Inspirational Days Out and Holidays CTC AGM REPORT
Key coach survey results & technology debate p22
ANTICIPATING ADVENT
Great Christmas ideas for GTOs planning ahead p26
ISLAND HOPPING
Isle of Skye, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight & Jersey p40
July 2013 / £3.95
THEATRE REVIEW
GTW reviews Broadway musical ‘Newsies’ p56
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
GTW takes a bite of the Big Apple and brings you all the best bits p14
Central Park, New York © Marley White
LAU NEW NC H
www.grouptravelworld.com Visit our new website – the ONLY online resource a GTO needs
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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grouptravelworld
Into the future ou’ll find it hard to miss the distinct New York flavour of this month’s issue; in addition to our cover article all about the very best of the city for groups, look out for related news stories, a Broadway theatre review and a review of the best Heathrow hotel to stay in before flying out. Times are tough economically, but the number of GTOs who are expanding the scope of their roles and taking groups further afield for adventures overseas is on the rise. New York is perhaps the ultimate short break destination in the world, somewhere that people dream of visiting. These days, with package prices falling and a flight time of just 6-7 hours from London, it is becoming a realistic option for many. I’ve never yet met anyone who was anything other than delighted and charmed by the Big Apple, as it really has something to offer every kind of taste. The frenetic pace, soaring buildings and iconic sights are irresistible, and it is impossible to leave without feeling the
optimism and fortitude that the city prides itself on. Elsewhere in this issue, we take a look ahead to the festive season with our feature ‘Anticipating Advent’. It may seem incongruous just as the summer sun is finally starting to appear, but we know that GTOs, coach or tour operators and suppliers all plan Christmas itineraries and offerings many months in advance. Everyone in the industry should take a look at the review of the Coach Tourism Council AGM on page 22. Some important messages about new technology were strongly reiterated. I was struck by just how many industry news stories and information relating to social media, smartphones and the internet crossed my desk this month. There is no question that it is the way forward, for both users and suppliers in the travel trade, and that anyone who chooses not to adapt is likely to struggle greatly in the near future.
Caroline Gregory Editor
CONTENTS 4 NEWS
40 ISLAND HOPPING
10 TEAM ON TOUR
46 BEST OF THE BEST
13 EVENTS CALENDAR
48 LONDON & PARTNERS
14 INTERNATIONAL: NYC
50 CTC BULLETIN
58 THEATRE LISTINGS
22 CTC AGM
52 UKINBOUND
62 TRADE: GTO GRAPEVINE
26 ANTICIPATING ADVENT
54 TICKETMASTER
64 TRADE: INSIDER INSIGHT
38 VOICE OF A GTO
56 THEATRE NEWS
66 UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
All the latest travel trade stories and current affairs
Houses of Parliament tours, City Cruises and Northbank
An up-to-date list of industry events for 2013 and 2014
GTW’s guide to all the best of New York City for any group
Review of the CTC AGM and report on coach survey
For GTOs who plan ahead, a look at some Christmas ideas
Michael Tebbutt reviews a group trip to Orkney
The Isle of Skye, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and Jersey
The Sheraton Heathrow and The Orchard restaurant
The latest London tourism news and trade updates
More news and stories from the Coach Tourism Council
All UKinbound’s news and events from the past month
Ticketmaster Groups on the Rugby League World Cup
Including a review of new Broadway musical ‘Newsies’
Up-to-date West End listings for all the current musicals
Mobile roaming charges and five of the best water bottles
How to use social media effectively in group travel
Melanie Cox of Epsom Coaches chooses her travel favourites
July 2013 /
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39 people were trapped for several hours 20 feet high on a Chessington World of Adventures ride a fortnight ago. The ‘Rameses Revenge’ came to a halt due to mechanical failure and staff were unable to restart it. The fire brigade was called to cut through safety bars to rescue visitors on ladders. There were no injuries among those stuck on the ride, many of whom were children, and staff were able to send water and sunscreen up to the visitors while they waited. World-class scientists have revealed neurological evidence to explain why people like to take a break by the sea. During a presentation on ‘Why Emotion Matters to Conservation Science’ at the Royal Geographical Society, growing evidence was revealed that suggests living by the coast improves well-being – and consequently, probably reduces illness. Dr Wallace Nichols and Dr Anastasia Steffen are involved in investigating how natural environments help to reduce stress a factor involved in 60% of disease. According to a major fashion website, female holidaymakers can spend up to twenty-four times longer choosing a holiday wardrobe than they do actually booking their break. The research, from minx.co.uk, suggests that women may spend as little as 30 minutes selecting the holiday, and up to 12 hours buying clothes to take. Minx believes that the experience while on holiday has become more important than the destination, especially while budgets are tight and choice of holiday might be more limited – holidaymakers are determined to make the most of wherever they end up. Clothes purchased for a holiday are seen as more of a lasting investment and not something that ends after two weeks. UKinbound is calling for all members and interested parties to sign up to A Fair Tax on Flying’s online petition. The campaign is asking for Air Passenger Duty to be made fairer and attracted 200,000 supporters last year, setting the bar high for this year. Participation takes no more than one minute. To register support, visit: www.afairtaxonflying.
COMPETITION COMMISSION RULES TO BAN EUROTUNNEL FERRIES Eurotunnel will be stopped from operating ferry services at the port of Dover, after the Competition Commission (CC) decided that its acquisition of three ferries and other assets from the former ferry operator, SeaFrance, could mean higher prices for crossChannel passengers and freight customers. In its final report, the CC concluded that by adding ferry services to its existing Channel Tunnel business, Eurotunnel would increase its market share to over half and prices would rise. The CC found that Eurotunnel decided to acquire the SeaFrance ferries in order to prevent ferry operator DFDS/LD from buying
them. Eurotunnel was concerned that if DFDS/LD obtained the assets cheaply, it could drive down prices for customers. The CC also found that one of the three current ferry operators on the Dover–Calais route was likely to exit in the short term, if the CC took no action, in which case Eurotunnel could gain an even larger share of the cross-Channel market. Chairman of the Eurotunnel/ SeaFrance Inquiry Group and CC Deputy Chairman, Alasdair Smith, said: “It cannot be good for competition when Eurotunnel, which already holds a market share of over 40%, moves into the ferry business—particularly when it
Coaches carry on – but it’s a no to Eurotunnel ferries after CC ruling
NESSIE QUARREL LEADS TO RESIGNATION A row has broken out among local tourism officials about how the Loch Ness monster is presented to visitors. George Edwards, who runs Loch Ness Cruises in Drumnadrochit, criticised fellow members of the local Chamber of Commerce for adopting an overly scientific approach. He said visitors come out of the exhibition at the Loch Ness
The Loch Ness monster legend gets the ok from local tourism chiefs Centre disappointed at being told Nessie is “a myth”. Mr Edwards said: “I believe they are doing more harm than
did so to stop a competitor from buying the ferries. Customers would lose out from Eurotunnel increasing its share even further and being able to raise prices on the tunnel services. In view of the current excess capacity on the Dover–Calais route, it also seems likely that one of the current ferry operators will exit in the short term if we don’t take action. Customers will be better off if there are two independent ferry companies competing with the tunnel than if one of the two is owned by Eurotunnel. By preventing Eurotunnel from operating ferry services out of Dover, we can protect the interests of customers.” Eurotunnel provides rail transport services to both passengers and freight customers across the narrowest section of the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel. Until November 2011, SeaFrance provided ferry services to both passengers and freight customers across the same section. Three of the four vessels and other related assets operated by SeaFrance at the time of its liquidation were subsequently bought by Eurotunnel which then launched ferry services between Calais and Dover on 20 August 2012 under the MyFerryLink brand.
good in promoting Loch Ness tourism with their negative theories … At the end of the day there’s no such thing as an expert on Loch Ness, just people with an opinion … They should stop taking themselves so seriously.” His letter, circulated to members of the chamber, drew an angry response from the former chairman and former boss of the Loch Ness Centre, Tony Harmsworth. He accused Mr Edwards of showing his boat customers fake photographs and sending them away “with their
COLIN MCPHERSON/SCOTTISH VIEWPOINT WWW.SCOTTISHVIEWPOINT.COM
BRIEFLY
/ July 2013
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Everything a group travel organiser needs to plan a trip!
Cheddar Gorge lists “dramatic cliffs and spectacular vistas” as one of the reasons to pick it as ‘eighth wonder of the world’
CHEDDAR GORGE BIDS FOR ‘EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD’ TITLE More than 300 sites worldwide, including the Galapagos Islands and Yellowstone National Park, are vying for the title. In a search co-ordinated by Virtual Tourist (www.virtualtourist.com), part of the TripAdvisor brand, everyone is invited to vote for their choice for the title until the end of September.
heads full of garbage.” Mr Harmsworth said: “Today’s tourists are more discerning. They want to understand the culture, legend and natural history of the places they visit. Entertain your passengers by all means, but do you really need to fake pictures and discredit the whole legend in the process?” The chamber ordered Mr Harmsworth to remove his criticisms from the chamber’s website and Mr Harmsworth has also cancelled his business membership of the chamber, after they refused to back him.
Nominations had to be supported by an image and just 200 characters of text, so Cheddar Gorge is described in the following terms: “Britain’s biggest gorge and historically one of the Four Wonders of England, Cheddar Gorge’s dramatic cliffs and spectacular vistas have withstood the test of time and continue to wow visitors today.” Maureen McAllister, Head of Operations and Marketing, said: “We want to mobilise everyone in Cheddar, Somerset, and hopefully England to get behind this bid,
and to vote for Cheddar Gorge. Generations of visitors have come here and marvelled at the gorge and caves for centuries, including Henry of Huntingdon who included Cheddar Hole in his list of the four wonders of England as long ago as the 12th century!” Cheddar Gorge is mounting a lively and proactive social media campaign to generate support for its bid.
DOGS NOW WELCOME AT THE EDEN PROJECT
up promptly. Eden is installing dog waste bins and providing water for canine visitors, and outdoor undercover dining areas where dogs are allowed will also be available. Dogs will not be allowed in the biomes or other indoor areas. Gaynor Coley, Executive Director of the Eden Project, said: “We had some excellent feedback from visitors who brought their dogs to Eden during our pilot weekend so we’re very pleased to be able to offer this full time ... People have been asking us for years if we’d consider letting dogs in.”
Following a successful pilot in May, the Eden Project has decided to allow dogs into its outdoor gardens. Previously, only registered assistance dogs were allowed in, but after popular demand Eden has relaxed the rules. Dogs will be able to enjoy the miles of paths within the former china clay quarry, so long as they are kept on leads and mess is picked
To vote, visit www. virtualtourist.com/8thwonder and scroll down alphabetically to find the button for Cheddar Gorge.
THE GROUP TRAVEL DIRECTORY www. grouptravelworld .com/directory
Find what you’re looking for with the brand new online directory from GroupTravel World magazine. July 2013 /
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WORLD’S LAST DORNIER FINALLY SALVAGED FROM ENGLISH CHANNEL weather difficulties continued, the museum instructed the dive company SeaTech to alter the lifting method, resulting in a very delicate operation of attaching lifting equipment to specific points on the aircraft, identified as the strongest parts of the frame. This succeeded in lifting the Dornier 17 out of the sea whole, before it was transferred to a support barge. Alex Medhurst, General Manager of the Royal Air Museum Cosford, made a moving trip during the process to pay respects and
T: 01902 376200 W: www.ramuseum.org
Above: The German bomber is finally lifted from the sea, after years of planning and preparation. Above right: Alex Medhurst, General Manager of the Royal Air Museum Cosford, paid respects at the grave of the Dornier’s pilot
TRY NEW YORK ‘60S-STYLE Now in its sixth series, the television drama series Mad Men has inspired Cheapflights to create a New York itinerary for visitors to get a taste of ‘60s glamour and style: First stop, Hooti Couture store in Brooklyn, a vintage clothing store, to pick up some ‘60s clothing to look the part. For enjoying a snack, one of the city’s favourite old-time bakeries is William Greenberg Desserts. Famous for its black
lay a wreath at the grave of Cpl Heinz Huhn, the bombardier of the Dornier 17. Peter Dye, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum, said: “It is appropriate to remember those who gave their lives during the summer of 1940. In honouring a fallen German airman, we commemorate all those young men, from across the world, who died in the service of their country. The freedom defended by Britain at great cost in 1940 was built on tolerance, compassion and understanding. In remembering the sacrifice
The style and glamour of series Mad Men is still available in New York City and white cookies, the Madison Avenue bakery is still popular with celebrities and tourists today. Smoking habits have changed since the ‘60s, but Merchants NY Wine and Cigar Bar is one place where it is still possible
to buy vintage cigars and learn about their history, with experts to teach and give advice. With plush furnishings and an enviable selection of wines, Merchants has the elegance of eras gone by. For other options from the series, the Roosevelt Hotel and the Madison Club Lounge are excellent choices. For dinner, the famous Grand Central Oyster Bar and Keens Steak House have both featured in Mad Men. Opened in 1885, Keens is still one of the city’s greatest meat palaces, as famous for its mutton chops as its impressive collection of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia.
EHIC HICCUP UK travellers are always told to get a free European Health Insurance Card. The EHIC entitles holders to free or reduced healthcare in European Economic Area countries. But Spanish hospitals are refusing the card and demanding payment, telling tourists to claim from travel insurance. The European Commission has hundreds of complaints, backed up by official complaints from British insurance companies. The EC is taking action against Spain, possibly resulting in a fine.
© TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM
After months of work and years of planning, the Royal Air Museum has finally succeeded in lifting the world’s last surviving Dornier 17 from the bottom of the English Channel. Earlier in June, on Sunday 2nd, the intensive engineering and archaeological work had come within 40 minutes of success when a sudden increase in winds made the sea too choppy to complete the lift. This represented at least the fourth time the salvage team was forced to return to port due to bad weather. Messages of support from across the globe have been flooding in during recent weeks, along with substantial extra funding from individuals and organisations in Europe and America. With all this encouragement, the Royal Air Museum was determined to see the results of the extensive project to lift the German bomber from the seabed where it has been lying for over seventy years. The complex project has used a number of groundbreaking techniques for underwater recovery and conservation and has had help from experts, including chemists and physicists from Imperial College London. As the
made by the airmen of both sides, we demonstrate our enduring belief in a future based on reconciliation, cooperation and shared values.” The Dornier finally arrived at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on two low loader lorries, welcomed by staff and members of the public who had gathered for their taste of a project which has gripped the imagination of thousands around the world. A crane gently lifted the fuselage and wings and placed them inside purposebuilt hydration tunnels, where the Dornier will undergo the first stage of its conservation. Visitors are already allowed to view the bomber and watch as the project enters its next phase.
/ July 2013
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A great day out celebrating everything to do with wood and forests
NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR OFFERING DISCOUNTED TICKETS
ABTA has just launched the industry’s first ever Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism. The guidelines aim to tackle bad practice and improve animal welfare standards throughout tourism. To produce the guidelines, ABTA worked with the Born Free Foundation and consulted industry experts, ABTA members, scientists and zoologist organisations from around the world. The Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism sets a benchmark for minimum requirements in animal welfare for the tourism and animal attractions industries. The aim is to encourage good standards in animal protection and welfare and ensure customers have positive experiences. ABTA expects them to be of particular use for members offering
For a great August Bank Holiday day out, groups and families are now able to save 20% on gate prices for tickets for the National Forest Wood Fair. Taking place at Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire on 26th August, the day is packed with activities, things to see and stalls for visitors of all ages. Lumberjacks and chainsaw sculptors take centre stage, and wood-related have-a-go crafts will include pole lathe turning, willow weaving and paddling a coracle. Rangers will be on hand to lead activities for children. The opening hours for this year’s show have been
extended, with admission from 9am until 6pm. A free park and ride service will be available from Leicestershire County Council’s County Hall. The National Forest area covers 200 square miles of the counties of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Its objective is to increase woodland cover within its boundaries from an initial 6% to about a third - no multipurpose forest on this scale has been created in the UK for one thousand years. W: www.nationalforest woodfair.co.uk
New ABTA guidelines aim to improve standards for animals in tourism
AN IDEAL GROUP BREAK WITH A DIFFERENCE
A charitable trust, the five day holidays offer an opportunity to help out while enjoying great company, making new friends and savouring excellent food. Launde Abbey’s warden, the Reverend Alison Christian, says: “As a charity we rely heavily on volunteers to help us with the work we do here and the summer months are a particularly busy time of year. For those willing to work hard we are able to offer ensuite accommodation and full board for the week, and all we ask in
return is a small payment to cover the cost of the food.” She continued: “We need help with general maintenance, gardening, fruit picking and preparation for our annual Bank Holiday fund-raising event. Volunteers work from 9.30 until 5.00 each day, obviously with coffee breaks and lunch in between … the rewards are tremendous. Our experience in the past has been that although volunteers come expecting to give, they often return home with more gifts than they had
Has your group ever considered a volunteering trip away? There are few better or happier holidays than those enjoyed with a great group of people while giving something back at the same time. Launde Abbey is just one example of places that offer ‘working holidays’.
animal attractions in countries where requirements for animal welfare are not well documented and developed. Tour operator members including TUI Travel, Thomas Cook, Virgin Holidays and Cosmos have already committed to using the guidelines to assess their supply chains and to ensure the attractions they offer meet minimum requirements. Nikki White, Head of Destinations and Sustainability at ABTA, said: “Animal attractions and experiences are a common part of holidays and are very popular. Yet research and experience demonstrate that consumers want good welfare standards in animal attractions. There are no international animal welfare standards so our members asked for our help in developing guidelines that could help them assess which attractions to work with ... standards can vary hugely from country to country.” Will Travers OBE, CEO of the Born Free Foundation, said: “Concerned members of the public contact us in their thousands, distressed about what they witness while on holiday. Now we have ABTA’s Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism and the weight of the UK travel industry to promote best practice, encourage higher standards in animal care and help phase out some of the worst forms of animal exploitation. I hope they will be adopted internationally.” T: 020 3117 0599 W: abta.com
anticipated: the gift of learning new skills, the peace of working in such a beautiful place and the joy of making new friends.” There are two holidays this summer: 12th – 15th of August, concentrating on the abbey’s gardens, and 19th – 23rd August, with the emphasis on preparations for the annual fund-raising day. They both cost just £95.00 for adults. T: 01572 717254 E: info@launde.org.uk W: www.laundeabbey.org.uk
NATIONAL FOREST COMPANY
WELFARE GUIDELINES FOR ANIMALS IN TOURISM FROM ABTA
/ July 2013
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Cast off and wind down with Blue Funnels Christmas Lunch Cruise • 3 Hours cruising Southampton’s rivers.
• Glass of Sherry on arrival, then enjoy a superb sit down 4 Course Dinner with Coffee & Mince Pies.
For more information: 0203 8022 3278 | www.bluefunnel.co.uk
Availa b throug le hout Novem be Decem r & ber.
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Houses of Parliament tours open up a usually private world to visitors
A DAY ALONG THE THAMES It is already well over a decade since the Houses of Parliament first opened its doors to the public, but that is recent enough for it to still feel like a special privilege, and for me not to have made it there before (to my shame). It’s still exciting to walk past the hordes of gawping tourists outside and head up to the gates, special permit in hand. You are plentifully warned beforehand that airport style security checks are in operation; in practice, they are thankfully over in a flash and much smoother, on this day at least. Visitors assemble in Westminster Hall (which I realised was the one bit I had been in before, when I made a 4am trip with my mother into London to queue and see the Queen Mother lying in aweinspiring state in the medieval hall the day before her funeral). There are an impressive variety of excellent quality leaflets and brochures available, covering a wide range of topics about the history and current purposes of Parliament - all highly readable
TEAM ON TOUR
This month’s ‘Team on Tour’ comes from Caroline Gregory, the Editor of Group Travel World magazine
maintain if every guide spoke at a booming volume. The Houses of Parliament tours are clearly hugely popular; I was there on a weekday, out of peak tourist season, but everywhere we went within the buildings there were dozens of tour groups – some larger ones like ours, some smaller, apparently private or special interest tours. Our visit lasted for about an hour and a quarter; the time flew by and at the end it felt as though we had barely skimmed the surface of things to see and learn about. I
as well as educational. Visitors also get a chance to appreciate their ancient surroundings, as Westminster Hall was built in 1097 and has a magnificent oak-beamed ceiling – the largest medieval timber roof in northern Europe. Our guide was full of knowledge and enthusiasm although rather softly-spoken and difficult to hear at times – but it did occur to me later on that with so many tours happening all at the same time, it would be impossible to
The Houses of Parliament tours are enthralling and highly informative
would definitely go back again, straight away. Rooms and areas visited include the Lords Chamber, Commons Chamber, Central Lobby, and The Queen’s Robing Room. A wonderful collection of art, busts and statues, as well as opulent walls, ceilings and furnishings greet you round every corner, even in the ‘plainer’ Commons side. The Houses of Parliament is an amazing destination for visiting, as it combines history and current affairs in a mix which is highly compelling. Visitors must book in advance and check all details carefully on the website (below). There are some specialised tours available, including one of the contemporary portraiture in Portcullis House. This unique collection of art records leading Parliamentarians in paintings, works on paper and photographs, in a diversity of styles and approaches by leading UK-based artists working over the last 50 years. Other possibilities include combining tours with
/ July 2013
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NORTHBANK R
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‘good food and a great view across the Thames’ - Fay Maschler,The Evening Standard • Friendly Service • Spectacular River Views • Delicious Seasonal British Menu • Eclectic Wine List, Cornish Ales & Ciders • A short walk from The Globe,Tate Modern, St Paul’s
• Groups welcome • Lunch & Dinner up to 100 • Total Venue Hire up to 175 • Summer Parties & Weddings • Christmas & New Year’s Eve Parties
NORTHBANK RESTAURANT & BAR Millennium Bridge, One Paul’s Walk, London EC4V 3QH (vehicular access on High Timber St) Tel: 020 7329 9299 www.northbankrestaurant.com Open Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm
@NorthbankLondon
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afternoon tea and even chances to climb Big Ben. A bright sunny day, we stayed close to the river and headed to the Tower of London to catch a City Cruises boat for a trip along the Thames. City Cruises offer a range of excursions on their modern, bespoke craft, including lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, sightseeing and jazz cruises, and they too were packed out on such a beautiful day. Groups onboard included everyone from families to overseas and UK tourists to corporate groups bringing along clients. A fast and easy boarding and we were off within minutes, moving steadily away from the pier and past HMS Belfast opposite, along the Thames in the direction of Westminster. London is irresistible from the water, with definitely the best views of the capital’s iconic sights, all coming into view thick and fast on either side. The City Cruises boats have sides and fronts made almost entirely from glass, so there is no question of being unable to see everything, in addition to large open-air decks upstairs on all the bigger craft. Commentary is provided and on our afternoon tea cruise, no sooner were we off than smart, friendly waiters came round with tea and coffee, which they refilled endlessly throughout the trip. As we travelled smoothly away from Tower Bridge, we soon passed St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, before reaching the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Seeing all the vastly different styles of these buildings in much quicker succession than usual is exciting, and fortunately the boats turn at Westminster and go back along the Thames, giving everyone a second chance to see and photograph some of London’s main sights. The route goes past the Tower of London and on to Canary Wharf and Greenwich, before turning once more and heading back to the starting point. Different cruises take slightly different routes and City Cruises also runs a ‘hop on, hop off’ service. Our afternoon tea was served in traditional style on a tiered cake stand, with finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries – more than enough to fill both
Top left: Northbank’s light lemon souffle. Top right: A range of excursions are on offer from City Cruises. Above: City Cruises trips take in all the landmarks along the Thames. Below: The plush interior of the Northbank Restaurant
the time and the appetites. Most boats are wheelchair accessible, and facilities include great modern toilets unlike the poky awkward cubicles found on many boats. The cruises combine the very best of sightseeing with great food in comfortable surroundings. That evening, after more sightseeing (on foot, this time) along the edge of the river, Northbank Restaurant welcomed us for dinner. Sitting right on the Thames, with exceptional views of the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Shard, the venue makes the most of its outstanding position, with an outdoor area and furniture inside arranged so that every table gets to enjoy the sight. We
drank delicious mead cocktails, topped off with lemon and thyme, before savouring starters that included a delicate chicken liver and wild mushroom parfait. Opting for two different lamb dishes for main courses, accompaniments to the perfectly cooked tender meat included silky mash with truffles and broad beans with pancetta. The dessert was a perfect, light lemon soufflé served in its own mini copper pan straight from the oven, with raspberry sorbet. As the restaurant is long and thin, making the most of the view, this also creates a private, intimate atmosphere, enhanced by the elegant leather-cushioned booths running along the full length. It may seem like an
unusual point to mention, but I was very taken with the modern toile wallpaper – a style that usually depicts pastoral, romantic scenes, this toile featured contemporary London snapshots, including tramps, the Gherkin and a mugging. It fitted perfectly in a restaurant that combines some traditional elements of British cuisine with modern twists, and has a chic, stylish interior. Head Chef Jason Marchant uses his menu to promote small independent British suppliers, including Lake District Farmers who produce exceptional beef. The menu also includes a distinct Cornish influence, with Cornish mead, skate and yarg all featuring. In keeping with the comfortable atmosphere, the staff are friendly and helpful but unobtrusive, allowing diners to enjoy their meal and the company at their table at their own pace. City Cruises: T: 0207 7400 400 W: www.citycruises.com ■ Northbank Restaurant: T: 0207 3299 299 E: info@northbankrestaurant.com W: www.northbankrestaurant.com ■ Houses of Parliament: T: 0844 847 2498 E: laceyir@parliament.uk W: www.parliament.uk/visiting
/ July 2013
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WHAT’S ON
Trade shows often include great entertainment as well as stands and meetings
Industry Calendar JULY 2013
The 50+ Show London Olympia – July 11-13, 2013 www.50plusshow.com/london
SEPTEMBER 2013
The Telegraph CRUISE Show Manchester Central – September 7-8, 2013 www.cruisingshow.com Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show NEC, Birmingham – September 18-19, 2013 www.leisureshow.com Venues and Events Old Billingsgate, London – September 18-19, 2013 www.venuesandevents.co.uk
OCTOBER 2013
GTOA Northern & Eastern Branch AGM Park Inn, Nottingham – October 18-20, 2013 www.gtoa.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2013
World Travel Market ExCeL London – November 4-7, 2013 www.wtmlondon.com Business Travel Market ExCeL London – November 6-7, 2013 www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk
The 50+ Show SECC Glasgow – November 7-9, 2013 www.50plusshow.com/glasgow The Luxury Travel Fair London Olympia – November 7-10, 2013 www.luxurytravelfair.com
DECEMBER 2013
International Luxury Travel Market Cannes, France – December 2-5, 2013 www.iltm.net The 50+ Show NEC Birmingham – December 6-7, 2013 www.50plusshow.com/birmingham
JANUARY 2014
The France Show Earls Court, London – January 10-12, 2014 www.thefranceshow.com Excursions Alexandra Palace, London – January 26, 2014 www.excursions.org.uk
FEBRUARY 2014
Business Travel Show Earls Court, London – February 4-5, 2014 www.businesstravelshow.com Full industry calendar at www. grouptravelworld.com/calendar
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Times Square, sometimes known as ‘the crossroads of the world’
The City that Never Sleeps Whether you think of it as the capital of the world, the Big Apple or that ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made’, New York has a place in the imagination and hearts of everyone. This is GTW’s guide to the best of the city
HOTELS
LE PARKER MERIDIEN www.parkermeridien.com This exceptional luxurious hotel has a fantastic midtown location, 731 spacious rooms and suites and breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. A real cut above most chain hotels, all areas have been inventively developed to provide guests with something out of the ordinary. The spa is a mysterious maze of corridors and relaxing, darkened rooms with a cocoon-like feel and Moroccan-inspired decoration. The gym is a spacious area packed with dozens and dozens of all the latest equipment and machines, while the basement has a chic hairdressing salon and modern coffee shop. The soaring ceilings and vast mirrors of the lobby create an aweinspiring entrance, and contrast delightfully with the cosy reds, leather seating and wood panels of the ground floor bar. Guests wanting to see even more of the views can travel up to the top floor, where the elegant swimming pool looks out over the vista.
Le Parker Meridien’s elegant ground floor bar, complete with stained glass THE LIBRARY HOTEL www.libraryhotel.com As the name suggests, books feature heavily here. The Library Hotel offers an amazing array of complimentary extras, including newspapers, internet and a ‘Reading Room’ with drinks, cookies and fruit. LANGHAM PLACE, FIFTH AVENUE newyork.langhamplacehotels.com Exceptional luxury in the very heart of the Big Apple, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
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TRUMP SOHO www.trumphotelcollection.com/ soho. World-famous hotel with personalised service, as starry and high-class as it gets. THE GREENWICH HOTEL www.thegreenwichhotel.com For a more intimate atmosphere and experience, Robert de Niro’s hotel in trendy TriBeCa feels serene and a real escape from the frenetic pace outside.
TOURIST PASSES
NEW YORK PASS www.newyorkpass.com Created by locals, this is a card which can save tourists big bucks when used correctly. It gets users entry to more than 80 attractions, so the more you visit, the more you save. CITYPASS www.citypass.com/new-york A booklet of tickets that saves 42% on admission to six key New York City attractions. NEW YORK EXPLORER PASS www.smartdestinations.com This saves up to 45% off combined gate prices and has flexibility, so users can choose the sights they most want to visit.
BRUNCH
SAXON + PAROLE saxonandparole.com A completely charming, stylish venue with homemade pastries and bread, and a fantastic brunch menu including their ‘Big BLAT’: bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato, toasted 7-grain bread, smoked paprika mayo with a fried egg. A tempting DIY Bloody
Mary bar allows customers to mix bespoke tipples according to preferences. NORMA’S www.parkermeridien.com/ normas.php. On the ground floor of Le Parker Meridien hotel, this is something akin to a luxury diner. Vast servings of delights such as ‘Chocolate Decadence French Toast’ with strawberries, pistachios and Valrhona chocolate sauce are complemented by constant refills of freshly squeezed orange juice and shots of the ‘smoothie of the day’. GASTRONOMIE 491 gastronomie491.com Hidden away at the back of a wonderful delicatessen selling rare foodie treats from around the world, the café at Gastronomie 491 serves a perfect brunch menu, accompanied by excellent coffee and lovely, friendly service.
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT goodenoughtoeat.com In contrast to New York’s many huge, modern restaurants, Good Enough to Eat is a charming neighbourhood café with a country-style interior. Buzzing with locals, GETE offers an extensive menu of typical American brunch favourites, all perfectly cooked and presented.
SIGHTSEEING TRIPS
CIRCLE LINE 42 www.circleline42.com Various harbour cruises showing off New York from a different angle. Options include the ‘Liberty Cruise’, visiting the Statue of Liberty. And one to avoid… CITYSIGHTS These open-top bus tours have guides full of character and city knowledge, so it is a real shame to see the extent to which they are let down by their employer. This claims to be a ‘hop on, hop
GRAY LINE BUS TOURS www.newyorksight seeing. com. An open-top double decker service, Gray Line never responded to our enquiries, so we were unable to find out anything more. TripAdvisor reviews suggest that they may be marginally better than CitySights. It is clear that there is a huge opening in NYC for a professional hop on, hop off sightseeing bus, such as most capital cities in the world manage without much trouble.
THINGS TO DO There are just too many to mention … but make sure you don’t miss these: HIGH LINE www.thehighline.org A less well-known treasure, the High Line is built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets. An oasis of plants and flowers, this mile long walkway heads right through the city and
DANIEL KRIEGER
Top left: New York Explorer Pass. Top right: CityPass. Above left: Saxon + Parole offers a delicious brunch with a DIY Bloody Mary bar. Above right: Gastronomie 491’s brunch pancakes, always served with friendliness. Below: Bus tours
off’ service, but good luck if you attempt to use it as such. The stops are so poorly signed, and the leaflets (if you were lucky enough to get one, as the buses rarely have any left) so poor at explaining where the stops are, that you will spend frustrating wasted hours wandering round the back streets of Harlem, for example, attempting to find the stop. If you actually manage to find a stop, the chances that buses are running on that loop at that particular hour are slim, since certain areas are only covered at certain times. If you are exceptionally lucky and a bus comes along, there is a high probability that it will be full and will simply speed past leaving you stranded. The one item you’ll be clinging to in the hope of it saving you is their precious leaflet, if you’ve managed to source one; unfortunately, schoolchildren would be able to design it better, since large chunks of information are missing, the same bus loop is called different things in different places, and they have been unable even to properly colour code each bus loop and then use a corresponding colour on the map.
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among the buildings but has an air of peaceful countryside. GOING TO THE TOP OF THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER www.topoftherocknyc.com New York’s best views, bar none. CENTRAL PARK www.centralparknyc.org You could spend an entire holiday exploring this gem without getting bored. Avoid the horse-drawn carriages and explore on foot. BASEBALL newyork.yankees.mlb.com For an authentic New York experience, rub shoulders with locals at a New York Yankees baseball game in the Yankee Stadium. The fans around you are usually delighted to give you a crash course in what is happening on the field.
Top: The moving 9/11 memorial at what used to be called Ground Zero. Above: Central Park has an astonishing perimeter of six miles and is beautiful in every season. Below: DANIEL, a restaurant with three Michelin stars and Macy’s, at the very least. Pop by Tiffany’s too, even if only to peer through the windows…
RESTAURANTS
DANIEL danielnyc.com Chef Daniel Boulud’s renowned restaurant has no less than three Michelin stars and almost universal praise and admiration in the industry. The dining room is elegant and classy, the service gracious and refined, and the food as good as it gets.
GRAND CENTRAL STATION www.grandcentralterminal.com Famous from iconic films, this remains an awe-inspiring space with a stunning galaxy ceiling and old-fashioned charm. WORLD TRADE CENTER / 9/11 MEMORIAL www.911memorial.org Don’t miss seeing how New York is recovering from 9/11. The twin reflecting pools, sitting on the footprint of where each tower stood, are each nearly an acre in size. The names of everyone who died are inscribed on the bronze panels round the side.
ARTISANAL www.artisanalbistro.com Reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, Artisanal showcases the creativity and passion of ChefProprietor Terrance Brennan, who adds modern and inventive twists to classic French bistro food. A cheese cave at the back of the dining room houses some of the world’s finest artisanallymade cheeses, where they are aged to optimum ripeness and peak flavour.
BROADWAY www.broadway.com America’s answer to London’s West End, a Broadway show is an essential New York experience. SHOPPING www.nycgo.com/shopping You can’t leave New York without a trip to Bloomingdale’s
Circle Line cruises are the best way to see the Statue of Liberty up close
THE LEOPARD AT DES ARTISTES theleopardnyc.com Southern Italian cuisine in a dining room with renovated historical murals and huge paintings on every wall.
MARLEY WHITE
TIMES SQUARE www.timessquarenyc.org The brash, colourful, manic centre of world capitalism is every bit as overwhelming, frantic and amazing as expected. Stand on the steps in the centre, and you really do feel as though you’re at the centre of the universe.
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MUSEUMS
the drinks, discarding freshly mixed cocktails unless they are absolutely spot on. The glorious cocktail menu features their own distilled spirits, specially selected favourites from around the world and intriguing bitters. Do not leave New York without heading here and trying ‘Up in Smoke’: Mezcal, lime, Velvet Falernum, Parfait Amour, Doc’s Cider Reduction, Bittermen’s Mole Bitters, and Prosecco.
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART www.metmuseum.org Founded in 1866, you could quite easily explore the collections here for weeks without seeing everything. MUSEUM OF MODERN ART www.moma.org Perhaps the most influential museum of modern art in the world, MoMA has an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art in many different formats. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM www.guggenheim.org As famous for the Frank Lloyd Wright designed building as for the contents, this architectural icon is a cultural and educational centre as well as an art museum.
VERLAINE www.verlainenyc.com The soaring ceilings and huge walls here are regularly used for various art displays and projections. Customers can enjoy Southeast Asia tapas alongside the cocktails, which include a highly-rated Hanoi Lychee Martini.
LOWER EAST SIDE TENEMENT MUSEUM www.tenement.org An intimate and fascinating exploration of the stories of the immigrants who came from all over the world and ended up comprising the population of New York City.
BOOKER AND DAX momofuku.com/new-york/ booker-and-dax Available for private parties as well, this bar offers cocktail classes for those who want to learn the secrets behind their delicious drinks.
COCKTAILS
NEW YORK DISTILLING COMPANY: THE SHANTY nydistilling.com Tucked away in a little street in Brooklyn, with just a small interior and bar, the fact that The Shanty is packed out with customers night after night is testament to the truly exceptional quality of the drinks. With a glass viewing window overlooking the stills and pipes of the distillery itself, the team here prides itself on caring deeply about the quality of
Top: The unmistakable Guggenheim Museum. Above: The High Line, greenery in among urbanisation. Below left: Bloomingdale’s. Below right: The Shanty at the New York Distilling Company - perhaps the best cocktails in the world
A New York Yankees baseball game for some all-American entertainment
MILK AND HONEY www.mlkhny.com/newyork With hand-hewn ice cubes and a host of ‘World’s Best Bar’ awards, Milk and Honey has a branch in London as well if you want to try it out closer to home. JACQUES 1534 www.jrgnyc.com The buzzing and busy lounge downstairs has an inventive cocktail menu which is split into world regions and features a fine selection of spirits from around the globe.
Grand Central Station with the Art Deco Chrysler Building in the background
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22 / CONFERENCE REPORT
Peter Marshall from Mail Newspapers presented the findings of a coach tourism survey to the AGM
CTC AGM AND MAIL NEWSPAPERS COACH TOURISM SURVEY he CTC AGM this year was kindly hosted by Carlson Rezidor at the excellent Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport. Newly opened in late 2011, the hotel is ideally located just minutes from the M1 and is comfortable and contemporary, with 218 bedrooms, a fitness centre and lots of parking. It is well equipped to deal with conferences and business gatherings, with no less than nine meeting rooms and areas for socialising. CTC members gathered on a sunny Sunday afternoon to check in and meet up with friends and associates. A drinks reception and great dinner provided an opportunity to catch up and network. Monday morning began with the official AGM. Chairman Sean Taggart was the first to report, detailing a healthy financial position, membership numbers and affiliations with trade associations. Initiatives
in the past twelve months have included the production of the first coach touring video and the launch of a new logo under the banner ‘Join the coach party’. The CTC – now the trading name of the Coach Tourism Association Limited – continues to have strong working relationships with VisitEngland and Tourism Ireland. In the coming year the industry will have to face up to the ongoing challenge of a poor economy, but he said members should hold their nerve and keep moving forward: “It’s simply about outperforming the market and taking advantage of opportunities,” he said. “Over the next 30 years, the demographic which provides our customers will grow and be fought over.”
CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT Chris Wales told members the organisation has had a busy year with 17 events including the annual Coach Holiday Conference which had been the best yet, as well as a variety of
fam trips. Coach tourism faced challenging times which meant having to work extra hard to retain members while also attracting new ones. He praised the chairman for his time and commitment and also thanked board directors, who give their time to travel to board meetings, often from great distances and at their own expense. He gave a special vote of thanks to the CTC’s six partners who have helped provide the CTC with a stronger financial platform. He was especially grateful to Stena Line, Best of Britain & Ireland/Expo Management, Wightlink Ferries, Towergate Chapman Stevens and Encore Tickets as well as Condor Ferries, who had become a new partner in 2013.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PR Paul Ovington reported on the increased coverage and exposure for coach tourism in national newspapers and magazines, as well as the regional press, which
has continued to grow over the past 12 months as more and more journalists came to appreciate the coach product. Organised press trips are still the best way to get extensive coverage for coach touring and in 2012 these had covered the WW1 battlefields in Flanders, the west coast and islands of Scotland and Bath Christmas Market and Somerset. For the first time, a radio journalist had come on the trip to Scotland to broadcast on more than 30 regional radio stations.
MAIL NEWSPAPERS SURVEY Peter Marshall of Mail Newspapers then presented the results of an exclusive coachrelated survey for the CTC of their readers, which provides a comprehensive picture of what people want when choosing whether to book a coach tour. The key reasons given for taking a coach tour: ■ Everything being organised for you ■ Value for money ■ Stress-free travel Other important factors: ■ Comfort ■ Good leg room ■ Modern facilities on board ■ Local pick-ups ■ Flexible itinerary
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From a survey of 1,500 people, 1 in 4 had been on a coach holiday in the last 12 months, and 50% of respondents said they would recommend going on a day trip or coach holiday to friends. The aspects of a coach holiday that people most like: ■ 60% = the fact that everything is organised ■ 57% = value for money ■ 54% = stress-free ■ 50% = the touring aspect and visiting multiple attractions Of those who did not want to go on a coach: ■ 29% preferred other forms of transport ■ 29% found them too restrictive ■ 20% found them uncomfortable ■ 19% said they are “not for people like me” Of those who take coach holidays, average spend: ■ Coach holiday = £312 ■ Escorted tour = £613 33% spent less than £250 on a coach tour and 38% spent between £251 and £500. Booking preferences: ■ 60% prefer to book online ■ 23% use a travel agent ■ Only 4% send in their bookings by post If you would like to see the full PowerPoint presentation, send your request to Paul Ovington via admin@coachtourismcouncil. co.uk
The sunny lobby of the modern Radisson Blu Hotel at East Midlands Airport. The hotel kindly hosted the CTC AGM
E-COMMERCE DEBATE The next session looked at the issue of e-commerce and the coach trade. A panel of industry experts discussed the opportunities and difficulties represented by new technology and the need to engage online in order to maintain and build customer bases. Internet use is exploding, especially among older people, who still represent the key market for coach tours. It is therefore essential for operators to keep pace with new developments and to offer customers the ability to book online.
COMMUNICATION IS VITAL Peter Marshall said that information about all the positive factors of coach tours, as listed here, is not reaching potential customers and that a large majority of the public is unaware of the quality of the coach product. He told members that operators are already doing the things that customers want but they are failing to get the message across to would-be passengers. “Your industry needs to communicate better,” he said. Mr Marshall pointed out that the potential to attract new customers to coach touring is huge. 16% of Mail readers – the equivalent of 1.3 million people had never been on a coach tour but would consider doing so.
John Roe of Roeville Computer Systems opened the discussion by quoting from figures produced by the Office for National Statistics, which indicate that 90% of 45 to 64-year-olds use the internet and 70% of those aged 65 to 74. General computer use is also growing faster than ever in these age groups. Distinctive Systems’ Mike Whitehead went on to explain that coach tour management systems are not just for large tour companies – he pointed out that Distinctive’s smallest client carries just 2,000 people yet is the most successful in terms of online bookings, with more than 85% of sales coming via the internet. Operator websites must also function as a brochure, said Adam Handy of Door2Tour, showing customers the information most likely to attract them to book. For John Flin of coachholidays.com, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is one of the most important considerations when building a web presence. 85% of all searches are made via Google, but if companies are not visible on the first page of Google, they are likely to lose business to rivals. From the operator perspective, Daniel Coughlan of Crusader Holidays (now part of Motts
Travel) told members that while understanding SEO could be difficult, they should not be frightened of it. Google’s stated aim is to give customers what they want and as such if the content of a website is right, Google will do the rest. Regular updates are key to SEO, so content must be refreshed all the time. Website content needs to engage customers, so even if they choose not to book online, they will be encouraged to call to book. Bakers Dolphin’s Amanda Harrington said their website has become increasingly important, with 68% of customers searching it. She urged operators to monitor website traffic, as seeing when most customers go online is useful information. She also pointed out that many customers use the website for research, but eventually call to actually book. Towergate Financial gave a final presentation on new pension schemes and what they mean for employers and employees in the industry. Members departed for home following a light lunch. Please see page 50 for further CTC news, coverage of the AGM and details of the summer BBQ
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With live music, sword fighting and acrobatics by your table, The Medieval Banquet is a wonderful place to spend both a lunch stop and an evening in London. The food and entertainment really hits the spot and is an all-round great time out.
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26 / JINGLE BELLS
Group Travel World gets into the Christmas spirit and takes a look at some festive offers and events
Anticipating Advent Summer may finally be putting in an appearance outside, but here at GTW we know that GTOs and tour operators plan ahead. So put your ice-cream aside for one moment and take a look at some excellent options for guiding your group to Christmas goose and garlands
FESTIVE FARE Groups looking to enjoy a Christmas feast together will have an unforgettable time at The Medieval Banquet, located at the historic St Katharine Docks which trace their roots back to the 10th century and King Edgar. The banquet hall itself is in the incredible vaulted cellars of Ivory House, where original architecture, colours and lights transport guests back in time to a Christmas straight out of a book of fantasy. Inside, they can join King Henry VIII as a royal guest, shout for their wenches, Wassail with knights and bang the table in appreciation. The show has been designed to pull on the guests’ emotions and encourage groups to have a great time together, improving group connections and making them feel like special guests. With live music, sword fighting and acrobatics right by the tables, The Medieval Banquet concentrates on the experience as well as the food, and everyone can join in the show. Food is cooked freshly in-house and the five course Christmas menus are memorable and satisfying. The Medieval
Banquet offers planning support to GTOs and ensures the evening is delivered exactly as groups desire. Centrally located alongside the River Thames, it is just a short walk from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Groups can arrive by bus or even sail in style and land at their very own port. GTOs should call 020 7480 5353 or visit www. medievalbanquet.com. The Medieval Banquet is offering pairs of tickets to organisers that want to experience one of their nights before booking for the group. Simply get in touch on the above number quoting ’Group Travel World’. Christmas at the Rainforest Café in London is a magical time. There is something for groups of all ages to enjoy, from a three course festive lunch or dinner to the enchanting Santa’s Grotto. All are available starting in November 2013 and running throughout December, with trade rates available. Located in the heart of the West End, Rainforest
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Café brings to life the Amazon rainforest through a combination of jungle theme, indoor waterfalls, tropical fish tanks and a famous cast of lifelike animatronics and thunder storm sound effects. They are offering a special festive menu for the Christmas season, with an additional evening Christmas disco from 9pm onwards on certain dates, playing the best in Christmas, club and dance floor classics. The Rainforest Café can seat 355 guests in the restaurant and they also have private and semiprivate spaces to hire. Due to great feedback from customers, Rainforest Cafe is also bringing its amazing grotto experience back for a fourth year; among all the trees, animals and foliage hides a doorway to a magical Christmas grotto. Younger customers are mesmerized by the experience of meeting Santa. This year’s grotto experience runs from the 23rd November, and the grotto package includes a personalised invitation, a welcome from the elves, meeting Santa in his magical grotto, a lovely present and a two course meal in the restaurant. Parents are asked to fill out a questionnaire about their little ones so that Santa is able to find out about his young visitors and give an experience that children love at Christmas, ‘remembering’ facts about them for that authentic Santa experience. Rainforest Café is offering a 15% discount to those who book in advance. Anyone interested should contact the Head Elf on fatherchristmas@therainforestcafe. co.uk or call 020 7297 5110.
JOLLY JOURNEYS One of the UK’s most popular ‘Santa Specials’ takes place at the East Lancashire Railway. Located in the heart of Bury and easily accessible from the M60 and M66, a visit here is a perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Twinkling lights all over the station and a walkthrough grotto created with over 200 Christmas trees are just the start. The atmosphere is filled with seasonal spirit as visitors are entertained with live brass bands, traditional carol singing and costumed characters. Once
Above: The Santa Special offers enchanting steam journeys through stunning Lancastrian countryside. Below: Bateaux London is hosting a number of shared parties onboard ‘Harmony’ as part of its range of festive cruises and experiences from the railway. As part of the Santa Special incentives available for groups, free admission to Bury Transport Museum is also available.
ready to board, the beautifully decorated carriages welcome passengers for a ride back in time that is bound to capture imaginations and bring back childhood memories. The Santa Special runs through lovely Lancastrian countryside on a one hour and twenty minute steam journey from Bury to Rawtenstall and back again. Santa and his helpers will be making their way through each carriage to hand out mince pies, festive drinks for the adults, and to join in the carol singing. A perfect Christmas outing for GTOs and their groups, East Lancashire is offering a range of tempting incentives and offers, including 10% ticket discount for groups of 20 people or more.
There are generous discounts for trains in November and early December and a refreshment voucher is on offer for coach drivers and organisers who bring a group of 20 or more. Groups will get free mince pies and sherry and there are convenient coach drop-off points outside Bury station and coach parking close by. GTOs or anyone interested should call 0161 764 7790 or visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk. For other options to make the visit into a full day out, Manchester city centre is just a 30 minute drive away and the famous Bury Market is located within a short walking distance
For groups who would prefer to take to the water than the tracks, Bateaux London festive cruises are a lovely way to celebrate in style. These trips include freshly-prepared festive fare, live entertainment and unparalleled views from the river Thames, and are a unique way to celebrate the festive season with friends, family or colleagues. In addition to their regular dining cruise experiences, Bateaux London is hosting a number of shared parties onboard ‘Harmony’ where groups can relax and enjoy most memorable end-of-year celebrations. The festive season and New Year’s Eve in London is guaranteed to be something special and with a range of packages to suit all types of group, now is the perfect time to book seats. A Christmas lunch cruise includes a two and a half hour cruise along Thames taking in some spectacular sights, with a three course set festive menu including half a bottle of wine, mineral water and tea or coffee. Night
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owls will enjoy the Christmas dinner cruise, an opportunity to see London all lit up. This comprises a three hour cruise, including selected wines, spirits and soft drinks throughout. All the cruises feature a live band playing Christmas classics.
which is conveniently located just off the M1. The other stores are located in Grantham, Newcastle and Walsall and are all easily accessible from major road networks. All stores feature a B.B.’s Coffee Shop, which provides a great selection of freshly prepared savouries and sweets, and can comfortably accommodate groups. All group visits can be adapted and tailor-made to accommodate requirements, and this extends to the inclusive tours that Boundary Mill Stores offer.
Call 020 7695 1809 or visit www.bateauxlondon.com.
SEASONAL SHOPPING Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season for many people and the beautiful cathedral city of Exeter is hosting its second Christmas market from 21 November 2013. For 29 days, Exeter’s picturesque Cathedral Green in the very heart of the city will be transformed into a Christmas shopper’s haven, comprising up to 70 festive wooden chalets selling everything needed for a perfect Christmas celebration. The Exeter Christmas Market offers shoppers a huge array of quality products and unique gift ideas from the south west and international traders, giving visitors a global shopping experience. From fantastic local food and drink, decorations and handmade crafts, to traditional toys, clothes and bespoke jewellery, alongside traditional continental festive fare, all stall-holders are hand-picked for their interesting, high quality and unusual products, many of which can’t be bought on the high street. The atmosphere, the smells, the products and the friendly traders all help to create a Christmas shopping treat. The opening of the market will take place on the evening of 21 November with a beautiful light parade led by the Cathedral Choristers. The parade will culminate at Exeter Cathedral, heralding the opening of the market and the switching on of Exeter’s Christmas lights. Two of Exeter’s most important visitor attractions, Exeter Cathedral and Exeter’s Underground Passages will be offering special admission rates for groups of ten or more throughout the duration of the Christmas Market. Tickets will need to be pre-booked in advance; please call Exeter Cathedral on 01392 285983 or Exeter’s Underground Passages on 01392 665887.
Contact details can be found on the website www. boundarymill.co.uk.
MERRY MUSEUMS
Exeter’s picturesque Cathedral Green plays host to the Exeter Christmas Market, which comprises festive wooden chalets selling seasonal products For information on the market, please visit www. ExeterChristmasMarket.co.uk. Coaches can drop off passengers at Exeter Bus and Coach Station in nearby South Street and on the Historic Quayside. Coach parking is available at Exeter Bus and Coach Station and Haven Banks Coach Park on the Historic Quayside. Another option for Christmas shopping is a visit to Boundary Mill Stores, the UK’s largest quality mill store, where they welcome groups with open arms. They offer famous name fashion and home brands at up to 75% off the recommended retail price. Whether groups are regular visitors or new to Boundary Mill Stores, they will find some great quality, affordable Christmas gifts. Boundary Mill Stores have a fantastic selection of events and offers for groups throughout the remainder of 2013, culminating
in late night Christmas shopping from the end of November and through December, after which stores commence their Boxing Day and January sales. All stores have a Coach Coordinator and offer a ‘meet and greet’ service on arrival. The Coach Co-ordinator is on hand to provide information regarding the facilities in-store and to ensure that visits runs smoothly. They will also direct groups and coaches to the free parking available at all stores. GTOs should contact the Coach Coordinator at the relevant store prior to visiting. As an incentive, if GTOs arrange for a group to visit for a minimum of two hours with over 20 passengers, Boundary Mill Stores will offer the driver £10 in cash and the Group Organiser a £10 Boundary Mill Stores gift voucher. The Boundary Mill flagship store is situated at the end of the M65 at Colne. They opened their fifth store in Sheffield last year,
Not your standard museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in London is an intriguing option for a festive visit. The attraction is home to over 700 awe-inspiring, amazing and fun exhibits including the Peel 50, which is one of the world’s smallest road-legal cars, the impressive jaw of a pre-historic Megaladon shark and the world’s largest collection of Olympic torches, including one signed by gold-medal-winning Olympian Laura Trott. Visitors young and old can marvel at the scale models of the Titanic and Tower Bridge made out of matchsticks, a real piece of the Berlin Wall and Queen Victoria’s appointment letter. Children will have fun measuring up to Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, who stood at a staggering 2.7 metres, and see how many of the group it takes to equal the weight of the world’s heaviest man who tipped the scales at 485kg. For fun problem-solving exercises, groups can navigate around the Mirror Maze and beat the clock in London’s largest LaseRace. Ripley’s really brings history to life by providing the opportunity to come face-to-face with a 4,000-yearold real mummified hand and a collection of authentic Ecuadorian shrunken heads. Visitors can also get up close to real fossilised dinosaur eggs and wonders from across the globe include a replica Chinese pagoda carved from solid jade and a Rajasthani headdress from India.
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Inspirational Group Breaks and Holidays diary dates
Must-attend travel trade shows for 2013 p26
a warm welcome
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What to see and do in the South West county p40
December 2012 / £3.95
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Inspirational Group Breaks and Holidays London Favourites
The capital’s ever-popular group attractions p22
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CoaCh oF the Future Modern innovations for coach operators p48
Inspirational Group Breaks and Holidays GB’S TOP ATTRACTIONS
The best things to see and do in Great Britain p18
Take a New Look aT The CapiTaL
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Featuring leading UK shopping attractions p36
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Why overseas groups are flocking to Great Britain p14
Fun For All!
Events and attractions for all the family p18
A family day out at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
‘The View from The Shard’ opens to groups on February 1, 2013
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This festive season, Ripley’s will be hosting additional seasonal entertainment inside the attraction, building on the popularity of last year’s MiniSanta, real life reindeers and a giant snow globe. What’s more, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London is offering very special festive lunch and dinner packages for groups of 10+ with local restaurants such as Café Rouge, Strada, Bella Italia and Planet Hollywood. GTOs will receive free entry plus a free hot drink voucher for Ripley’s Remarkable Café. For full details of all this festive fun and entertainment and for group rates, please visit www.ripleyslondon.com/groups or call 0207 494 6818. Cadbury World in Birmingham is another museum that is definitely in a different league to the museum norm. Chocolate undoubtedly forms a significant part of Christmas celebrations for most people, so a festive visit here is ideal for groups to get in the mood. No matter what the type or age range of the group, everyone will love experiencing the wonder of Cadbury World’s 14 amazing zones, uncovering a world of chocolate delights and learning about the history of the Cadbury brand. Cadbury World hosts seasonal activities throughout the year including its popular Christmas Celebration Weekends. Starting on 23rd November 2013 and taking place every weekend in the run up to the big day, visitors to the attraction will be invited to celebrate the Christmas season with a programme of fabulous festivities. Jolly children’s entertainers will be on hand to keep younger ones in the Christmas spirit and a special yuletide menu full of tasty treats will be available at the Cadbury Café. Handmade Christmas chocolate treats created by Cadbury World’s on-site chocolatiers will be available to buy in the world’s biggest Cadbury shop. Cadbury World will also be putting on a special pantomime production of Jack and the Cocoa Beanstalk, complete with
Cadbury World hosts a magical themed Christmas grotto from November 23 music, original script and plenty of laughs. Elsewhere in the attraction, Santa Claus will be handing out free gifts to children visiting his magical themed Christmas grotto. In addition to all these seasonal activities, groups can explore the attraction’s 14 amazing zones where they are able to write their name in liquid chocolate and explore chocolate’s ancient Aztec origins. They have the chance to walk through a full scale replica of Bull Street where John Cadbury opened his first shop in 1824 before finding out how the Cadbury business began. Visitors can play with virtual chocolate balls in the Purple Planet zone and climb on board the magical Cadabra ride for a gentle journey through a chocolate wonderland. GTOs should visit www. cadburyworld.co.uk or call 0844 880 7667 for information about group rates, details and incentives, including special discounted entry rates for groups of 15 people or more. There is free coach parking, free admission and a complimentary meal for the driver, and groups of 20 or more will get free admission for the group organiser.
GOODWILL GATHERINGS
Tatton Park’s mansion will be welcoming groups for a celebration of a ‘White Christmas’ this year, with glittering decorations reminiscent of Alpine scenes enjoyed by the mansion’s
Egerton family in their 19th century travels. Snowy landscapes will be reflected in the decorative themes of the staterooms which will be dressed with fresh flowers and foliage from Tatton’s estate, and there will be classical music to entertain visitors as they stroll through. In the servants’ quarters, festive decoration demonstrations will offer ideas to take home while the kitchen maids will be busy preparing festive delicacies. The stables and gardener’s cottage offer a variety of dishes using local and estate produce and there will be festive lunch and afternoon tea menus available. Tatton’s speciality shops offer ideas for the most discerning group members and there is a Gift Fair running from 29th November to 1st December which is free to enter. Group visits must be pre-booked; please call 01625 374416 or email Tatton@ cheshireeast.gov.uk. Greatdays, the Cheshire based tour operator has just added a further 1,000 places for this year’s ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ Christmas party event in Chester. Sales had already topped 3,000 for this annual music and lunch show, and most dates over the four week Christmas period were already sold out. The event will now be moving to a larger venue in Chester which will allow bookings for 250 guests per day.
The South East 2013 Christmas event in Colchester sold out in April, and Greatdays are now looking to book a larger venue in the London region with more dates for next year’s event. This level of popularity is thanks to the great time that groups have at the event year after year. A decorated venue, Christmas market stalls, a warm mince pie and coffee welcome gets the party off to a fantastic festive start. The talented entertainer will be regaling the room with timeless classic songs from film and stage, with singing along definitely encouraged! A ‘Mini Bloomingdales’ Christmas market will offer a great selection of Christmas presents, stocking fillers and festive items. GTOs should contact Jennie Reynolds on 0161 928 2001 or visit the website www.greatdays. co.uk. For groups who love music, John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration on Thursday 12th December 2013 at the Royal Albert Hall will be a magical event to remember. The maestro of Christmas music, Rutter’s choral works are well-known throughout the world and mark the festive season for many people. Groups of just ten people or more can save money off tickets by booking in advance, receive a free pair of tickets and free programmes, and no payment is needed until eight weeks before the concert. GTOs with interested groups should visit www.rpo.co.uk/ groups, call 020 7608 8840 or email groups@rpo.co.uk. No matter where you decide to take your group this Christmas, there are so many options for groups that you will be guaranteed to have a great time together. For many places, Christmas is the busiest season of the year and bookings fill up very early, so if you haven’t done it already, now is the time to make those seasonal plans. If you have any festive recommendations you’d like to make to other GTOs, do get in touch with GTW. And may I be the very VERY first to wish you a Merry Christmas!
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The Castle of Mey, bought by the Queen Mother in 1952
A distinguished friend of mine once described Stokesay Castle, in deepest Shropshire, as ‘the Tutankhamun’s tomb of English architecture’. If you were to broaden the scope to the British Isles, I would submit that the title should go to Orkney, that wonderful collection of some seventy islands separated from the mainland of Britain by six miles of turbulent and troubled waters, the Pentland Firth. So it was no surprise when my group, Men of the Stones, based between the East Midlands and East Anglia, leapt at a suggestion idly dropped into one of our meetings that we should take a week and travel to Orkney. The train buffs put up a strong case for travel by rail, others wanted to fly, but in the event the entire group of 30 went by coach with our usual provider, A C Williams Coaches from Ancaster,
Michael Tebbutt has been organising group trips with Men of the Stones for 20 years, to places of historical and architectural significance Lincolnshire. We were so pleased we did. Inverness, the Loch Ness monster’s urban address (though never knowingly sighted there) is, frankly, not all that compelling, but our hotel
overlooked the River Ness and Inverness Castle and the food was tasty and plentiful, so no real complaints. The following day we travelled north up the east coastal route, with the great expanse of the Flow Country, one of the largest peat bogs in the world, to our left. A stop at Helmsdale included the town’s museum where, among some pretty heartstopping exhibits, we noted the jaws of sheep with gold-plated teeth, leading to comments about NHS excesses north of the border. It was then realised that gold had been mined in the nearby hills and streams, and 19th century sheep taking a drink from the burn benefited from the pannings. We travelled next to the Castle of Mey, bought by the Queen Mother in 1952, said by some to provide herself with a refuge after the death of her husband, George VI. Lovingly conserved, more recently with input from
Prince Charles, the castle is now open to the public, has a visitor centre which should be compulsory viewing for other stately home owners treading the same path, and is gorgeous in its simplicity and location of wide seascapes. Stories of the Queen Mother from those who knew and cared for her were told with affection and clarity, none of the nasty innuendo that sometimes accompanies tales about ‘the owners’. Without doubt a highlight of the week; only the thoughts of what lay beyond, as well as the ferry times, finally dragged us away. Passing the high cliffs off Hoy we edged round a corner of the Sound in the late evening to the Kirkwall Hotel, in a commanding position at the top of the harbour. We were looked after well here. When a massive cruise ship of Mediterranean origins put in for a day, we were able to sit in our room with our evening drams
WWW.VISITORKNEY.COM, VISITSCOTLAND/SCOTTISH VIEWPOINT
VOICE OF A GTO... MICHAEL TEBBUTT
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and watch the passengers all queuing for the boats to return on board, with hardly a smile among them, poor souls. This despite the local shops reducing the price of a bottle of the fine local malt to ÂŁ20 for the day! Orkney is a strange but attractive mix of farming, military bits and pieces, low islands, stunning atmospheres and above all, and what we had really come to see, the outstanding archaeological remains, a very living presence dating from the Neolithic, via the Bronze Age to the Vikings and onwards. These days it is hard to believe that until 1956 it was a major naval base, but every so often poignant reminders raised memories. One of these was the exquisite Italian Chapel, made from two joined Nissen huts on Lamb Holm by the Italian POW labour force. Said to be the most visited attraction in the islands now, it still retains utter tranquillity and was gifted to the people of Orkney in 1960 by the Italian who had masterminded its construction. Another was Skara Brae, 5,000
Top: Kirkwall Above: Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic settlement
Britain’s most northerly working whisky distillery, Highland Park
years old, covered for much of the time by erosion and so in remarkable condition. Between the settlements of Rackwick and Quoys on the island of Hoy, in a glacial valley more akin to the Highlands, stands the Dwarfie Stane, a truly massive chunk of rock, a Neolithic chambered tomb cut into its bulk, said to be 3,000 years old. Looking down from its smooth top to our coach on the valley floor made an impressive comparison. A call upon Britain’s most northerly working whisky distillery, Highland Park, summoned up a male intern, who gave initial signs of having been the last person to duck below the parapet when the call for guides came, but turned out to be superb in his knowledge and wit as he took us round this very sacred home to the production of the nectar. A Martello tower on the island of South Walls gave well-preserved evidence of earlier bellicose activities. As we criss-crossed the islands on ferries and narrow connecting links, we came to realise how much history surrounded us, both early and more recent. So much to see, so little time. We kept the best for our final day, returning from further travels to a final supper in a restaurant on the outskirts of Kirkwall, a time for jollity, reflection, recall, and good honest cheer. Phase Two was to reboard the coach and head for the Ring of Brodgar, a great assembly of standing stones that makes Stonehenge look rather compact. Originally comprising 60 stones it now comprises only 27, but the location not far from the Loch of Harray and the surrounding archaeology makes it outstanding. It was a gloomy and windswept night, with lots of atmosphere as the stones loomed above us, and made an ideal point of detachment as we headed for the terminal to catch the Aberdeen ferry back to the mainland. We enjoyed a comfortable journey before breakfast on board and disembarkation for the long journey back to Lincolnshire. We had travelled back in time and were well content.
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The beautiful Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, still home to the Chief of the Clan MacLeod
Island Hopping Our island feature this time has a look at the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight and Jersey. All these islands are just a short hop from the UK mainland, making them ideal for group trips ISLE OF SKYE Skye is the best known and largest of the Inner Hebrides. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland and is renowned for its natural beauty. In addition to the wildlife, awe-inspiring scenery and history, Skye offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and places to visit. DUNVEGAN CASTLE No visit to the Isle of Skye would be complete without savouring the wealth of history on show at Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. Built on a rock in an idyllic lochside setting, Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. It has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs
of MacLeod for 800 years and is still home to the Clan MacLeod Chief. Groups will find more than enough to see and do for a wonderful day out. Castle tours are available, which guide visitors through the historic rooms and explain about Dunvegan’s treasures, including the Great Sword of Dunvegan, the ‘Fairy Flag’ and portraits of the Dunvegan clan chiefs and their wives in the dining room. Three shops offer a wide range of Highlands and Islands gifts and crafts, including bespoke items inspired by the castle collection, jewellery, knitwear, chocolates and Harris Tweed items. The MacLeod Tables Café serves great coffee and
has ornate bridges, islands and rich, colourful plants while the Round Garden features a boxwood parterre as its centrepiece. The Walled Garden is formally planted with roses and herbaceous borders and has a Victorian-style glasshouse. Historical photographs and information about the gardens can be found in the Garden Museum, which explores the past and present of Dunvegan Castle’s grounds. For something a bit different, boat trips onto the loch take visitors to see a colony of seals. A traditionally-built clinker boat takes passengers to observe the playful mammals at close quarters. T: 01470 521206 E: info@dunvegancastle.com W: www.dunvegancastle.com
Dunvegan Castle boat trips take visitors to see a colony of seals homemade soups and snacks, made from produce from the castle’s walled garden. Outside, several different gardens display a range of styles and plants. The Water Garden
SKYE MUSEUM OF ISLAND LIFE The aim of the Skye Museum of Island Life, opened in 1965, was to preserve a township of thatched cottages, each depicting the conditions that islanders lived in at the close of the nineteenth century. Thatched houses were very typical for the Highlands, but few are left today. These crofts were warm and sturdy homes, ideal for the landscape and climate. The museum lets visitors take a look round a
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TROUVILLE HOTEL • ISLE OF WIGHT •
Groups large and small, we cater for all...individually!
3 # HOTEL BY VISITENGLAND SEAFRONT LOCATION ALL TWIN & DOUBLE ROOMS WITH SEA VIEW & NO SUPPLEMENT SPACIOUS SINGLE ROOMS FREE PLACES AVAILABLE SUBJECT TO MINIMUM NUMBERS NEW FOR 2013 – SOLE USE FUNCTION ROOM FOR GROUPS (MINIMUM 40 PEOPLE) NOW BOOKING FOR 2014 & 2015!
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR LATE AVAILABILITY OFFERS CALL 01983 402141 O R V I S I T W W W. T R O U V I L L E H O T E L . C O. U K
42 / ISLAND HOPPING
invaluable and so they can also advise on, and arrange, off-site activities such as clay pigeon shooting, brewery visits and fudge tasting to name but a few!
typical croft, complete with peat fire and box bed. T: 01470 552206 E: info@skyemuseum.co.uk W: www.skyemuseum.co.uk
T: 01624 695305 E: reservations@mount murray.com
SEAPROBE ATLANTIS Just before crossing the bridge onto Skye, groups should not miss an opportunity to go on an award-winning Seaprobe Atlantis trip. These boat trips from the Kyle of Lochalsh are unique, taking place in a semisubmersible glass-bottomed boat operating within a marine special area of conservation of international importance. Kelp forests, coral reefs, seabirds, whales, dolphins, otters and seals are just some of the wonderful wildlife and marine life for passengers to witness. Sitting below the waves, looking out through the large panoramic windows and actually being part of a whole new beautiful underwater world is an unforgettable experience for any sort of group. T: 0800 980 4846 E: seaprobe@msn.com W: www.seaprobeatlantis.com
ISLE OF MAN
STEAM TRAIN The Isle of Man steam train runs on the only line left of a once vast steam railway system. Originally built in the late 1800s, today the train runs just on the southern line, covering 15 miles from Douglas to Port Erin. For most passengers, the journey will start in Douglas at the old Victorian station. From there, the train takes a route through the island’s pretty countryside. W: www.iomguide.com/ steamrailway.php
Above: Seaprobe Atlantis offers a unique opportunity to see underwater in an internationally important area. Below: Mount Murray Hotel on the Isle of Man
Located in the Irish Sea between Britain and Ireland, the Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. Plenty of places to visit, things to see and pretty scenery keeps tourists returning year after year. The best way to start any visit is by popping into the Welcome Centre, based at the Sea Terminal in the island’s capital, Douglas. MOUNT MURRAY HOTEL Often described as the jewel of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a group travel gem not to be missed. The Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club is perfectly set in 200 acres of beautiful Manx countryside and ideally situated between the airport at Castletown and the island’s ferry terminal in Douglas - transfer time from either is only about ten minutes. There is lots of parking for cars and coaches. The Mount Murray Hotel is an AA rated four star hotel which contains 103 of the most spacious bedrooms on
the island, a superb health and fitness centre, hydrotherapy unit and indoor swimming pool. Mount Murray is the only hotel on the Isle of Man with its own 18-hole championship golf course, which is reputed to be the most challenging inland course on the island – but however you find the course, the views are simply stunning! To complement the course, there is a floodlit driving range, fully equipped clubhouse and shop from which golf clubs can be
hired. The hotel tailors packages to each group’s needs, ensuring that the group members have an unforgettable holiday experience. Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club prides itself on its friendly personal service ensuring that all guests are treated as individuals not en masse. Ambassadors are on hand to provide an evening entertainment programme chosen in advance by the group organiser. Local knowledge is
CASTLE RUSHEN Perhaps the best medieval castle in the British Isles, Castle Rushen is believed to have been built around 1200. It was the residence of the last Norse King of Man, who died in 1266. Part of the castle was destroyed in a siege by Robert the Bruce in 1313, but was later rebuilt by Sir William de Montacute around 1344. The site consists of an outer wall, 25 feet high and seven feet thick. Clinging to this wall are five towers, which once served as offices for the Receiver General, Clerk of the Rolls and other officials. The main northern tower is 80 feet high and the other three are around 70 feet high. Visitors can see round the castle from the dungeon to the clock tower. Rooms have been decorated to depict different eras in the history of the castle, with a clearly marked route and guides to answer any questions. Groups can enjoy a film presentation, museum and the heritage shop. W: www.iomguide.com/ castlerushen.php
ISLE OF WIGHT Known as the ‘Garden Isle’, this popular destination off England’s south coast has over 60 visitor attractions,
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Ferries include spacious airconditioned passenger lounges, a caféteria serving delicious hot meals and snacks, a bar and a duty-free shop. They offer generous group discounts – please contact for further details.
over 500 miles of footpaths and beautiful scenery round every corner. Look out for our extended Isle of Wight feature next month. BRADING ROMAN VILLA Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Roman sites in the UK. It has an award-winning visitor centre and the museum offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain, from beautifully preserved mosaic floors to an extensive collection of Roman archaeology. A brilliant attraction for visitors of all ages, the site has interactive displays, a licensed café, shop and extensive grounds including a Roman garden and meadow trail. The villa site sits within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
T: 0845 609 1024 E: customer. services@condorferries.co.uk W: www.condorferries.co.uk
Top: The café at the Jersey War Tunnels. Above: The Jersey War Tunnels tell the story of the island’s occupation. Below: The Trouville Hotel on the Isle of Wight
T: 01983 406223 E: info@ bradingromanvilla.org.uk W: www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk TROUVILLE HOTEL Renowned for friendly hospitality, the Trouville Hotel is an ideal base for a group to explore the Isle of Wight. From a summer tour to an autumn break, or for an individuallytailored dance or bowls break, the Trouville Hotel is the perfect venue. All rooms are ensuite with most offering superb panoramic sea views. The impressive ballroom, with its maple sprung dance floor, offers great entertainment and dancing options. The newly-refurbished function room commands an impressive view across the sweep of the bay and the dance floor is ideal for groups of 40 50 people. The restaurant at the Trouville Hotel also commands panoramic views across the bay. It provides efficient service and a varied choice of menus to suit all tastes; dietary requirements are happily catered for. With a four course table d’hôte, they aim to ensure quality and catering of the highest standard. Full English breakfast in the morning makes sure guests feel ready to face the day, while breakfast can also be arranged for an early departure. The Trouville Hotel offers ferry inclusive group rates by coach or by car, and coach
drivers are free of charge, with discounts also available for couriers. T: 01983 402141 E: info@trouvillehotel.co.uk W: www.trouvillehotel.co.uk
JERSEY The warmest place in the British Isles, Jersey has a rich maritime heritage which shows in the amount of water-based activities that visitors can participate in. Golden beaches, hidden coves and cliffs make up the beautiful coastline, and inland there is lovely countryside to enjoy. Jersey also offers some great attractions, shopping and exceptional dining. CONDOR FERRIES Travelling to Jersey using Condor Ferries is easy and convenient. Ferries leave from Poole and Portsmouth with plenty of choice of sailings to suit group schedules. High speed ferries are available
meaning that a day trip to Jersey is possible; Condor Ferries take lots of groups over to the island for a day of shopping thanks to the favourable tax regulations. Condor Ferries terminal on Jersey is located in St Helier, the capital of Jersey. St Helier has an eclectic mix of high street stores, small boutiques and local gift shops. Onboard facilities on Condor
JERSEY WAR TUNNELS One of the most difficult periods in Jersey’s history is explored in a visit to the Jersey War Tunnels, no ordinary museum. Dug deep into the hillside within St Peter’s Valley, the tunnels were originally intended to be a barracks and ammunition store for the occupying forces. Today they tell the story of the occupation, looking at how all sides coped under such extreme conditions and examining the daily dilemmas that were faced by island residents and the authorities, whether Jersey, British or German. The story of the German occupation of Jersey is as compelling as it is strange, to think that this small area of Britain was occupied by the Nazis and forced to fly the swastika for five dark years. Visitors can explore the maze of tunnels, stopping at various displays and information points throughout. Outside the tunnels, there is the peaceful Garden of Reflection and a woodland walk along the historic War Trail. A bar, café, sweet shop and souvenir shop are included in the facilities available. T: 01534 860808 E: info@jerseywartunnels.com W: www.jerseywartunnels.com
Condor Ferries offer a fast, reliable service to Jersey, including day trip options
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Best of the Best – Sheraton Heathrow GTW recommends the perfect choice for a restaurant and hotel to make flying out of or into London’s Heathrow Airport an enjoyable part of any trip irport hotels start from a point of disadvantage: busy flight paths directly overhead, guests constantly leaving and arriving at all hours, guests with huge amounts of luggage and guests who are mostly just stopping by for a brief quickly-forgotten visit in the small hours before their flight, or taking a nap to relieve the jet lag before heading home. In any scenario, an airport hotel is unlikely to be a destination in itself. The Sheraton Heathrow, then, is highly impressive in that not only does it achieve an atmosphere of comfortable luxury, but the restaurant in particular manages to feel like a genuine dining destination – much more than an airport hotel restaurant – more even than a typical hotel restaurant. Sheraton has more than 400 hotels in 70 countries and the last few years have seen USD $6 billion invested in a worldwide revitalisation and new hotels project. In 2012, the Sheraton Heathrow completed a multimillion pound refurbishment of its public areas, and it definitely shows. A brand new reception, lobby lounge, two new bars, a new restaurant and a new café all welcome guests on the ground floor, presenting attractive options for relaxing and enjoying a stay rather than hiding away in the bedrooms. A travel and exploration theme has influenced the public areas but the hotel maintains a sense of welcoming tourists from overseas to Britain, as the new restaurant and bars take apple-related names inspired
Top, above right & below: The Sheraton Heathrow has several areas for relaxing, working & socialising. Above: The impressive entrance welcomes weary guests
by the surrounding Middlesex countryside. The Orchard restaurant serves plenty of English dishes, including locallysourced beef in three prime cuts. As well as the menu choices, there is a plentiful buffet for guests to enjoy, and it would be an extremely picky guest who could find fault with the buffet options alone. A large array of beautifully-presented salads, meats, breads and desserts, along with a selection of main hot dishes, offers great choice with no compromise on quality.
A delicious creamy gnocchi (a dish that only an accomplished chef would be prepared to leave sitting on a buffet for any amount of time) was filling and luxurious, and subtly-spiced jerk chicken had guests returning for more; there were plenty of options for even the most jet-lagged palate. Breads, baked to order in a stone-fired oven, are served on wooden platters and sprinkled with sea salt and olive oil. The elegant and stylish décor is complemented by partially sectioning off
different parts of the restaurant, creating quieter, private areas or airy open sections as desired. It is clear that both the food and the ambiance encourages guests to linger and enjoy the atmosphere, as even business guests were using the space to do some work on laptops while finishing their dinner. The main bar serves light food and local ales, while the darker colours of the cocktail lounge are aimed at helping guests relax no matter how many time zones they have travelled through. The Sheraton Heathrow has 426 bedrooms, all of which are individual oases of privacy and serenity, with spotless bathrooms and all the usual amenities, including a very well stocked minibar. The acclaimed Sheraton ‘Sweet Sleeper’ beds live up to reputation and offer an extremely comfortable sleep. For a hotel in such a busy, congested area, underneath a flight path and full of guests arriving and leaving at all hours, the bedrooms are amazingly quiet and peaceful. Once it is time to bite the bullet and move on, the Sheraton Heathrow is within minutes of all terminals and there is a regular shuttle bus which collects from the front door. For guests who are heading home or arriving in the UK, collecting vehicles is easy with lots of secure parking at the front and even a car rental place next door. Visitors to the Sheraton Heathrow will take the next part of their journey having enjoyed a stay which was inviting and relaxing in its own right. T: 0208 7592424 E: res293. heathrow@sheraton.com W: www.sheratonheathrowhotel.com
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48 / LONDON NEWS Welcome to the ‘London News’ brought to you by London & Partners, and keeping you updated with all that’s going on in London! London & Partners is the official promotional organisation for London, attracting and delivering value to business, students and visitors. For more information on London go to visitlondon.com SAY HELLO TO OUR NEW PARTNERS
GREAT SLEEP FOR A GREAT PRICE Tune Hotels offer spaceefficient, streamlined rooms focusing on high-quality basics: 5 star beds and powerful hot showers, while also offering addons. Their convenient London locations include Westminster, Liverpool Street, Paddington and Kings Cross. Group rates are also offered. tunehotels.com
Middle Temple’s hall open for lunch
FOODIE LONDON
MAGNIFICENT LUNCHING IN CENTRAL LONDON
THE HOME OF GIN Beefeater’s Master Distiller, Desmond Payne, recently declared “the Beefeater Gin Distillery is one of London’s best kept secrets...now it’s time to share these secrets with visitors to London.” The Home of Gin will open its doors later this year. Keep a close eye on beefeatergin.com for more information.
THEATRE & ENTERTAINMENT
X FACTOR MUSICAL SET FOR 2014 The highly anticipated X Factor musical I Can’t Sing! will begin previews at the London Palladium next February. Written by comedian Harry Hill, the musical goes behind the microphone and under the judges’ desk to reveal the story of heartache and laughter that continues to attract millions of viewers every week. More details will be available in coming months.
Imli Street has a modern interior and a menu inspired by Indian street cuisine
DAYS OUT
TUTTI FRUTTI FUN AT KEW GARDENS
BIG GROUPS WELCOME AT IMLI STREET
Take a voyage through surprising edible plants this summer – join a tea party, explore the Global Kitchen Garden and be sure to take a tutti frutti boating experience on the Palm House Pond. Kew Gardens offer an excellent service for groups including special rates, meal vouchers, custom catering and much more. kew.org.uk
Serving a unique menu inspired by Indian street cuisines, Imli Street has recently overhauled its interior and menu. The downstairs area with exposed brickwork and cool, contemporary furnishings provides a laidback setting and a casual ambiance, perfect groups of up to 50. imli.co.uk
LONDON BY LAND… AND WATER! Board the London Duck Tours’ amphibious vehicle for an exciting road and river adventure
Duck Tours show off London’s best sights from both land and water that takes in London’s iconic sights along with commentary from a knowledgeable guide. Seating up to 30, you can even hire a vehicle for your whole group and tailor-make your tour. londonducktours.co.uk
ONCE EXTENDS BOOKING TO MAY 2014 The eight times Tony awardwinning musical Once has extended booking for the West End production to 31 May 2014, releasing over 200,000 new tickets for sale at the Phoenix Theatre. The hit musical, a celebration of love, friendship and music, has been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. oncemusical.co.uk
Go back in time at Middle Temple and combine a tour with lunch. Stroll down the cobbled lanes towards one of the finest Elizabethan Halls in the country. Three course buffet lunches start from just £20 per person. middletemple.co.uk
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH US! Follow us on LinkedIn! We regularly talk to the travel trade via our LinkedIn group, ‘London & Partners - Travel Trade’, so if you would like to start a discussion or share something that will be of interest to London’s travel trade network, please join our group. We send out a monthly Travel Trade Newsletter to the travel trade with information on what’s new in London and any key news for the travel trade. For more information on what’s new and to register for this newsletter, please contact trade@ londonandpartners.com or call 0207 234 5821.
Summer is the perfect time to go boating on the Palm House Pond at Kew
Our travel trade website is designed to help you sell London to your clients, so check it out now: www.londonandpartners. com/travel-trade
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50 / CTC BULLETIN
Since its foundation 23 years ago the CTC has become the leading organisation for promoting travel and tourism by coach
BOOK NOW FOR SUMMER BBQ: 21 JULY IN BEDFORD Relax on a boat trip, be transfixed by a magic trick, have a flutter on a roulette wheel, but most of all enjoy the company of industry colleagues at the CTC’s summer BBQ, which this year will be held on Sunday 21 July at the Bedford Swan Hotel. Redefine BDL Hotels are generously hosting this informal event on the hotel’s river terrace. The evening will start with optional 30 minute river cruises on the Ouse and a welcome drinks reception followed by a BBQ with wine, entertainment from a magician as well as the chance to play roulette
A WARM WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
The Swan Hotel in Bedford and blackjack. Overnight B&B accommodation is of course also included. The hotel is kindly hosting operators and wholesalers FOC and there is a special rate of £75pp for suppliers. To book your place for the BBQ and fam trip please contact admin@thecoachtourismcouncil. co.uk
We are delighted to welcome another eight members: ■ Owens of Oswestry has a fleet of luxury coaches and operates a wide range of holidays, short breaks and day excursions. ■ Sharpes of Nottingham is one of the premier executive coach operators serving the East Midlands and runs its own day trips and holiday tours programme ■ Daish’s Holidays has a choice of five seaside hotels in Torquay, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight, Newquay and Eastbourne and also operates its own coach touring holiday programme. ■ Gloucester Quays Outlet Shopping in the historic docks
has more than 50 outlet stores offering up to 70% off the RRP of many top name brands. ■ Jurys Inn is a well-known group of more than 40 hotels. ■ Groups on Track specialises in arranging unique group packages to racecourses. ■ The Max Design & Print company is a commercial printer for the travel industry. ■ Leicester Shire Promotions is responsible for promoting the many attractions in the area.
New member Daish’s Holidays
ANNUAL AGM REPORTS ON THE CTC’S WORK
ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM KEY TO SALES
A healthy financial position was reported by CTC Chairman Sean Taggart at the Annual General Meeting, kindly hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport. The CTC has maintained member numbers at around 300 with 35 new members. The CTC continues to build strong affiliations with trade associations and is a founder member of the European Alliance for Coach Tourism, which promotes coach tourism and acts as ‘gatekeeper’ for industry legislation. Most hotel groups have signed up to the CTC’s Hotel Charter, which sets out best practice for handling group business.
Mushrooming web use by older people, a key coach tours market, shows that operators must keep up with progress and use online booking systems. Industry experts at the AGM went on to debate the potential and pitfalls of new technology. John Roe, Roeville Computer Systems, gave Office for National Statistics figures: 90% of 45 to 64-year-olds use the web and 70% of those aged 65 to 74. Distinctive Systems’ Mike Whitehead showed tour management systems are not just for large companies. For John Flin of coachholidays.com, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is key: “If clients don’t get results on Google’s first page, they’ll choose rival business listings. If you’re not competing online, you’re in for a long, hard haul.” From the operator side, Daniel Coughlan of Crusader Holidays told members not to be scared of SEO. Google aims to give results users want, so if site content is right, Google will do the rest. Regular updates are key. Sites must engage users, so even if they don’t book online, they will be encouraged to call.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PR Coverage and exposure for coach tourism in national and regional press continues to grow. Paul Ovington reported successful extensive coverage in the Sunday Mirror, Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, while one of the best ever coach tourism features appeared in the Daily Telegraph, from a freelancer after a CTC-arranged trip.
The CTC AGM social: chairman Sean Taggart, Ann Wilson, Historic Royal Palaces, Roger Davies of RED Travel and Graham Howatson of Stena Line
Alison Williams, West Midland Safari Park, Chris Bligh, Eurotours, Pam Wharton, Omega Holidays and Melanie Cox of Epsom Coaches
Organised press trips are still best for exposure, yielding huge coverage in the Daily Express, People’s Friend, Woman’s Weekly, My Weekly, Choice magazine and Mature Times. The CTC’s consumer website Findacoachholiday. com is benefiting and the ‘Late Availability’ section is driving bookings to CTC operators. Unique visits to the site have doubled over the past year and are at a record 13,000 a month.
Towergate Chapman Stevens and Louise Fitzpatrick of Marriott Hotels.
ANNUAL ELECTIONS In the annual CTC board elections, six candidates stood for four vacancies. Congratulations to two reelected members – Jane Duffelen of Shaws Coaches and Robert Shaw of Harry Shaw City Cruiser Coaches – and two new directors, Andrew Day of
EXCLUSIVE SURVEY FOR THE CTC REVEALS COACH TOURING APPEAL Benefits such as everything being organised, good value and less stress are key reasons for taking a coach holiday, found an exclusive survey by Mail Newspapers for the CTC. Yet the public remains unaware of the quality of coach tours, said Peter Marshall of Mail Newspapers. Operators are failing to get the message to would-be passengers. There is huge potential to attract new customers to coach touring, said Mr Marshall. See page 22 for a full report of the survey and highly valuable statistics about the public’s opinions on coach holidays and tours.
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52 / UKINBOUND NEWS By Yasmin Mears, UKinbound Membership Manager
Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, has a great collection of big cats
SUMMER’S HERE FOR UKINBOUND unglasses – CHECK – suncream – CHECK - 99 with a flake CHECK! Summer is finally upon us, so where better to spend a sunny afternoon than at Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, home to the UK’s largest herd of African elephants and the world’s largest group of western lowland gorillas, along with many other species. 2013 saw a new glass-fronted enclosure built to house the North Chinese leopards, one of only two collections of the cats in the UK. Howletts’ sister Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, near Ashford, is famous for its stunning scenery and far-reaching views over the English Channel. It is home to the African Experience safari – a unique, Kentish savannah, where giraffe, black rhino, ostrich, zebra and more can be seen roaming freely as if on the plains of Africa. Port Lympne is also home to Livingstone Lodge, three times winner of the ‘Best Tourism Experience in the UK’ as voted for by VisitEngland. Elephant Lodge and Livingstone Cottage were added in 2012, and this year Elephant Lodge
has expanded further to meet growing demand. Mike Newman of b2me hosted an exclusive event in partnership with the Museum of London to preview an exciting exhibition opening later this year. Tour operators and industry guests were able to go behind the scenes with the exhibition curator Hazel Forsyth to see the precious jewels from the Cheapside Hoard, a priceless treasure trove of 16th and 17th century gems which will be displayed at the Museum of London in its entirety for the first time since its discovery 100 years ago. The jewels and artefacts were truly stunning and the story behind them even more fascinating. No matter what the weather is doing, South Bank is always a hive of activity in the summer months, and this year is no exception. Kicking things off is the Southbank Centre with its Festival of Neighbourhood – a huge programme of free and ticketed events from classical music and dance, to comedy and visual art. Longer evenings mean longer opening hours on the London Eye as they begin their Eye Nights series. Theatre buffs will be wowed by stars such
200 artworks from Australia will be on display at the Royal Academy of Arts as Kim Cattrall at the Old Vic, innovative productions like ‘A Season in the Congo’ at the Young Vic, and the arrival of a new performance space for up-andcoming theatre companies at the National Theatre, The Shed. The gallery@oxo has its usual packed programme of exhibitions; this summer they showcase work by graduates of London’s art colleges. Best of all, the Imperial War Museum will partially reopen at the end of July with a Horrible Histories®: Spies exhibition, having been closed for six months of refurbishment works. Past South Bank and onto Piccadilly, the Royal Academy of Arts is planning an Australia exhibition from 21 September
- 8 December 2013. Marking the first major survey of Australian art in the UK for 50 years, this exhibition will span more than 200 years from 1800 to the present day and seeks to uncover the fascinating social and cultural evolution of a nation through its art. Two hundred works including paintings, drawings, photography, watercolours and multimedia will shed light on a period of rapid and intense change; from the impact of colonisation on an indigenous people to the pioneering nationbuilding of the 19th century through to the enterprising urbanisation of the last 100 years. The Royal Academy of Arts was founded by George III in 1768, and is an independent, privately-funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. The RA spans two historic buildings, Burlington House, a Grade II-listed 17th century building, and Burlington Gardens, designed by Sir James Penningthorne and opened by Queen Victoria in 1870. Situated in the heart of London’s Piccadilly, the RA continues to enjoy its reputation as one of the leading venues for exhibitions of international importance. Another iconic London venue is the legendary Hard Rock Café on Old Park Lane. Recently celebrating its 41st birthday, Hard Rock Café invited the first 71 people in the queue to receive a special menu with all items on the menu at 1971 prices! Still housing the first ever piece of memorabilia donated to the Hard Rock Café, Eric Clapton’s Fender Lead II, originally donated to reserve a space at the busy bar, the London café is as charming and authentic now as it was 41 years ago. Many of the original serving staff still work the floor there today too and gain a Rolex for their services! The café is also as famous as ever around town for attracting the best rock stars for a burger and the occasional ‘jamming session’, as well as the UKinbound team! For more information on UKinbound and the benefits of membership, please contact me Yasmin Mears Membership Manager on 0207 395 7504 or yasmin@ ukinbound.org.
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54 / TICKETMASTER NEWS
Australia’s Billy Slater will be one to watch at the Rugby League World Cup 2013
GET READY FOR THE BIGGEST EVENT IN RUGBY LEAGUE t Ticketmaster Groups, we know how important it is to offer groups a wide variety of events across the country, and we pride ourselves on being able to offer Group Travel World readers just that. Ticketmaster Groups has just started selling tickets for the Rugby League World Cup 2013. The series of dates will kick off in Cardiff on 26 October and then travel to various stadiums across the country. Fourteen nations will battle for the right to call themselves the best in the world, aiming for victory on international Rugby League’s grandest stage. As if that wasn’t enough, organisers are promising that the opening ceremony will be “the greatest show Rugby League has ever seen”. The action gets underway with Wales in their home stadium,
facing Italy, and tournament favourites Australia will clash with ancient rivals England in a mouth-watering double header of matches. England then face Ireland at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield on 2 November, before heading to Hull to take on Fiji at the KC Stadium on 9 November. Co-hosts Wales play all three of their group-stage matches within the borders of the principality. Their date with Italy in Cardiff will be followed by a showdown with USA at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium in Wrexham on 3 November and an intriguing tussle with Cook Islands at The Gnoll in Neath on 10 November. Meanwhile, Scotland are hoping to turn Workington’s Derwent Park into a fortress for two of their three groupstage matches, meeting Tonga on 29 October before the
unpredictable Italians visit on 3 November. No matter where in the country you’re based, there will be a game for you. From Headingley in Leeds to Langtree Park Memorial Stadium in Bristol, Craven Park in Hull to Salford City Stadium, to Wigan’s superbly appointed DW Stadium, host of the last eight clash. Attention then turns to an epic day of play as Wembley Stadium hosts The Big Hit on 23 November. A double header of semi-finals will captivate tens of thousands of people packed into one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas and the millions more watching at home. Seven days later it gets even bigger as RLWC 2013 hits the Theatre of Dreams for the showpiece final. The top two nations in the world will collide at Old Trafford on 30 November and a winner will be crowned.
More than half of the tickets for this game have already gone, so group supporters are advised to move quickly to secure their place. Don’t miss your chance to see the victorious captain triumphantly lift the famous Rugby League World Cup trophy and bring the curtain down on 2013’s biggest international tournament. The tournament offers amazing ticket discounts for groups: Buy between 15 and 30 tickets and receive a 15% discount on tickets Buy between 30 and 49 tickets and get 30% discount on tickets Buy 50 tickets to receive an amazing 50% discount To book your tickets or for further information, call Ticketmaster Groups on 0844 248 5088, where one of our dedicated team will be on hand to help.
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56 / THEATRE NEWS
From 19th - 21st July, Peterborough’s Embankment will host the Levity Festival, expected to attract in excess of 20,000. Boasting seven stages, the event includes over 150 comedic acts and attractions, including stand-up, comedy music, street acts, film, circus and children’s fun. Household names of comedy including Al Murray, Lee Nelson and Stephen K Amos have been confirmed to appear. Sunday afternoon will see a world record breaking attempt for the most people taking part in a custard pie fight. It has just been announced that A Chorus Line at the London Palladium will close at the end of August. The six month run has been critically acclaimed, with Leigh Zimmerman (Sheila) winning Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical and the production being nominated for Best Musical Revival at this year’s Laurence Olivier Awards. The producers are currently finalising European touring plans that will give audiences in Germany, Holland, France and beyond the chance to see the show, prior to a UK tour beginning in autumn 2014. Matthew Macfadyen and Stephen Mangan will take to the stage at the Duke of York theatre in the autumn as legendary duo Jeeves and Wooster. Based on P.G. Wodehouse’s classic work, Perfect Nonsense has been written by brothers Robert and David Goodale and will be directed by Sean Foley. Mangan said: “I am ridiculously excited at the prospect of playing the mentally negligible Bertie Wooster on stage … with Jeeves, in the shape of Matthew Macfadyen by my side, what could possibly go wrong?” Encore Tickets are now selling group tickets for the X Factor musical I Can’t Sing, although individual tickets will not be available until September. With great advance rates, GTOs are advised to book now. Opening at the London Palladium in March 2014, I Can’t Sing is a light-hearted look at the world of television talent shows, with a script by multi BAFTA award winning comic Harry Hill. T: 020 7492 1525 E: groups@encoretickets.co.uk
March 2012 saw Newsies, a new musical from Disney, arrive on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre. Initially on a limited run, it is now an open-ended engagement on Broadway after a positive reception. The musical is based on a 1992 film of the same name, which starred Christian Bale but was a box office flop. It takes its inspiration from the real life events of 1899, when a newsboy led a gang of young orphan and runaway newspaper sellers for two weeks of strike action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers. The Nederlander Theatre is highly reminiscent of many West End theatres, with a cosy, ornate interior, complete with velvet curtains and decorative gilt everywhere. The Newsies set is in stark contrast; lots of scaffolding, a bare stage space and few props. This serves
well to highlight the poor situation of the newspaper boys of the story and also creates a space in which the exceptionally athletic dances can be shown to the very best advantage. Newsies is set in New York City at the turn of the century. Jack Kelly, the leader of a ragged band of young ‘newsies’, or newspaper sellers, has big dreams beyond the hardship of the streets. When publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack has a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike. The plot is very simple, full of rousing songs and in particular, highly energetic dancing sometimes reminiscent of Stomp. The young cast provides a very explosive energy that bursts off the stage, with
Above: The ragamuffin ‘newsies’. Below: First-class dancing from a talented
all being very talented dancers and singers. It was reported in May that the producers are looking for a West End home for Newsies, possibly for next year. There has also been a call for open auditions. Time may prove me wrong, but I very much doubt Newsies will do well in the West End, unless it is drastically altered. And those alterations aren’t needed in the areas you might think. UK audiences know enough about New York, its districts, the traditional personalities of those districts and rivalry between them in order to appreciate the references in the script; Newsies does not need to dumb down its ‘New Yorkness’. The potential problems are rather more fundamental. UK audiences insist on some grit, even in the most feel-good of musicals. They expect more of an emotional rollercoaster. They don’t expect the highs without having experienced some genuine lows; that’s what makes the highs so good, after all. They are rarely willing to sacrifice a good plot and pithy characters for dance and songs, however enjoyable. Newsies has its story, but the plot has definitely been attached rather loosely onto the bones of the dance and music rather than the other way round. I don’t remember much detail of the story or the different scenes, although I do remember the great dances and high-kicking choreography. Fast-paced and bold, the cast are brilliantly talented at dancing. For me personally, the topic of newspapers and journalism also had me eyeing up the themed merchandise in the theatre shop. Just yards from Times Square, Newsies fitted well with the glitzy, showy, neon shallowness of the famous square and all that it represents. That is not as critical as it perhaps sounds; we all know what Times Square is, and enjoy and accept it as such. ‘It is what it is’, as Americans are currently fond of saying. And for a night out on Broadway, Newsies was a perfect fit.
DEEN VAN MEER
NEWSIES ON BROADWAY
BRIEFLY
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COPPÉLIA AT THE LONDON COLISEUM The Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet debuts Coppélia at the London Coliseum for just six performances from 11th – 14th July. Starring Sergei Polunin and with music from the English National Ballet Orchestra, Roland Petit’s 1975 version of one of the world’s most loved ballets features lovely music and stunning choreography. The plot follows the comic adventures of the red-blooded Franz, who falls in love with a beautiful, life-like doll, Coppélia. The score was composed especially for the ballet, in 1870, by the great master Leo Delibes. It features well-loved classics such as the stirring Act I Mazurka and the grand Waltz of the Hours. T: 020 7845 9300 W: www.eno.org Glyndebourne has created a highly inventive stage and setting for its first ever Rameau opera, Hippolyte et Aricie
GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL STAGING RAMEAU DEBUT Glyndebourne Festival has just opened its first ever Rameau opera, Hippolyte et Aricie. The festival is now in full swing for this year, featuring Ariadne auf Naxos, Falstaff and Le Nozze di Figaro, with Don Pasquale and
BILL COOPER, E FETISOVA
OLYMPIC PARK FESTIVAL MARKS LONDON 2012 ANNIVERSARY The Open East Festival, marking the anniversary of London 2012 and signalling the start of the phased reopening of the Olympic Park, will take place on 27th and 28th July. The Barbican, Create London and the London Legacy Development Corporation have announced the line-up for the festival, which as well as music will include theatre, food and family
Billy Budd yet to open. Hippolyte et Aricie is running from 29th June – 18th August. Jean-Philippe Rameau’s first work for the stage draws on ancient Greek tragedy and 17th century classical French drama to create a version of the story of Theseus, Phaedra and Hippolytus. Dance is integral to this opera, acting as a counterpoint to the unfolding story of a woman who falls in love with her stepson, a
fun. The newly-named Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will open its gates to thousands, and will host pop-up performances throughout the park, designed to encourage visitors to explore the newly developed areas. Visitors can enjoy 70 stalls of London’s best street food and try beers from local breweries. There will be a number of Gamesrelated performances to remind audiences of the great summer of sport and culture, including performers from the Olympics Opening Ceremony. W: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ openeastfestival
man who jumps to the wrong conclusions and is pursued by fate, and the uncertain destiny of two young lovers. In a welcome return to Glyndebourne, the pivotal role of Phèdre is performed by Sarah Connolly, with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment taking on the score. T: 01273 813813 E: info@glyndebourne.com W: glyndebourne.com
BALLET INSPIRED BY WW1 CENTENARY It has been announced that award-winning British choreographers Akram Khan, Russell Maliphant and Liam Scarlett will all create new works for English National Ballet, as part of a programme of dance inspired by the centenary of the Great War. The three pieces, part of a programme of British choreography entitled Lest We Forget, will be accompanied by a reworking of Firebird and will be performed at the Barbican
Coppélia at the London Coliseum
in April 2014. This is the first time that the Company has performed at the Barbican. English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Tamara Rojo said: “Lest We Forget marks my first commission for English National Ballet and I am thrilled that these three great artists have agreed to create works for the Company. I wanted an evening of British work and the Great War still has such resonance in British culture and society that the occasion of the centenary was an obvious inspiration.” T: 0207 581 1245 W: www.ballet.org.uk
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58 / THEATRE LISTINGS / WEST END
LONDON THEATRELAND LISTINGS
Queens
London’s West End theatre remains the most vibrant in the world. On these two pages Group Travel World lists the major West End shows currently open, or about to open. Always check the details before making any arrangements Victoria Palace
Victoria Street SW1
BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSICAL
Musical about a northern working class boy who wants to dance. ■ Booking to: 21 December 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 3hrs 00mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Duchess
Catherine Street WC2
FENCES
Lenny Henry stars in this multi award winning American drama. ■ Booking to: 14 September 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
Strand WC2
THE BODYGUARD
Musical based on the legendary film that starred the late Whitney Houston. ■ Booking to: 28 September 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
RELATIVELY SPEAKING
Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy classic starring Felicity Kendal. ■ Booking to: 31 August 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
LET IT BE
Strand WC2
Musical about The Beatles. ■ Booking to: 5 October 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 3pm, Sun 7pm ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM Gielgud
ONCE
The love story of two musicians in Dublin. ■ Booking to: 30 November 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 20mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
JERSEY BOYS
Broadway musical telling the story of 1960s pop group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. ■ Booking to: February 2014 ■ Times: Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Tues & Sat 3pm, Sun 5pm ■ Length: 2hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE Prince of Wales
Piccadilly Savoy
Charing Cross Road WC2
Prince Edward Old Compton Street W1 Wyndham’s Charing Cross Road WC2
Adelphi
Phoenix
Denmark Street W1
DIRTY DANCING
Adapted from the Oscar-winning film, including all the most famous songs. ■ Booking to: February 2014 ■ Times: Tues-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm & 7pm ■ Length: 2hrs 25mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
Coventry Street W1
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Hilarious Broadway musical about a pair of Mormon boys on mission. ■ Booking to: January 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30 mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
PRIVATE LIVES
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
LES MISERABLES
The long-running musical about the French Revolution, based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel. ■ Booking to: 26 October 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Weds & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 50mins ■ Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE Lyceum
Catherine Street WC2
THE LION KING
Stage adaptation of the Disney film set among the wild animals of Africa. ■ Booking to: 29 September 2013 ■ Times: Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Weds, Sat & Sun 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 45mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP DY EN GL TM SE Novello
Aldwych WC2
MAMMA MIA!
Musical featuring Abba hits. ■ Booking to: 26 October 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:45pm, Thur & Sat 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 35mins ■ Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE Cambridge
Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale of an extraordinary genius child. ■ Booking to: 22 December 2013 ■ Times: Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm, Sun 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
BURN THE FLOOR
Dance show featuring ‘Strictly’ stars. ■ Booking to: 1 September 2013 ■ Times: Mon & Wed-Sat 7:30pm, Thur 3pm, Sat & Sun 4pm ■ Length: 2hrs ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
Noel Coward’s play about a chance encounter between two past lovers honeymooning with new spouses. ■ Booking to: 21 September 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 15mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
St Martin’s
Theatre Royal
Her Majesty’s
West Street WC2
THE MOUSETRAP
Agatha Christie’s whodunit and the West End’s longest running show. ■ Booking to: 21 December 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Tues 3pm, Sat 4pm ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Drury Lane WC2
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale. ■ Booking to: May 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Weds & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
Earlham Street WC2
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Haymarket SW1
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, now closing at the end of August
Most successful musical of all time. ■ Booking to: 26 October 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
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Garrick
Charing Cross Road WC2
ROCK OF AGES
Love story set to an 80s soundtrack of classic rock tunes. ■ Booking to: 2 November 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:45pm, Fri & Sat 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Noel Coward
St. Martin’s Lane WC2
THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN
Martin McDonagh’s comic masterpiece set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland. ■ Booking to: 31 August 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 20mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP DY GL TM SE Palace
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
THE COMMITMENTS
Roddy Doyle’s best-selling novel, adapted into a musical, tells the story of a band in 1980s Dublin. ■ Opens: 21 September 2013 ■ Times: Tue-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Ambassadors
West Street WC2
STOMP
Palladium
Toe-tapping dance and rhythm using everyday objects, this show makes the audience want to join in. ■ Booking to: 21 December2013 ■ Times: Mon, Thurs-Sat 8pm, Thurs & Sat 3pm, Sun 3pm & 6pm ■ Length: 1hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP GL TM Lyric
The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, booking until early 2014
Argyll Street W1
A CHORUS LINE
New York’s longest ever running musical. ■ Booking to: 31 August 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:45pm, Wed & Sat 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM New London
WAR HORSE
Drury Lane WC2
Celebrating the career of the undisputed king of pop Michael Jackson and filled with his hits. ■ Booking to: 15 September 2013 ■ Times: Tues-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 4pm & 8pm, Sun 3:30pm & 7:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 20mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
The moving story of a boy and his horse, based on Morpurgo’s novel. ■ Booking to: 15 February 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Aldwych
Dominion
TOP HAT
Aldwych WC2
The tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on stage, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. ■ Booking to: 26 April 2014 ■ Times: Tue-Sat 7:30pm, Tue, Thurs & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 50mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Tottenham Court Road W1
WE WILL ROCK YOU
Musical featuring hits of Queen, now celebrating over 4000 performances. ■ Booking to: 26 October 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 45mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Wilton Road SW1
WICKED
The untold story of two witches from the Wizard of Oz. ■ Booking to: 2 November 2013 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 45mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE Fortune
Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
THRILLER - LIVE
Apollo Victoria
Russell Street WC2
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
The hit ghost story now in its 23rd year of frightening audiences. ■ Booking to: 14 December 2013 ■ Times: Tue-Sat 8pm, Tues & Thur 3pm, Sat 4pm ■ Length: 2hrs ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
KEY TO BOOKING CODES AM Ambassador Groups GL Groupline AP Applause Groups SE SEE Groups DY Disney Theatrical EN Encore Tickets TM Ticketmaster Groups
When booking, please mention
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Group Getaways
Wildlife Parks
Cotswolds
English Riviera
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THE TORCROFT
B&B at its best in Torquay Torcroft Hotel, 28-30 Croft Road, Torquay 01803 298292 info@torcrofthotel.co.uk www.torcrofthotel.co.uk
If you have a B&B, CafĂŠ, Small Attraction or Venue and want to be seen by Coach Operators and GTOs, contact Harley Denham on 01733 293249 or email harley.denham@grouptravelworld.com
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Northumberland
Cheshire
France by Coach
Wales
62 / GTO GRAPEVINE Just for Group Travel Organisers, a page with useful tips, tourism gossip and travel product reviews
KIDS ROAM FREE o you travel with children, either as part of your professional GTO role or on other trips? It is inevitable that many children these days will have their mobiles with them even on holiday. For many, the possibility of being separated from constant contact and data is unthinkable – and many parents give in, as they consider them a security device and a way of keeping in touch with children who are allowed some independence on holiday. However, the horrendous bills and roaming charges that have stacked up from usage abroad are often a very unwelcome homecoming present. This summer, TravelSim is offering free SIM cards for kids
5
DINNER
WIN FOR TWO!
Young people remain attached to mobiles even while abroad, despite charges so that the adults in charge can fully relax and forget about rip-off roaming charges and scary bills. When guardians sign up and put €10 on their own TravelSim card, children get a free SIM card preloaded with €10 of their own. The pre-paid service has 3.5 million users worldwide and is proven to
save customers up to 85% on making calls abroad. It also offers free incoming calls in 140 countries and free worldwide SMS. Data charges are also cheap – typically just €0,50/MB. Say goodbye to shock mobile bills.
Congratulations to Clare Dann who won June’s competition for dinner for two at Planet Hollywood. We have dinner for two again this month, at another brilliant London restaurant. Rainforest Café is located in Piccadilly Circus and brings the sights and sounds of the jungle alive for diners. The first person to email caroline. gregory@grouptravelworld.com with the answer to the following question will win the prize: What is Britain’s most northerly working whisky distillery called? (Answer somewhere in this magazine)
W: www.travelsim.com Promo code = KidzTS
of the best:
WATER BOTTLES
WATER-TO-GO £24.95
OHYO £4.99
H2ONYA From £8.50
CAMELBAK ‘GROOVE’ From £19.99
NALGENE ‘ON THE FLY’ £10.99
This wonderful bottle uses NASA technology for its internal filter, meaning that clean water is available no matter where you are. The filter removes 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so the bottle can be filled from any tap, river or stream. Water-to-Go bottles prevent illness from contaminated water, but also help the environment, since they eliminate the need to buy bottled water.
Do you try to reuse water bottles but get sick of carrying them around all the time? Ohyo’s ingenious solution is a collapsible bottle which folds up to a tiny, lightweight disc but holds a full 500ml of water when stretched out to its full extent. What’s more, you can fold it up gradually as you drink, so you are only ever carrying around a bottle the same size as the water inside.
H2Onya bottles come in a range of lovely colours and sizes, but all are made from robust, BPA-free stainless steel. A wide mouth makes them easy to clean and is useful for adding ice or chunks of fruit. The stylish shape is pleasing and easy to hold, and as they all come boxed in presentation cylinders, these are water bottles that are good enough to give as gifts.
From the experts at Camelbak, the ‘Groove’ water bottle has a clever filter built into the straw which reduces chlorine and bad tastes. The integrated loop handle means it can easily be clipped onto a bag or clothing with a carabiner, or carried with a single finger. It is spill-proof and durable, and comes with Camelbak’s lifetime guarantee.
This generous 700ml bottle is leak-proof, dishwasher-safe and BPA free. The loop top swings back for access to the drinking spout, preventing the possibility of losing the top. You only need one hand to open the bottle, making it ideal for sport use, and the metal catch clicks over the opening button to provide additional insurance against leaks.
www.watertogo.eu
www.ohyo.me
www.reusablebottle.co.uk
www.zyro.co.uk
www.reusablebottle.co.uk
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64 / INSIDER INSIGHT The B2B page for all suppliers who provide services and amenities to the travel & tourism industry
HOW TO… USE SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTIVELY IN GROUP TRAVEL Piia Mustamäki is one of the founders of www.1001worlds.com, a website which allows travellers to join group trips having had a chance to get to know the other members of the group through an online forum first. In addition to ensuring likeminded people get to travel together, the website offers the option of creating a more customised tour should the options already available not be suitable. n the middle of planning a travel business with my best friend, I saw The Social Network, the film about Facebook and its beginnings. I saw it on a flight back home to NYC from Chile and I remember thinking: “If we want to enter the competitive field of travel, we have to have a brilliant new idea behind it, like the Facebook founders did.”
MAKE IT SOCIAL So the brainstorming began. We knew all too well the truism of the travel industry today: people want experiences, not just sightseeing. We also knew that the most memorable experiences are the ones shared, and this doesn’t only apply to families. But a lot of busy, single professionals (or adventurous couples) don’t have holidays which coincide with their friends’, and yet they crave social travel experiences too. This same group seems to have plenty of time to share their thoughts on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter, obviously getting a lot out of the social media experience. How then to combine the best of travel and social media and to attract this target group? We realised the ‘social’ in social media is the key and decided to take this idea seriously. So we made the social experience as central an idea as the guided tour in our product: on our site, customers make a profile (like on Facebook) and get to check who else has already signed up for the tour of their interest. Somebody also into food and wine? Somebody
of the same age group? Or from a country he or she would like to find out more about? By getting to browse the other participants, customers won’t end up on the same tour as people with whom they don’t have much in common, which makes all the difference to the experience.
MAKE IT INTERACTIVE Another allure of social media is the users’ own input and sharing of thoughts. We integrated this into our product: we use flexible programming so that each of our trips - whether a city trip to Istanbul or winetasting in Georgia - has only a suggested itinerary, detailing the options available. The signed-up nomads, as we call our customers, discuss the
options before the trip, on a private online forum called the Playground. This tool lets them have a say on the programme, as well as get to know their group and tour leader before the trip. Customers also get to take the initiative in our Dynamo programme, which is mid-way between a tailor-made trip and a tour. If our selection of trips doesn’t satisfy the customer’s needs, there is an option to initiate his or her own group trip with a chosen name, theme and dates, using our existing destinations. We then do our best to find the perfect tour leader, book the hotels, and the dynamic person gets a discount for taking initiative. We of course also encourage him/her to spread the word via social media, to ensure the trip gets the required minimum of six participants.
MAKE IT WORTHWHILE Having a social media based idea is just the first step. Marketing on social media is a whole different ball game and it takes a lot of time, well, just being social online. Following trends is another time-consuming effort, as one day you’ll hear
that Facebook is dying and all the cool kids are moving onto Tumblr. Or that Twitter is giving way to Google+. Then vice versa two months later. For travel social media all this is important to keep in mind, but you need to remember your target audience. Are the 15-year-olds keeping their diaries on Tumblr really worth pursuing? Or is it better to invest time on tweets that might catch the attention of your potential customers? While pondering over how to use your resources, bear in mind that patiently building a presence on your favourite social media is perhaps more important than trendspotting. Yet in the end, it is wise to admit that nothing in social media is as certain as change. With the volatile travel trends added into the equation, you have to be willing to keep track of changes in two fields in order to effectively use social media in your travel business. But most of us travel and social media buffs are, of course, willing to do that, since that is what we love. E: piia@1001worlds.com W: www.1001worlds.com
“If our selection of trips doesn’t satisfy the customer’s needs, there is an option to initiate his or her own group trip with a chosen name, theme and dates, using our existing destinations”
www.1001worlds.com helps customers to enjoy the group trip experience but not lose the benefits of choice and control
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UP CLOSE
PERSONAL
Melanie Cox has worked in the travel industry for over 26 years, ten as Sales Manager at Epsom Coaches. She loves her job, especially her rapport with suppliers & clients. Melanie enjoys the industry’s social side, & considers Epsom Coaches her second family! Melanie won the ‘Unsung Heros’ award at the 2013 UK Coach Awards & ‘Coach Tourism Professional of the Year’ at the Coach Tourism Awards. She is on the Coach Tourism Council board.
And the worst? A skiing trip to Andorra. This was many years ago and it was on this trip I discovered my dislike for the sport! I loved Andorra, for the shopping and the après ski, but as far as winter sports are concerned I will leave that to other people to enjoy! What’s your favourite UK destination for a group day out? I don’t think you can beat London - there is just so much to see and do! There really is something to appeal to absolutely everyone. My ideal
trip with an open mind and be patient and tolerant of others in your group. Be prepared to try new things and embrace the way of life. What do you always pack? My camera, a notebook, my ipad for looking up any extra information about the destination. Also, never forget the charger for the ipad! And what do you leave out? Not much! I would say that the only thing I tend to leave out is my hairdryer as there is always one in the hotel room!
Above: Enjoying the view across London from The Shard. Right: A night out at the Medieval Banquet. Below: A great itinerary taking in the best of Wales day in London would start with a visit to one of the many museums, a trip up The Shard or on the London Eye, a boat trip along the Thames and then a visit to a show, my favourites being Les Misérables and Jersey Boys. An evening at the Medieval Banquet is also a lot of fun. What makes a good group trip? Pre-planning and the group itself. I think the people can make or break a trip and there is nothing more rewarding than visiting a new destination and coming home with new friends. You should always go on a
What was your favourite trip last year? I didn’t actually go on holiday last year but as part of my job I do check out the hotels we use. My husband and I put together a small itinerary taking in Chester and Wales. We had a great time starting in Chester, then moving on to North Wales and then heading south. My favourite hotel was in Beaumaris, the scenery was stunning and it just so happened we had a group staying in the hotel at the same time so I could keep an eye on everything. We travelled on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, the Vale of Rheidol Railway and visited the Anderton Boat Lift, something I have always wanted to do!
BARTEK CHINY
The best group trip you have ever been on: Easy! I used to work for a company specialising in holidays to Greece. To celebrate our 40th year of operation, all the staff and management went to Athens for the weekend. We all boarded the Olympic Airways flight full of the party spirit. Upon arrival in Athens we were treated to a city tour and on the Saturday night we were joined by our agent based in Athens and our two groups enjoyed a night ‘Greek style’: a fabulous meze, bouzouki playing, plenty of plate smashing and of course lots of ouzo! The next day we visited a market and finished off with a delicious lunch before boarding our flight bound for Heathrow. We all made it back into the office on time for work on Monday! I love Greece and have visited many of the islands; my favourite without a doubt is Paxos.
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