Selling Travel May/June 2022

Let’s enjoy the journey together

Shearings offers a fantastic selection of value-for-money breaks to the most sensational destinations throughout the UK and Europe. From iconic Blackpool to irresistible Italy, there’s never been a better time than now for your customers to get their next incredible holiday in the calendar!

Our UK collection features…

• 1000+ fully escorted coach holidays from £229pp

• 70+ self-drive hotel breaks from £109pp

• Holidays to the UK’s most popular destinations such as St. Ives, York, the Lake District and Edinburgh

• 64 brand-new tours for 2022, including Agatha Christie’s Torquay, Longleat, Bristol and Bath, and Highland Safari and Royal Retreats

YOUR CUSTOMERS CAN BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Your customers’ money is 100% protected with our secure Trust Account

 Customers can change their holiday and date for FREE should they contract COVID-19

 Refunds within 7 days if your customers’ holiday is cancelled

What we can offer you:

• Fantastic commission rates

• Excellent sales support

• Travel agent bookable website www.shearings.com/login-agent

• Experienced contact centre team

• Signature Collection holidays – tours combining expertly crafted itineraries with luxurious, hand-picked accommodation

Order your brochure supplies today!

Inside our European brochure, you’ll find…

• 1000+ fully escorted coach holidays from £289pp

• Tours featuring Europe’s sought-after destinations, such as Italy, Spain, France and Germany

• 25+ NEW tours for 2022/2023, including Paris Weekend, Classical Italy and Highlights of the Tyrol

• NEW river cruises packed with many ports-of-call

inside this issue All around the world

Trend-watching

08 New Zealand: An update on what's new now that borders are open

12 Four-sight: Our columnists gear up for a restriction-free summer

Globe-hopping

16 Six of the best: New York viewpoints

18 On location: Emerald river cruise

19 Worldwide cruising: Why the Caribbean is a family favourite and Asia perfect for foodies

24 Netherlands: The oncea-decade Floriade Expo is creating a new buzz

27 City profile: Denver

28 My journey: New Rockies to the Red Rocks on the Rocky Mountaineer

Be inspired

30 Luxury travel: Why clients are spending more on high end holidays

34 Six of the best: Luxury African lodges

35 Luxury Maldives: Why this Indian Ocean hotspot is in high demand

Trade talk

46 Australia on Tour: The need to know from Australia's first UK event

48 Unite show reviews: News from across the globe

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Steve Hartridge

DEPUTY EDITOR

Jessica Pook

WRITERS

April Waterston, Charlotte Flach, Jo Gardner,Jeannine Williamson & Stuart Forster

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHERS

Steve Thompson steven.thompson@sellingtravel.co.uk

Sally Parker sally.parker@sellingtravel.co.uk

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Lisa Merrigan lisa.merrigan@sellingtravel.co.uk

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Shani Kunar

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Matt Bonner

CEO

Martin Steady

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

DESIGNER

Caitlan Francis

PRODUCTION & STUDIO MANAGER

Clare Hunter

PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR

Steve Hunter

COVER IMAGE

Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll, Maldives. unsplash.com/ Ishan @seefromthesky

(PRINT) ISSN 2056-9319. © BMI PUBLISHING LTD 2022. 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

Travel takeover

After exhausting our staycation content for the last few years it’s great to be able to say that travel is most definitely back with a bang in the Selling Travel o ce, with members of our team jetting o to the USA, to experience the new Rocky Mountaineer train journey in Colorado, and Madeira, for the Advantage Travel Conference.

Jessica Pook DEPUTY EDITOR

The latter was the agent consortium's first annual conference to be held overseas in two years. Speakers were full of optimism for the future of travel, with Advantage stating that holiday sales for this year’s May half-term are almost level with those in 2019.

Delegates were also told of a “phenomenal” increase in agent enquiries from customers who had previously only booked direct. According to the consortium, 80% of members say they are now hearing from customers who are new to agents.

With clients slowly returning, agents just need to navigate their way through the remaining in-destination restrictions, flight changes and confusion over passport expiry dates and they may just start seeing some well-deserved commission!

In other news, I was excited to see the beaming faces of those finally able to reunite with loved ones as New Zealand opened its borders on May 1. A few years back I was lucky enough to drive around the South Island in a campervan and would say it is a must for outdoorlovers (skydive optional!) Read what’s new in the destination on page 8.

On the subject of scenic routes, Selling Travel’s Editorial Director, Steve Hartridge, was among the first journalists this year to experience Rocky Mountaineer’s new Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary. The route travels from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, passing canyons, deserts and rivers. Read his My Journey piece on page 28.

We also have a whole section on luxury travel to inspire those high-value bookings and upgrades.

In the meantime, we’re gearing up for Australia’s ATM, the USA’s IPW and Canada’s Rendez-Vous trade shows, to continue bringing you the latest news from the industry’s biggest events.

So long staycation!

Trend watching

Fiji island time

Framed by turquoise seas and white beaches, COMO Laucala Island in Fiji is the latest addition to COMO Hotels & Resorts’ exclusive private island collection. Its 25 residences have been fashioned with natural Fijian wood and come with private butlers and pools. Guests can enjoy five onsite restaurants which use organic crops and livestock from the resort’s farm, while seafood is sourced from local fishermen. comohotels.com

Czech Republic

Bridging the gap

In the foothills of the Czech Republic’s Jeseníky Mountains, the longest suspension footbridge in the world has just opened to visitors. At a length of 721 metres and 95 metres above the ground, The Sky Bridge offers those brave enough breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush. It is more than 200 metres longer than the current longest suspension footbridge in Arouca, Portugal. visitczechrepublic.com

Finland to Maldives

Best of Both worlds

Luxury tour operator Scott Dunn has created the ultimate twin-centre honeymoon, combining Finnish Lapland with the Maldives. Newlyweds will spend four nights in snowy Finland, with the chance to see the Aurora Boreais from a Golden Crown Glass Igloo. Next stop is Milaidhoo in the Maldives, for seven nights of island contentment, with the option of a night under the stars on a private sandbank, complete with canopied four-poster bed. Read our Be Inspired section on page 30 for more lavish luxury. scottdunn.com

Kia Ora from Aotearoa

More than two years after shutting its borders to the world, Aotearoa (New Zealand) is finally welcoming Brits back with bucket list experiences and an enhanced Māori culture programme, says Jessica Pook

Waking up with the ceiling inches from my face is a small price to pay for the freedom that comes with a road trip around New Zealand’s South Island – nevertheless it’s not a pleasnt experience.

Before the claustrophobia hits I quickly swing myself out of bed and head straight for the back of my compact Juicy campervan, letting the rear door swing open and the fresh air fill my lungs.

No luxury hotel can match this view. Snow-capped mountains and hills the same shade as my lime-green wagon stand out against a hazy pink morning sky, and just a few feet away a lake stretches far into the distance. I watch the morning mist hover over the dark water and shiver, reliving the shock of plunging into the same water a day earlier. But the best thing about this little haven is that it’s one of over 500 free responsible freedom camping locations across New Zealand.

A few days earlier I’d stopped in Kaikoura, in the north of the South Island, where I swapped my wheels for a boat and spent a day out at sea with Whale Watch Kaikoura,

owned and operated by the indigenous Ngati Kuri people of Kaikōura, a Māori sub-tribe of the South Island’s larger Ngai Tahu Tribe. As I listened intently to tales of Paikea, who escaped his brother’s betrayal and near death by riding a whale from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand, I almost forgot why we were there!

We were lucky enough to see the most spectacular tail slap of a sperm whale, but it is the legend of the whale rider that will remain with me.

A warm welcome back

New Zealand’s successful COVID-19 strategy means the country continues to have one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world.

More than two years after closing its borders, New Zealand welcomed back international visitors on May 1 – to heartwarming scenes at the country’s airports. At the time of writing, qualifying travellers no longer need to isolate on arrival, on provision of a negative predeparture test. A negative Rapid Antigen Test is then required on arrival and on

day five or six. New Zealand’s traveller health declaration form ‘Nau Mai Ra’, is also mandatory for all arrivals.

“We are thrilled to welcome manuhiri (visitors), family and friends back,” says René de Monchy, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand.

“New Zealand has plenty to offer international visitors, from breathtaking landscapes, rare and remarkable wildlife to our rich culture and heritage; our people and place are what make us unique, and we look forward to sharing this with the world again.”

Sarah Handley, General Manager of Americas and Europe at Tourism New Zealand, agrees, and says: “New Zealand will always be the ultimate bucket list destination for many, due to the diversity of the cinematic landscapes and the ease with which you can combine golden beaches and cool cities with misty fjords and otherworldly glaciers.”

Operator Explore has seen fresh demand for its newly-added 19-day New Zealand Explorer tour and the 19-day Walking in New Zealand tour.

Māori ex Perience S

Story time: Northland is known as ‘the birthplace of New Zealand’ and offers some of the best cultural experiences.

Manea Footprints of Kupe explores Māori history and the legend of Kupe, the great navigator. Visitors are taken on a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling. maneafootprints.co.nz

Take on the All Blacks: In Auckland, a new interactive All Blacks Experience is designed to make visitors feel part of one of the most famous sports teams in the world. The experience includes a 45-minute guided tour, teaching the story behind the spine-tingling

All Blacks haka. This is followed by a show of skills against the rugby team. experienceallblacks.com

Paddle with a purpose: A waka (Māori canoe) was used to sail the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years and is part of the heritage of the Māori people. The Waka Abel Tasman experience begins with a blessing for protection and learning waka etiquette before paddling the Abel Tasman coast to Toka Ngawhā, Split Apple Rock. wakaabeltasman.nz

“Our New Zealand bookings are already back to pretty healthy numbers; in fact we are on par with where we were at this stage in 2019 for forward bookings,” said a spokesperson for Explore.

“Around 75% of our bookings for New Zealand came in March and April, after the country announced its reopening.”

Strict Covid protocols have been implemented: Qualmark, TNZ’s official quality assurance organisation, has developed an assessment to ensure that COVID-19 cleaning protocols and procedures are met by tourism operators. Visitors can look for the COVID Clean approved logo.

Meanwhile, Tourism New Zealand has refocused its tourism strategy and is highlighting experiences that benefit both the land and its people.

Visitors are encouraged to make the Tiaki Promise, a pledge to care for the country alongside Kiwis, and learn about the deep-rooted Māori culture, which dates back to the early 1300s.

“Māori culture, values, and history are a significant part of New Zealand, and visitors who immerse themselves in our local identity will enjoy a deeper understanding of the country,” says Handley.

“Values such as manaakitanga (hospitality or respect/kindness) and kaitiakitianga (guardianship of the land) are an important part of the Māori worldview.”

An influx of Māori cultural experiences have opened, including the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, the world’s first gallery dedicated to contemporary Māori art.

Handley expresses that many operators have used the time without international visitors to strengthen sustainability credentials resulting in

What’s new

Hotels: The newly-opened Hotel Britomart in Auckland is a five-star boutique hotel and New Zealand’s first five Green Star hotel. It has 99 guest rooms and views over Waitemata Harbour.

Due to open in June 2022 is the Mayfair Hotel, the newest property in Christchurch. It will have 67 guestrooms. The first Radisson Collection Hotel has opened in Queenstown. It feature 61 guestrooms, a restaurant and a day spa.

The newest addition to the PurePod lineup, Kokomea PurePod is a luxurious ecofriendly glass pod with views of Kāpiti Island.

The newly-opened Nest Tree Houses in Hakataramea Valley features architecturally designed tree houses.

Cruise: Heritage Expeditions offers three new cruises, departing between November 2022 and March 2023. They are: New Zealand Coastal Odyssey, The Best of New Zealand and Exploring New Zealand’s Remote Backyard.

Tour operators: Intrepid has added its first Premium trips to New Zealand which are described as “higher end adventures without compromising on sustainability”. Scenic has added longer escorted land trips such as the 19-day Royal New Zealand and 27-day Ultimate New Zealand.

Where to book it INTrePId

Intrepid offers a new 10-day Premium New Zealand South Island tour from Christchurch to Queenstown. It includes an overnight cruise on Milford Sound and is priced from £2,570pp. intrepidtravel.com/uk •

innovative new tours like the NelsonTasman Zero Carbon itinerary.

A freedom cAmp spot on the south islAnd turquoise wAters of hokitikA GorGe fAmous hobbiton movie set

Most first-time visitors think San Luis Obispo (SLO CAL) is like San Francisco or Los Angeles and can’t believe there are places in California – especially along Highway 1 – that are still so untouched.

Our tourism appeal is built on the ethos of slowing down the pace of life, but we have tons of activities to pack out an itinerary, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, surfing, or even jumping out of a plane!

We invested over $100,000 during the

pandemic into a virtual 3D site visit tool, so agents and their clients can experience different hotels or attractions first hand. This is live on our training portal now or at xplorit.com/slocal.

A slower way of life

SLO CAL has 85 miles of oceanfont, ranging from quaint coastal villages like Morro Bay, where you can shuck your own oysters and visit the sea otters, to enjoying a bonfire on one of California’s only driveable beaches. Moving inland to San Luis Obispo, you get a unique blend of old California arts and history which meets the vibrant energy of

the college crowd. Every Thursday, they shut down nine blocks for the largest farmers market on the west coast, with BBQs and entertainment on every street corner.

As you stretch further north, you come into wine county. We’re the third-largest wine region in California with around 300 wineries and distilleries, from mom and pop wineries to major distributors. We pride ourselves on our local produce and have been doing farm to table for hundreds of years, so we’re perfect for foodies. Most of all, we want to encourage people to travel like a local, and experience what we do every single day. slocal.com

We designed our first sustainability strategy (our People, Places & Planet plan) to improve life through travel. It focuses on community empowerment, carbon management, biodiversity regeneration and waste reduction. Since implementing the strategy at the end of 2019, our findings show that Exodus has helped to improve 5,445 lives in hardto-reach places, including female porters trained as mountain guides, education for

children, emergency food parcels and more. Local nature conservation and restoration initiatives are supported across 65% of trips.

Sustaining sustainability

Our headline goal for our 2025 strategy is to become Nature Net Positive by 2024. This commitment will help to ensure our adventures give back more than they take by outweighing any negative impacts on our natural world with proactive support for biodiversity conservation and regeneration, through our trips and our Foundation.

We’ll also be eliminating all directly provided single-use plastics on trips by the

end of 2022; halving our carbon footprint per passenger by 2030; and continuing to rewild 100 sq ms per passenger. One of the most exciting goals is a scheme through which clients can take eDNA samples to contribute towards building the IUCN’s eBioAtlas (a global record of life in the world’s river basins and wetlands).

Our advice for other companies who want to take similar action is find your focus. Ask which areas are most important for the long term sustainability of your business, which are most important for your clients, and which are most urgent for our world? exodus.co.uk •

“Our People, Places & Planet plan has improved over 5,000 lives”

Chuck Davison, CEO, Visit SLO CAL

Kasia Morgan, Head of Sustainability and Community, Exodus Travels

“First-time visitors can’t believe there are places in California that are still so untouched”

A summer of freedom

We ask our four columnists: Will short-haul fly-and-flop be king this summer or are clients seeking more far-flung adventurous trips?

James predicts a comeback for the Nile

We’ve had a surge in bookings for Oz and New Zealand

We have seen a trend for multiple short trips this year – a city break, followed by a cruise or a winter sun break. We’ve had to diversify from our usual long-haul market but it’s encouraging that many clients are booking short-haul with us for 2022, so repeat customer loyalty is still very strong. Thankfully, we’ve had a surge in holiday bookings for Oz and New Zealand now that restrictions have been lifted.

Canada is also proving very popular for us this summer. We have clients finally departing on their 2020 trips, as well as lots of last-minute bookings for the Calgary Stampede, Vancouver Island and the Rockies. I even have one couple who want to drive from Vancouver to Halifax! Car hire is proving tricky, so I may yet convince them to take the train instead.

We are finding some clients are still hesitant about travelling. I wonder if agents should charge a fee for assisting clients in getting to the airport and through customs, etc. Could be a good money maker! The need to own and use a smartphone is one of the biggest obstacles, but if we can get past that, then those that have travelled return happy and confident in doing it again.

Being a river cruise specialist has certainly had its challenges over the last two years! However the situation is improving, despite the massive question mark raised by the immensely sad events in Ukraine. There are a minority of people who feel they do not want to holiday anywhere near Eastern Europe because of the ongoing war. Others are happy to be in mainland Europe and all the traditionally popular itineraries are in great demand, with a surge of interest for the Douro and French rivers. Cruises east of Budapest towards the Black Sea raise questions. After a long time with no activity the Nile is now making a comeback (a river

The need to test is suppressing demand for US rivers

I recently enjoyed cruising) and with Vietnam and Cambodia lifting restrictions, the Mekong looks set to be open again with demand high for 2023 and even into 2024. Vaccination and testing requirements seem to be suppressing demand for American rivers. The issue we now face is key suppliers ceasing to work through the trade and the long waiting times to get through to operators who seem to be spending more on marketing than on reservation staff.

THE CRUISE SPECIALIST James Hill Director of GoRiverCruise Worcestershire

THE FAMILY BUSINESS Anneka Desrosiers Southern Cross Travel, East Sussex

Liz feels confident selling Jordan

In March I was lucky to join EXPLORE Holidays on its travel agent fam trip to Jordan. I was blown away with the history and amazing countryside – from mountains to desert to the breathtaking beaches and coastline. It was a jampacked trip but we were very well looked after by Nic and the EXPLORE team. The highlights for me were an afternoon in Petra and a night in the wild Wadi Desert. There’s no doubt that visiting a destination really helps us to sell a destination!

Work has been hectic with new bookings and clients redeeming their credit notes before they expire. We are finding that everything just takes a lot longer, whether trying to get through to operators, explaining the rules and requirements to customers or helping to check in and complete forms.

Also, we seem to be getting more people popping in to see if we can help with their own travel problems, asking about passports and testing requirements despite not having booked with us. It tests our patience but I hope that by giving a friendly smile through gritted teeth they will remember us next time they are booking their holiday!

I’m so glad in-person events/meetings are back again as I’m not into Zoom calls at all. A date for your diary is July 21 for the Yorkshire Travel Ball at the Village Hotel (South Leeds) in aid of numerous animal charities. Email me for more info s.murray922@btinternet.com.

I’ve been helping out at Oakwood Travel and have enjoyed looking for offers for the window and trying to guess where people are interested in going. It seems quite varied from long-haul to cruising on a tall ship, walking in the Dolomites to beach holidays and more. People seem to want all inclusive which I can understand if they are on a budget or travelling with children. I personally like to eat where the locals eat.

I think customers are certainly deciding enough is enough and they want to go away. People seem to be spending more to make up for it which is good news for agents. I can’t think of any other industry that has had to work twice, sometime three times as hard all for the same commission. I’ll summaries with one of my favourite quotes: “As I get older I realise I talk to myself because sometimes I need expert advice.”

Sandy says walking the Dolomites is popular

Anneka is enjoying planning trips to Canada again

Next issue: Where do most of your bookings come from? Is it existing clients, social media or in-store?

We get a lot of non-clients asking us to check their documents

I’ve noticed more people are looking for all-inclusive this year

``Clients are so happy to get away this summer´´

Training, competitions, events

TOP STORIES May/June 2022

Get the E Reward

INCENTIVE

AGENTS can earn rewards and win prizes including hotel nights, Amazon vouchers, flights, cruises, meals out or tickets to attractions when they complete training programmes and make bookings with clients who use the new global reward scheme, eTravelRewards. The scheme offers incentives and prizes from destinations and travel products across the globe. traveluni.com

Sell Attitude's new Sunrise INCENTIVE

LOG your Sunrise Attitude Hotel bookings by June 30, 2022, to be in with a chance to win a £500 Amazon voucher. Another 10 bookers of the hotel during this period will win a £100 Amazon voucher each. The hotel, which opened late 2021, is a adults-only four-star resort on the east coast of Mauritius. The property has a swimup bar, private villas with pool, and offers an All In All Out All Inclusive package. attitudehotelstraining.com

Abu Dhabi special INCENTIVE

REGISTER for the Abu Dhabi Specialist training programme for the chance to win prizes that include a Silverstone race experience, Manchester City football tickets, Love to Shop vouchers, Etihad Airways flights and other Abu Dhabi-branded giveaways. To win, complete the four basic training modules and register your Abu Dhabi bookings made in 2022. The more holidays you sell, the better the chance of winning. abudhabispecialist.com

Domes Resort launches portal

Domes Resorts

LUXURY property brand Domes Resorts is giving agents the chance to win a three-night stay for two to celebrate the launch of its new online training portal.

The training portal is full of inspiring images, videos and presentations of all eight luxury resorts to help agents sell bespoke holidays at a Domes Resort. Agents will also receive regular news about the portfolio, as well as sales tips, event invites and fam trips. They can also ask questions directly.

A-Z of available training

ABTA

Abu Dhabi

Alaska

Anguilla

Anchorage Wild Expert

Aruba

Australia

Attitude Hotels

Beaches Resorts

Cayman Islands

Celestyal Cruises

Costa Rica

Cruise Adviser

Elegant Hotels Essential Detail

All agents who complete the training modules by June 30 will be entered into a prize draw – and 10 lucky agents will win a three-night stay voucher for two people on HB, to be used in any of the eight Domes Resorts. domesresortsexpert.com

All agents who complete the

Central Florida’s

Polk County

Home to 7,000 villas and over 8,500 hotel rooms, there’s a stay to suit every budget in Central Florida’s Polk County

From the kid-friendly hotels at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort to luxury golf and spa hotels, natural beauty and family fun is never far away in Central Florida’s Polk County.

Get close to the action

Villas are a perfect option for families. They’re great value, have homely amenities and are within close proximity to Central Florida’s attractions. Those in the Davenport area and Haines City are ideally located for reaching major theme parks, including Walt Disney World and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Villas range from cozy two-bedrooms to extravagant seven-bedroom homes with a movie room. HomeBeds has a large selection in Davenport, most of which have private pools.

X marks the spot

Well-known hotels include the Terrace Hotel in downtown Lakeland, the Hilton Garden Inn, the new Courtyard by Marriott in Winter Haven, and the Spring Hill Suites by Marriott in Lakeland, which opened in June 2020. Families can choose from three hotels at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven, including the newest addition, Pirate Island Hotel, which opened in summer 2021. Every stay comes with a free family-style breakfast, nightly pirate fun and in-room treasure hunts.

Relax and indulge

For luxury lovers, Streamsong Golf Resort and Spa sprawls over 16,000-acres. Award-winning

Harborsiderestaurant WinterHaven

Top spot

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently close to Walt Disney World Florida, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and Universal Studios, whilst having over 500 lakes on its doorstep

golf courses, bass fishing, sporting clays, and four on-site restaurants are joined by a lakefront infinity pool and spa with a grotto. Or there’s Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, located along the Kissimmee River, for the ultimate dude ranch experience.

The 1,700-acre resort features Luxe Teepees, Glamping, Saddle Club Rail Cars and RV camping and features championship Rodeos and a night street party on Saturdays.

New for 2022

Travellers can pull up in their own RV or stay at an on-site cabin at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale. RV spots come with a charcoal grill, and the one-bedroom vacation cabana cabins can sleep up to six. From the 147-foot water slide to local sightseeing tours, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Or clients can go for the full African Safari experience with deluxe camping at Safari Wilderness. During the day guided safaris can be taken on camel-back, or by ATV, kayak or customised vehicles. visitcentralflorida.org

LuxeteePee at WestGate river ranCH

New York

viewpoints

Whether it’s admired from over 1,000 feet or the ground, New York City’s skyline never fails to impress. April Waterston reveals the city’s best vantage spots

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Based in the One Vanderbilt building, the SUMMIT is as close to touching the clouds as most of us will ever reach. Mirror-lined rooms at over 1,000 feet infinitely reflect the iconic skyline, and art installations by Yayoi Kusama and Kenzo Digital make the SUMMIT one of the most immersive ways to take in the city views. Stick around after for a drink at the rooftop bar, APRÈS. summitov.com

Edge

Not for the fainthearted, Edge is the viewing deck of choice for adrenaline junkies. If leaning against the angled glass walls and peering down to the streets 1,100 feet below isn’t scary enough, the bravest of visitors can scale the crown of the building with City Climb – the highest open-air building ascent in the world. A tipple at the Champagne Bar, or another of Hudson Yard’s eateries, is surely a must after that! edgenyc.com

The High Line

Recommend a meander through the Meatpacking District on this repurposed elevated rail line. You will catch a glimpse of various sightlines, juxtaposed against Piet Oudolf’s expertly-curated selection of grasses, flowers and trees – all chosen to encourage birds and insects to flourish. If it weren’t for the surrounding skyscrapers, it would be easy to forget you are still in the city. thehighline.org

Central Park

Maybe a romantic trope (but enjoyable all the same!), a horse carriage ride through Central Park proves both relaxing and educational. Expert drivers are keen to point out the buildings lining the park, from The Plaza and the Guggenheim to John Lennon’s final abode. With a perimeter of six miles, it’s a lot to cover by foot. The horses are well looked after too, with regular holidays in the countryside. nychorsecarriageride.com

Empire State Building

An icon on the city skyline, the Empire State Building is a must on any New York City itinerary. Shortly before COVID hit, the attraction benefited from an extensive redevelopment, reviving the observatory and adding new interactive exhibits. Visitors can now uncover the building’s rich history, and take a selfie with King Kong on their way up to the 102nd floor. What more could you want? esbnyc.com

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Take a breather and enjoy a waterfront picnic lunch in Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River. Soak in the downtown NYC skyline and the mile-long neo-Gothic bridge with a takeaway Maine-style lobster roll from Luke’s Lobster, based just under the bridge. Burn off lunch with a cycle, roller skate or even take to the water with a kayak for a completely different perspective. brooklynbridgepark.org

Globe hopping

NONSTOP TO THE BIG APPLE .

Fly Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic to New York-JFK from Edinburgh, Manchester and London-LHR.

Sail away with

Emerald Sun

A river cruise is the perfect way to tick off some of Europe’s most iconic cities and taste the local fare, says Travel Counsellor, Claire Spicer

As with ocean cruising, I believe there is a river cruise for everyone. The key is to know your clients and match them up with the right ship, cabin and itinerary – and if your clients are foodies, Emerald Sun is the choice for them!

It wasn’t long into my five-day cruise from Budapest, Hungary, along the Danube to Vukovar, Croatia, before chef Kiril Melnik and his team introduced themselves to us and talked us through their recommendations, something they did each evening to help us appreciate the regional influences of each meal.

From the buffet breakfast to a full a la carte menu at dinner, everything was of a consistently high quality. Passengers were offered a wide variety at all meal times and the team catered brilliantly for special dietary requirements (a great selling point).

I quickly eased into the leisurely pace of river cruising. Part of the charm is watching the world go by and relaxing, whether thats playing mini golf on the sun deck or taking a dip in the indoor pool - this

one was particularly impressive with a retractable roof that turned into a cinema in the evening – a fantastic use of space!

Cabins with balconies offered a fullheight window which opened halfway, thus giving you the balcony experience without compromising on space.

For those on a budget, the lower deck cabins with river view windows are both spacious and comfortable.

One of the benefits of a river cruise, I soon found, is that it can take you right into the heart of beautiful cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, Salzburg and Porto. Excursions vary depending on your preferences.

Emerald Sun carried bikes, which proved a fabulous way to explore an area of Belgrade, Serbia, and forms a key part of Emerald Cruises’ EmeraldACTIVE programme. The quality of the local tour guides was high and the small group coach tours involved a mixture of walking and coach, great for all abilities. We also ate at the home of a lovely Croatian family, giving a truly authentic experience and fully immersing us in the local culture.

Activities on board Emerald Sun were varied, with anything from morning yoga on the sun deck, evening quizzes in the Horizon Bar and Lounge, informative daily port talks from the Cruise Director, and even a DJ!

I discovered that a river cruise is a fabulous way of seeing multiple destinations without having to constantly unpack your bags, a definite for foodies and perfect for anyone with anxiety about seasickness as you barely notice you are moving. It can be a family affair, fun with friends, a romantic break or great for a multi-generational trip. I’m a river cruise convert and can’t wait to tell my clients. emeraldcruises.co.uk

EUROPE

When the ships come in

From the family-friendly shores of the Caribbean to enigmatic Asian destinations, clients are looking for memorable cruises that make up for lost time, says Jeannine Williamson

As we pass the lush mangroves and head out into the open sea i feel the warm afternoon breeze on my face. the only sound is the splash of the paddles in the water as we follow in the wake of kayak expedition leader, Garth.

Stopping for a breather I drift along on the gentle current. Gazing into the clear shimmering water I can see the outline of the coral reefs. I know, from an earlier talk, that the 64 square miles of Caribbean Sea surrounding the island is now protected and home to 88 species of fish. Loggerhead turtles have also returned to lay their eggs on the beach close to where we set off.

Looking across the pristine sands, palm trees and pastel-coloured wooden buildings on Ocean Cay, MSC Cruise’s private island in the Bahamas, it’s hard to

believe this was once an old sand mine.

Later, as the sun dips over the horizon, the balmy air fills with the unique tropical sound of Junkanoo music. Colourful dancers sway in time to the drumbeats and it’s impossible to stop my feet moving – less expertly – to the infectious rhythm.

“Demand is increasing not just for cruises for summer 2022 but well into 2023,” says Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director MSC Cruises UK & Ireland.

“Cruise has always been unique when it comes to early booking, and since opening the sales of our 2023 itineraries we have already seen strong demand with particular interest in our ex-UK programme on MSC Grandiosa,” adds Paradiso.

Passengers are now “aiming high”, according to Ben Bouldin, Vice President EMEA at Royal Caribbean.

“The lifting of travel restrictions across the world makes it a perfect time to recommend ocean cruises, with more options available than ever,” he says. Consumers are looking to splurge their savings on a bucket list

princess cruises hopes To sail Japan This suMMer

glassy clear waTers of The caribbean

Globe hopping

trip, bigger and better than before, to make up for the memories missed over the last few years. We saw the beginning of this trend after announcing our Ultimate World Cruise which sold over 70% in the first week.

“We’re excited to be able to offer a full European season this year, with eight ships sailing in Europe.”

At Celebrity Cruises, Jo Rzymowska, Vice President and Managing Director EMEA, says that with six ships in Europe for the summer, including the new Celebrity Beyond launched in Southampton and spending a maiden season in the Mediterranean, the Med was a top seller, while Alaska and the Galapagos were popular with adventure-seekers.

“Family and friends keen to make up for lost time are booking trips of a lifetime to all corners of the world, and what better way to see it than on a cruise,” she says. “Our first priority is the health and safety of our guests and crew, which is why all of our crew and eligible guests are fully vaccinated. We want our guests to have the very best holiday knowing that it is also the safest holiday so they can relax.”

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has also seen a trend for bucket list trips and Head of Sales, Geoff Ridgeon, comments: “The uptake we have had on our summer 2023 cruises shows people are already planning their travels for next year. People are also looking at once-in-a-lifetime trips so our longer grand voyages and world cruises are continuing to peak interest. We are also seeing demand continue to rise for our shorter sailings to Norway, with Rosyth departures proving particularly popular.”

Caribbean

Providing guaranteed winter sunshine and affordable fares at other times of the year, the Caribbean ticks all the boxes when it comes to palm-fringed beaches and warm waters that are fantastic for diving and snorkelling. The beauty of this region is that while all the islands share a tropical climate, they are all very different, from the spice island of Grenada to one-of-a-kind Cuba.

Many lines have their own private islands and Caribbean cruises are a top choice for families. Large ships have fantastic kids’ clubs and cruises can be sold with a stay in Florida to visit the theme parks.

AzAMARA

The 670-passenger Azamara Onward is the latest vessel to join the destinationfocused line. Its classic look will appeal to lovers of traditional vessels. A 10-night round-trip Miami eastern Caribbean voyage in December 2022 starts from £954pp. azamara.co.uk

Asia

Nowhere else in the world offers the contrasts that can be found in enigmatic Asia. In rural villages there are timeless floating markets where locals buy their

“Consumers are looking to splurge their savings on a bucket list trip, bigger and better than before, to make up for the memories missed over the last few years”

Ben Bouldin, Vice President EMEA, Royal Caribbean

Towering spires in Tallin, esTonia

princess cruising Milford sound in new Zealand

MeeT The locals in The caribbean longoZ orManlari swaMpland, Turkey

Announcing the Azamara® World Voyage: a 155-night journey aboard our newest ship — the intimate, boutique-style Azamara OnwardSM — offering the most comprehensive way to experience all 7 Wonders of the World and more. Visit over 40 countries on 6 continents with peak moments like walking on 2,000-year-old stones at the Great Wall of China or being in sheer awe of Easter Island’s Ahu Tongariki.

Along with standard inclusions like gratuities, AzAmazing Evenings® and more, guests will also receive over $22,000 in exclusive amenities* on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. That includes $7,000 in onboard credit per stateroom, Business Class air travel, a pre-voyage hotel stay and gala, transfers, access to exclusive events, and more!

Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island, Chile

wares and a few hours away some of the most cutting-edge cities on the globe. Home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations, adventurous and curious clients will discover ancient history and modern innovations everywhere they go. This is a destination for food-lovers, with the chance to try authentic Asian cuisine. Recommend excursions featuring food tours and tastings or cookery classes.

CElEBRity CRuisEs

Cruising allows clients to experience different cultures in one trip which would be impossible on a land tour. A 12-night sailing in December 2022 on the

2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice starts from Hong Kong and visits Vietnam and Thailand before ending in Singapore. Prices start from £1,185pp. celebritycruises.com

Australia and New Zealand

A cruise down under is a once-in-alifetime journey and full of big-hitting sights including the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest in the world, and Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most instantly recognisable buildings, while in New Zealand Napier is famous for its amazing Art Deco architecture.

A destination for seasoned cruisers, consider packaging cruises with railway journeys, such as The Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide or the Marlborough Flyer steam train from New Zealand’s cruise terminal at Picton.

This is also a fantastic destination for wine lovers and shore excursions include vineyard visits and tastings.

PRinCEss CRuisEs

As clients are travelling such a long distance suggest a cruise tour so they can enjoy the best of both worlds. A 17-night Australian outback tour and cruise combines a six-night Australian land stay with a New Zealand cruise aboard Majestic Princess Departing in December 2022, prices start from £3,810pp. princess.com

Mediterranean

It’s easy to see why this vast cruise region, covering nearly one million square miles, is a perennial favourite with Brits. Teeming with history, it’s an ideal recommendation for culture vultures who can explore cities such as Rome and Florence which are living museums. With a wide range of cruises on ships ranging from luxury yachts to action-packed mega-vessels, Med sailings

are also perfect for new-to-cruise clients. They are generally divided into eastern (Greek Islands, Turkey, Cyprus and Israel) or western (Spain, France, Italy, Gibraltar and Morocco) itineraries, which also helps find the perfect fit for customers.

RoyAl CARiBBEAn

The line’s newly launched 5,448-passenger Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest-ever cruise ship with a new all-suite neighbourhood, is sailing the Mediterranean for its maiden season with two alternating itineraries departing from Rome and Barcelona. With departures until October 2022, a sevennight sailing is priced from £679pp. royalcaribbean.com

South & Central America

From the steamy tango in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires to the samba in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, this exotic cruise area is filled with natural and man-made marvels. Some sailings feature a transit through the Panama Canal, a bucket list experience for many cruisers.

The diverse and dramatic scenery is famous for its wildlife, a huge cruise selling point. Animals have no fear of humans in the Galapagos Islands, providing incredible photographic opportunities, while in Costa Rica national parks are home to red-eyed tree frogs, tapirs, sloths and brightly coloured birds.

stAR CliPPERs

After almost a decade, tall ship line Star Clippers is returning to Costa Rica from November 2022 to March 2023. The 166-passenger Star Clipper will sail on two itineraries along the Pacific coastline, using wind power as much as possible. A seven-night sailing starts from £1,500pp. starclippers.co.uk

• sail The TradiTional way wiTh sTar clippers

souTh aMerica is a Top cruise for wildlife

“We are seeing demand continue to rise for our shorter sailings to Norway, with Rosyth departures proving particularly popular”

Geoff Ridgeon, Head of Sales, Fred. olsen Cruise lines

Msc docked aT ocean cay, The cruise line’s privaTe island

Back to Nature in

British Columbia

Following a renewed focus on health and wellness, clients can find themselves in Canada’s nature hotspot and discover ‘The British Columbia Effect’ first-hand, says Charlotte Flach

Whale of a time

Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours has launched a Whales, Wildlife and Culture Tour, which combines wildlife sightseeing with Indigenous storytelling. Clients will marvel at humpback whales while exploring culturally significant sites such as the Discovery Islands. The area has a rich Indigenous heritage with occupation by the people of the Homalco, Klahoose and other First Nations. homalcotours.com

Sustainable solutions

In the heart of the West Kootenays, close to the bohemian town of Nelson, the newly opened Bear Spring Eco Retreat takes travellers off grid. Stay in glamping tents, charming cottages or the lodge itself. The retreat uses only solar lighting and boasts edible food gardens, with 300 acres of land allowing for foraging, hiking, swimming, skiing, snowshoeing and brushes with wildlife. Bearspringeco.ca

Bear necessities

Deep in the coastal wilderness of Desolation Sound, only accessible by boat or seaplane, the Klahoose Wilderness Resort is BC’s newest Indigenous cultural experience. Owned by Indigenous peoples, the luxury all-inclusive eco-resort hosts its first season this May. Guests can take a boat ride in Toba Inlet, to see grizzly bears, visit thundering waterfalls on a rainforest hike or go sea kayaking. Klahooseresort.com

Indigenous immersion

Step into the wild at the new Nemiah Valley Lodge –planned to open June 2022. Located in the rolling valley and beside BC’s Ts’ilos Provincial Park, the all-inclusive lodge will offer activities such as guided hikes, cultural interpretations, archery, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There’s also the chance to become fully immersed in the lives and traditions of the Xeni Gwet’in people. nemiahvalleylodge.com

Tree hugging

Talaysay Tours has debuted a new Talking Trees tour at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Guided by Lil’wat Elder and plant specialist Lucille Joseph, guests will learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of local trees and plants. There’s also the new Kees and Claire Hut at Russet Lake, situated along Spearhead Traverse, a 40-kilometre route which crosses 13 glaciers between Whistler and Blackcomb. spearheadhuts.org

Peak practices

High up in the Skeena Mountains, near Terrace, is the new Northern Escape mountain lodge. The ideal base for exploring the wild north of BC, guests will discover world-class steelhead and salmon fishing plus the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and coastal whale watching for orcas and humpbacks. Adventurers can hit the trails on an e-mountain bike or paddle the surrounding lakes. summer.neheliskiing.com

Globe hopping

Brilliant blooms

Mark Rutte, the Netherlands’ Prime Minister, chats into his phone while striding alone across the cobbled courtyard of the Binnenhof, the Dutch Parliament building in The Hague. Unexpectedly spotting him a couple of metres away, without a scrum of burly security guards, prompts me to do a double take. He greets me with a nod.

The chance encounter typifies the Netherlands’ laid-back vibe – a reason why I enjoy spending time here. I’m cutting through the courtyard to reach the Mauritshuis. That grand, waterfront building was constructed nearly 400 years ago for Johan Maurits of NassauSiegen, the Governor of Dutch Brazil.

This year it’s celebrating 200 years since becoming an art museum. The permanent collection features artworks from the Dutch Golden Age. Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and numerous Rembrandt works help make the Mauritshuis one of the world’s great art museums. I always enjoy the amusing details in Jan Steen’s boisterous scenes.

Today I’m drawn to the insightful In Full Bloom exhibition. Running until June 6, it explores the evolution of the floral still life, a genre in which several female artists

The once-a-decade horticultural extravaganza Floriade Expo is now blooming, tempting green-fingered clients and providing an extra reason to visit The Netherlands, says Stuart Forster

WESTERKERK TOWER, AMSTERDAM

flourished. The paintings record details of flowers that bloomed four centuries ago.

Previously unseen plants and flowers were transported to the Netherlands by sea at that time. They were planted at Leiden and Amsterdam in botanical gardens that continue to welcome visitors. Plants such as the tulip were commercially exploited as the Dutch developed expertise in gardening and farming.

Floriade Expo 2022

The Floriade Expo (floriade.com), an international horticultural exhibition held every 10 years, opened on April 14 at Almere, 30km from Amsterdam.

The 2022 edition continues until October 9 on a site that’s the size of 60 rugby fields. Its theme is Growing Green Cities.

The event celebrates Dutch horticulture and sustainable technology. In national pavilions visitors can see how recent discoveries and developments are likely to shape urban life.

A cable car provides elevated views. Meanwhile, the cultural programme brings a variety of live music. Adult entry costs from €29 (£24.50).

ToursByLocals offers a customisable guided Floriade tour for up to four people. The eight-hour tour stops at

nearby attractions, including Muiderslot Castle and windmills at Weesp.

In addition to coach tours encompassing the Floriade, Shearings offers a sevenday Amsterdam and Floriade aboard MS Arena tour priced from £1,049pp. The June river cruise itinerary includes Het Loo Palace, which reopened in April following lavish restorations.

To Amsterdam and beyond

The Netherlands is ideal for city breaks and short holidays embracing the country’s waterways and cultural history. Typically, most UK travellers stay in Amsterdam. “Clients can once again appreciate Amsterdam’s world-class museums and art galleries after two years of strict Dutch COVID-19 measures.

“Travelling now means people can enjoy the city’s attractions before crowds return,” suggests Patrick Millar, Marketing Manager, Kirker Holidays, while highlighting the Rijksmuseum and neighbouring Van Gogh Museum.

The country has an easy-to-use rail network meaning easy access to hotels outside of the capital. Firsttime visitors may be surprised that journeys into Amsterdam from nearby cities are quick and inexpensive.

Haarlem is just 15 minutes away while Leiden is a 35-minute ride.

“We always get excellent feedback about The Hague. The city has canals and outstanding museums, and trams run to the sandy beach at nearby Scheveningen, which is lovely to visit in the summer,” says Millar.

What’s new

“We now have direct returns on the Eurostar from Amsterdam. Visiting Amsterdam is now as easy as a weekend in Paris. The train connection means it appeals to people looking for sustainable breaks and customers still reluctant to travel through airports following the pandemic,” says Millar.

“We always get excellent feedback about The Hague. The city has canals and outstanding museums, and trams run to the sandy beach at nearby Scheveningen”

Patrick Millar, Kirker Holidays

Globe hopping

Rooftops of Rotterdam: The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility opened in Rotterdam during November. Pre-booked tickets are required to visit Depot Boijmans van Beuningen. The contemporary building has a mirrored façade.

It houses more than 151,000 artworks, the highly rated Restaurant Renilde and a rooftop garden with city views.

Opening for Rotterdam Architecture Month in June, The Podium (until August 17) is a free-to-visit installation on the roof of Het Nieuwe Instituut, the design and digital hub in the city’s Museum Park. City roofscapes will be linked by Rotterdam Rooftop Walk, a 400-metre air bridge, during Rotterdam Rooftop Days (May 26 to June 24).

Family attractions: The Efteling theme park resort in Kaatsheuvel, a popular family attraction, is celebrating 70 years since opening.

Hotel openings: Amsterdam’s recent openings include the 19-room De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel, within easy walking distance of popular museums. dewarejacobhotel.com

EXPERIENCES

Cuddle a cow: Embrace alternative wellness therapy while snuggling with cattle at the Kastanje-Hoeve dairy farm, 35km north of Amsterdam. Close proximity with cows reputedly calms humans. Boots and protective overcoats are provided.

Free cycling: Pedal one of the 1,800 free-to-use white bicycles around De Hoge Veluwe National Park. Explore more than 40km of tracks. The park’s Kröller-Müller Museum holds the world’s second-largest collection of Van Gogh artworks.

With 62 rooms in three townhouses, the centrally-located four-star Jan Luyken Hotel is another chic Museum Quarter option. janluykenhotelamsterdam.com

Meanwhile, the 306-room Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Landmark embraces a post-industrial look and features a spa. inntelhotelsamsterdamlandmark.nl

Elsewhere, Gouda’s 16th century orphanage has been transformed into the Weeshuis, a 25-suite boutique property marrying contemporary design and rooms with wood beams. relaischateaux.com

Where to book it CRoisiEuRoPE

The six-day Best of the Netherlands canal and Lake Markermeer cruise with Croisieurope has 10 departure dates in 2022. The route includes Edam, Gouda and Haarlem plus Kinderdijk’s windmills. Costing from £1,291pp, the round-trip cruise departs Amsterdam and includes onboard meals and drinks, excursions, port taxes and repatriation insurance. croisieurope.co.uk •

Dutch courage: At National Genever Museum in Schiedam, near Rotterdam, visitors can discover the story of juniper-based spirit genever. The building has a distillery and offers tastings. It’s a short walk from the world’s tallest traditional windmill.

Go plastic fishing: Boat tours of Amsterdam’s historic canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have long been popular. Plastic Whale presents visitors with opportunities to head onto the waterways and scoop out plastic waste using nets. The tours are also available in Rotterdam.

Summit else: Peaking at 322m (1,058ft) above sealevel, the Vaalserberg is the highest point of the Netherlands’ mainland and makes for a pleasant country stroll. It’s a reason to spend time in rural Limburg, near to where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany converge.

Take the biscuit: Round, syrup-filled cookies called stroopwafels are a Dutch treat. Workshops at Berg’s Bakery discuss the heritage of the delicacy and give participants an opportunity to make their own.

iT is ThoughT ThaT Cows have ‘Calming qualiTies’

Globe hopping

Colorado’s capital is

a mile in front

Now served by double-daily United flights from London, Denver, which combines flavours of the Old West with cultural and sporting attractions, is poised to be a ‘must do’ USA city break destination, says Steve

Hartridge

Colorado’s capital is the gateway to the Rockies – with its hiking, mountain biking, rafting and other adventure options in the summer and ski resorts in the winter – and is now the start or end point for Rocky Mountaineer’s new Rockies to Red Rocks train route, but the city has plenty to tempt visitors to stay awhile.

And with United starting a double-daily service to the city from London-Heathrow to Denver International – the USA’s third busiest airport – on May 7, Denver is more accessible from the UK than ever. Here are five must-do Denver experiences:

See baseball at Coors Field

Between April and October, U.S. baseball teams play 81 ‘regular season’ home games so the chances of being in town when the local Rockies have a match are good.

Depending on the opponents, ticket prices can be as low as $5, although a pint of the state-brewed Coors beer and some must-have nachos, cheese and jalapeños cost around $17. The impressive stadium, where it is said home runs are easier to hit due to the mile-high altitude, is just a fiveminute stroll from Union Station. mlb.com/rockie

Union Station

Know locally as ‘Denver’s Living Room’, the city’s train hub is an attraction in itself.

The original building was completed in 1881 but the Beaux Arts/Renaissance-site of today opened in 2014. It has several places to eat, drink and shop and also hosts occasional summer events that include concerts. Located above the Great Hall is the Crawford Hotel, an elegant hotel whose rooms are inspired by three different periods of Union Station’s history. Unionstationdenver.com

Take a street art tour

Denver has a thriving ‘street art’ scene with alleyways, warehouses, storefronts and even the back of hotels brightened by vibrant murals and spray and stencil paintings. Most of the impressive works are found in the River North (RiNo) district. Walking tours that explain the art (most are making political or social comments) are offered by Denver Graffiti Tour. denvergraffititour.com.

Denver Central Market (DCM)

Located in the artsy-industrial RiNo neighbourhood, DCM is one of the city’s coolest places to hang out. The gourmet marketplace and food hall features 11 curated vendors selling everything from sushi and seafood tacos to superfood salad boxes to designer chocolates. Curio shakes up some of the best cocktails in the city. As Colorado borders New Mexico, which borders Mexico, why not try one of the hand-crafted margaritas? denvercentralmarket.com

Visit a Craft Brewery

One of the U.S.’s ‘craft brew capitals’, there are more than 100 breweries, brewpubs and taprooms in the Denver area, with several located on the two parallel streets that lead to Coors Field or in the RiNo district. The city also hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival (October 6-8, 2022), one of the biggest festivals of its kind. greatamericanbeerfestival.com; denver.org •

UNION STATION IS BOTH A TRANSPORT HUB AND A POPUlAR eNTeRTAINmeNT SPOT fOR lOcAlS AND vISITORS

DeNveR IS A cITy Of STReeT ART, wITH mANy ImPReSSIve mURAlS

Colorado Rocky Mountaineer in

Steve Hartridge steps about the iconic luxury train in Denver for a Rockies to Red Rocks trip featuring fabulous scenery, wildlife and lots of tunnels

The royal blue-and-gold carriages look familiar, as do the crisp skyblue shirts and neat waistcoats of the train's welcoming team, and I recognise the same palpable sense of excitement and anticipation over the journey that lies ahead.

But this time I am not joining the Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver, Canada, but stepping aboard in Denver, Colorado.

I have been invited on the second running in 2022 of the iconic train's first-ever route in the USA.

Over almost two days, the Rockies to the Red Rocks trip will take us around 354 miles from the Mile High City to Moab in Utah.

After a short bus ride from the Crawford Hotel in Denver's Union Station, we arrive in the trendy River North (or RINO) part of the city, where the Rocky Mountaineer's gleaming carriages are waiting for us.

Cheers to the adventure

Zach, the train manager, welcomes us with a toast and a breezy "Let's all say cheers to our adventure" while August, who we later discover will be our on-board host of many hats – narrator, historian, geologist and occasional sommelier – pours us a glass of sparkling wine and orange juice.

As we pull out of Denver, Amtrak's California Zephyr rushes by on the adjoining track, heading from Chicago to Los Angeles, a journey that will take in Yellowstone National Park.

"We will be travelling at a slower 'Kodak speed', to capture the

amazing scenery along the way," says Zach, a reference to the camera and film company that perhaps goes over the head of the younger travellers.

That ever-changing backdrop features canyons, rivers, fertile valleys, mountain vistas, prairie grasslands, red-sandstone cliffs, winelands, orchards and deserted frontier towns that once thrived on the promise of gold and uranium riches.

We view this from the comfort of the train's reclining leather-padded seats and through glass-dome windows as we rumble over tracks laid between 1902 and 1907 by the Denver and Salt Lake Railway.

Tunnel vision

It's an engineering feat that required carving a steep route through the Front Range of Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

Unlike on Rocky Mountaineer's Canadian journeys, there are no GoldLeaf carriages on this route – the glass domes are too high to fit through some of the tunnels along the way. Instead passengers are divided into Silver Leaf or Silver Leaf-Plus carriages, with SilverLeaf Plus offering various extra levels of comfort such as wine parings with meals, access to a small viewing area between carriages and a lounge car, which on our trip featured a funky cocktail list devised by Kendra, who was also the train's chef.

Climbing the Front Range of the Rockies, a 13-mile section of track passes through 28 tunnels that were hand-blasted through solid rock, on the way up to the Continental Divide, the spine of perhaps North America's most famous mountain range.

The longest, Moffatt Tunnel, is six miles long and was built to bypass 10,800 degrees of dangerous mountain curvature. It takes 16 minutes to get through.

It is late April and there's still plenty of snow in the foothills of the mountains. As we pass Winter Park ski resort, a handful of skiers are meandering down to the village.

Following the Colorado River, at Lower Gore Canyon where the river narrows and widens with little bursts of white-water, we spot rafters on a leisure trip.

On wider sections of the river, anglers are fishing for brown trout and, on a tiny spit of sand, we spot a vulture feeding on the carcass of an elk. We are told to look out for big horn sheep, black bears and mountain lions, which all prove elusive, but we see bald eagles and prong-horned antelope –the fastest land mammal in North America – munching on the sagebrush.

Our first day on the Rocky Mountaineer ends around 17.00 when the train pulls into Glenwood Springs, a town that developed on the back of its natural mineral pools and is still a world-class wellness and health destination. We head up to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, for a relaxing hour in a series of thermal pools ($34 for 2.5 hours).

Overnight is at the Denver Hotel, which dates back to 1915 and whose famous past guests include Doc Holliday – a legendary Wild West American gambler, gunfighter, and dentist – and Clark Gable.

The next morning we gather on Glenwood Springs station at 6.30, just as the cliffs that

ring the city are turning a burnt orange colour. The morning unfolds at a leisurely pace. The hillsides briefly turn green again as we pass through a fertile river valley. Near Pallisade, rows of vines signal the start of the Colorado Cellars Winery, the state's oldest and largest winery.

The distant mountains now have flat-tops, which August tells us are home to 'mesas' (Spanish for 'flat-top hills'), which he says are adorned with flower-filled meadows and lakes. When we reach Ruby Canyon, we are suddenly in the desert. The red sandstone cliffs of the canyon walls hug the railway tracks and someone has painted the words 'Utah / Colorado', marking the border between the two states.

We are far from the nearest road now but among the sagebrush we spot an occasional campsite used by intrepid rafters or hikers.

The Colorado river has changed colour, from its sparkling blue to a murky brown hue, caused by the oxidised red sandstone crumbling into the water.

Around 13.00, we come to a halt, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. But a welcoming party of cowboys and cowgirls signal that we have reached the end of the line, 12 miles from the town of Moab, Utah. rockymountaineer.com; colorado.com •

Book it with...Great Rail Journeys

The 14-day America's National Parks, the Rocky Mountaineer and Las Vegas tour starts from £3,895pp, with departures in September 2022 and May, August and September 2023. Flights to Denver and back from Las Vegas. greatrail.com

Anglers are fishing for trout and we spot a vulture feeding on the carcass of an elk

Exclusive and all-inclusive

The return of destinations around the world has released the pent-up demand for travel, but what does this mean for the luxury sector? Jo Gardner explores the prospects for high-end holidays

All that time spent cooped up at home – or on windy trips in Wales – has resulted in two types of traveller: those that never want to get on a plane again for (Covid aside) respect of the environment.

The other is the itchy feet brigade - those that didn’t buy a Motorhome with their lockdown loot and instead want to tick as much of their bucket list off as they can.

But what does this mean for luxury travel?

“Over the last few weeks we have enjoyed the strongest sales in more than a year for our Indulgent Escape breaks” says CEO of Jet2 and Jet2holidays Steve Heapy.

“People are upgrading their breaks more than ever before, with demand for luxury holidays looking very strong.”

Money is no object here, with ‘exclusive all inclusive’ (everything included down to the tipples, the tips and the day trips) proving to be more than a novel play on words.

Part of the upsurge screams “let’s-throwcaution-to-the-wind-and-spend-our-lifesavings.” Here’s how to capitalise on it.

Exclusive experiences

The other door to luxury travel is those clients wishing to experience more than a far-flung beach holiday, with Exodus Travels’ new range of Premium Adventures launched to meet the appetite of holidaymakers wishing to try new things. At the heart of these small group trips are leaders that have been especially chosen for their local knowledge and expertise to “take guests beyond the guidebook,” adds Seward. Filmmaker Allan Langdalle will take a group to the lively souks of Morocco; wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein will head to the grassy plains of Kenya to track cheetahs, lions and herds of migrating wildebeest. New for this year is a cave stay overlooking the chimneys of Cappadocia, star-gazing from a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum and a sleep cruise on Halong Bay. “Holidays that are unique, not accessible for all and that make the trip special/memorable are selling well for us,” adds Director of UK Leisure Sales (South) for Mason Rose Julia Jossa.

“We are seeing an increase in interest for luxury rail travel,” adds Alex Bentley, Head of Product for Audley Travel, with heightened demand for Vietnam’s Vietage train between Danang and Quy Nhon and the new Rocky Mountaineer in the USA.

“As well as providing a great luxury experience, train travel meets clients’ wishes to holiday in a more sustainable way.” And don’t forget solo travellers, who are enjoying reduced (or scrapped) single supplements. Edwina Coppock, Head of Trade Sales at Titan Travel, says she has witnessed a new wave of intrepid wanderer beginning to dominate the market: the over-50 female traveller.

Luxury short-haul

Fewer trips but bigger spend seems to be the order of the day, according to Mason Rose’s Jossa and Audley’s Bentley, who are witnessing an increase in demand for less frequent, more expensive (and longer) holidays as clients travel less – but splash out more.

Helicopter ride over glaciers in alaska

tour tHe islands by boat in sardinia

poolside bliss in tHe Maldives

balloon ride over tHe cHiMneys of cappadocia, turkey

“We’re seeing demand for luxury short-haul travel, with experiences, culture and places to stay off the beaten track overtaking trips to The Maldives,” says Derek Jones, Kuoni’s CEO, who has also seen a shift in the honeymoon market, from the traditional long-haul fly and flop to short-haul, high-end multi-centre trips, with a 13% increase in spend.

To meet demand, the company has introduced 12 new hotels in Italy, 31 across the Med, and more in Spain (think Granada, Cordoba, Marbella and Andalucia), as well as Portugal, with Lisbon proving popular.

Family matters

According to Mason Rose, extended families, including grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunties and nephews/nieces are all wishing to catch up on missed time together.

In response, Exodus has launched a collection of five-star family-friendly hotels with an all-inclusive plus option, offering more choice for larger families with extravagance built in.

Kuoni’s Greece programme is also selling well among families, with more luxury properties added in Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and Halidiki, each offering

something different – from spas to on-site veg and herb gardens.

Villas remain popular with extended families who can holiday privately without disturbing other holidaymakers.

Nayara Gardens, the first property of Nayara Resorts in Costa Rica, offers seven newly-refurbished villas, each with private plunge pool and balcony overlooking the rainforest.

Jet2holidays has seen a rise in the number of younger customers looking to splurge on an Indugent Escapes holiday, spurred by beautiful images seen on Instagram.

“We have taken advantage of this trend by sourcing and adding design-led hotels in destinations such as Greece and the Balearic Islands,” says Seward. Hotels featuring swim-up rooms, private pools, exclusive bars, Michelinstar dining and rooftop pools make for something truly memorable.

Advice for agents

Tapping into the new luxury is, it seems, all about remembering what customers have been missing – so paint them a picture, show them that more expensive trip and inspire them to book the holiday of a lifetime.

Seward suggests upgrading as a way of clawing back some much-needed agent commission. Their Indulgent Escapes packages now come with 25kg baggage allowance, private transfers, priority lane security and a luxury gift. Tot it all up in front of them and demonstrate the added value.

“Our specialists know the best guides, the finest hotels and the most exclusive activities so can lead agents to experiences that can’t be found in a guidebook,” adds Bentley.

“What about a Caravaggio-inspired painting class in Rome or a private chef and sommelier in your residence in Buenos Aires? Agents can also arrange different types of accommodation to give the wow factor – instead of booking every night in a luxury hotel, consider a penthouse apartment, a private villa with a butler or exclusive hire of a safari property,” he adds.

Where to book it exodus travels

Exodus Travels offers a 10- day Amazon Rainforest Cruise, from £6,699pp including flights, five-star accommodation on board the M/V Zafiro, transfers, most meals, activities, tour leaders and specialist guides. exodus.co.uk •

rocky Mountaineer’s new rockies to tHe red rocks route froM utaH to colorado

Zambezi Grande

Head to the banks of the Lower Zambezi River in Zambia, to the Zambezi Grande, a luxurious five-star family-owned game lodge. Just minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park, it offers an authentic safari experience with understated luxury. For a real treat, book a free-standing Superior Suite with uninterrupted views from the banks of the river. zambezigrande.com

Jamala Madikwe

Renowned for game viewing, Jamala Madikwe in South Africa takes pride in its five luxurious villas and exceptional cuisine. With a maximum capacity of 10 guests, the lodge serves as an exclusive base to explore the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. New is a fire pit and watch tower offering a fresh experience overlooking a private and very active waterhole right in front of the main building. jamalamadikwe.com

Luxury African

Lodges

Cederberg Ridge

With panoramic views of South Africa’s Cederberg Mountains, Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge is something of a hidden gem. Just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Cape Town and the Winelands, visitors can enjoy everything from mountain biking, rock art excursions, rooibos farm tours, sunset boat cruises, wine-tasting, stargazing by the fire-pit and a spa treatment. cederbergridge.co.za

The Manor House

The former home of Henry Fancourt White, The Manor House at Fancourt was built in the 1850s and still retains all its stately charm. Set against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains in South Africa, The Manor House features a lounge, bar and swimming pool. With 18 suites and a personalised, butler-style service, guests can recharge and reconnect in a serene sanctuary. manorhouse.fancourt.co.za

Lemala Wildwaters Lodge

One for adventurers, Wildwaters Lodge lies on a private island mid-stream on the River Nile in Uganda, around 25km downstream from Jinja. It can only be reached by boat, uniquely perched on granite rocks with dramatic rapids roaring all around. Book one of 10 standalone elevated luxury suites, linked by raised wooden walkways to the restaurant, bar and library. lemalacamps.com

Fanjove Island

Few things exude barefoot luxury more than access to the palm-fringed beaches of Fanjove Island. From October 2022 the Tanzanian island paradise will welcome travellers back following a rebuild. Highlights will include the restoration of a historic lighthouse, open-air dining by the lighthouse and brand-new beach suites –the perfect place to rest up after a day spent looking for dolphins. selous.com/fanjove

After a long day tracking game under a blazing African sun, where better to retire to than one of the continent’s luxury lodges, says April Waterston

Maldives / 35 Be Inspired luxury Maldives

Oceans of joy

From over-water villas to private island picnics, the Maldives is the king of luxury experiences and sun-soaked seclusion, says Charlotte

The hammock sways lazily in rhythm with the breeze, as sunlight filters through the fronds of the palm trees which shelter me from the blazing midday heat. In the near distance, the ocean laps the sun-bleached sands as a thousand rays reflect off its glassy surface, creating shimmer as far as the eye can see.

In one hand I’m grasping an ice-cold coffee, topped up with vanilla ice cream –that’s how they do it round here – and in the other, a novel which I’m barely reading. I already have all the escapism I could ask for right here in front of me.

In a few minutes, it will be time for lunch, where I can choose between freshly-made sushi, authentic Napoli pizza, or cuisine

Flach

inspired by the famous spice route. Afterwards, I can laze on a daybed by the pool, while the resident DJ spins chillout tracks, or head to the spa for a massage in an over-water villa with a glass bottom that allows me to watch the marine life play.

I’m on a solo trip to the recently opened Cora Cora Maldives, a luxury yet familyfriendly property with just 100 rooms, creating an intimate and relaxed vibe.

Despite its reputation as a honeymoon hotspot, the Maldives offers an array of luxurious resorts and experiences to entice every type of client.

It’s hard to believe that this island-nation was inhabited only by fishing families just 50 years ago. Fast-forward to 2022 and the Maldives is considered one of the most

luxurious destinations with nearly 200 resorts across 26 natural atolls, around 10 of which opened in 2021. A further 12 are scheduled to open in 2022.

It’s certainly grown in popularity too with Kuoni naming it its number one honeymoon destination in 2021. It also topped the list of the luxury operator’s bestselling destinations for 2022.

“The Maldives has always attracted couples due to its tropical-island seclusion and feeling of truly getting away from the world and having some real time to oneselves, but the number of family-friendly properties has grown over the yearsperhaps partly because those newlyweds in time want to return with their kids and share such a unique and magical

destination,” says Rhonda Carrier from Aviareps, which represents the Maldivian Tourist Board in the UK.

Cora Cora, one such resort, debuted in September 2021 with the motto ‘Freedom Time’ to encourage guests to relax.

But luxury isn’t just isolated to honeymooners; a new market is starting to evolve, with younger couples and parties of friends seduced by the idea of a tropicalisland paradise far from the crowds. This means interest in more affordable resorts such as Sun Siyam and new and upcoming

resorts for a younger crowd, such as The Standard, Hard Rock, Finolhu and Zazz.

Agents can also take advantage of the trend towards solo travel to the destination, especially selling luxury wellness breaks to properties such as JW Marriott Maldives, Le Meridien Maldives or JA Resorts.

So why is the destination so popular with so many markets? Velaa Private Island’s General Manager Wayne Milgate says: “From the paradise beaches to a magical underwater world, combined with the perfect temperature year-round and the

most exclusive resorts in the world, the Maldives is a dream destination. Add to this world-class gastronomy and revolutionary spa offerings as well as, in our case, our own golf course, the biggest fleet of watersport toys and the Maldives’ first snow room.”

Top luxury experiences

Don’t burst the bubble: Clients looking for ultimate seclusion can stay in their very own Beach Bubble on a private beach. Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives by Seaside Collection has upgraded its Dream

araGu restaurant on veela private island

BeaCh BuBBle finolhu Baa atoll Maldives

tiMe for a paMper at Gili lanKanfushi

Eclipse Experience with the introduction of its newly upgraded Beach Bubble, which features separate space for the bedroom, living room and bathroom. Located along a sandbank, away from the main island of the resort, the new set-up includes an outdoor bathtub and uninterrupted sea views.

Take a moment to pause: Amilla Maddives Resorts & Residences

‘Pause Retreat’ offers a five-day retreat for perimenopausal and menopausal women, where they can manage their nutrition, have one on one’s with a health coach, group

sessions, yoga, and make their own kombucha. It has also launched a flexible way of dining, allowing guests access to all seven à la carte restaurants on the island. Guests can even enjoy Amilla’s signature contemporary Japanese restaurant, Feeling Koi, which is suspended over the lagoon.

Pack a picnic: Clients can be transported to their own Robinson Crusoe island to enjoy a Castaway Lunch Picnic Hamper Experience with JA Resorts Maldives, complete with fresh produce and champagne. What’s more, the resort is

running a limited-time spring promotion, valid until June 30. This offers 20% off its daily rates, one afternoon tea, daily breakfast in the Kakuni Restaurant, a Castaway Lunch Picnic Hamper Experience, and 10% off its Spring Ritual Journey at the Calm Spa Sanctuary. Kids under 12 go free.

What’s new CROSSROADS is the Maldives’ first multi-island, fully-integrated leisure destination, encompassing SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton,

The Real MALDIVES

Cast away all stress and crinkle your toes in the sands of a tropical island haven in an ultra luxurious, private island with luxury beach villas and water bungalows. Discover the Maldivian culture with a cooking class, traditional massage or local village encounter. Explore and enjoy 7 world class restaurants and bars and step underground for a decadent tasting experience amidst lava stone. Discover the layers of island life with its unique experiences, soar above the scenery by seaplane, dive under water to meet colourful sea life, swim, spa, play and indulge as you muse over the magic of JA Manafaru.

BreaKfast is served at aMilla Maddives resorts & residenCes the aQua villa eXperienCe BY pullMan

Joali BeinG, Bodufushi island, Maldives

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and The Marina @CROSSROADS. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Male international airport, shopping, 13 dining locations and entertainment experiences feature at the Marina @ CROSSROADS, which is connected to both hotel islands by footbridges with a bike and buggy service. Signature experiences range from in-room Fender guitars at Hard Rock to creating bespoke bathroom amenities in the Mix It Yourself Aroma Lab at SAii Lagoon.

Vakkaru Maldives is hosting a weeklong residency by Oliver Steeds, a former investigative journalist and the founder and mission director of Nekton, a science-based organisation that works with ocean nations to protect the seas and increase humanity’s knowledge of marine life.

Between August 19-25, guests of all ages can participate in a variety of activities to learn more about ocean life and its conservation in the Maldives, with workshops, cinema screenings and two expeditions, as well as sustainably sourced dinners and cocktail evenings.

JOALI BEING will welcome children for the first time when it launches its ‘Joy of BEING’ programme this summer. The children’s club is being introduced for six- to 12-yearolds throughout June, July and August.

The ‘Joy of BEING’ club will be a weekly seven-day programme designed around JOALI BEING’s Four Pillars of Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy. Children will learn new healthy culinary skills, the importance of protecting our planet, and wellbeing.

This year Velaa Private Island is inviting guests to re-energise and fulfill their fitness ambitions whilst taking care of the mind, body and soul through its Visiting Practitioners programme.

The initiative works with world-class athletes and practitioners to tailor exclusive workshops designed to promote inner balance, health and harmony. Joining the programme in the upcoming months is Holistic Practitioner Dr Buathon Thienarrom, who will offer private alternative medicine and holistic healing sessions.

Gili Lankanfushi is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2022, and has introduced

a new plant to plate menu and chef’s table experience, launching May 1. Guests can now also learn to surf in the waters surrounding the resort.

Where to book it

TUI

TUI offers a seven-night stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villa in a beachfront bungalow with terrace, from £1,857pp. Price includes flights and bed and breakfast. tui.co.uk •

watersports at Cora Cora Maldives

An adults-only eco-committed hotel

0 single-use plastic in the guest experience

Natural cosmetics in the rooms and spa

Holidays with a positive impact

Savour minutes of relaxation and reconnect with nature by the rhythm of sunrises and full moons that make the lagoon look magical. Take a break at POZ Spa. Eat healthily, explore new flavours or have dinner at a local’s house for a total immersion in the Mauritian way of life. Discover the island and meet its people with the Otentik Discovery app. And your stay at Sunrise Attitude will leave a positive impact!

www.attitude-hotels.com

Mauritius

Visitor numbers to a destination that relies heavily on tourism have rebounded strongly since Mauritius reopened its borders in October 2021: since then more than 400,000 have flocked to Mauritius (up until the end of March) 2022), highlighting the pent-up demand for an island that has long been a favourite of Brits.

The lifting in March of the requirement to take a PCR test before travel also provided a boost: now hotels and resorts ask clients to take a lateral flow test on check in. These fabulous luxury properties are scattered across the island, from the LUX* Grand Baie in the north to Constance Belle Mare Plage and Prince Maurice on the east coast to Heritage Telfair and Awali in the south.

Aside from its relative affordability – certainly when compared to other Indian Ocean destinations – the island’s main appeal lies in its long stretches of dreamy white-sand beaches and its lush interior, where a growing range of adventure activities are available.

However, Mauritius is also a premium ‘golf destination’, whether for what Michael Geerdharry, Manager, Golf Sales and Promotion at Heritage Resorts, calls ‘marathon golfers’

or those looking to play once or twice during their holiday.

The island is blessed with several fine championship courses, including the course at Heritage Bel Ombre – with its spectacular views of the southwest coast mountains –the Legends course at Belle Mar Plage and Anahita Golf Club. Heritage Resorts’ second championship golf course is set to fully open by the end of this year.

But perhaps its most unique course is Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, owned by Sun Resorts, which is located on an island reached via a small motorboat. Challenging but unique, the course was chosen as ‘Best Golf Club in Mauritius’ in the 2022 Golfers’ Choice Awards.

Uniquely, golf is ‘free’ in Mauritius as is included in the rate at hotels with links to courses. These include the properties of Constance Hotels, Heritage Hotels and Sun Resorts, which offers guests play at three island courses. And Heritage Resorts’ guests can sign up to a Golf Bliss Package that allows them premier access at discounted rates to all the golf courses on the southwest of the island at the resorts of Heritage, Paradis, Tamarina and Avalon. constancehotels.com; heritageresortsmu; sunresortshotels.com; mymauritius.travel •

Known for its sun-blessed beaches and five-star resorts, Mauritius also deserves to be recognised as one of the world’s ‘must play’ golfing destinations, says Steve Hartridge

the legends course at constance Belle Mar Plage

the sPectacular Ile aux cerfs golf cluB

drive tiMe in the caribbean

Forget luxury transfers, guests staying at sandals Royal Curaçao located within the santa Barbara private estate of Curaçao can explore the Caribbean island in their own complimentary MINI Cooper! Available from June 1, the new signature suite categories come complete with ‘Tranquility Tubs’, private pools, butler service, and the mighty MINI. sellingsandals.co.uk

Stay in a Moroccan palace

Clients can bask amongst regal grandeur with a stay in Royal Mansour, a Moroccan palace commissioned at the behest of King Mohammed VI. Offered by Original Travel, the four-day tailor-made ‘Private Riad at Royal Mansour, Marrakech’ break includes a threenight stay at the palace with full use of the spa and a 4x4 experience. originaltravel.co.uk.com

roll in Japan

Sail indoneSian waterS

New private-charter luxury yacht Vela will sail bespoke itineraries from May 2022 for up to 12 guests to some of the most remote corners of the Indonesian archipelago. From Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat, to the lesser-known Maluku Islands. Clients can dive with whale sharks in Cenderawasih, explore the hidden coves of Alor and Wakatobi or enjoy a secret-beach barbecue. sailvela.com

Join chef Yoshinori Tezuka for a private sushi-making workshop at Matsunozushi restaurant in eastern Japan. Chef Yoshi has served dignitaries and royalty and the restaurant has specialised in Edomae sushi since 1910. Guests can watch and learn how to prepare authentic Edomae sushi and enjoy a meal by Chef Yoshi himself. japan.travel

Underwater adventUre in africa

Thanda Island is home to the world’s only exclusive-use private marine reserve – with resident whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. Visitors can make the most of a marine biologist and even go on an underwater adventure to track the marine species and collect vital identification data as part of the The Whale Shark Citizen science Programme. thandaisland.com

life in the faSt lane in tUScany does it get more luxurious than driving a supercar through the Tuscan hills? With Ultimate driving Tours’ self-Guided driving Holidays, clients can take their pick from an Aston Martin, Ferrari, Audi, Mercedes, Corvette or Porsche and enjoy pre-planned five-day driving routes through Tuscany, Bavaria, the swiss Alps and, new for 2022, New York and California. ultimatedrivingtours.com

tight lineS in belize

located on a private island just three miles from san Pedro, Cayo Espanto Resort in Belize is home to an abundance of marine life, including the endemic bonefish, and is the perfect spot for fishing and snorkelling. The island’s private chef creates a new menu daily based on the catch of the day. aprivateisland.com

Sky high in arizona

soar over the Hoover dam and take in panoramic views of lake Mead and the Mojave desert on a Grand Canyon Wind dancer sunset Tour. sip Champagne

300 feet above the mighty Colorado River, surrounded by the canyon walls, before taking a sunset return flight over the strip and downtown las Vegas. maverickhelicopter.com

Industry ‘must avoid being a constant punching bag’

the formation of an industry-wide group to represent the UK Outbound Travel sector.

“My vision was to create one single united voice at all levels across government departments and key stakeholders,” said Lo Bue-Said.“We need to educate across the political spectrum, ensure the outbound sector gets the visibility it deserves, in both social, cultural and economic importanc, and make sure that travel is seen as a business sector in its own right.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Register now to attend the virtual Canada Xpo

This year’s Canada Xpo will run over two days, from June 21- 22, giving agents the chance to maximise their sales opportunities on all things Canada. The platform has been updated, allowing agents to have video meetings with all the exhibitors representing Canada coast to coast to coast. There’s also new training content for agents to try out. canadaspecialistxpo.com

by Bev Fearis

The travel industry must do better at educating politicians and other policy makers or risk being a “constant punching bag”, Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said told delegates at the consortium’s conference in Madeira in April.

Speaking during the two-day conference, she said: “The pandemic taught me to never assume policymakers know your market, but is that because we haven’t been educating them? The pandemic also showcased the complexities of the industry, how regulation in a crisis is not fit for purpose, and how the supply chain can hang agents and consumers out to dry but also how the industry can work in unity as a collective.”

At the end of 2021, Advantage called for

Since the call to action, a number of organisations have registered to support the initiative.

“We have also met with former cabinet minister Steve Norris, talked with public affairs experts and other stakeholders to gauge views and gather input.

“There is a recognition that the sector needs to think differently, do better at representing itself or expect exactly the same outcome next time.”

She said the travel industry must not be ‘swept under the carpet, forgotten or put itself in a position of being a constant punching bag’. “Tough times are far from over. Our entire ecosystem needs protecting against future economic shocks, some of which are about to reach our doorstep,” she told Advantage members. advantagemembers.com

‘New to agent’ enquiries soar

by Bev Fearis

Travel agents are reporting a “phenomenal” increase in enquiries from customers who had previously only booked direct.

Speaking at the Advantage Travel Partnership in Madeira, CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said 80% of the consortium’s members say they are now hearing from customers who are new to agents. But she added: “Every booking is, however, more complex with, on average, a human touch by a consultant needed at least three times during the transaction process. We’re seeing this in business and leisure.

“We’ve also seen the industry infrastructure buckle under the strain of recent travel surge through a combination of labour shortages, high Covid infection rates amongst staff, complex in-destination restrictions, flight changes, slow security clearance and confusion over passports.”

Kelly Cookes, Advantage Leisure Director, added: “Consumer buying behaviour has changed. We’re seeing more hand-holding, the rise of the ‘human’ travel agent and clients becoming more careful about what they book and who they book with. It’s a great time to be an independent agent.”

• Jet2 launches inaugural Athens flights

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have launched flights to Athens from Manchester and Birmingham Airports. Two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) are available from each base until the end of October. Up to four weekly flights will depart from the UK to Athens throughout summer months. jet2.com

• easyJet expands summer programme

EasyJet and easyJetholidays have added new routes and holidays to European hotspots for summer 2022. Included are the Greek Islands of Kos, Kefalonia, Corfu and Chania. EasyJet has also added a new city break route to Nantes in France from Birmingham, as well as new summer services to Faro, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca. easyjet.com

• Eco-friendly ship to set sail

Amadeus River Cruises will introduce a new environmentally-friendly fivestar ship in May 2023. The 135-metre AmadeusRivawill sail on the Danube and the Rhine as well as on the Dutch and Belgian waterways. amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

Social media a must

by Bev Fearis

Agents need to adapt to much changing consumer buying behaviours, warned Advantage Travel Partnership Leisure Director Kelly Cookes.

Speaking at the Advantage Travel conference, she told delegates that continued uncertainty following the pandemic disruption meant bookings are still coming in late. According to the latest weekly figures, around 40% of Advantage bookings were for holidays departing within 12 weeks. But Cookes said that on a weekly basis Advantage was now seeing ‘further out’ bookings creeping back up.

“We need to find ways to encourage consumers to be braver and book earlier and I think as confidence grows this will happen. I believe this a short-lived problem.”

She also predicted that the traditional peak booking period would eventually return but not until 2024. In order to recover bookings, she said traditional opening hours might need to change to suit consumer demand, suggesting that agents might offer zoom appointments or extend their out-of-hours services.

Cookes noted that the high street has been through a period of change and that many agencies have scaled down their presence. Home-working is here to stay, she added. “We launched a homeworking model in 2020 and we expect that to continue to grow.” She advised agents to make more use of social media. “Social media is absolutely a distribution channel,” she said.

“Research has shown that 32% of consumers will actively look on social media before deciding where to travel and 52% have actually made a purchase having seen something on social media. We all need a social media strategy.” advantagemembers.com

New private jet tours

RoadRunAir has launched, offering guided tours and activities while being transported by private jet.

Customers will travel in RoadRunAir’s jets from private terminals in groups of up to 30 people to experience VIP treatment and avoid the security and check-ins of commercial terminals.

This new concept will be all-inclusive and start from $4,500 for travel professionals (including the private flights, all hotels, fullboard meals, excursions, transportation, guides and gratuities).

Initially the company is offering three U.S domestic itineraries: the Southern states (American music and nature visiting Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Chattanooga, and Lynchburg), the West coast (San Fran, Napa, Bryce, Zion, Antilope Canyon, Sedona and Vegas) and Northeast US (to include Niagara falls, Hershey, Amish, and DC). RoadRunAir has plans for further routes, including in the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America. roadrunair.com

Arena Protective Stadium

Sporty Alabama

What makes Alabama a great destination for sport?

Birmingham, in the north central region of Alabama, is a modern city with a rich sports history. We are known for football, baseball, soccer, automotive sports, indoor track and field, basketball and golf, and have hosted everything from 1996 Olympic Soccer to Davis Cup tennis and Bassmasters Classics. We are also known for youth sports and large multi-sport events like the National Senior Games, the World Games and the World Police and Fire Games.

What can visitors expect from the World Games?

The World Games is an international multisport competition and this year it will be held in Birmingham, Alabama from July 7 until July 17. With 3,600 of the world’s best athletes competing from over 100 countries, the Games are one of the most comprehensive sports events ever to take place in the Southeastern United States and the first time they’ve been held in the U.S. since the Games were founded in 1981. Visitors can expect to see world-class athletes compete in 34 sports, from surfing to sumo, over the course of 11 days.

How can visitors make the most of the Games?

Come early and stay late as there will be much to do throughout July. Visitors should bring some comfortable shoes and enjoy all that Birmingham and TWG 2022 has to offer. There will also be ancillary events including the opening and closing ceremonies, providing music and entertainment for the 500,000 expected visitors. alabama.travel For more information email andy@5fmarketing.com

The World Games

MEET... David Galbaugh Vice President of Sports Sales & Marketing

The Legacy

The Event

WHAT: Australia on Tour

WHERE: Glasgow, Chester Manchester, Birmingham

WHEN: March 28, 29, 30 & 31

WHo: Tourism Australia, Tourism & Events

Queensland, Destination NSW, Visit Victoria, South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Western Australia, Tourism Tasmania, Tourism Northern Territory, Singapore Airlines

Agents gathered in cities across the UK for the first trade-focused Australia event since borders Down Under closed in March 2020. From ancient Aboriginal culture in the Northern Territory to helicopter rides over the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the events showcased Australia’s diverse tourism appeal, showed off new developments and gave agents a better understanding of how to sell this vast country. Attendees also had the chance to win flights courtesy of Singapore Airlines.

Why Australia?

Tourism Australia’s ‘Don’t Go Small Go Australia’ campaign urges visitors to “come and say G’day” to the country’s iconic sites, unique wildlife, welcoming faces and vast open space – and reminds why Australia is the ultimate bucket list trip.

MEET THE SUPPLIERS

Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia is seeing healthy forward bookings from the UK, with enquiries currently sitting close to pre-COVID levels. Moreover, the average duration and spend for new bookings appears to be higher than those pre-pandemic.

Bryan Arnicar, Aussie Specialist Trainer for the UK, said: “We can already see a huge demand from the UK market and we’ve noticed these travellers are spending more and want to have a more personalised experience.”

Agents were encouraged to sign up to the newly relaunched Aussie Specialist online training programme, which includes new modules and highlights new product. aussiespecialist.com

Tourism & Events Queensland

Covering the northeast of the continent, Queensland has a surffriendly coastline and is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Tourism & Events Queensland was keen to highlight new experiences, including a stay onboard the new Lady Musgrave HQ, an underwater pontoon-style accommodation floating over the famous reef. Red Cat Adventures has introduced a ‘Wildcat’ catamaran which visits untouched parts of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. teq.queensland.com

Destination NSW

A must for many first-time visitors, Sydney and its famous opera house are located in the diverse state of New South Wales.

Barangaroo is Sydney’s newest harbour precinct, with shopping and dining aplenty. It’s also home to new luxury hotel, The Crown. The tourist board is showcasing Aboriginal experiences, including the new Burrawa BridgeClimb experience and Firescreek Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting experience joining Tourism Australia’s Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has three new tours led by Aboriginal guides. destinationnsw.com

Tourism Northern Territory

The central-north part of Australia is home to Uluru (Ayers Rock), as well as Aboriginal art dating back 20,000 years and the verdant Kakadu National Park. “These events allow us to show how easy it is to reach the NT, to share local tips, showcase new product and recommend tailored itineraries for specific clients,” said Lucy Pares, UK Marketing Executive for Australia’s Northern Territory. “My top tip is to match your customer to experiences. If they enjoy nature and wildlife, ancient culture, adventure and delicious cuisine, then the NT is going to be a perfect option for them. Encourage clients not to rush.” northernterritory.com

Visit Victoria

Hugging the tip of Australia’s east coast, Victoria features high on any visitor’s wish list thanks to cosmopolitan Melbourne and the 243-kilometre Great Ocean Road, which is regularly named one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Clients can also see penguins on Phillip Island and sip world-reknowned wines in the Yarra Valley. New hotel openings include Ritz Carlton Melbourne, Intercontinental Sorrento and the Marriott Melbourne Docklands. visitvictoria.com

South Australian Tourism Commission

Located in the southern central part of Australia, South Australia is home to probably the country’s best-known wine region, The Barossa Valley. Clients can sip premium wines, seek out some of Australia’s most famous wildlife on Kangaroo Island or explore

Adelaide, Australia’s ‘boutique city’. In November 2021, Accor launched Sofitel Adelaide, the first new luxury hotel to open in the city in 30 years, whilst family-friendly properties Ramada by Wyndham Playford and Vibe Hotel Adelaide are both due to open by the end of 2022. tourism.sa.gov.au

Tourism Western Australia

Western Australia is the country’s largest state and known for outback adventure, Aboriginal culture and its visiting whale sharks. Perth will once again be the closest entry point from the UK when a direct London to Perth flight with Qantas returns in June. New experiences include a commissionable Earn Your Vino Tour and a 24 hour Ultimate Horizontal Falls Luxury Stay. Annabelle Molina, Trade and Marketing Executive at Tourism Western Australia encourages agents to join the state’s upcoming roadshow, taking place from June 13-16.

“We will be bringing over 20 operators and destination experts from WA to inspire agents and help create higher value itineraries - register at waroadshow.com”. westernaustralia.com

Tourism Tasmania

Located 240 km to the south of the Australian mainland, Tasmania is an island state, 40% of which is protected national parks and reserve, making it a haven for wildlife and great for outdoorsy clients. New for 2022 is a 90-minute Experience Launceston kayak tour and Tasmania’s first luxury wellness retreat at Pumphouse Point. tourismtasmania.com.au

Singapore Airlines

As Australia’s most frequent visitor, Singapore Airlines offers a choice of four daily flights from Heathrow and four weekly flights from Manchester to Singapore. At Changi Airport, connect to eight gateways across Australia to Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Open-jaw flights allow customers to fly into one gateway and out another. Agents will find a dedicated trade 360 portal at singaporeair.com

Sponsored by: Qatar Tourism unitepromotions.co.uk

INDIAN OCEAN & M IDD l E E A st

Reuniting the world

Selling Travel was proud to be the media partner at several Unite 2022 events. Here’s the latest news from tourist boards, hoteliers and airlines across the globe...

Maldives makes more room

The Maldives will welcome 12 new properties in 2022.

Most openings are located in the more remote atolls, Raa and Dhaalu, followed by Noonu, Baa and Lhaviyani, whilst some are being built on artificial islands created by land reclamation, such as the Fari Islands in the North Malé Atoll.

Highlights include the adult-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili, which features an underwater restaurant, and a second OBLU property, OBLU Xperience Ailafushi, which is being designed with families in mind and described as a “free-spirited Maldivian resort”. The Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort will be the first opening in the Maldives by sister brand Anantara, complete with a “youthful vibe” and a kids’ club.

Family-focused OZO Maldives will mark the second Maldives resort by the ONYX group and the fourth resort under Hilton’s portfolio of brands in the Maldives (and the first of its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the destination). Hilton Maldives Amingiri will have a teen-only zone. visitmaldives.com

tunisian desert retreat opens

Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts first desert resort, The Residence Douz, is set to debut later in 2022. The brand’s second opening in Tunisia, this safari-inspired retreat will serve as a gateway to the Sahara. The property of 93 villas, rooms and suites “will be in keeping with the feel of the local architecture” and will directly face the Sahara. A full Hammam Spa, gym and public pool will be available, along with two restaurants. cenizaro.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

• sri lanka reveals secrets

Secrets of Ceylon has added Villa Hundira, a luxury homestay villa in Negombo, to its collection of boutique properties in Sri Lanka. Located near the airport, its location serves as an ideal place to either begin or end a Sri Lankan adventure. secretsofceylon.co.uk

• Qatar ups luxury appeal

Over 100 new hotels and serviced apartments are currently under construction in Qatar, as part of the ‘Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030’. Some of the new properties include a Raffles Hotel and Fairmont Hotel and Resort at Katara Towers, Rosewood Doha and the St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island. The hotels will broaden Qatar’s appeal to high value travellers, offering more choice to its existing 80 five- and four-star hotels. visitqatar.qa

• A new green Emirate

Ras Al Khaimah is set to become the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025, thanks to its Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy. The strategy includes protecting and enhancing cultural and natural heritage, embracing green construction and delivering new sustainable tourism developments and experiences. visitrasalkhaimah.com

Dubai’s World Islands welcomes first hotel

Anantara has opened the first luxury resort on Dubai’s World Islands archipelago. Located in the Arabian Gulf approximately four kilometres off the coast of Dubai, Anantara World Islands offers guests a new luxury

destination in Dubai. The resort is accessible by a 15-minute speedboat ride from the jetty at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. The resort has 70 suites, beach and pool villas - all with balcony, deck or terrace - and views including the famous

Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab. The 40 private pool villas have an outdoor dining area and direct access to the beach, with the two and four-bedroom pool villas able to accommodate up to eight or 12 guests respectively. anantara.com

Madeira protects marine life

The Savage Islands (Ilhas Selvagens), part of the Madeiran Archipelago (a Portuguese outpost), has been granted permission to extend the existing marine reserve to 12 nautical miles around the islands, creating the largest fully protected marine sanctuary intNorthern Atlantic and Europe.

Situated 280km south of Madeira’s main island, off the coast of Northwestern Africa, the Savage Islands are an important nesting point for the Atlantic’s largest breeding colony of Cory’s Shearwaters and also home to the endemic Selvagens Gecko. The waters around these islands are a vital passageway for migrating fish and mammals while those near the islands’ shores provide essential nursery habitats. The announcement means that all species inside the reserve will be fully protected from fishing or other extractive

activities. Currently, under 8% of the ocean is protected. It is hoped that this will inspire others in taking similar measures to preserve our oceans. madeiraallyear.com

MEtt offers turkish luxury

Described as ‘relaxed luxury’, the new five-star METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum opened earlier in 2022 in the private Haremtan Cove in Bodrum’s old town, Turkey.

The property is the first of its kind from METT Social Living, an innovative new concept that blends five-star hotel and lifestyle resorts which says it offers “enriching social experiences for a new class of luxury traveller”.

The property itself has 72 rooms and

suites as well as 31 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom luxury villas that overlook the sea.

The onsite I SPA includes a Turkish Hammam, sauna, steam bath, infrared sauna, salt room, indoor pool, Jacuzzi and four treatment rooms.

The hotel’s sustainability initiatives include solar electrical panels, a reverse Osmosis system and locally sourced produce and local recruitment. mettsocialliving.com

Orient back on track in Italy

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita will welcome its first passengers in 2023. The project, in association with Orient Express of Accor Group, will see a new iteration of the famous train service debut in Italy as six different trains journey through 14 Italian regions as well as Istanbul, Paris, and Croatia. Trips are expected to last between one to three days. The trains feature12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, one honour suite and a restaurant. Reservations will open in June 2022 for travel in 2023. orient-express.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Hyatt debuts in tuscany

IL Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence has opened its doors under the Hyatt Hotels Unbound Collection banner. The 62-bedroom property has been created in a former Palazzo Minerbetti and features a Renaissance-inspired interior. It is Hyatt’s first Unbound property in Italy and marks the company’s debut in Tuscany. Hyatt.com

• Jet to Jersey this summer

Jersey is set to enjoy a summer boom with increased airlift from the UK. Starting May 24, Blue Islands will connect Norwich with the island. And Jet2 will increase its services to Jersey from Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle with seasonal flights starting in May 2022. BA Cityflyer will operate a twice-weekly service between the island and London City Airport, starting June 20. visitjersey.com

• COMO’s wellness focus

A new COMO Shambhala Retreat at COMO Castello Del Nero has opened in Italy–the first Asianinspired wellbeing experience in Tuscany. Located at the heart of a historic 740-acre estate, the retreat combines targeted treatments, wellbeing experts and features thermal suites and a 25m pool. comohotels.com

• Five-star Falkensteiner

Family-focused Falkensteiner Hotel Diadora in Zadar, Crotia, will reopen in 2022 after an extensive renovation and upgrade to a five-star hotel. It will feature new restaurants, a spa, cinema and ‘children’s world’, including a science camp. falkensteiner.com

Sponsored by: Falkensteiner Resorts unitepromotions.co.uk

pACIFIC & Aust RAl A s IA

Room boom in New Zealand

With its borders now fully open, New Zealand has a host of new and soon-to-be-open hotels for visitors. Some of the most hotly anticipated openings for 2022 include the five-star Mayfair Hotel in Christchurch, which will have 70 luxury rooms; Kaikoura’s Sudima, a four-and-a-half-star waterfront hotel with mountain and sea views and carboNZero certification; the Radisson Collection Hotel in Queensland, which will be the first Radisson Collection property in New Zealand with 61 rooms and a day spa; and the five-star Te Arikini Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel with 311 rooms and views of the Manukau Harbour.

Already open is the The Hotel Britomart in Auckland, a five-star boutique hotel with 99 rooms, five luxury rooftop suites and New Zealand’s first Five Green Star hotel; the

five-star Park Hyatt Auckland, overlooking the Waitemata Harbour with 195 rooms; Auckland’s five-star Hotel Fitzroy, a 10-room boutique hotel; Ebb Dunedin, a boutique hotel with 28 rooms; and Naumi Studio Hotel in Wellington. newzealand.com

New connections to tahiti

Air Tahiti Nui and its partner Alaska Airlines are opening a new access point to Polynesia from the USA. The new route connecting Seattle to the Islands of Tahiti will be available from October 4, 2022. Flying on a Boeing 787-9, the addition of the two weekly Wednesday and Sunday flights will bring the total weekly number of flights operated by Air Tahiti Nui to North America to 15 during the high season. airtahitinui.com; alaskaair.com

Oz pushes working holidays

Tourism Australia is encouraging 18–30-year-olds in the UK to apply for a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa, following research that found 57% of young Brits would consider travelling to Australia as a working holidaymaker.

The research was commissioned by Tourism Australia to understand the post-pandemic mindsets of young working Brits, and to encourage uptake of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa.

The visa allows Brits aged between 18-30 the opportunity to continue their career whilst enjoying an extended stay for a period of up to three years. working holidaymakers can nowwork for the same employer or organisation for more than the previous cap of six months until December 31, 2022.

Since it announced the return of WHM, 79% of applications have been granted, compared to the same period in 2019. australia.com

Sponsored by: Tourism Fiji unitepromotions.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Bubble bookings to Fiji

Passengers can now block the seat next to them as part of a new Bubble Seat Blocker service from Fiji Airways. My Bubble Seat Blocker allows passengers to book the seat beside them in Economy Class to maintain social distance, allowing more personal space and offer extra comfort. fijiairways.com

• Bora Bora island hop

A new direct flight from Bora Bora to Tetiaroa will launch from May 3 to October 25, 2022. Operated by The Brando hotel’s private airline, Air Tetiaroa, the one-hour flight will depart every Tuesday at 12.30pm, making it easier to travel between the French Polynesian islands. thebrando@vaimaislands.com

• Fiji expo returns

Tourism Fiji will be hosting its eighth Fijian Tourism Expo from May 11-13, 2022, the first face-toface tourism event since 2019. Dubbed Tourism Fiji’s premier event for the year, the expo will showcase Fiji’s tourism offerings and experiences to international buyers, trade partners and media. fiji.travel

• three free on Cook cruise

Fiji-based Captain Cook Cruises has launched the daily inclusion of ocean swimming each morning on its three-, four-, seven- and 11-night cruises. The cruise line is also offering three nights free when travellers book seven nights on all Reef Endeavour small ship cruises, valid on cruises taken from now until March 2023. captaincookcruisesfiji.com

Civil Rights trail expands

2022 sees the addition of two new sites and one expansion along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in Tennessee – including the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. The new sites bring the number of stops on the trail in Tennessee to 14.

The National Museum of African American Music, which has celebrated its one-year anniversary, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The ‘One Nation Under a Groove’ gallery is focused on how music inspired the Civil Rights Movement.

The gallery’s educational programmes and events spotlight the achievements and influences of African American music.

In Memphis, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, located on the original site of Stax Records studio since 2003, pays special tribute to the artists who recorded there, as well as other American soul legends. Stax has also launched its second annual Virtual Black History Month Tour.

Another Memphis site on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail is Clayborn Temple, which has now expanded to include “I AM A MAN” Plaza,. It remembers those who rallied in the historic 1968 Memphis sanitation strikes. tnvacation.com

Aer lingus offers u.s. dozen

Aer Lingus has resumed flying to several major U.S. routes from its Dublin base for the first time since 2020.

The returning services include Philadelphia (from June 7), Los Angeles (May 12) and Seattle (July 7). A second daily flight to Washington DC will begin from June 9 and the airline also introduced a second, fivetimes-weekly service on April 8.

In October, Aer Lingus will resume flights to Miami, Florida. In total, the airline will fly to 12 transatlantic routes from Dublin: New York JFK, Newark, Miami, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco,

Orlando, Washington DC, Seattle, Toronto and Philadelphia (and to New York, JFK and Boston via Shannon).

UK customers can now make connections in Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Leeds Bradford and Bristol, before travelling through Aer Lingus’ hub at Dublin. Additional UK connections from Exeter and Newquay started on April 29. Connecting to North America via Dublin, UK travellers experience the benefit of U.S. Immigration Pre-clearance before they depart. aerlingus.com.com

Alabama’s offers All-in-One

The Alabama Tourism Department has a new All-in-One ticket in 2022 which allows agents to package key state attractions at a set price. Clients can use the ticket to visit attractions that include Equal Justice Initiative’s 50,000 sq ft Legacy Museum, which opened October 1, 2021; The Clotilda – the last American slave ship; Culinary powerhouse, one-of-a-kind Rane Center in Auburn, opening in July 2022; and Orion amphitheater, opening in Huntsville in May. alabama.travel

NEWS IN BRIEF

• train with Amelia Island Amelia Island, a chain of barrier islands on Florida’s Atlantic coast, has launched a trade training programme for the UK and Irish markets. Available on the Online Travel Training (OTT), site, the training highlights the Islands’ history of Spanish, French, British and American rule as well as its luxury resorts, golf courses sandy beaches and three-hour proximity to Orlando Airport. onlinetraveltraining.com

• Beach trail from Daytona Daytona Beach has launched a Cars, Craft and Culture – The Ultimate Daytona Beach Trail Guide, designed to take visitors off the beaten path. Interactive maps for each themed trail are available, including the new Share the Heritage Trail, Monuments and Statues Trail, an Iconic Trail and a Motorsports Trail. These are in addition to favourites Hiking and Biking Trails and the Ale Trail.

daytonabeach.com

Sponsored by: Utah Office of Tourism unitepromotions.co.uk

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