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Giving agents the edge
AGENT INSIGHT
AITO CONFERENCE
EVENT BULLETIN
How a passion for travel helps you sell more
News and views from the conference in Wroclaw, Poland
Our Indian Ocean showcase in pictures
MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC Amazing island holidays for your clients
HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS Ultimate accommodation
Cover pic : © arkanto
November 29 2019 | ISSUE NO 2,133 | travelbulletin.co.uk
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NEWS BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
THIS WEEK 04
PLAYING IT (UN)SAFE ABTA research reveals that more than 3.5 million British adults, who have been on a winter sports holiday, have never taken out travel insurance to cover themselves.
NEWS A round-up of updates from the industry
10 AGENT INSIGHT Andy from Travel Counsellors on sustainable travel
11 AGENT BULLETIN Incentives and training to boost agent sales
17 AITO OVERSEAS CONFERENCE Reports from AITO’s major event in Poland
23 MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS Culture and adventure holidays across the Mediterranean
ABTA Members have reported more than 200 significant injuries amongst British holidaymakers in the past ski season.
WITH THE winter sports season now upon us, ABTA is encouraging holidaymakers to take out the appropriate travel insurance policy in place before they go. The association is also highlighting the importance of getting fit for the season and warming up properly before taking to the slopes, to help reduce the likelihood of injury. ABTA members have reported more than 200 significant injuries amongst British holidaymakers in the past ski season, which include collisions and falls on the slopes – however, these figures represent just those cases reported by ABTA members and the
association believes the total number of incidents could be much higher. The injuries reported are not exclusive to skiing, with a number of incidents resulting from other activities including: snowboarding, bum boarding and tobogganing. While accidents on the slopes can happen to anyone at any time, the new research suggests those aged between 25-34 years have, on average, had more first-hand experiences of winter sports injuries than any other age group. One in eight (12%) 25-34 year olds, who have been on a winter sports holiday, have travelled with someone who has had a major injury from the slopes, such as a broken
bone or concussion, requiring hospital treatment. A further 6% have had a major accident themselves. Meanwhile, those aged 4554 years are most likely to take out holiday cover, as more than half (51%) of the age group who have ever been on a winter sports trip say they always take out travel insurance, compared to just over a quarter (28%) of 18-24 year olds. Holidaymakers are encouraged to wear a helmet when taking part in winter sports activities and check their equipment fits properly to reduce the risk of injury. Additionaly, ABTA urges travellers to check safety advice specific to the resort as conditions vary.
28 HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS Divine dining and the ultimate in relaxation for body and mind
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NEWS BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
A Fred. Olsen facelift this winter THREE OF Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ocean ships will be undergoing a multi-millionpound refit this winter, as part of an extensive enhancement programme – in preparation for the start of the 2020/21 cruise season. The three ships – Braemar, Balmoral and Black Watch – will be undergoing various engineering works, general maintenance and refurbishment during their dry docks at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, as well as the creation of several new public areas and cabin enhancements. Peter Deer, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are very proud of our smaller, classic cruise ships and we recognise the importance of investing in ongoing
In 2020/21, Fred. Olsen’s fleet will be visiting 277 destinations.
upgrades to ensure that our guests can continue to enjoy them at their very best. “Our refreshed and renewed fleet has been very well received by both new and existing guests following the last round of improvements at Blohm+Voss in 2017 and 2018, and we are keen to showcase the latest
enhancements to our guests before Christmas ... the ideal surroundings in which to enjoy the festive season,” As well as extensive refurbishment of the accommodation on board both Braemar and Balmoral, a number of cabins on Black Watch will be receiving a number of enhancements. www.fredolsencruises.com
A Butlin’s Black Friday surpise BUTLIN’S HAS launched its 2019 Black Friday sale, offering savings of up to 40% on all 2019 and 2020 break options. Whether it’s a last-minute Christmas Fantasy break, a Live Music Weekend, a Just for Tots stay or a family getaway, agents can now secure savings on all bookings. Offering holidays designed with family fun in mind, Butlin’s has something available to keep every age entertained across all three of its seaside resorts. Families can also spend time on Butlin’s Traditional
Fairground, visit Splash Waterworld or take part in a great selection of Sports and Activities from archery and go karts to high ropes and mini Segways. A three-night term-time break starts from £175 per family when staying at Minehead Resort. This price includes the Black Friday discount of 40% and is based on two adults and two children sharing silver room accommodation, when arriving on March 27, 2020. www.butlins.com
A little ‘Lux’ life THIS MONTH, LUX* Resorts & Hotels will launch a new ‘Little LUX* Life’ programme for guests aged 6-14 and their parents, spanning the brand’s Indian Ocean properties: LUX* North Malé Atoll, LUX* South Ari Atoll, LUX* Grand Gaube and LUX* Belle Mare. The fun-filled programmes operated through the PLAY kids club and STUDIO 17 teen club will offer a range of unique and educational activities for children and teenagers alike, with experiences including cooking classes, tennis, water-based activities, art classes, and more. For additional information, visit www.luxresorts.com
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NEWS BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
NEWSbites FLIGHT BITES Finnair flights to Fiji and other South Pacific destinations are set to take off from London, thanks to a new codeshare partnership which has been launched between the Finnish carrier and Fiji Airways.
Norwegian’s newest route has taken off, with a new non-stop service from Manchester to the city of Bergen.
EUROSTAR’S ECO-EFFORTS WITH ITS longstanding ‘Tread Lightly’ environmental programme, Eurostar has reduced its carbon footprint by over 40% and celebrates its 25th anniversary with new commitments reinforcing its position as a sustainable choice for short-haul European travel. As a mark of its commitment to eco-responsible travel, Eurostar is running its first ever plasticfree train between London and Paris. This service, from which single-use plastics have been eliminated, is a demonstration of Eurostar’s environmental ambitions for its onboard experience. Emirates has a codeshare with SpiceJet to boost connections between Dubai and India.
Virgin Atlantic has announced extra Delhi and San Francisco services for 2020.
Make an ‘Incredible Journey’ with Travel 2 IN RESPONSE to a rise in popularity of touring holidays, Travel 2 has announced the launch of its new ‘Incredible Journeys 2019/20’ touring brochure. The membership has expanded its presence in the vibrant market, enabling agents to stay up-to-date with new products on offer. Kerry Gallagher, marketing director of Gold Medal and Travel 2, states, “Consumers are increasingly more focused on adventure and seeing the world, and this has been reflected in the growth in demand and booking numbers for touring and adventure holidays.” “The aim of the new brochure is to make sure
The brochure features trips to America’s northernmost frontier, Alaska.
agents feel supported when responding to this new customer demand, so they have a solid understanding and all the information they need is in one accessible place.” The 2019/20 ‘Incredible
Journeys’ brochure has 57 new tours, including the 14day ‘Tracks Across Canada’ with VIA Rail tour and the ‘10-day An Alaskan Odyssey’ with All Alaska tour. For additional information, visit www.travel2.com
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NEWS BULLETIN
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Manta rays and marine conservation in the Maldives The Raa Atoll area in the Maldives has a record amount of manta sightings.
INTO THE UNKNOWN... Scenic Eclipse has revealed its exclusive Scenic Neptune submarine as it dives below the clear Caribbean waters, during its inaugural season, captained by pilot Remy Izendooren. It has internal climate control as well as a surround sound audio system, offering guests a new way to explore underwater.
LOCATED IN Raa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, is a prime location in the Maldives to discover marine life responsibly. As part of its commitment to protecting the environment, the resort has launched two integrated partnerships with the Manta Trust and Ocean Group, and employed the skills of Marine Biologist, Maria Andersen. Through a range of hands-on activities, including tracking mantas, replanting coral, and evening talks, guests will reach a new level of understanding and appreciation for the delicate ecosystems. The Manta Trust Partnership has been created to conserve a large area in the Raa Atoll, a previously unmonitored area. With a record number of manta sightings recorded in the Maamunagau Lagoon, including many juvenile manta rays, the area has become one of the most important nursery sites in the country. As well as engaging daily snorkel excursions with the mantas, the Manta Trust-led programme, “Adopt a Manta” allows guests of InterContinental Maldives to name new mantas and track them as they migrate around the Maldives. 100% of the funds generated by the “Adopt a Manta” programme go directly to the Manta Trust, which funds a holistic approach to protecting manta rays. www.maldives.intercontinental.com/
More Brits bound for Ethiopia THE UK remains a major inbound market for Ethiopian tourism, with the number of arrivals to the country on the rise year on year. The rise in tourism numbers is partly driven by the very strong performance of Ethiopian Airlines and its availability in Heathrow Airport, the wealth of cultural and historical tourist attractions and the continuing development of Addis Ababa. The country introduced e-Visas this year, easing entry into the country, with digitised service accessible from the UK. Visit www.ethioembassy.org.uk/ to begin planning your client’s trip
G Adventures announces ten-day cyber sale G ADVENTURES is running a ten-day cyber sale for the week leading up to and after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offering savings of up 35% on thousands of trips departing between December 3 and April 30, 2020. The sale will run until 11.59 EST on December 5. Brian Young, managing director of the operator, said: “With thousands of departures included in wishlist destinations such as Northern Thailand, Peru’s Andean and Amazon regions, the Galapagos Islands, South Africa’s national parks and Costa Rica’s jungles and beaches, we have adventures to suit everyone.” During the sale, 600 itineraries across six continents will be marked down, adding up to more than 7,400 opportunities to join an immersive adventure before April 30, 2020. Of those, more than 400 trips will feature a 30–35% discount, with the Galapagos, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Peru, Australia and New Zealand coming with a 35% discount. For additional information on the sale, visit www.gadventures.com
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NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Snooker fun with Shearings Holidays
SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has launched a new snooker break to see the Coral Tour Championship in Llandudno in March 2020. A four-day coach break is now on sale, which includes tickets to the two sessions of the final day of the tournament. New to the World Snooker calendar in 2019 and won by Ronnie O’Sullivan, the Coral Tour Championship returns to Llandudno. These new breaks are ideal for those customers who like everything organised for them, as they include all coach travel to the hotel, snooker tickets and an excursion. A four-day coach break is priced from £179 per person, and departs on March 20, 2020. This will include tickets to the final day of the Championship at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Price includes all coach travel from selected South East, Yorkshire and North West pick up points, three night’s half-board accommodation with four free drinks vouchers on Saturday, snooker tickets and an excursion to Snowdonia National Park. www.shearings.com
Skiworld gets in early with snow deals SKIWORLD HAS launched a list of deals for Black Friday across a range of accommodation types, such as catered chalets, self-catered chalets and self-catered apartments. There are good deals for your clients with up to 50% off holidays on a selection of dates including Christmas, New Year, January, February half-term and Easter in leading resorts in Austria and France, where good skiing conditions are almost a certainty. You can also book lift passes and ski hire for your clients with Skiworld’s Ski-All-In options, to ensure everything is sorted out before your clients hit the slopes. As the season gets off to a great start with early snow falling across many European resorts, and some resorts already open for the season, Black Friday is an opportunity for agents to make some early snow bookings before the end of the year. Go to www.skiworld.co.uk/agent and log in with your user name and password for more information.
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NEWS BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Titan launches Travel Trends guide for 2020
THE KEY to being a successful travel agent is establishing and following best practices. You must be crystal clear on who you are, what you offer, and what makes you unique in the marketplace. Invest time in getting to know your clients well. To be able to service their complete travel needs you really need to know their back story and to remember their preferences from previous trips. Make each booking and travel experience as personal to your customers as you can. Lasting client relationships take time, but by earning the respect and friendship of your customers you are well on the way to creating truly memorable experiences that customers return for time and again.
TITAN TRAVEL has launched its 2020 Travel Trends guide, which takes a close-up look at what’s to come in 2020 using insight from its in-house specialists, industry experts and customers. Andy Squirrell, managing director of the operator, said: “Titan now offers more than 300 itineraries, covering 70 countries and seven continents, so we appreciate how hard it can be for travellers to decide where next they wish to visit and explore. “To help travellers across the UK make that all important holiday decision, we have created a new Travel Trends guide filled with expert advice and insight on escorted touring and cruising in 2020 and beyond. We hope readers find the guide both interesting and informative and that it helps inspire many future travel journeys!” As well as highlighting the bestselling destinations, up and coming areas, and cruising hot list, the report also provides an in-depth look at the what, where, why and how of booking escorted holidays. Agents can learn about the evolution of how customers are researching and booking holidays and what’s influencing their travel choices. The 'where to go when' calendar provides a colourful overview of important travel dates for travellers to experience unique seasonal or cultural events in destinations across the world. The guide aims to outline the best ways for your clients to set sail in 2020, from adventurous ocean cruises to calming river journeys. To download the full report or to request a copy, visit www.titantravel.co.uk/best-tours-in-2020
Cruise through Black Friday offers
The key to client retention is having your customers invest in you as a person and provider of exceptional service, more than the products you sell. Relentless attention to detail and striving to exceed expectations every single time will establish you as an indispensable part of their lives and professional networks. Once you have created and nurtured trusted relationships and your customers have bought into you, this presents a great opportunity to ask for referrals. Satisfied customers will be happy to recommend you provided you are consistently delivering the highest levels of service. Effective referrals can unlock huge potential as your most valued clientele introduce you to their own contacts, with similar leisure tastes and spending potential. As your client list grows you should always seek to differentiate yourself. Never rest on your laurels and relish the challenge to improve at every opportunity. Working hard and ensuring every customer experience has that magic touch will create and define your value. When pricing, be confident without being greedy − you know what you are worth. Never apologise for fees, but always ensure that you can justify them. Price fairly, and focus on value rather than cost. Most important of all… love your job! Be good to people, and enthusiastic about travel. If you aren’t passionate about your field, then why should someone use you as their travel agent?
EUROPEAN WATERWAYS is offering a Black Friday special with 30% off some of its popular 2020, six-night, all-inclusive whole boat charters in France, or Holland, a saving of up to £12,900 per charter. This special is available for a limited time and should be booked by December 3. Eligible departure dates include March 29, 2020 aboard Panache, which cruises Holland during the tulip festival; April 5, 2020 aboard La Belle Epoque, cruising the renowned wine region of Burgundy, France; April 26, 2020 aboard L’Art de Vivre, also cruising Burgundy; and April 12, 2020 aboard Anjodi on France’s picturesque Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to www.europeanwaterways.com for more details.
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NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
AGENT BULLETIN
AGENT TRAINING PALLADIUM CONNECT, Palladium Hotel Group’s agency loyalty programme includes e-learning modules, for which agents will earn a £10 bonus on completion. There is also a £50 bonus for signing up to the programme, £5 for recommending a friend and £5 for writing a hotel review. To find out more, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travelgym
Travel 2 took 13 agents on a nine-day Japan fam trip. They visited the Golden Pavilion, Fushumi Inhari Shrine and the Bamboo Forest at Arashiyama, all in Kyoto, before stopping at Nara Park, as well as sampling a wide range of Japanese food.
AGENT INCENTIVES ● BOOK A luxury holiday by December 25 for your clients that includes stays at either of these newly opened Experimental Group hotels – Il Palazzo Experimental in Venice and Menorca Experimental in Spain – and not only will your clients get complimentary room upgrades and a free night’s stay, and for each booking, you get the chance to enter a draw to win a two-night stay for two at either of these hotels. There is no limit to the number of bookings with this incentive. Go to www.experimentalgroup.com to find out more.
AMAWATERWAYS HAS launched AmaAcademy to help agents sell luxury river cruise holidays. It provides a range of tools such as: online booking engine; suite of marketing collateral including a new social media toolkit. Those who successfully complete the first interactive course will be entered in to a prize draw to win a cruise for two in 2020. Deadline is December 16. www.amawaterways.co.uk/agent-login
CRUISE & Maritime Voyages has launched a special feature training course dedicated to their "Big Five" winter voyages in 2020/2021. Agents will learn about each itinerary and how to sell the benefits of travelling with CMV. Complete this course before January 30, 2020 and you will be in a draw to win a GoPro HERO7. Go to www.cruiseandmaritime.com to learn more.
● IF AGENTS book a luxury trip to India by March 31, 2020 for clients with Exsus Travel, they will be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury holiday in India for two people, featuring a train trip aboard the Deccan Odyssey. This tour is a nine-night trip which travels from Delhi to Mumbai. For more details, see www.exsus.com. ● CELEBRITY CRUISES announced a new agent giveaway where the top 100 selling agents will win £500 in Celebrity Rewards points. Additionally, 700 agents will be in the chance of winning a selection of spot prizes including free cruises, £150 restaurant vouchers, Celebrity Rewards points and Celebrity Cruises’ branded luxury bathrobes and golf umbrellas. Agents are encouraged to sell as many holidays as possible before March 3, 2020 to be in with the chance of winning. All bookings need to be registered on www.CelebrityCentral.co.uk or www.CelebrityCentral.ie.
COMPETITIONS! NEW: Wine one of two Hotel Chocolat hampers, courtesy of Back-Roads Touring
NEW: £150 restaurant voucher could be yours from Macerich Shopping Centers & Fashion Outlets
NEW: Gift pack up for grabs with Tourism Vancouver
Luxury Fortnum and Mason hamper could be yours with Hahn Air
FOR ALL COMPETITIONS VISIT travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions
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NEWS BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
A-ROSA cruises on sale with Cruise Plus by Travel 2 TRAVEL AGENTS can now book A-ROSA river cruises through Travel 2’s dedicated cruising segment, Cruise Plus by Travel 2. The bookings can be on any river, any itinerary, on any departure date from its entire international programme for 2020 and 2021. The operator will combine A-ROSA’s cruise itineraries with flights and transfers. The river cruise line will be featured in Cruise Plus by Travel 2’s new Luxury, River and Expedition brochure launching soon, as well as its popular mini brochure being created for the January peaks. The cruise company will be working with Cruise Plus by Travel 2 to educate its
staff on how to sell the product and the USP’s that makes it stand out from other lines. It includes: collaborative fam trips; staff training and ship visits; staff competitions and much more. In addition, staff will be able to take advantage of special staff rates. Lucia Rowe, managing director for the cruise line, UK and Ireland, said: “This new partnership means that agents will have yet another
tour operator to choose from when selling A-ROSA. Furthermore, as Cruise Plus by Travel 2 is a B2B business that communicates solely with agents, it further reinforces our commitment to sell only via our trade partners. This exciting development will strengthen our FIT sales and is the first step for us towards growing this lucrative market.” For more information, go to www.arosa-cruises.co.uk
Cathay Pacific unveils premium travel experience CATHAY PACIFIC has launched an enhanced premium travel experience which includes upgrades to the service, soft products and culinary offerings for its First and Business Class cabins. Premium passengers can now enjoy luxury bedding and amenities along with wellness options and high-end tableware to enhance the overall experience. Vivian Lo, general manager customer experience and design, said: “We are incredibly excited to be unveiling many wonderful enhancements in our First and Business Class cabins, and to have Bamford, a renowned leader
Balearic Islands welcome 12 million visitors FROM JANUARY to August (inclusive), the Balearic Islands welcomed 12.2 million visitors, representing a slight year-on-year increase (0.4%) compared to the same period in 2018, the tourist board revealed in its latest statistics at WTM. From the United Kingdom specifically, cumulative visitor numbers are down slightly (0.08%) for the same period, however Balearic tourism minister Iago Negueruela said that despite Brexit uncertainties and the collapse of Thomas Cook, projected end-of-year tourism figures
will remain more or less the same compared to the previous year. This is thanks in part to the swift reaction of other travel companies who have taken on some of the capacity left by Thomas Cook. Despite a marginal decrease in UK visitor arrivals, the average expenditure per day registered amongst British visitors increased by 3.6% year-on-year during the aforementioned time frame. In 2019, the sustainable tourism tax has raised an estimated 104 million euros to be invested into 68 new sustainable tourism initiatives.
in sustainable luxury, as the cornerstone of our premium inflight experience.” The Hong Kong-based airline has reported a slight drop in 2019 passenger numbers from 2019 figures, but said in a statement that the Rugby World Cup generated strong demand, especially from the UK market.
A VIP surprise for Jet2holidays' 15 millionth customer JET2HOLIDAYS HAS celebrated 15 million customers and gave a surprise to the landmark customer at Manchester Airport. John and Diane Ashcroft, from Bolton, who are travelling on a 11-night break to the Columbus Aparthotel in Playa De Las Americas, Tenerife, were given the full VIP treatment when TV stars Sam Aston and Anthony Quinlan came onboard to surprise them. John and Diane were rewarded on the spot with a free holiday, as well as receiving an upgrade to All Inclusive at the Columbus Aparthotel. This coincides with the budget airline opening an operational base at Tenerife South Airport to support an expanded winter programme of more than 200,000 extra seats. The new Tenerife base will enable the airline to have spare aircraft and replacement crew on permanent standby to meet expected increased demand to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria this winter.
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PUZZLE BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
SUDOKU
Win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher in the Su Doku 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, December 5th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for November 15th is Fleur Wilkinson, Three Way Travel LTD in Cheshire. November 15th Solution: A=5 B=1 C=4 D=2
D
?
I M A E WHER
In this protected desert wilderness, holidaymakers can follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia and explore the dramatic red sands and sandstone mountains on half- or full-day trips or itineraries that stop overnight in Bedouin camps.
Across
Down
1. Hotel brand, part of Accor (4) 3. English tenor, Russell (6) 7. Car hire company (5) 9. Popular Greek island (6) 10. Airline alliance (4) 12. Carrier with a hub at Bahrain international airport ___ Air (4) 14. Capital of Zimbabwe (6) 17. Costa Dorada resort close to PortAventura World (5) 18. The world's largest tropical rainforest (6) 19. Indonesia's capital Jakarta is on this island (4)
1. Former footballer, turned pundit, recently seen in the jungle with I'm A Celebrity (3,6) 2. In the US it's known as the Gem State (5) 4. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is on the banks of this river (4) 5. Historic city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast (5) 6. Holiday parks operator (5) 8. Popular Spanish city break destination (9) 11. Iconic mountain overlooking Cape Town (5) 13. Capital of Tibet (5) 15. Dutch Caribbean island (5) 16. European capital city (4)
Mystery word: ISRAEL
Where am I? - Wadi Rum, Jordan.
Across: 1. IBIS, 3. WATSON, 7. ALAMO, 9. RHODES, 10. STAR, 12. GULF, 14. HARARE, 17. SALOU, 18. AMAZON, 19. JAVA. Down: 1. IAN WRIGHT, 2. IDAHO, 4. AVON, 5. SPLIT, 6. HAVEN, 8. BARCELONA, 11. TABLE, 13. LHASA, 15. ARUBA, 16. OSLO.
CROSSWORD
Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.
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AITO REPORT
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
“What’s the future?” theme for the AITO conference “WHAT’S THE future?”, complete with a cheeky #AITOWTF hashtag for the conference’s social media, was the theme of this year’s AITO Overseas Conference, which was held in the Polish city of Wroclaw. In his opening address, AITO chairman Derek Moore said that while issues such as Brexit dominate the news, “challenges [for the travel industry] vary from year to year, there are always challenges, always difficulties, we’re living in a volatile, unpredictable world.” Representing the Polish tourist board, Iwona Bialobrzycka focused on the positives for the country’s tourism industry and gave an optimistic outlook, saying that EU membership was “a great step forward” for tourism, particularly in
AITO CHAIRMAN Derek Moore proposed the establishment of a think-tank to help the travel industry respond to climate change, present coherent public messages and help travel industry professionals discuss climate change with customers. He said there was no travel industry body leading the way in developing strategies to deal with climate change and facilitate discussion: "In the absence of such a body, I am making a proposal for AITO to set up a think-tank to engage the issue."
Iwona Bialobrzycka talks about Polish tourism thriving as part of the EU.
regard to funding for improved infrastructure, being part of the Schengen zone and improved access via the Open Skies policy. The opening panel discussion continued from Ms Bialobrzycka’s remarks on Poland, with Alan Rooney from The Cultural Experience
and Robert Andrzejczyk from the Polish Tourism Organisation telling delegates that greater awareness of the country’s rich history, important religious sites, and excellent food have helped promote visitor numbers, with 500,000 visiting from the UK annually.
Travel industry faces sustainability challenges MAINSTREAM TRAVEL is not broken but adaptability is needed: that was the main message from a panel discussion at the AITO Overseas Conference. In a wide-ranging session, Stephen Mason from Travlaw discussed train travel as a more sustainable alternative to flying. He said challenges such as complicated bookings were keeping it “on the margins” but “rail needs to be part of the bigger picture.” Matt Purser from Travel Trade Consultancy said that while environmental concerns won’t
AITO to set up travel industry climate change think-tank
necessarily stop people travelling, Noel Josephides from Sunvil added that governments might “panic and restrict our ability to fly” via punitive measures such as higher taxes for passengers. “We need to talk to governments,” Mr Jospehides told delegates. The panel was divided on the issue of how quickly the travel industry will change in terms of moving away from flying in favour of other forms of transport, with panelists saying it could happen between two and five years.
"How do we react when we are challenged by a customer?" Mr Moore asked the audience, in reference to discussions at the conference about growing awareness of climate change among customers, particularly younger travellers, as well as the trend of flight-shaming. "How should we respond to adverse criticism? Consumers will challenge us and we need a considered response ... We want to engage as many people as possible inside and outside the travel industry such as civil servants and airlines," Mr Moore said. AITO plans to hold the first meeting to establish the thinktank after the election.
Sir Vince Cable analyses the Brexit impact on tourism SIR VINCE Cable, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, addressed the AITO conference on how Brexit could affect the travel industry. He drilled down on what post-Brexit regulatory divergence from the EU could mean for the travel industry. In particular, he said the travel industry could be impacted by changes to aviation rules, environmental standards, data roaming charges, data protection and employment of EU citizens in travel and hospitality. The inbound market could be an opportunity for UK agents seeking to diversify if they are experiencing a drop in bookings from British holidaymakers. He said that the weaker pound has made the UK a more attractive place for foreign holidaymakers and markets with growing middle classes, such as China, India and Indonesia, could provide inbound opportunities.
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AITO REPORT
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Multiple travel markets in the spotlight at AITO TRENDS IN a range of desintations were discussed at the “What’s Happening in Your Sector?” panel at the AITO Overseas Conference. Ginny Russel from Cedarberg Africa said she is “reasonably optimistic”, with travel to Zimbabwe “recovering after a long period in the doldrums” and growth returning to South Africa after the Cape Town water crisis last year. However, she said that access to water is still the biggest challenge for tourism across the African continent. Ms Russell emphasised the growing popularity of “authentic experiences” in Africa, meaning people will “pay more for less”, such as sleeping under canvas instead of staying in luxury accommodation on safari holidays. Karl Watson from Inntravel said bookings for Europe “ebb and flow depending on the debate [about Brexit]”. He added that European destinations which are strong include the Italian Dolomites and valley areas of the Swiss alps which have benefited from promotion and improved hotels, as well as Slovenia, Norwegian islands, Macedonia and Albania, and rural tourism in general, particularly over the last three years. Echoing the presentation on travel industry statistic by Roy Barker from SPIKE, Mr
The panel talked about developments across a range of destinations.
Watson said it was important to keep marketing to older demographics who are “staying active for longer”. He said 25% of his cycling bookings in older demographics were for ebikes, and good infrastructure across the EU was helpful, especially improvements in high speed rail. Mr Watson said that overtourism is an issue, giving the example of Cinque Terra on the Ligurian coast where access to the path network has been restricted using a ticketing system. Sam Clark from Experience Travel Group said that in Asia, Myanmar has “disappeared as a market” in the wake of awareness about the Rohingya people and the Philippines remains challenging because of issues
around infrastructure and moving between islands. The strength of the baht and “overfamiliarity” has slowed down bookings to Thailand but Experience Travel Group is benefiting by taking visitors to to lessvisited areas to experience “a mix of luxury and communitybased real Thailand.” Charlie Hopkinson from Dragoman said that “for the last three years, Latin America has been the cash cow of our business”, with massive growth in Patagonia and Colombia. He urged the FCO to update its travel advice for Ecuador, saying that France and Germany have removed the “do not travel” warning, and said that Hong Kong and Sri Lanka can be visited safely as well.
A no-nonsense approach to sustainability IN HER address which opened the AITO conference session “The World Is Falling Apart”, Tanya Clover from Tucan Travel (pictured) described the company’s nononsense, practical approach to sustainability – “no foundations, no greenwashing.” “Doing nothing is no longer an option,” she told the conference, urging operators to work at a local level at all travel destinations wherever possible. “Support local businesses, support local accommodation, support local guides, support local initiatives,” Ms Clover urged delegates in Wroclaw. “Our travellers are aware of climate change, of species rights, they have a moral conscience.”
While the conference had a strong focus on environmental sustainability, Ms Clover raised the issue of awareness of modern slavery and said the travel industry has an important role to play in stamping it out the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults. “Our staff are trained to know what to look for and what to do about it,” she said.
Importance of agents highlighted in partnerships panel DURING THE “Maximising Partnerships” panel, AITO’s Marietta Maidman urged members to work with agents for their “experience and the quality of the special relationships with their customers built over years.” Neil Sealy from Exsus Travel said that 50% of his bookings come via the trade and said it is important to know “every agent is different [and] treat people as individuals.” Agent Sandra Mutter said AITO is helpful in “getting the right customers to the right operators”. Lindsay GarveyJones from Holiday Extras said partnerships need to be authentic, have integrity and avoid unconscious bias to encourage diversity.
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INDIAN OCEAN SHOWCASE AGENTS WERE given a warm reception as they descended upon Chester and Maidstone to attend Travel Bulletin's Indian Ocean Showcases. Attendees learnt about the range of activities, cultural tours and health and spa packages that this stunning part of the world has to offer. The action-packed nights saw many prizes being won from both a draw and a game of bingo!
Harriet Preston from Bespoke Travel (left) won a bottle of bubbly prosecco, given to her by Carol Tumber of Air Austral.
All set and ready to learn more about the offerings of the Indian Ocean, are, from the left, Jade Scammells of Luxus Travel Group, Daniel Scammells of Luxus Travel Group, and Mie Ali Didi from Hummingbird Travel.
An excited Cheryll Jacks from Lemo four-night stay for two adults at the Maldives, given to her by Lisa Rawli
From the left: Krefren Dean of Trailfinders, Elaine Shalloe from Hays Travel, B Bowes, Hays Travel, Vicky Hughes, Hays Travel, Hannah Preece from Guru Travel Group, Paul Salisbury of Guru Travel Group, Lisa Darchambaud, Uga Escapes, Marcelline Paul, Uga Escapes, and Michael Atkinson from Hays Trav
Jo Kempton of Questor Travel (right), will be off to Zanzibar, as she won a two-night stay at the Melia Zanzibar Hotel. Presenting her the prize is Ana Rodrigu Alvedro, from Melia Zanzibar.
From the left: Ashleah Sanchez from Hard Rock Maldives, Apolline Schreck, Reunion Island, Ana Rodriguez Alvedro of Melia Zanzibar, Steve Balderston from South African Tourism, Colin Fanning, Sunspot Tours and Andrea Hogg from Outrigger Resorts.
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Lemon Tree Travel (right) won a t the Iru Veli in the stunning Rawlings from Sun Siyam Resorts.
vel, Beth uru Uga s Travel.
Beth Bowes from Hays Travel will be jetting off to the Maldives, as she was the prize winner of a three-night stay in a beach villa, presented to her by Vakkaru Maldives' Dan Van Vo.
The lucky winner of a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher was Linda Goodall from Access World Travel, presenting her the award was Oman Air's Feysal Nagi.
Kevin Booth from GoCruise & Travel won a hamper full of goodies, given to him by Caroline Tjia of Veranda & Heritage Resorts.
On hand to talk all things Travel Counsellors were the company's own Sam Friday and Deana Bourne.
o a driguez
Informing agents all about the St Regis in sunny Mauritius was the company's own Victorie Cliffe (centre). From the left, Angela Davis from Sandy Lane Travel, Nicola Cullen, Sandy Lane Travel, and Emma Mackley from Emma Mackley Private Travel. An elated Ian Newell from Not Just Travel (left) receives a goody bag brimming with South African goodies, including wine, given to him by South African Tourism's Steve Balderston.
Want to be a part of the #TBShowcases action? Our next event will be the Africa Showcase taking place in Southampton on January 20. To confirm your place or find out when we will be hosting our next event near you, contact events@travelbulletin.co.uk
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MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS
UNDERWATER WONDER Larnaka’s new reef offers new options for booking diving holidays YOUR DIVING clients can get ready to explore a whole new underwater world in Larnaka, as an artificial reef is set to launch next week. The tourist board hopes that not only will the two vessels bring in the scuba diving crowd but also enrich marine life by attracting barracudas, stingrays, turtles and octopuses. The south coast of Cyprus is already popular around the world with intrepid divers for its Zenobia Wreck, which
is hailed as one of the top five dive sites globally. They also have the Pyla sea caves – with many still unexplored – and the Meneou-Kiti area, considered to be one of the richest seascapes due to the abundance of Posidonia Oceanica – a seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and an important part of the ecosystem. The Elpida and LEF1 vessels are being prepared to be sunk off the coast of Voroklini –
with Elpida’s sinking date expected to be December 7. Elpida, which means Hope, is a commercial vessel from Greece that is 63 metres long and will be sunk to a depth of 30 metres. The LEF1 vessel is 16 metres long and will be sunk to a shallower depth of 13 metres to make it accessible to snorkelers. Dinos Lefkaritis, chairman of Larnaka Tourism Board, hopes the reef will enhance Larnarka as a top diving destination worldwide. He said: “Larnaka has one of the world’s best wreck dive sites, the famous Zenobia. We are adding to this with the sinking of Elpida this December, which will enrich marine biodiversity in the Voroklini area too.” For more information, visit www.larnakaregion.com
A grand opening in Mallorca CAN FERRERETA will be the sleek new hotel opening in Mallorca in the Spring. Located in the rural town of Santanyí, in the south east of the island, the hotel is a restored historic 17th century building. It comprises 32 individually designed rooms and suites that are surrounded by verdant gardens. The interiors will be reminiscent of a grand summer house, featuring simple, light and airy design. Art will be a defining characteristic of the hotel. Many of the bedrooms will feature private patios and terraces, while the hotel’s signature suite will offer a private swimming pool and garden. Can Ferrereta will also be home to a Mediterranean restaurant complete with a Mallorcan patio. There they’ll be serving seasonal dishes made with local produce. In addition there are two bars, a 25m swimming pool, gym and a spa with hammam and indoor pool. Can Ferrereta will create a new and exciting Mallorcan twin centre trip with sister hotel Sant Francesc, Palma as the hotels are only 50 minutes apart. Santanyí is a 40-minute drive from Palma Airport.
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MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
CULTURAL TOURS
Louis opens boutique retreat in Cyprus
Take a Rhodes trip to the past
ONCE BELONGING to a wealthy family, Polis 1907 is the newest property to be opened by Louis Hotels in Cyprus. Located in the centre of the village square of Polis Chrysochous, 54km from Paphos Airport, Polis 1907 has been transformed into a boutique hotel where discreet luxury and tradition meet. On the outside, the listed building constructed over 100 years ago has been preserved with the local stone and traditional architecture intact and inside modern comforts have been added while maintaining its connection to the Cypriot culture in a more contemporary version. This includes an Asian Fusion Restaurant ‘Akakiko’ where guests can enjoy their breakfast, coffee and pastries in the garden, and Asian cuisine.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL HOLIDAYS company Andante Travels has unveiled a Bare Bones tour to the ancient island of Rhodes. The itinerary on offer for 2020 is a six-day archaeological and historical tour that takes in the beauty and stories of an island ruled by Greeks, Crusaders, Ottomans and Italians. Visits include the well-preserved Hellenistic city of Kamiros, the Acropolis of Ialyssos, the Temple of Athena at Lindos, Rhodes' Acropolis, and the fabulous Archaeological Museum. Guests will also tour the Palace of the Grand Master as well as a host of churches. The trip costs from £1,045 per person from May 15-20 and September 11-16. The Bare Bones tours are more affordably priced than its fuller-bodied trips, but still include return flights from London as well as hand-picked hotels throughout, daily
breakfasts, all visits as per the itineraries, and finally the services of an excellent local guide to ensure the expert insight on offer to interested guests is as in-depth and rich as possible. These comes with flexibility built in – perfect for the those who prefer more independence than an escorted group tour typically offers. Numerous tour operators have reported a rising trend in the popularity of historical or archaeological tours, but often these come with a hefty price tag, according to Andante Travels. Its Bare Bones range offers these shorter breaks at accessible prices, but they retain the expert guide element in the form of an experienced local, who knows the sites and stories in depth. For more information, visit www.andantetravels.co.uk.
Originally, the property belonged to a wealthy family and over the years it has also been a market and during 1949 to1955, the building was the village’s first high school. For more information, visit www.louishotels.com/en/polis1907.html
Maximum bliss in Malta RELAXATION AND wellness have been turned up to the max at the revamped Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa on the island of Malta. The new look Athenaeum Spa, which opens in March 2020, will include a hot area comprising vitality pool, sauna, steam room, experience showers and heated beds. The treatments will include natural ingredients like salts, honey, oils and botanicals being used for a variety of therapies in partnership with skincare brand ESPA. Created by world-renowned interior designers Goddard Littlefair, the spa sits within the gardens of the hotel’s pool garden area also features an indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, seven treatment rooms, relaxation lounge and terrace, gym and studio. For more information, visit corinthia.com/palace
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MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
MALTA’S TRAILS Ten new ways to explore every aspect of the island
FROM FOODIE trails and pilgrimages to diving tours and bar hops, Malta has everything to create the perfect holiday. With that in mind, the Malta Tourism Authority has put together a collection of distinct tours to help every type of tourist get the most from their holiday on the islands, that include Gozo and Comino. In a new booklet called Malta Trails, 10 routes are outlined – with maps included – that take in the top Maltese highlights, including the Blue Grotto for adventurers, the ancient Ggantija Temples for history buffs and Popeye’s Village for film enthusiasts. The Gastronomy Trail offers authentic bistros, sustainable restaurants and finedining options while the Family Trail is full to the brim with activities to keep little ones entertained and adults relaxed all day long. Younger children will love the planetarium at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, while
teens can play volleyball in the sand of Ramla Bay on Gozo. The Adventure Trail offers the chance to sail between the islands, or to hike the dramatic cliffs to discover Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The Pilgrimage Trail leads visitors to a treasure-trove of religious sites, from quaint local churches to the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which dominates the skyline of Valletta. The Main Attractions Trail gives a run-down of the islands’ best sightseeing experiences including the Grand Harbour and the ancient city walls of Cittadella in Gozo. The Bar Trail takes in local watering holes while the Film Trail allows travellers to explore the sets of Game of Thrones, Clash of the Titans and Gladiator. The Dive Trail outlines the reefs, underground caverns and WWII wrecks. For more information: www.visitmalta.com
Corsican Places launches 2020 brochure CORSICAN PLACES has launched its 2020 brochure featuring a collection of holidays with over 160 accommodation options throughout the French island of Corsica. Self-catering and hotel holidays are presented with convenient flying, operating into all four airports on the island. The brochure is packed full of ideas highlighting where best to explore and top things to see and do, including Villa Bleu Nature located just outside Patrimonio in the north east. This three-bedroom villa sleeps up to six and offers a peaceful rural retreat whilst also having easy access to the chic seaside resort of St Florent. A new Around the Cap Corse is an off the beaten track seven-day self-guided walking tour around the Cap Corse peninsular, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Seven-night packages start from £1,199 per person. This includes flights, accommodation (mixed board), transfers with luggage, maps and route notes. For more information, visit Corsica.co.uk
Summer in sumptuous Sicily IT CAN be hard to know where to book clients in Sicily but the Palladium Hotel Group has expanded the options by opening two five-star family properties for 2020. The Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Garden Beach Resort & Spa will open in the summer.They are located on the beachfront in the traditional town of Campofelice di Roccella in northern Sicily, an excellent base for guests wanting to explore the volcanic island, the nearby seaside town of Cefalù and Sicily’s capital, Palermo. A deluxe room at Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa starts at £214 per night based on two people sharing on an all-inclusive basis. A deluxe double room at Grand Palladium Garden Beach Resort & Spa starts from £204 per night based on two people sharing on an all-inclusive basis (prices for each hotel are based on staying overnight on June 25, 2020). For more information, visit www.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en
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MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Experience the suite life in magical Mallorca SUMMER 2020 will see the opening of Zafiro Palace Andratx, an all-suite, five-star Palace Hotel within the Zafiro Hotels portfolio, that brings a breath of fresh air to the Mallorcan coastline. Set in Camp de Mar, a picturesque village sheltered by mountains and full of natural charm, the hotel is steps away from a blue flag, sandy beach and 10-minutes from the ancient town of Andratx, with its quaint narrow streets, rural heritage and sprawling farmlands alive with oranges, olives and grapes. The wellbeing concept is personalised, and carefully considers the needs of each individual guest. The Zen, Body & Mind Spa offers visitors a selection of luxury
massage cabins, a sauna, two spacious indoor swimming pools and a hightech fitness centre. In addition to its close proximity to the beach, the resort is surrounded by a kaleidoscope of swimming pools, lush gardens and state-of-the-art amenities, including an
exclusive adults-only Oasis Pool with Bali beds, heated during the low season. Zafiro Palace Andratx is also located next the Andratx Golf Club, allowing golfers to take advantage of the expansive golf courses. For more information, visit www.zafirohotels.com/en/ho tels/zafiro-palace-andratx/
Bag a break on Brac Island JET2 IS offering packages to the adults-only boutique property Hotel Milna Osam for a sevennight stay on Brac Island, Croatia, in May. The hotel oozes sophistication with 40 elegant and intimate rooms, nestled on the Adriatic seafront with views of Milna bay. For those looking for an additional dose of relaxation, the hotel has an outdoor freshwater pool with a sea-front sun terrace and the on-site spa has a range of treatments to choose from. Jet2holidays sample package trip at the four-star Hotel Milna Osam, seven-nights bed and breakfast leaves from Manchester on May 19. Price starts from ÂŁ689 per person based on two sharing and includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers. For more information, visit www.jet2holidays.com
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HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS
DINE AL-FESTO Jersey’s first Christmas pop-up snow globes GRAND JERSEY Hotel & Spa has been transformed into a winter wonderland with cosy igloos where diners can eat alfresco without being left out in the cold. From next week – December 4 – four festive domes at the AA Five Star hotel will set the scene for a magical and twinkling drinking and dining experience. For a limited time only, guests are invited to book their own Scandinavian inspired dome which seats between six and eight people who can get together for light bites, wintery themed drinks or even for afternoon tea with seasonal sandwiches, from roast turkey and cranberry to egg mayonnaise with chestnut and watercress, to sweet treats such as a mulled wine and berry shot served with whipped Jersey cream and winter spiced scones. Each winter package is served with a glass of Champagne and a choice of mulled wine or a specially
designed winter cocktail or a mocktail. The restaurant Tassili is also serving up a Winter Wonder Grand package so that guests can enjoy 4 AA Rosette fine dining experience under the stars. Shaun McGachan, general
manager of Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing these fabulous domes to Jersey for the first time.” For more information, visit www.handpickedhotels.co. uk/grand-jersey/diningoffers/winter-domes.
Festive fun in Frankfurt FOR CHRISTMAS markets and mulled wine, Jumeirah Frankfurt is offering high-end festive breaks. Your clients can lose hours on advent brunches and shopping at one of Europe's largest Christmas markets on the hotel's doorstep. Located in the heart of the city, the Frankfurt Christmas market is also one of the most beautiful markets in Europe, taking place until December 22. With Yuletide treats, decorations and gifts, guests can spend the day in the neverending stream of stalls dotted around the world renowned Römerberg and St Paul's squares. After a day exploring the Christmas markets, guests will be able to relax in the Talise Spa's sauna and then tuck into a threecourse dinner at the Max on One Grillroom where there will be a range of festive treats on the menu, with everything from succulent duck to the hotel's signature 'chocolate beacon' dessert. A special Christmas present, including a sweet surprise, will be given to those staying at the hotel with the Christmas Market package. The package is priced from £258. For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com/en/hotelsresorts/frankfurt/jumeirah-frankfurt/ offers/christmas-market-package/
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NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
HOTELS, RESORTS AND SPAS
Check out this off-grid paradise in Panama AN ULTRA luxury off-the-grid resort on a remote archipelago has opened this month off the coast of Panama. Islas Secas, located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, 33 nautical miles from the nearest town offers up bohemian luxury. There are four Casita sites, sleeping up to a total of just 18 guests on one island that’s surrounded by lush tropical forest and ocean views. Also launching in December are an outdoor movie night under the palms, beach scrabble, strand swings, Central American ‘pachamanca’ beach barbecues, floating pool brunches, and other surprises. In addition, three new Tented Casitas will be completed in March 2020.
With 14 islands to explore, the resort is perfect for diving and wildlife adventures with the Coiba National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site, nearby to explore with the chance to watch migrating humpback whales. The resort has an ecoconscious ethos using organic and natural products where possible. The spa
offers cold stones to ease muscles and headaches, aromatherapy misting to cool and rehydrate, and elements of Thai massage and bamboo rolling to stretch and gently work muscles. Islas Secas opened on December 20. For more information, visit www.islassecas.com/
Pullman launches allinclusive resort in the Maldives SET AMID 18 hectares of lush tropical flora on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort has opened its first property in the Maldives. The all-inclusive resort has 122 villas, including two exclusive Aqua Villas with bedrooms submerged beneath the turquoise waters. Resort general manager, John Bendtsen, said: “With our generous all-inclusive offering, we look forward to welcoming guests to the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort where they can explore the island’s sandy beaches, nature trails and renowned diving sites.” For more information, visit www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel9924-pullman-maldives-all-inclusi ve-resort/index.shtml.
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HOTELS, RESORTS AND SPAS
NOVEMBER 29 2019 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Wish upon a star at Warner Hotels ALFIE BOE, Anton Du Bek and Brian Conley are just a few of the celebrities Warner Leisure Hotels has lined-up for 2020. Star of West End and classics such as Les Misérables and La Boehme ‘An Evening with Alfie Boe’ is available to book from £439 per person at Warner’s Cricket St Thomas property on January 24. He will take to the Warner stage performances from his recent album, ‘As Time Goes By’. Dance icons and BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag will perform their famed routines at Thoresby Hall Hotel and Nidd Hall Hotel. Both breaks include a five-dance cabaret, a seven-piece dance orchestra and a live Q&A session. A three-night break on July 3 starts from £369 and a three-night break at Nidd Hall Hotel on August 7, 2020 starts from £295. Comedian Brian Conley will appear at Corton Coastal Village on April 17 for three nights, which starts from £250 per person. Country music star Charlie Landsborough will perform at Alvaston Hall in Cheshire, on December 4, 2020, a three-night break starts from just £310 per person. There’s also the opportunity to meet the stars with the Platinum Package option. To book, go to www.BourneLeisureSales.co.uk
AMATARA WELLNESS Resort in Phuket has announced a Mindfulness Silent Retreat from June 2-7, 2020. In collaboration with health and wellness coach, and founder of Six Spac, Danica Toh, the five-night experience with Healing Holidays starts from £2,279 per person sharing – valid for travel until June 1, 2020. Book by November 30 for a 10% discount. For more information, visit www.amataraphuket.com
Caribbean cracker opens in Antigua THE DECADENT Great House Antigua is the Caribbean’s latest boutique hotel. Once a former stone sugar plantation, the 350-year-old property has undergone a huge restoration and is now set within 26 acres of tropical gardens. For the past 60 years, it has been the home of the Howell family who have decided to open it up as an eight-bedroom boutique hotel to allow more people to enjoy its historic charm.The suites feature antique furnishings including Chippendale chairs, mahogany four poster beds, china, silver and glassware. The hotel has a pool, offers guided walks, meditation and a spa. There’s also complimentary exercise classes on an exercise deck overlooking the sea, nature hikes or venture off property to hike to the Mermaid Gardens or take kayak tours. Rates start from approx £330 (US$425) per night in a Garden Suite based on two adults sharing with including breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information visit www.thegreathouseantigua.com
What's the most interesting animal you've seen while on holiday? Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk A gorilla that spat in my son's face!
Matt Gill Senior Account Manager matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk A camel.
Ashweenee Beerjeraz Events Assistant ashweenee.beerjeraz@travelbulletin.co.uk Green, purple & black sea urchin.
Georgia Lewis Managing Editor - News news@travelbulletin.co.uk A blonde-haired warthog in South Africa.
Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Pink dolphins in Thailand.
Alice Tully Events Assistant alice.tully@travelbulletin.co.uk A liger.
Mariam Ahmad Staff Writer - News news@travelbulletin.co.uk A meerkat.
Bill Coad Account Manager bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk It has to be my mate, Steve.
Vidwan Reddy Online Editorial Assistant vidwan.reddy@travelbulletin.co.uk Foxes.
Sarah Terry Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk A koala, I just love them!
Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Bill dressed as a nun.
Hannah Carter Events Coordinator hannah.carter@travelbulletin.co.uk A jellyfish in Massachusetts.
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