Selling Travel September-October 2022 by BMI Publishing Ltd

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK INSPIRING THOSE WHO LOVE TRAVEL how to sell... Texas Sri WinterLankasun Northern Lights cruises BYSTANDINGTRAVELAGENTS Conservation initiatives and sustainable experiences are leading the way for safari holidays ALL EYES AND EARS

Trend-watching 8 Four-sight: Our columnists tell us what it takes to be a travel agent 10 Safari Holidays: Conservation is leading Africa's safari trends Globe-hopping 14 Northern Lights Cruises: Why the lights shine brighter on a cruise 18 On Location: Summer in Manitoba 19 Six of the best: Ways to experience Black history in the USA 20 48 hours in... Walkable Boston 24 New Frontiers: Texas has big plans for the UK 29 48 hours in... Brussels' Flower Carpet Festival 30 How to sell... Sri Lanka puts the welcome mat out after a tough few years 32 My Journey: Making music in Nashville Be inspired 38 Winter Sun: Short and long-haul options to escape the colder months 43 Thematic Escapes: Caribbean islands 46 Mauritius: Why this Indian Ocean island will bounce back this winter Trade talk 34 The review: Industry update and Visit USA inside this issue All around the world MauriTiuS 46 CaribbEaN 43 MaNiTOba 18 WiNTEr SuN 38 NOrTHErN LigHTS CruiSES 14 aLbErTa 23 HOLSaFariidayS 10 sellingtravel.co.uk Contents / 3

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

September is also the time that people start thinking about escaping the colder months with a winter sun holiday. We have a whole section dedicated to short and long-haul options for solo travellers, families and group travel. For a dose of escapism, you can also catch up on the latest on Mauritius and the Caribbean while our trend watching section highlights the ways in which safari destinations in Africa are prioritising wildlife conservation and community-driven experiences. Closer to home, I was recently hosted on a whirlwind 30-hour trip with Visit Brussels to experience the Flower Carpet Festival, an event which is hosted every two years. The nearly one million begonias from the spires of the Grand Place were pretty spectacular. I had a go at making some world-famous Belgian chocolate, which didn't outlast the train ride home. Nothing new there then!

All change

DEPUTY EDITOR Jessica Pook DIGITAL EDITOR April Waterston WRITERS

One such destination hoping for a fresh start is Sri Lanka which has had a rough few years following the Easter bombings in 2019, two years of border closures due to Covid and this year's nationwide protests fuelled by an economic crisis. However, the FCDO has now relaxed its travel advisory for Sri Lanka and tourism businesses are hopeful and excited to welcome travellers back and show them the very best of their country. Read the latest on how to sell this island in the Indian Ocean on pages 30/31.

Steve steven.thompson@sellingtravel.co.ukThompsonSallyParkersally.parker@sellingtravel.co.uk lisa.merrigan@sellingtravel.co.ukMerrigan

Martin

September/October

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve

MANAGER

This Middle Eastern marvel will appeal to clients looking for culture, beaches and Arabian adventure. Your Guide to AlUla Discover this untouched gem in Saudi Arabia and read why now is the time to send clients. With this issue Jessica Pook DEPUTY EDITOR SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 4 / Welcome

ADVERTISING MANAGER Lisa

Selling Travel has also been working on something new: our Selling Travel Connect event. To be held in London on September 19, it will connect agents with hotels, airlines and tourist boards including Amazing Thailand, Delta Air Lines, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Virgin Airlines, Travelpack, Ajman and others. We look forward to seeing many of you there and wish you luck in the prize draw.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION DESIGNER

TERRACE, GUILDFORD, GU1 3DA, UK. T: 020 8649 7233 E: ENQUIRIES@BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION, VISIT USA ASSOCIATION, LATA, PATA, MENATA, SATOA, THE FOREIGN AIRLINES ASSOCIATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM. WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, BMI PUBLISHING LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS. This publication is printed on Revivew 100 Media and Revive recycled coated, recycled paper grades that are FSC® Recycled certified and Carbon Balanced

Ellegard PUBLISHING PUBLISHERS

Your Guide to Abu Dhabi

CIRCULATION Shani Kunar Bonner CEO Steady Caitlan Francis PRODUCTION MANAGER Clare Hunter PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR Steve Hunter COVER IMAGE Hippo peeking at an African jacana Istockphoto.com/ GomezDavid (PRINT) ISSN 2056-9319. © BMI PUBLISHING LTD 2022. SELLING TRAVEL IS PUBLISHED BY BMI PUBLISHING LTD: 501 THE RESIDENCE, NO. 1 ALEXANDRA

MANAGING DIRECTOR Matt

F or many of us September marks the beginning of a new chapter – whether that's a new season, a new school year or, as is the case in the UK, a new Prime Minister.

CroatiaDubrovnik,

BOOK BY 9 TH DECEMBER 2022!*

*Savings applicable on specified dates only. Offer available on selected 2023 voyages. See our website for full details and Terms & Conditions. ©2022 Azamara. Ships registered in Malta. ‘Change The Way You Sea’ is an international service mark of SP Cruises OpCo Limited.Change The Way You Sea FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE VISIT: CLUBAZAMARA.CO.UK OR AZAMARA.CO.UK/SAVE15

DISCOVER THE ENCHANTMENT OF EUROPE AND SAVE

Sail along the colourful Croatian coast or voyage with us as we navigate the Guadalquivir River to dock in the heart of Seville, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and enjoy an overnight stay or two. With Azamara®, you can enjoy your destination by day and night, and right now, you can Save up to 15%* on select 2023 sailings. Set out on an Icelandic adventure, explore ancient cities like Gythion, Greece and futuristic Dubai or bask under the sun on a remote island. With savings like these, where can we take you? Azamara® itineraries are designed to give you more time in port and include late-night stays and even overnights, so you can dive deeper into your destination and gain a greater sense of a place through its people, history, culture and cuisine. In addition, you’ll always enjoy inclusive amenities featuring included gratuities, exclusive cultural events, select beverages and more. Let us show you the world like you’ve only imagined, by day and night.

selli N gtravel.co.uk 6 / New beginnings Trend watching

Bhutan Kingdom in the sKy This September marks the long-awaited opening of the Trans-Bhutan Trail, connecting 250 miles of valleys and districts along centuries-old pathways and leading to the breathtaking Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery (pictured). This is the first time visitors will be able to walk the trail in 60 years. To celebrate, G Adventures has added two new Active trekking itineraries into 2023 and COMO Hotels and Resorts is launching a new seven-night itinerary inviting travellers to rediscover the spiritual Himalayan kingdom. comohotels.com

Inspired by its vibrant musical surroundings, Virgin Hotels New Orleans is the latest addition to the downtown New Orleans area, located just minutes away from the French Quarter. Part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection, the hotel offers Southern hospitality with a modern twist with regular themed brunches and live music. The 238 rooms feature signature Virgin elements, including Lucy, the hotel’s app, a rooftop pool, and, of course, Richard’s Penthouse Suite. preferredhotels.com

Sustainability-focused The Greenhouse Hotel has opened in Iceland. Located under an hour away from the Golden Circle and Southern Iceland, home to waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, and black sand beaches, the hotel has been designed as a hub for adventurers and outdoor explorers with a lively food hall, weekly entertainment and tours including riding Icelandic horses and white water rafting. thegreenhouse.is selli

New beginnings /

Best of the Big easy

New Orleans

Iceland Living on the edge

N gtravel.co.uk

You need to have travellerswithespeciallypatience,nownervous I’m learningstill but I love challengethe and enjoy each day So you want to be in travel? We asked columnists:our What attributes do you need to be a travel agent, and what advice would you give to consideringanyoneacareerintravelnow? James says the strikes have been a challenge THE FAMILY BUSINESS Anneka Desrosiers Southern Cross Travel, East Sussex THE CRUISE SPECIALIST James Hill Director of WorcestershireGoRiverCruise Liz says that long-haul travel is back

After spending most of the day on hold to tour operators and answering clients’ long lists of questions, my colleague Liz and I agree that patience is a key attribute needed to work in travel, especially now where people are more apprehensive. We also agree that you need to have a genuine passion for exploring the world, for learning about destinations, the ability to problem solve and multi-task, to remain calm in a crisis (!) – and to like people.

SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 8 / Four-sight Trend watching

The advice I would give to anyone considering joining the travel industry, whatever their experience or aspirations, is to do it!

It’s so satisfying putting together a complex tailor-made itinerary and see it grow from an enquiry to the point where you send clients off on their adventure! That’s my favourite aspect of the job. We might not make millions, but the fam trips, lovely dinners and training certainly make up for it (although we could always do with a fam or two…hint, hint!)

All in all, travel is a wonderful industry to be part of. I’ve made some lifelong friends in the last 10 years and have had so many adventures. There aren’t many other jobs where you get to go whale-watching in Atlantic Canada, look at Rock Art in the Northern Territory, or swim under a waterfall in Jamaica…and all in the name of research!

I did not get into travel until I was 56 years old and 16 years later I am still learning, still being challenged and still enjoying each day despite the numerous and obvious difficulties we all face. As with any job there are difficult days. There’s the demanding customers who treat travel agents as free information providers and then book direct either with the operator or online, operators who never answer their phones, or worse offer better prices for the next booking if clients book direct. And then there are the obstacles that are out of our control, such as cancelled flights or ferry strikes. But the good far outweighs the bad. I have been able to build a business out of pure passion, have had the chance to see the world and call it work, as well as being part of an industry that makes a positive impact to people’s lives, which is very rewarding. I also feel lucky to be a part of a wonderful community that supports each other through the bad times.

SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK Four-sight / 9 Trend watching

I’m shipapprentice-coursewithimpressedtheforthescheme If your passion is travel then do whatever it takes to make it work Next issue: As we begin to look back on 2022, what travel trends do you predict for 2023? `` Patience, patience and more patience´´ THE HIGH STREET AGENCY Liz Beaty The Travel Team Brampton, Cumbria THE HOME WORKER Sandy Murray Sandy's Travel Escapes Sandy hosted the 24th someAnnekaTravelYorkshireBallremembersofhertopfams

I’m pleased to say we have had a very busy summer, and this time for all the right reasons with lots of customers finding the confidence to travel again. Most of our trade has been last-minute bookings for families looking to spend some time on the sunny shores of the Mediterranean or booking in advance for long-haul destinations, in particular Australia and New Zealand. As a result of business booming, we are employing a trainee who is due to start next week and I have to say I’m impressed with the course content for the Level 3 Travel Consultant Apprenticeship scheme which she has enrolled on. We asked her to come in for a few hours over the summer holidays to give her an idea of what we do on a day-to day basis and she hasn’t been put off yet! We all love our jobs so hopefully our enthusiasm has rubbed off. Having a young new starter is an investment on our time too, but as a team we feel it’s the way forward to both benefit the business and give someone an opportunity to work in an industry that they feel passionate about.

He told me: “If your passion is travel then do whatever you have to do to survive. And please don’t be deterred by the people who think your dreams are unachievable because they lack personal ambition. In the end the reward is far greater than the turmoil and the dark times won’t last forever.” Well said Ben!

The recent Yorkshire Travel Ball was a great success. A big thank you to Yiannis Ioannou from Avra Imperial Hotel Crete for sponsoring pre-dinner drinks and Classic Collection for sponsoring the band, Groovething, who get everyone up dancing – even me with my bad back! Everyone says my ball is always a good opportunity for networking and this year we raised £7,000 for the cats, dogs, elephants, horses, donkeys and bears! I’m already thinking about a Santa Xmas Party. I would say you have to be a strong and a positive person to be in the travel industry. I was speaking to Ben Pool, owner of The Travel Journal in Harrogate, which he launched during the pandemic. Despite financial worries and setbacks he found the determination to succeed and is now going from strength to strength.

Safari destinations across Africa have used the down time from Covid-19 to build back better with experiences that support local communities and wildlife conservation, says Lauren Jarvis A whisper of wind strokes my face and wakes me gently from sleep. It’s 3am and for a moment I forget where I am, until I open my eyes and see the silver pixie dust of the Milky Way shimmering overhead, and the faintest glow of a dying campﬁre low on the horizon. I’m snuggled under a duvet in bed, but surrounding me are no walls or canvas, above me no ceiling, and under foot no carpet or rug. Tonight, a dome studded to infinity with twinkling stars forms my roof, and the crunchy, shell-scattered layer of salty earth is my floor. I’m sleeping out on Ntwetwe, one of three vast pans which cover 12,000 square kilometres of northeastern Botswana and form the Makgadikgadi Pan, ranked among the largest salt flats in the world. My day began at dawn at Leroo La Tau, one of Desert & Delta Safaris’ dreamy lodges overlooking the Boteti River, a lifeline for the thousands of zebra and wildebeest which migrate between the pans and the mighty Okavango Delta. From my terrace, I have a front-row seat for the action, as herds of African elephant join the dazzle of zebra at the river to drink, while I sip my tea, mesmerised. Before sunset, I’m transported by helicopter to another world, touching down on a shimmering plain where drinks and an amazing meal are magically served, before we share stories around the camp fire, as others have done for millennia in this ancient land. Like a prehistoric sundial, 10 equidistant mattresses form a semi-circle signalling sleep. Leaving the security of the fire behind, we spread out for bed, reassured that in this expanse devoid of water or game, predators won’t pass through.

As a star streaks through the inky sky I make a wish, before the desert’s sound of silence soothes me back to sleep. Reconnecting responsibly While prehistoric salt pans and ancient migrations have endured, there is much that has changed across Africa in our post-pandemic world.

Africa’s new Golden Age Sellingtravel.co.uk 10 / Safari trends Trend watching

As camps and lodges laid empty, and safari companies struggled to retain bookings and staff, some used the time for renovations and a rethink, brainstorming how to bounce back better. With travellers keen to tick off bucket-list experiences or celebrate belated milestones after a turbulent two years, the safari trip is set to enter its second ‘Golden Age’, and thankfully this time, conservation – not hunting – is driving the boom. “People are seeking a real ‘out-of-thisworld’ experience, and there’s no better way to get that than by immersing yourself in the best that the natural world has to offer,” says Andrew Flatt, Marketing Manager at Desert & Delta Safaris, which owns nine lodges in Botswana’s prime wildlife regions, including the Okavango Delta. “Remote, secluded and wild have been real buzz words, words that perfectly sum up Botswana’s tourism offerings,” says Flatt. Other countriesincluding South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania are also proving popular, with customers combining a safari with time at the beach, or on islands including the Seychelles and Zanzibar. Beyond traditional game drives, safari specialists are now offering experiences that meet customer demand for authenticity and deeper connection. “The pandemic made us very aware of our impact on our natural world and how we have removed ourselves from it,” says Hilton Walker, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Great Plains, which runs 14 luxury safari properties in Kenya, Botswana and Zimbabwe. “A safari is a life-changing, emotive experience that fills that void, helping us to connect with nature, ourselves and others.”

Once seen as a holiday choice for retirees, the demographic for safari adventures has changed. “We are seeing lots of enquiries from families and multigenerational groups,” says Walker, “while younger travellers are seeking out experiences like horse riding, mountain biking, canoeing and photographic and walking safaris, which we offer at a range of our camps.” The climate crisis has also left many looking for greener ways to travel, with safari companies improving their eco-credentials in response, moving away from single-use plastics, introducing more vegetarian and vegan meals, and making the switch to solar power and electric safari vehicles and boats.

Customers are also investing more time researching safari company credentials.

What’s new Conservation initiatives: Great Plains has opened several new safari camps, including Mara Toto Camp, Mara Plains Camp and Mara Expedition Camp in Kenya; Tembo Plains Camp and Night drive iN Leroo La tau, BotswaNa sellingtravel.co.uk Safari trends Trend watching S ellingtravel.co.uk

“Travellers have become far more conscious of where they are spending their money, opting for responsible companies that support conservation and community initiatives, and which provide genuine, proven opportunities for the people of the country,” says Flatt, pointing out that Desert & Delta Safaris employs Africa’s only all-female guiding team at its fivestar Chobe Game Lodge, and offers the first luxury safari circuit to be managed exclusively by locals. “The power is in the hands of the traveller, who is now informed, educated and aware. Companies which run sustainable and responsible operations definitely stand to benefit from this shift.”

/ 11

AFRICA COLLECTION – 01403 256 655 Stay eight nights at four Desert & Delta Safaris properties – Chobe Game Lodge, Nxamaseri Island Lodge, Camp Xakanaxa and Leroo La Tau, including the Makgadikgadi Pan sleep-out experience – from £5,495pp, with return flights on Qatar Airways from London Heathrow via Doha to Johannesburg, Airlink flights from Kasane to Maun, and internal transfers. africacollection.com / desertdelta.com • BotswaNa is home to 350 species of Bird great pLaiNs masai mara camp, KeNya eLephaNt crossiNg at choBe game Lodge maKgadiKgadi saLt paN sLeep out

Audley Travel has added two new properties with a conservation focus to its Africa portfolio: Asilia’s new Usangu Expedition Camp in the wetlands of Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, and Marataba Conservation Camps in a private section of Marakele National Park, South Africa. audleytravel.com Cottar’s Safaris’ Budding Conservationist programme hopes to inspire the David Attenboroughs and Jane Goodalls of tomorrow with the chance to join female conservation rangers on their daily duties, monitoring wildlife species, removing wire poaching snares, reforesting land and protecting the animals that roam the Olderkesi Conservancy, bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Loliondo reserves. cottars.com New product: Onguma Safari Camps is offering overnight stays overlooking a waterhole in Namibia’s Onguma Nature Reserve in a custom-built ‘Dream Cruiser’.

The vehicle has a four-poster bed and lounge on its upper deck, with a downstairs fully-equipped shower room, and will be offered alongside a stay at the Onguma Camp Kala, opening near Etosha National Park in November 2022. onguma.com

Join Helping Rhinos’ Global Gala for Rhinos on World Rhino Day, September 22, to raise funds for rhino conservation projects. olpejetaconservancy.org / helpingrhinos.org

Where to book it

African Bush Camps Founder and CEO Beks Ndlovu is a Zimbabwean who worked as a guide, and recently opened his 17th property in the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Completely solar-powered, luxurious Lolebezi has four suites and two family units with private plunge pools, and offers walking safaris and canoe trips on the Zambezi River. africanbushcamps.com / zambiatourism.com

Support indigenous change-makers: While historically Africa’s safari companies have had white owners, the tide is turning, with more black African men and women now running successful operations across the continent.

sellingtravel.co.uk 12 / Safari trends Trend watching

Mpala Jena Camp in Zimbabwe; and Great Plains Okavango Explorers Camp in Botswana. Profits from its luxury, walking, flying, photographic and horseback safaris support communities and conservation across Africa, including its new Project ReWild Zambezi, one of the world’s largest wildlife relocation initiatives. greatplainsconservation.com

Top experiencesHelpprotectrhinos: Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, offers the opportunity to join K9 anti-poaching dogs in training. The Conservancy also allows responsible up-close encounters with the world’s last two surviving northern white rhino, the chance to view black rhino in their natural habitat, and a range of accommodation from camping to luxury lodges, with 100% of profits reinvested into conservation and community development.

See the marine ‘Big Five’: South Africa is known as one of the best places to spot the Big Five – elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard – but Sodwana Bay also offers the chance to see the Marine Big Five on a Zululand Dive Adventure with Coral Divers, a PADI five-star Resort and Dive Centre. Set within the UNESCO iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZuluNatal, the bay is home to humpback whale, ragged-tooth shark, giant manta ray, leatherback turtle and bottlenose dolphin. travel.padi.com / zulu.org.za Go on a desert safari: Ultimate Safaris have two luxurious new camps in Namibia, offering unique encounters with the desert-adapted wildlife.

Built at the base of two granite outcrops, Onduli Ridge enjoys elephant and rhino tracking from its self-sustaining six-suite lodge near the UNESCO site of Twyfelfontein, while the intimate Camp Sossus has six tented rooms on the Namib Tsaris Conservancy, roamed by giraffe, oryx, leopard and cheetah. ultimatesafaris.na / visitnamibia.com.na

Top trails in

Hiking and Biking Trails Daytona offers more than 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, ranging from beachside jaunts to nature reserves. Lyonia Preserve, known for its ultra-friendly scrub jay population, offers a range of trails that are great for keen birdwatchers. Set to be completed in 2025, the River-to-Sea Loop will provide a 260-mile off-road paved route throughout five counties in Central Florida. The Springto-Spring Trail runs 23.9 miles. Share HeritageTheTrail This trail suchDaytonaleadersinfluentialcelebratesBlacklinkedtoBeach.Onefigureis baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the sporting colour barrier in 1946. Schedule a tour at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark or take in a game and root for the home team, the Daytona Tortguas. Continue the tour at the home of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a civil rights leader and advisor to five U.S. presidents.

Daytona Beach

Mural Trail Daytona’s art scene includes Beachmurals.withdrenchedcolour-streetslarger-than-lifeTheDaytonaMuralTrail makes for an easy way to take in some of the local creative talent with many telling a story of Daytona’s history. Highlights include a beach scene that celebrates the ‘World’s Most Famous Beach’ on Crabby’s Oceanside restaurant to a glimpse into the area’s automotive history at Ormond Garage, which dates back to the 1900s.

Explore Daytona Beach via one of the Ultimate Daytona Beach Trails, which showcase craft beers, beach murals, motorsports and much more, says Jessica Pook

Daytona Beach has a beganheritagemotorsportsdeep-rootedwhichwhenthe first automobile race was held in 1903. Visitors can still get close to the action today at the Daytona International Speedway, which has ticketed races throughout the year and is home to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Another highlight is the old NASCAR-sanctioned beach road course used for racing from 1948-1960. Iconic Trail Th Iconic highlightsTrailsome of Daytona’s most unique sights. Watch fishermen try their luck at the east end of Daytona Beach Pier, climb Florida’s tallest lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, for views across the ocean and visit the museum for an insight into lighthouse life and shipwrecks. Finish by browsing the boutique shops and galleries of Ormond Beach and marvel at Fairchild Oak – one of the largest oaks in the southern U.S.

Ale Trail With microbreweries33 and taprooms to choose from somethingthere’sto satisfy every taste on the Ale Trail. Try a strawberry and cream ale from Daytona Beach Brewing Co. or a Beachin’ Blonde from Beachside Brew Pub. Each brewery is owned by those who are truly passionate about craft beer. Pints are often accompanied by tasty tapas or food truck favourites. There’s even a peanut butter bacon burger at The Half Wall!

DAYTONABEACH.COM Sponsored feature / 13 Globe hopping

MotorsportsTrail

“If you are travelling on a Havila ship, head up to the bar, which has panoramic views and a glass roof, so you can keep an eye out for the lights while you enjoy a drink in the warm.” His top tip for agents to pass on to clients: “If you want to take some great photographs, you will need a long exposure. Remember to set your camera or phone up in advance, so you are not wasting time when the lights appear. It would be a shame not to be able to enjoy camera, action! pollution endless dark skies Northern Lights. Williams looks

and

Jeannine

No matter how many times you have seen photographs or television documentaries, nothing can prepare you for seeing the Northern Lights. In the crisp air I can’t take my eyes away as I gaze up in awe at nature’s most spectacular show.

make cruising one of the best ways to see the

In the spotlight Ships range from expedition vessels to luxury cruise ships and include the fleets operated by Hurtigruten and Havila which carry foot passengers and cargo to numerous ports along the coastline, which provides an additional insight into local life. And there’s a ship to match different clients and budgets. Excursions, such as late afternoon snowmobile rides, provide an exciting way to potentially spot the lights or there are coach tours to regular sighting locations which are suitable for less active clients.

at some of the top sailings Top deck viewing onboard SilverSea HurTigruTen rib ride To rafTSundeT, norway sellingtravel.co.uk 14 / Northern Lights cruises Globe hopping

On my sailing aboard Havila Capella, one of Havila Voyage’s four brand-new ships that started sailing along the Norwegian coastline this year, we’re incredibly lucky to spot them three times in as many days. They variously appeared as a luminous pale green archway and dramatic emerald brushstrokes set against the canvas of the inky night sky. It’s magical. Thanks to Havila’s ‘Nor Light’ button on the bedside phone, I also don’t have a fear of missing out when I decide to turn in. A nocturnal alarm telling me the lights have appeared is the best wake up call I’ve ever had!

A lack of light

Lights,

Matthew Valentine, Havila Voyage’s Head of Sales UK & Industry Partners, said: “Watching the Northern Lights is an incredible experience but it doesn’t have to involve standing out in the cold for hours on end. Sailing on a cruise ship, away from the light pollution on land, means you are more likely to see a strong display and if you are travelling along the Norwegian coast you sail under the aurora oval, the area where they are most likely to occur.

Norway is one of the best places to see the lights – or Aurora Borealis – and although sightings are never guaranteed, cruises that venture inside the Arctic Circle increase the chances of doing so.

James Cole, Managing Director of Panache Cruises, which offers sailings with Azamara, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Oceania Cruises, Regent and Seabourn, said: “Northern Lights cruises are really popular with our customers, and there is a lot of choice depending on the cruiser’s sense of adventure. “Some of our clients are intrepid adventurers, while others are more simply lovers of wildlife and nature. The range of Northern Lights cruises is wide and varied, with September to April being the prime months to spot this natural phenomenon.” Cole added: “Hurtigruten Expeditions offers a Northern Lights promise that if you don’t see the lights on your cruise, they will let you sail again for free! “Silversea has just released a new itinerary for 2024, or if customers are looking for a full expedition experience to the Northern Lights, Aurora Expeditions has some great offers, plus a polar expedition jacket to take home.” What’s new? Ships: Swan Hellenic recently debuted the 152-passenger SH Vega and a winter sailing on the 10-night Greenland Discovery itinerary which provides a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. swanhellenic.com Havila Voyages will complete its fourstrong fleet with the launch of Havila Polaris this October and Havila Pollux before the end of 2022. It has also launched a new ‘Northern Lights Promise meaning guests will be eligible for a free six- or seven-night voyage, if the natural phenomenon doesn’t appear during a 12-day cruise. havilavoyages.com P&O’s adult-only ships Aurora and Arcadia sail from Southampton in 2022 and 2023 on winter Norwegian cruises. pocruises.com For another no-fly option, in March and November 2023 Ambassador Cruise Line’s ships Ambience, carrying 1,400 guests, and latest acquisition Ambition, carrying 1,200, will respectively make their debut on Norwegian and “Hurtigruten Expeditions offers a Northern Lights promise that if you don’t see the Northern lights on your cruise, they will let you sail again for free! ”

viSiTing THe

James Cole, Managing Director, Panache Cruises

SunSeT Sailing THrougH Trollfjord, norway ice HoTel viewS Havilafred.

onboard

olSen capTureS emerald green SwirlS sellingtravel.co.uk Northern Lights cruises / 15 Globe hopping

them because they only appeared briefly and you were playing with your settings!”

wiTH Saga panoramic

JEaNNINE WILLIamsoN Jeannine is a travel writer specialising in cruising and known as ‘the river cruise queen’. This year she’s been delighted to catch up on her travels with new ship launches and trips to Europe, the US and Seychelles. On the horizon is a sailing along the lesser-known intracoastal waterways of Florida. The W r iter commuTeS are Slow buT reliable in norway sellingtravel.co.uk

a puffin preSenTS HiS caTcH of THe day

Icelandic sailings from Tilbury and Bristol. ambassadorcruiseline.com Itineraries: In its latest programme Saga unveiled a pair of new two-week Arctic Norway and the Northern Lights sailings for February 2023 on both of its 999-passenger sister ships for the over-50s. saga.co.uk/cruise

Where to book it HavILa voyagES – 03455 280026

Discover more on the Nothern Lights at sellingtravel.co.uk/articles

Reindeer sledding: Experience traditional transport in northern Norway on a reindeer-drawn sledge. An option on P&O’s 12-night Norway itinerary on Aurora, the ride takes guests through white blankets of untouched snow against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and trees. Taking place at the Camp Tamok wilderness centre, a scenic drive from Tromsø, passengers are kitted out in warm clothes and boots before meeting the reindeer. After the adventure they gather round a camp fire to learn more about the Indigenous Sami people before feeding the reindeer. Ice sculpting: Local artists in Alta create ice and snow sculptures for the town’s extraordinary ice hotel which is built each year from 250 tons of ice. On Saga’s 15- night Arctic Norway and the Northern Lights sailings onboard Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery guests can explore the hotel, learn how the sculptures are made and have a go at creating one with the help of a sculptor. Afterwards relax in the ice bar with an Igloo Blue cocktail. Another Saga excursion offers the opportunity to stay overnight in the hotel.

Top experiencesTidalthrills:To witness another spectacular natural phenomenon unique to Norway, climb aboard a sturdy Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for an exciting sea safari to Saltstraumen. Located off Bodø is the world’s most powerful tidal current, which creates a swirling maelstrom of huge whirlpools – some more than 10m (30ft) in diameter when water forces its way through the narrow strait connecting the Saltenfjord and Skjerstadfjord. Available as an excursion on Hurtigruten’s six-night Classic Voyage North, passengers are kitted out in warm waterproof gear for the journey into a wild landscape where there’s also the chance of spotting majestic sea eagles. Learn to curl: We’ve all seen it on TV and now clients can have a go at the sport of curling, believed to have originated on the frozen lakes of Scotland in the 16th century. Described as ‘chess on ice’, it involves sliding polished granite stones across the ice towards a circular target. On Viking’s 12-night In Search of the Northern Lights itinerary aboard Viking Venus, the novel shore excursion in Stavanger begins with learning basic techniques from a local expert. Participants then compete in a fun match to see who can take bragging rights back to the ship.

16 / Northern Lights cruises Globe hopping

loninecontent

For the first time, in March 2024, French luxury cruise line Ponant is offering the 10-night Nordic Discoveries & Traditions round-trip Tromsø itinerary on the 184-passenger Le Bellot. uk.ponant.com

Experiences: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled the all-new Olsen Art Studio on its newest ships Borealis and Bolette, which will be used for classes to capture the Aurora Borealis on ex-UK Norway sailings. fredolsencruises.com

A six-night northbound voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes starts from £1,475pp, full-board, departing on various dates from November 4 to December 13, 2022, cruise only. havilavoyages.com •

visitcentralflorida.org Sponsored feature / 17 Globe hopping

Home to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Pirate Island Hotel and new this year, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Winter Haven is the home of family fun. When it’s time to escape the crowds, head to the city’s chain of lakes to embrace a more relaxed way of life. Water activities include pontoon boat tours, paddle-boarding, wake-boarding, water skiing, kayak tours and fishing, or there’s the option to simply watch the sunset from a dock while sipping on a glass of wine or a Winter Haven brewed craft beer.

Bartow A city with a story to tell, Bartow houses many historic homes and beautiful architecture. The John J. Swearingen House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and in the Northeast Bartow Historic Residential District there are 27 historical buildings built between 1886 and 1925. Take a tour of the Historic L.B. Brown House and Museum and finish the history tour at Antiques on Main and Smith & Jones Antiques.

Central Florida

Enjoy thE lakEsidE lifEstylE in WintEr havEn davEnport has ovEr 7,000 vacation rEntals try a cruffin in lakEland

Winter Haven

Davenport For many, Davenport is the gateway to Disney with 7,000 vacation rental homes within ten miles from Walt Disney World. Its central location makes it the perfect city for those that want to be in close proximity to the hub of restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Lakeland Lakeland is the largest city in Central Florida’s Polk County but has a small town feel complete with boutique shops, farmers market and a bookstore-cafe. It makes for a great base for families with favourites including feeding the swans at Lake Morton, alligator-spotting at Circle B Bar Reserve or cheering on The Tigers at a Major League Baseball game. For foodies there’s everything from food trucks to seafood restaurants, to the Downtown Farmers Curb Market, but be sure to start the day with a freshly baked cruffin from Born & Bread Bakehouse.

I t might be the gateway to worldclass theme parks, but Central Florida is also home to characterful towns that show another side of this nature-rich and historic region.

There’s even a taste of home at Sundays Grill and Best of British Pub & Café! Golfers can take a moment to practice their swing at White Heron Golf Club at Ridgewood Lakes while keen shoppers can browse their way around Posner Park, an open air shopping mall just south of Interstate 4.

•

ExplorE thE historic city of bartoW Central Florida’s Polk Country will surprise visitors with lakeside living and historic charm, says Jessica Pook Top towns in

MANITOBATRAVEL MANITOBATRAVEL MANITOBATRAVEL MANITOBATRAVEL MANITOBA

Manitoba Katie Ellis, Product Executive for North America at Travelbag/Dnata, explores Manitoba in the summer and discovers wildlife beyond its famous polar bears Magical I t might be best known for its resident big white bears but even in the summer months there’s still plenty of wildlife to spot in Manitoba, known as ‘Canada’s heartbeat’. We began our six-day adventure in Churchill – AKA, the polar bear capital of the world – but as we were visiting during the summer season, the main focus was the beluga whales. Located on the Hudson Bay, the small town of Churchill is a welcoming community that live side by side with some of Canada’s most incredible wildlife. From here, we took a boat trip out to the Prince of Wales Fort where we learned about the indigenous history of the area, and had our first glimpse of the whales as they inquisitively circled our boat. For an up-close encounter I would recommend a kayaking excursion across the Churchill River which got us within touching distance of these graceful creatures. Next, we headed to Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, which sits on the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Here we indulged in some retail therapy at The Forks shopping centre and enjoyed the buzzing bar and restaurant scene. A city tour with the Winnipeg Trolley Company is a must and the best way to discover all the city sights. The historicallyinspired trolleys are also good fun and great for withOurgroups.tourcontinuedadoseofhistory at The Canadian Museum for Human Rights which offered thought-provoking exhibits. The building itself is architecturally beautiful. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg is a wonderful space with manicured gardens, a conservancy zoo, and the soon-to-open Leaf – a glass dome which will house trees, plants and butterflies. Our last stop was Riding NationalMountainPark,athreehour drive north-west of Winnipeg. With breathtaking views across Clear Lake, sweeping prairies and wetland teeming with wildlife, it’s worth the drive. A guided tour with Parcs Canada gave us an understanding of the history of the area and the chance to learn more about the animals and plant life. The main town of Wasagaming is right on Clear Lake, and offers some great dining options and lots of watersports. Sitting in the sunshine enjoying a drink at the waters edge was the perfect way to round-off our trip to this beautifully wild part of Canada. I’ll just have to come back for the bears!

SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 18 / On location Globe hopping

Six of the

To mark Black History Month in October, Jessica Pook rounds up some unmissable attractions across the U.S. that chart key historic moments and achievements Black history in sellingtravel.co.uk best...

Civil Rights Trail Spanning 14 states, the U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of courthouses,churches, schools, museums, and other landmarks where activists challenged segregation laws in the 1950s and 1960s to advance social justice. The trail features six landmarks in Washington DC and three in Virginia, including the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial and the newly added Danville Fine Arts and History Museum. Black FestivalMusic Taking place in Pittsburgh,Downtown the Pittsburgh Black Music Festival is held every year in July. Across the four-day event, visitors can enjoy a variety of music from Funk, Blues and Soul to Jazz, Hip Hop and RnB. Pittsburgh also hosts an annual Barrel & Flow Fest, the first Black arts and craft beer festival in the country, which shines a light on Black-owned breweries, artists and small businesses.

/ 19 Globe hopping

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and lead over 300 others along the Underground Railroad to freedom. To commemorate the anniversary, Maryland will host celebrations throughout the year. Visitors can also travel the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to learn more about Tubman’s early life.

MuseumAmericanAfrican Due to open in January 21, 2023, after 20 years of planning, is The International African American Museum (IAAM) in South Carolina. It is built upon the former site of Gadsden’s Wharf – once one of the nation’s most prolific slave trading ports. The museum will tell the untold story of the African American journey and will also feature a genealogy research library offering the chance to trace family roots. the USA

MusicAmericanAfrican Opened in 2021, the National Museum of African American Music is the first of its kind in the U.S. Located in the Fifth + Broadway development in Nashville, the museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating music genres created and inspired by African Americans. Interactive technology brings over 50 genres to life, paying tribute to musical talents throughout the years.

HistoricNational Mall The National Mall in Washington DC has been the site for key moments in US history, including the March on Washington in 1963 when Dr Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. A short walk away is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture housing artifacts including Harriet Tubman’s shawl and music legend Chuck Berry’s Cadillac.

HarrietTubmanAnniversary

Whether clients visit for a city break or as part of a wider tour, Boston will leave a lasting impression thanks to its diverse neighbourhoods, American Revolution history and lively markets, says Jessica Pook

A brewery tour is one of the best ways to uncover the region’s top pubs, brewpubs and eateries. Boston Brew Tours offers daily beer adventures which explore the city’s history, culture and beer!

Known as ‘Title Town’ Boston prides itself on the sporting achievements of its basketball, ice hockey, NFL and baseball teams. Sports fans should see The Boston Red Sox play at historic Fenway Park. Walk the famous Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile red-brick trail through Boston’s neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution.

The Boston CityPASS® offers almost a 50% discount on top attractions including New England Aquarium, Museum of Science Boston Harbor City Cruises, Franklin Park Zoo and Harvard Museum of Natural History and is valid for nine consecutive days.

sellingtravel.co.uk 20 / How to sell... Globe hopping

Boston

What to sell Take in the skyline from the water on a Boston Harbour City Cruise. Daily sailings include sightseeing cruises, lighthouse and sunset cruises as well as private charters and whale watching excursions.

While some cities in the U.S. can overwhelm with their size, Boston is walkable and has a small-town feel. It is also one of the ‘closest’ American cities to the UK and served by 91 weekly direct flights, including the return of Delta’s seasonal summer route from Edinburgh. Who to sell to Boston has established itself as a top spot for foodies. As a coastal city, seafood is bountiful and some of the city’s signature dishes are focused around the catch of the day. Lobster, clam chowder and oysters are restaurant staples and classic American diners serve signature burgers and Boston’s famous baked beans.

When to sell Boston has four distinct seasons and the local weather motto is: If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.

Temperatures rise in spring when there are also less crowds. Summer is warm with the ocean breeze keeping humidity at bay. Autumn presents glorious fall foliage and winters can be cold, but less extreme on the coast. There are festivals and concerts throughout the year with highlights including Dine Out Boston in August, Boston Pride in June and First Night/First Day on December 31 – a Boston New Year’s tradition for over 40 years! •

Why sell it

Book it with... Delta Basic fares start at £481pp based on two passengers flying mid-week in October for a seven night stay. Delta Premium Select fares start at £1,140. delta.com Boston is ‘AmericA’s wAlking city’ cheer on the Boston red soxcity skyline from the wAters edge

City charm in

DISCOVER BOSTON TIME FOR A LITTLE HISTORY. Boston’s unique cultural heritage nonstop with Delta Air Lines in partnership with Virgin Atlantic.

Discover

It’s world-famous for the Canadian Rockies – particularly Banff and Jasper National Parks – but Alberta has plenty of hidden gems off the beaten track

Waterton Lakes National Park This mountain park in the southwest is the smaller, lesscrowded counterpart to its better known neighbours. Clients can sail into Montana on the Waterton Lakes Cruise, paddleboard on the lake, hike the Bear’s Hump and Bertha Falls, take in the sights at Red Rock Canyon and nearby Blakiston Falls, take part in a stargazing tour (Waterton is a dark sky preserve) and enjoying a cocktail at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

The Crowsnest Pass is steeped in history and Lundbreckscenery.mountainousStopatFalls before continuing west along the highway to the Burmis Tree and Frank Slide. The Burmis Tree is more than 700 years old, and the Frank Slide is one of Canada’s most infamous natural disasters. Visit the Interpretive Centre and walk the trail throughrubble.the Canmore CountryKananaskisand K-Country and Canmore are a dynamic duo that boast some of the best hiking and outdoor activities around. In Kananaskis, visit the Nordic Spa for ultimate relaxation or get active on the trails like Rawson Lake, Ptarmigan Cirque and Chester Lake, to name a few. In Canmore, explore the quaint shops and delicious restaurants downtown or hike to Grassi Lakes, walk the Policeman Creek Trail or try stand-up paddleboarding.

Áísínai´piStoneWriting-on-/

Nordegg Don’t miss the chance to drive the Icefields Parkway from Banff, named one of the spectacularmostroad trips in the world. Enjoy the epic views until you reach the Saskatchewan River Crossing and turn off to Nordegg in David Thompson Country. Most take the parkway all the way to Jasper, but this less-travelled route won’t disappoint. Once here take a guided hike with Nordegg Adventures to Siffleur Falls, Coliseum Mountain or Coral Creek Canyon.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has the largest collection of First Nations petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) in North America and has held important significance to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Visit the interpretive centre and book a guided tour through the hoodoos to learn the history of the area.

Road less travelled in sellingtravel.co.uk 22 / Sponsored feature Globe hopping travelalberta.com

The TrailCowboy

CrowsnestPass

Canada’s Alberta

The Cowboy Trail is one of Alberta’s most scenic road trips. Along the way stop at Longview, known for its beef jerky and the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. Continue to Black Diamond and Turner Valley and sip a G&T at Eau Claire Distillery. Then make your way to Bragg Creek for quaint antique shops and restaurants. Bragg Creek also has seemingly endless trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Direct flights to Canada this autumn and beyond from London, Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin Connecting flights to the US via Montreal* Economy Class Ergonomic seats, complimentary meal and in-flight entertainment Option Plus Upgrade for additional privileges and services in Economy Class Club Class Travel in style in an exclusive cabin with VIP service EconomyGreenestA321neoLRinclasswithbrandnewandClubClass Available to book via the GDS Fly the World’s Best Leisure Airline to Canada airtransat.co.uk 00800salessupportuk@transat.com87267283 *Correct at time of going to print, subject to change at any time. Inclusions based on route and class type. See website or GDS for further details and pricing. Amazing Canada starts here Join us over on Facebook @Air Transat UK&I Agents Hub

A project in partnership with Brand USA, it involved a product workshop and travel agent events in London and Amsterdam.

TRAVELTEXAS.COM 24 / Texas: New Frontiers Globe hopping

The U.S.A’s second biggest state – in terms of size – is pushing brand-new frontiers as it highlights its unique regions and attractions to UK travellers, writes Peter Ellegard

Texas ready to go large

Texas is promoting itself in the UK using communication channels that include TV, print, radio, cinema and by advertising on hoardings and billboards. There are also targeted digital options.

A website texasfrontiers.com has been created and it features a competition to win a trip for two to Texas. Promotional activity to support it is being undertaken in print and online with national publications, on Facebook and on Instagram.

OpeN SpaceS aNd New frONTIerS

A sales and media mission organised by MMGY Global and MDSG for Travel Texas took place in the UK and the Netherlands in March, with partners Visit Austin, Visit Houston, Visit San Antonio, Visit Dallas, Visit Lubbock, Visit Fredericksburg, The Woodlands and Virgin Atlantic.

T exas is back in the UK market with a bang. The Lone Star State’s tourism industry is dusting down its cowboy hats and polishing its cowhide leather boots to woo British holidaymakers. The state tourism oﬃce, Travel Texas, has invested in the UK market over a long period and has now returned after a hiatus during the Covid crisis with renewed vigour. August saw the appointment of destination specialist MMGY Hills Balfour as its new representation oﬃce in the UK and Ireland, working in conjunction with award-winning advertising agency, MDSG. Both are spearheading an integrated marketing strategy for Texas, including rolling out the tourism board’s latest campaign, ‘Let’s Texas’. This strategy includes consumer marketing and creative campaigns, travel trade activity, media relations and social media elements.

Texas Frontiers Travel Texas has also launched a Texas Frontiers consumer campaign targeting the UK, partnering with Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, American Airlines, United and Virgin Atlantic. It highlights Texas as being frontier country, with ‘frontier’ exploring several layers: from its Western heritage and cowboy roots to pushing ‘new frontiers’ in technology, arts, music, culture and other spheres. Each partner has its dedicated ‘frontier theme’ to lure visitors – themes that can also be used as hooks by agents.

A year-long campaign, it is currently using the key post-summer holiday booking period of September and October to target 2023 bookings.

SaN aNTONIO’S rIver waLk BLue Barge hOuSTON’S Space OdySSey

Travel Texas trade and media plans for the financial year to the end of August 2023 include attending the Brand USA Travel Week Europe in Frankfurt in late September, and Unite Visit USA in London next March.

In addition, IPW, the US Travel Association’s annual international inbound travel trade show, takes place in San Antonio next May and post-event Fam trips are planned as part of a big focus by Travel Texas and state destinations. The UK and European Brand USA Mega Fam will visit Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth this November. Meanwhile, Travel Texas destination training and in-person agent events will take place year-round.

The Texas Frontiers digital campaign has already notched up success in awards run by Newsworks, the marketing body for the UK’s national news publishers. Bought and planned by MDSG, it was crowned June’s ‘ad of the month’ from a shortlist that included HSBC, Renault and the National Lottery.

Its vast landscapes offer stunning scenery and opportunities for viewing the cosmos: such as at McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, where an annual Dark Skies Fest includes music and star spotting, Palo Duro Canyon and pink-granite Enchanted Rock, near Austin. The great outdoors doesn’t come much greater than in Texas. Explore national and state parks including vast Big Bend, spanning more than 800,000 acres.

For a Wild West time, visit Bandera, the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World’, or saddle up at ranches such as Wildcatter, near Fort Worth. The influence and heritage of Native Americans, including Comanche and Apache, can be enjoyed at several festivals.

Trade plans

A whole lot of Texas

New Frontiers / 25 Globe hopping

A cornucopia of cuisines range from Texan barbecue favourites and Tex-Mex to Asian and many more styles, with award-winning chefs in all big cities. Arts and culture are huge in Texas, from world-class museums and art galleries to concert halls. You can even catch a rodeo and go to the ballet on the same day.

SLOBOJACOB traveltexas.com

And, being Texas, there is live music pretty much everywhere you go. What are you waiting for? Let’s Texas! •

Texas:

The prime focus for Travel Texas with its UK consumer and trade efforts is to inspire first-time visitors to take a trip to Texas.

NO LIMITS ON BBQ IN auSTIN fOrT wOrTh’S hISTOrIc STOckyardS daLLaS’ gLITTerINg SkyLINe

While some of its cities are very familiar to British travellers from TV shows and movies, at almost three times the size of the UK and the USA’s second-largest state, there’s a whole lot of Texas to discover and explore.

On the sporting front, Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix takes place each October at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. visitaustin.org

AUSTIN DALLAS

Cultured, fashionable and high tech, Dallas also spans frontiers in sport, food and history. The Spanish-inﬂuenced Highland Park Village was America’s ﬁrst planned shopping centre (1931) and its upscale stores are still wowing shoppers today. The city’s arts and high culture scene include the free Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Centre, the Frontiers of Flight Museum and the Winspear Opera House, with its Broadway shows.

Enjoy creations by celebrity chefs and explore the city’s eclectic cuisines in neighbourhoods such as Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts. Enjoy innovative regional fare at restaurants such as Roots Southern Table, José, Petra and the Beast and Revolver Taco Lounge.

Head to Billy Bob’s Texas for line dancing or catch a live act at one of Fort Worth’s music venues. Don’t miss The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Kimbell Art Museum, while the TX Whiskey Ranch features a whiskey distillery with tastings and tours. Fort Worth is a frontier for the silver screen: ﬁlms shot there include Miss Juneteenth, Old Man & the Gun and the Yellowstone prequel, 1883. fortworth.com

Significant though it is to the city’s heritage, Space isn’t the final frontier in America’s fourth-largest city. Houston was the first word spoken on the moon and at the NASA Space Centre visitors can learn about the Apollo space programme and stand in the mission control room. Urban street art is big here: there is a mural trail and a major mural festival is held each November. With nearly 70,000 works, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is among the USA’s largest. Music connections run deep and can be enjoyed in bars and clubs across the city. The Bayou City offers a range of venues to catch live acts. Houston is also a culinary frontier with 10,000 restaurants reflecting the ethnic diversity of its residents.

Sophisticated Fort Worth is also still pushing historic frontiers with its cowboy heritage and Western vibe. The Chisholm Trail started in the late 1800s in ‘Cowtown’, with longhorn cattle herded north to Kansas. Today, daily cattle drives are held in the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can catch a rodeo, drink in a saloon and buy Lucchese cowboy boots – so consider an extended stay in one of the ﬁve hotels in the Stockyards district. Western heritage is also on show at the National Cowgirl Museum.

The state capital is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. The Austin City Limits music festival draws huge crowds each October, while South by Southwest (SXSW) in March showcases music, film and interactive media festivals. Stroll the bars and restaurants of Sixth Street to find bands of all music genres, while Rainey Street’s historic bungalows have been reborn as music-filled eateries and bars.Try Tex-Mex, barbecues, Asian and Texan speciality dishes from James Beard awardwinning chefs to food trucks, and sip Texan wines and craft beers. Hike or bike trails around Lady Bird Lake and explore the nearby Hill Country. Tour Austin’s street art scene, with its murals, and visit the Cathedral of Junk, home to 60 tons of discarded items.

Visit the Sixth Floor Museum, which chronicles the life and legacy of JFK, then cheer on the Dallas Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium. visitdallas.com

TRAVELTEXAS.COM 26 / Texas: New Frontiers Globe hopping

Arguably the style capital of the South, Houston’s retail areas oﬀer everything from vintage to designer-label haute couture. visitHouston.com

FORT WORTH HOUSTON

The Alamo, a former Spanish mission, is where 200 Texan defenders fought during the 1836 war for independence from Mexico. It forms part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the ﬁrst UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

LUBBOCK

TRAVELTEXAS.COM Texas: New Frontiers / 27 Globe hopping

UNESCO has also designated San Antonio, which has 4,000 restaurants, a Creative City of Gastronomy. Major food-themed events include the new Tasting Texas Wine and Food Festival.

In Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg was founded by German settlers in 1846 and this heritage is evident in its historic buildings, music and German cuisine found across the town. A local favourite serving Bavarian-style beer and food is the Altstadt Brewery, which oﬀers live music and a large biergarten.

The Woodlands’ Waterways is the oﬃcial route of the IRONMAN AMERICAS Championship. Swan boats, kayaks, water bikes and paddle boards can be rented year round. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is the largest outdoor amphitheater in Texas while Market Street oﬀers shopping and outdoor dining. visitthewoodlands.com FREDERICKSBURG THE WOODLANDS

The San Antonio Street Art Initiative features over 500 art pieces throughout the city. From kayaking along the River Walk to extensive hiking and biking paths, enjoy San Antonio’s outdoors and see native wildﬂowers in the San Antonio Botanical Garden. visitsanantonio.com

An oasis for outdoor lovers, 220 miles of hiking and biking trails wend through its woods and waterways and 150 parks.

Lubbock prides itself as the cultural capital of West Texas. In the Texas Panhandle, ‘Hub City’ hosts more than 2,300 annual events and has more live music venues per capita than any other Texas city. The Depot Entertainment District is the nightlife hub with live music, restaurants, bars, clubs and even an urban winery.

Among its museums is the National Museum of the Paciﬁc War, recognised as the world’s premier museum about World War II’s Paciﬁc Theatre and dedicated to all who served there. visitfredericksburgtx.com

Fredericksburg sits at the very heart of Texas Wine Country, with over 50 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms to explore.

Take a walking tour of historic downtown, with its more than 700 historic structures, shops, boutiques and art galleries.

The Pearl neighbourhood should be visited for its artisan shops, restaurants and bars. Created for the 1968 World’s Fair, Hemisphere Park has live music and community activities.

The town even hosts its own Oktoberfest. Held over the ﬁrst weekend in October, it is the largest festival in Fredericksburg.

The Lubbock region grows 90% of Texas wine grapes: enjoy tours and tastings at six award-winning wineries. The American Windmill Museum has more than 170 restored windmills, while across the road, the Fibermax Centre for Discovery has interactive displays of early agricultural exhibits. The National Ranching Heritage Centre tells the tale of ranching from the 1700s onwards. visitlubbock.org

Lubbock was the home of rock ‘n roll legend Buddy Holly and visitors can take a Buddy Holly Historic Tour that includes visits to signiﬁcant landmarks and the Buddy Holly Centre.

Near Houston, The Woodlands is a planned community founded in 1974. Set in 28,000 acres of woods, a key appeal is its strong arts and culture scene. One of the state’s largest collections of public art features sculptures and murals, 21 mosaics and a collection of art benches installed in locations near Lake Woodlands and The Woodlands Waterway.

SAN ANTONIO

Q: Which unique Texas experiences from around its partner regions should visitors include on a holiday?

It is our first major Travel Texas campaign since the pandemic and the first time we have had three airlines partnering on the same promotion. Texas is an iconic destination with so much to offer UK consumers. The campaign is running from June 2022 to September 2023.

Q: What are the key messages of your new Texas Frontiers campaign?

Q: How are you engaging the UK trade? There are roadshows, training events, quizzes and awareness-building activities, including with Selling Travel and the travel industry community, Hablo. There are various prize and giveaway incentives such as Fam trip places and merchandise items. There will be more exciting giveaways and opportunities in the coming months.

traveltexas.com 28 / Texas: New Frontiers Globe hopping

Q: Are you targeting any specific demographic groups and visitor types? We are targeting upmarket adults. In terms of age, these would be DINKs (dual-income, no kids) aged 25-40 and Empty Nesters aged 45-65. We are also aiming to attract Adventurous Americanophiles – that is, those who have been to the U.S. two or three times before who are seeking new and authentic American and Texas experiences. •

SADDLE UP ON A TEXAS RANCH CADILLAC RANCH, AmARILLO, TEXASSOUTHWESTERN AND TEX-mEX OPTIONS ARE FOUND ACROSS TEXAS Talking Travel

The ‘Frontier’ concept conveys the message that you can find the most exciting things, from both the past and the present, in Texas. It is a concept that is wide ranging and can be applied across experiences, destinations and audiences.

Q: Is Texas an ‘easy’ destination to get to from the UK? Yes. Texas is now well served with direct services from both London-Heathrow and Manchester. Since the lifting of the Covid travel ban to the U.S. from the UK last November we have seen all the major airlines resume their direct UK services to the Texas gateways.

Q: What is the goal of New Frontiers? The aim is to build awareness of Texas to the trade and consumers while driving sales by highlighting Texas as both the original Frontier – Western heritage and physical landscape – and as the New Frontier. Texas has established itself as a new and future frontier, for both the U.S. and wider global stage, across technology, arts, music, travel, energy, engineering, space travel and more.

They can. Visitors of all ages are guaranteed a holiday full of authentic and unique experiences of the “Real America” kind that are both rich in enjoyment while also being educational and horizon expanding. It’s a great destination for a family road trip, with easy driving between the cities. There’s Texan food – the home of Tex-Mex, delicious barbecue and the freshest seafood from our Gulf Coast – ranch stays that build in activities like riding, shooting and quad bikes; stockyards and rodeo shows; and National Parks like Big Bend with its striking scenery and outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, walking, riding, cycling.

On the educational side, top cultural institutions include The Dallas–Fort Worth Metropolis, one of the premier art centers in the U.S. In Houston, 20 museums are dedicated to art, science and history, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) while the San Antonio Museum of Art is home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek Roman and Asian art in the southern U.S.

Tommy Woods, Marketing Specialist, Europe & Oceania, Travel Texas

Q: Can agents sell Texas as a family holiday destination?

British Airways flies direct to Houston, Austin and Dallas Fort Worth; American Airlines flies direct to Dallas Fort Worth; United flies direct to Houston and San Antonio and Singapore Airlines flies direct from Manchester. In addition, Virgin Atlantic added its new direct service from LondonHeathrow to Austin in May 2022.

There are so many! We have listed some suggestions in our destination profiles on pages 24 and 25, but to name just one for each of our partner regions: Austin: Austin City Limits; Dallas: Blues Alley; Fort Worth: National Cowgirl Museum; Houston: NASA Space Center; San Antonio: The Alamo; Texas State: McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis; Fredericksburg: Dark skies (stargazing) and eclipses; Lubbock: Buddy Holly Center; Woodlands: George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

orIgInal Beer Bottles at cantIllon BreWery World-famous BelgIan chocolate grand entrance of the PalaIs de JustIce

Afternoon: Visible from across the city is the spaceship-esque Atomium which houses exhibitions and multi-level digital installations, but visitors mainly come for the panoramic views across the city. Have a bite to eat in the restaurant suspended 100 metres above the ground. Across the road is Mini Europe, offering a birdseye view of some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks on a much smaller scale.

48 hours in... / 29 Globe hopping Brussels

Evening: Dine at the elegant Aux Armes de Bruxelles: popular dishes include shrimp croquettes and chicken vol-au-vent. Next it’s time for the main event, the Flower Carpet Festival. Held once every two years over four days in August, a carpet of begonias is displayed at the Grand-Palace of Brussels amongst a backdrop of Gothic architecture. Enjoy panoramic views of the sound and light display from the City Hall balcony.

sellingtravel.co.uk

Afternoon: Head to Frank for an organic lunch and healthy juice. Then it’s time to delve into the country’s famous beer scene with a tasting and cycling tour with Beer my guest. Beer enthusiast Maggie leads groups on a three-hour exploration by bike. A highlight is a visit to Cantillon which is the last original brewery to produce traditional Lambic beers. The tour also passes famous landmark Manneken Pis as well as the European Parliament building.

Morning: Grab a coffee to go and discover Brussels’ Art Nouveau scene on a walking tour. Art Nouvau was a popular style in the 1900s with characteristics including stained glass and wave-like curves. Belgian architect Victor Horta was one of the founders of Art Nouveau and visitors can tour the Horta museum, his former house and studio, to fully immerse themselves in the movement. You don’t need any design knowledge to appreciate the extravagant and intricate craftmanship.

Brilliant Day 1: Beer and begonias

Morning: Clients can arrive in the heart of Belgium in just two hours thanks to the Eurostar. Hit the ground running with a guided tour of the Palais de Justice. This iconic landmark is still a working courthouse, one of the largest in the world, and impresses with opulent courtrooms and marble columns. A guided tour is the best way to learn about some of the cases that have been tried here.

Jessica Pook visits Brussels during the Flower Carpet Festival and discovers a vibrant yet relaxed city that encourages visitors to stop and smell the roses

Day 2: Design and desert

Evening: Take part in a chocolatemaking workshop with Planète Chocolat and learn the secrets of worldfamous Belgian chocolate (save some as an after dinner treat). Swapping sweet for seafood, make a stop at Braseries Georges for dinner and order the seafood platter – a mountain of oysters, mussels, prawns, lobster and more. Enjoy the buzzing terrace atmosphere before heading home. • Book it with... Eurostar Clients can stay in the Warwick Brussels, a five-star hotel in the city centre, plus Eurostar train tickets from St Pancras to BrusselsMidi, from £176pp. Departing December 3 and returning December 4, 2022. eurostar.com; visit.brussels

Brussels celeBrates 50 years of the floWer carPet festIVal

Reuniting with

With FCDO travel restrictions lifted and local tourism businesses open and eager to welcome Brits back, now is the time to recommend Sri Lanka, says Lauren Jarvis

Why sell it “While Sri Lanka was quickly out of the blocks post-Covid, fuel shortages and political protests curtailed the tourism boom. However, tourists travelled safely in Sri Lanka throughout this period, and now the country is ready to lift off again,” said Sam Clark, Co-Founder and Director of specialist Asia tour operator, Experience TravelOnceGroup.predominantly promoted for its sunshine and beaches, the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ now offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers, with fascinating cultural heritage sites, wildlife-rich national parks, luxurious wellness centres, culinary workshops, and thrilling water-based adventures – and all are easily accessible on one unique, compact island.

the mountain railway connects Kandy to ella, a seven-hour ride that moves through tea plantations, jungle, and mountains explore tea plantations and dense rainforestsri lanKan curries and dahl

sellingtravel.co.uk 30 / How to sell... Globe hopping

Who to sell to “The post-Covid traveller seeks experiences that will make them feel alive again, and we’re focusing on highlighting Sri Lanka as Sri Lanka

A fter some very challenging recent times Sri Lanka is hoping for an influx of international visitors after the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) last month lifted a travel advisory warning which had been imposed in July.

Now, tour operators and the island’s accommodation and experiences suppliers are ready to welcome travellers back to the Indian Ocean isle. Sri Lanka emerged from the shadow of Covid-19 and reopened its borders in January 2021. It quickly zoomed straight to the top of travellers’ bucket lists, repeatedly named the post-pandemic ‘must-see’ by industry giants such as Conde Nast Traveller, CNN and Travel + Leisure.

As with many nations around the world, the war in Ukraine and economic difficulties have seen these early recovery signs stutter, but the resilient and resourceful country remains determined to seize the spotlight, and tourism is key, if not vital, in helping to secure a bold and bright future. Madubhani Perera, Director of Public Relations at the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), said: “With the Covid pandemic well behind us, our focus is now firmly on a tourism-driven economic recovery. We are fully open for business and serving our international tourists as usual. With the relaxation of the UK travel advisories, we’re ready to welcome British travellers for the upcoming winter season. “To support this, our national flagship carrier, SriLankan Airlines, will increase the frequency of its direct London-Colombo flights from seven to nine per week. “We’re extremely confident about the future, and the full recovery of our tourism industry.”

How to sell SriLankan Airlines will offer nine direct flights per week from London Heathrow to Colombo this winter; the island’s 16 domestic airports allow travellers to easily hop between destinations. It’s possible to travel independently in Sri Lanka, by bus and train, but most visitors join a small group tour, or travel with an operator on a bespoke itinerary with a chauffeur/guide.

Vibrant Sri Lanka combines well with tranquil Maldives, which is just a short flight away. For customers who prefer a cruise, companies including Celebrity, MSC, Crystal, Ponant and P&O Cruises make stops at the Sri Lankan ports of Colombo, Galle, Hambantota and Trincomalee. •

How to sell... / 31 Globe hopping

“We’ve also seen an influx of ‘digital nomads’, who are combining travel with work, and have introduced long-stay visas and other benefits to attract them.”

Book it with... Experience Travel Group A bespoke 14-night trip in Sri Lanka starts from £4,500pp and includes international flights, an English-speaking chauffeur guide and vehicle at disposal, excursions, safaris, and tips. Most meals are also included and the accommodation is in quality boutique hotels and lodges.

sellingtravel.co.uk the destination to do this,” says Perera. “It truly is a destination with a treasure trove of possibilities. Wellness tourism is a growing market, and we are working to position the island to meet the demand of this highyielding segment. Sri Lanka can cater for large outdoor weddings, but it’s also the perfect destination for a smaller, intimate ceremony, with boutique and luxury hotels offering a highly personalised service.

“Although tourist numbers are growing again, the main national parks and historic attractions, like the rock fortress of Sigiriya, remain quieter than usual, which makes for a more enjoyable visit. Most importantly, with the local economy suffering, your tourist pounds will do a great deal of good,” advises Clark. “We recommend venturing off the beaten track too, perhaps incorporating into an itinerary Arugam Bay on the southeast coast, the temples and fort at Jaffna, or Gal Oya National Park for a truly immersive experience.”

When to sell Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the high season runs from December to April, when the weather is warm with minimal rainfall. The island is at its wettest in October and November, while September is a great time to travel, with good weather and fewer tourists. The Sinhalese and Tamil New Year coincides with the UK’s Easter holiday, and is celebrated island wide.

Kandy’s spectacular Esala Perahera, also known as The Festival of the Tooth, sees elaborate torchlight processions in July and August, and Jaffna’s Nallur Festival, which runs for 25 days in August or September, has chariot processions, dancing and religious devotees performing acts of selfmortification. Shops are closed and alcohol on each month’s full moon day – a bank holiday known locally as Poya Day.

What to sell Most travellers explore the capital city of Colombo before heading out to see the sights such as the country’s largest temple complex, Dambulla; the 16th-century Galle Fort; Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred tooth relic of Buddha; the leopard enclave of Yala National Park; the tea plantations on the hills around Ella; and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Then it’s off to enjoy some beach time in Bentota, Tangalle, Mirissa, Weligama or Passikudah.

oruwa boats of the galle fisherman beautiful azure waters surround sri lanKa leopards in yala national parK

experiencetravelgroup.com

The sense of awe I felt at Studio B continues as I visit landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium, highlighting why Nashville remains a Mecca for country fans. The Ryman is steeped with history, a stage idolised by artists across the world. Most notably the Ryman is known as the famous former home of The Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest running radio show. Since 1925 the Opry has been showcasing country music’s past, present and future talent. I would not have necessarily considered myself a fan of country music before my night spent at the Opry, but the passion the artists and fans share is contagious. Emotions run high as new acts debut and achieve their dreams, and an overwhelming sense of

Nashville

SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK 32 / My journey Globe hopping

The soul of

From honky tonks and BBQ joints to an array of local businesses, April Waterston discovers what makes the Music City feel so special

The Music City

I t’s as though the stars are descending around me. The sun has all but set and fireflies have joined the festivities at Percy Warner Park. They twinkle above me, flickering to the unmistakable and comfortingly repetitive rhythms of bluegrass music – an appropriately magical end to my first Full Moon Pickin’ Party.

A visit to RCA Studio B rewards me with a truly unforgettable experience. The boxy concrete building seems unassuming, but my guide is quick to convince me that within its cold exterior is one of the most special places on earth. Household names like Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley recorded many of their hits within these four walls I am sat in, contributing to the studio's moniker, 'The Home of a Thousand Hits'. An amateur pianist myself, I am oﬀered the chance to play a Steinway grand piano in the corner.

Twangs from banjoes, fiddles and steel guitars fill the air from all directions as seasoned musicians and hobbyists alike break off into small groups and jam the night away, stopping only to sample food from a selection of local food trucks.

Perhaps I’d be less nervous if I hadn’t just been told it was the very same piano I’d heard countless times on many of Elvis’s most iconic tracks – after all, who am I to follow in his footsteps with an oﬀ-tempo rendition of chopsticks? Although country music has arguably put Nashville on the map, its moniker as ‘The Music City’ embraces far more.

A love for bluegrass unites families and friends every full moon throughout the summer – just one of the many reasons music lovers laud Nashville as a bucketlist destination.

A real 'Opry moment'

In 2021 the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opened its doors, offering an immersive experience celebrating music created, influenced and inspired by African Americans. Interactive exhibits explore how artists from all genres have influenced one another through time, covering everyone from Nat King Cole to Beyoncé.

Book it with... Preferred Hotels Rates at Virgin Hotels Nashville, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, start from £155 per night. The hotel is located minutes away from downtown Nashville. All bookings are commissionable to agents. preferredhotels.com

Dolly Parton,and Elvis recorded within the same four walls I am sat in

As one may expect, there is no shortage of BBQ joints dotted about the city, with Martin’s Bar-B-Que a local favourite.

The newly-opened Assembly Food Hall near Broadway oﬀers everything from authentic Italian cuisine to bao buns to artisan donuts, accompanied by live entertainment throughout the day.

As I struggle to choose what to order for lunch, I am told a visit to Nashville is not complete without trying its iconic Hot Chicken – an option not for the faint hearted. “I can’t believe this is only ‘mild’,” my friends say repeatedly, turning deeper and deeper shades of red. It seems being a vegetarian may have worked in my favour this time.

patriotism and love for both music and the U.S. ﬂows through the audience. This feeling of awe is referred to by some as an 'Opry moment'.

SELLINGTRAVEL.CO.UK

Local colour In between exciting evenings spent bar hopping between Honky Tonks along Broadway, cheering for Nashville SC at Geodis Park and sampling my way through the city's wide selection of bars, and I am grateful for slower days exploring Nashville's neighbourhoods and independent businesses.

The West End Neighbourhood is home to Centennial Park and a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. Germantown, located just northwest of downtown Nashville, has a number of local eateries including The Cupcake Collection, a familyrun bakery founded by Mignon, matriarch of the Francois family. She excitedly tells me how each of her children are involved in the business before oﬀering me a sweet potato cupcake – it's surprisingly delicious!

For shopping look no further than the 12 South Neighbourhood. Independent boutiques like Emerson Grace and Judith Bright oﬀer stylish clothes and unique handmade jewellery respectively, whilst Imogene + Willie specialises in highquality, long-lasting denim goods.

For a city famous for attracting and nurturing some of the biggest names in music history, I am touched by the support it shows to local independent businesses. The people are the soul of Nashville – be they a local entrepreneur or musician waiting for their big break. •

Southern hospitality No visit to the Deep South is complete without ample servings of rich, delicious food! With my stomach rumbling, I head to East Nashville and set oﬀ on a Walk Eat Nashville Tour. Highlights include The Wild Cow, an entirely vegan eatery, and Joyland, a quirky Japanese fast-food inspired burger joint.

• Jet2.com launches 23/24 ski programme Jet2.com has put its winter 23/24 ski programme on sale with flights to the French, Swiss, Austrian and Italian Alps. The operator will fly to seven destinations next winter from across 10 UK bases. These are: Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lyon and Turin from December 16, 2023 to April 14, 2024. jet2.com/ski

Trade-only tour operator

• Vueling adds winter flights to the Canaries

The new flights are bookable through the mobile-friendly Major Go platform which features luggage inclusive rates with easyJet – something which is not available on the airline’s web site. Qasim Gulamhusein, Managing Director of Major Travel, said: “Our goal is to support our agent partners as much as we can. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens and with no end in sight, agents are looking to offer their clients the best value for money possible.

The announcement by the country’s Prime Minister, Kishida Fumio, followed news that the requirement for a negative PCR test for triple vaccinated travellers was to be dropped from September 7 and the number of daily arrival more than doubled from 20,000 to 50,000.

• New ship for Silversea Silversea Cruises has opened general sales for the inaugural season of its new ship Silver Endeavour. The ship will sail 12 voyages to Antarctica from November 21, 2022, ranging from five to 20 days. Available to book are Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise sailings, as well as an extended ‘Deep South’ expedition and a new 10-day Antarctic Peninsula voyage. silversea.com

Major Travel gets the jets

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Winter sun from P&O P&O Cruises’ fly/cruise ship Azura is to operate a winter sun programme from Tenerife this year. Azura will sail seven- and 14-night itineraries including an overnight stay in Tenerife and a late sail from Gran Canaria and Madeira. pocruises.com

Japan travel specialist InsideJapan was the first UK tour operator to have customers back in Japan, in July, on its Small Group Tours band and has since seen demand and sales for the country increase to levels comparable with 2019.

The company already works with low-cost airlines in mid- and long-haul destinations is now offering a variety of new routes and regional departure points. The decision follows strong demand for short-haul packages as a result of the cost of living crisis and travel inflation.

Since June 10, 2022, travellers had been permitted to enter Japan only if accompanied by a tour leader and guide, which limited travel to group tours. However, the easing of restrictions means that self-guided travel is now possible. The requirement for a tourism visa remains in place, meaning only travel booked with a licensed tour operator or agent is possible.

sellingtravel.co.uk 34 / The review Trade talk news Japan opens for all visitors

Travellers to Japan no longer need to sign up for an escorted tour to visit the country.

“We are confident that the travel market will continue to bounce back, and more flight routes will return to pre-pandemic levels, but for some holidaymakers budget will continue to be a key factor.” Gulamhusein added: “Agents can already book with low-cost carriers such as Pegasus, Scoot and Sun Express, but the addition of easyJet and Jet2 will help us support our travel partners in other regions. Our platform now allows them to combine our European programme with more direct routes across UK airports.” major.travel

Simon King, InsideJapan’s Co-founder, said: “We have been waiting such a long time for this announcement. This is great news for us as a specialist whose business is 80% self-guided tailored travel.”

Vueling will launch three new routes for the winter season from London Gatwick to the Canary Islands. The new routes will connect British holidaymakers to Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria from December. vueling.com

Major Travel has launched its first short-haul offering with easyJet and Jet2 flights.

King added: “As a government licensed operator, InsideJapan is able to assist customers who have booked full self-guided trips with the visa process. So many have waited years for the opportunity to travel and now they can. “The feedback from customers this summer has been incredible. All our partners and locals alike have been so welcoming to our clients. “They can plan on being in Japan in time for the Koyo season (this varies depending on the region of Japan, but is usually mid-November to early December) with temple gardens and mountainsides lit up with the profusion of the reds of autumn.” insidejapantours.com

Sri Lanka excited for tourism

Chris Crampton, PATA UK & Ireland Chairman, said: “The Maldives continues to be one of Pacific Asia’s most popular holiday destinations. Our poll amongst PATA agents revealed almost a fifth (19.62%) of bookings made are to the Maldives and largely (51%) for winter European2022/23.”countries are the most enquired about overall while other popular long-haul regions included the Caribbean, USA and Indian Ocean.

• Windstar sails to Arabia Windstar Cruises’ has introduced sailings to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf for the first time. Cruises begin November 2023 on Star Legend. The 18-day Wonders of Arabia sails from Athens to Dubai, the nine-day Arabian Nights & Egyptian Days will sail between Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Aqaba, Jordan, and the 12-day Red Sea Revelries sails from Jeddah to Athens. windstarcruises.com

The move was welcomed by Jean-Marc Flaubert, Director Your Tourism Partner, which manages the sales and marketing for seven Sri Lankan clients in the UK.

Sam Clarke, founder of Experience Travel Group, said the removal of the FCDO advisory against travel to Sri Lanka would give the economy a much-needed boost. “We’re delighted for our friends and colleagues on the ground and for all of our customers looking forward to trips over the coming months. Sri Lanka is back,” he said. Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing Hotels, commented: “Sri Lanka has never been so ready to welcome British travellers. All hotels, attractions, transport options both private and public are operating normally. In many ways this is the best time to visit”. Flambert said awaiting visitors are many new experiences, he said: “Tabula Rasa, with individual chalets and plunge pools, will be new for most British visitors. As will Kalundewa Retreat in Dambulla, with its nine suites set on 110 acres, and Madulekelle Tea and Eco Lodge in the Knuckles mountain range close to Kandy” Cox & Kings’ 12-night The Enchanted Island tour leads in at $1,895pp. It promises to take clients to “both the popular and some of the lesser-known sites in northern, central, and southern Sri Lanka”.

NEWS IN BRIEF

The review / 35 Trade talk news

Of the 20% of agents who said they have yet to see enquiries return for the region, most stated that clients have either “already booked a holiday elsewhere’ or are ‘taking a staycation”.Around15% of clients still have lingering concerns over COVID-19, but they are starting to look ahead, with half of bookings made for winter 2022/2023 (51%) and almost a third (28.21%) for Summer 2023. Despite the worsening UK cost of living crisis, the survey suggests that 42% of customers are happy to spend more and upgrade their trip, 57% are still seeking value and only 9% of customers can’t afford a holiday at the moment. pata.org.uk

• British Airways connects Gatwick with Las Vegas British Airways is to introduce a new three-times-a-week direct service from Gatwick to Las Vegas for the 2023 summer season. The Gatwick flights will operate from March 26, 2023 to October 28, 2023, with tickets already on sale with a lead-in price of £426, based on a return journey in the World Traveller (economy) cabin. britishairways.com

He said: “We are very excited about the future for Sri Lanka Tourism – I expect the years of pent-up demand dating back to the Easter bombings in 2019 to drive sales.” Flambert has visited the country five times this year and says Sri Lankans “are really excited to welcome British visitors”.

“The UK has always been the first destination to drive back business post crisis and with agents a focus for us we look forward to working with the trade again.”

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and its key UK partners say the country is well poised to make a quick comeback after the FCDO relaxed its travel advisory for the country at the end of August.

Oz and Maldives lead the way for PATA

Research from the The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland has revealed that agents are seeing an influx of enquiries for the Pacific Asia region.

sellingtravel.co.uk

According to the latest ‘PATA Polls’ – a series of agent surveys – 80% of agents say they are receiving regular enquiries for the Pacific Asia region, with Australia and the Maldives proving most popular, closely followed by Cambodia.

Are you TIPTO's dancing queen?

Be Tahiti's top seller AGENTSNEWS that complete the Tahiti Specialist Programme will be listed on the consumer facing website as a point of contact for customers actively looking to make an enquiry or book a holiday to the island in French Polynesia. The qualifying specialist agents will benefit by being first in line to secure high-value bookings following the post-pandemic demand for bucket list holidays and postponed honeymoons. Register at destinations-training/traveluni.com/courses/

Swat up sustainabilityon

TIPTO is giving one travel agent the chance to win West End theatre tickets for two people.

To be in with a chance of winning, agents must complete all of the available online supplier training modules, including the-new module from Fred.\ Holidays launching this month (September), and gain Gold Star status. Once completed, the agent will be automatically entered into the prize draw. The prize includes tickets for two people which can be redeemed across a wide range of London' West End theatre shows including Pretty Woman, Six, Mamma Mia, Only Fools & Horses, Wicked, Les Misérables and more, subject to availability and dates. The competition closes on October 31, 2022 and the winner will be announced soon after. Agents can register or login at tipto.co.uk to start training.

INCENTIVE TAKE part in the ABTA competition prize draw to win a Patagonia classic MLC™ bag that converts into a 26-litre backpack. To enter simply complete the ABTA e-learning ‘Sustainability training' course before September 26, 2022 to be automatically entered into the prize draw. This course is suitable for people in any role in travel, from travel agents, tour operators and the wider industry. It sets out what sustainability means in travel and tourism, why it is important and what action can be taken.

ABTA Knowledge

TOP STORIES

traveluni.comZone GDS | TRAINING | REWARDS PARTNER LIST A-Z of training AnchorageAnguillaAlaskaAbuABTADhabi Wild AttitudeArubaExpert YasVisitVisitVerandaUSTIPTOSAGAPittsburghOmanOntarioNewmarketNewMichiganResortsMeliaMacaoLithuania&JumeirahJerusalemItalyandInstituteHeritageHawaiiFortFijiEssentialElegantEtihadEstoniaDomesCruiseCostaCelestyalBeachesAustraliaHotelsResortsCruisesRicaAdviserResortsAirwaysHotelsDetailMyers&SanibelResortsofTravelTourismHotelsResortsHotels&YorkStateHolidaysSaintLuciaSandalsResortsSani&IkosGroupSeychellesStKittsTahitiThailandAirtoursResortsFinlandFlandersIslandSAGATIPTOUSAirtoursVerandaResortsVisitFinlandVisitFlandersYasIsland

September/October 2022

TIPTO

incentiveTraining

Join a host of Visit USA Association (UK) members at the annual Visit USA Roadshow in London and Manchester Agents will have the chance to meet with 26 members, including Visit California, Universal Parks & Resorts, Utah, Cruise America, Louisiana, Travel Oklahoma, Colorado, Tennessee, United Airlines and more for an evening celebrating everything the USA has to offer.

The evenT The evening will kick off with an interactive game to get agents warmed up, followed by speed networking, a break for a buffet dinner and then the all important prize draw.

OcTOber 5 aT The Tara cOpThOrne KensingTOn in LOndOn

a Message frOM The sTaTes

VISIT

Agents have the chance to win a holiday to the USA at each event. Up for grabs in London are two return tickets to Washington DC, Los Angeles or San Francisco courtesy of

Kate Kenward, The Visit USA UK Association’s new CEO, added: "The great travel ‘reconnection’ has started and we look forward to meeting our colleagues at our in-person events. There will be plenty of familiar icons to connect with along with some surprising new gems to discover."

“The USA is the number one long-haul destination for UK visitors, so we know demand is high and we want to help agents make the most of every booking opportunity," said Tracy Thompson, Chair of Visit USA Association (UK) Events Committee. "A lot of travel agencies have been recruiting new staff, so it is important to actively support those selling the USA."

ROADSHOW Create your USA experience

To register go to: visitUsaroadshow.com Usa

United Airlines, plus seven nights in a Cruise America RV. In Manchester, one lucky agent could walk away with two return tickets to Philadelphia, courtesy of Aer Lingus, as well as a three-night stay at the Aloft Philadelphia, (subject to terms & conditions).

OcTOber 6 aT The radissOn edwardian in TheManchesTerprizes

“We have many free child places available, too, making a family holiday affordable even during the half term.”

Alan Cross, Jet2holidays Head of Trade, is already seeing strong winter demand for Spain and the Canary Islands, with resorts such as Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje in Tenerife as well as Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise in Lanzarote selling well.

“The Canary Islands are a fantastic option for families looking to soak up a dose of winter sun,” he says.

We are family If the thought of a long-haul flight with young ones seems like a recipe for disaster, there’s plenty of closer options that offer winter sun during October and February half terms.

“Temperatures still reach up to 21C during the winter months, and hotels and resorts are fully operational outside peak season, meaning there’s a wealth of activities available for the whole family to enjoy. In terms of where to stay, we’d recommend the BlueBay Lanzarote for families looking for a break on a budget.

sellingtravel.co.uk 38 / Winter Sun Be Inspired

Flying south for the winter

Long-haul countries that are too hot for families during the summer,

Wizz Air will commence twice-weekly flights to the popular Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh from Luton from October; the airline will also debut flights from Gatwick to Morocco’s Agadir and Marrakech this winter. EasyJet is launching new routes from Gatwick to Madeira’s Porto Santo this winter, as well as new routes from Manchester to Fuerteventura, while Jet2 has announced new flights to Majorca, Malaga, Alicante and Faro from Belfast International and Bristol Airport from November. For long-haul winter sun, Cape Town’s reversed seasons and negligible time difference make it an attractive winter sun destination, bolstered by Virgin Atlantic’s decision to return to the South African city from Heathrow, resuming from November to March 2023. “Travel is recovering and global demand for holidays to sunny, premium destinations is returning at pace,” says Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re expecting a high proportion of leisure travellers to take advantage of the winter sun, explore the world-renowned wine regions and soak up the rich culture.”

Despite carriers cancelling hundreds of flights this summer, the winter market looks promising with more lift being added to meet pent-up demand.

Up in the air?

Whether it’s a family Christmas in The Canaries or a winter wellness retreat in Saint Lucia, there’s plenty of winter sun options for groups, families and solo travellers says Jo Gardner H olidaymakers who have chosen to avoid the summer disruptions – or simply stay at home and soak up the unusually hot summer – might now, more than ever, be hankering for a winter sun break. By winter, flights should have returned to pre-chaos frequencies, while prices should slip down from the summer swell. But where will be popular this year, and what does this mean for the family, solo and group travel markets?

Beachside Bliss at le Meridien Maldives Year-round sun in the canarY islands riding the dunes in oMan’s desertsouk Market in Marrakech, Morocco

sellingtravel.co.uk Winter Sun / 39 Be Inspired

Oman offers plenty of action and adventure as well as year-round sunshine. The newly-opened Dusit D2 Naseem Resort has a kids club, playground, games room, and an arts and crafts room, as well as babysitting services. It also has an 8,000 square metre adventure park with climbing frames, obstacle courses and a rock climbing wall. “The Maldives and Mauritius are on trend over the winter months for families,” confirms Rachel O’Reilly, Kuoni Director of Communications. “The Caribbean is also proving popular with Saint Lucia among our top selling destinations.”

Meanwhile, G Adventures will return to Australia and New Zealand from September, tempting clients looking to escape the northern hemisphere winter.

Intrepid says that winter is the best time to join its Madrid to Marrakech tour, with just four places left on a 15-day trip departing November. The operator points out that cooler temperatures, less busy hotels and cheaper prices make this an attractive winter sun holiday.

Shearings has launched new coach tours with departure dates stretching into 2023. These can currently be secured for £1pp until February 28. Winter sun options include the17-day Highlights of Portugal with stops in Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve.

Where to book it

such as the Middle East and Indian Ocean, tend to come into their own during the shoulder months, too.

One of the biggest issues facing solo travellers is the single supplement – a pesky additional cost that clobbers holidaymakers for travelling without a companion. Companies looking to scrap or freeze these fees are worth looking at for winter sun breaks. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is encouraging solo travellers to take advantage of a single supplement freeze on selected grades and sailings this winter, including journeys to the Azores and the Canary Islands.

“Our smaller ships provide a warm, welcoming environment, and our crew always make sure our solo guests feel at home.

40 / Winter Sun Be Inspired

For those that may not have family close during the festive months, an escorted tour provides an easy way to escape the gloomy weather and be surrounded by likeminded people.

The more the merrier

“We don’t want travelling alone to be a barrier to exploring the world,” says Clare Ward, Fred. Olsen Product Director.

“Solo travellers will find resorts like the BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia ideal for a winter sun break combined with wellness,” adds O’Reilly. “For the ultimate relaxation and wellbeing holiday, the tiny Kagi Maldives Spa Island also caters for solo travellers seeking all things wellness, but with fantastic food and drinks thrown in.”

Sandals Resorts offers 16 – soon to be 17 – resorts in the Caribbean, designed exclusively for couples. Agents can book the newly-opened Sandals Royal Curaçao in November from £2,786pp including flights from Heathrow. sellingsandals.co.uk. • rooM with a view of taBle Mountain at one&onlY cape town sellingtravel.co.uk

Going solo

To order your bulk brochure supplies visit BP Trade-Gate Visit www.leger.co.uk | Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm BROCHURENEWOUTNOW! It’s all plain sailing... well, without the planes OR the sailing. Are you in? countriestoholidays1000sEuropethroughoutholidayscoachescortedFullyofover25

0808 164 3459 | SANDALS.CO.UK/AGENTS REINTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA One Bedroom Skypool ButlerOURMESCANSuiteFORBESTOFFERSSAVE UP TO AN EXTRA £150 OFF WHEN STAYING 10 NIGHTS OR MORE – QUOTE SALE150 BOOK BY 13 OCT '22

This iconic resort in the heart of Ocho Rios, is making its return to the Sandals portfolio, after a full redesign and renovation. Located on the North coast of Jamaica, where rivers meander through forests and rushing waterfalls wash over the landscape. Opening Spring 2023, the all-new Sandals Dunn’s River features 12 gourmet dining options, 5 impressive pools including 2 lengthy river pools, and 9 unique bars serving unlimited creatively crafted cocktails. Guests can stroll along the sands of the resort’s pristine beach, and relax in one-of-a-kind accommodation, with designs inspired by the stunning Dunn’s River Falls. Book your clients in to experience this all-new Luxury Included® resort.

caribbean smiles

With swaying palm trees, sandy shores and blue skies year-round, the Caribbean is the ultimate winter sun getaway, but how do you decide between the islands? Jessica Pook picks her top four St. KittS offerS authenticity

sellingtravel.co.uk St. KittS

Saint Lucia Saint Lucia remains a favourite with families thanks to its regular direct flights and wide choice of all-inclusive resorts. There’s also enough to keep children busy beyond the beach with ziplines, mud pools, sailing, diving, snorkling and even a drive-up volcano. Those seeking more of a lively atmosphere will find it here, from club-hopping on the Rodney Bay strip to a year-round calendar of events that includes the Saint Lucia Carnival – recognised as one of the top Carnivals in the Caribbean – to stumbling upon a street party and enjoying rum cocktails that pack a punch.

Still relatively undiscovered, the tiny island of St. Kitts, one of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, is known for its dense rainforest and chilled-out locals. The word ‘authentic’ has become a real buzz word but part of St. Kitts’ charm is that it is not uncommon for clients to sit among locals in a beach bar, enjoying a hearty meal of conch fritters, plantain and grilled fish, and leave with an invite to a family BBQ. Crowds are rare, meaning visitors will often have beaches to themselves and free reign to the main sights, which are centred around the island’s sugar production history or exploring the rainforest.

Consider taking a speedboat across to Nevis, which is even smaller and more off-the-beaten path than its sister island. Spend a few days here, which was a favourite of both Lord Nelson and Princess Diana. Tour the small circular island, be surrounded by birdsong and watch mango-stealing monkeys.

Thematic escapes / 43 Be inspired

It doesn’t have to be all party, party, party on the island as the tourist board is promoting health and wellness with a healthy eating initiative which includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and a number of wellness retreats offering spa packages and fitness classes.

The Wellness Centre at The Body Holiday has one of the most comprehensive arrays of spa treatments of any hotel in the Caribbean while Ti Kaye Resort & Spa offers wellness retreats focused on yoga and meditation.

But authentic doesn’t mean basic. There’s a range of accommodation choices, from sleeping in a former plantation house to five-star luxury at Park Hyatt.

Saint Lucia iS great for famiLieS

sellingtravel.co.uk 44 /

Thematic escapes Be inspired Jamaica Jamaica is the Caribbean’s third largest island and between its waterfall-haunted valleys, emerald mountains, platinum coasts, and the UNESCO Creative City of Kingston, its cultural and natural bounty is boundless. If you weren’t already aware of its music heritage then you quickly will be. Reggae is Jamaica’s omnipresent soundtrack and drifts between every Rastacoloured beach bar. A deeper understanding of the music heritage can be found by spending some time in Trench Town, Kingston, where reggae artist Bob Marley spent his formative years. Or head to either of the Bob Marley museums, former homes of the international legend that have been transformed into immersive experiences. Jamaican curry and jerk is served everywhere on the island from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. Foodies should head to the Boston Beach area on the north coast of the island, where the first jerk stalls in Jamaica are said to have been established. Sandal’s dominates Jamaica’s hotel scene with six resorts and three more scheduled to open. Sandals Dunn’s River is to make its return to the brand’s portfolio next year, after a full redesign and renovation. Opening May 2023, the resort will feature Tufa SkyPool Butler Suites with oceanfront balconies and Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools.

Dominican RepubLic

turquoiSe waterS at Jamaica inn

teeth of the Dog goLf courSe, Dominican repubLic

This cigar-smoking, rum-drinking island is bursting with Latin influence. A melting pot of Spanish, African and French, the Dominican Republic is the second-largest Caribbean island with almost 1,000 miles of coastline made up of sparkling beaches and multiple offshore cayes. This coastline is also dotted with some of the Caribbean’s best and most scenic golf courses, with 86 sea-facing holes and 39 ocean-side. Teeth of the Dog in Casa de Campo and Corales in Punta Cana are often voted among the top courses in the Caribbean. Another big draw to ‘Dom Rep’ is the whale-watching opportunities. Between January and March hundreds of humpbacks choose Samana Bay, on the northeast coast, as the place to mate and give birth. There’s also ATV safaris, kite surfing, windsurfing, surfing, wakeboarding and fishing to try on this side of the island. Guests staying at hotels such as TRS Turquesa Hotel and Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa can get close to the marine life with snorkling and diving offered in the surrounding reefs. There’s also 14 restaurants to sample as part of Grand Palladium Hotels’ Dine Around programme. Expected to open by the end of 2022, AM Resorts’ Dreams Flora Resort & Spa in Punta Cana will offer rooms with a private terrace or balcony, four swimming pools, and an onsite waterpark featuring two waterslides.

With year-round sunshine and additional winter flights, Mauritius is a top sell for Indian Ocean bound clients looking to escape the dull winter months, says Jessica Pook blues

Winter

sellingtravel.co.uk 46 / Mauritius Be inspired

And at the end of each day, we all migrate to Bisou, the rooftop infinity pool, to watch the crimson sun melt into the sea, safe in the knowledge that it will return tomorrow to spoil us all over again.

”We’ve had a very encouraging response from the UK market looking to return to Mauritius this year,” said Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

It’s one of five LUX* properties on the island and sits on a sweeping white-sand lagoon, dotted with palm trees and day beds. While the rest of the UK hibernates, the sunkissed guests of this stylish resort enjoy leisurely days in glassbottom kayaks, daily snorkel trips and sip cocktails to the sound of the waves.

Since reopening its borders a year ago, Mauritius has welcomed 500,000 tourists and is expecting to grow this figure ahead of an unrestricted winter season (Mauritius relaxed all testing requirements in July).

Adult only nirvAnA deluxe room At le meridien ile mAurice sellingtravel.co.uk Mauritius / 47 Be inspired

You are the first guests to use our new snorkeling equipment,” says our boat driver, proudly. Brilliant, no scratches or leaks is my first thought, closely followed by the realisation that I’ve shared all of my previous snorkel gear with countless strangers! Shaking the image from my head I secure the goggles and jump in. The water is warm and glassy-clear and I can feel the sun on my back. I have to remind myself that it’s the middle of November.

“Mauritius has a rich offering for UK travellers looking for winter sun and historically this has been one of the most popular times to visit. This looks set to continue as we head towards winter 2022/23.”

An increase in seasonal airlift reflects rising demand, with Air Mauritius adding direct daily flights and Emirates launching a third daily flight to the island from October 1. Air France, which flies via Paris, recently named Mauritius as its most popular luxury destination to visit in 2022, with passenger numbers up by 337%

Winter warmers

I’m here for the opening of the LUX* Grand Baie resort on the northern tip of Mauritius.

I hear a rhythmic crunching noise and see flashes of silver fish darting from one reef to the next as they cautiously skirt by a starfish basking in the sun’s rays.

With year-round sun, dreamy beaches, luxurious oceanfront resorts and direct flights with British Airways and Air Mauritius, this tropical island in the Indian Ocean has become a firm favourite for winter sun.

Where’s the rum?

compared to pre-pandemic travel. But what is it that sets Mauritius apart? Bundhun adds: “From exploring our national parks, beaches and clear waters to the amazing culinary offering and meeting locals. Adventure seekers, families and couples can enjoy a range of activities from hiking, kayaking with dolphins, catamaran cruises and e-bike tours exploring the island - in addition to relaxing and spending time in hotels.” James Bell, Turquoise Holidays, says that the scrapping of pre-departure testing is turbo-boosting winter bookings. “Mauritius has long been a Turquoise favourite, historically representing over 35% of our business,” Bell says. “No more testing will give couples and families alike further certainty and we look forward to seeing the island regain its top spot with our guests.” Bell agrees that there’s plenty to satisfy active clients, saying: “Islands don’t come much more perfect than this pocketsized tropical paradise, with its ruggedly beautiful volcanic peaks and blue lagoons. Beyond its beaches, there is mountain biking, zip-lining, trekking and dining.”

Top experiencesIslandhop: Take a day-trip to the Outer Islands courtesy of Le Meridien Ile Maurice. Located 20 minutes from the coast of Mauritius, guests will jet off on a motor boat across to Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Gabriel Island for a real Robinson Crusoe experience. These tiny islands are perfect for snorkeling, enjoying a romantic picnic or trying some light tackle fishing. marriott.co.uk Southern charm: Mauritian DMC Emotions offers an excursion exploring ‘The South and Its Charms’, taking in panoramic views of Trou aux Cerfs’ dormant volcano, cooling off at the sacred Grand Bassin lake and Black River Gorges before ending the day at the Coloured Earth and waterfalls of Chamarel. Highlights include a stop at Takamaka winery and lunch at the Avalon Golf Estate. emotionsdmc.com

Part of LUX*

Smell the flowers: Take a stroll around the lively Caudan Waterfront in the capital of Port Louis, before stepping back in time at the beautiful Château de Labourdonnais, a 19th-century mansion set amidst tropical orchards. At the nearby L’Aventure du Sucre museum, learn about Mauritius’ sugar-growing history, then drop in to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden to sit amongst the giant lily ponds and meet the resident giant tortoises.

HeritAge le telfAir golf & Wellness resort trou Aux cerfs dormAnt volcAno mAuritius enjoys tropicAl WeAtHer yeAr-round HARTRIDGESTEvE ANTOSDOSINHOARMvS oceAn vieWs At tHe Westin turtle BAy resort And spA Discover more on Mauritius at sellingtravel.co.uk/articles loninecontent sellingtravel.co.uk 48 / Mauritius Be inspired

Resort’s Collectable Experiences, A Mauritian Rum Adventure explores the island’s local rum-making process. The day starts with an early morning bicycle ride to a sugarcane field for a pop-up breakfast, next is a behind-the-scenes tasting at GRAY’S distillery before a spiced rum making class, finished with a rum pairing dinner. luxresorts.com

What’s new Booking tools: Mauritian DMC Hello Islands has launched IslandsB2B, a real-time booking platform which enables agents to book hotels, excursions and transfers all in one place. Sidonie Antoine, Head of Commercial Business at Hello Islands, says: “Over the past few months demand for Mauritius has continued to grow, and with bookings bouncing back we know agents

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius – www.westinturtlebay.com Book your exclusive Mauritius Escapade with us on:

MAURITIUS ESCAPADE

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort is also offering a 35% discount on all room types for all stays during specific dates.

Indulge in enriching Heavenly experiences and holistic wellness for multigenerational travelers

Embark on a memorable experience with the bespoke

Marriot Mauritius is thrilled to inform you of our exclusive and unique Mauritius Escapade Offer.

JW Marriott personalized service Mauritian inspiration meets contemporary living for a retreat in style

Starting from 22 August 2022 until 30 September 2022, we are offering a 30% discount on stays at The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, Mauritius, Le Meridien Ile Maurice and JW Marriott Mauritius Resort.

Le Meridien Ile Maurice – www.lemeridienilemaurice.com

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort – www.jwmarriottmauritius.com

James Bell, Turquoise Holidays tHe crystAl cleAr WAters of A Bel HomBre BeAcHtHe mAnor House At jW mArriott mAuritius resort Bel omBre is noW A protected environment Untitled-1 1 01/09/2022 15:20 50 / Mauritius Be inspired

“No

Travelbag offers a six night stay at the five-star Le Meridien Ile Maurice on a half board basis from £1,653pp. The price includes return flights with Emirates and an ocean view room. travelbag.co.uk • more testing will give couples and families alike further certainty and we look forward to seeing the island regain its top spot with our guests”

Sustainable initiatives: In May 2022, Mauritian company Rogers Group announced its intention to launch the Bel Ombre region as a territorial brand and mecca for ecotourism. This protected environment is home to rare, endemic fauna and flora.

need fast, efficient systems to make their lives“Weeasier.already have 15 of the most-booked hotels in the system alongside a range of experiences and add-on services. Plus, we are constantly developing the portal and will be adding new features in the future, such as exclusive offers and incentive programmes.”

Hotels: Agents can take advantage of a 30% discount when they book Le Méridien Ile Maurice, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa or JW Marriott Mauritius Resort before September 30 for stays from November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023. The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa is offering 50% off a second room for the kids. The family deal is valid for stays up until January 2023 and for children under 16. The rebranded JW Marriott Mauritius offers Marriott’s biggest villa in the Indian Ocean, the Grand Beachfront villa, with four bedrooms and four heated private pools, a curated complimentary weekly wellness schedule and Butler Service for all guests. Heritage Le Telfair is introducing a new photo safari experience from December 3-5, led by photographer Richard James Taylor. Participants will work alongside Taylor to develop their photography skills, enjoy an exclusive sunrise excursion to Charmarel Falls and the Seven Coloured Geopark as well as a guided hike through the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve. The photos will be displayed around the hotel for guests to enjoy. Shangri-La Touessrok has added a private helicopter and picnic experience to its range of excursions. Guests will be transported by helicopter to a private island to enjoy a romantic picnic for two, complete with a private butler and Champagne. Where to book it TRAVELBAG – 020 3944 2201

You’re invited to our biggest agent event of the Year! Join us on September 19th for your chance to connect with a host of suppliers, airlines and hotels including Amazing Thailand, Bonjour Québec, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Virgin Atlantic, Travelpack, Delta Air Lines and many more… The evening will consist of catching up over refreshments, agent speed networking with suppliers and a prize draw. Prizes include FAM trip places, bottles of champagne and multiple Amazon vouchers. We can’t wait to see you there! When: September 19 from 18:00 – 21:00 Where: One Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA Secure your spot at sellingtravel.co.uk ConneCt, engage, insPire ConneCt

Increase sales with live rate o ers Carousel, our most recent innovation is combining real time rateboard with queue management in a revolving display o ering additional features like video advertising, destination weather reports and other travel themes. To book you free demo contact us at enquiries@essiell.com A retail multi-media display solutionAmultitude of features controlled by you: • Foreign exchange rateboard with live rates • Real-time order processing status • Currency deals using live rates • Holiday destination video promotions • Destination weather reports and other online services So much more than a regular rateboard, it integrates with Essiell’s POS and works with TV screens, PC monitors and tablets Essiell o ers a multi-channel platform for travel money retailers, integrating the branch network with remote agents and online channels. Visit us at essiell.com

Selling Travel September-October 2022

Articles inside

Six of the best: Ways to

48 hours in... Brussels'

How to sell... Sri Lanka

On Location: Summer in

Safari Holidays

48 hours in... Walkable

New Frontiers: Texas