Aires, Rio De Janeiro and Manaus.

The line is offering guests free airfare, unlimited internet, up to ten shore excursions per stateroom, a house beverage package, up to $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom and gratuities on five itineraries. The offer is valid on selected voyages all sailing for 2016 - for guests booking deluxe ocean view staterooms up to penthouse suites on Insignia and Regatta, and veranda staterooms up to penthouse suites on Marina.

For more information visit oceaniacruises.com or call 0345-505 1920.

GUERNSEY GROUP...To mark its debut winter schedule between Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) and Guernsey, Aurigny teamed up with LBA to host a group of Yorkshire travel agents on a fam to explore the island. Pictured about to embark on their adventure at Guernsey Airport are, from the left: Clive Acton, Aurigny; Fiona Lamb, Andrew Earle Travel; Kathryn Beaumont, Hanson Travel; Sue Murrie, Morgan Travel; Jackie Standridge, Spa Travel; Emma Holliday, LBA; Laura Pepper-Ives, Worldwide Travel Solutions; and Helen North, High Ridings Travel. The new schedule sees twice-weekly flights departing from LBA. For details see leedsbradfordairport.co.uk and aurigny.com

Dubai Parks and Resorts now on sale with DoSomethingDifferent.com DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM is now offering single and multi-day tickets to Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest integrated theme park resort.

Prices start from £50 per person, per day based on a combination ticket, and there are three theme parks and one water park to choose from.

Motiongate is a Hollywood-inspired theme park exploring the world of film, with 27 rides and attractions bringing to life movies such as Ghostbusters, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and The Hunger Games. There are also live shows, meet and greets with characters and themed restaurants. A single day ticket costs from £75 per adult and £64 per child.

Bollywood is a vibrant celebration of Mumbai’s film industry with 16 rides and attractions, live shows, street food and a Broadway-style Bollywood musical. A single day ticket costs from £65 per adult and £56 per child.

LEGOLAND Dubai is aimed at families with younger children, aged 12 and under. With more than 40 LEGO themed rides, shows and building experiences; it contains 15,000 LEGO models and 60 million LEGO bricks over six themed lands.

Meanwhile, LEGOLAND Water Park features 20 themed slides and attractions, a wave pool, Build-a-Raft River and a DUPLO toddler play area with slides.

A single day ticket to LEGOLAND costs from £67 per adult and £57 per child, or a ticket with same-day admission to the water park is from £101 per adult and £91 per child.

Water park tickets are excluded on combination tickets.

For details call 020-8090 3890.

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Mary Berry to host afternoon tea on Belmond British Pullman BELMOND HAS announced a special afternoon tea experience with Britain’s Queen of Baking, Mary Berry CBE, on Belmond British Pullman on February 5, 2017.

Travelling from London Victoria Station, guests will travel with the doyenne of family cooking and hear about her award-winning career whilst picking up some baking tips as the train makes its way through the British countryside.

The menu includes some of Mary’s favourite cakes including Cherry and Almond tart, Strawberry Mille Feuille, Opera Slice and baked scones, made with her own personal recipe - all served with traditional tea and Champagne.

Prices start from £275 per person.

For more information or to book call 0845-077 2222 or visit belmond.com/britishpullman

Discover Egypt locks prices in latest brochure launch PRICES ARE locked in until December 2018 in Discover Egypt’s new Egypt 2017/18 brochure, giving holidaymakers up to two years to plan and budget for their holiday to the land of the Pharaohs.

The operator features Nile cruises, city breaks and a selection of twin and multi-centre holidays, as well as specialising in creating tailor-made itineraries throughout Egypt.

The brochure features Nile and Lake Nasser cruises, city stays in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan with a variety of excursion options that can be added on, plus the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna, with two new resorts - Soma Bay and Marsa Alam.

New cruise additions include the MS Mayfair and Sonesta Star Goddess, both of which offer luxury Nile cruising with panoramic cabin windows and some cabins with sit-on private balconies.

Prices start from £898 for a seven-night cruise including flights from the UK,

transfers and full board cruise with ten guided excursions.

The company also features a Nile cruise 'Value Selection' which leaves the choice of boat to the operator based on last-minute availability. This option could include popular Nile boats such as the Royal Viking and MS Royal Ruby, which provide the standard cruise itinerary with four- or five-star accommodation and service.

New hotels include the Sheraton Soma Bay, Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, the Steigenberger Al Dau in Hurghada, the Oberoi and Baron Palace Resort Sahl Hasheesh, and the operator has also added the adult-only, all-inclusive five-star Baron Palm Resort in Sharm El Sheikh.

In addition, there are four new multicentre tours – the ten-day Pyramids, Tombs and Abu Simbel; eight-day Pyramids and the Red Sea; ten-day Thebes, Nubia and Giza and the 14-day Ultimate Egypt tour.

For further information call 020-7407 2111 or visit discoveregypt.co.uk

New Booking.com platform for agents

JOANNE'S JOY...Joanne Williams of Global Travel picks up her prize of a Greek Island holiday from Sunvil’s Sue John at a recent autumn workshop run by Bright at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. The event was co-hosted by members from Hurtigruten, 1st Class Holidays, Veloso Tours, Kirker, Attraction World, Cox and Kings, Visit Jersey, Sunvil, InsideJapan and Mark Warner.

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BOOKING.COM HAS announced the launch of a new travel agent tool that provides industry professionals with a bespoke set of tools to book and manage accommodation reservations for their clients.

Users will be able to see a tab of customisable reports that supports agents in monitoring individual client bookings and provides them with a convenient breakdown of their earnings over time.

The new launch is an extension of the company’s existing Affiliate Partner Programme and leverages technology and infrastructure being developed for Booking.com for Business, with agents joining the platform eligible for similar partner benefits.

The company's senior director of global partnerships, Bryan Batista, said: “We’re pleased to now offer professional travel agents a platform and a programme that has been created just for them, with the special features they need to easily book and manage reservations for their clients, as well as the choice, diversity and seamless experience that they’ve come to love and rely on from Booking.com. We’re excited to continue innovating the platform, and are committed to adding even more useful features and functionality for them over the coming months.”

For more information visit booking.com/traveladvisors/index.html

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Dear Lauretta ONE OF the great things about WTM is the chance to catch up on the gossip. One conversation turned to Sharm, and why the UK Government still will not allow UK airlines to resume flights there.

Of course, safety is paramount, and clearly there were things to fix before we could return.

However, it was disappointing to hear (yet again – it seems to be a common rumour) that the reason clearance to return is not being given is not because there is anything else to fix.

Apparently, it’s because no-one will take the risk of signing it off because, if there is another incident, they will carry the can.

This rumour may or may not be accurate, but it is certainly gaining credence.

When no-one is willing to say what still needs to be fixed - and, indeed, there’s a general refusal to answer the question - it all adds weight to the story.

It’s a great shame if Government buck-passing reminiscent of ‘Yes Minister’ is depriving our airlines and tour operators of business – and, importantly, is also depriving local people and their hotelier employers of income from British holidaymakers. At least traffic from all the other countries which have already returned to Sharm will be helping to sustain the hotels and local people.

Meanwhile, there is always the option of flying via Paris or Amsterdam; by so doing, you at least save on APD. Every cloud has a silver lining...

Derek Moore AITO Chairman travelbulletin.co.uk

PRINCIPAL, A NEW HIGH-END urban lifestyle hotel group, has launched with the first three Principal hotels in Manchester, Edinburgh and York. The new company follows a major investment of more than £200million from Starwood Capital in its UK portfolio and sees historic, grande-dame hotels sensitively restored, remodelled and redefined. Over the course of 2017, Principal will expand to include hotels in London, Glasgow and Cardiff in the hopes to establish luxury landmark hotels in each major UK city. For details see theprincipalhotel.com

NYC & Company unveils 'Fantastic' campaign NYC & COMPANY has collaborated with Warner Bros. Pictures to create 'Fantastic NYC', a campaign inspired by the newly launched movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and which spotlights 1920s New York City.

The company's CEO and president, Fred Dixon, said: “There is a powerful link between film and tourism and the launch of Fantastic NYC is a wonderful opportunity to promote the modern-day magic of New York City to a global audience. By inspiring visitors to come and experience the enchanting locations seen on screen, we can drive growth from tourism and its economic benefits across the city’s five boroughs.”

Fantastic NYC inspires visitors to explore New York City through curated editorial content, social media utilising #fantasticnyc and more. The campaign features tips designed to help visitors create their own magical NYC moments including experiences from the following categories: Magic NYC; Hidden NYC and Beastly NYC. The creative has been produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, and features a package from Virgin Holidays with prices from £475 per person for travel this January. It includes flights and a three-night stay at the Row NYC. For more information visit virginholidays.com/fantasticnyc and nycgo.com/fantasticnyc

Travel Counsellors reports a 49% increase in cruise bookings TRAVEL COUNSELLORS saw a significant rise in cruise bookings for September; up 49% year-on-year.

Janet Whittingham, head of cruise at the organisation, said: “September was a strong month for us thanks to our ability to truly tailor-make itineraries, no matter how complex, to suit the exact needs of all the travellers boarding the ship. We’ve seen a rise in forward 2017 bookings to Canada and Alaska with Holland America and Princess Cruises. High-end five- and six-star luxury cruises are becoming increasingly popular, such as Seabourn,

Regent Seven Seas and Azamara, as are river cruises like Scenic. We are also seeing an increasing number of group bookings with friends and multigenerational family bookings due to an ever-growing choice of options for togetherness or ageappropriate pursuits.”

According to the company’s booking statistics, the top ten most popular cruise ships booked in September were Ventura, Azura, Celebrity Eclipse, Independence of the Seas, Britannia, Aurora, Navigator of the Seas and Oriana.

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Up to 60% West End discount with Stansted Express rail transfer from the airport VISITORS CAN now save up to 60% on theatre tickets with a Stansted Express rail transfer into central London from Stansted Airport.

The company's five million passengers a year now have access to more than 100 top shows, musicals, plays, operas, ballets, events, exhibitions and attractions with up to 60% off, as well as the flexibility to choose seats and dinner packages with a new safe and secure online booking site at stanstedexpress.com/theatres The new offer is in partnership with Encore Tickets and features all of London's theatres, plus restaurants, attractions, river cruises, sightseeing tours, exhibitions, events and theatre breaks, in addition to UK regional theatres and Broadway.

Thomas Cook unveils plans for own-brand hotels for launch next summer THOMAS COOK has announced that it has added 12 own-brand hotels for next summer, including Casa Cook, SENTIDO, Sunwing and Sunprime.

Following an increase in demand for holidays to Italy this summer, the company is opening its first ownbrand hotel in the country on the Mediterranean island of Sicily.

The 100-room SENTIDO Acacia Marina, located in the South Sicilian former fishing village of Marina di Ragusa, offers traditional Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine, spa facilities, modern accommodation and a private beach area.

Also new for next summer is the 233-room SENTIDO Bluesun Berulia hotel in the small resort of Brela in

Croatia, just a short distance from the beach.

In addition to the new hotels, the operator is introducing a number of its existing hotels to UK travellers for the first time. As well as the SENTIDO Kaktus on the Croatian island of Brac, five premium Sunwing Family Resorts and four adult-only Sunprime hotels are now available on its UK portfolio.

Located in popular holiday destinations, Sunwings offers a range of facilities for the whole family, with children and teens particularly well catered for, with multiple swimming pools, activity and entertainment programmes. New for UK customers next summer are Sunwings in Mallorca, Cyprus, Gran Canaria, Rhodes and Turkey.

Tailored to adults travelling without children, Sunprime hotels offer guests design-led rooms, pools, a gym, spa facilities, restaurants and a wide range of activities to suit both those looking for a relaxing break and those looking to be active. New for UK customers next summer are Sunprimes in Cyprus, Rhodes and Turkey.

Looking ahead, the operator has revealed that it will open a third Casa Cook hotel in Mallorca in summer 2018, as well as a Sunwing and Sunprime Resort located next to each other in Cape Verde, on the island of Sal, for the 2017/18 winter season.

This follows an earlier announcement that the second Casa Cook hotel will open in Kos in July 2017.

NEWS BITES ● PORT AVENTURA WORLD has been transformed into a festive wonderland until January 8, 2017 offering traditional decorations, special menus and festive shows. As examples, 'Dreaming on Ice' features an artistic and acrobatic story of ice-skating champions, while 'Winter Magic Bubblebou' consists of a huge bubble show for both children and adults. Next year a third theme park dedicated to the Italian firm Ferrari will join the PortAventura family. Details at portaventuraworld.com ● JET AIRWAYS guests can now stream a wide variety of video and audio content via ‘JetScreen’ directly on their own devices, redefining the way entertainment is experienced on board. More than 220 hours of video and audio content such as leading Hollywood and Indian movies, TV shorts, music from multiple genres, interactive games, as well as special children’s programmes can now be downloaded directly to guests' mobile phones, tablets and laptops. ● THE SAINT Lucia Tourist Board is urging agents across the UK and Ireland to capitalise on Prince Harry’s royal visit to the Caribbean this week, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. To ensure agents have all the materials they need to maximise on the visit, the tourist board has created a royal themed newsletter with offers and ideas for royal themed holidays to promote to customers, a dedicated microsite (www.saintluciauk.org/princeharry) and a youtube video (https://youtu.be/BwqhvLciZWQ ) – all of which can be utilised by the trade.

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November 25 2016

• NEW: Check out the latest videos from the WTM with the launch of TBTV • Prague Tour for two, PLUS bottles of Champagne & Wine to be won with Prague Eventery!

• Last chance to WIN a two-night stay for two people with Melia Hotels International • POLL BULLETIN: discover which topical issues we are asking you the agent, this month

Visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ for details on the above websclusives.

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Booking incentives ●

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Flexible Autos reports that it has achieved its 2016 targets with the help of agents and consortia partners, demonstrating a 20% increase on 2015. To thank agents for their support the company has announced a ‘Countdown to Christmas’ giveaway for this month and next, where two agents will each win £100 in Love2Shop vouchers every Wednesday. To qualify, agents need to make a car hire booking with the company before December 14.

Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to win one of three £200 credits on their T2 Rewards card as part of its Discover China Southern Airlines campaign. The operator has teamed up with China Southern Airlines to showcase the variety of flight routes that the airline offers including a host of regional airports across China. To be entered into the prize draw, agents need to make a qualifying booking that includes flights with China Southern Airlines before November 30. Meanwhile, the company is giving agents the chance to win one of nine places on its upcoming fam to Western Australia. To take part in the incentive, which is being run with partners Emirates and Visit Western Australia, agents should make a qualifying booking that includes Emirates flights and a minimum of five nights’ accommodation in Western Australia

by November 30. Details at travel2.com

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agentbulletin Agent competition Agents can get their hands on one of three pairs of state-of-the-art Beats by Dre wireless headphones with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s latest incentive. To enter the competition and be in with the chance of winning, agents need to complete the eight training modules in the ‘My SeaWorld’ section of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment agent website – seaworldagents.co.uk – before November 30.

AGENT TRAINING SAGA TRAVEL is offering travel agents a free £10 shopping voucher for completing its ‘Saga Experts’ online training programme by November 30. Agents need to complete the six modules and email incentives@saga.co.uk to claim their voucher. Details at saga.co.uk/agents

Fancy a fam?

BRAND USA, in partnership with American Airlines and British Airways, has announced a US multi-d estination fam tour for travel agents from the UK and Irela nd which will take place from May 11-18. To celebrate the fifth consecutive year, the number of travel agents participating in the 2017 fam tour will increase from 100 to 107, who will travel on seven bespoke itineraries to different parts of the US. For the chance to win a place on the mega fam, agents should book traveller s on American Airlines and British Airways' flights to the US during the entry period starting from January 1 through Apr il 3, 2017, and must earn a specified number of USA specialist badges online at usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk

November 25 2016

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puzzlebulletin

Su Doku

Where Am I?

Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 045

A➠

B➠ C➠

D➠ 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: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, December 1st. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 11th November is Rachel Ashton, Prestbury Travel Group in Cheshire.

November 11 Solution: A=9 B=6 C=4 D=8

Crossword

More than 300m wide and 108m deep, this giant submarine sinkhole was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and is well known among the world of recreational diving enthusiasts.

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

Number: 045

Across 1. One of the Jewel class ships of Norwegian Cruise Line (3) 3. Swiss lake and city (6) 5. Boat often seen on the Grand Canal (7) 8. Rhodes airport code (3) 9. Popular resort overlooked by the Great Orme (9) 11. English county (9) 13. Former Strictly pro dancer, recently seen in the Celebrity jungle (3) 14. P&O cruise ship, exclusively for adults (7) 16. Condor operates to this island (6) 17. Comedian and TV personality, ___ Perkins (3)

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Down 1. C4 reality show where viewers share their opinions of TV programmes (9) 2. You need a high IQ to join this society (5) 3. TV programme featuring a Chester tourist attraction, The Secret Life of the ___ (3) 4. Capital city on the Nile (5) 6. South American mountain chain (5) 7. Popular tourist attraction on the River Seine (5,4) 10. US Airline (5) 11. England and Man Utd footballer, ____ Rooney (5) 12. Asian river (5) 15. Sand or coral island found in the Caribbean region (3)

For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I? Please see page 26 November 25 2016

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Industry Insight by...

Neil Basnett, chief executive of Elite Travel Group, reflects on this year’s conference and the lessons the industry should learn going into 2017...

T

HE DUST has settled on the Elite Travel Group’s annual conference held this year in Cork.

Whenever the suggestion is made that a conference should be held in Ireland, everybody’s attention seems to focus on Dublin and that is a shame as there is much of interest in other corners of Ireland.

Over the years, I have always enjoyed visiting Dublin on business, but I have fond memories of fun evenings spent in the city’s Temple Bar district. Our friends from Cork County Council and the Cork Convention Bureau were delighted that Elite broke from tradition and decided to host the conference in Cork. Our delegates were bowled over by the warmth of the hospitality that was shown to us. In addition to Cork City itself, including the County Gaol where we were treated to a wonderful gala dinner, there is much of interest in the area including Blarney Castle and Ireland’s food capital of Kinsale, where each October they host a Food Festival which attracts visitors from all over the world.

From Cork, one can explore one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal touring routes - the Wild Atlantic Way. This remarkable coastal route stretches for 1,500 miles right up to Derry along Ireland’s dramatic western seaboard and takes in some of the most enchanting scenery in the world.

Our conference gave me the opportunity to assess the true worth of our consortium to our members and to consider how to promote ourselves to other independent agents perhaps considering a move to another consortium. There is a choice of consortia to which agents can belong and I took the opportunity to remind our members of the value that they obtain from membership of Elite. We have a successful working partnership with Advantage and our members tell me that they like Elite as it is small and friendly but professional at the same time. With annual member sales exceeding £100m, we are of a size that means we are far from an insignificant player, particularly when combined with the quality of our members.

Although Elite is known for holding the friendliest

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conference, we are also renowned for arranging varied business programmes during the conference sessions.

I am very conscious that our loyal supplier partners are obliged to attend many annual conferences and have to sit there while the same old topics are discussed often using the same speakers!

When devising the programme, I could not ignore BREXIT and the possible impact on the travel industry.

Although negotiations are still to start owing to the delay of the implementation of triggering Article 50, it was interesting to hear Simon Bunce from ABTA highlighting the five key areas on which ABTA will be pressing the government to fully resolve for our industry. ABTA will continue to provide a vital role on behalf of us all and, once negotiations finally start, I am sure that they will be looking for our input so that our viewpoints and wishes are at least conveyed to our government.

There has already been a suggestion that the EU will wish to implement an ESTA-type system for UK citizens wishing to visit the EU: how popular will this proposal be with countries such as Spain which relies heavily on tourism and with huge numbers from the UK having holidays there?

I am about to have a holiday by the Red Sea in Egypt and I look forward to relaxing in the sun just before Christmas. Regrettably, Egypt still seems to be off the radar for British holidaymakers and this will not be rectified until flights resume to Sharm el Sheikh. For those wishing to have an alternative winter sun destination to the Canaries, the Egyptian beach resorts on the Red Sea remain good options. These days, Egypt relies heavily on the German market so if they deem it safe to go there, why don’t the British? So many locals are employed in tourism and with such low visitor arrivals, thousands of jobs have been lost. Many specialist operators like Red Sea Holidays have seen significant falls in their overall business so I am pleased to show my support to them in the hope that I can spread the word that Egypt is safe!

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BACK ROADS BOTTLE…Lockie Kerr (left) from Back Roads Touring gifts winner AK Masud from Sam Travel & Tours with a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates.

SWEET TREAT…Jessica Shelton from Kirra Holidays presents a gift basket of sweet New Zealand treats to Diogo Marin from Brightsun Travel.

Travel Bulletin welcomed London agents at an Escorted Tours Showcase at the Grange Holborn Hotel last week.

Cultural specialists and inspiring operators were in attendance to chat with agents directly, with some fabulous food and fun prizes also on offer…

COLLETTE CHAT...Matt Stuart and Kelly Fowler from Collette Tours prepare to discuss the latest worldwide journeys available that agents can offer their clients.

RIVIERA REWARD...Riviera’s Joseph Grimley presents Annette Beckford from Global Getaway with a £50 voucher to go towards a break of her choice.

MEETING MARBLE ARCH…From the left :Jyoti Doshi, Michael Dance, Sarahlee Ettienne and Camilla Morlacchi, all from Thomas Cook Marble Arch, meet with Michelle Roberts from the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

NEWMARKET NEWS…Craig Secker (left) and Ashley Secker from Newmarket Holidays get ready to meet with agents.

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TITAN TALK...Alana Jones from Titan presents some of the operator’s latest news to a table of attentive agents.

HOLIDAY HAMPER…Sean Phillips from Thomas Cook Wimbledon wins a luxury hamper from Polly Poulton, All Leisure Holiday Group.

VICTOR’S VICTORY… Winner of the £500 tour voucher to put towards a G Adventures trip of their choice was Victor Kaye (right) from Gadabouts Travel, gifted by the operator’s Vlad Saveliev.

AGENTS ASSEMBLE…Enjoying a catch up during the drinks reception are, from the left: Carol Smith, Co Operative Personal Travel Advisor; Tony Manning from Tony Manning Travel; Keith Lloyd, Cubaism; Derek Small, Flight Centre Greenwich; with Darrell Toakley and Chrissy Mackenzie-Cooper from Darrell James Travel.

#TBSHOWCASES Want to get in on the action?

Travel Bulletin will be hosting its next ‘Airline Showcase’ event in Chester on Monday January 23. Agents interested in attending can secure their place by emailing oliver.barton@travelbulletin.co.uk

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QANTAS HAS unveiled what customers onboard its flagship 787-9 Dreamliner can expect when the aircraft arrives in a year’s time. The next generation Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, designed to maximise comfort for the longer distances the 787-9 is expected to fly, will offer passengers increased personal space and comfort, as well as more in-seat amenities. As part of the preparation for the arrival of the new Dreamliner, the airline also revealed an update to its iconic Flying Kangaroo logo and aircraft livery. The new design includes a streamlined Kangaroo logo and silver band added on the tail of the aircraft, which will gradually appear across the carrier’s network.

One in five Brits supports alcohol ban reveals new research A RECENT survey has revealed that as many as one in five Brits would support a complete ban on alcohol sales - both in airports and on flights, following an announcement made in July concerning the aviation minister Lord Ahmad's plans to review the way alcohol is sold at airports.

The team behind sunshine.co.uk polled a sample of 3,006 people aged 18 and above from around the UK and asked them questions about their own experiences of drinking alcohol at airports or on flights (if any), and what their opinions were on the matter. None of the respondents were teetotal in order to avoid bias, with all of them stating prior to the poll that they drank alcohol.

According to the survey, 19% are in support of a total ban on alcohol sales in airports and on flights, with the main reason cited to ‘reduce drunken behaviour’.

However, 63% of the total respondents said that they themselves had become drunk in an airport or on a flight in the past, citing reasons such as ‘to get into the holiday spirit before/whilst travelling’ and ‘to calm nerves ahead of/on the flight’.

A total of 71% of respondents felt that no changes were necessary when it came to the sale of alcohol in airports or on flights, but 8% felt that putting alcohol limits in place for each passenger travelling through the airport or on a flight would be a 'good idea'.

Etihad goes double daily year-round to Dublin ETIHAD AIRWAYS has introduced an additional daily year-round service between Abu Dhabi and Dublin which increases frequency on the route to 14 flights a week, effective April 1, 2017.

The second daily operation coincides with the carrier’s tenth anniversary of flying to the Irish capital.

Kevin Knight, the carrier’s aviation group chief strategy and planning officer, said: “We are delighted to announce the Dublin frequencies moving from a seasonal double daily to a twice daily, year-round service. This is a commitment to the Irish market and demonstrates our confidence to dedicate capacity throughout the year on a route that has enjoyed tremendous support from travel partners.”

As a result of improved infrastructure at Dublin Airport, the airline will switch its existing Dublin flights from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 from January 24, 2017.

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Zanzibar launch from Turkish Airlines TURKISH AIRLINES is continuing to expand its network with the addition of its 293rd destination Zanzibar, a prominent tourism destination in Tanzania.

Strengthening its presence in Africa, where the star alliance member delivers routes to 50 destinations in 31 African countries, Zanzibar will mark the third gateway location in East Africa offered by the airline.

Existing services currently fly to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro.

Flights to Zanzibar will operate three times weekly - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays - and will be available from December 12.

Visit turkishairlines.com for more details.

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airtravel Birmingham reports 20 consecutive months of record growth BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT has seen more than a million passengers pass through its terminal for another month, making October its 20th consecutive month of record-breaking growth.

In total 1,074,242 passengers were recorded travelling through the airport, up by 16.7% compared to the same month last year.

Short-haul saw the most significant passenger growth rates for the month, up by 16.8% yearon-year compared to longhaul, which increased by 14.4%. This has been attributed to a large percentage of travellers going on business trips and half-term breaks.

Paul Kehoe, the airport’s CEO, said: “It’s great to see that we have gone through the autumn season and are entering the busy winter season still delivering month-on-month passenger records.

“October was our sixth consecutive month in which we have served more than a million passengers in a single month. We expect this positive trend to continue as we enter the Christmas holiday period.”

LYON-SAINT Exupéry Airport is extending its infrastructure with the construction of a new and spacious Terminal 1 building. Anticipating a sharp rise in traffic and in order to optimise operational efficiency, the airport began construction on Futur Terminal 1 in 2014 and work is on track for it to be fully operational in 2017. Visit lyonaeroports-t1.com for details.

New Vancouver flights from Air Canada Rouge AIR CANADA Rouge is to further boost international flights at its Vancouver hub next summer with three times weekly seasonal flights from Gatwick to Vancouver. Flights commence on June 8, 2017 and tickets are now available for purchase.

In addition to the new summer service, the airline is introducing daily seasonal flights from Frankfurt to Vancouver from June 2, 2017.

Benjamin Smith, the airline’s president, said: “We will be the only airline flying non-stop between Vancouver and the two largest airports in the

London metropolitan region during the peak summer travel period with the addition of Gatwick.

“By next summer, we will serve five European destinations non-stop from Vancouver including two significant hubs, Frankfurt and Heathrow, along with Gatwick, Dublin and on a code-share basis with joint venture partner Lufthansa Munich, strengthening Vancouver as an important hub that connects our B.C., Western Canada and US routes to our expanding international network.”

For more information visit aircanada.com

Emirates moves to an all Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet EMIRATES HAS retired the last Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft in its fleet from active service, meaning that the airline is the first and only worldwide to operate a fleet of all Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft for its passenger flights.

In addition to the aircraft that have been retired from active service since January 2015, the airline plans to further phase out some 25 aircraft over the course of 2017 and 2018 to ensure that the operating fleet remains modern and efficient while offering customers a higher level of comfort and safety.

The carrier is currently the largest operator of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft with 85 Airbus A380s and 160 Boeing 777s in its fleet. Out of the 234 aircraft worth more than US$112billion that Emirates has on order, 150 will be the new Boeing 777X aircraft that will be delivered from 2020.

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airtravel In a series of features that focus on different airlines, we take a closer look at...

MAIN HUB(S):

AGENT PERKS/TRAINING/FAM TRIPS:

Kiev, Ukraine.

Eligible trade agents with commercial agreements with UIA benefit from fam trips to Kazakhstan and Georgia; AD75 fares available for agents subject to availability and blackout periods.

NO. OF DESTINATIONS/COUNTRIES SERVED: Over 70 destinations worldwide.

NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 38.

AIRCRAFT TYPES: Boeing 737; Boeing 767 and Embraer 190.

CODE-SHARE AGREEMENTS: Turkish Airlines, Austrian, Air France, KLM, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, S7, Dniproavia, AirBaltic, Azerbaijan Airlines.

NAMES OF CLASSES: Economy, Business and Premium Economy (Long haul flights only).

DETAILS OF SEAT PITCH IN ECONOMY/FIRST CLASS: Economy Class passengers have a seat pitch of 76cm (30 inches); Business Class passengers benefit from a seat pitch of 94cm (37 inches) and Premium Economy passengers will enjoy a seat pitch of 91cm (35 inches).

NEW ROUTE DEVELOPMENTS/PLANS FOR 2016/17: In 2016 we launched Ankara, Chernivtsi, Colombo, Düsseldorf, direct Vilnius –Odessa, Vilnius -Lvov; Palanga; Gdansk- Ivano Frankivsk, Venice and increased frequency to many other cities.

FLEET DEVELOPMENT NEWS: In 2016, we received six out of nine new Boeing 737800 and are expecting three more deliveries.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS/ DEVELOPMENTS: To support rapidly expanding business operations and offer passengers a vast selection of travel options and opportunities, Ukraine International Airlines has successfully changed to Amadeus Altea Passenger Service System and PROS Origin & Destination Revenue Management System.

AIRLINE'S MAIN USPS: -

-

Ukraine’s flag and number one carrier First carrier in Ukraine to become an IATA accredited airline Serves over 70 destinations worldwide Seamless connections from Kiev to onward destinations including Beijing, Bangkok, Dubai, Tbilisi, Almaty, Tel Aviv, Ankara, Colombo and many others Genuine Ukrainian hospitality Unparalleled on-board service in three-class service cabins Young modern fleet Competitive pricing Speed, punctuality Lounges worldwide Generous baggage allowance Pre-ordered meal selection

FREQUENT FLYER/LOYALTY SCHEME:

RESERVATION NUMBER: 01293-596609.

UK CONTACT: Andrew Rzepko - Sales & Marketing Manager Ukraine International Airlines UK & Ireland.

Email: ARzepko@aviareps.com

WEB: Website: flyuia.com/eng/uk.html Facebook: Fly UIA in UK

Panorama Club. Frequent Flyer members benefit from Award tickets for UIA and Partner Airlines scheduled flights including: Austrian Airlines, Swiss International, KLM, Air France, TAP Portugal and Etihad Airways.

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NORWEGIAN WILL give Premium passengers travelling to Gatwick from Oakland International Airport free access to the airport’s new Escape Lounge from this month. Access to the lounge will complement the existing free access to No1 Lounges at Gatwick for all Premium passengers. The airline serves Oakland-San Francisco three times weekly direct from Gatwick with Premium fares starting from £499 one-way and in Economy from £159 one-way. Visit norwegian.com/uk and escapelounges.com

Tianjin Airlines extends UK-China service for 2017 TIANJIN AIRLINES has announced several new routes and increased services for 2017.

This month the Chinese carrier is introducing two new A330-200s to its fleet and, from December, will launch new flights from Tianjin in China to Auckland, New Zealand via Chongqing.

Thanks to the airline’s direct flights from London to China, which launched in June this year, Brits will be able to fly from Gatwick to Auckland, via Chongqing, with flights departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The airline is also adding a new route from Gatwick to Xi’an, capital of Shanxi

Province and home to the iconic Terracotta Army, in May 2017. The new flight will operate on an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 18 Business Class and 242 Economy Class seats. The total flight time to Xi’an is around ten hours and the aircraft will then continue on to Tianijn.

The carrier will increase the twiceweekly service to three flights per week in summer 2017. The service currently departs every Wednesday and Saturday from Gatwick, arriving in China the following day.

For more information visit tianjinairlines.co.uk

Air Transat expands Canada options for 2017 AIR TRANSAT has expanded its programme of flights from the UK to Canada with increased capacity and connections for travel in 2017.

The airline operates year-round direct services from Gatwick to Toronto and Vancouver, and services to Calgary and Montreal from May to October, and next year it will operate eight direct flights a week from Gatwick to Toronto, a direct daily service to Vancouver and three direct flights to Calgary and Montreal respectively.

With an expanding connecting flights programme, there is also an increase in choice and capacity for travel to Canada next summer. Passengers from Gatwick can benefit from services to Quebec City via Montreal three times a week, as well as increased choice when travelling to Calgary and Montreal with five additional flights a week to Calgary via Toronto or Vancouver, and four extra weekly services to Montreal via Toronto.

For more information visit airtransat.co.uk

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Flybe marks London City anniversary FLYBE HAS celebrated its second anniversary at London City Airport with the start of its 2016/17 winter schedule which features eight routes, including a new service to Dusseldorf which operates up to three times daily Monday to Friday and daily at weekends.

In total, the carrier offers a choice of up to 110 flights a week for travel through to March 25, 2017.

One-way fares cost from £34.99 including taxes and charges.

To book or for more information see flybe.com

November 25 2016

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FIND SOME INSPIRATION IN ITALY THIS WINTER Paris to Milan or Turin from just £27*

e style. Choos in d n a d e e p t high s of Turin! aris to Italy a P m o fr l ltural jewel e u v c e Tra th r o n able Mila from fashion eats mfortable s o c g n ri e ff o es ocket cious carriag h a power s it w g n Relax in spa lo a nd foot rests with head a aris London to P m o fr l e v ra T aris? rn** Getting to P just £58 retu m o fr s e c ri p on Eurostar,

BOOK CHEAPER FARES For a limited time only book fares from just £27 one way* in Standard Class and from £36 one way* in First Class. Book until 28 November 2016. Travel dates from 24 November 2016 until 15 January 2017

www.voyages-sncf.eu Call: 0844 848 4066 Website:

*Based on the cheapest adult one way fare, subject to availability, terms and conditions apply **Based on the cheapest adult return fare in Standard Class subject to availability, terms and conditions apply

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medislands

VERDURA RESORT in Sicily is offering savings of up to 25% over the festive period. Couples and families can enjoy a feast of five-star sports, leisure and cultural experiences while staying at the resort over the Christmas holidays, with prices starting from approximately £318 per double room, per night with no extra charge for a child aged 12 or under sharing. For more information visit roccofortehotels.com

New developments see Magaluf attracting new types of visitors MAGALUF’S FIVE-year repositioning plan, announced in November 2015, is reported to be performing well; through a collaborative approach, The Palmanova-Magaluf Hotel Association, Calvià Town Hall and the Balearic Islands Civil Guard have noted that the 2016 season shows that tides are turning.

Renovations of the destination’s existing hotel portfolio have increased the quality of product, with 57% of hotels ranked as four-star, four-star plus and five-star, offering more than 29,000 beds. Improvements in hotel facilities and services have also impacted the type of customer the destination attracts, and the family segment has continued to grow, representing 36% of all guests in 2016, followed by adult couples.

Young travellers, stereotypically associated with the holiday resort’s night-life culture, continue to decrease with 9% fewer visiting the destination this year, compared to 2013, equalling 21% of the area’s overall visitor total. The UK continues to be the leading market representing 47% of all travellers.

Extending Magaluf’s season to a nine-month period, March to November, is a key objective in the destination’s five-year plan. This has been demonstrated over the past year with 90% occupancy levels recorded from June to September 2016, peaking in August at 94%.

Month-on-month booking figures were higher than 2015, having a knock on effect of an extension of the holiday season to months which have traditionally experienced a lower demand. In 2017, the booking forecasts show that numbers are set to be higher than this year.

In addition, one of the five-year objectives included the promotion of sport tourism within Magaluf to improve diversification of clientele, as well as driving business during medium and low seasons. Last year and this year’s results show that stays related to sporting activities grew by 43% with cycling, athletics and major sporting events such as Sol Half Marathon Magaluf, Mallorca Beach Rugby Tournament, ITF Women Tennis Tournament and COJI Games, attracting enthusiasts to the area.

New December brochures from Sardinian Places & Sicilian Places SARDINIAN PLACES and Sicilian Places are issuing new summer 2017 brochures from the end of December.

Sardinian Places will feature new properties including Le Dune Resort & Spa; a family resort with children’s play areas, a piazzetta with a variety of shops, an adult-only spa, six pools and ten multi-cuisine restaurants.

The operator is also continuing to place emphasis on its tailor-made holidays, along with daily departures and flexible durations.

Meanwhile, Sicilian Places’ new brochure features a number of new properties, including Villa Neri Resort & Spa, an exclusive Sicilian hotel on the wine route between Mount Etna and the sea.

Following a successful season, both brands are advising that customers book early to secure their preferred accommodation and the best rates.

Visit SardinianPlaces.co.uk, SicilianPlaces.co.uk or call 01489-866994 for more information.

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Battered Suitcase discovers Malta and Gozo on seven-day tour CLIENTS CAN discover Malta and Gozo’s history on a bespoke seven-day tour created by Battered Suitcase.

With 7,000 years of civilisation, the Mediterranean islands offer an abundance of cultural and artistic treasures and events, as well as a choice of land and water-based activities, local cuisine and wine, music, theatre and luxury places to stay.

The journey includes options on full-day, half-day guided and self-guided tours, plus meals and evening entertainment.

Recommended highlights include the islands’ World Heritage Sites of Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital city; the Hypogeum, an elaborately decorated underground temple hollowed out of solid rock dating back to around 2,500 BC; and the Megalithic Temples on Gozo. These are said to be the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, pre-dating Egyptian pyramids by more than 1,000 years.

Guided full-day excursions can also take in Malta’s medieval capital of Mdina with its palaces and nearby Rabat, which claims to be where Maltese Christianity began. This tour includes a visit to St Paul’s Catacombs used for underground burials during the 4th and 5th centuries AD. Prices start from £550 per person on selected departures in 2017 including flights from a London airport; transfers in Malta; and six nights’ breakfast stay in a central five-star hotel.

For details visit battered-suitcase.com or call 0800-689 1586.

Prestige adds Mediterranean properties and off-the-beaten-track tours IN RESPONSE to an increase in demand for holidays in perceived ‘safe’ and familiar European destinations, Prestige Holidays has expanded its hotel options in Cyprus, the Algarve and Malta, and has introduced a new escorted tours selection for 2017.

David Skillicorn, general manager for the operator, said: "We’re fortunate that our programme focuses on countries regarded as familiar and ‘safe’. With demand for these destinations continuing to soar, it made sense for us to expand our portfolio.

“The statistics speak for themselves; our Algarve bookings up by 16% on the same period last year, Cyprus up by 8% and Malta enjoying an additional 12% increase.

“The escorted tours selection is also new. Although we've been arranging group tours for more than 25 years, we have not included them in our mainstream brochures. However, with this type of tailor-made holiday becoming increasingly popular, we

decided to showcase a small selection of the itineraries available.”

The two new properties in Cyprus are both located in the resort of Protaras on the island’s south east coast, known for its sandy beaches and promenade. For families and beach lovers, The Capo Bay Beach Hotel is a contemporary four-star hotel featuring two outdoor pools and a spa centre with easy access to watersports facilities on the beach.

Also new is the five-star Grecian Park Hotel adjacent to the National Park of Cape Greco, which features a selection of restaurants and outdoor bars with sea views.

Prices for the Capo Bay Beach lead in at £572 per person based on a sevennight breakfast stay including Gatwick flights and transfers.

At the Grecian Park Hotel, the lead in price is £589, and for single travellers, the company is able to offer no single supplement at the property for holidays between April 1-27, offering a saving of £167 per person.

In the Algarve, the five-star Ria Park Hotel and Spa near Vale de Lobo is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, while Bela Vista Hotel and Spa in Praia da Rocha is an adult-only boutique property.

Seven-night stays at the Ria Park cost from £569 including flights from Gatwick and transfers, while sevennight holidays to the Bela Vista, including breakfast, start from £699.

Meanwhile, the new Malta offering is an all-inclusive property located in the resort of Qawra in the northern part of the island. San Antonio Hotel and Spa is refurbished in a Moorish style and features a selection of restaurants and bars, several swimming pools including an adults’ only rooftop infinity pool, children’s clubs, sports and spa facilities. Prices start from £575 for a week’s allinclusive stay with flights from Gatwick and transfers.

Visit prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480400 for more information.

Sandos Hotels & Resorts opens new Ibiza hotel for May 2017 FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT renovation investment, Sandos Hotels & Resorts is opening the Sandos El Greco Beach Hotel in Cala Portinatx, Ibiza from May next year.

The four-star hotel is the brand’s eighth all-inclusive property and has been designed exclusively for adults aged 16 and up. It will offer an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere with beach access on a tranquil cove on the northern coast of Ibiza.

The hotel, which until now was focused on families as part of the Marconfort Hotels brand, had already seen an update earlier this year, moving from three- to four-stars. However, following the new renovation it will feature an à la carte restaurant with a spacious terrace and ocean views; pool; and a wellness centre where guests can experience different massages and beauty treatments. The 250-guestrooms will also be completely renovated by the time the hotel reopens, with a more modern and functional design.

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medislands Jet2holidays promotes new offers for summer 2017 Med getaways JET2HOLIDAYS IS offering several value-for-money package holidays on sale to the Mediterranean Islands for next summer, including the Balearic hotspot of Mallorca, with packages starting from £219 per person, secured with a £60 deposit.

The operator is featuring a choice of new and refurbished two- and five-star properties, suitable for both family and adult-only breaks, plus two new bases from which to fly from - Birmingham Airport and Stansted Airport.

Lined with more than 60 beaches, many of which have coveted Blue Flag status, Mallorca enjoys a reputation of an ideal holiday hotspot for families

and couples to enjoy, with warm weather year-round. Away from the beach, family activities, fine dining, cultural tours, sports and music events all contribute to making it a popular holiday destination.

New for summer 2017 is the fivestar Viva Zafiro Palmanova & Spa; a contemporary addition to Palma Nova, Mallorca and geared towards an exclusive family holiday.

Guests have the choice of a range of spacious rooms, whilst those wanting an extra slice of indulgence can upgrade to a swim up room. The hotel’s six pools and numerous dining options are complimented by a spa,

while the children’s playground and kids club make sure everyone in the family is catered for.

A seven-night breakfast stay, departing Stansted on October 12, 2017, costs from £679 per person based on two adults and includes a 22kg luggage allowance and transfers.

Another new property for summer 2017 is the five-star Hipotels Playa de Palma Palace, an adult-only hotel that is ideal for romantic getaways and relaxing escapes.

Located in the centre of Playa de Palma, the hotel is 200m from the resort’s beach and offers spacious terraces, an oasis-style pool and spa facilities.

Seven nights’ breakfast accommodation, departing from Stansted on October 12, costs from £619 based on two sharing and including 22kg luggage allowance and transfers.

To book or for more information call 0800-408 5587 or visit tradesite.jet2holidays.com

Balearic Islands see boost in UK visitors BETWEEN JANUARY and September 2016, the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera welcomed in excess of 3.3 million UK tourists, representing a year-onyear increase of 9.5%.

For the same period, Menorca saw the biggest growth in UK visits with more than 486,000 British visitors representing a 10.3% year-on-year increase, cementing the UK’s position as the strongest outbound market to Menorca. Mallorca welcomed 2.1 million British tourists (up 9.9%), while Ibiza and Formentera saw more than 778,000 British visitors - up 8.1%.

From January to September 2016, all of the main airports in the Balearic Islands welcomed a year-on-year increase in British visitors. London was the main UK outbound city to all the islands, followed by Manchester and then the East Midlands in the case of Menorca and Ibiza, and Birmingham in the case of Mallorca. The increase of passengers from Birmingham to Mallorca represented a 40.9% year-on-year rise.

In terms of travel motivations, almost all UK visitors to the Balearic Islands travel for leisure purposes (approximately 98%), with the large majority (approximately 70%) opting for hotel accommodation and approximately half (51%) booking their holiday as part of a package.

The Travel Insights study, conducted by GFK on bookings made at the end of September for travel to the Balearic Islands between November 2016 and March 2017, has shown positive results compared to 2015 both in terms of volume and turnover. Looking at the same study for bookings for travel between April and May 2017, results show a 21.2% growth in volume compared to the previous year, accounting for an additional 17,766 passengers.

In the short term, it is expected that the impact of Brexit on Spanish tourism will be limited and motivated mainly by the pound devaluation.

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Corsican Places boosts selection of property options in summer 2017 brochure CORSICAN PLACES’ summer 2017 brochure is now available with the addition of a new flight route and the expansion of its property collection.

Following the success of its busiest season and now celebrating its 30th year, the operator’s 164-page brochure showcases a range of package and tailor-made holidays across the island, including self-drive and walking breaks.

Several new properties have been introduced for 2017 including Résidence les Oliviers, a collection of authentic bergeries on the Corsican hillside located within close proximity to Palombaggia beach in the south east; The Manor, a restored guesthouse with views across Calvi in the north west; and Domaine de Piscia, a rural retreat in the hills above Figari in the south.

The operator has also introduced a new flight from Bristol to Figari, operating between July 16 and August 27, which aims to meet increasing customer demand to holiday on the south of the island. Similarly, to meet consumer demand, the operator has also extended its season to the popular Calvi and la Balagne region, providing flights from Manchester and Stansted into Calvi until October 8.

For more information call 01489-866931or visit corsica.co.uk

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

puzzlesolutions

Crossword: Across: 1. GEM, 3. ZURICH, 5. GONDOLA, 8. RHO, 9. LLANDUDNO, 11. WILTSHIRE, 13. OLA, 14. ARCADIA, 16. JERSEY, 17. SUE. Down: 1. GOGGLEBOX, 2. MENSA, 3. ZOO, 4. CAIRO, 6. ANDES, 7. NOTRE DAME, 10. DELTA, 11. WAYNE, 12. INDUS, 15. CAY.

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Highlighted Word: GREECE Where Am I?: Great Blue Hole, Belize

We asked our staff the following question this week:

You get to marry one fictional character – who is it?

Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Either Atticus Finch or Dr Strange

Lauretta Wright Editor lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Superman (Dean Cain) from the New Adventures of Superman.

Adam Potter Editorial Assistant adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Paul Scudamore Contributing Editor post@travelbulletin.co.uk Cinderella. If the shoe fits....

Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk

Matthew Weinreb Sales Executive matthew.weinreb@travelbulletin.co.uk Kathryn Frost Sales Executive kathryn.frost@travelbulletin.co.uk Gemma Reeve Events & Sales Administrator gemma.reeve@travelbulletin.co.uk Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) from Crazy Stupid Love

Miriam Brtkova Designer miriam.brtkova@travelbulletin.co.uk Macgyver

Lucia Mathurin Design Apprentice lucia.mathurin@travelbulletin.co.uk Iron Man - Tony Stark

Nelly Mendes Production production@travelbulletin.co.uk

Lara Croft

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

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

Happy Birthday !

Nicky Valsamakis Design Team Leader nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk A design ninja of international renown, Nick Nak's birthday week will surely see many a sweet treat passed round the office – she has a sweet tooth only surpassed by her sweet demeanour.

Spidey

Wonder Women

26

November 25 2016

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S06 TB 2511 2016 Med Islands_Layout 1 23/11/2016 12:48 Page 27

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