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All about
North Africa March 2011
Your one stop guide to all the latest news and developments in North Africa
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All About
NORTH AFRICA starts here...
“A
ll publicity is good publicity.” One of those phrases that is trotted out on many occasions, particularly when something bad has happened. Well, it seems the Egyptian State Tourist Office has grabbed the publicity bull by its proverbial horns to turn the upheaval the country has experienced recently into a positive marketing opportunity to promote the destination which is undeniably on the list of top 50 places I must see before I die. The tourist office has launched a global advertising campaign using images of Tahrir Square – the scene of the people’s uprising – with the slogans “Welcome to the country of peaceful revolution”, “7,000 years of history and a new era”, and “Tahrir a square rocks the world”. Last year was a great one for Egypt, with the fabulous value its Nile cruises, Cairo city breaks and Red Sea resorts offer making it a popular destination for people on a budget. Hopes were high for this year too, and although, the revolution has taken the wind out of Egypt’s sails, the British travel industry is pulling out all the stops to get people backing there by passing on
the good rates hoteliers are offering and getting agents out to Egypt to show them that everything really is back to normal. Tunisia is also optimistic about this year after a bumper 2010, which prompted operators to add capacity for this year. While the uprising back in January did have an impact on bookings, the tourist office is working with the trade to get Britons back out there with some amazing offers on allinclusive hotels Meanwhile, the Moroccan National Tourist Office has launched its 2020 Vision, with plans to attract 18 million tourists by 2020 by creating 200,000 new beds. These objectives have already had a helping hand so far this year, with the launch of new BMI and British Airways flights to Marrakesh and Casablanca and the opening of seven new-concept style hotels. So now it seems it is down to the trade to make the most of the opportunities to experience these amazing destinations and sell them to their clients – there really is no better time to visit. The sites will be less crowded and the hotel staff more attentive than ever – if that is actually possible! So, make sure you use your
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Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Ranganath GS Cover Picture: iStock ISSN: 0956-2419
All About North Africa guide so when your clients come in looking for a great-value holiday with beach and culture, you will be able to point them in the direction of North Africa and reassure them that it really is business as usual.” Angela Cronin Supplements editor Travel Bulletin
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Egypt
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GYPT HAS a new tourist attraction. Along with the Egyptian Museum, the pyramids of Giza and the many fabulous street markets, Cairo’s Tahrir Square – the place that will be remembered for the beginnings of a protest that led to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak’s government – is now a must-see site on the map of tourist attractions in the capital. So much so that the Egyptian National Tourist Office is making the most of the new-found appeal of this square in downtown Cairo with the launch of a global advertising campaign, with a series of slogans celebrating its recent revolution, including ‘Welcome to the country of peaceful revolution”, “7,000 years of history and a new era”, and 4
“Tahrir – a square rocks the world”. The campaign is running on TV, in print, online and outdoor, and will complement the tagline in use since 2010 – “Egypt, where it all begins”. Egypt was one of the success story of 2010 and this year looked like another bumper year for the destination with new hotels opening along the Red Sea and operators adding capacity. While the protests in Cairo and Alexandria have had a big impact on bookings so far this year, prompting some airlines to rethink their schedules and operators to trim back their programmes, the industry as a whole is optimistic that Egypt’s strong tourist offering and cultural appeal will help the destination to bounce back. Red Sea Holidays sales director Jason
Hilton says that confidence is coming back. “We are hopeful that bookings will be back to normal by Easter,” he says. “Hoteliers were swift to offer discounts, which we are passing on to our customers. We are keen to work with the trade to get bookings back. We have two educationals going out in April and hopefully there will be more. We also run a concession scheme for agents with the offer of 50% off the cost of their Red Sea holiday,” he adds. Cosmos and Thomson have resumed their flights to Luxor at the beginning of this month and also have fam trips organised and great-value offers to incentivise bookings again. Longwood Holidays believes Egypt will bounce back because its iconic historical sites
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Egypt and the appeal off the Red Sea can’t really be found anywhere else, plus the weather is great, now there are so many special offers and discounts being offered. Longwood marketing manager Tara Bradberry says the specialist saw an increase in bookings, after the unrest in Cairo finished. Tucan Travel’s regional operations manager Rowena Byrne points out that now is the time to go to Egypt as visitors can “take advantage of smaller crowds at world-famous sites and at the same time, make a valuable contribution to a recovering country that relies heavily on tourism”. Cox and Kings’ Middle East and North Africa product manager Mark Stacey says the Egyptians are keen to “welcome tourists back to experience their hospitality and see what their country has to offer.” Discover Egypt’s commercial director Philip Breckner agrees pointing out that “Egypt has a timeless appeal – nowhere else in the world offers travellers the experience of a classic Egypt holiday. This crisis has effected bookings and I am sure recovery will take its time but we as a specialist will be working closely with agents to make sure we can communicate the safety of this amazing destination.” However, Hayes and Jarvis’ senior regional product manager Andrea Loddo is slightly more cautious about his predictions for business. “It could go either way,” he says. “Either Egypt will come back with a bang as a result of the great offers or people will be more reticent to visit for the time being, whatever the price incentive. “Nonetheless for those people who primary objective is a great bargain, Egypt is definitely offering it and its allinclusive packages may well be as competitively priced as short-haul deals.” The trade can really play its part in helping to get tourism to Egypt back on its feet. Let’s have a look at what the operators have to offer this year. From the operators Olympic Holidays The operator has its biggest Red Sea offer ever on the market with its 2011 programme, including new resorts such as Taba, Taba Heights, Nuweiba, Marsa Alam and El Quseir. The Red Sea specialist has also added more properties in the established resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. The newly added hotels in Taba and Taba Heights include the InterContinental Taba Heights Resort, Hilton Taba Resort, Hyatt Regency Taba Heights and Radisson Blu. Programme additions in Marsa Alam include three hotels in InterContinental’s Port Ghalib Resort, while new in El Quseir are the Flamenco Beach, Radisson Blu and Movenpick resorts. Red Sea diving features again, with a wide choice of dive centres in the main resorts, along with diving packages and liveaboard diving holidays. Prices lead in at £359 for seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Falcon Hills Hotel and three-star Falcon Inn Viva in Sharm el-Sheikh. Red Sea Holidays Three new hotels exclusive to Red Sea Holidays have been All about North Africa
introduced to the specialist’s 2011 programme. The new properties include the five-star Makadi Spa Hotel located in Makadi Bay. This 280-room hotel opens in May and will offer spa treatments from French luxury spa company CINQ MONDES. The spa will also have hammams, Jacuzzis, saunas and thalassotherapy facilities. Also opening in May, the five-star, family-friendly Sunwing Waterworld Makadi in Makadi Bay will feature a water park with slides, a wave pool and waterwall features. Outdoor activities will include kite-surfing and snorkelling. The four-star Grand Marina in Hurghada, also due to open in May, will be exclusive to Red Sea Holidays too. The operator has also added regional departures from Leeds Bradford, bringing the total number of UK airports served to nine. Red Sea Holidays has launched a visa service which is available up to one month prior to departure and allows holidaymakers to obtain their visa through Red Sea Holidays and not at the airport. Meanwhile, the operator has signed a deal with the Bath Travel’s network of agents on the south coast to rack Red Sea Holidays’ brochures in all of its 67 branches. Prices lead in at £425 per person bed and breakfast for seven nights at the four-star Grand Hotel in Hurghada or at the four star Ghazala Beach in Sharm el-Sheikh from only £425 per person including flights between 26 April and 24 May. Nile Cruises are now available from only £655 per person for seven nights on a full-board basis. The price includes flights departing between 26 April and 24 May. Cosmos Cosmos has added a number of new hotels to its summer 2011 programme in Egypt. These include the Dreams Beach Resort, Um el Sid and Hotel Tiran Island in Montazah. The operator has also teamed up with the PADI-approved C Fun Divers to offer a selection of pre-bookable dive packages for both beginners and experienced divers. Gap Adventures The adventure specialist has introduced a new itinerary. The 12-day Dahabeya Delight encompasses the highlights of Egypt including Cairo, Luxor, Abu Simbel, Aswan and four nights on board a Dahabeya sailing vessel. Prices lead in at £1,799 per person and include accommodation, arrival transport, local transport, some meals, local guides, Egyptian Museum, Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, Karnak temple, the Valley of the Kings Mummification museum, Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu, Nubian village walk and dinner, flight and guided visit of Abu Simbel and tour of the Citadel of Saladin and the bazaars of Khan el-Khalili. KE Adventure Travel Adventure holidays specialist KE Adventure Travel has added a new itinerary in Egypt. The eight-day White Desert Trek starts off with a visit to the pyramids of Giza, followed by a five-day trek on the edge of the Sahara with camels. 5
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Egypt Prices lead in at £595 land-only and £995 including flights with departures on 17 April, 16 October and 26 December.
Nile cruises – what’s on offer HERE IS a snapshot of some of the cruises that are available for 2011 and advice from the experts on who they are most suitable for:. Discover Egypt’s Philip Breckner says: “They are exceptional value for money but this product is not like ocean cruises and agents must be careful not to sell it as an ocean cruise. Nile cruises are not a matter of price – they are about tombs and temples, quality of service, exceptional guides that bring the amazing sights to life. “They are not particular suited to families. They are more geared up for the over 50s or those younger with a keen interest in the history and culture of this very classic part of Egypt’s tourism product.” Sample produtct: seven-night Nile cruises from £599 per person including flights, full board cruise and 10 guided excursions and transfers in resort. Longwood marketing manager Tara Bradberry says: “Most of them don’t allow children on board so they are not suitable for families. They are a great costeffective for single people or couples to experience classic Egypt.” Sample product: seven nights’ full-board on the fivestar Sonesta Nile Goddess leads in at £601 per person. eWaterways marketing manager Amy Sharpe says: “To encourage clients back to the destination, we are offering a 30% discount one our three-night Nile Adventurer cruise from Aswan to Luxor” Sample product: prices start at £495 per person. 6
Thomson and First Choice The new five-star Sensatori Sharm elSheikh makes its debut this summer in Thomson’s flagshop Sensatori collection. Also new for this summer is the Thomson Family Resort concept, which includes the four-star Tropicana Azure Club in Sharm el-Sheikh. New for First Choice is the four-star Coral Sea Splash Resort, which has its own water park. In Hurghada, Thomson has introduced its new Thomson Couples concept with a range of adult-only, child-free hotels, including the five-star Premier Le Reve Hotel and Spa based in Hurghada. On the Mediterranean coast of Egypt in Marsa Matruh, Thomson and First Choice have added the five-star Jaz Almaza Beach Resort and the five-star Jaz Crystal. Planet Holidays Planet Holiday’s 2011 Egypt brochure has an expanded Nile cruise programme, an emphasis on tailor-made holidays and short city breaks to Cairo, plus new hotels added on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera. The focus of the brochure is to highlight the yearround appeal of Egypt with the popular Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Taba, Dahab and El Gouna, and the lesser known resorts of El Quseir, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay suitable for winter getaways and cities such as Aswan and Alexandria, plus the resort of El Sokhna, close to Cairo ideal for summer holidays. Longwood Holidays Two new all-inclusive hotels have been introduced to Longwood’s Sharm el-Sheikh programme. The AA Amwaj five-star all-inclusive hotel is in the up-and-coming area of Nabq Bay with views over Tiran Island and the Red Sea. The family-friendly AA Amwaj offers extensive pools with waterfalls, a range of sports facilities, children’s club and private beach with a 450-metre jetty. A spokesman for Longwood says: “Nabq is fast becoming Sharm el-Sheikh’s second major centre and is only 15 minutes’ drive from fashionable Soho Square – one of the Red Sea’s most exciting leisure and entertainment centres.” The four-star, all-inclusive AA Grand Oasis Resort Sharks Bay offers a great range of facilities. All about North Africa
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Egypt One Stop Touring Shop, One Stop Touring Shop is offering up to 10% discount on selected tours to Egypt. The company, which includes the escorted touring brands Insight Vacations, Trafalgar and Contiki Holidays, are promoting the discounts for bookings made by 30 April for tours departing until 31 August from across all three brands. Tours available include Insight Vacations’  Grand Tour of Egypt which visits Cairo, St Catherine and the Gulf of Suez, Alexandria, Luxor plus a six day Nile cruise. Prices lead in at now ÂŁ2,061 per person. Sales director Paul Melinis says: “We hope that these offers and refundable deposits will help agents get behind Egypt and instill consumer confidence in booking, now that there is stability in this country which relies on inbound tourism and the ongoing support of the UK travel trade.â€? From the airlines Egyptair The Egyptian national airline is launching direct flights from Heathrow to Sharm el-Sheikh in June. The service will operate twice a week using Boeing 737800s on Mondays and Wednesdays, leaving Heathrow at 10.30pm and Sharm at 5pm. The airline hopes the new flights will encourage visitors to combine a beach holiday with trips to Egypt’s cultural hubs in Cairo and Luxor as well as targeting the increasing number of second home-owners in the Red Sea and holidaymakers just looking for a short break. From the hotels The Red Sea Hotels development Grand Bay Sahl Hasheesh is on course to open at the end of next year and will offer seven resort hotels, fine dining restaurants and bars, night-time entertainment venues, two mega shopping malls and a convention centre along with an 18hole golf course. The names of all seven hotels have not yet been confirmed. â–
How to sell North Africa NEED A little bit of help selling Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt following the recent crisis? Gemma Carroll, product and commercial manager, eastern Mediterranean, Cosmos offers some advice on selling North Africa and the appeal of the all-inclusive properties in the region: � All-inclusive is still a popular choice with our customers due to the following reasons: � There are no hidden fees and you don’t have to worry about tipping.  � It eliminates the need to carry items like your wallet. � You know what to expect, no matter which one you choose � There is less of a negative impact on the environment due to travellers staying in the vicinity of the hotel complex � It is a safe environment for children and less stressful for parents. � All-inclusive may end up saving you money for those with a lessdisposable income. It is also a good choice if you are looking for a nohassles vacation where you don’t have to worry about finding restaurants, organising activities or entertaining the children. � There is usually a vast abundance of activities, kids clubs, entertainment and sports facilities on offer at all inclusive properties, ensuring that all ages are catered for at all times. � With an abundance of all-inclusive units available in North Africa, customers will be spoiled for choice, plus all package holidays are ATOL protected.
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Egypt Holiday Helpline AS EGYPT puts its turbulent start to 2011 behind it, we ask the experts to come up with some suggestions to the perfect Egyptian experience for young couples, families and the over 50s market. Best for young couples looking for a bit of adventure Gemma Carroll, product and commercial manager, eastern Mediterranean, Monarch Holidays says... “The five-star, all-inclusive Baron Palms Resort in Nabq Bay is great for couples. It is a deluxe hotel with fabulous views. It has a private sandy beach overlooking the National Marine Park, which is a short walk away and diving is readily available on-site.” Sample product: prices lead in at £679 per person based on two adults sharing. Longwood Holidays’ Blanka Siejek says... “Learn-to-dive holidays are popular with young couples. The Red Sea is one of the world’s best dive sites, and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for avid divers and first-timers alike.” Sample product: seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Hilton Long Beach Hurghada from £599 per person. Red Sea Holidays sales director Jason Hilton says... “A diving holiday at Na’ama Bay staying at the Ghazala Gardens would be perfect for young couples. The Ghazala Gardens is a four star, all-inclusive hotel situated right in the heart of the lively diving resort of Na’ama Bay.” Sample product: prices lead in at £555 per person for seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Ghazala Gardens based on two sharing. Introductory dives cost from £46 per person. Hilton also suggests an excursion to Petra in Jordan, from £245 per person. Best for families Thomson and First Choice’s Katerina Barry says... ”The First Choice Holiday Village Red Sea has fantastic British-run kids’ clubs which can keep the children entertained while the parents check out some of the local excursions. The new Coral Sea Splash Resort in Sharm el-Sheikh has its own water park.” 8
Sample product: seven nights’ allinclusive at the Holiday Village Red Sea lead in at £485 per person. Cosmos’s Gemma Carroll says... “The all-inclusive Park Inn Sharm elSheikh in Nabq Bay is a great resort for kids as it has its two swimming pools and its own water park to keep the children busy all day. “In Nabq Bay, there are plenty of shorebased excursions, boat diving and snorkelling trips to sites such as Ras Mohammed National Park, or alternatively take a safari into the mystical Sinai desert.” Sample product: seven nights lead in at £425 per person.
El Soukhna, just 90 minutes from Cairo, this is a popular resort with city-living Egyptians
Longwood’s Blanka Siejek says... “The five-star Movenpick in El Gouna is a fantastic family-friendly hotel, with family rooms available,” says Siejek. “The resort has four pools guaranteed to keep the children busy, while there is a spa and golf course for the grown-ups. There are also excursions available to Luxor Sample product: from £466 per person. Planet Holidays commercial and aviation director Harry Kyrillou says... “For families who want plenty of activities to keep the children occupied and a bit of culture to keep the adults satisfied, try El Soukhna,” says Kyrillou. “Stretching about 40 miles along the Gulf of Suez, it is only an hour and a half away from Cairo and is popular with well-
to-do Egyptian families from Cairo.” Sample product: seven nights’ B&B at the Movenpick starts at £997 per person with child prices from £749. Discover Egypt’s Philip Breckner says... “Nile cruises are not really suitable for young families, but Luxor land-based holidays are the perfect compromise. I would recommend a stay at the Maritim Jolie Ville on Kings Island. This five-star hotel has positioned itself as the leading family hotel in Luxor and has facilities that cater specifically for the needs of parents and their offsprings.” Sample product: Discover Egypt offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast for £499 for adults and £299 for children. Red Sea Holidays’ Jason Hilton says... “A 14-night cruise and stay combining sun and activities of a resort holiday with the culture of a Nile cruise is the ideal way of keeping everyone happy over a relaxing 14-night break. “For the cruise and stay, the allinclusive four-and-a-half-star Siva Grand Beach hotel combined with the family friendly Grand Preziosa works well. “The Siva Grand Beach features lots of water sports for kids, children’s pool, a kids’ club, babysitting, and a children’s buffet and children’s entertainment. “The Grand Preziosa has lots to keep the kids amused including table tennis, billiards and an on deck gym and a disco. Sample product: a 14-night cruise and stay is £1,055 per person on an all inclusive basis. Child lead in price is £459 on an all-inclusive basis. Best for the over-50s couple Red Sea Holidays’ Jason Hilton says... “The Nile is an atmospheric place to spend a holiday and a hotel-based stay allows clients to take a slower pace while still covering off some of the key sites at your own pace. The Sonesta St George is a great hotel for couples; it is situated just a few minutes taxi ride from the restaurants, cafés, museum and temples of Luxor.” Sample product: prices lead in at £585 per person for seven nights’ bed and breakfast. All about North Africa
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Tunisia Tunisia looks beyond the revolution to kick-start 2011 with great value-for-money packages
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AST YEAR, the Tunisian tourism industry had a lot to celebrate. UK visitor figures were 28% up on 2009 – a record high – and as a consequence, operators added capacity for 2011, anticipating new demand for Tunisia and its beautiful beaches, fascinating culture, enchanting souks and great value for money. Then a desperate act by a young unemployed man in Sidi Bouzid in December sparked off a spiral of events that led to violent protests on the streets and the resignation of president Zine
al-Abidine Ben Ali, who had been in power since 1987. Most of the uprisings took place in the capital Tunis, with the popular resorts of Hammamet, Port el Kantaoui, Yasmine Hammamet and Sousse unaffected by the protests. However, UK operators acted quickly and flew all their clients back straightaway. That was back in January; now in the month of March, the protests are over, Tunisia’s interim president Fouad Mebazaa has announced details of new elections, a new tourism minister, Slim Chaker, has been appointed, operators have resumed flights –
The TNTO’s plans for 2011 THE TUNISIAN National Tourist Office is working on a number of projects aimed at raising the country’s profile and getting visitor numbers back. The tourist office is planning to host a number of agents on fam trips with dates confirmed for an April educational in conjunction with Just Sunshine. Invited agents will be heading out to
Tunisia for a four-day visit starting on 15 April. The TNTO is also organising a gala dinner in London on 26 May to thank agents for their continued support in 2010. A new media campaign kicks off in April, involving online marketing and adverts at railway stations, on buses and in the national press. The TNTO is also planning to host
roadshows in the Manchester area to promote the May launch of Tunis Air flights from Manchester to Enfidha. The tourist office is participating in a number of trade shows including the Scottish Golf Show from 8-10 April and the National Golf Show from 15-17 April, World Travel Market from 7-10 November and the International Golf Travel Market from 15-18 November.
The popular resort of Hammamet
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Enjoy being a star in magical Tunisia
With its rich history, beautiful coastline and warm Mediterranean waters, Tunisia is a country that will take your breath away. As the smallest country in the Mahgreb it’s brimming with brilliant colours, contrasts and splendid aromas that are sure to stimulate your senses. Then there’s the unique cuisine and awe-inspiring sunsets - where the sun appears to melt into the endless golden sand of the Sahara desert. You can experience all this magical country has to offer at a choice of 10 heavenly Iberostar hotels.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Enjoy being a star
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Tunisia although less than planned – and together with the tourist board and hoteliers are pulling out all the stops to get tourists back out to this spectacular destination. Commenting on the challenging start to 2011, Anissa Ramoundi, UK and Ireland director for the Tunisian National Tourist Office, says: “For the majority of Tunisians, the revolution has been very positive, allowing people the chance to speak freely for the first time. “Having just returned myself, I would say visitors will receive an even warmer welcome as Tunisians are positive about the future and keen to ensure their visitors have wonderful holidays. The UK market is important for Tunisia and I hope that British visitors will support us as we get back on our feet.” Operators are keen to claw back the two months of business Tunisia has already lost this year. Ashley Toft, managing director of Explore, believes that as long as it is safe to do so, the prompt reintroduction of tourism is one of the best ways to support a country that has experienced difficulties. “Past experience tells us customers will be keen to return – in fact we are already seeing demand for our Tunisia trips. We don’t expect the recent disruption to have too much of an impact on the medium to long-term appeal of this country,” he adds. Thomson, First Choice, Cosmos and Just Sunshine are working with the tourist board to get as many agents out to Tunisia, see for themselves how the tourism industry has put the challenging start to 2011 behind it and is back on track. Hoteliers are offering amazingly affordable prices with five-star hotels being packaged up at three-star prices and a new international airport at Enfidha is improving access and cutting transfer times to resorts. The tourist board is planning to hold more events with agents, including dinners and training roadshows. So, what are the operators’ plans for this year? Tunis Air Tunisair has announced plans to launch a new service from Manchester to the Enfidha International Airport The new flights will commence on 21 May 2011, leaving Enfidha on Saturdays at 9.50am, landing at Manchester at 1pm, returning to Tunisia at 1.50pm. Your Golf Travel Golf specialist Your Golf Travel has added the five-star Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort in Tunisia for 2011. Seven nights’ bed and breakfast leads in at £589 per person including four rounds of golf in the package price. Thomson and First Choice Djerba is new for summer 2011 for both Thomson and First Choice with flights from Gatwick and Manchester. Thomson’s flagship property in Djerba is the Magic Life Penelope Beach Imperial, which is part of the Thomson Platinum Active range and is exclusive to Thomson. All First Choice and Thomson flights will switch from All about North Africa
Quadbiking in the dunes of the Sahara is the perfect pastime for adrenaline junkies
Monastir to the brand new international airport of Enfidha, which is closer to the main resorts of Hammamet, Yasmine Hammamet and Port El Kantaoui. Flights from Exeter have also been introduced, with Friday services from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham which means Thomson now has three days of flying, allowing both operators to offer more flexible durations. A new tour has also been added. The seven-night Tunisian Explorer Tour visits Sousse, Matmata, El Djem,
Get the lowdown Flying time from UK: two-and-a-half hours Who flies there: Tunis Air and British Airways operate several flights a week from Heathrow and Gatwick to Tunis respectively. Tunisair has announced plans to start services from Manchester to new international airport Enfidha. Charter airlines, such as Monarch and Thomson Airways, will also be switching all their UK flights from Monastir to Enfidha. Time difference: GMT +1hr. Language: Arabic and French. Getting around: Sevenair is the domestic airline operating from Tunis to Djerba, Tozeur and Sfax; rail travel is excellent value and a great way to see the country with a seven-day rail card allowing unlimited travel on all routes with unlimited entry to all public museums and monuments; taxis are affordable and readily available in all main beach resorts; buses are good value and the network covers most of the country; car hire: all major international rental companies can be found in Tunisia. Passports/visa: EU citizens need a full passport valid stays up to six months. Currency: Tunisian dinar Inoculations: none Weather: daily sunshine amounts are large everywhere, ranging between seven and eight hours in winter to as much as twelve hours in summer. 11
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Tunisia Just Sunshine has also introduced short-stay breaks for four and five days. Marketing director Chris Mansell says: “Our programme brings the exotic delights of Tunisia to the holidaymaker used to other European beach resorts at a competitive price. Such a favourable exchange rate is another reason to choose Tunisia.” Mansell adds: “Throughout the year, Just Sunshine will team up with the Tunisian National Tourist Office on promotions around the country and we will shortly be commencing our own programme of educationals. Any agent interested in an educational to Tunisia should contact Tony Blakey, national sales manager.” Just Sunshine pays agents commission of 13%. Agents interested in taking part in a fam trip should contact tonyblakey@justsunshine.com.
The Roman amphitheatre of El Djem - a must-see site on any visit to Tunisia
Douz, Tozeur, the Chott el Djerid Salt Flats in the Sahara and Monastir. Prices lead in at £695 per person. Just Sunshine Tunisian specialist Just Sunshine is pulling out all the stops to stimulate bookings by offering five-star hotels at three-star prices. Prices start at £239 per person for one week’s bed and breakfast at the five-star El Mouradi hotel.
Cosmos Cosmos has added new hotels and is swapping its flights from Monastir to the new international airport Enfidha, with departures from Gatwick and Manchester. New properties include the Hotel Club Samira, Hammamet and the Hotel Movenpick Resort and Marine Spa in Sousse. Prices lead in at £259 for seven nights’ selfcatering based on two people sharing. Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Movenpick Resort and Marine Spa in Sousse start at £735 per person based on two sharing. The operator has also teamed up with the Tunisian National Tourist Board to help promote the destination by hosting fam trips throughout the year. ■
Tunisia - what to see Archaeology If history and culture rock your world, then Tunisia has a lot to offer. Once the heart of Roman Africa, today Tunisia boasts eight Unesco World Heritage sites, including: ● The amphitheatre of El Djem; ● The Medina of Tunis dates from the 12th to the 16th century and has 700 monuments, including mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fountains; ● The site of Carthage, founded in 814BC, it became the home of the trading empire throughout the Mediterranean; ● Ichkeul National Park, a World Heritagelisted national park, encompassing Lake Ichkeul and Jebel Ichkeul mountain; ● The Punic Town of Kerkouane, and its Necropolis; Kairouan, founded in 670, is a principal holy city of Islam; ● The Medina of Sousse; ● Dougga/Thugga, formerly the capital of Libyco-Punic, which boasts some impressive Roman ruins. 12
Beaches Tunisia has its fair share of beaches. The north boasts a rugged coastline with some breathtaking, secluded beaches such as Raf Raf and Sidi Ali El Mekki to the more popular resort of Hammamet, which has miles of sandy beaches with a wealth of water sports and a sprinkling of five-star hotels, fine restaurants and bars and a medina. The island of Djerba is known as the Polynesia of the Mediterranean. Health and wellbeing Second only to France, Tunisia has 40 luxurious thalassotherapy centres. The country’s leading spa hotels are the five-star The Residence, which is home to the Thermes Marins de Carthage spa, the four-star Hasdrubal Thalassa and Spa in Port el Kantaoui or the Mövenpick Ulysse Palace’s thalasso centre on the island of Djerba. Shopping Step back in time for some 21st-
century retail therapy at the medinas of Kantaoui, Monastir, Tunis and Hammamet. The souks are the perfect places to buy local goods such as rugs, perfume, jewellery and ceramics. The Sahara Have a taste for adventure? Head out into the Sahara on the back of a camel with a Berber guide, or bump over the sand dunes on the back of a quad bike, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon, or get on track with the Red Lizard train that travels from Metlaoui to Redeye through the red and pink rocks, split by canyons of the Saharan Atlas mountains in central Tunisia. Golf Tunisia is popular with golfers who want a bit of sunshine on their course but don’t want to have to go longhaul. There are 10 golf courses suitable for golfers of all abilities and many of the hotels offering free transfers and reduced green fees.
All about North Africa
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Tunisia Holiday Helpline FROM YOUNG couples in their 20s looking for adventure to families keen to experience something different to the Costas and empty nesters who want to combine a beach holiday with culture, Tunisia ticks all the boxes. We ask the experts for some suggestions
The Roman ruins of Dougga
Best for young couples Gemma Carroll, product and commercial manager, eastern Mediterranean, Cosmos says: “The Apartments Residence Diar Lemdina in Yasmine Hammamet are a self-contained residence that resemble a mini-village combining Tunisian charm with Mediterranean and Arabic architecture. There are water parks and souks nearby. “This self-catering property offers couples the freedom to use it as a base from which to explore further afield. A trip to Tunisia is not complete without visiting the remains of ancient Carthage, another must see is Matama, which was used as a set for Star Wars,” she adds. Sample product: prices lead in at £259 per person for seven nights’ self-catering based on two adults sharing with flights leaving Gatwick on 15 May. Katrina Barry, mid-haul general manager, Thomson and First Choice says: “The seven-night Tunisian Explorer Tour is great for couples who want to combine their taste for adventure with an insight into the history of Tunisia. The tour starts in the ancient medina of Sousse where visitors can check out the winding alleys and busy markets, before heading off to El Djem to take in the third-largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. Visitors also get the chance to ride camels to a Bedouin desert camp and experience cave living in Matmata.” Sample product: prices lead in at £695 per person with the option to add on a seven-night stay at either the Marhaba Palace or the adults-only Royal Kenz. Best for families Thomson’s Katrina Barry says: “The brand-new Holiday Village Manar in Hammamet is perfect for families of all ages. Its main attraction is its Aquapark with a mixture of water slides and splash pools alongside two mega pools. Guests also have a whole range of other activities to choose from, including archery, tennis, windsurfing and banana boats. There are also a number of kids’ clubs and circus workshops. For the grown-ups, there is a spa to relax and be pampered. Sample product: seven nights’ all-inclusive from £299 per person – a saving £306 per person. First child costs £365 and second is £369 Cosmos’s Gemma Carroll says: “The all-inclusive Hotel Club Samira in Hammamet offers a friendly service, private sandy beach and lush gardens which make this resort perfect for families. There’s enough on site to keep all the family entertained, based in Hammamet which has 14
everything for the perfect family getaway. If you want to explore further afield – Tunis and Sousse are all within easy reach by hire car, or an organised excursion. Sample product: prices lead in at £299 for seven nights’ allinclusive including flights from Gatwick on 8 May. Best for the over-50s Thomson’s Katrina Barry says: “The five-star RIU Palace Oceana Hammamet, part of the Thomson A La Carte range is a half-board hotel with the option to go all-inclusive. It has many amenities that will prove popular with older clients, including a bridge room, a piano bar with dance floor, three dining options, an indoor and outdoor pool, a wellness centre with health spa, sauna, massage and beauty salon. Sample product: seven nights’ all-inclusive leads in at £479 per person – a saving £330 per person Cosmos’s Gemma Carroll says: “The five-star, all-inclusive Movenpick Resort and Marine Spa in Sousse is a perfectly located hotel with an exclusive edge, just moments away from a gorgeous sandy beach and a short stroll from the centre. Sousse has it all from the thriving port, monastery fortresses, souks, pavement cafes and restaurants.” Sample product: prices lead in at £735 per person for seven nights’ all-inclusive based on two sharing and including flights from Gatwick on 19 June. Ashley Toft, managing director, Explore, says: “The 12-day Desert Carthage and Desert Oases itinerary is ideal for adults of any age who really want to get under the cultural and historical skin of the country. The tour begins at the ruins of the city of Carthage, just outside of Tunis before moving on to Tunisia’s holiest city Kairouan. An overnight stay in the Troglodyte village of Matmata precedes a camel ride into the Grand Erg Oriental continuing on to the salt flats of Chott-elJerid and a visit to the town of Tozeur where visitors can opt to see the set of Star Wars or take a ride on the Red Lizard train. The tour then heads off to the Roman city at Sbeitla, Le Kof and the Roman ruins of Dougga before returning to Tunis. Sample product: prices lead in at £599 including flights.
All about North Africa
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Morocco The fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou in Sousse-Mara-Draa
Morocco has a lot to shout about this year and is enlisting the support of agents to get its message across, with roadshows, training programmes, prizes and lots of educationals
A
LTHOUGH MOROCCO is probably loathed to admit it, when it comes to tourism, the destination is likely to benefit from the troubles Egypt and Tunisia has experienced. While it is hard to ascertain whether many Britons will switch bookings from Egypt or Tunisia, there is no question about how much faith the travel industry has put in Morocco this year. BMI and British Airways are both adding new services, while package-holiday specialists and niche operators have also bolstered their programmes. The Morocco National Tourist Office has set the roadshow dates for its Morocco Champions programme (see separate box) prizes and places on educationals up for grabs. The tourist office is keen to work with the trade to increase the number of bed nights and length of stay from the UK market. While Egypt and Tunisia tend to attract the two-week, package-holiday brigade, the average length of stay from the British market for Morocco is 3.5 nights. MNTO director UK and Ireland Ali El Kasmi says Agadir attracts the longest duration, with the average length of stay being nine to 10 nights. “While at one end of the scale, you have the short-break visitors to Marrakesh, at the other end you have people making the most of the good-value deals in Agadir and spending the whole winter season there. El Kasmi is hopeful that the new flights from BA and BMI will help to attract more upmarket, high-spending clients. “These new flights represent a big investment in Morocco from the UK All about North Africa
market, allowing us to appeal to a broader range of people,” he adds. Operators are equally optimistic about Morocco’s future and along with the airlines have big plans for 2011.
Saharan desert camp; and a two-night with the Berber tribes of the Anti-Atlas in Tagoudiche, followed by a trek to Jebel Lekst and a stay in Essaouira. Land-only prices start at £675.
What’s new from the operators? Classic Collection Holidays Classic Collection has launched a standalone Morocco brochure, featuring Fes and Bin el Ouidane for the first time, expanded offering in Agadir product and new tours, including Imperial Cities and Dunes and Kasbahs. The long-awaited Royal Mansour in Marrakesh has also been introduced. To raise awareness of Morocco, Classic has joined forces with the the tourist office for a marketing campaign.
Prestige Holidays Prestige has added new properties in Marrakesh and Agadir for 2011. The Ksar Anika riad is located in a quiet corner of Marrakesh’s souk and features just 16 rooms, a cinema room, a restaurant, a pool and a spa. Prices lead in at £519 per person for three nights’ bed and breakfast. Prestige has also introduced the Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel in Agadir.
Cosmos Cosmos has added two new tours, including a four-night adventure into the Atlas mountains and an eight-day Garden and Cuisine tour, which features four nights in Essaouira and four nights in Marrakesh. The operator has also introduced four new tour departures following the introduction of new BMI flights from Heathrow. Prices lead in at £695 per person. Explore Escorted adventure tours specialist Explore has added a new tour. The 12-day itinerary starts and ends in Marrakesh and includes: mule riding, hiking and cycling in the southern slopes of Atlas Mountains; a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, a ruined Kasbah village and Unesco World Heritage Site; camel trek to Tiraf Dunes, a
KE Adventure Travel Adventure specialist KE Adventure Travel has added a new itinerary. The four-day Toubkal Weekend – the Ultimate Morocco Short Break – starts off with a night in Marrakesh followed by a two-hour drive the next day to the Atlas Mountains for the start of a five-hour hike to the Neltner Refuge at 3,200 metres. This weekend is designed for regular mountain walkers looking for a challenge. Land-only prices start at £325. Tucan Travel Adventure specialist Tucan Travel has introduced the historical coastal cities of Tangier and Essaouira. The new additions offer Tucan clients the chance to experience more of life in the desert and the hospitable Berber tribes on an overnight camel safari in Merzouga. Other new highlights of a tour in Morocco include visits to the Todra and Dades Gorges, where the High Atlas and 15
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Morocco the Jebel Sarhro are separated. Also new is the fortified city of Aid Ben Haddou, located on the old trade route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Thomson and First Choice New twin centres between Marrakesh and Agadir and Marrakesh and Essaouira have been added to Thomson and First Choice’s programme for 2011. Durations of 10, 11 and 14 nights are available for the Marrakesh and Agadir twin centres, with seven-night stays for the Marrakesh and Eassouira package. The ClubHotel Riu Tikida Palmeraie is flagship property in Marrakesh for both operators with prices leading in at £287 for three nights’ all-inclusive. From the airlines BMI British Midland International has announced plans to launch services to
Casablanca and Marrakesh. The airline will start direct flights to Casablanca on 2 April, flying four times a week, with thriceweekly services to Marrakesh from Heathrow starting on 1 April 2011. Economy return fares start at £149 to Marrakesh and £199 to Casablanca, all including taxes.
Sofitel Essaouira Magador Golf and Spa
British Airways BA is launching a thrice-weekly service from Gatwick to Marrakesh on March 27. One-way fares with BA from Gatwick to Marrakesh start at £79 including taxes, fees and charges. From the hotels Sofitel Essaouira Magador Golf and Spa Luxury hotel chain Sofitel has opened a new property in the coastal resort of Essaouira. The Sofitel Essaouira Magador Golf and Spa is the first resort to open in Mogador
How to sell Morocco Do your Morocco sales need a bit of a push? Here is some advice from the experts: Vicky Wye, Europe product manager, Cosmos Cruises and Tours Division â—? With new flights from BMI and BA joining the current services by Royal Air Maroc, EasyJet and Ryanair, Morocco is easy to get to â—? There are lots of sights to see and shopping to do â—? Morocco is great value for money â—? If you are going on a coach tour, a tour director escorts all the coaches, ensuring all the clients are well looked after
Anna Colclough, director, Tourdust says: â—? Keep close to Foreign Office advice for the region so you are well informed and can give sound advice â—? When clients are nervous about a destination, it gives you an excellent chance to improve your selling techniques. Swot up about the region and ensure you have details at the top of your mind. Nervous clients appreciate confident and knowledgeable agents â—? When demand for a region is low, it means availability is good which can give agents a chance to negotiate better rates. This is particularly true of hotels. Look for deals that you can pass on to clients
THE MOROCCO SPECIALIST Agadir Beach Holidays From ÂŁ449
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Morocco and Sofitel’s second property in the area. As well as an 18-hole golf course, the hotel has teamed up with French cosmetics companies Carita and Cinq Mondes to produce a So SPA for the resort. Families are catered for too with villa accommodation and kids’ clubs. Prices start at £161 for a room based on two people sharing. Es Saadi Palace Spa A new spa has opened at a hotel in the heart of Marrakesh. The Es Saadi Palace Spa in the Es Saadi Gardens and Resort houses the first Dior Institut in a hotel spa outside of Paris. To celebrate the launch, the Es Saadi Palace is offering two new pampering packages: the five-day Unfolding of the Spa starts at £550 per suite per night; the four-day Girls’ Weekend pampering package that leads in at £825 per suite per night. ■
The Morocco Champions 2011 THE MOROCCAN National Tourist Office has launched its Morocco Champions 2011 programme with dates for a number of roadshows. The first roadshow will take place on 4 April in London at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, followed by Birmingham on 5 April at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley, the Marriott Hotel in Gosforth Park in Newcastle on 6 April and the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow on 7 April. The roadshows offer agents the chance to develop valuable contacts at an evening of Moroccan food and live entertainment, plus the chance to win prizes and to be selected to attend a mega fam. Call the Network Events Team: 0208 742 4077 or email: morocco.roadshows2011@thenetw ork-uk.com To become a Morocco Champion, log on to www.moroccochampionstrade.com and complete the e-learning training programme. All about North Africa
The MNTO's 2020 Vision THE MOROCCO National Tourist Office is looking to build on its 2010 Vision with the launch of its 2010 Vision Strategy. While the main focus of Vision 2010 was to develop tourism to Morocco, Vision 2020 aims to build on the original strategy with a goal of attracting 18 million tourists by 2020. Part of this objective is to develop the tourism infrastructure by creating 200,000 new beds and enhancing the tourist’s experience by: ● Enhancing the range of cultural products;
● ● ● ●
Continuing to market the seaside resorts aggressively Creating a range of nature tourism products Setting up themed corridors Setting up a potent range of events and guides.
Welcoming the new strategy, Morocco National Tourist Office UK and Ireland director Ali El Kasmi said: “As well as increasing tourism numbers, quality will be important, along with a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism.”
Inspiring exotic,
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0800 008 7288 www.classic-collection.co.uk
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Morocco Holiday helpline THE FUTURE looks bright for Morocco with airlines and operators showing their faith in the destination with new flights and programmes. From the medieval medinas to the beaches of Agadir, from the heady heights of the Atlas mountains to the souks of Marrakesh, Morocco has an experience frm everyone. We ask the experts for some holiday suggestions to help you sell Morocco to your clients
adventure. It includes a visit to Marrakesh, mule riding, hiking and cycling in the Atlas mountains, a visit to the ruined Kasbah village of Ait Ben Haddou, a camel trek to Explore’s desert camo in the Tiraf dunes, a two-night stay with the Berber tribes of the Anti-Atlas with a trek to Jebel Lekst. The tour finishes off in Essaouira.” Sample product: prices lead in at £675 land-only and £958 including flights.
Best for young couples looking for adventure Anna Colclough, director, Tourdust says... “We send a lot of young couples out on treks. The most popular one is the Villages and Toubkal trek, where visitors trek into the Atlas Mountains, staying in local gites along the way. The tour finishes with walk up Morocco’s highest mountain, Toubkal. As the accommodation along the way is basic, then a nice treat at the end is to stay at some high-quality accommodation, we usually suggest either Kasbah Toubkal or Chez Momo.” Sample product: land-only tour prices start at £209 per person.
KE Adventure’s Alison Bembridge says... “For those with an adventurous streak, our eight-day trek to the top of Jebel Sirwa at 3305 metres is perfect. This includes six days of trekking, experiencing the Berber way of life, and two days in Marrakesh.” Sample product: land-only from £445.
Rowena Byrne, North Africa operations manager, Tucan Travel says... “Our eight-day Morocco Explored Adventure Tour is a great introduction to the country as it gives first-timers a taste of the highlights of Morocco. The tour visits Marrakesh, Essaouira, Casablanca, Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fez.” Sample product: land-only tour prices for the Morocco Explored Adventure Tour lead in at £440 per person. Sunset Faraway product manager, Asia and Africa, Kate Andrews, says: “Couples looking for adventure should try our seven-night City, Mountains and Coast holiday, which includes three nights at the Sofitel Marrakesh, two nights at the Kasbah Agounsane and three nights at the Sofitel Essaouira.” Sample product: prices lead in at £1,055 per person for seven nights’ bed and breakfast. Explore sales director Carl Burrows says: ”Our new 12-day Active Morocco tour is ideal for young couples looking for 18
Families Sunset Faraway’s Kate Andrews says: “The Mazagan Beach Resort an hour south of Casablanca is perfect for families. This coastal resort offers families the ultimate playground where children can have the time of their lives, with a treasure trove of fun and games to keep them entertained. While the focus is on leisure activities for the kids, parents can enjoy the spa, the golf course and the Moroccan delights served in the 11 restaurants and bars.” Sample product: prices lead in at £585 per person for five nights’ bed and breakfast. KE Adventure’s Alison Bembridge says... “Our eight-day Les Petits Caravanniers family trek includes French and English families, so it gives kids the chance to work on their language skills. The trek starts out beyond the Atlas Mountains in the Draa Valley, where families meet their Berber crew and set out on a four-day trek on the edge of the great Sahara Desert. Travelling in the traditional way of the camel caravan, families sleep out under the stars in the desert, meet Saharan dwellers
and hunt for fossils. Sample product: land-only prices from £495 for adults and children aged six to 12. Nicky Shafe, marketing manager, Prestige Holidays, says... “The all-inclusive Iberostar Founty Beach Hotel in Agadir has plenty to keep the children, and grown-ups, entertained. It boasts ground-floor family rooms that can accommodate four people. The hotel has a separate children’s pool and a kids’ club.” Sample product: seven nights’ allinclusive from £732 per adult and £198 for the first child and £460 for the second. Over 50s Cosmos Europe product manager Vicky Wye says: “Cosmos’s 10-day Highlights of Morocco tour is popular with couples. They visit Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fez, Irane, the Atlas mountains, Zit Valley and Oasis, Erfoud, Rissani, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Road of 100 Kasbahs, Ouarzazate, Ait-Benhaddou and Marrakesh.” Sample product: prices from £695 per person. Prestige’s Nicky Shafe says... ”For older clients, the Villa des Orangers is a beautiful, sophisticated riad, in the centre of Marrakesh, within walking distance of the Place Djemaa El Fna, the city’s huge main square next to the souk. The riad is peaceful and intimate with just 27 guest rooms and suites. Facilities include a pool on the rooftop with super views and a larger pool in the gardens plus a spa with a hammam, treatment rooms and beauty salon. Sample product: a five-night break on half-board costs from £1,089 per person. Marrakesh by night
All about North Africa
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Useful Contacts NAME
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE/FAX NUMBERS
WEBSITE/EMAIL
Anatolian Sky, 81 Warwick Road, Solihull B92 7HP
Tel: 0844 875 7624
www.anatoliansky.co.uk
Classic Collection Holidays Saxon House, Little High Street, Worthing BN11 1DH
Tel: 01903 214945
claire.cannon@classic-collection.co.uk www.classic-collection.co.uk
Tel: 020 7873 5020
www.coxandkings.co.uk
Discover Egypt 80 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LL
Tel: 020 7407 2111
sales@discoveregypt.co.uk www.discoveregypt.co.uk
Egyptian State Tourist Office, 170 Picadilly, London W1V 9DD
Tel: 020 7493 5283
www.egypt.travel
Just Sunshine Ltd, 17 Blossom Street, London E1 6PL
Tel: 0844 7560056
chris.mansell@justsunshine.com www.justsunshine.com
Longwood Holidays 3 Bourne Court, Southend Road, Woodford Green IG8 8HD
Tel: 020 8418 2550
agencysales@longwoodholidays.co.uk
Moroccan National Tourist Office 205, Regent Street, London W1B 4HB
Tel: 020 7437 0073
info@morocco-tourism.org.uk www.visitmorocco.com www.marrakech.travel
Olympic Holidays c/o Interaction Worldwide Limited 1 Torrington Park, North Finchley, London N12 9TB
Tel: 0844 576 2350
www.olympicholidays.com
Planet Holidays, Castle House 21 Station Road,, New Barnet, Herts, EN5 1PA
Tel: 0871 871 2234
info@planet-holidays.net www.planet-holidays.co.uk
Prestige Holidays, 1 Fridays Court, High Street, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1JA
Tel: 01425 480400
reservations@prestigeholidays.co.uk www.prestigeholidays.co.uk
Red Sea Holidays 75 Shoe Lane, City of London EC4A 3TW
Tel: 0845 313 9949
www.redseaholidays.co.uk/agents
Riu Hotels and Resorts Columbia House, Columbia Drive, Worthing BN13 3HD
Tel/Fax: 01903 262150
www.riu.com
Tunisair 6 Vigo Street, London W1S 3HT
Tel: 020 7437 6236
tunisairuk@aol.com www.tunisair.com
Tunisian Tourist Office 77A Wigmore Street, London W1H 9LJ
Tel: 020 7224 5561
info@cometotunisia.co.uk
Cox and Kings 6th Floor, 30 Millbank, London SW1P 4EE
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MOROCCO A place of contrasts - modern, chic and luxurious. Stay in hand picked exquisite riads or larger 5 star resort hotels. Perhaps a few nights in the beautiful countryside or on the coast? Prestige Holidays can tailor-make the holiday to suit your clients. Call or visit our website for all our latest offers from free nights, room upgrades to free meals. More affordable luxury holidays... from your local airport. Don’t forget you will receive Marks & Spencers vouchers for each booking made.
Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk