Selling Travel January/February 2024 by BMI Publishing Ltd

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

VOW FACTOR

Create a destination wedding package that clients will fall in love with

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INSPIRING THOSE WHO LOVE TRAVEL

how to sell...

Greece Slovenia Los Cabos Saint Lucia

21/12/2023 15:19

With over 300 days of sunshine a year and a staggering mix of breathtaking scenery, Arizona is primed for outdoor adventures. Our 13-day ‘Bright Lights to Desert Sights’ itinerary combines the best of the state with a three-night stay in glamorous Las Vegas in neighbouring Nevada. Stare in awe at the Grand Canyon, marvel at the giant Saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert, and feed your taste for adventure with boundless opportunities for rafting, riding, hiking, biking, hot-air ballooning and private jeep safaris.

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Contents / 3

All around the world

inside this issue Trend-Watching

weddings & HONEYMOONS

08 2024 Travel Trends: We look at booking trends, travel themes and emerging destinations

34 connect indian ocean

Globe-Hopping 16 Slovenia: A wellbeing hotspot year-round 20 My Journey: Panama City 22 Accessibility: In Australia 24 Destination Update: Rhodes post-wildfires 26 How to Sell: Benidorm 28 Introducing: Los Cabos

Accessibility

Trade Talk SLOVENIA

los cabos

30 The Review: Selling Travel Connect: Indian Ocean & Middle East

Be Inspired 34 Weddings & Honeymoons: How agents can cash in on this lucrative sector 37 Weddings & Honeymoons: Greece Why Greece is perfect for a destination wedding and TRAVEL TRENDS

greece

honeymoon combo

40 Weddings & Honeymoons: Saint Lucia This Caribbean island specialises in romance 45 Weddings & Honeymoons: Indian Ocean What to sell in the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles

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4 / Welcome

January/February

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Hartridge

EDITOR Jessica Alexander

Milestone moments

DIGITAL EDITOR April Waterston

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sheena Adesilu

WRITERS Charlotte Flach, Bev Fearis, Julie Baxter Lauren Jarvis & Jo Gardner

PUBLISHING PUBLISHERS Steve Thompson steven.thompson@sellingtravel.co.uk Sally Parker sally.parker@sellingtravel.co.uk Stella De Berniere stelladeberniere@bmipublishing.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER Shani Kunar

MANAGING DIRECTOR Matt Bonner

CEO Martin Steady

DESIGN & PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Caitlan Francis

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Clare Hunter

PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR Steve Hunter

COVER IMAGE Ktima Lindos wedding venue SAVVAS ARGIROU PHOTOGRAPHY (PRINT) ISSN 2056-9319. © BMI PUBLISHING LTD 2024.

SELLING TRAVEL IS PUBLISHED BY BMI PUBLISHING LTD: 501 THE RESIDENCE, NO. 1 ALEXANDRA TERRACE, GUILDFORD, GU1 3DA, UK. T: 020 8649 7233 E: ENQUIRIES@BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION, VISIT USA ASSOCIATION, LATA, PATA, MENATA, SATOA, THE FOREIGN AIRLINES ASSOCIATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM. WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, BMI PUBLISHING LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. This publication is printed on sustainably sourced materials including fully recycled Revive covers which along with the

or many of us a new year is a chance to start afresh, create new goals and prepare for upcoming milestones. And for some couples that milestone is a wedding. Although incredibly exciting, the reality of planning a wedding can feel somewhat all-consuming, something that myself and April, our Digital Editor, can relate to all too well as 2023 brides. Influenced by my job in travel, I decided to opt for an abroad wedding on the Greek island of Rhodes in the hope that it would Jessica Alexander EDITOR be a smaller affair, less formal and provide an excuse to prolong the day and spend some quality time with friends and family – the weather and beautiful backdrop being an added bonus. One of the biggest benefits of having a wedding abroad is that most venues come with a dedicated in-house wedding planner equipped with the expertise to guide couples through the process. My planner, Nicole, made the whole experience seamless. At one of our meetings, she told me how the island was affected during the July wildfires and tragically that her own beach house had burnt down in the process. It was certainly a scary time for locals but, thanks to the resilience of the people and the desire for tourists to support the island, Rhodes continued to have one of the busiest seasons since 2018 and Nicole was kept busy planning many more weddings, mine included. You can read more about how the island has recovered on page 24. For agents, tapping into this lucrative sector can be hugely rewarding, both in commission and in creating something incredibly personal and special for their clients. It was certainly a milestone I will never forget and this issue's cover will always serve as a special reminder for me. Look to our Be Inspired section, starting on page 34, for dedicated wedding and honeymoon content, with first-hand accounts from Greece and Saint Lucia, plus new product from the Indian Ocean. Enjoy this issue and good luck to those of you planning a wedding in 2024.

text paper are both FSC certified and Carbon Balanced.

Please note that Selling Travel, owned and published by BMI Publishing Ltd., is not connected in any way to Selling Travel e-magazine published by SMP Training Co. and based in British Columbia, Canada. The latter online publication focuses exclusively on sales skills and all aspects of professional selling within the travel and tourism sectors. To benefit from this travel industry sales training resource visit sellingtravel.net

With this issue Visit USA Travel Planner 2024 This new guide will inspire you to sell the USA and create memorable itineraries for 2024.

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Trend watching

6 / New Beginnings

Italy

AT ITS PEAK Surrounded by the Dolomite Mountain range in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol, COMO Alpina Dolomites opened in December 2023 as a year-round luxury resort. The ski-in/ski-out resort has 60 rooms and oﬀers snowboarding and cross-country skiing in winter and hiking and mountain biking in the warmer seasons. After a day of adventure, guests can relax in the COMO Shambhala Retreat which includes an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna and a beauty sanctuary. comohotels.com

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Trend Watching New Beginnings / 7

Indonesia

BEST OF BALI The recent opening of Umana Bali marks the ﬁrst Hilton property in South East Asia. Each of the 72 villas has its own private inﬁnity-edge pool and outdoor hot tub with direct access to Melasti Beach. Guests can practice yoga, sound healing, meditation and partake in soul blessing ceremonies. Explore Bali beyond the resort by stargazing with a resident astronomer, sign up to a Layang Layang kite-making class with a master kite builder or book a local cooking class in a home kitchen. hilton.com

Tanzania

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS Guests staying at the new Ngorongoro Lodge, part of Meliá Collection, can seek out the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles that inhabit the Ngorongoro Crater on a full-day game drive or take to the skies on a balloon safari over the plains of Ndutu. The 56-room lodge prides itself on protecting and preserving the natural ecosystem and culture of the local Massai tribe, with 95% of all products acquired from neighbouring villages. A visit to a traditional Massai house or boma is recommended. melia.com

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Trend Watching

8 / 2024 Trends

All

change From ‘cool-cationing’ to the return of long-haul stars across Asia, Charlotte Flach reveals the biggest trends for 2024

s New Year’s resolutions are made and big plans for 2024 start to take shape, many have already started compiling their travel list for the next 12 months. For some destinations, this year marks the first for restriction-free travel since Covid, with big-hitters such as Asia and South America back on the travel scene. Meanwhile, last year’s string of wildfires is prompting a shift in booking windows, with travellers increasingly exploring the concept of ‘shoulder seasons’, driven by the desire to avoid overcrowded destinations during the summer as well as the effects of climate change, in particular on Southern Europe.

Destinations in demand Summer sun favourites such as Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, as well as Italy and Spain, are becoming too hot during the summer months, pushing travellers to seek cooler alternatives like the Alps, Slovenia and Poland. “Cool-cationing is a brand-new trend for 2024 that sees travellers swapping sun-seeking trips for cooler climates,” claims Mary Bragg, UK Product Manager at HF Holidays. “This will lead to a continued rise in UK staycations, particularly to cooler destinations, including Scotland and Wales, but also

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Trend Watching 2024 Trends / 9

still closed to travellers. Over the last six months or so, Asian destinations have been experiencing a rebound,” says MD Michael Edwards. Japan, for instance, is currently experiencing record tourism numbers, according to the Lemongrass Annual Travel Trend Report. Meanwhile, the Wayfairer Travel team has seen double the interest in Antarctica and its top five most searchedfor destinations are Kenya, Japan, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Tanzania. Major sporting events such as the Olympic Games in Paris and the Superbowl in Las Vegas are set to draw in crowds in 2024.

Trending travel themes In addition to big, far-flung holidays, customers are looking to transformational travel or experiences that provide a challenge or accomplishment, such as walking the Camino de Santiago or Inca Trail treks. “We’re seeing a trend more towards breaks with a sense of accomplishment where travellers

can bag those big-name achievements” says Bragg. In a similar vein, travelling for ‘peace and purpose’ will be significant this year, as travellers look to switch off from their daily life and find a new purpose in their given destination. Hartnett says: “This ties into ‘slow travel’ and being able to truly appreciate a destination, feel reinvigorated and that you are giving back to the local economy and community. People are increasingly seeking these experiences and want to travel in a more meaningful way.” ‘Duality holidays’, from the growing trend of island-hopping in the Maldives to twincentre holidays in the Caribbean, will be big in 2024. “Duality trips are going to grow as travellers seek diversity and a range of experiences in their holiday,” says Helen Tabois, Senior Product Manager – Caribbean, Inspiring Travel. “In the Caribbean this is down to new flights such as Tradewind Aviation’s service between Antigua and Anguilla, St Barts and Anguilla, and Cayman Airways’ flying to Barbados.” Culinary tours in particular are seeing a boom, especially when combined with walking tours.

istockphoto.com/ TwilightShow

to snowy destinations such as Norway.” Popular new contenders for 2024 include Albania, which is the latest region in the Balkans to gain increasing awareness as a viable tourist destination with a 50% increase in enquiries in 2023, according to Wild Frontiers. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are also coming into view. Jonny Bealby, founder of Wild Frontiers, expects the popularity of this region to keep growing. “Central Asia was incredibly popular in 2023, with a 68% increase in travellers compared to 2022 and a 30% surge in bookings to Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan is more popular than ever, with booking levels back to pre-Covid levels,” he says. Explore Worldwide is reporting a 98% increase in traffic to India trip webpages in 2023 over 2022. Meanwhile, Cambodia (+76%), Vietnam (+82%) and Thailand (+60%) have also seen a huge spike in popularity. “This time last year, believe it or not, much of Asia was

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Trend Watching

10 / 2024 Trends

Paris, olympic host city

“Cool-cationing is a brandnew trend for 2024 that will see travellers swapping sunseeking trips for cooler climates” Mary Bragg, HF Holidays

dreamstime

Kolsai, Kazakhstan

Brac, Croatia

“Culinary tourism allows travellers to explore a new culture through food and continues to be a good sell at HF Holidays, with our Sicily Food & Hike trip proving popular in its first year, showing a continued growth of 31% for bookings into 2024. We anticipate food and walking to be amongst our top-sellers for 2024,” says Bragg. No-fly holidays will continue to be a conscientious choice as travellers try to minimise their carbon footprint when travelling abroad. “Rail adventures across Europe have soared in popularity with over 120 pax choosing to book our new European holidays by rail with HF Holidays in 2024,” adds Bragg. Notably, new night-time routes connecting Prague to Basel, Stuttgart to Venice and Rijeka and a weekly train connecting the Black Forest city of Freiburg to Bordeaux were introduced last year and for 2024 and 2025 more exciting routes such as Paris to Madrid, Paris to Berlin and Amsterdam to Barcelona are planned.

helen hotson

Bolder bookings

Scottish highlands

Travel bookings into 2024 are healthy, with 36% of Brits having already booked what they would consider to be a bucket list trip for 2024, according to SkyParkSecure, with a further 35% “considering it”. Despite the rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence), which claims to recommend destinations, accommodations, and activities based on analysed traveller preferences, it seems that travellers are keener than ever to look to agents to help them book memorable trips. “The travel industry is seeing an increased consumer confidence and appetite for adventurous, once-in-

a-lifetime trips,” says Tom Blakey, Founder, Wayfairer Travel. “Within the luxury space, this is coupled with an even stronger demand for a high level of itinerary tailoring and assistance from trusted industry experts.” Jennifer Hartnett, Colletts Collection’s Head of Tour Operations, agrees and believes that some travellers are now in a position to take multiple bucket list trips. “We are seeing a high likelihood that clients will be able to do these trips more than just once in their lifetime, and with the expertise and guidance of a travel advisor these are very accessible.” Escaping the crowds and visiting more remote, esoteric destinations holds greater appeal than ever, with Namibia (+49%), Romania (+103%) and New Zealand (+69%) seeing big growth for 2024, says Explore Worldwide. “Choose Croatia’s pristine Brac island over trendy Hvar for an equally blissful beach experience away from the crowds. Take in Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but don’t miss the festivities in Guatemala, which are incredibly vibrant but usually only frequented by locals,” suggests Edwards. New markets will keep appearing, says Tabois. “For example, as the Maldives successfully expanded into the family market and continues to do so with sales ever growing, Inspiring Travel is also looking forward to working on growing the luxury market in Jamaica.” To summarise, Blakely offers: “From travelling to far-flung destinations with toddlers to exploring new flight routes or switching off completely to prioritise wellness, the 2024 traveller will be bolder with their travel choices than ever before.” •

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online

Trend Watching

12 / Travel Talk

Talking with

n co

tent

Read the full interview online at sellingtravel.co.uk/ travel-talk

Dame Irene Hays Dame Irene Hays, Chair of Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agency, tells Bev Fearis what’s trending for 2024

Q: ABTA’s most recent Travel Habits identified a trend for off-season travel. Is that something you’re seeing? A: The shoulder seasons have always been very popular with our customers and we are definitely seeing a rise in people taking holidays outside of July and August, particularly in the May and October halfterms. Spring or autumn is also popular for couples who don’t want to go when there are lots of children around. Christmas is also huge for us in terms of New York and Christmas markets and there’s a lot of airline capacity now.

Q: Which destinations are booking well in the shoulder seasons? A: Traditionally people will follow the sun, so the Canaries are always popular. For spring we are selling a lot of the Maldives. People were initially worried about a capacity problem in the winter months but airlift is increasing and there are some great deals that will extend the season.

Q: How are you using AI in your business? A: In the last 18 months we have been trialling AI in our recruitment process and using it to help create content for our customers. But for both of these we still have a human who checks all of the information to make sure that it’s accurate and relevant. It was apparent from the ABTA conference last year that people don’t fully trust it yet. Whilst AI does free people up, it hasn’t taken any jobs away.

Q: You mentioned creating content for your customers. Do they still read brochures? A: Yes, it’s amazing how many people still

love to sit in bed on a Sunday morning and flick through a physical brochure. We do our own online brochures too – Best of Touring and Best of Cruising – and send them to those on our database.

Q: How are your cruise bookings looking for 2024? A: Capacity is already higher than it was pre-Covid and there is a third more product coming onto the market in the next four years. Cruise makes up around 26% of our overall business and our ambition at Hays Travel is to take this up to one third. We are definitely seeing a change in the demographic, with lots of cruising for families, thanks to the range of entertainment for children of all ages.

Q: Which destinations do you think will be popular this year? A: It will still be Spain, Turkey and Greece. Greece has been incredibly popular and despite the wildfires our customers want to go back to Rhodes and support the tourism industry there. I also expect America to make more of a comeback than last year, to places like Disney and Universal.

“Greece has been incredibly popular and despite the wildfires our customers want to go back to Rhodes and support the tourism industry there”

Q: Are you seeing any negative impact on bookings due to the situation in the Middle East? A: It’s an absolutely catastrophic situation and a major problem. Egypt has made great progress in repairing its tourism industry and the last thing it wants to do is have that damaged. The tourist board is putting out lots of information about how safe the destination is, but the geo-political circumstances can’t be managed. I hope these countries, which have had a very torrid time and are dependent on tourism, are not badly affected but we are already seeing changes in cruise itineraries. •

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Trend Watching

14 / Four-sight The Family Business

Are clients looking to book outside of peak summer season to avoid extreme heat, summer crowds or bag a bargain?

October saw us have one of the busiest months for departures in recent history! It was interesting to see how many of our regulars chose to travel later in the year. For our clients with young families, this proves to be more difficult, but more people are taking kids out of school to avoid the school holiday price hike and the crowds. We’re noticing that clients are looking for a unique holiday experience, so we do recommend travelling in shoulder

To avoid the crowds we do recommend shoulder seasons seasons, or looking at less mainstream destinations, Montenegro instead of Croatia, for example. I recently visited Munich for the TTNG (The Travel Network Group) Conference. It was a great chance to reconnect with business partners (and my first work trip since having my son!) I had a fantastic meeting with Not in the Guidebooks at the conference, and that’s inspired me to focus more on the local, sustainable element of travel moving forwards. As we all know, this often comes down to budget constraints, as sustainable isn’t necessarily affordable yet, but if we can add in one sustainable element, that would be a good step in the right direction.

Anneka Desrosiers Southern Cross Travel, East Sussex

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Trend Watching Four-sight / 15 The Cruise Specialist

The High Street Agency

The Homeworker

One person’s high season seems to be another person’s low season - but overall European river cruising has a clear pattern with May/June and then September being the high season with adjacent months and December becoming the more popular shoulder seasons; late October and November are low season with many offers available to fill the ships. March used to mark the beginning of the season in Europe but 2024 sees

We are seeing more clients looking to book out of season if they can. There’s some really great deals to be had and places don’t tend to suffer from overtousim in the colder months. A good time to visit Greece is early in the season when the spring flowers are blooming and temperatures still warmer than the UK. With blue skies, less crowds and holiday prices lower than in the height of the summer, it’s a great time to travel. Avoid the

I think a lot of people are choosing to go on holiday when it’s not so busy and not as expensive, also the weather can be a bit more bearable especially if children are involved. I also think there’s the potential for clients to squeeze an extra holiday in if they book out of season, which is good for Tour Operators and good for supporting local businesses. I’ve noticed a fantastic choice of brochures circulating in the last few

Low water levels are forcing cruisers to avoid summer

There are some amazing deals to be had in the rainy season

The weather can be more bearable travelling out of season

several established operators for the first time offering sailings from midFebruary. This may be driven in part by the increasingly high temperatures along with challenging low water levels leading to many travellers avoiding the height of summer in July and August. Low season sailings do attract the ‘bargain’ hunters who can enjoy top end five-star cruises at greatly reduced prices – with 2023 seeing more and more past clients looking for bargain basement fares. The problem is that people become accustomed to paying far less for shoulder and high season sailings than is normal. It’s important to manage client expectations beyond these deals.

islands that cruise ships stop at as towns like Fira in Santorini and Lindos in Rhodes can double in size when passengers disembark. New York is popular all year round but the best priced packages can be found from January to March. We advise clients to pack for all weathers – there can be snow but also early spring weather can be very pleasant. Wrap up warm or spend time indoors shopping and in museums to find warmth and shelter if required! There are some amazing deals for Thailand in August and September with free nights, room upgrades and cheaper airfares. Although rain is to be expected, it’s still warm and worth visiting.

months with gorgeous inspirational photos on the front. I’m seeing a lot of interest in river cruises perhaps because of the Christmas Market angle or the numerous TV shows which are showcasing the ships. I must say I have not done a river cruise and really fancy trying one, they are very different to the big ships and I think you see much more of the countryside cruising on a river. It’s also easier to go ashore and visit cities. I also think getting married abroad is becoming more popular but I really don’t think Travel Agents push them enough for fear that they are a bit more time consuming. I don’t think this is the case and there’s plenty of specialists to help along the way.

James Hill

Liz Beaty

Director of GoRiverCruise Worcestershire

The Travel Team Brampton, Cumbria

Sandy Murray

Sandy’s Travel Escapes

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Globe Hopping

16 / Slovenia

Healing

waters Offering hiking in summer and skiing in winter and now establishing itself as a top choice for spa and wellness, Slovenia is a year-round destination, says Jo Gardner

Lake Bled at sunset

ith my arms resting on the edge, I find a comfortable, semi- buoyant position in the water and take in the spectacular mountainous view through huge panels of glass curving up to the ceiling. “Is this what spas in England are like?” asks my friend, who is swimming lengths in the ultra-modern pool while I watch swathes of mist move across the mountains to reveal more of the Julian Alps. Not really, I think to myself as I recall

some of the inadvertent splashes that come from braving a swimming pool during the school holidays – a world away from the tranquillity of this private pool. “I guess it would be hard to find a view like this from a pool in the UK,” she adds, almost reading my mind. Private ‘spa-ing’, where guests have all the facilities to themselves for a pre-organised amount of time, seems to be common in Slovenia. At the Bohinj Eco Hotel we have three hours to swim, stare at the

mountains, use the steam room, warm up in the sauna, help ourselves to tea and snacks, and sip glasses of Gin and Tonic on comfy loungers. We feel like royalty. The next day, at the boutique Sunrose 7 Hotel opposite, the basement spa offers a different perspective with its moody, bronze-clad bubbly pool, statement experience shower, and day beds with curtains and beautiful coffee table books to flick through. A bottle of Champagne in a bucket with two glasses propels our

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Globe Hopping Slovenia / 17

experience to dizzying heights, while the décor (where can I get hold of those tiny mice lights, I wonder) is bold and beautiful. Again, we have the space entirely to ourselves for three hours – and boy is it relaxing. If this is ‘spa-ing’ Slovenian-style, I think to myself as I sip a glass of fizz in the warm water, the UK needs to catch up!

Good all-rounder When a destination has stunning mountains (snow-capped in the winter; lush green in the summer), clear blue lakes and rivers at its disposal, it makes sense to promote wellbeing; after all, who doesn’t benefit from a spot of hiking, biking, skiing or swimming? “Slovenia’s mountains are the perfect playground for lovers of the outdoors,” agrees Deborah Welsh, Julian Alps Account Director and Tourism Lead at AM+A PR. “The lofty peaks and fresh mountain air helps visitors to decompress, leading to a mindfulness experience rather than a holiday of box-ticking.” Skiers will also love Slovenia in the winter: Crystal Ski Holidays has added resorts in Kranjska Gora, Bled and Bohinj to its winter 2023/2024 schedule, with five hotels to choose from. Flights to Salzburg, with transfers to Slovenia, commenced on December 23 and run until March 2024 from eight regional airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted. “We are always looking for exciting new destinations to add to the wide range of holidays we offer,” says Crystal Ski Holidays Managing Director Chris Logan. “The resorts in Slovenia are perfect for those looking for a different cultural experience; the budget-conscious will love the affordable prices.” “Being more eco-friendly is high on the agenda for many holidaymakers these days, too,” adds Welsh. “Slovenia is committed to sustainability and is making strides to be recognised as one of the greenest and most sustainable countries in Europe, if not the world.” The Slovenian Tourist Board’s 104-page travel agent manual entitled ‘Slovenia My Way. New Way’ is a must-for agents selling the destination, with pages dedicated to sustainability, inclusivity, gastronomy,

Hiking lovrenŠka jezera Lakesat Bohinj Eco Hotel ljubljana castle

Mountain views at Bohinj Eco Hotel

hiking, cycling, skiing, history and culture, as well as maps, inspiring images and contact information. Download a copy from slovenia.info.

What’s new

As a local If you’re looking to join a tour, look no further than Slovenia Unique Experiences, a team of local hosts who have come together to create a range of new authentic and off-the-beaten-track tours for visitors wishing to see how the locals live. slovenia.info Talking trees If you believe that the trees can talk (or at least listen), then the new Forest Melody experience is for you. Join this guided tour and see how experts coax melodies out of trees. slovenia.info Hair-raising Experience the beauty of

“The resorts in Slovenia are perfect for those looking for a different cultural experience; the budgetconscious will love the affordable prices” Deborah Welsh, Julian Alps Tourist Board

the Krn mountains as an alpine climber with Pangea Adventures before abseiling down a vertical wall onto a suspended platform. From here, you will be able to marvel at the magnificent view while enjoying gourmet food. Choose between a sunrise or sunset adventure. pangea-adventures.si Capital stays Last summet saw the opening of the new Occidental Hotel in

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Globe Hopping

18 / Slovenia

Cycling in Soča Valley waterside in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana

hIt the slopes at one of four resorts

Ljubljana, a four-star property in the heart of the city with rooms designed to reflect the art and culture of Slovenia, as well as a light-filled, plant-heavy lobby; a spacious, social dining space; and meeting rooms. barcelo.com Family time Regent has launched a new family programme including Rafting and Zip-lining in Alpine Slovenia, an eight-day self-drive adventure that crosses Slovenia’s highest mountain pass to reach the Soča Valley for white water rafting and zip-lining. regent-holidays.co.uk Foodie focus Slovenian chef Ana Roš was declared the ‘world’s best female chef’ by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Her restaurant, Hiša Franko in Kobarid, received a third Michelin star, making Roš the first Slovenian female chef with three culinary stars. She has just opened a new bistro, JAZ, in Ljubljana. hisafranko.com

Top Experiences Visit Radolca’s chocolate festival Each April visitors and locals flock to the pretty town of Radolca to gorge on chocolate. Taking over Linhart Square, the annual Chocolate Festival – the biggest and best in Slovenia - invites some of country’s best chocolate experts and makers to the town to give talks, show off their wares (including a vast range of pralines

and chocolate desserts) and run creative workshops. There’s live music, cookery shows, and – of course - tasting sessions. radolca.si Hike the Juilana Trail A must for keen hikers, The Juliana Trail leads walkers along the edge of the Julian Alps to Triglav National Park. The 270km, four-to-five-hour hike has 16 stages, with experienced hikers able to latch on a further four stages (two deemed ‘difficult’) to Brda. Commencing at a high altitude, the circular, relatively non-demanding trail traverses through dense forests to pass glistening lakes, green pastures, lofty peeks and gushing waterfalls. Cameras at the ready… julian-alps.com Ski to your heart’s content Slovenia’s slopes total 230kms in length and consist of four large resorts (with more than 10 lifts), several mediumsized resorts (with up to 10 lifts) and smaller resorts (with a maximum of two lifts), perfect for beginners, families, and advanced skiers and snowboarders alike. The largest ski centre is Mariborsko Pohorje Hills, with 14.5kms of track; the highest is Kanin Sellin Nevea, at 2.293 metres. Not a downhill skier? Try snow-showing, crosscountry skiing or sledging. crystalski.co.uk Get out on the water Whether you’re bathing in a deep

blue lake, sailing along the coast, feeling the adrenaline of rafting, canoeing or kayaking, balancing on a Stand-Up Paddleboard, rafting down a river or trying to catch a fish, Slovenia excels when it comes to watersports. Don’t fancy getting wet? Join an organised boat cruise and see Ljubljana from the river or cross the Mura River on a traditional ferry. visitljubljana.com Prioritise Bled Island That famous image of an ornate church standing in the centre of a tiny island in the middle of an unbelievably blue lake is Bled Island on Lake Bled. No first-time visit to Slovenia should be complete without an in-the-flesh sighting (and a snapshot). But don’t just stare at it… board a boat so that you can enter The Church of the Mother of God – count the stairs as you climb to the top and make a wish as you ring the bell. bled.si

Where to book it riviera Riviera offers a six-day Slovenia and Lake Bled escorted tour, priced from £1049pp based on a May 1, 2024 departure. The price includes four-star accommodation, return flights and transfers from London Gatwick and daily guided tours and visits. rivieratravel.co.uk •

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Celebrating

40 YEARS

OF TRAVEL

We are giving away £40,000 worth of prizes to agents over January and February. Weekly prizes to be won from Riviera long-haul holidays to state-of-the-art technology. All you have to do is book any Riviera holiday and you are automatically entered!

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To find out more, request a brochure or to book

01283 744370 | rivieratravel.co.uk/agents ABTA No. V4744

Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Visit our website for full details.

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21/12/2023 21/12/2023 14:16 09:53

Globe Hopping

Marine wonders in

GARY BOGDON

20 / My Journey

Florida Sheena Adesilu discovers the natural wonders of Panama City Beach, home to 'The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches' recommend walking by the lake in the dark,” says Robin McNew, our driver from Sunshine Shuttles. “You can’t see them, but they can see you.”

Take it slow A perfect sun-drenched morning provides the backdrop for our 10-minute private Catamaran journey to Shell Island. Strolling down the boardwalk to The Island Time Sailing boat docked at Lagoon Pontoons Marina, I revel in the fragrance of seawater infused with rum punch. Once underway, the captain slows the vessel just as a pod of excitable dolphins slices through the turquoise waters. Glimpsing the mischievous gang bobbing through the waves, I rush from one end of the boat to the other, eager to see more. The dolphins seem happy to take centre stage, bursting into a series of leaps and spins for their audience. Snorkelling beside the playful mammals or paddle boarding near the shores of Shell Island is encouraged. Another coastline well worth visiting is Mexico Beach, which was hit by Hurricane Michael in 2018. “Hurricane Michael wiped up all the coastal areas. A lot of places have just reopened,” noted Robin. We take part in Visit Panama City Beach’s Say It Forward initiative, planting sea oats along the sand dunes. It feels very rewarding to get our hands dirty, as we dig holes in the golden shore and plant packs of seedlings 1-1/2 ft apart. Visitors are urged to help with relief and conservation eﬀorts and are decked out in dedicated

GARY BOGDON

take a deep breath and put on an air of confidence as I hoist myself up onto the paddle board. Attempting to shakily stand up with an oar in my hand, I lose my footing and plunge headfirst into the glittering sea, swallowing a mouthful of saltwater. Panama City Beach in the northwest Florida Panhandle has an intriguing blend of Southern charm, sunny climes and scrumptious seafood. With 27-miles of white-sand beaches on the emerald Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy to see why TripAdvisor ranked it third on its 2019 list of 'Best Beaches in the U.S.' The picturesque seaside town is famous for being a Spring Break Mecca and boasts one of the world's largest concentrations of bottle-nose dolphins. The first thing that strikes me about Panama City Beach is its warm and welcoming residents. You don’t have to spend long in town before you hear the iconic Southern drawl, accompanied by “How ya’ll doing today?” This is especially true in popular restaurants such as Firefly and Schooner’s, where key lime pie, crab claws and grits are menu staples. Natural beauty is abundant in this quaint waterfront town: weeping trees, endless reserves and teeming wildlife make for photogenic scenery. Alligator sightings are a regular part of life too. Driving alongside Gator Lake at St Andrews State Park, I couldn’t help but feel slightly uneasy about the prospect of a scaly resident popping up. “You can see alligator eyes at night, but we don’t

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Globe Hopping My Journey / 21

PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER HENDRIX

Sea oats can hold soil and sand in place even during hurricanes

t-shirts and caps. Sea oats, which have a huge root system, can hold soil and sand in place even during hurricanes. The environment is a priority here, with non-proﬁts such as Keep PCB Beautiful encouraging beachgoers to clear the strands of litter. Improving recycling, habitat restoration and tree planting are also high on the agenda.

The great outdoors Camp Helen State Park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. With an hourlong kayak rental on our schedule, I pop on a life vest and grab a paddle. We row towards Carillon Beach via Philips Inlet, with its ‘squeaky’ sand creeping between our toes and a pleasant breeze coaxing the waves to the shore. Shafts of light flit through the trees during a short trek through the park trails. American beauty berries, clusters of vibrant purple fruits native to Florida, dot the green foliage. Sandcastle sculpting with professional sand artist That Sandcastle Guy was the perfect way to round-off the trip. Jeff Robb, a third-generation local and art enthusiast, says he started building sandcastles for his mental health. His own tallest sandcastle to date is six feet tall,but he has also helped to build a 10–12-foot piece. Jeff’s highlight is the “look of pride on people's faces when

they see what they have built.” Clients can add intricate details, including stairs, doors, moats and bridges. Who said sandcastles were just for kids? Another favourite American pastime for all the family is making s’mores, comprised of marshmallow and rich chocolate sandwiched between two crispy Graham crackers. Toasting these gooey treats over a roaring ﬁre is easy – just be careful not to burn them! A sunset beach bonﬁre behind Schooner’s beach club is an ideal way to unwind before heading home. The soothing tones of a Ukulele dance in the background as we watch the amber sun melt into the horizon for the last time. •

Book it with... USAirtours Holidays A seven-night stay at Calypso Beach Resort, on a self-catering basis, is priced from £1,149pp, including connecting ﬂights with Delta Air Lines. Departure is on September 9 2024 from London Heathrow, via Atlanta, and the deal includes transfers and taxis. usairtours.co.uk

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Globe Hopping

22 / Accessible Travel

Destination in focus

Accessible Australia Australia is putting accessibility ﬁrst with a dedicated Disability Strategy. Julie Baxter takes a closer look

wo years ago the Australian government launched a 10year Disability Strategy to drive accessibility across Australian society. Bringing together state, territory and local governments, the strategy drew on the views of over 3,000 people with disability and their representatives, and it has already spawned a raft of initiatives to support travel opportunities Down Under.

States of play...

online

Among destinations leading the way is Queensland, which designated 2023 as The Year of Accessible Travel and backed it with a $12m investment to ‘ignite change and create opportunities’ for tourism operators. The state had already gained experience of the issues in 2018 when The City of Gold Coast was the first Commonwealth Games host city to integrate the para-athletes programme into the main programme. It also hosted the 2023 Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Conference for the Asia-Pacific region. Much of the progress achieved is now featured in the recently-launched Accessible Visitor Guide presenting information on accessible accommodation and experiences across the state. Victoria has focused its efforts on a Universal Design Policy pushing accessible infrastructure in all areas of state development; while Melbourne has launched a practical accessibility map which shows street gradients, toilets, parking and public transport options as well as accessible attractions from sensory forests to audiodescribed galleries and museums. In New South Wales, a Companion Card programme allows carer’s free entry into participating venues and events. Sydney has prioritised making bucket-list attractions accessible so there are beach wheelchairs at Bondi Beach and accessible lifts up to the Sydney Harbour Bridge walkway; there are n co

SURFERS PARADISE BEACH, QUEENSLAND

wheelchair accessible performances and tours at the Opera House, full accessibility to the Sydney Tower Eye viewing point, accessible pathways through the Botanical Gardens, and the new waterside precinct, Barangaroo, has been designed with accessibility in mind. Taronga Zoo includes a stimulating Backyard to Bush area for children with special needs and opens early for free autism-friendly entry on set dates.

Change for good.. Among those supporting the accessibility drive is Push Adventures, founded by wheelchair user Scott Crowley and his wife Clair. They support the tourism industry to understand what it means to be accessible and inclusive, and then help staﬀ upskill and identify improvement opportunities. Often changes are simple. James ‘Buck’ McFarlane, Founder of Cocky Guides, creates tactile and sensory small group tours for blind and low-vision travellers. He says: “To read a menu many have to put on glasses. The experience would be better if the menu had a simple font, larger text, and a high contrast colour scheme.” Those seeking travel-related support Down Under should contact Travellers Aid Australia at travellersaid.org.au •

ACCESSIBILITY IN ACTION Access Guide: TUI has launched a series of Detailed Access Guides for an initial 200 hotels in collaboration with accessibility specialist AccessAble, which worked with over 1000 disability groups to make the guides as helpful as possible. Full details can be found at TUI.co.uk Signing in: British Airways has partnered with Signcode UK for signed video content to support booking and travelling for the deaf and hard of hearing. The content is available at ba.com. Upgrade: easyJet has relaunched its Assisted Travel Advisory Board to better support its mission to make travel easy for all. Board members include former MP David Blunkett, aspiring paralympian and wheel chair designer Josh Wintersgill and disabled broadcaster Emily Yates.

tent

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Globe Hopping

ALBERTA

On Location / 23

Canada’s

Alberta Following a recent Canada Specialist Agent fam trip to Alberta, Jennette Baxter, UK Representative for Travel Alberta, recounts the perfect itinerary

top tip is to organise a guided tour in advance for them. Entry is included with the tour, plus your clients will learn about the area from their expert guide. Finally, on to Jasper, a small town in one of Canada’s largest National Parks. I felt like I was in the real ‘outback’. In the autumn, when I visited, we saw wildlife as we walked down the street! Elk are easily visible and further out of town we saw bears foraging for food before their winter hibernation, and a moose family. From Jasper clients can either drive to Edmonton and ﬂy back to Calgary for the trip home or head back the way they came, enjoying the breathtaking scenery all over again. We were lucky enough to catch the VIA Rail train from Jasper into Vancouver. This overnight trip through the Rockies allows for sights you cannot see by road, whilst

enjoying the hospitality of VIA Rail. A real highlight of the trip was the road from Lake Louise to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway – mile upon mile of easy driving through breathtaking scenery. Stop at the aweinspiring Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca Falls to see the sheer volume of water flowing, and the pretty Sunwapta Falls. Another highlight was our tour with Mahikan Trails. Our Indigenous guide gave us a real insight into how to use plants and flora as medicines. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Banff, I got a real sense of place. Our trip in late September took place just as the weather was cooling off, but ahead of the snow – it’s a great time to visit to beat the crowds. Tour operators who can tailor-made tours to Alberta include Audley Travel, Canadian Affair, First Class Holidays, North America Travel Service, Premier Holidays and Prestige Travel. Direct flights from Heathrow to Calgary on Air Canada take just over eight hours.

CHRISTIAN CLADO

e started our adventure in Calgary, a thriving modern city surrounded by neighbourhoods connected by the most extensive urban path and bikeway in North America. I loved our visit to Heritage Park, a fascinating historical village that really brings the past to life. We also explored the Calgary food scene with Alberta Food Tours which took us to Kensington, one of Calgary’s local neighbourhoods. Leaving Calgary for Banﬀ National Park and the Rockies, around 90 minutes away, we took a tour on a vintage-style open top bus, complete with hot chocolate and stunning views. A ride in an authentic wagon along the Bow River to a cowboy cookout with Banﬀ Trail Riders was a real treat. The iconic Lake Louise is every bit as stunning as the pictures. Fed by glaciers the lake is an almost unreal shade of blue. Just up the road from Lake Louise is Moraine Lake. Clients will need to pre-book a shuttle to get here, but my

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Trade Talk

30 / Event Report

Middle East and Indian Ocean The Event WHAT: Selling Travel Connect: Middle East & Indian Ocean WHERE: London, Manchester & Birmingham WHEN: October 24, November 1 & 2, 2023

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Festivities in mauritius Saadiyat Rotana Resort And Villas

ENTICING EXPERIENCES Dubai’s Address Beach Resort is perfect for both leisure and corporate customers, noted Rosina Azhar, UK Regional Sales Manager for Emaar Hospitality Group: “The key thing about this hotel on the beach is that it’s got the highest infinity pool in the world and it’s on the beautiful JBR Walk, which is a fabulous hotspot for customers to visit. It’s well suited to guests who are stopping in Dubai for a couple of nights.” Karen Confait, Marketing Director for Tourism Seychelles, emphasised how the island country is more than just a beach destination: “Tonight is just to show the agents what the Seychelles is all about, showcasing a bit of the culture, the people, the nature and the fact that there’s so many things to do on the island as well. “Clients can have a very active and adventurous trip. It’s very much all about island hopping.” It’s an exciting time for Jumeirah, explained Clare Hamilton, Global Sales Manager at Jumeirah Group: “There’s 26

rotana resorts

Almost 150 travel agents came together across three cities – Manchester, Birmingham and London – for inspiring evenings of networking, Q&A sessions and prize draws. There were updates from top-selling suppliers, including Address Hotels & Resorts; Air Mauritius; Angsana Velavaru; Banyan Tree; Dhawa Ihuru; Dubai Tourism; Dusit Thani Maldives; Fushifaru Maldives; Gulf Air; Visit Jordan; Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts; Rotana Hotels & Resorts; Seychelles Tourism; Sunlife; Travelpack and Visit Qatar

Hisma Desert, NEOM, Saudi Arabia

luxury hotels within our portfolio including Heena Bhudia, Business Development new hotels in Bahrain, Bali, Maldives and Manager at Travelpack, said: “We directly Muscat, the launch of our newest luxury contract flights with airlines, as well as a five-star hotel Marsa Al Arab on the shores range of properties from independent of Jumeirah Beach in 2024, as well as hotels and boutiques to branded allongoing reinvestment and refurbishments inclusive properties, luxury villas and across our existing properties.” private islands. Our holidays suit all Rashi Maithul, budgets, from Trade and Marketing “I want to debunk any myths honeymooners, Manager at SLC and misconceptions people stopovers and Representation, family holidays to might have about the informed agents cruises, island destination and highlight the hopping and multiabout Dubai’s key USPs” summer promotion centre holidays. For Chloe Dale, Visit Qatar where kids go free. the more affluent She added: “We client we also offer offer beautiful beaches, thrilling desert flights on private jets, as well as luxury safaris, traditional souks, iconic landmarks, transfers to the guests’ exclusive property fun-filled family adventures at theme parks, or private islands.” premium shopping experiences, and a “Selling Travel Connect events are an foodie scene that seamlessly blends effective way to bring the brand message Michelin-starred cuisine with authentic to the travel trade,” says Lisa Balsom, local flavours. Whether you seek adventure, Director of Sales & Marketing for Sunlife cultural experiences, quality time with Mauritius. “We relaunched last year, so it’s family, or culinary delights, Dubai has it all.” time to highlight our new brand and our

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Trade Talk Event Report / 31 studio j

The Theban Necropolis, Al Aqaleta, Egypt

See the full event gallery at sellingtravel. co.uk

sunlife mauritius

kayak maldives

DHAWA, MALDIVES

‘Come Alive Collection’, which offers a series of experiences to radiate the magic of Mauritius. Each property has its own personality and the ‘Come Alive’ experiences enrich our guests.” SHINING A LIGHT Owner of SCR20 Simon Cook was representing Fushifaru, a boutique resort in the Maldives. “We need to get Fashifaru’s name out there by meeting as many travel agents as we can. The Maldives is a difficult market because there’s 320 five-star resorts, so standing out is difficult.” Marcus Leach, Director of Sales for the UK, France, Spain & Scandinavia at Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We’re a Thai-based company but we now have more than 50 hotels worldwide. Dusit Thani Maldives is not known as much as it could be in the UK market. It’s one that not so many people hear of because we’ve got the beauty of a Maldivian property with Thai charm and hospitality.” One of the airline’s present was Gulf Air,

Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai

Küste Oman

highlighted by UK Key Account Manager Nadia Spita: “I briefed travel agents about Gulf Air, our service and our carriers. The destination offering is not as well-known as Dubai or Qatar. We explained about all the services we organise, with flights and onward connections.”

“For the more affluent client we also offer flights on private jets, as well as luxury transfers to the guest’s exclusive property or private islands” Heena Bhudia, Travelpack

Chloe Dale, Account Executive for Black Diamond was present representing Visit Qatar. She said: “My aim was to get the agents excited about what’s new and happening in Qatar – and to debunk any myths and misconceptions they or their clients might have about the destination, and highlight its key USPs.”

“WE’RE A COMMUNITY NOW” In attendance in London was Mariam, an independent travel agent who was attending her first Connect event. She said: “I found out about Selling Travel Connect through my friend Yvonne. It sounded really interesting, so I thought I’d check it out. The food was lovely, the people friendly and I learned plenty.” Independent travel agent Yvonne, on the other hand, is a regular: “I’ve been here quite a few times now. I like coming because the team is very hospitable. You meet a lot of the same people here, so we’re a community now. “I look forward to meeting different suppliers all in one place because they give you tips on how to sell their products and how to push for better promotion. Plus, the prizes don’t hurt! It’s fun!” Prizes on the night included hotel stays at Fushifaru and Rotana, Air Mauritius flights, Takamaka rum and more… See the full event gallery and upcoming events at sellingtravel.co.uk/training-events •

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Trade Talk

32 / The Review news

Memphis puts its soul into Travel South by Steve Hartridge The USA’s Southern states are outpacing the rest of the country when it comes to attracting pre-Covid numbers of visitors, delegates at the Travel South International Showcase in Memphis were told. Held in early December, Travel South – a mix of business appointments, state and city tours and fun networking events – attracted 460 delegates from 17 countries. Mike Mangeot, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism and Chair of the Board of Travel South said the region comprising 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia - was on course this year to record 105% of the visitor numbers it had in 2019, while the rest of the country was only tracking at around 70%. “We are thrilled with the attendance (at Travel South)... I think the numbers here this week are close to a record...which just highlights the recovery of international travel and interest in the South especially,” he said. Collectively, the region is targeting visitor spending of around $10 billion by 2026, an attainable goal if every visitor stayed “just

one more night” (in the region) urged Liz Bittner, Travel South USA President & CEO. Before arriving in Memphis for the trade show element, many delegates fanned out across the region on a series of threeday Super Fam trips that showcased the highlights and lesser-known attractions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri. Once in the city, along with conducting a collective 10,000 business appointments, many delegates were treated to city highlights that included breakfast in Graceland and a tour of the site dedicated to all things Elvis; a private parade along iconic Beale Street that ended with a highenergy live music gig; and visits to several

city attractions. These included the Rick ‘n’ Soul Museum, STAX Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Records studio, where Elvis cut his first record, and the new Tom Lee Park, a 30-acre multi-use green space that runs parallel to the Mississippi River. Music was a key theme that ran throughout the show, with breakfast and lunch performances by Elizabeth Cook an American singer-songwriter, Jerry Phillips, son of music legend Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, and the multiaward-winning Tennessee Mass Choir. This year’s Travel South USA International Showcase will be in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 30 to December 4. industry.travelsouthusa.com

Themed cruises a top sell for 2024 All-inclusive sailings, family trips, combination holidays and themed cruises are among the top trends for 2024, according to Iglu Cruise.

The cruise travel agency’s predictions for the year ahead are based on “booking patterns and customer insights”. Travellers are opting for all-inclusive sailings, particularly where no tipping is required. Multi-generational trips during the school holidays are also gaining traction, with more family cabins becoming available. Demand for combination holidays has led to Iglu Cruise’s new ‘spice route’ voyage from Mumbai to Sri Lanka and Singapore. Cruisers can expect more themed, itineraries, ranging from theatrical performances and workshops to Pride and stargazing with astronomers. Cruise lines are also seeking to meet the needs of singles, with a rise in solo cabins on

ships. Research also showed an uplift in demand for the Arctic in 2023 versus 2022, underscoring “a trend for cooler climes”. Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu Cruise, said: “I predict 2024 will be about an increased confidence to travelling, with people having a sense of ‘carpe diem’ and committing to multi-faceted trips. “The demand for cruise is larger than ever, due to factors that include more choice of cruises, more capacity, higher awareness of this type of holiday, an interest in valuefor-money holidays, general confidence in travel, and inspirational cruises – meaning it’s easy to commit to several cruise holidays in the same year. We are even selling cruises for 2025.” iglucruise.com

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Trade Talk The Review / 33

news

Accessibility focus for Spain The Spanish Tourist Office (UK) has launched a new accessibility and diversity campaign, called ‘Spain for All’, that promotes accessible tourism and social inclusivity. The tourist board says Spain aims to become a “welcoming destination for all”, eliminating discrimination and improving diversity within the travel sector. Initiatives will include creating an “open dialogue”, sharing key learnings and building a “roadmap” for better inclusivity from a social and accessibility standpoint. The first phase of Spain for All is the creation of an advisory panel that is briefed with the goal of collating industry feedback to identify key challenges and opportunities. Plans to include a consumer survey, panel discussions and a content campaign are also underway. Travellers can obtain accessibility support and information from Spain is Accessible, a seal of approval used by Spanish institutions to standardise accessibility criteria across sectors such as culture, food & wine, nature, sun & beach and health & beauty. The ONCE Foundation also advocates to reduce discrimination and improve the lives of those with disabilities from an accessibility, inclusion and employment perspective.

• Etihad to service Bali Etihad Airways will debut flights to Bali for the first time on April 23 2024. The airline will offer four direct weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The service will connect with flights from Europe and the Middle East. etihad.com

• Virgin to offer record Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK said: “In Spain, we place strong emphasis on putting frameworks in place for equal opportunities, to expand social rights and reduce the gaps and prejudice between different groups. “Our aim is to create geographic and economic sustainability with a socially inclusive tourism model that spreads the benefits around the country, 365 days of the year. To work towards greater equality, good governance and public policy is vital but we also want to learn from our peers in the travel industry and create dialogue to better understand both the challenges and the opportunities as we advocate for a more inclusive travel sector.” spain.info

Globus rewards agents Agents can win Love2Shop vouchers when selling the Globus family of travel brands, Avalon Waterways, Cosmos Tours and Globus Journeys, until the end of February 2024. To help them secure bookings, Globus has launched a range of offers and incentives. For example, Avalon Waterways is offering a range of discounts with river cruises starting from £1,950pp, with flights. The discounts are available across the range of ‘Traveller Favourites’ including Romantic Rhine and Danube Dreams. Avalon says its Avalon Panorama open-air balcony suites (SM) are 30% larger than the industry standard. Cosmos Tours has savings of £700 per

NEWS IN BRIEF

couple off 2024 long-haul itineraries, including destinations such as Japan, India, Vietnam and Thailand. And, for each booking made between December 27 2023 and the end of February 2024, agents receive a £50 Love2Shop voucher and are entered into a prize draw to win either a Cosmos Tour or an Avalon Waterways River Cruise for two, with flights. Up to £600 off per couple is available on tours across the USA and Canada, including the Canadian Rockies, a Route 66 road trip and an itinerary exploring the music and history of the Deep South. A £400 saving is available on European tours. avalonwayerways.co.uk/deals; cosmos.co.uk/deals

U.S. capacity

Virgin Atlantic is to operate additional services from LondonHeathrow to both New York JFK and Boston in 2024. This summer the airline will offer a record number of flights between London and New York, with a seventh daily flight to JFK, and a second daily flight to Boston. virginatlantic.com

• Norse adds Caribbean lift Norse Atlantic Airways has launched new routes from London Gatwick to Jamaica and Barbados. Flights to Bridgetown, Barbados, from London operate up to five times a week with fares starting from £449 return. Flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica from London operate up to four times a week with fares starting from £540 return. flynorse.com

• LATAM debuts Peru flight LATAM Airlines has expanded links to South America with the launch of a direct flight from LondonHeathrow to Lima, Peru’s capital. The new service marks the only direct flight from the UK to Peru. The airline operates the route five times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. latamairlines.com

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Be Inspired

34 / Weddings & Honeymoons

Something

blue Couples are increasingly swapping a UK ceremony in favour of a destination wedding and honeymoon combo, which can mean big business for agents, says Jessica Alexander

sk any bride or groom about their wedding and the most common response will include something about the day passing too quickly. Speaking as a 2023 bride myself, my answer is no different, but I did at least get to prolong the celebrations by having a destination wedding; a trend that shows no sign of slowing with one in four British couples opting for a wedding abroad last year. And the benefits don’t end there. Alongside the high chance of brilliant blue-skies and dreamy backdrops, there’s the added bonus of the budget typically stretching further abroad, having the support of an in-house wedding planner, plus the prospect of combining nuptials with a dream honeymoon. Leah Marshall, Director of Sales at Unique Vacations UK Ltd. confirms this demand, saying: “We saw a 12% increase in destination weddings booked through Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL) in 2023.”

Marshall attributes this increase to several factors, including the cost of UK weddings increasing year-on-year and a shift in wedding trends. “The pressure of living costs in recent years has given many couples the idea to get married abroad,” says Marshall. “Rather than spending their life savings on a UK wedding, which often comes with added pressure to invite extended family members, many couples are now opting to have a smaller affair abroad.” Mathilde Robert, Managing Director for Planet Weddings, agrees that demand is increasing. She says: “The desire to get married abroad will continue to grow for the foreseeable future as it offers good value for money, and provides couples with a perfect backdrop for a stress free event.”

Big business Weddings are traditionally a very lucrative sector with many couples willing to splurge on their big day. This offers great potential for agents to upsell beyond the wedding

day, plus agents can get creative by offering clients something unique and memorable. Pre-wedding celebrations can range from a beach BBQ to a private boat hire, plus there’s commission to be made on wedding extras on the day. Robert says: “The commission for booking a wedding abroad is excellent and add-ons can include anything from photography, videography, flowers and the cake.” Plus there’s the added bonus that for every wedding abroad there is typically a wedding party that will also be looking to book packages, which, she says, averages 30-plus people. “A wedding invariably includes not just the couple’s travel arrangements but the whole wedding party,” says Robert. “Through our sister company Planet Holidays we can also supply agents with flights, accommodation and transfers.” Meanwhile at Sandals Resorts, wedding couples can benefit from additional savings when they book extra guest rooms, plus all Sandals Resorts are all-inclusive.

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NUPTIALS NEAR THE EIFFEL TOWER, PARIS, FRANCE

Savvas Argirou photography

The Cliffs of Cinque Terre Manarola, Italy,

KTIMA WEDDING VENUE, LINDOS, RHODES, GREECE

Rumah PIC CAP Pohon Treehouse, Nusa Penida Island, Bali Indonesia

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36 / Weddings & Honeymoons

AISLE TO ISLE PACKAGE AT SANDALS ROYAL CURACAO

Sandals Resorts & Beaches has launched a new Aisle to Isle wedding programme for destination weddings which includes a range of eight new wedding décor inspirations plus new wedding packages. It sounds like a win/win but with high expectations and the occasional ‘bridezilla’ to deal with, is it worth it for agents? Robert says ‘yes’! “Agents can be rest assured we will look after their clients’ every request. Our experience and knowledge means we are well equipped to help couples. “We have our own dedicated wedding co-ordinators in resort and agents have someone on hand to help them every step of the way, down to the hundreds of emails.” She adds: “For the clients, booking through an agent and a fully bonded specialist provides added peace of mind.”

Trending destinations Planet Weddings has added venues across Greece and Italy for 2024 to accommodate demand, but says Greece still tops the list with Rhodes, Santorini, Zante and Crete firm favourites for couples, followed by

Paphos and the western coast in Cyprus, then Sorrento, Amalfi and Lake Garda in Italy, Portugal, Croatia and Malta and Gozo. Further afield, the Eastern Caribbean islands of Barbados, St Lucia, and Antigua are all proving popular for weddings at Sandals Resorts in 2024. “These destinations are typically very popular with British guests due to their beautiful scenery, with clear waters and white sands which make for an idyllic wedding backdrop,” says Marshall. The Maldives also tops the list as one of the most romantic places to say “I Do” with trump cards such as white-sand beaches, over-water villas and private island experiences.

Heavenly honeymoons Luxury is deemed a top priority for couples when choosing a honeymoon destination, according to African-based travel company Go2Africa, which surveyed honeymooners’ evolving trends and preferences. The research found that 49% consider luxury to be important with one in 10 UK adults saying the

budget for their dream honeymoon would be £5,000 plus per person. The survey found the top most desirable honeymoon spots to be the Maldives followed by the Caribbean, Italy, Seychelles and Bali. Other wish list destinations included South Africa, Mexico and Malaysia. Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director at Go2Africa, said: “The survey found that half of respondents aged 25-34 would even be willing to cut costs on other wedding-related expenses to enhance their honeymoon experience.” Meanwhile, a twin-centre wedding and honeymoon is proving to be a popular trend for 2024. “We are seeing interest for twin-centre Caribbean honeymoons,” says Marshall. “This is a perfect idea for wedding couples looking to get more for their budget, as they can have their ceremony in one destination and island-hop to another location for their honeymoon.” That was certainly true when choosing Rhodes and Santorini for my twin-centre Greek wedding and honeymoon. And I couldn’t recommend it enough! •

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The

Mamma Mia effect

With whitewashed chapels and island-hopping opportunities, Greece is the perfect choice for couples looking to combine a wedding and honeymoon, says Jessica alexander

oﬀer again, almost pleading this time, to help with the bags and am refused just as quickly. The porter then tosses the luggage eﬀortlessly over his shoulder and dips down a steep cobbled alley, leaving Oia’s pedestrianonly strip behind and winding down what feels like the edge of the world. The narrow stairwell zigzags towards the sea, passing layers upon layers of cave dwellings all etched into the rock. We arrive at a whitewashed façade framed by striking fuchsia bougainvillea and take in the dramatic view before entering the Cave Villa, one of 50 offered by the luxury Travel Book. Being almost 150 metres above sea level and surrounded by the caldera, the mostly submerged

volcanic crater, the vistas are majestic. Santorini, one of the Cyclades islands, is one of Greece’s most sought after destinations, especially for honeymoons, but due to its small size, the island can become pretty crowded during the peak summer months. it’s the end of October and whilst there are still daily gatherings to watch the sun sink below the sea, the slight drop in temperature keeps tourists at bay and the normally fully-booked restaurants have plenty of tables for couples seeking sunset dining. A boat trip to Nea Kameni, the dormant volcanic island, offers a new angle of the multicoloured villages of Oia and Fira that cling to the edge of the rock face, as well as a close-up of the lunar-like volcanic crater. The

surrounding orange-tinged sulfuric hot springs are said to have healing qualities that make a dip too hard to resist, despite the threat of stained skin. Another swimming spot presents itself just off thirasia, a neighbouring island described by one local as “Santorini 50 years ago”. i’m instantly spooked by the 300-metre depth of the water and decide instead to stick to the safety of my villa plunge pool. we finish most nights sitting on the private terrace opening cards filled with well-wishes and reminisce on our wedding day in Rhodes the previous week. Remembering walking down the aisle towards the little white chapel, the first dance against a pink-hued sky and the delight on guests’ faces as Zorba the Greek picked up pace, leaving heads dizzy and hearts racing!

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The Dunes, santorini Loutro, Crete

santorini gem, Olympic holidays

with Santorini Gem and Pyrgos in Santorini for the higher spend weddings.” Marron also recommends Greece for its island hopping appeal, especially for those looking to combine a wedding and honeymoon. She says: “After the wedding and celebrations have taken place, the couple can hop over to another island to enjoy their honeymoon. There are so many islands to choose from, including relaxed, quieter ones to more lively and commercial resorts.” Michael Vinales, Managing Director, Olympic Holidays, agrees saying: “My top tip: don’t just limit yourself to one island. Variety is the spice of life and island hopping is taking off. It’s a fantastic way to combine a dream wedding and honeymoon in one fell swoop.” Alongside the popular islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Zante, lesser-known gems like Naxos, Sifnos, Milos, Ithaca, Tinos, Patmos and Paxos are generating interest for next year, according to luxury wedding specialist tour operator Planet Weddings. Meanwhile, Corfu, Paros and Mykonos are top sellers for The Luxury Travel Book, which offers luxury villas across

“After the wedding and celebrations have taken place, the couple can hop over to another island to enjoy their honeymoon” Rachael Marron, Olympic Holidays

wedding planet

Greece is the word Greece is a perennial favourite when it comes to weddings and honeymoons due to the island-hopping opportunities, affordability and short flight times. Honeymoon hotspot Santorini was even voted by Panache Cruises as the number one destination for newlyweds thanks to its spectacular sunsets and romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, selling well for Olympic Holidays which last year launched a new ‘Weddings in the Sun’ brochure, are the islands of Rhodes, Santorini and Zante. “Greece has always been a hugely popular wedding destination for us,” said Rachael Marron, Project Development Executive at Olympic Holidays. “The country is well known for its natural beauty, stunning clear waters, friendly locals and delicious cuisines. And in terms of cost, the Greek islands also have plenty to offer when it comes to deciding a budget, with accommodation from self-catering to high-end luxury.” So what’s been selling? “Both Ammos Beach and St Pauls Bay on the island of Rhodes have been extremely popular, Aresti Taverna and Venus Gardens in Zante, along

caps

Zante

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Weddings & Honeymoons: Greece / 39 Savvas Argirou photography

Paros

Ktima, Rhodes

Navagio beach, zante

Europe. Co-Director Jamie Marquis, confirms that bookings were up 50% in 2023, with Greece “consistently proving one of the most popular destinations”. And for agents looking to elevate a honeymoon booking, The Luxury Travel Book has some special add ons. “We are seeing a growing number of requests for clients looking to hire private chefs for their luxury stay in Greece,” says Marquis. “As well as an increase in those looking to make the most of the Mediterranean waters by hiring a boat, with a captain.”

Wedding wow factor Beach Bride: The island of Skiathos is just 12 miles long but boasts over 60 pristine beaches, making it the perfect option for a barefoot wedding. Couples can choose to get married right on the beach or for something more traditional there’s a pretty chapel next to The Princess Resort for orthodox ceremonies. Clients can even charter Planitis, the resort’s wooden sailing yacht, for a wedding on the water. santikoscollection.com Going to the chapel : A former luxury villa, Once in Mykonos was previously

home to a prominent businessman and has been reimagined as Mykonos’ latest five-star island resort – it even has its own private church for weddings. Further selling points include private cruises around the island and Signature Suites with private pools and sea views. onceinmykonos.com Romantic Rhodes: Set in the secluded St Pauls Bay is the tiny chapel of St Pauls, surrounded by clear waters and the magnificent acropolis in the background. The bride can arrive by boat to the venue before the ceremony. A perfect reception option is the Lindos Grand, with its roof terrace overlooking Vilcha Bay. The resort offers elegant wedding dining packages. lindosgrand.com Vows at the villa: The Luxury Travel Book has a number of private villas in Greece that accommodate up to 26 people – perfect for an intimate ceremony with close friends and family. Ares Estate in Paros is a vast estate which offers two independent private villas with their own swimming pools and separate guesthouses. Ideal for private events, the property has two kitchens, a yoga and pilates room, a massage room and a large swimming pool. theluxurytravelbook.com

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What’s new Carpe Diem Santorini has launched carbon-neutral The Dunes Wedding Venue, Santorini’s largest wedding venue. With a maximum capacity for up to 150 guests, Carpe Diem Santorini is committed to sustainability, offsetting all carbon emissions, and planting at least 100 trees per wedding. carpediemsantorini.com Planet Weddings has added Greek wedding venues to its portfolio for 2024. These include Addi Mare & Koukla restaurant in Zante and Sirokos Beach Taverna in Crete. The wedding specialist has also launched a mobile friendly website for agents, featuring hotels, beaches, characterful venues, town halls, local churches and yachts. planetweddings.co.uk

Where to book it The Luxury travel book The Cave Villa in Santorini is available to book from €400 per night. The Luxury Travel Book offers up to10% commission for agents. Flights to Santorini from London Gatwick start from £293 for an October 18 2024 departure. theluxurytravelbook.com •

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40 / Weddings & Honeymoons: Saint Lucia

Love Island It is small in size but Saint Lucia offers everything a newlywed couple could desire for a honeymoon, says april Waterston

“T

his is a barefoot boat,” Captain OB tells me, encouraging me to take oﬀ my sandals on the side of the dock. Balance and grace in these situations are not my forté, but fortunately my new husband is by my side to steady my stance and prevent me from toppling into the sea. We are boarding the appropriately named Great Expectation, a traditional restored Carriacou Sloop boat. It’s around

16.00 in Rodney Bay, located in the Gros Islet district of Saint Lucia. Joe and I are embarking on a romantic private sailing to watch the sunset at sea with a rum punch in hand – a perfect honeymoon excursion. The wind is not on our side for Jus’ Sail’s sailboat, we’re told, but under the expert guidance of Captain OB and First Mate Krishna, we’d have been none the wiser. They change course and take us to a secluded cove with views of our resort, Windjammer Landing. A rainbow frames the surrounding mountains, and in that moment we realise our dreams of a honeymoon in paradise have come true.

Award-winning honeymoons

april and joe enjoY the mud Baths

After the stress of planning a wedding, the honeymoon is a welcome ritual, and Saint Lucia could not be more welcoming to newlyweds. Locals are quick to offer advice for a lifetime of happiness, most of them telling my husband some variation of ‘happy wife, happy life’, to which I gladly nod along. “Saint Lucia has been voted the most romantic destination in the Caribbean

many times and remains one of the most popular choices for honeymooners in the world,” says Patricia Charlery-Leon, director uK & Europe, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA). “Our stunning scenery is the perfect backdrop for a special trip.” The Caribbean island – which sits between Martinique and Saint Vincent – offers a good balance of beaches and activities, all in a relatively compact area at just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. It’s truly nature’s paradise, home to the famous Piton mountains and 19,000 acres of lush rainforest running through the centre, fringed by golden sandy beaches. But why is it so popular? “I think it is because of the charm, the picturesque beauty of the island,” says Lynne Joseph, Revenue Sales Manager, Windjammer Landing Resort. “She [the island] has something for everybody, but particularly for honeymooners. They can get to experience romance with beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It’s just so majestic – it leaves you in awe.”

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wedding with a view of the pitons

private Beach dinner

fresh seafood is a menu staple

rafting on the roseau river

STEVE HARTRIdGE

WIndJAMMER

ST. LuCIA TOuRIST BOARd

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sunset views across the piton mountains

Time for luxury “We’re very fortunate to have worldclass resorts in Saint Lucia including global brands but also individually owned properties. Standards are high and experiences are tailored which is really important on a special trip like a honeymoon,” says Charlery-Leon. Windjammer Landing is just one of these properties. Located in Labrolette

Bay – just north of Castries, the island’s capital, the resort has a private beach, seven restaurants, three bars, five pools and a variety of accommodation options. For couples, an ocean-view suite complete with kitchen, balcony and private jacuzzi serves as the perfect base to explore the island – or not go very far at all. Another popular choice is Sandals, with three properties across the island. Guests

staying at any Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia can take advantage of its ‘Stay at One, Play at All’ programme and visit the other two Sandals on the island during their stay free of charge, with complimentary round-trip transfers provided.

Making memories For couples who enjoy nature and adventure to complement relaxation,

Let us help you plan your dream Saint Lucian wedding or romantic getaway

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RESORT & SPA

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THE WINE CELLAR

TI KAYE

KAI KOKO

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42 / Weddings & Honeymoons: Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers over 100 adventure experiences, including hiking trails, rainforest ziplines, the volcanic mud baths and of course swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea. The island is also home to some stunning wildlife. “It’s a bird-spotting haven with five endemic bird species, one of which is the island’s national bird, the Saint Lucia Parrot,” says Charlery-Leon. “Many couples go snorkelling to discover the stunning marine life and coral. Saint

sandals

Saint Lucia from the water

sandals

healing waters in Soufriére

Lucia is home to 22 dive sites so there is plenty to explore beneath the water.”

What’s new

Bamboo river rafting: A new rafting experience on the Roseau river, Saint Lucia’s second-longest waterway located in the north of the island, offers couples a gentle excursion as they wind through a rainforest before stopping for a beach stroll. Along the way expect to see birds, butterflies and other small wildlife. There are different

Sandals Grande St Lucian

experiences to book including the Rum and River Raft which includes a tour of a distillery. Couples may opt for Romancing the River which includes champagne and lunch on board. stluciabamboorafting.com Windjammer refurb: Windjammer Landing Resort has been updating its facilities with a multi-million-dollar renovation. The lobby and reception and Dragonfly restaurant have been stylishly renovated, and new luxury accommodation options include the Ocean Point Residences

HARMONY MARINA SUITES Harmony Marina Suites offers affordable luxury with thirty (30) spacious suites complete with full amenities on the scenic waterfront in the heart of Rodney Bay, minutes from stunning Reduit Beach. The romantic luxury Waterfront Suites are 700 sq ft complete with four poster bed, private jacuzzi and sundeck. For more information see our website: harmonymarinasuites.net or contact us at Tel:1 758 4528756, Whatsapp:1 758 4601843, Email: harmony@candw.lc

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Over the Water Chapel

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Sunset cruise with jus’ sail

– a collection of two- and three-bedroom villas with private infinity pools, outdoor terraces and fully-equipped kitchens. windjammer-landing.com Bay Gardens: Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa in Rodney Bay is offering a honeymoon package that includes three nights of accommodation for two in either a deluxe pool view room or a one-bedroom pool view suite, with an airport transfer, a welcome cocktail, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a tropical fruit basket included. baygardensresorts.com Sandals Butler Villas: New at Sandals Regency La Toc are Oceanfront two-story one-bedroom Butler Villas with private pools, set 50-feet above the sea and offering sweeping views of the ocean below. These have very recently opened and are anticipated to be popular for 2024. sandals.co.uk The Landings: The Landings offers a Romance Package with a private butler service when four nights or more are booked. The package includes daily breakfast, flower petals and turndown service with a bottle of Champagne on

arrival night, one-hour couples massage and use of non-motorised water sports. landingsstlucia.com

Top honeymoon experiences Natural wellness in Soufriére: The sulphur-scented town of Soufriére is home to the world’s only drive-in volcano. Here couples can relax in the mineral and mud baths with a full-body mask, rinsed off in the hot springs. Known for its medicinal properties, the mud is particularly soothing for sunburnt skin. sulphurspringstlucia.com Catamaran trips: While Jus’ Sail jussail.com offers an intimate water excursion, there are numerous tour operators offering catamaran trips around the island. A popular option is a Catamaran day trip with collection from various resorts along the north shore, taking passengers up to Soufriére via the Pitons with a land excursion to visit the volcano, before returning to sea for a Creole buffet and diving in Marigot Bay en route back. Cocoa trail: From cocoa farm tours to chocolate making experiences, follow Saint Lucia’s cocoa trail to discover the many

cocoa-related experiences across the island. Chocolate lovers can enjoy Saint Lucia’s long-standing history and connections to all things cocoa. stlucia.org/en/cocoatrail Hike the Pitons : The two mountains known as the Pitons are arguably Saint Lucia’s most iconic landmark. Hiking the Gros Piton is a moderately difficult hike, taking three to six hours each way, but waiting at the top is an unforgettable view over Sourfriére. grospiton.com Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival: From April 30 – May 12 2024 the Gros Islet district of Saint Lucia will come alive as it welcomes the largest jazz festival in the Caribbean. Expect street parties, jazz concerts, art shows and more.

Where to book it Sandals A seven-night stay at Sandals Regency La Toc in September 2024 starts from £1,922pp. The deal is based on a couple sharing an Emerald Honeymoon Hideaway Grande Luxe room and includes return flights from LondonGatwick. booking.sandals.co.uk. •

Hi dden a wa y i n Gr o s I sl et i n the northwe ste rn tip o f Sa i n t L u c i a , o n o n e o f th e island’s m ost stunning bea c h es a n d c l o se to n i gh tl i fe , re staurants, casinos, Pi geo n I sl a n d Na ti o n a l Pa r k a nd adv e nture activ itie s, T h e L a n di n gs Reso r t a n d Spa boasts spacious, f am ily si z ed su i tes wi th expa n si ve ter race s and se a or m arina vi ews, ma n y wi th pr i va te pl u n g e pools. Oce anv ie w or B ea c h fr o n t Vi l l a Su i tes a l so c o m e with traine d butle rs. Wi th c o mpl i men ta r y n o n -mo torize d wate rsports, an expa n si ve spa , sta te-o f-th e-a rt gy m , f loodlit te nnis c o u r ts, pi c kl e-ba l l , ki ds c l u b a n d am ple dining options, th e r eso r t o ffer s a fu l l r a n ge o f activ itie s f or all age s. B r ea kfa st i s i n c l u ded o r go a l l -inclusiv e with gourm e t di n i n g o r pr i va te c h efs a vailable on re que st.

Reservations: US/CAN 1 (866) 252 0689 | UK: 0 (800) 917 6197 | reservations@landingsstlucia.com | landingsstlucia.com

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A DV E R T OR IA L

Weddings &

Honeymoons Heritage Resorts in Mauritius offer a number of unique locations to create a wedding or honeymoon couples will never forget

eritage Resorts in Mauritius are devoted to making the day or celebration of marriage truly memorable, with every wedding or honeymoon arranged bespoke to suit every style, size and budget. Both Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage Awali blend sublime natural beauty with the height of exclusivity, intimacy and luxury – the perfect combination for a wedding or a honeymoon. Couples can enjoy ﬁve-star accommodation with butler service, pristine white sand beaches, a wellness centre, a beach club, and a wide range of restaurants, all surrounded by a 2,500-hectare private nature reserve.

Make the day extra special

Tie the knot in Le Château de Bel Ombre in a stunning 19th century plantation house at Heritage Le Telfair and feel

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like true royalty. Or say “I do” in the beautiful French gardens surrounded by nature. Guests can incorporate everything this unique location has to offer including a ceremony held under a 100 year-old tree amongst the Château’s landscaped gardens and a night spent in the Honeymoon suite with its panoramic veranda. Or, at Heritage Awali, weddings are transformed into extraordinary and blissful affairs. Clients can opt for a beach wedding at Heritage Awali, with their feet in the sand, under a beautiful flower arch with a backdrop of a shimmering blue lagoon, providing an unforgettable backdrop for a wedding that will be cherished for a lifetime.

romantic’s choice. Heritage Resorts have an array of experiences for couples on their honeymoon. The five-star Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness resort offers incredible options for honeymooners. Options include a ‘Lovers Floating Breakfast’ in a private pool, a 30-minute helicopter ride over the island, a private boat trip for the bride and groom, and a horse ride on the beach. Meanwhile, at the all-inclusive Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, newlyweds can treat themselves to the Honeymoon Bliss Package to make their stay truly unforgettable. It includes a candle lit dinner at Infinity Blue restaurant, a champagne breakfast, and a couples back massage at the Seven Colours Spa.

An unforgettable honeymoon

heritageresorts.mu/hotelsmauritius/ le-telfair/ heritageresorts.mu/ hotelsmauritius/awali-all-inclusive •

When it comes to honeymoon destinations, Mauritius is the true

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Michel Denousse

Weddings & Honeymoons: Indian Ocean / 45

Perfect

Match

Michel Denousse

coco Coco, Maldives

With the ultimate in romantic experiences, the Indian Ocean continues to tempt couples in search of their dream wedding or honeymoon, says Lauren Jarvis

Anse Takamaka beach, seychelles Heritage, mauritius

simple indulgence of swaying side-byside in a hammock, the Indian Ocean’s captivating islands will allow you the chance to write your own fairytale, far, far away from the chaos of the real world… if only for a week.

Romantic retreats The Indian Ocean offers the ‘wow’ factor in abundance, from romantic starlit dining overlooking dreamy lagoons to wedding ceremonies conducted under the sea, Michel Denousse

e sail towards the sinking scarlet ball on the horizon, as rays of purple and gold light up the sky and dolphins ride the bow of our traditional wooden dhoni. With a glass of champagne in hand, and a warm, gentle wind playing with my hair, the Indian Ocean surrounds us, golden orbs of sandbanks and coral cays streaking the blue, and flying fish soaring into the air as we sail by. There’s a freedom that comes from being on or near the water, and in the Maldives, an epic ocean encounter is never far away. Experiencing this remarkable archipelago alone or with family and friends is a privilege that will make your heart sing, but immerse yourself in this spectacular destination with your romantic partner or soul mate and the islands offer up an extra sprinkle of magic. Whether you choose the legendary luxury of an over-water villa, enjoy the playful decadence of a floating breakfast for two, explore spectacular reefs and lagoons hand in hand, or sample the

Mission Lodge, seychelles

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ZiPlining in The seychelles

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with vibrant coral reefs replacing costs and make savings, rather than the usual floral displays and a guest list compromising on their dream destination. which includes turtles and tropical fish. “The Indian Ocean is enticing savvy “From the tranquil serenity of the couples with generous early-booking Maldives to the enthralling activities discounts and fantastic all-inclusive of Mauritius and the overall vibrancy packages, which offer financial throughout the seychelles, it’s easy to peace of mind,” says shand. understand why the Indian Ocean is “From a laid-back barefoot wedding one of the top wedding and honeymoon ceremony, to a five-star honeymoon destinations in the world,” says Indian in paradise, the idyllic islands of the Ocean specialist, Amanda shand, at Audley Indian Ocean will more than deliver.” Travel, which offers honeymoons across the Indian Ocean. “What truly sets the Seychelles Indian Ocean apart is its power to make honeymoon destination of choice by travellers feel nothing short of amazing. the Prince and Princess of Wales, the There really is seychelles archipelago something quite holds a special allure magical about for weddings, offering “The Indian Ocean is the Indian Ocean, a magical and exotic enticing savvy couples with backdrop for couples which helps create those exchanging their vows, generous early-booking memorable, discounts and fantastic all- while the unparalleled once-in-a-life natural beauty of its inclusive packages” time moments.” islands and unique Amanda Shand, Audley Travel The Maldives, flora and fauna makes famous for its it an excellent choice crystal-clear for a honeymoon. waters, powder-white sand, top-notch spas “seychelles maintains a quiet and and myriad of marine life and water sports secluded atmosphere, providing an is the perfect destination for couples intimate escape for couples seeking looking for a blissed-out escape; Mauritius privacy,” says Karen confait, Marketing is a great fit for adventurous couples, Director, uK & Ireland, at Tourism who can combine luxe accommodation seychelles. “It also embraces a hasslewith hiking through incredible landscapes free process for destination weddings, and enjoying cultural tours on land; making it appealing for couples and the seychelles is an exciting choice seeking simplicity and elegance.” for couples who like to mix things up, streamlined wedding packages and with opportunities to island hop while simplified legal procedures make sampling secluded resorts, breathtaking destination weddings in seychelles beaches, and world-class hospitality. accessible and affordable and the islands As the cost of living crisis continues, provide a range of venue options, from travellers are looking for ways to cut intimate beachside ceremonies to

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THE EPITOME OF ROMANCE IN THE HEART OF THE MALDIVES Make your dream wedding come true at Angsana Velavaru. Tie the knot in a spectacular destination wedding that will create lifelong memories. Say “I do” under a Dhoni-shaped wedding pavilion, or walk down the aisle on the soft powder-white beach with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop. For a unique experience, dive deep into the house reef and get married underwater. Amidst the enchanting archipelago, Angsana Velavaru emerges as a symbol of romance, capturing the hearts of lovebirds worldwide. Receiving the esteemed “Best Honeymoon Destination 2023” accolade by the Travel Trade Maldives, this reaffirms its position as the ultimate romantic escape.

Angsana Velavaru stands out as the quintessential wedding and honeymoon destination in the Maldives, offering a harmonious blend of elements for an unforgettable experience – secluded accommodation, tailored experiences, enchanting settings, exquisite dining and “101 Things to do”. Indeed, it is a place where love blossoms and where memories are etched into the heart forever. It truly is a haven where love is in the air… always.

BOOK VIA YOUR PREFERRED TOUR OPERATOR

ANGSANA.COM

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48 / Weddings & Honeymoons: Indian Ocean

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luxurious resorts, with the diverse cultural influences in Seychellois traditions adding a unique touch to the celebrations. Tourism seychelles actively engages with uK travel agencies to promote exclusive deals and incentives, and participates in training events to educate agents on wedding offerings in the archipelago. Hilton Seychelles offer two properties for honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic escape, including the recently renovated hilton seychelles northolme Resort & spa, which has private villas with pools and the chance to explore Mahe’s secluded spots by mini-moke.

Sell it: A seven-night honeymoon Package on Alphonse Island with lusso Travel starts from £7,025pp, in a beach bungalow on a full-board basis, including flights from London Heathrow to Mahé with Etihad Airways, a 15% discount, bubbly on arrival, a romantic turndown, sunset event and a private romantic dinner. 01625 591 111 lussotravel.com

Mauritius With breathtaking natural beauty, luxurious elegant resorts, a rich blend of cultural experiences and warm, welcoming hospitality, Mauritius is a truly unique kayaking in The Maldives MARTINGAAL.SK

angsana velavaru, Maldives

coco coco, Maldives

destination for an overseas wedding or honeymoon. “The island’s resorts offer competitive honeymoon and wedding packages, making the destination more affordable than elsewhere and taking away the stresses of wedding planning,” says Arvind Bundhun, Director of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA). “We have some of the best professional wedding planners in the world, who help to create unforgettable experiences suitable for every kind of couple.” The MIcE VAT Exemption scheme, introduced in 2023, provides an attractive incentive, exempting 15% VAT on half-board accommodation for those organising weddings with over 50 guests staying for a minimum of three nights. Air Mauritius offers easy access with its new daily direct flight from London Gatwick. The MTPA regularly hosts wedding and honeymoon-related FAM trips, and also offers online webinars for agents. Mauritius’ stunning resorts are ripe for romance, with The lux collective’s Mauritian LUX and Salt resorts offering tailor-made beach weddings with a strong sustainability focus, and boutique properties like the refurbished three-

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CORA CORA MALDIVES IS A TRULY INNOVATIVE CONCEPT RESORT AND UNLIKE ANYTHING THE MALDIVES HAS EVER SEEN, GIVING GUESTS THE UNMISSABLE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE MALDIVES LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

HEAD OVER TO wwww.sellingtravel.co.uk TO STAND A CHANCE OF WINNING A TRIP TO CORA CORA MALDIVES

LOCATED IN THE PRISTINE AND PURE RAA ATOLL, JUST 45 MINUTES BY SEAPLANE FROM VELANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

Comprising of 100 villas and suites, each one has been expertly designed to reﬂect the spirit of the Maldives and is prevalent in all of the nine accommodation categories.

It’s freedom time and at Cora Cora Maldives the Premium All Inclusive Gourmet Meal Plan® is present in every detail of the resort, giving guests the unmissable opportunity to experience an array of dining possibilities.

MOKSHA® Spa & Wellbeing Center believe that everyone deserves a special place to just BE themselves. A place to energise and replenish, to chill out and have fun, to explore and discover for kindness and selfcare.

Cora Cora Maldives is the ﬁrst resort in the Maldives to showcase a licensed art gallery and museum Dutch Onion®. With over 400 incredible local artefacts in the collection, guests can explore the rich history of the Maldives.

C O R AC O R A R E S O R TS .C O M

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star Veranda Palmar Beach blending contemporary comfort with immersive authentic local experiences and relaxed weddings on the beach. sunlife’s four luxury hotels on the island also embrace local traditions, with options to include local musicians, dancers and cuisine in the celebrations. Sell it: stay seven nights at heritage le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, a small luxury hotels of the World member. Accommodation is in a Deluxe suite with sea View, from £3,249pp with Kuoni. The deal includes honeymoon upgrades, a Gourmet Bliss all-inclusive package and flights from Gatwick with Air Mauritius. 0800 294 9727 kuoni.co.uk

Maldives With its ‘one island, one resort’ ethos, signature over-water villas and impossibly picturesque islands and atolls, the Maldives is a spectacular destination for an exotic wedding or honeymoon. Maintaining its focus on privacy and exclusivity, the Maldives has been leading the way on romantic escapes for more than 50 years, offering everything from picnics à deux on a desert island to incredible couples’ spa experiences overlooking the ocean – and with Virgin Atlantic now flying direct three times a week from london heathrow to the Maldives, and introducing daily flights from October 2024, it’s never been easier to get there. Coco Collection offers dedicated From the heart experiences, including setting up a private cinema under the stars and Robinson crusoe escapes, while Angsana Velavaru has a dedicated wedding pavilion styled on a traditional Maldivian

dhoni boat and offers ceremonies featuring traditional drummers and sarongs for the bride and groom. Known for its prolific marine life, the Maldives has long been a magnet for divers and snorkelers, and intrepid couples can now exchange their vows during the ultimate underwater Wedding at the new Amari Raaya Maldives, before enjoying a traditional Maldivian ceremonial procession on board the resort’s new luxury yacht, Raaya. Rainer Steinhilber, General Manager at Amari Raaya Maldives, says: “The introduction of Raaya adds a new dimension to the exceptional romantic offerings we provide and helps create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Maldives.” Sell it: Gold Medal offers seven nights at sun siyam Iru Veli, premium all-inclusive in a Beach Villa with Pool, from £4,429pp. Flights from london heathrow to Male are with Virgin Atlantic. Extras for honeymooners include one bottle of sparkling wine, a fruit basket on arrival, a honeymoon cake and in-villa breakfast. 0800 014 7777 goldmedal.co.uk •

Wedding on vilu reeF, Maldives

beau vallon, seychelles sunliFe, MauriTius

“The island’s resorts offer competitive honeymoon and wedding packages, making the destination more affordable than elsewhere” Arvind Bundhun, MTPA

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CONNECT

Globe Travel hopping Talk Connect Connect Events events Calendar calendar / 51

Events Calendar January 2024

Oman London: January 22 Asia London: January 29 February 2024

Escorted Touring London: February 19 Manchester: February 20

Leeds: June 4 Newcastle: June 5 Latin America London: June 17 Manchester: June 18 Weddings & Honeymoons Birmingham: June 19 Glasgow: June 20 JUly 2024

March 2024

Kentucky London: March 7 North America Chester: March 18 Manchester: March 19 Glasgow: March 20 London: March 21

Leeds: November 12 Manchester: November 13 Glasgow: November 14 December 2024

Luxury Holidays London: December 2 Manchester: December 3 Africa London: December 9 Chester: December 10

Caribbean London: July 8 Manchester: July 9 Leeds: July 10 Glasgow: July 11 Festive Holidays London: July 17 September 2024

Spain Leeds: April 3 Manchester: April 4

Rotana London: September 3 Birmingham: September 4 Edinburgh: September 5

Australasia & Pacific Region London: April 8 Birmingham: April 9 Manchester: April 10 Glasgow: April 11

North America London: September 23 Birmingham: September 24 Leeds: September 25 Edinburgh: September 26

April 2024

May 2024

October 2024

Indian Ocean & Middle East Chester: May 13 Leeds: May 14 Edinburgh: May 15 London: May 16

Indian Ocean & Middle East London: October 14 Birmingham: October 15 Manchester: October 16 Glasgow: October 17

JUNE 2024

November 2024

Rotana Manchester: June 3

Europe London: November 11

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Direct flights to Eastern Canada

from London Gatwick, Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin With onward connections throughout Canada, the US, Mexico and the Caribbean*

London Gatwick > Toronto

London Gatwick > Montreal

London Gatwick > Quebec City

Up to 14 flights a week

Up to 7 flights a week

One flight a week

Glasgow > Toronto

Manchester > Toronto

Dublin > Toronto

Up to 7 flights a week

Bookable via the GDS or online 2023 World’s Best Leisure Airline

airtransat.com

*Correct at time of going to print. Schedule shown is for summer 2024. Connections based on departure airport. Other routes available with Air Transat. See website or GDS.

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