Raising Arizona
Travel industry insights / July 2018
Thanks to direct flights from the UK to Phoenix, the Grand Canyon and other awe-inspiring sights are more popular than ever with British holidaymakers
New world
Get off the beaten track with these seven alternative destinations
Tallinn
How Estonia’s capital manages to look both backwards and forwards
South Africa
A visit to drought-hit Cape Town as it tries to avoid ‘Day Zero‘
Starting from 28th October 2018 Starting from 28th October 2018 Starting from 28th October 2018
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Raising Arizona
Travel industry insights / July 2018
Thanks to direct flights from the UK to Phoenix, the Grand Canyon and other awe-inspiring sights are more popular than ever with British holidaymakers
New world
Get off the beaten track with these seven alternative destinations
Tallinn
How Estonia’s capital manages to look both backwards and forwards
South Africa
A visit to drought-hit Cape Town as it tries to avoid ‘Day Zero‘
Phoenix rises to illuminate all of Arizona
I
t is beyond comparison, beyond description, absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world,” said Theodore Roosevelt of the Grand Canyon in 1903, as he fought to preserve the 277-mile gorge for entirely public use. After urging fellow Americans to “do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness,” he named the site as a national monument in 1908, winning the battle against the mining companies hoping to extract its zinc and copper. In this issue, Kevin EG Perry celebrates the gift that Roosevelt, and fellow US president Woodrow Wilson, who designated it as a national park in 1919, gave not just to Americans, but the wider world. With non-stop flights now connecting Heathrow and Phoenix, the state capital of Arizona, this life-affirming destination has never been so easy to visit (Raising Arizona, page 48). With the spectre of “Day Zero” looming over Cape Town, Esme Fox visits the Western Cape to discover just how seriously the water crisis has hit the region and wider South Africa, noting its effect on tourism, and the lessons that can be learnt for all of us (High and dry, page 58). We also share our list seven incredible alternative destinations to take you off-the-beaten track (page 54). Closer to home, Anthony Pearce visits Bowness-on-Windermere, a slate-roofed town on the banks of England’s largest lake, and discovers why the area inspired the likes of William Wordsworth (page 40). Also in this issue, Clare Jenkinson, ABTA’s senior destinations & sustainability manager, tackles the phenomenon of overtourism, an issue facing landmark tourist destinations such as Barcelona, Venice and Dubrovnik, arguing that the travel industry has a responsibility to protect the areas it visits (see page 30). ABTA Magazine is also packed with industry news, from aviation to domestic tourism, beginning on page 10, plus an updates from ABTA, including news, campaigns and events, beginning on page 30. Finally, there is the chance to win a seven-night cruise for two with Marella Cruises on the Pride of Panama itinerary on board Marella Discovery 2. Just answer the simple question on page 65.
Tell us your thoughts
We would love to hear your thoughts about this issue of ABTA Magazine, the second created by Waterfront Publishing. The magazine has a new look, editorial focus, and an increased and improved distribution, meaning it now spans the breadth of the travel industry, reaching from frontline agents to the boardroom. We want the magazine to reflect the thoughts and interests of those working in the holiday business, so please send your thoughts to letters@ABTAmag.com.
2018 with ABTA
See p32 for the full list of ABTA events
July 10
September 19
October 2
Complaints Handling Workshop, London
Essential Guide to Travel Marketing, London
A Beginner’s Guide to Travel Law, Bristol
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July 2018
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JULY 2018 FEATURES
48
Raising Arizona Kevin EG Perry heads to Phoenix
Competition Win a seven-night Pride of Panama cruise on Marella Discovery 2
Different destinations Seven off-the-beaten-track alternatives
62 60
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65 56
Industry insights Package Travel Regulations
High and dry South Africa’s water crisis July 2018
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In the July issue
34
03 09
Editor’s letter The Grand gift that keeps on giving
10
On trend We explore the numbers behind Heathrow’s expansion and false illness claims
11
News The latest travel industry news, including cruise, aviation, hotels and touring
23
Out and about Our round-up of images from the latest industry events
24
Interview: Andrew Flintham The new MD of Tui talks about the strengths of the firm’s people and the future of its shops
27
ABTA section The Travel Convention in Seville, Clare Jenkinson tackles the subject of overtourism, plus all the latest news, campaigns and events
34
Business travel Jenny Southan looks at the rise of artificial intelligence in the hotel sector
Jenny Southan
38
Spotlight on… Emirates. Regional hubs in the UK are helping the Dubai-based airline stay on top, with an eighth – Edinburgh – due to open in October
Kevin EG Perry
40
Shilpa Ganatra
46
City guide Shilpa Ganatra says Estonia’s capital Tallinn is a fine combination of medieval and modern
Esme Fox
64
Gamesroom Play games and win prizes
66
ABTA diary Alan Wardle talks Brexit
40
46 Contributors Award-winning freelance travel journalist, and editor and founder of Globetrender
Freelance writer and foreign correspondent for Lonely Planet Traveller, The Guardian and GQ
Travel editor of The London Economic, and also contributes to The Telegraph and Irish Times
Travel journalist, writing for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC Travel and The Daily Telegraph
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Readers’ letters Readers share their views on sustainable travel and more
UK holidays Anthony Pearce finds much to love in the beautiful Lake District
July 2018
7
Canada starts here
London Gatwick Toronto
Glasgow Toronto
Manchester Toronto
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Fly to Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Quebec City or Edmonton*.
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Available to book via your GDS Prices are per person based on flying on selected dates between September and October 2018. Prices for other routes may vary. Correct at time of going to print and can change at any time. Other routes available with Air Transat. See online for more details and prices. *Edmonton and Quebec City are connections available when flying from London Gatwick. Edmonton flights are from November to April.
Your letters Overtourism and cruise I was very pleased to read such a positive feature about the return of British tourists to Tunisia (New beginnings, ABTA Magazine, May 2018). We have been delighted by the support that we have received from the UK travel trade throughout and have been working hard to ensure that travel agents have all the tools they need to feel confident about selling holidays to Tunisia. Many agents have attended our roadshows held throughout the UK and we have also hosted agents in Tunisia so that they can gain first-hand experience of the destination. For us, 2018 is all about rebuilding faith and trust in Tunisia, so this is a positive start. Wahida Jaiet, Director UK and Ireland, Tunisian National Tourist Office
Star letter
Trust in Tunisia
The issue of overtourism is justifiably a hot topic of discussion in the travel industry right now (see page 30). While addressing this and finding successful strategies for responsible tourism management is vitally important, so is the avoidance of any knee-jerk reactions to existing tourist travel patterns as communities around the world rely heavily on the regular arrival of tourists into their local areas to make their livelihoods. Looking specifically at the cruise industry and the impact that the arrival of cruise ships has on small island destinations, it is important to consider passenger arrival figures in the context of the overall tourism picture to include those statistics for visitors arriving by air. It is also crucial to understand the massive contributions that the cruise industry makes to local economies. Passengers spend money ashore on food, drink and activities, while cruise lines
pay local landing taxes and use local suppliers. Giles Hawke, chief executive of Cosmos and Avalon Waterways
Green machine
Slovenia is proud to be paving the way for sustainable travel. Having worked hard over the last few years to create a positive shift in responsible tourism, we’ve been able to observe some gradual changes within the industry – but more needs to be done (Turning the plastic tide, ABTA Magazine, May 2018). In order to encourage tourism providers to be greener, we created the Slovenia Green Scheme, a bronze, silver and gold tier system, which rewards destinations for fulfilling specific credentials. The scheme has received a positive response from the industry and this could be seen at our launch of the first UNbacked World Bee Day in May. Mladen Ljubisic, UK head of the Slovenian Tourist Board
Let us know your thoughts on ABTA Magazine and travel industry issues. Email: letters@ABTAmag.com We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and clarity. Please include a name, job title and company. These will be withheld if requested. Other comments taken from ABTAmag.com
ABTA Magazine is created by Waterfront Publishing on behalf of ABTA Waterfront Publishing Arch 462, Kingsland Viaduct 83 Rivington Street London EC2A 3AY waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9360
Director Sam Ballard sam@waterfront-publishing.com Director Anthony Pearce anthony@waterfront-publishing.com Head of sales Simon Leeming simon@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9337
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Account manager Emily Snipe emily@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 4815 Media sales executive Bryan Johnson bryan@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9338 Head of design Billy Odell billy@ABTAmag.com Business travel editor Jenny Southan jenny@ABTAmag.com 020 3456 7899 Sub-editors Nathaniel Cramp, Emily Eastman,
Martyn Cornell, Tom Hensby With thanks to: Jill Sayles, Gary Noakes, Kevin EG Perry, Shilpa Ganatra, Esme Fox, Barbara Noe-Kennedy, Stuart Forster, Joji Sakurai ABTAmag.com info@ABTAmag.com Twitter: @ABTAMagazine Facebook: ABTAMagazine ABTA 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ Chief executive Mark Tanzer Chairman Noel Josephides
July 2018
9
News On trend
On trend
Every issue we reveal the numbers behind the biggest stories in travel
HEATHROW EXPANSION Proposed North-West runway North runway
The long-delayed plans to build a third runway at Heathrow will cost £14bn, according to plans the government is endorsing, paid for entirely by the private sector. It will allow Heathrow to increase its capacity from 85.5 million passengers a year to 130 million. Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, described it as a “historic moment”. See page 13
£14bn cost 2026 projected completion date 130m total yearly passenger capacity at expanded Heathrow
15% of new flights would be domestic connection
South runway
THE MADDING CROWDS
£10,000
1.3bn
The sum Jadeep Singh, 34, from Salford was fined after falsely claiming he fell ill on a Tui holiday in Cancun, Mexico in 2015. Images of Singh at a wedding directly contradicted his story. Last month Liam Royle, 23, of Eccles, had to pay £6,000 to Jet2 after claiming he suffered five days of sickness caused by the food at a hotel in Cyprus. He was caught when his exgirlfriend handed in a video of him dancing to Gangnam Style while bed-ridden. Go to abta.com/tips-and-latest/abtacampaigns/holiday-sickness for more. See page 27
HELPING HAND
10 July 2018
international arrivals
In 2017, international tourist arrivals grew by 7 per cent, and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) predicts that this growth will continue in 2018 See page 30 for more on overtourism
FALSE CLAIM FINE Planeterra Foundation, the non-profit partner to G Adventures, established by its founder, Bruce Poon Tip, has revealed that it is has raised more than half its target of $5 million CAD towards integrating 50 new social enterprise projects into G Adventures trips by the
end of 2020. It said that within the first year of the five-year campaign, 11 projects were launched in eight new countries where Planeterra had never invested before. It now has partnerships with 53 social enterprises across 34 countries. See planeterra.org
ABTAmag.com
News July 2018
All the latest headlines from the world of travel
Royal buys luxury line Royal Caribbean takes a 66.7% stake in Silversea By Sam Ballard
Tui boss reaffirms high street commitment Andrew Flintham says that the firm’s network of 600 stores “fulful a broad role” and have a wider influence By Sam Ballard Andrew Flintham, the managing director of Tui UK & Ireland, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the high street. In an interview with ABTA Magazine (page 24), Flintham revealed that 20 per cent of customers who book online still come in to stores. Adding that the company doesn’t “currently credit the wider influence that our retail estate creates”. Tui has a retail network of about 600 stores. Flintham explained that having a company on the high street generates a certain amount of brand recognition, citing the example of First Choice’s rebrand to Thomson in 2011; “People no longer had a reason to know who we were,” he said. “In the future, you could have stores where a customer books their own holiday and you have people who are there for
ABTAmag.com
advice. The stores fulfil a really broad role. I’m not sure anyone really knows what that will be going forward.” Tui has also published its 2017 Sustainability Report, which revealed that its airlines are 24 per cent more fuel efficient than its competitors. Its cruise line reduced CO2 emissions by 5.5 per cent. Tui is aiming to deliver 10 million ‘greener and fairer’ holidays per year by 2020. Last year it achieved 8.3 million with 80 per cent of Tui hotels achieving some form of sustainability certification. Flintham added: “We are committed to delivering our Better Holidays, Better World strategy in the UK and we are delighted our airline is ranked as the most carbon-efficient in the world. The delivery of 16 new Boeing 737 MAX by the end of 2020 will further reduce the carbon intensity of our operations.” ABTAmag.com
Royal Caribbean Cruises is to acquire a 66.7 per cent stake in ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea. Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: “Silversea is a crown jewel, and the acknowledged leader in luxury and expedition cruising, two key markets that are poised for growth. “Uniting our two companies presents an extraordinary opportunity to expand vacation options for guests and create revenue in strategic growth areas. “We are proud to welcome aboard Manfredi Lefebvre, a visionary leader whose high standards and history of innvoation we deeply respect.” Royal Caribbean currently consists of three brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. The company also has a major stake in Spanish line Pullmantur as well as Tui Cruises, which focuses on the German-speaking market. Silversea currently has a fleet of nine ships: six in its classic fleet and three in its Silversea Expeditions fleet. There are two ships currently on order. Manfredi Lefebvre, the chairman of Silversea, added: This partnership will bolster the growth of this exceptional brand founded by my father. “I have always been kindred spirits with Richard and we share a vision of offering excellence and leadership to our guests.” Continued on page 16
July 2018 11
Promotion
Where luxury meets discovery From the pristine wilderness of Antarctica to Europe’s historic port towns, guests on the elegant Scenic Eclipse fleet will explore the world as never before
F
eaturing state-of-the-art helicopters and an exclusively commissioned submarine, the six-star Scenic Eclipse will redefine what luxury expedition cruise means when it launches next month. The world’s first discovery yacht will sail the globe – taking in the rainforests of South America, the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, the majesty of the Norwegian fjords and the beauty of New England. Scenic Eclipse will boast 114 all-verandah suites, 10 dining experiences, eight lounges and bars, a luxurious Spa Sanctuary, separate fitness areas and indoor, outdoor and plunge pools, as well as a marina deck, helicopters and a submarine.
SAIL AWAY
Scenic is now offering guests up to 16 per cent off the price of selected 2019-20 cruises, plus $1,000 per suite on board credit for spa, helicopter and submarine trips, free private door-to-door transfers and
12 July 2018
pre-cruise hotel stays on bookings made before July 30, 2018. East Coast USA – 12-day itinerary from New York City to Nassau (save up to 13 per cent plus $1,000 on board credit) Departs: September 28, 2019 From £6,395pp Tracing more than 3,200 kilometres of the USA’s east coast before sailing into the heart of the Caribbean, expert local guides will bring the rich and complex history of Colonial towns and vibrant cities to life. Tastes of Cuba & the Caribbean – 13-day itinerary from Havana to Cartagena (Save up to 12 per cent) Departs October 19, 2019 From £6,395pp On this incredible itinerary, guests voyage from Cuba to Colombia, taking in Costa Rica and Panama. They will discover destinations such as Colombia’s Isla de Providencia and Panama’s San Blas archipelago.
Guests can also save up to 16 per cent on selected Mediterranean cruises and up to 13 per cent on Arctic and fjords itineraries.
SCENIC ECLIPSE FLEET
Launching in 2020, a second Scenic Eclipse ship will further strengthen Scenic’s position as the leading innovator in the cruise industry. The vessel, which will set a benchmark in design and luxury, will embark on its maiden voyage from Athens to Lisbon, before setting of on its debut sailing season. Itineraries include the European and Russian Arctic – one of the most diverse wildlife habitats in the world, perfect for the intrepid traveller who also wants to sail in absolute comfort. Guests on board Scenic’s fleet of six-star vessels will be part of an exclusive club of explorers who have travelled on the world’s most luxurious expedition-class vessels. For more information about Scenic Eclipse, including training and bespoke support, contact Scenic’s regional sales managers on agencysales@scenic.co.uk
ABTAmag.com
Aviation news Round-up of which airlines are flying where and how often
Billion-pound Gatwick boost Spend needed to cope with rise in passengers by 2023 By Jill Sayles
Heathrow hurrah ABTA hails government backing for third runway By Jill Sayles Transport secretary Chris Grayling confirmed government support for a third runway at Heathrow last month, saying the decision had been made “in the national interest”. The expansion will only go ahead if the proposal meets obligations on air quality and compensation for locals, who are likely to receive £2.6 billion. It would almost double the airport’s freight capacity and add 260,000 more flights a year. The new runway is expected to be completed by 2026 and Grayling insisted the expansion would be 100 per cent privately funded. He also confirmed that 15 per cent of the new slots generated by the third runway would be reserved to increase domestic connectivity and he expected there to be a six-
News in brief
ABTAmag.com
and-a-half hour ban on night flights. Before the expansion can go ahead, the plans must be approved by the full cabinet, and MPs have not yet voted at the time of writing. Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, said: “ABTA welcomes the government’s announcement of the airports national policy statement and urges MPs to support expansion when they vote in Parliament in the coming weeks. While ABTA recognises that expansion must be delivered in a sustainable manner, constraints on airport capacity in the South East, in particular Heathrow, severely inhibit the UK’s ability to grow. In 2017, 78 million passengers passed through Heathrow, 67 per cent on leisure trips and the rest on business. It is currently operating at almost 100 per cent capacity.” ABTAmag.com
Ryanair has announced a new base at London Southend Airport from April 2019. There will be three aircraft operating 13 new routes to destinations in eight countries, including Barcelona, Corfu, Dublin, and Venice.
A five-year capital investment plan for Gatwick Airport has been unveiled, with a total of £1.11 billion to be spent up to 2023, and £266 million earmarked for 2018/19. Gatwick predicts that passenger numbers will increase to nearly 53 million by 2023. The total investment figure rises to £3.14 billion since the airport changed ownership in 2009. New projects beginning this year include the Pier 6 western extension and work on Pier 5 so it can handle the A380 aircraft. There will also be a new domestic arrivals facility in the South Terminal and a new mezzanine level in the North Terminal departure lounge. Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport’s chief executive, said: “Gatwick is a major piece of national infrastructure and our continued growth and ability to attract long-haul airlines is vital for the health of the UK economy. By committing to spend another £1.11 billion, Gatwick can continue to grow sustainably, while providing an excellent service to passengers.” ABTAmag.com
Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Keeger is to retire at the end of the year after five years in the role. He will be replaced from January 1, 2019 by Shai Weiss, currently EVP, chief commercial officer and a member of Virgin’s board of directors.
Oman Air has made new UK management appointments in order to work more closely with travel agents. Nick Beauchamp joins from Icelandair as sales executive, while Kamani Hewagama has been named office co-ordinator.
July 2018 13
News Touring
Touring news Round-up of the current stories affecting the touring sector
G Adventures publishes child welfare guidelines Produced with ChildSafe and the UN Children’s Fund, they aim to ensure the welfare of children affected by tourisn By ABTA Magazine staff Small group tour operator G Adventures has published a set of guidelines to help travel companies ensure the welfare of children affected by the tourism industry. The guidelines were produced with ChildSafe, part of the charity Friends International, and include insights from ABTA and the UN’s Children’s Fund. Speaking to ABTA Magazine, Jamie Sweeting, G Adventures’ vice president for social enterprise and sustainability explained: “It’s about putting kids first and ensuring that children aren’t tourist attractions. It’s as simple as that. “We don’t want to stop tourism and travellers leaving behind good – that’s the whole essence of G Adventures. We want to make the world a better place through travel.”
News in brief 14 July 2018
The guidelines include advice on interacting with child beggars, establishing how to put plans in place for reporting child abuse and removing images of children from marketing materials, unless it has been gained with the consent of parents or guardians. The guidelines also talk about the detrimental effect school visits have on children’s wellbeing. “You’ve got no business being in a classroom unless you’re qualified person who has been through a background check,” Sweeting said. “Ask yourself: if a bus load of tourists filtered through your child’s classroom and your child sat on a tourists’ knee and read to them, how would you feel?” The guidelines are available online. Read the full interview with Jamie Sweeting at abtamag.com.” ABTAmag.com
Great Rail Journeys, the escorted rail tours company, is in talks with the private equity firm Duke Street Capital, which acquired the German river cruise operator A-Rosa in January. GRJ is worth an estimated £100 million.
Trafalgar to tour Africa Itineraries take in South Africa, Botswana and Kenya By Anthony Pearce Guided holiday expert Trafalgar has launched a dedicated programme in Africa for the the first time in 72 years. Its new portfolio features 10 trips visiting nine countries, including trips to five brand new destinations: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. Gavin Tollman, CEO of Trafalgar, said: “This continent is our home, the place we know best. It is critical for us to do justice to that legacy, sharing with you the secrets and hidden gems that are part of our family.” Itineraries include a 14-day Namibia Explorer, which includes a visit to Fish River Canyon; a 14-day African Safari Adventure, which includes entry to safari parks in Tanzania and Kenya; a five-day Botswana Delta Experience; and a four-day Victoria Falls Experience, which includes a ‘Stays with Stories’ in secluded accommodation on the banks of the Zambeze River. The 2019 Africa programme also features two exciting new trips in South Africa; the 15-day Best of South Africa and 10-day Essence of South Africa. ABTAmag.com
Lata, the Latin American Travel Association, has launched a sustainability charter that benchmarks environmental impact, staffing conditions and the distribution of the economic benefits of tourism to local communities.
DriveAway, part of the Auto Europe Group, is offering a free day’s car hire with every booking made. There is no maximum per travel agent. Each booking must be a minimum of five days. See ABTAmag.com/ category/competitions
ABTAmag.com
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News Cruise
Cruise news Looking at the latest launches, innovations and destinations
Peter Shanks Managing director Silversea Cruises What will this mean going forward?
Silversea in $1bn sale Continued from page 11 Royal Caribbean paid $1 billion for its controlling stake in Silversea. The deal is expected to be finalised later this year. The acquisition is being seen as a strategic purchase by Royal Caribbean, which does not have ultra-luxury or expedition capabilities in its existing fleet. Speaking to ABTA Magazine (below), Ben Bouldin, associate vice president & managing director of Royal Caribbean International said: “What Silversea can see is our undoubted ability in leadership and innovation around ship design. I’m sure our performance would give them confidence that the Silversea brand is in safe hands.”
Commenting on the deal (right) Peter Shanks, UK managing director of Silversea, said: “While it is business as usual, it adds so much excitement, vigour and potential growth to a business that already had announced two more ships and has an option for a third. Our ambition was already there to see. Now, with the backing of Royal Caribbean, it gets really exciting.” Speaking about whether there was a risk of cannibalisation between Silversea and Azamara, Shanks added. “No, we’re all so different. We’re all in completely different market sectors. That’s what’s so cool about the partnership. It focuses four brands which are all leaders in their own markets.” ABTAmag.com
From a Royal Caribbean perspective it adds a fourth market leading brand and leadership in one of the fastest growing sectors. From a Silversea perspective, it gives us incredible backing.
Will growth continue?
I imagine our growth will increase. It was already exciting at Silversea with what we had planned, but to have the backing of such an impressive and innovative organisation like Royal is great. Royal describe us as the jewel in their crown – that really sums up their partnership.
What will this mean for travel agents?
We have the strongest sales team in the ultra-luxury sector by some distance and therefore we complement the strong support that Royal and Celebrity give to their agent partners. For agents, we’ve really stressed that it’s business as usual.
Ben Bouldin Associate vice president & MD of Royal Caribbean What will Silversea add to the Royal family?
We’ve got three brands which all have their niche in the market place. Azamara, to me, is luxury but it’s not luxury in the same way that Silversea is. What we’ve acquired is a six-star, ultra-luxury line. They’ve got nine ships with two on order. It’s a popular sector at the moment and it gives us the potential to tap into some of that growth.
Structurally, how will things change?
Manfredi Lefebvre is going to join our senior team to provide strategic guidance for the brand. I see no inclination or signs that the Royal
16 July 2018
Caribbean business will do anything other than support the direction Silversea is going in.
Is there no chance of cannibalisation between Azamara and Silversea? My parents have actually sailed on both and they don’t see them as competing. Azamara is relaxed and more like a country hotel; Silversea is more attentive and luxurious. The company as a whole must be pretty confident that they will play out in different spaces. There’s enough space for all the brands to operate in their markets.
ABTAmag.com
MSC Cruises orders fifth Meraviglia class ship The new vessel – due to be delivered in 2023 – will be equipped with new generation dual fuel engines designed to run on liqufied natural gas By Anthony Pearce MSC Cruises has signed a €900m order for for the construction of a fifth Meraviglia-class cruise ship. The ship, which is due to be delivered in 2023, will be equipped with a new generation of dual-fuel engines designed to run on liquefied natural gas. It will also feature other innovative environmental technologies, including an
advanced wastewater treatment system compliant with the world’s most stringent regulatory standards. The ship will be built by STX France at the St Nazaire shipyard, where three other cruise ships are currently being constructed for MSC – the MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima. MSC Bellissima will be the first ship to featurea digital cruise personal assistant, Zoe, for use in the cabins.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, said: “Our fifth Meraviglia class cruise ship will bring a new generation of cutting-edge environmental technology to the market, benefitting from a new generation of liquefied natural gas-powered engines. “This will help us further reduce our environmental footprint and advance in our journey of constant improvement.” ABTAmag.com
Raymond Blanc joins Scenic Oprah is ship The chef, author and TV presenter will join the line’s gastronomic river cruise around Bordeaux By Jill Sayles Raymond Blanc will join a Scenic gastronomic river cruise to share his love of French cuisine. The chef, author and presenter will join the voyage at Cadillac for two-days and take part in a talk and Q&A about his life and career. Guests will discover Blanc’s culinary secrets and tips during a cooking demonstration with his sous-chef and the chance to sample his cuisine. There will also be an informal drinks reception and gala dinner in his honour.
ABTAmag.com
Blanc said: “Bordeaux is a wonderful place to discover the joys of gastronomy set against the stunning riverside scenery. I look forward to sharing my inspirations and passions with my fellow passengers and raising a toast together to the beauty of this rich culinary region.” The 11-day gastronomic river cruise around Bordeaux is on board Scenic Diamond.Wine critic Susy Atkins also joins the journey offering wine masterclasses and tastings. Scenic recently announced a partnership with National Geographic Expeditions. ABTAmag.com
godmother
She will christen HAL’s Nieuw Statendam By Jill Sayles Oprah Winfrey has been announced as godmother of Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Statendam. She will christen the vessel in a private ceremony. The cruise line and O, The Oprah Magazine have also unveiled a Girls’ Getaway cruise on the ship. Winfrey will join the cruise on January 30, 2019. ABTAmag.com
July 2018 17
News Hotels
Hotel news Checking in on the latest happenings in the world of accommodation
Preferred welcomes new member hotels The independent hotel brand announces the addition of 35 new hotels and resorts across 17 countries By Jill Sayles Independent hotel brand Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of 35 new member hotels and resorts across 17 countries between January 1 to March 31, 2018. Preferred now represents more than 700 hotels, resorts, residences and unique hotel groups in 85 countries. Highlights among the new additions include the Hotel Unique in São Paulo, Brazil, part of the group’s Legend Collection, which is located in Jardins, one of the city’s upmarket neighbourhoods.
The Source Hotel in Denver, Colorado – part of the LVX Collection – is scheduled to open this summer, and will offer 100 Scandinavian modern-minimalistic styled rooms with views of the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains. The hotel is adjacent to the city’s Source Market, which boasts two large market halls full of artisan traders. The One World Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has 438 rooms and suites and four on-site restaurants. It is located in the heart of Petaling Jaya in walking distance of shopping, entertainment and finance centres. ABTAmag.com
Voco motion IHG launches new upscale hotel brand in EMEAA region By Jill Sayles IHG has launched a new upscale hotel brand called voco. It will begin in the group’s Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa (EMEAA) region, with plans to take it to the Americas and China. IHG expects to open more than 200 voco hotels in 10 years. Voco – inspired by the meaning ‘to invite’ in Latin – will work with individual and locally-branded hotels. ABTAmag.com
The whole package Marsha-Ann Brown, director of romance at Sandals and Beaches Resorts, explains the new Aisle to Isle wedding programme. WHAT IS THE NEW PRODUCT ALL ABOUT? Our Aisle to Isle custom-wedding programme has been designed with modern brides and grooms in mind, who seek inspiration and information above all else when planning their nuptials. We created nine “inspirations” influenced by the tropics, gardens, romance, passion, the islands, sophistication, nature and sand and sea, all of which can be mixed to suit each individual couple’s requirements. Our newest addition is English Royalty.
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WHAT SETS SANDALS’ WEDDINGS OFFERING APART? Sandals and Beaches Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other hotel operator, so our guests can always rest assured they will have a luxury experience. We take care of all the arrangements right from the very beginning, covering every aspect of the big day from destinationinspired wedding websites to customisable stationary. Our Aisle to Isle programme has also expanded its photo and video options. Sandals and Beaches guests can still take advantage of our free wedding option if they stay for three nights or more, which includes a cocktail reception, a wedding ceremony, a wedding entourage, a wedding cake and more.
HOW HAS THE DESTINATION WEDDINGS MARKET CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS? Many brides report they are now choosing a two or three-day wedding celebration rather than the traditional five-hour celebration, whether at home or overseas. Continued on page 21
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Promotion
Paradise found Bio-diverse and eco-friendly, the Seychelles is an archipelago of unrivalled beauty perfect for those who want to protect the world as they explore it
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ituated 1,500 kilometres off the mainland of East Africa in the western Indian Ocean, the 115-island archipelago known as the Seychelles, with its white-sand beaches, turquoise cays, and some of the rarest flora and fauna on earth, is a paradise of incomparable beauty. Temperatures rarely dip below 24 degrees Celsius, and rarely rise above 33: it’s no wonder the Seychelles are known as the “land of perpetual summer”. With direct British Airways flights now connecting London and Mahé, where the country’s main airport is located, in just 10 hours, it has never been easier to visit the country. But it is a destination still unspoilt by tourism, welcoming just over 300,000 visitors each year.
PRISTINE PARADISE
In this diverse archipelago, no two islands are the same, with each offering its own geographical character – from granite boulders to coral reefs, dense forests to
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sprawling national parks. It is home to two World Heritage Sites: the Vallée de Mai on Praslin, where the coco-de-mer nut grows, and Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll. What truly sets the Seychelles apart is that, because of its dedication to conservation, its environment remains protected and pristine. The tourist office has been working with WiseOceans and the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles on projects that have helped establish it as one of the world’s great eco-tourism destinations.
ISLAND HOPPING
With 100-plus diverse islands spread across an area of 1.4 million sq km, there is an incredible choice. Of these, only 16 islands currently have hotels, including Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, North Island and Silhouette Island. But one of the joys of a holiday in the Seychelles is the ability to experience several destinations in one trip. Visitors can either sail between islands on the Seychelles Ferry or hire a yacht, allowing them to experience the islands,
both granitic and coralline, at their own leisure. It is, unsurprisingly, also a diver’s paradise.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN
In 1881, when the Victorian hero General Charles Gordon, a devout Christian, set sail to the Seychelles, he arrived in Praslin, and became convinced that the island’s Vallée de Mai was the Garden of Eden, as described in the Book of Genesis. The area, now a nature reserve, is the habitat for the endemic coco-de-mer, a “flagship species of global significance” that can grow to a height of 34 metres. In fact, the Seychelles is known for its endemic species: there are more than 75 flowering plants alone that are unique to the islands, as well as amphibians such as the tiny Gardiner’s Seychelles frog, birds such as the Seychelles black parrot, giant tortoises, and mammals such as the Aldabra flying fox. It is no wonder General Gordon thought he had alighted on paradise. For more information, visit seychelles.travel
July 2018 19
2019 Viking river cruises
save £750pp – prices from £1,345pp With the world’s largest fleet of innovative river ships – including our multi award-winning Viking Longships – only Viking can promise you more. More comfort, more quality, more style and more choice of cruises across Europe, Russia and Asia. Relax in spacious, contemporary surroundings. Indulge in fabulous, freshly cooked food and thoughtfully selected wines. Explore the cultures, customs and cuisines of the places you visit on expertly led tours. And discover a unique and exciting new view of the world.
GREAT VIKING VALUE – SO MUCH INCLUDED P Return scheduled flights from London and a choice of up to 14 regional airports at no extra cost P River-view stateroom P All meals on board including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner P Free Wi-Fi on board* P An included excursion in almost every port P Free tea, coffee and snacks any time on board P All port charges, government taxes and overseas transfers
Viking River Cruises
Best River Cruise Line for Enrichment
Viking River Cruises
Best River Cruise Line Itineraries
Rhine Getaway
Romantic Danube
8 days, 6 guided tours, Amsterdam to Basel or Basel to Amsterdam, March to December 2019 From £1,445pp
8 days, 6 guided tours, Budapest to Nuremberg or Nuremberg to Budapest, April to December 2019 From £1,345pp
Your Itinerary Day 1 Amsterdam, The Netherlands | Day 2 Kinderdijk, The Netherlands | Day 3 Cologne, Germany | Day 4 Koblenz and Rüdesheim, Germany | Day 5 Heidelberg and Speyer, Germany Day 6 Strasbourg, France | Day 7 Breisach, Germany Day 8 Basel, Switzerland
Your Itinerary Days 1 & 2 Budapest, Hungary | Day 3 Vienna, Austria Day 4 Krems, Austria and Danube River Day 5 Passau, Germany | Day 6 Regensburg and Kelheim, Germany Day 7 Main-Danube Canal and Nuremberg, Germany Day 8 Nuremberg, Germany
Portugal’s River of Gold
Imperial Jewels of China
10 days, 8 guided tours, Lisbon to Porto March to December 2019 From £1,945pp
15 days, 11 guided tours, Shanghai to Beijing or Beijing to Shanghai, March to November 2019 From £3,145pp
Your Itinerary Days 1 & 2 Lisbon, Portugal | Day 3 Coimbra and Porto, Portugal | Day 4 Porto, Portugal | Day 5 Régua and Pinhão, Portugal | Day 6 Douro River and Barca d’Alva, Portugal Day 7 Salamanca and Vega de Terrón, Spain | Day 8 Douro River and Pinhão, Portugal | Day 9 Régua and Porto, Portugal Day 10 Porto, Portugal
Your Itinerary Days 1-3 Shanghai | Day 4 Shanghai & Wuhan | Day 5 Wuhan Day 6 Jingzhou | Day 7 Wu Gorge | Day 8 Three Gorges Day 9 Shibaozhai | Day 10 Chongquin and Xian Day 11 Xian | Day 12 Xian & Beijing | Days 13-15 Beijing
*Restrictions apply. Prices correct at time of going to print but are subject to availability and change. From prices are per person and based on two people sharing the lowest grade stateroom available, departing on selected dates in 2019. Prices valid until 31 July 2018. Single supplements apply. Please note on selected cruises a visa may be required and is at the passengers own expense. For more information please visit vikingcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions or call us.
News UK travel
UK travel news The latest industry developments closer to home
VisitEngland and AA revise guidelines The two bodies agree on new criteria for consistent standards for star rated hotels and self-catering accommodation By Jill Sayles VisitEngland and the AA have agreed updated common standards and criteria for hotels and self-catering accommodation in the UK. The revised guidelines aim to ensure that an official star-rated property will mean consistent standards for accommodation businesses in the UK. VisitEngland director, Andrew Stokes said: “We know that people value quality and guaranteeing that a star rating in Inverness or Swansea brings with it the same benefits as one in Cornwall or Belfast will encourage
Continued from page 18 New research by Sandals Resorts conducted with Britons who married for the first time in the past five years showed that, if the budget were no object, 83 per cent of couples would do things differently and more days of celebrations with family and friends would be one of the top priorities if they could do it again (11 per cent). Over a quarter said they continued their wedding party for two or three days (27 per cent) when they married. WHAT ARE YOUR SALES TIPS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS WHEN SELLING A DESTINATION WEDDING? Consider all of the options available to your guests and make recommendations based on their choices, as every part of a wedding needs to be planned out and thought through individually.
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visitors to further explore the accommodation on offer.” The changes enable businesses to be more flexible in the facilities they provide, allowing them to tailor their property to the type of guest they attract, highlighting its features. The new standards replace those established by the national tourist boards of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the AA across the UK in 2006, which were previously updated in 2012. For more UK travel and hospitality news, see ABTAmag.com/news
The more guests that join the celebration with booked rooms, the more tangible rewards couples will earn. For example, couples who have 12 booked guest rooms can choose from perks such as $1,000 towards a private catamaran cruise, a complimentary room upgrade, a two-minute wedding trailer video and more, all designed to enhance their wedding experience and optimise their special day. DO YOU OFFER TRAINING ON THE PRODUCT? Agents can find a series of online training modules at sellingsandals.co.uk, which includes a section dedicated to our wedding offerings. Wedding training webinars are also hosted by our UK weddings brand manager, Olivia Knight. The next sessions are due to take place from 9.15am to
Super Friday New package portfolio introduced by Super Break By Sam Ballard Due to demand from agents, Super Break has increased its portfolio of Friday Night Out packages to 26. The party packages combine overnight accommodation with a welcome drink, a three-course meal in a popular restaurant and a nightlife voucher. New destinations are Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Harrogate bringing the total number to 13. In addition, three new restaurant chains have been added in specific cities including Las Iguanas, Ask Italian and La Tasca, plus other treats such as VIP booths at Tiger Tiger in Leeds and two for one cocktail cards at Revolution in Milton Keynes, Blackpool and Sheffield. The Sheffield Friday Night Out package costs from £69 per person staying at the Hilton Hotel in September. ABTAmag.com
9.45am on July 11 and 19. Contact: olivia.knight@sandals.co.uk
Marsha-Ann Brown
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Out and about Pictures from the latest travel industry events 1. Sesame Street character Abby welcomes travel agents on behalf of Sandals and the Jamaica Tourist Board to Beaches Ochos Rios. Left to right: Viv Brown (The Travel House, Mumbles); Paige Ferrie (Thomas Cook, Larbert); Christiane McCorgray (Thorne Travel, Kilwinning); Becca Psaila (Tui, Cardiff); Katherine Vaughan (Tailor Made Travel, Merthyr Tydfil); April Wilmott (Travel Buddy, Bristol); Abby; Leah Marshall (Sandals); Lisa Adams (East of England Co-op, Ipswich); Lisa Clover (East of England Co-op, Manningtree); Jaclyn Wood (Blue Bay Travel, Stoke on Trent). 2. Agents join an Abu Dhabi roadshow in London. Left to right: Jane Dawkins (DCT-Abu Dhabi); Emma Lenanton (Yas Experiences); Debbie Hutton (Best at Travel); Jeremy Pollock (Etihad Airways); Carolin Henze (St Regis Abu Dhabi); and Tom Legg from St Regis Saadiyat Island.
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3. More than 70 managers, along with 14 suppliers, attend STA Travel’s UK Managers’ Conference, which includes Hotel Football. 4. Agents join Tenerife Tourism Corporation and British Airways on the island. Left to right: Anca Stan (Elegant Resorts); Maisie Bamford (Wexas); Lucy Dennis (Scott Dunn); Jessica Jones (Azure Collections); Laura Boo (Hume Whitehead); Angel Smith (Simply Luxury by Travel 2); Becky Hutton (BA Holidays) and Marie-Helene Rodriguez (Chic Locations).
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4 Send your travel industry pictures to info@ABTAmag.com and we’ll print the best
July 2018 23
Interview Andrew Flintham ABTA Magazine
Andrew Flintham
Managing director, Tui UK & Ireland Sam Ballard discovers the mindset behind Tui’s successful business model
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here are few bigger jobs in the travel industry than being the boss of Tui. The travel giant is licensed to sell 5.3 million Atol-licenced seats every year. The overall business also incorporates about 600 retail stores, a cruise line with six ships, an airline with more than 60 aircraft and a hotel business that includes a portfolio of 4,500 properties – all underpinned by a vast tour operator campaign. By anyone’s standards, Tui is a big deal. This is why Andrew Flintham made headlines earlier this year when he left Tui, only to rejoin six months later. “In my six months off on gardening leave, I spent three months of it looking at Tui,” Flintham explains. “My view was that commercially, at least from a product perspective, it’s this depth and breadth of product that is unrivalled.” Flintham is well-positioned to give an analysis of Tui – his career at the travel giant spans 14 years and features several senior roles. Titles he has held include
mainstream planning director, aviation planning director and commercial director. Flintham says: “Our commercial and sales capability is really strong. The thing that stands out more, and I’m exposed to it more now [as managing director], is our people. Tui has around 15,000 staff and I hear the amazing stories of what our people are doing every day.
‘Commercially, Tui has got a depth and breadth of product that is unrivalled’ “It’s the one thing we don’t accentuate, apart from sustainability: that story about our people helping customers on a daily basis and going the extra mile.” It’s a story that sits at the heart of Tui. For Flintham, a key point of difference is that his company can handle the customer
journey right from the booking stage (with Tui’s retail travel agents), to the flight (on Tui’s own aircraft), before being handed over to Tui destination services staff and finally holidaying in Tui resorts. “Fundamentally, most of our customers will see our people at every single stage,” Flintham says. “We have people everywhere to help our customers.” It is one of the reasons why Tui will never be a truly agent-friendly business, he says, with direct business accounting for more than 90 per cent of overall bookings. “We can’t claim to be anything other than a predominantly direct business. To be fair, we’ve spent the past 10 years trying to become a predominantly direct business. It’s a little bit inconceivable that suddenly we’d announce, ‘that’s not what we are.’” But, as an executive who now sits on top of his own retail network of 600 stores, how does Flintham see the future of Tui’s retail footprint? “It’s a real crystal ball exercise,” he says. “Generally, people are going to become
Pictured Left: Tunisian resorts such as Sidi Bou Said are witnessing the return of international tourists
22 July 2018
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ABTA Magazine
Eco stats 1 3
more digital, so we’re going to have to continue to drive that. But a significant proportion of our customers want faceto-face contact. “Today our shops are purely sales, but we have lots of customers who come in to print their boarding passes – because they can’t do it at home. We get into a merged world where [Tui staff] become customer assistants. “In the future, you could have stores where a customer books their own holiday and you have people who are there for advice. You could have scenarios where they’re still selling holidays but they’re there to manage any issues or complaints. Rather than saying, ‘Please call this number’, you could say, ‘Please pop into your local shop’.” Citing research about the link between SEO and organic traffic and having a brand name on the high street, Flintham says that when First Choice rebranded, people no longer had any reason to know who they were. “The stores fulfil a really broad role. I’m not sure if anyone really knows what that will be going forward,” he says. “We’ve seen that about 20 per cent of the people who book online come into a store at some point – that could be after they’ve booked or before they’ve booked, but there is still that degree of interaction. We don’t currently credit the wider influence that our retail estate creates.” Another crystal ball exercise is the subject of destinations. In the last issue of ABTA Magazine, we detailed the rise of Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey, destinations that are all coming up from a low base. Flintham says that Tui is seeing the same kind of migration back to those destinations, as well as the Eastern Mediterranean. Montenegro, Croatia and Bulgaria are others that are on the rise.
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‘A significant proportion of our customers want face-to-face contact’ “In the past few years we’ve had a real imbalance. Holidays have concentrated on the Canaries, the Balearics and mainland Spain. It was like 1979 when everyone went to the Costa del Sol,” he says. “That’s driven a whole hotelier dynamic with rates going up on strong demand and a shortage of hotel beds. That’s started to dissipate. Greece has been strong for a number of years now, but with Turkey coming back up – and if Egypt and Tunisia also come back – then it will start to balance back out between western and eastern Med.” For Tui, returning to Tunisia is an especially sensitive area. It was Tui customers who were among the 38 people killed in the terrorist attack in Sousse in 2015. For Flintham, who was in the crisis centre when the attack took place and gave evidence at the inquest at the Royal Courts of Justice, there is an obvious personal connection to returning to the country. “We probably went through a few more internal decisions that were more psychological than operational in returning,” he admits. “Organisationally, we have a legacy that is emotionally attached to what happened. “The government had quite clearly said that the security situation had changed and they were happy for Brits to go back. Other operators had gone back. Our cautiousness was more related to the incident and the fact that we and our customers were directly affected by it.” ABTAmag.com
Tui Airways and Tui fly Deutschland ranked #1 and #3 most carbon-efficient airlines globally
8.3m
‘Greener and Fairer’ Tui holidays delivered in hotels that hold sustainability certificates
5.5% reduction in CO2 emissions per cruise passenger night - compared with 2015
July 2018 25
Promotion
Paradise island Unspoilt, unpretentious and unforgettable – a holiday on the Caribbean island of Nevis is different from other destinations
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he exclusive island of Nevis is one of the most unspoilt and relaxing locations in the Caribbean. Vividly green with blue skies, clean air and long empty beaches, Nevis has a pace of life that encourages guests to stop and appreciate all the natural beauty around. It’s a very special place famed for its charm and the easy-going genuineness of its people. Nevis, with a total area of 93 sq km, is the smaller of the two islands that make up the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The two sister islands are separated by a 3km channel of water known as ‘The Narrows’ – so close that you can swim between the two in an annual competition. Guests can fly into Robert L Bradshaw International Airport on Saint Kitts and take a water taxi
to Nevis, or connections via Antigua to the island’s own Vance W Amory International Airport are also available. While on Nevis, guests can explore by 4x4 Funky Monkey Jeeps, hire a car or book a local taxi with a knowledgeable driver as guests are encouraged to get out and about. They can enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants, swing by Pinney’s Beach for a famous Killer Bee cocktail at Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill or pick a fresh mango from the trees which grow over 40 different varieties. This gem of an island has a total of just 420 hotel rooms, yet there is something suitable for everyone. From the rustic charm of the three-star Oualie Beach Resort, offering an authentic Caribbean experience on a fantastic beach, through
to the luxury five-star Four Seasons Resort with its cabana-style beach houses, three infinity-edge pools and an award-winning spa. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is a historic plantation inn on a beach, spread over 12 lush hectares with only 36 rooms offering intimacy and privacy. Montpelier Plantation & Beach, where history meets luxury, is a boutique resort offering Relais & Chateaux hospitality. The family-owned and operated Mount Nevis Hotel offering an intimate hideaway is one of the small properties also available on the island. Quiet villages dotted with brightly coloured houses and unspoilt beaches, together with an unhurried lifestyle and genuine hospitality, only add to its unique appeal.
nevisisland.com Facebook.com/nevisnaturally Instagram @nevisnaturally Represented in the UK by Clear Marketing International
26 July 2018
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ABTA news July 2018
All the latest reports, comment, campaigns and events from ABTA – The Travel Association
Arundel wins Brit Award They picked up ‘Best use of ABTA Branding’ at the Travel Brit Awards in Yorkshire By ABTA Magazine staff
1 in 3 don’t check travel advice before going abroad ABTA is supporting members to make customers aware of Foreign Office advice Research shows that the By ABTA Magazine staff majority of Britons (67 per One in three Britons do not cent) who have travelled check any travel advice before abroad for a holiday did check going abroad, according to new advice for their destination. research by ABTA. Advice concerning The travel associaton is local currency, healthcare supporting its members to make (including vaccinations), entry customers aware of the FCO requirements and safety advice with online training, and security were the most launched earlier this year. It is searched for topics. particularly relevant for frontline ABTA is holding its popular staff and was developed in Communicating FCO and other response to members’ request Travel Advice to Customers for support on how to respond to seminar in Manchester on July challenging questions. Members 11, which will offer further in can access this training directly at help in communicating travel abta.com/abtaknowledgezone. advice. ABTA.com
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ABTA is delighted to announce that Arundel Travel has won the ‘Best use of ABTA branding’ award at this year’s Travel Brit Awards. Peakes Travel Elite was also highly commended at the awards ceremony, which took place on June 17 at Primrose Valley Holiday Park, Yorkshire. The award recognises individuals or businesses who use the ABTA logo or branding to promote their membership
and the value of it, whether that is through vibrant window displays, engaging social media or other forms of marketing. Independent agency Arundel Travel was chosen as the overall winner, almost six months to the day since the shop first opened. Helen Parry opened Arundel Travel in December 2017 in the town of Otley, just 5km from Leeds Bradford Airport. The agency sells both domestic and foreign holidays. ABTA.com
TMCs play vital role in support for overseas business trips Research reveals managers’ main concerns By ABTA Magazine staff Research by ABTA has found that, although the majority of business trips overseas go ahead without incident, managers’ main concerns for their staff on overseas business trips revolve around potential threats to health or safety. These include potential security threats, health and medical concerns, harassment or violence against staff, natural disasters and severe weather conditions. The research findings emphasise the role that Travel Management Companies (TMCs) play in providing up to date information and support both pre-departure and while away. A majority of respondents stated that in the last 12 months none of their staff had experienced any issues when travelling overseas. However, when asked ‘What are you concerned about when your staff travel abroad?’ 58 per cent of respondents stressed health and medical issues and 57 per cent of respondents stressed security threats to staff. Potential harassment or violence against staff was a concern for 35 per cent of respondents and a further 35 per cent were concerned about. ABTA.com
July 2018 27
ABTA News
Truth, Trust and the Future of the Expert
The Travel Covention 2018 will help shape the industry of tomorrow with advice and insight By ABTA Magazine staff Truth, Trust and the Future of the Expert has been confirmed as the theme for this year’s Travel Convention, which will take place from October 8-10 in Seville. In a year dominated by the fake news phenomenon and more, the sector’s most forward-looking event will explore the cornerstones of the future relationship between the travel industry and the traveller over the course of the three-day event, where a programme of networking events will run alongside the business sessions. The Convention, welcoming 500 travel industry professionals spanning the full breadth of the mainstream and specialist travel industry, will see an exceptional line-up of inspirational guest provide ABTA’s members and the wider industry with a broad spectrum of tips and insights designed to help them shape the travel industry of tomorrow, rather than be shaped by it. Confirmed speakers include Johan Lundgren, chief executive officer of easyJet; Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and chief executive of the World Travel and Tourism Council; Rory Sutherland, executive creative director at Ogilvy One; and Dr Paul Redmond, director of student experience and enhancement at Liverpool University, who returns to the Convention stage after his outstanding presentation in the Azores last year (pictured). ITV’s royal editor, Chris Ship, will again moderate the Convention. Reflecting the enduring popularity of the UK travel industry’s flagship event, The Telegraph Travel has been confirmed as lead partner of The Travel Convention for the 12th successive year. It will
28 July 2018
be joined by Avis Budget Group and Royal Caribbean International, which return as headline partners for the second year running, and Global Media & Entertainment, which has come on board as a headline partner for the very first time. ABTA is delighted to confirm that Gold Medal, Travel 2 and Trafalgar will be inviting their leading agent partners to experience the event as agent host sponsors, with Trafalgar also sponsoring the “meet the media” event. A selection of excursions designed to showcase the cultural and natural heritage of Andalusia’s capital have been organised for delegates, featuring a cultural tour of the city of Seville; a flamenco museum tour and live show; and a traditional Sevillian gastronomy experience. Social activities include the return of the Convention golf tournament, which will take place at the renowned Club Zaudin Golf Sevilla; the annual Convention football match; and Ride for your LifeLine, sponsored by Avis Budget Group, a fundraising event in aid of ABTA’s charitable trust.
Details • • • • •
The Travel Convention 2018 will be held at the Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento from October 8-10 2018. Registration is now open Business sessions will be held at Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento’s internal conference centre Accommodation is available to delegates at Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento and Eurostars Torre Sevilla on a bed & breakfast basis A number of airlines operate direct flights to Seville from the UK. Delegates are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure the best airfares For regular updates and to register, visit thetravelconvention.com
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Ask the expert Do you have a burning question you can’t find the answer to? Be it travel trends, a regulatory riddle, or destination dilemmas, send us your query for an expert response
How can I make sure I do right by customers who have a disability? I recently handled a group booking where one of the customers had a disability. Even though I was able to book them on a suitable holiday, which the whole party enjoyed, it was through a tour operator that really knew their stuff, I was struck by how unprepared I was to help them. There were questions they asked about accessibility that I just did not know the answers to. I have spoken to colleagues about it and they have admitted the same ignorance. How do I brush up on my knowledge and make sure I am better prepared in future? Anon
This is not uncommon. However, awareness is now starting to grow about how best to handle the needs of customers with disabilities. Quite often people forget the basics: asking questions. This can be through a lack of confidence in knowing what you can and should ask. The most significant thing to remember is the importance of good communication, making sure you have that conversation with your customers so that you understand their needs, making sure that you book appropriate accommodation and activities and pass on relevant information to your suppliers. You will find a handy checklist of questions on ABTA.com to help you get it right. It is important to take the time to find out whether any of your customers has specific needs. When helping a customer to book, remember that it may not be the person making the booking who is the disabled person. You need to make sure you cover the needs of everyone in the party. Many people, in particular older customers, may not think of themselves as being disabled, even if they may need assistance from time to time. It is also important to be able to give the customer accurate information on the different aspects of the holiday, such as the hotel and transfers, to help that customer make the right choice. Airlines and airports throughout the European Union and many other parts of the world have a legal obligation to provide assistance, but it is very important that you ensure that they are notified in advance of any assistance requirements that your customers may have. There are more than 11 million people with a limiting long-term illness, impairment or disability in Great Britain. With an ageing population, this is likely to grow. Together with the family and friends they may be travelling with, this is a very significant market for the travel industry. In addition, your company also has legal obligations to ensure that it does not discriminate against people with disabilities. It is very important that you understand these obligations and how to offer good customer service. But help is at hand, as there is clear information on the Members section of ABTA.com. In addition, ABTA will be launching e-learning on accessible travel shortly. Nikki White director of destinations and sustainability, ABTA
Got a question? Email: asktheexpert@abtamag.com ABTAmag.com
July 2018 29
ABTA Comment
Integrated destination management is the answer to ‘overtourism’
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ast year’s tourist protests in Barcelona and Venice will have been the first time many British holidaymakers became aware of what has now been dubbed “overtourism”. There has been much talk about this issue since then, with the island of Boracay being closed by the Philippines government for six months from April this year because of sustained environmental damage, and Thailand’s Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach, also introducing a temporary closure, as it looks to assess environmental control and tourism management. While the circumstances of Barcelona and Boracay are quite different – in Barcelona much of the concern was about peer-to-peer tourism driving up property prices, making it unaffordable for locals, whereas in Boracay it was the sheer number of tourists and how their environmental impact is managed – it all boils down to the same thing: proactive, integrated destination management. Large numbers of tourists can put a strain on a destination’s infrastructure, its community and its environment. Taking a short-term, narrowly defined approach, as was too often the case in the past, is now seen increasingly as unsustainable in the long term, both by enlightened travel companies and by the destinations they send customers to. Proactive, integrated destination management is essential for sustainable tourism. Plan well
and each destination can address its relevant needs and potential risks. To get this right it cannot be down to one person or one organisation, nor is it about tackling a single issue. Instead, the answer is a well-considered and collaborative approach. It is vital to bring together government departments from across tourism, environment, planning and health, along with the private sector (such as tour operators, accommodation providers, airlines), NGOs and the local community to come up with a shared vision and approach. What works for one destination might not be appropriate or suitable for another: encouraging visiting at off-peak times, promoting longer stays, distributing tourism beyond just the honeypot sites, are some of the strategies destinations can consider. Whatever the approach, the measure of success is a good tourism experience which also has a positive, sustainable impact on the local community.
Clare Jenkinson Senior destinations & sustainability manager, ABTA
ABTA online The latest travel advice
The latest on visas, health requirements and destinations. See abta. com/tips-and-latest/ latest-travel-advice
30 July 2018
ABTA campaigns
The full list of ABTA’s campaigns, which raise awareness of important travel issues. See abta. com/tips-and-latest/abtacampaigns
ABTAmag.com
ABTA campaigns Action on balcony falls
ABTA encourages members to jump in Swim Safe campaign By ABTA Magazine staff
By ABTA Magazine staff ABTA and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are urging holidaymakers to avoid taking risks on hotel balconies, after new figures showed ABTA members reported 12 balcony accidents in 2017. There was one British fatality reported, and 11 serious injuries after people fell or jumped from balconies while on holiday overseas. However, the association believes the real number of balcony falls is much higher, with nine accidents reported in the media over the past three months, five resulting in fatalities. Already this year, two falls have been reported to ABTA, with both people involved seriously injured, while two incidents have been reported in the media so far this month. With the summer holiday season under way, ABTA says the latest incidents highlight the need for caution on balconies. Many accidents occur because of holidaymakers taking risks, such as climbing from one balcony to another or jumping into the pool from their balcony, and after drinking alcohol. Young people are particularly at risk, with seven of the nine accidents reported in the media involving teenagers or those in their 20s. ABTA and the FCO have provided tips on using balconies safely, which are available online, and as a leaflet or poster. They have also been sent to ABTA Members to distribute to their suppliers overseas. ABTA.com
ABTA is running its annual #SwimSafe campaign as part of a summer safety drive. It will share tips and advice on how customers can stay safe in the pool or at thebeach. Among the advice, the campaign encourages customers to be aware of their surroundings, follow safety advice and look out for others. The travel association is also encouraging members to get involved in the campaign by sharing its animations on social media, or even posting 10 to 15 second videos of resort staff talking about swimming safety, to help engage customers on how to stay safe on holiday. There is a whole range of resources available from ABTA.com/swimsafe, including new Swim Safety posters to put on notice boards and hand out in customer welcome packs. ABTA.com
ABTA.com ABTA Knowledge Zone
ABTA’s online training tools, which complement ABTA’s conference and events programme. See abtaknowledgezone.co.uk
ABTAmag.com
Partner offers
ABTA Partners provide promotional offers, specialist helplines or free services to ABTA members. See abta.com/memberzone/business-services/ partner-offers-listing
July 2018 31
ABTA Events
Events ABTA conferences and events deliver practical training for the travel industry and help keep you and your staff up to date on the most important, business-critical issues, with a focus on practical learning. Visit ABTA.com/events to learn more about our upcoming events and register your place
July 10 Complaints Handling Workshop, London If you regularly handle complaints, this workshop will give you the crucial skills to help you deal with them effectively, including techniques for dealing with written and verbal complaints.
July 11
September 19
September 20
Communicating FCO and other Travel Advice to Customers, Manchester Gain an understanding of how you can talk about travel advice, hear examples of organisations that do this effectively and create a toolkit for travel advice.
Essential Guide to Travel Marketing, London How to develop your brand and find the best marketing methods to drive sales. Assess your marketing strategies and gain the tools to understand what channels work best for your brand.
Advanced Social Media in Travel, London Develop your social media strategy, understand the value of influencers and get in-depth guidance on social channels.
September 26
October 2
October 3
Group Travel and Escorted Tours Conference, London Capitalise on the growing demand for experiential and adventure travel, multigenerational travel, special interest, theme and educational travel and female-only tours.
A Beginner’s Guide to Travel Law, Bristol Understand what the new package travel and ATOL regulations mean for your business. What adjustments do you need to make and how will your liabilities change?
Business Travel Risk Management: Protecting Your Travelling Employees, London An opportunity for TMCs to show their value by helping clients to safeguard travelling employees, manage risk and handle a major incident.
32 July 2018
Book this and Essential Guide to Travel Marketing and get 20% off both events
ABTAmag.com ABTAmag.com
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Business travel Artificial Intelligence
Rise of the robots Business Travel Report
Hospitality groups are now using artificial intelligence to power everything from call centres to robobutlers
L
ast year I visited IBM’s research laboratory in Zurich, where they are working on Watson, an evolving artificial intelligence (AI) platform that is being trained how to think like a human. From weather forecasting to building chatbots, its applications are seemingly limitless and available to any individual or business wanting to experiment with it. Watson’s abilities include image recognition (essential in self-driving cars, for example), natural language processing and translation, and even emotion analysis. Over the past couple of years a wide variety of travel companies have started
employing Watson, the world’s leading AI, to perform unique tasks: Japan Rail East has been dabbling with it to analyse customer inquiries at call centres; Korean Air has been using Watson’s mighty brain to crunch historical fleet maintenance records; the travel search engine Zumata has integrated Watson’s cognitive services to improve the hotel booking experience by allowing people to converse with a virtual agent; and Hilton has piloted Connie, a robot concierge that is able to talk to guests. Several other hotel groups have been exploring the benefits of robotic staff. Marriott’s Aloft has a robot butler called
by Jenny Southan, business travel editor “Botlr” that delivers amenities to guest rooms in about half a dozen US hotels, while M Social in Singapore has Aura and Ausca, who do front-of-house work and even cooking. Also in Singapore, ShangriLa’s youth-oriented sub-brand Hotel Jen has employed Jeno and Jena at its Orchardgateway and Tanglin properties to help with room service requests. Standing
SPEAKING TO AN AI BARMAID In February, the Andaz Liverpool Street hotel in London created an AI landlady called Lady Abercorn, with whom drinkers can have a simple conversation via Facebook Messenger (the questions you can ask are preselected). Here is the conversation ABTA Magazine had with her… LADY ABERCORN: Tell me, what do you want to know? ABTA MAGAZINE: Who are you? LADY ABERCORN: Well, that would be
34 July 2018
telling… [She has inserted a GIF here of a young Asian woman wagging her finger.] All you need to know [is] that I’ve been around a very long time and I’ve seen lots of things you can’t imagine and things you’d wish you could forget.
ABTA MAGAZINE: New menus? LADY ABERCORN: You heard right! We’ve made up an all-new menu inspired by my travels and my love for East London. Take a look. [Link to menu is sent.]
ABTAmag.com ABTAmag.com
The headlines Lufthansa Group launches handbaggage-only transatlantic fares
This summer, Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines are launching more affordable fares for those willing to travel with hand luggage only on flights to North America. Known as “economy light”, the fares will be “the least expensive option for price-conscious passengers who do not require any ticket flexibility”. Travellers will continue to receive free food and drink onboard.
Delta to reinstate India flights
at about one metre tall, they trundle along at 2.5kph and have sensors that allow them to use lifts and escalators. Last November, a report from McKinsey & Company suggested that by 2030, as many as 800 million workers around the globe could be replaced by robots. Within the online world, artificial intelligence is being used to make interacting with the internet more humanlike. The travel metasearch engine Skyscanner says it is harnessing AI to “create a marketplace for each traveller that is personalised to suit their needs and preferences”, based on data generated by that individual. In 2016 it led the way in launching chatbots on Facebook Messenger and Skype, as well as a voice-activated “skill” for Amazon Alexa. Skyscanner says: “Travellers can
ABTA MAGAZINE: Any food pictures? LADY ABERCORN: Looks damn tasty, right? [Cue pictures of harissa-glazed aubergine, pork roast, and fish and chips.] ABTA MAGAZINE: How do I find you? LADY ABERCORN: We’re very easy to find, even after a few shandies. Follow the directions below – we’re on the corner with the lovely opaque windows. [Link to Google Maps is copied in.]
ABTAmag.com
The recent Open Skies alliance between the US and the UAE and Qatar has prompted Delta to announce the reinstatement of flights to Mumbai in 2019. The airline is yet to make a decision on where the flights will depart from, but New York and Delta’s home base in Atlanta are both in the running. Delta said: “The framework created by the agreement allows Delta to move forward with service to India, a market long impacted by government-subsidised Middle Eastern airlines.”
Frasers boosts China presence
Frasers Hospitality is planning to almost double the number of properties it has in China to 25 by 2021. The Singaporean company’s chief executive, Choe Peng Sum, said: “China is our fastest-growing market. The upcoming openings across tier one and tier two cities in China reinforces Frasers Hospitality’s confidence in the country’s long-term growth potential.” Locations will include Nanchang, Heifei, Chengdu, Nanjing, Shanghai and Wuhan.
Virgin flies to Las Vegas from 2019
From March 31 next year, Virgin Atlantic will be flying Sin City services from London Heathrow instead of Gatwick, moving the flight to its Terminal 3 Heathrow hub. There will also be a change in aircraft; the route will be operated with newer B787-9 aircraft rather than ageing B747s. One of the reasons it cites is growing demand from corporates travelling for business.
Marriott and IHG drop mini bottles
Over the next six months or so, Marriott is to replace mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel with large dispensers at 1,500 of its properties across five brands (including AC Hotels) most geared towards business travellers. Intercontinental Hotels Group is taking similar steps at Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Avid Hotels.
July 2018 35
Business travel Artificial Intelligence
Previous page: The AURA robot at the M Social hotel in Singapore; right: the hotel’s Beast and Butterflies with table-top screens
ask for any flight itinerary, as well as get inspiration and suggestions for where they can go.” In January, Heathrow Airport began allowing customers to ask Alexa about flight delays. Uber, National Rail, Ryanair, Virgin Trains, Expedia and easyJet also provide voice-activated services via Amazon’s smart home speakers, while the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas has installed them as command centres in every one of its 4,748 rooms – if you want to close the curtains, just ask. Google, too, has been investing heavily in voice recognition, with its Home speaker acting as a similar kind of digital assistant. In theory, for the time-pressed business traveller, these are welcome innovations.
SITA’s Air Transport IT Trends Insights 2017 report suggests that more than 50 per cent of airlines are to adopt major AI programmes by 2020. In April, the UK government announced a £1 billion deal to put Britain at the forefront of artificial intelligence development and build its status as an AI research hotspot. But with fears around the erosion of privacy and the rise of the machines, was Stephen Hawking on to something when he warned that the birth of AI could be the “worst event in the history of our civilisation”? It is hard to be too afraid of cute robo-butlers taking control of hotels, but we are in the early days of experimentation. John Rogers, senior vice-president of brands and franchise ops for Hilton in
EMEA, says that rolling out robostaff across its properties might not be a priority. “While robotics continues to grow and develop, we maintain that service from knowledgeable team members is still at the core of what we do – we are in the business of people serving people.” Even Skyscanner admits that AI cannot always compensate for the human touch when it comes to travel. “We believe it’s about maintaining the correct balance between making things more effective and delivering value to people through a more personalised and frictionless search experience. There will always be a place for high-quality, caring human interaction.” ABTAmag.com
Neil Armorgie, chief executive of WIN and global product director for Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest independent travel agent group How long have you been a business traveller? I first travelled on business when I was 22 on a trip to New York, 34 years ago. Most recently I was in Miami, where we were hosting the inaugural Independent TMC Summit. This was followed by the Advantage Travel Partnership annual conference. My week involved four flights, two hotels, seven presentations and 450-plus attendees.
What are you working on at the moment?
On June 12, we launched our new division, Advantage Meetings and Events. Members benefit from a mix of products to meet the business needs of their clients and the level of their own in-house expertise. Assistance will range from full-service meetings management to venue finding, training and development.
How are you staying ahead in the world of business travel?
We have created a new strategic role – “head of innovation”. The appointed individual will keep abreast of all technological
36 July 2018
developments in the business travel market, to provide members with best-in-class technology solutions.
What are you optimistic about?
Brexit and President Trump have so far had little effect on business travel spend for our members, but we monitor with interest. Statistics from the Global Business Travel Association show that US$1.3 trillion was spent on business travel in 2016, and this is predicted to grow at around 6 per cent per annum for the next four years. This means that travel management companies will continue to have a vital role to play.
ABTAmag.com ABTAmag.com
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Spotlight on Emirates
Spotlight on
Emirates
Expansion plans are taking off for the Middle Eastern carrier. Sam Ballard highlights the regional hubs in which key connections are being made
F
rom humble beginnings to establishing itself as one of the world’s leading carriers, the story of Emirates in many ways mirrors the story of Dubai itself. Founded with just two aircraft in 1985, and ultimately owned by the Dubai government, the airline now has a global fleet of more than 265 aircraft flying to 155 destinations around the world. Such a high number of flights – an incredible 1,500 departures out of Dubai every week to more than 80 countries – means that the Middle Eastern carrier now has one of the biggest networks on the planet. The company began operating out of the UK in 1987 with flights from Gatwick. Today, it has a presence in seven UK hubs: Heathrow, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and, as of last month, Stansted. It is this focus on
38 July 2018
regional departures that makes Emirates such an interesting prospect to the many people for whom Heathrow is not a particularly convenient airport. Hubert Frach, Emirates’ divisional senior vice-president of commercial operations for the West, says: “As a company, we are very passionate about connecting people and places, nations and communities. We decided to add Stansted to our network because we saw a very strong opportunity to directly connect the community in northeast London, and the corridor between Peterborough and Cambridge, with some of the world’s most popular leisure and business destinations.” The move is a shrewd one. Not only will the route service a leisure market of about 7.5 million passengers, but a booming pharma hub has developed
FAST FACT Edinburgh is set to become Emirates’ eighth UK hub in October when the carrier launches a daily service to Dubai from the Scottish capital. It will become the third daily flight between Scotland and the UAE’s largest city, and experts anticipate a boost to Scotland’s economy as businesses gain better access to global markets. A Boeing 777-300ER will serve the route, boasting eight private first-class suites, 42 flat beds in business class and capacity for 304 passengers in economy.
ABTAmag.com
ABTA Magazine
around Cambridge, with multi-billionpound companies such as AstraZeneca and Napp establishing themselves just outside one of the nation’s top seats of learning, while the region is also home to 25 of the world’s largest corporations including Airbus, ARM and GSK. Because of this, Emirates has allocated a brand new Boeing 777-300ER to the route. The widebodied aircraft comes fitted with Emirates’ renowned first-class private suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, and an updated business-class cabin. Each flight is also capable of carrying 20 tonnes of cargo, crucial for opening up the area to Middle Eastern business. The new route provides a significant opportunity for both Emirates and the region’s travel agents, according to Richard Jewsbury, the divisional vice-president UK for Emirates. “It’s a natural progression of our strategy,” he tells ABTA Magazine. “We’ve always been committed to the regions of the UK as much as we have to Heathrow and the London market. We’ve got two flights a day to Glasgow, one a day to Newcastle and three times a day to Manchester. It’s about giving customers choice and options as much as geographic convenience. “Dubai is a wonderful destination, but the new route will give passengers access to places beyond that. Between us and our partner flydubai, we’ve got 75 connections across Asia, Africa and the Indian subcontinent.” The move to open up Stansted is Emirates’ first regional launch in the UK since it began flying out of Newcastle in 2007. Now, the carrier will be sitting among departures from the likes of Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 on the Stansted departure board. How will it maintain
How important is the UK market to Emirates?
It’s hugely important. We first started flying to the UK in 1987. We’ve grown consistently and now have 18 flights every day from the UK. That’s more than 9,000 seats across seven gateways. It’s one of our most important markets.
Is the trade important to Emirates? The travel agent community provides an important distribution channel for us. Customers come in
ABTAmag.com
an “Emirates experience” among those low-cost carriers? “Most of the airports we operate from have low-cost airlines operating out of them, too,” Jewsbury says. “There’s nothing particularly different about Stansted, albeit that the wide-bodied Boeing 777 is a new operation here. “We’ll work hard to make sure we can provide the same standards and service that customers expect from us to make it work. The airport has been supersupportive. They want to make it work. “Take our premium customers, for example; they will be given complimentary chauffeur drive to and from the airport. That’s already in place. So the Emirates experience will be baked into the facility from day one and will grow and develop from there.” From a leisure point of view, forward bookings are already strong, with Dubai, Australia, Thailand and Bali among the most popular routes being booked. The business sector is seeing stronger bookings in Dubai, Shanghai and India. Ultimately, the success of the route will be gauged on its profitability, with a mix of cargo and passenger load being taken into account. Emirates’ UK flights currently operate with a load factor in the high 80 per cent, and forward bookings for Stansted do not appear to be bucking that, although Jewsbury is quick to point out that the airline’s success is in no small part down to the travel trade. “We have our own channel, but we couldn’t have grown and been this successful without [travel agents] and we recognise that,” he says. “We have strong working relations with them and we expect that to continue. Having this flight in Stansted gives a lot of opportunity to local travel agents.”
Flying into UK skies 1985
The first Emirates flight launches from Dubai to Karachi
1987
Emirates takes off from Gatwick
1990
First Manchester flight launches
1991
Secures a spot at London Heathrow
1997-2007
Launches routes from Glasgow, Birmingham and Newcastle
all different shapes and sizes and have different needs and wants. It’s always been a partnership with the trade.
How will you gauge the success of the new route? At the end of the day, it’s the profitability of the flight that matters. That’s cargo loads as well as passenger loads. Not just outbound from the UK market, though – we’ll also be looking at inbound traffic.
Richard Jewsbury Divisional vice president UK, Emirates July 2018 39
UK holidays Lake District
UK Holidays
Windermere
Writers from William Wordsworth to Beatrix Potter have loved the captivating landscape of the Lakes. Anthony Pearce discovers why
T
here are few sights more beautiful than Lake Windermere at sunrise, when mist hangs over the mirrorlike surface, still undisturbed by the first of the day’s sailings. With the fells, trees and clouds reflected on the unbroken water, it is easy to understand why the poet William Wordsworth, who lived in the Lake District, was moved to describe it as the “most beautiful spot that God hath found”. Windermere, at 18km in length, is the largest lake in England, and has been a favourite of holidaymakers ever since the British holiday has existed. It became a tourist hotspot after the Kendal and Windermere Railway opened in 1847 during a period of early Victorian expansion, and has grown in popularity ever since. Last year, more than 19 million tourists visited the Lake District, bringing in
40 July 2018
£1.4bn in revenue. Many foreign tourists visit the region, which became a national park in 1951 and was belatedly awarded Unesco World Heritage status last year. The overwhelming majority of visitors are British (just one in seven is from overseas), often travelling from neighbouring counties to enjoy the wilderness of the Lake District as well as its fine pubs and unbeatable walks. For an area as remote as the Lake District, parts of it are surprisingly accessible, even without a car. On a recent trip, we took the three-a-half-hour train journey from London, changing at Oxenholme Lake District for the branch line to Windermere, and staying in Bowness-on-Windermere, a charming slate-stone built town which is home to just 4,000 people and sits on the banks
Great hotels Budget
Reopened in 2017 following a multimillion pound refurbishment, Hydro Hotel is one of Windermere’s oldest hotels. Pick rooms at the front with views over Bowness and Windermere (squirehotels.co.uk/hydro).
Mid-range
The Langdale Chase, a Grade II listed country house, was built in 1895. This pretty hotel is found in peaceful Ambleside and just moments from the water (langdalechase.co.uk).
High-end
With spectacular views over the lake and fells, Linthwaite House Hotel is one of the most luxurious options in the Lake District. Prices start from £215 a night (linthwaitehouse.com).
ABTAmag.com
Pictured
Left: the breathtaking scenery of Tarn Hows. Middle: the Lakeland Motor Museum, home to 140 classic cars and motorbikes – and a Flying Flea 1930s microlight aircraft. Bottom: an early-morning cruise on an otherwise empty Windermere
of the lake. It is also home to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, which details the work of the children’s author and her conservation work in Lakeland. We stayed at the recently renovated Hydro Hotel, a grand Victorian mansion, which offered views of the tranquil lake from our north-west facing room. It is just a five-minute walk from Bowness town centre, which, despite the tourists, offers a slice of authentic Cumbrian life – particularly in its pubs – with sweet shops selling Kendal mint cake and fudge. A highlight is Hole In T’ Wall, which dates back to 1612. With lowbeamed ceilings, wood panelling, local ales, and all sorts of curiosities, such as china cups and taxidermy hanging from hooks and sitting on shelves, it is one of the best old-style inns anywhere in the country. Bowness has a number of good restaurants, serving mostly British, Italian or Indian food, but, of course, the real draw of the area is its natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience it is to take a lake cruise, ranging from 45 minutes to three hours. They are unsurprisingly popular: Windermere Lake Cruises carried 1.6m visitors last year, so it is best to rise early while the lake is still clear, save for the pretty sailboats, which drift elegantly across the water. It is a different scene to 20 years ago, when powerboaters and water-skiers whisked across the water before a controversial 10-knot (18.5kmh) speed limit was introduced, enforced by national park rangers using radar equipment. Two decades on, most locals still hold strong opinions on the by-law. We took the boat from Bowness Pier, passing Belle Island, the largest of 18 islands in the lake, then the Hawkshead and Claife viewing point on our right, and down to Windermere’s most
ABTAmag.com
July 2018 41
UK holidays Lake District
A sailboat on Windermere, against a backdrop of woods, fields and sun-dappled high fells
southerly tip, Lakeside. Here, we joined the scenic Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, an old-style steam train, which offers panoramic views over the fells and woods. Later we visited the Lakeland Motor Museum, which houses 140 classic cars and motorbikes covering everything from a 1930s Derby-built Bentley to a 1952 TVR 2 (the only one of its type) and a gull-winged Delorean. While Wordsworth, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter are the literary giants most commonly associated with Lakeland, it is Alfred Wainwright, the author and fellwalker, who perhaps best captured the area’s outstanding beauty. His sevenvolume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells is still regarded as the definitive guide to walking the region, and no trip
to Windermere, or beyond, would be the same without his sage advice. Such is the book’s influence, much of the region now bears its author’s name: the 214 Lake District fells described within are now known as Wainwrights. Hike to where his love affair began: “Quite suddenly,” he wrote of Orrest Head, a hill to the east of Windermere that he scaled on his first visit, “we emerged from the trees and were on a bare headland, and, as though a curtain had dramatically been torn aside, beheld a truly magnificent view.” Unsurprisingly, many of the tourists who visit Windermere are walkers, but, despite the area’s popularity, it is not difficult, after a few correct turns, to find yourself away from the tourist trails, enjoying the fells to yourself.
If you are hoping to go further afield, but do not have a car, Mountain Goat offers great tours around the region: we used its services to visit Hawkshead, a quaint village, overlooked by a 16th century church and home to Wordsworth’s grammar school and the charming Minstrels Gallery tearooms; Tarn Hows, another breathtaking body of water, originally three separate tarns before a dam flooded the land; and Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s delightful, rickety house, which she bought in 1906 and left to the National Trust. When she married, she moved but did not go far – you can see her marital home beyond trees and a slate-stone wall on the opposite fell. It is no surprise she did not want to leave this captivating region. ABTAmag.com
Where to eat
Porto features a creative modern menu using British ingredients. It is devised by head chef Slav Miskiewicz, who trained under Steven Doherty at the two-Michelin star Le Gavroche. The beef cheek and fillet tail with black pudding bon bon, truffle potato and red wine sauce is particularly good.
42 July 2018
Cedar Manor Hotel and Restaurant, aside from being an elegant
five-star hotel, also houses a AA Rosette eatery. Head chef Roger Pergl-Wilson cooks up innovative dishes and British classics. Many of the ingredients used come from Cumbria and Yorkshire.
Hrishikesh Desai’s one-Michelin starred
Hrishi serves some of the Lake District’s
best food, including a remarkable take on the traditional Cumbrian afternoon tea (“Posh scran,” as he puts it). The seven-course tasting menu, featuring Cartmel Valley venison, is rightly celebrated (but, at £90, not cheap).
ABTAmag.com
ABTAMAG.COM ABTAmag.com is the new home of ABTA Magazine. The website hosts digital versions of the bi-monthly magazine, as well as additional news, comment, analysis and competitions. ABTAmag.com will also host ABTA Golf, the ABTA Magazine Guides and the ABTA Handbooks.
New beginnings
Travel industry insights / May 2018
After a difficult few years, Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt are back on the map for British travellers. Katherine Lawrey welcomes the return of old favourites
King of the north How Belfast became one of the world’s most exciting cities
ABTA Magazine
Generation game
Why business travel has been reshaped around the needs of millennials
Royal Caribbean
Waterslides, robotic barmen and the world’s largest cruise ships
ABTA Magazine A BTA
NSIBL
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Turning the plastic tide
E
Sustainability guru Dr Catherine Wilson explains how the industry can cut plastic waste
O
n July 11, 1907, the chemist Leo Baekeland wrote in his diary: “unless I am very much mistaken, this invention will prove important in the future”. If anything, Baekeland, a pioneer of plastic, was underplaying his hand. Soon, plastic was king and today an estimated 300 million tons are produced each year – just 10 per cent of which is recycled. Production is expected to double in the next 20 years, but about 50 per cent of all plastics, from miniature hotel toiletries to disposable coffee cups, are used just once, sometimes only for a few seconds, and then thrown away without a second thought. The main benefit of plastic – its durability – has become its greatest environmental threat: a plastic bottle takes a whopping 450 years to decay. The result is an estimated eight million tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year. Over time, the plastic degrades and fragments into microparticles, which absorb toxic chemicals in ever greater
Clare Jenkinson concentrations as they travel up the food chain, ending up on our dinner plates. Roughly 75 per cent of litter in the sea is plastic and this is having a direct impact on wildlife – from turtles suffocating on plastic bags and litter islands affecting ecosystems, to fish consuming fatal amounts of microparticles. With as much as 80 per cent of tourism connected to coastal areas, the impact of ocean plastic is a huge concern. Plastic waste is a visual eyesore, reducing beach use, wildlife sightings and well-being. The logical conclusion is fewer visitors, revenue and jobs. Sadly, travel and tourism is a major contributor to the problem. Between 2011-2013, researchers monitoring litter on 23 beaches across Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Latvia, found that an estimated 33 per cent of the waste was generated by leisure or tourism. More than half of this rubbish was plastic. It’s clear that plastic has become a global problem; no part of the world has been left untouched.
We spoke to ABTA’s senior destinations and sustainability manager, about the Better Places programme – and how businesses are using it to tackle plastics What is the Better Places programme?
It is a series of tools and guidance designed to help ABTA Members implement a sustainability approach or improve on their current sustainability performance.
What’s the thinking behind it?
ABTA believes sustainable tourism is essential for the industry’s long-term viability and profitability – and Better Places addresses the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism. We’ve focused on the actions we know have a material impact and made the process simple.
How does this relate to plastics?
The programme helps Members adopt the sustainability policy that works for them and – as we know plastics is a hugely important topic for the industry – we can offer guidance and support on how businesses can address this issue in their wider policy.
What’s been your best achievement?
Thousands of employees in the travel sector have now been trained on child protection and accessible tourism. Also, in the past 18 months we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of Members engaging with the programme as sustainability rises up the agenda.
How can Members get involved?
Contact sustainable tourism@abta. co.uk or visit Better Places on the Member Zone for more information.
56 May 2018
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May 2018 57
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Promotion
Join the adventure Travel with Saga on a remarkable journey to see the gorillas of Uganda, just one of the incredible itineraries in their new collection of escorted tours
F
rom the game reserves of South Africa to the jungles of Uganda and the sprawling metropolises of Japan, Saga offers guests the chance to explore the world’s most fascinating regions in total comfort. Saga has been offering unforgettable experiences for the over 50s as part of its diverse collection of holidays for almost sixty years now, and has recently extended the choice available with its new collection of escorted tours.
GORILLA TACTICS
With the incredible chance to witness gorillas in the wild, one particular highlight of Saga’s new collection is its once-in-alifetime 11-night trip to Uganda. Joined by a personal porter, guests will trek though the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of gorillas, before tracking
44 July 2018
chimpanzees in the Kibale National Park and heading on a Bigodi swamp walk during a nine-night tour of the country. The trip also includes a day hike in the Rwenzori mountains, a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, the chance to see some of the Big Five on two game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park and at Ishaha, plus a nature walk exploring Lake Mburo National Park where guests will drive among herds of zebra and impala. The tour also incorporates accommodation in lodges and two in-flights, plus the enjoyment of 27 meals: nine breakfasts, nine lunches and nine dinners. There is no better way to see a destination Sir Winston Churchill described as “the pearl of Africa”. 11 nights from £3,799 departing London Heathrow to Entebbe on January 12, February 2, March 9, June 22,
Escorted Tours Featuring 10 new tours including a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda
Guaranteed Departures All tours 100% guaranteed to depart
August 2018 to November 2019 – Version 1
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Worldwide itineraries Gorillas of Uganda
11 nights including two overnight flights from £3,799
The Great Indian Rail Journey
15 nights including an overnight flight from £2,099
Cape, Winelands and Big Five – South Africa
9 nights, including two overnight flights from £1,999
A Tale of Three Cities – Canada
9 nights, including an overnight flight from £2,099
Niagara, New York and Washington DC
9 nights, including an overnight flight from £2,199
Flowers and Festivals of Japan 13 nights, including two overnight flights from £4,399
September 14 and October 12, 2019. Price includes VIP door-to-door travel service, return flights, airport taxes, travelling in a group of up to 14 guests.
night Ionian Explorer tour, which explores the sapphire blue lagoons and idyllic whitesand beaches of this Greek island group.
REMARKABLE CHOICE
There are more than 100 tours to worldwide destinations featured in Saga’s new brochure, an incredible 49 of which are for solo travellers. What’s more, passengers can enjoy VIP door-to-door travel service on all long-haul trips and selected European journeys with optional travel insurance, plus there are regional flights available on selected trips. A Saga Tour Manager or Cruise Escort are on hand to help the journey run smoothly, and all tour travel is in air-conditioned transport. The trips include visits to many of the must-see sights and include cruise ship or hotel accommodation. Also included are return economy flights, coach or rail travel, all airport taxes, fees and charges, named hotel accommodation and meals, porterage at accommodation, return transfers, a tourist visa and ports taxes.
On top of the Gorillas of Uganda itinerary, Saga has announced five other brand-new worldwide tours for guests to choose from. On a 14-night Great Indian Rail Journey intrepid travellers can explore northern India by train on six life-affirming rail journeys, taking in the Golden Triangle, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Shimla. There’s also a Cape, Winelands and Big Five adventure in South Africa, spanning nine nights, and a 13-night Flowers and Festivals of Japan itinerary. In North America, Saga operates a Tale of Three Cities tour in Canada (travelling from Quebec City to Montreal and on to Toronto), plus a nine-night Niagara, New York and Washington DC holiday. Closer to home, Saga has also announced four new European trips, including a five-night In Search of Norway’s Northern Lights itinerary, plus a seven-
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ALL OF SAGA’S ESCORTED TOURS ARE 100% GUARANTEED TO DEPART
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PRICES CALL 0800 074 8021
ABTAmag.com
July 2018 45
City Guide Tallinn Talinn
City Guide
Tallinn Estonia’s capital combines its historic past with a modern, tech-focused present for an increasingly popular destination, writes Shilpa Ganatra
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trategically placed in a corner of the Baltic Sea, Estonia has endured an eventful history, with periods under Danish, Swedish, Tsarist, German and, most recently, Soviet rule, which only truly ended in 1994, when Russian troops finally left. Since then it has entered the digital age in spectacular fashion, becoming the tech hub of the region. Today its picturesque capital, Tallinn, welcomes visitors in droves, who come to amble through its fairytale medieval Old Town, take in the upmarket Suur-Karja, one of the city’s handsomest streets, and visit the ultra-modern NO99 Straw Theatre. This mix of old and modern is attracting visitors from the UK in increasing number, in no small part thanks to its value for money (a large beer in a central bar costs £1.80 to £2.30) and new flight routes: last year, aided by British Airways joining those already flying direct from London and Edinburgh, numbers rose by 23 per cent. The trend looks set to continue in 2018, as Estonia marks 100 years since it first became an independent republic. Throughout the year major events will keep Tallinn busy, peaking with the Estonia 100 Great Summer Week from August 18-25. The Estonian capital is a city that punches above its weight, helped by its
46 July 2018
compact size, which means visitors can pack plenty into a weekend. Its amenability to tourism is to be applauded (the Tallinn Card, which offers free entry to 40 attractions, is a huge convenience), and its centre is a smooth 10-minute drive from the airport. It is even easy to combine Tallinn with a trip to Helsinki, just across the Gulf of Finland.
TODAY’S TALLINN
Tallinn arguably, first took the spotlight as a progressive destination in 2011, when it was the European Capital of Culture, showcasing the Kumu Art Museum, which was critically acclaimed both for its architecture and its exhibitions. By that point it had already begun to play its part in the tech revolution: Estonians were behind the filesharing network Kazaa, as well as Skype, and Tallinn has continued to develop as an e-capital at breakneck speed, both in the private and public sphere. Successes include its fast, free wi-fi, available everywhere in the city, a vibrancy only to be expected in a country where the President is aged 48 and the Prime Minister is 39. Telliskivi Loomelinnak, the city’s creative hub, which melds Berlin’s hip factor with Tallinn’s friendliness, is where
Operators Travel Republic
Offers a five-night stay at the three-star Bern Hotel from £363. Includes hotel, breakfast, flights from London Gatwick and transfers. travelrepublic.co.uk
Regent
Offers an eight-day, seven-night tour of Tallinn and its nearby islands, staying at the five-star Hotel Telegraaf and Pädaste Manor from £1195. Includes hotel, breakfast, flights from London Heathrow and transfers. regent-holidays.co.uk
Imagine Cruising
Offers a 14-night Baltic Cruise visiting Copenhagen, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Riga, Kiel and Skagen from £1099. Includes full board. imaginecruising.co.uk
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250 start-ups and creative companies occupy converted buildings and shipping containers. It is a buzz of activity, with boutique shops and artisan eateries, and, occasionally, ping-pong games, flea markets and festivals. This dynamic modernity is mirrored in other aspects of Tallinn: there is, for example, a mature craft beer scene, with bars such as Taptap and the gothic Porgu.
OLD WORLD CHARM
The joy of Estonia’s capital is that this modernisation is not at the expense of its history. Rather, it is a new shade in the colourful palette that makes up Tallinn. To see the full picture, climb up Toompea hill and admire the view from the Kohtuots viewing platform: not only the Unesco-protected old town, with buildings
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that date back to the 11th century, but further away towards the harbour and the outskirts of the city. Kohtuots hosts an outdoor café during the summer, and in the evenings dances are held on the platform space. Or dig deeper with a visit to a museum or several: those on offer include a KGB museum, a forest museum, a seaplane museum and a firefighting museum. Tallinn’s other attractions include restaurants such as Olde Hansa, with a menu based on 15th century recipes, and Leib Resto ja Aed, with its garden tucked between the town walls; historical hotels, such as the Three Sisters, a triptych of merchants’ houses from the 14th century, refurbished to exacting standards; St Olaf’s Church, the tallest building in the world in the 15th and 16th centuries; and Katariina käik (St Catherine’s Passage),
filled with workshops where craft workers use traditional methods to create and sell everything from glassware to hats, jewellery to quilts, and ceramics to hand-painted silk. Tallinn’s ability to look backwards as well as forwards gives it a unique perspective. The city marks Estonia’s 100-year anniversary with both celebration and also its trademark dynamism. ABTAmag.com
Pictured Above: the roofs of Tallinn, with St Olaf’s spire. Below: a cobbled street in the historic medieval Old Town
July May2018 2018 47
Destination Arizona
Raising
48 July 2018
ABTAmag.com
Arizona The Grand Canyon and other awe-inspiring sights are becoming more popular thanks to direct flights to Phoenix, says Kevin EG Perry
B
y the time I get to Phoenix,” sang Glen Campbell in 1967, “she’ll be rising.” These days you can get to Phoenix even faster than that, with non-stop flights between London and Arizona’s capital, helping to explain why the state has been named one of ABTA’s Travel Trend destinations for 2018. But what can you expect from a visit to the American Southwest? The first thing I notice as I step off the plane is the desert heat. On average, Phoenix has 299 days of sunshine every year, while nearby Yuma is not just the sunniest place in the United States, but actually holds the world record for average annual sunshine: an incredible 4,300 hours of sun each year. The heat and light make up not only the city’s climate, but its character. It was
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the temperature that drew the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright to Phoenix. He first arrived in 1928 to work as a consultant on the Arizona Biltmore hotel, and returned a decade later, after his doctor told him that the weather would benefit his health, to build Taliesin West, his winter home, school and studio. Taliesin West remains open to visitors, even though it still operates as one of the best architecture schools in the United States. Taking the guided tour of the school is an excellent route to understanding how Wright built his reputation as one of America’s great architects, and in particular to appreciating his ability to bring the outdoors inside. Sunlight streams into the drafting room where Wright drew up plans for his most famous work, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and
July 2018 49
Destination Arizona
Pictured
Previous page: the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s most famous scenic destination Above: Phoenix airport, now accessible via non-stop British Airways flights from London
Where To Stay For the city…
First opened in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore (arizonabiltmore.com) in Phoenix was designed by Albert Chase McArthur with the help of his mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright. This architectural dream team have tribute paid to them by their own bar: Frank & Albert’s.
For the desert…
Nestled in foothills dotted with saguaro cactuses, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale (fourseasons. com/scottsdale) is a mass of adobe casitas with sandy-hued rooms.
For the Grand Canyon…
Maswik Lodge (grandcanyonlodges.com) is in the Grand Canyon National Park and offers simple, comfortable lodging, an onsite gift shop and a pizza pub.
50 July 2018
where students continue to work and learn from his example. If they need further inspiration, the Phoenix Art Museum is a good place to start: the gallery sprawls over 26,500 square metres, and houses work dating from the Renaissance right up to the modern day. Highlights include a portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, modernist work by Georgia O’Keeffe and Anish Kapoor’s acclaimed sculpture Upside Down, Inside Out. Even the greatest artwork struggles to compete with the majesty of the natural landscapes that lie on the doorstep, however. As I head out into the desert, I feel as if I have arrived in the Wild West of my childhood fantasies: giant saguaro cactuses dot the land, instantly familiar from cowboy films. Saguaro grows an average of a foot per decade, so those that climb to 20 or 30 feet will have been standing on that same spot for around 250 years. It is easy to picture yourself as one of the early pioneers – although it is worth bearing in mind that widescreen depictions may not have been wholly accurate. In John Ford’s Three Godfathers, John Wayne finds himself
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Ricky Kingwell Store manager, Kuoni, Milton Keynes What’s your favourite thing about Phoenix? British Airways have just started offering non-stop flights from London to Phoenix. How much more attractive do you think that will make Arizona?
“Direct services to Phoenix will open Arizona up to British visitors. A combined trip with California offers a great combination of glitz, glam and beaches with desert scenery, canyons and cowboy ghost towns. Arizona is worthy of discovery on its own, with so much to see and do.”
stranded in the Arizona desert and hacks open a barrelhead cactus in order to drink the watery pulp. In reality, it would be so full of acids you would be likely to become very ill, so don’t forget your water bottle. Of course, no visit to Arizona would be complete without paying a visit to the Grand Canyon. Entry to the national park – a three-and-a-half hour drive north of Phoenix – costs £24 per vehicle, a tiny price to pay for the majesty that awaits. It is hard to describe the experience of standing on the cusp of The Abyss, the name given to one of the canyon’s many look-out points. What is remarkable is not just the size and scale of the canyon, but also the swathe of history it illuminates. It has been six million years since the Colorado River first found its way to the Gulf of California and began working its way down through the dirt and rock. The river now runs more than 1,500 metres below the Grand Canyon’s rim. There are two very different ways of experiencing the Grand Canyon. One is to hike down into it. The most popular route, the Bright Angel Trail, descends 1,370 metres to the Colorado River, which means you have got to climb all the way back up.
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“The national parks in and around Phoenix make it the perfect outdoors city. South Mountain Park and Preserve in the Sonoran Desert offers fantastic views of the skyline, especially at sunrise or sunset, and with miles of nature trails it’s easy to combine nature with the museums and malls of Phoenix.”
Which other areas of Arizona are worth visiting?
“The Grand Canyon is a must-see, and also Oak Creek Canyon, near Sedona, offers a stunning drive through a dipped valley
The other, rather more leisurely way to get inside the canyon is by helicopter. Maverick Helicopters depart from the airport near the small town of Tusayan, on the south side of the park, and 40-minute flights start from £140.
It is hard to describe the experience of standing on the cusp of The Abyss, one of the canyon’s many look-out points From the vantage point the flights provide, it is possible to see as far as the Painted Desert and to follow the river before diving through the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest part of the canyon. The most heart-stopping moment, however, is early on, when you are flying 15 metres above the Ponderosa pine treeline, and then suddenly there is
beneath towering fir trees. The beautiful Oak Creek River runs through the valley and makes for the perfect way to cool off. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is located here, built atop red rock buttes and offering amazing views of the surrounding region.”
Would you recommend renting a car or are there other ways to explore the state? “The ultimate way to discover and explore Arizona is by car. The roads arze simple to navigate and they offer the freedom and flexibility that one would want to get around this stunning state.”
nothing beneath you except the rushing waters almost a mile below. But to visit Arizona and only see Phoenix and the Grand Canyon is to barely scratch the state’s surface. To the east of the National Park is the incredibly photogenic Horseshoe Bend, where the curve of the river has carved out a spectacular landmark. Nearby is Antelope Canyon, a narrow and now dry slot canyon, which creates an otherworldly landscape for visitors. Inside the canyon, photographers jostle for position, no surprise considering the world’s most expensive photograph was taken here: Peter Lik sold Phantom, an image of dust in the canyon appearing to take the form of a ghost, for $6.5m in November 2014. Improbably, Arizona is also home to a burgeoning wine scene. Despite the heat, vineyards have sprouted up in the Verde Valley, near Sedona, and the food and wine being produced here is almost as spectacular as the red rock formations that loom over the town. With all this and so much more to explore, and with direct flights already taking off from London, it looks like it’s time to get to Phoenix. ABTAmag.com
July 2018 51
Promotion
The high life
From opulent suites to state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, Oman Air’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft provides the ultimate in air travel
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s of July 1, guests travelling from London to Muscat will experience absolute luxury on board Oman Air’s new Dreamliner. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is configured with awardwinning flat-bed Business Class seats, designed by BE Aerospace and 232 Economy Class seats, providing comfort in style. Furthermore, Oman Air has just launched New First Class suites (pictured above) on board its 787-900 aircraft from London. All classes feature the stateof-the-art Thales Integrated In-Flight Entertainment System, which provides an even more enjoyable guest experience, allowing access to a wide selection of on-demand entertainment delivered through a passenger experience interface developed specifically for Oman Air.
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Travelling in unparalleled comfort, visitors to Oman will experience the very best of Oman culture from the moment they step on board the aircraft.
SUITE TALK
The new First Class suite offers unparalleled levels of comfort with one of the longest 180 degrees flat-bed seat available on any commercial airliner. Fully enclosed, the suite has 55 inch extra tall doors to ensure complete privacy. There is also a handy literature pocket, the latest touch screen IFE handset compartment and hangar, a dedicated life vest compartment, ottoman belted seat, as well as electronically controlled privacy divider, and touchscreen controlled backrest, leg rest, lumbar and seat. Guests can also enjoy 22-inch Gen V Video screen monitor, touch screen
controlled reading and do-not-disturb mood lighting. A la carte dining at a spacious meal table, as well as a chilled in-suite minibar with a cocktail table is also available. Additionally the suite boasts a dedicated wardrobe and stowage for cabin-approved size baggage. With the addition of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the new Boeing 737-800, the Oman Air fleet now stands at 48.
ENHANCED SERVICE
Oman Air operates up to 200 flights per day from its new state-of-the-art passenger terminal in Muscat and provides guests with a thoroughly enhanced service and experience. The new terminal building has already won the 2018 World Travel Award’s Middle East’s leading new tourism
ABTAmag.com
Pictured: the First Class private suite (left); Enhanced Business Class (below); award-winning Economy Class onboard the 787 Dreamliner
development project for this year. The new passenger terminal at the Muscat International Airport boasts an unrivalled service for travellers passing through the terminal and the airport is now one of the finest airports in the region adding value to the people and economy of Oman.
area designated for First Class guests offers exceptional services including a personal chef, limousine service from the lounge to the aircraft and relaxation rooms. While the Business Class area is 2,314 square metres with an overall capacity of 516 people.
PREMIUM LOUNGES
One of the most recent additions to Oman Air’s expanding network is the introduction of flights from the UK to The Maldives via the hub in Muscat. Widely considered one of the most desirable destinations in the world, The Maldives will be a welcome addition to the network and one that will appeal particularly to UK travellers looking to explore the destination’s pristine beaches and coral islands dotted in the Indian Ocean. Oman Air hopes to encourage travellers to stop off for a night or two in Muscat before taking a three and half hours
The new and exclusive premium lounges at the award-winning airport offers guests an incredible service as they travel to Oman or even further afield. Spread over two storeys, the lounge offers travellers a wide array of food and beverage services including dining areas and bars, luggage room, entertainment area, a smoking room, prayer rooms, business centre, kid’s room, nap area, shower facilities, baby changing facilities and a wellness area. Spanning almost 500 square metres, and with an overall capacity of 100 people, the
INCREDIBLE DESTINATIONS
flight from Oman, to Malé, Maldives. The Maldives flight will commence on the 28 October 2018 in time for the 2018-19 winter season and will operate using our new B738-MAX aircraft. The relaunch of the Maldives service comes at an exciting time, as Oman Air also recently announced new flights to Istanbul in June, Casablanca in July and Moscow in October. The recent appointments (see below), delivery of new aircrafts, and the launch of news routes are all part of Oman Air’s ambitious and dynamic expansion. Oman Air is currently undergoing an exciting fleet and network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate up to 66 aircraft to around 60 destinations by 2022. These highlight ways in which Oman Air is committed to providing its guests with the best possible travel experience.
For more information visit omanair.
New hires To strengthen its position in the UK, Oman Air recently announced two sales appointments joining the team. “To ensure we deliver the very best to our customers, it’s important that we cement our relationships with agents providing support to our growth plans,” Kelpesh Patel interim country manager, UK & Ireland, Oman Air, said. “Investment in building a strong team here in the UK is paramount to this. What’s more, it ensures that we engage with our trade partners to fully understand how Oman Air can assist with building their businesses to mutually grow in partnership.” ABTAmag.com
July 2018 53
Promotion
Opulence and adventure in Oman The Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa has set the standard for Muscat luxury for over a decade. Fresh from a relaunch, it now offers even more
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aving relaunched in May 2018, Shangri-La’s landmark Al Husn Resort & Spa provides the ultimate in luxury – redefining Omani lifestyle and elegance with Asian hospitality. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman, and set against a rugged mountain range, the hotel has set the standard for luxury in Muscat for over a decade. The cliff-top property, which looks on to the tranquil Bay of Jissah, combines tradition and opulence to stunning effect. Inspired by the historic architecture of Omani forts, the resort honours the Sultanate of Oman’s heritage with strong cultural references to décor and design, including the hotel’s iconic arch. Located 45 minutes from Muscat International Airport – connected by direct flights from London, Manchester and Bristol – and just 20 minutes from the city’s historic centre, the resort is the perfect home for the discerning traveller looking to explore Oman, a country that embodies the
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true mystique of Arabia, a region steeped in both history and myth.
TRUE LUXURY
The hotel’s 180 rooms and suites are positively palatial, ranging in size from 56 to 500 square metres – making them among the most spacious in all of Oman. Traditional interiors, made up of dark wood and warm earth tones, offer a regal charm – enhanced by the fact that all rooms have sea views and balconies. Guest benefits include butler service, daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner cocktails, complimentary beverages from the in-room mini-bar, and use of the resort’s private cove and iconic infinity pool, which is restricted to guests over 16 years old. In addition, Al Husn guests have access to a total of 21 dining and nightlife options, including the extensive offerings at the neighbouring Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa (see right). Further enhancing the resort’s reputation as one of the region’s finest luxurious retreats is the new Hareer Spa by L’OCCITANE,
featuring four boutique treatment rooms and a designated retail area.
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Oman isn’t just about relaxation, however, but historical and cultural adventures. The resort’s team of specialists are on hand to create bespoke itineraries from pre-arrival and throughout the guest’s stay. These incredible offerings include the Wadi Al Arbaeen Experience: a drive through scenic countryside and rugged mountains to Quriyat, a small coastal fishing village for eagle spotting, and on to Wadi Al Arbaeen, a spot famous for its natural deep pools of sapphiregreen waters. There’s also a Robinson Crusoe Island Tour on a luxury yacht. The itinerary offers guests the chance to experience the rich marine life – wild turtles, dolphins and whales – that reside off the coast of Oman, as well as the remarkable Bander Al Khairan island, which boasts one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Oman.
ABTAmag.com
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa has it all, from thrilling watersports to beautiful suites and a remakable choice of restaurants
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omprising two hotel wings – the vibrant Al Bandar and the familyoriented Al Waha – Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is a fully intergrated destination resort, nestled between the rugged mountains and pristine waters of the Gulf of Oman. Each of the resort’s 460 rooms and suites overlook the Sea of Oman, providing guests with 500 metres of pristine coastline. The hotel offers it all, providing the perfect accommodation to everyone from thrill-seeking teenagers to discerning business travellers. The hotel is just moments from the luxurious Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa (see left), giving guests access to a staggering 19 food and beverage outlets, which serves cuisines ranging from traditional Omani to Italian and South American.
A GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
At Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, guests are spoilt for choice. The resort has seven main restaurants, two
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all-day dining outlets, two pool bars, two lobby lounges, three cafés and three bars. Guests have access to outlets located in the two resorts of Al Waha, Al Bandar and adjacent Al Husn Resort & Spa. Highlights include the Bait al Bahr restaurant, which offers uninterrupted views of the ocean and serves fresh seafood dishes; BAB Lounge, the only rooftop lounge in Muscat with panoramic views of the sea and mountains; Al Tanoor, where guests can experience Arabic and Indian dishes among a host of international options; and Tapas and Sablah, which serves Mediterranean and Asian-inspired tapas, as well as Arabic mezze.
THRILLING ADVENTURES
Found on the beautiful Al Waha beach and operated by a team of fully trained professionals, Watercooled Powered By Uniboats offers thrilling activities, including hydro-sport jet packs, wakeboarding, waterskiing, clear -bottom kayaks, stand-up paddle
boards, windsurfing, banana boat rides, snorkelling and more. With the availability of private tuition, group and family experiences, a dedicated kids’ multi-activity water camp and the chance to create tailormade activities, there is something for everyone, regardless of age or experience.
BODY AND MIND
Combining Chinese wellness philosophy with Omani and Middle Eastern healing practices, the CHI Spa offers a range of specialised body, water, massage and facial therapies. Locally grown frankincense, renowned for its healing, anti-ageing and calming properties has been incorporated into specially developed base essential oils and clays, providing a Middle Eastern sensory experience in the form of facials, body wraps, scrubs, bath oils and soap. The spa also boasts separate hammam facilities for men and women, comprising a steam room and bathing areas with seating coves where up to eight guests can relax before or after their treatments.
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Destinations Off the beaten path
Different destinations With British holidaymakers increasingly heading off the beaten track, we pick seven convenient alternatives deserving of your attention
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ver a quarter of holidaymakers are looking to try somewhere completely new in 2018, with 27 per cent of Britons planning to visit a country they’ve never been to before. Almost a third (32 per cent) of those asked were expecting to visit a new resort or city, according to the ABTA Travel Trends. Increasingly, travellers want fresh experiences: tailor-made holidays, boutique accommodation, tours themed around their interests and passions and, most prominently, alternative destinations. We’re all travelling more, from the cashrich over 60s, who are living healthier, more active lives, to millennials, who – priced out of the housing market – are spending more
money on travel. Last year, Contiki saw a 10 per cent rise in the average spend of clients aged 18 to 35, which Donna Jeavons, the operator’s sales and marketing director, puts down to “millennials investing in experiences over bricks and mortar.” The rise of budget airlines – particularly on long-haul routes – has also meant travel is cheaper (despite the post-referendum fall in the value in sterling) and far easier, opening up destinations that were completely off the radar just a few years ago. It’s a general truth that the more we travel, the more we seek to broaden our horizons. We want to explore destinations away from the crowds, that offer unique experience and form lasting memories,
and to impress our friends and family with our dogged-eared passports. To us, getting off-the-beaten track doesn’t just mean heading to far-flung, virtually inaccessible, regions, but simply exploring destinations that are mostly free from tourism. There is plenty, even in Europe, that remains relatively undiscovered. That is why we have created a list of seven of the most exciting but often overlooked holiday destinations, each an alternative to a more famous option, ranging from the Adriatic beach city of Piran in Slovenia to the romantic and picturesque wineries of Virginia Wine Country in the United States. Joseph Crewther
Piran, Slovenia The port of Piran is a slice of unspoilt Venetian charm, with its superb bell tower, its maze of medieval streets and the elegant Piazza Tartini. It has many of the attractions of its more famous cousin, but fewer selfie-sticks. The town, built on a headland in the Gulf of Trieste, is the jewel of a 50km stretch of Slovenian coast, on the northern edge of the Adriatic’s diamond-shaped Istrian peninsula. It may seem surprising to many that tiny, Alpine Slovenia even has beaches, and this general lack of awareness is one reason why its emerald waters, plunging cliffs and architectural outcrops of the Venetian empire have been able to hide in plain sight in the middle of Europe. At the same time, Piran’s waters are so clean you will find sea bream happily swimming in the port, while its Istrian hinterlands, with medieval villages clinging to cliffs, are known for succulent tomatoes, wild asparagus and white truffles that rival those of Italy. For an unforgettable treat, order an aperitif on the marina on a clear evening, and enjoy clear views of the Dolomites soaring up as a backdrop to its stunning Adriatic waters. Joji Sakurai
GETTING THERE
The Slovenian Riviera is a morning’s drive from Milan or Vienna, and half an hour from Trieste, which has regular flights from London. In the summer, there are direct two-hour ferries from Venice.
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Thakhek, Laos On the shady banks of the Mekong as it wanders through central Laos, Thakhek is one in a string of pretty riverside cities overlooked by most visitors to Southeast Asia’s mountainous north. Thakhek is seen at its most beautiful on the long riverfront of this sizeable former port, where French colonial villas enjoy sunset views over Thailand. Many have been turned into upmarket hotels: the gorgeous Bouton d’Or, for example, offers boutique luxury for a typically low Laotian rate. Behind the frills you will find a good, old-fashioned backpacker’s town: the Sabaidee Thakhek restaurant, also on the riverfront, serves massive portions of Laotian specialities. Nearby Inthira Thakhek is a meeting place for backpackers and cyclists planning a trip around the “Thakhek loop”, one of Laos’s best-kept secrets. This 450km road winds through limestone mountains, remote villages and waterfalls: if cycling is not your thing, arrange a jeep tour in town. Thakhek offers a taste of Southeast Asia as it was decades ago: remote, rural and unspoilt. Visit now, before it gets on the beaten track. Liz Dodd
GETTING THERE
Thakhek is easy to reach from the capital, Vientiane, or from Pakse, near the Cambodian border, by bus.
Virginia Wine Country Thomas Jefferson failed at viticulture, so it might come as a surprise that his beloved Virginia is making waves on the global wine scene. It started, slowly, back in the 1960s, with Gianni Zonin, an Italian winemaker, who established the Barboursville Vineyards near Charlottesville. At the same time, experts from Virginia Tech, the local university, developed new cultivation techniques that made the most of the regional climate and soil. Today, Virginia ranks fifth in the United States for wine production, offering a smaller but no less captivating alternative to Californian wine country. What Virginia has always had is rolling green countryside, colonial villages, and tucked-away inns, all in the shade of the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains. For an idyllic day or weekend tour within an hour’s drive of Washington DC, head to Chrysalis Vineyards, the largest grower of Norton grapes, an American variety; Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, overseen by a master winemaker from Burgundy; and Stone Tower Winery, with its range of sociable tastings and concerts. Alternatively, leave behind the car and be escorted carefree aboard a Wine Excursion shuttle, run by the transport firm BBC Express and departing from Lansdowne Resort, for a fun-filled, wine-soaked day. Barbara Noe Kennedy
GETTING THERE
British Airways flies direct to Dulles International Airport in Virginia, putting you in easy grape-stomping distance.
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July 2018 57
Destinations Off the beaten path
Muscat, Oman Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman borders Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is stable, relatively liberal and, following the lead of more well-known destinations such as Dubai, it is encouraging tourism as a way of reducing its economy’s reliance on oil and gas. At the end of March, Oman introduced a new e-visa application system for UK citizens so they do not have to queue for one on arrival, and it also opened a shiny new terminal at Muscat International Airport. Muscat, the Omani capital, is famous for seafood restaurants and bustling souks. The splendid Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an essential stop, but only open to non-Muslims in the mornings and not on a Friday. Kempinski, the luxury hotelier, recently opened a 310-room hotel in Oman, a perfect destination for a day or two in the city. Within a couple of hours’ drive you can be up in the Hajar Mountains, which offer a breathtaking view of Muscat’s port. Head further inland to stay at luxury resorts such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar and the Alila Jabal Akhdar for rock-climbing and hiking, or head out on camel to stay in one of the many desert camps. Jenny Southan
GETTING THERE
Both British Airways and Oman Air operate nonstop services to Muscat, which take seven and a half hours from London.
Sarajevo, Bosnia Standing in the fountain-graced centre of Sarajevo’s Baščaršija (old Turkish market), with its small shops displaying copper coffee pots, handcrafted carpets and Turkish glass lamps, you would be excused for thinking you were in the middle of Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar – a smaller, quieter version, anyway. Given that the Ottoman Empire ruled Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than four centuries, it is no wonder its mosques, public baths and madrasas (schools) display a clear Ottoman style. Bosnia’s capital still bears some marks of the Bosnian War, which ended 23 years ago, but tourists are arriving in ever greater numbers, and the Turkish quarter thrives night and day. Explore its winding, cobbled lanes, ducking into a coffee shop – perhaps Morica Han, an inn dating back to 1551 – for a thick, Turkish-style coffee and Turkish delight. Then try traditional burek,a flaky meat or cheese pie made with filo pastry, at Bosna, or another of the many buzzy restaurants lining Bradžiluk and Kundurdžiluk. When you are ready to relax, fall into a low-lying sofa in a shisha bar – Dibek is popular, with its outdoor courtyard – which often feature the sultry strains of live music at night. Barbara Noe Kennedy
GETTING THERE
There are no direct flights between London and Sarajevo, but Lufthansa and Croatia Airlines offer reasonable connecting flights.
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Thousand Islands Like the Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands region straddles the Canadian-US border. This underrated destination undersells itself: there are actually 1,864 islands, scattered for 50 miles down the St Lawrence River, offering scenic cruises, kayaking and angling. Nature lovers will enjoy spending time in the Frontenac Arch biosphere, between the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains to the south and the forests of the Canadian Arch. It is teeming with wildlife and has been recognised by Unesco. Keen hikers will find that the Rideau Trail offers a well-signposted route between Kingston and Ottawa. It is also possible to drive, cycle and navigate waterways along the Rideau Heritage Route, which meanders through picturesque small communities and countryside. For a birds-eye view, take a helicopter flight and pick out landmarks such as Boldt Castle, dating from 1900 and looking like a cross between a French chateau and Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Gananoque, a small town styling itself as the gateway to the region, is home to the Thousand Islands Playhouse and a boat museum. The pull of nearby Ottawa, Toronto and the Niagara Falls means that the Thousand Islands have been unfairly overlooked. Do not make the same mistake: it is the perfect destination for anyone with a taste for adventure. Stuart Foster
GETTING THERE
Air Canada and British Airways fly between Heathrow and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Westjet flies direct from Gatwick and Glasgow, as does Air Transat, which also operates summer services from Manchester.
Lower Zambezi Long after it spills over Victoria Falls, the regal Zambezi undulates through Lower Zambezi National Park, a magnet for lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, buffalo and hundreds of elephants at a time, not to mention hippo, zebra, African wild dog and 400 species of birds. And yet this splendid game park in southeast Zambia, founded in 1983, has not been overrun by safari-goers. Lest you think this means staking up your own tent and fending for yourself in the wilderness, think again: there are plenty of luxury lodgings with lavish tent cabins, Anabezi Camp among them. Think private viewing decks, plunge pools and candlelit dinners beneath the African skies. The best way to explore is by boat, gliding past animals for up-close encounters. But, as Zambia is the birthplace of walking safaris, taking to the trails on foot, accompanied by an experienced guide, is a thrilling option. Barbara Noe Kennedy
GETTING THERE
Ethiopian Air and Kenya Airways offer daily flights from London to Lusaka, Zambia, via Addis Ababa or Nairobi; Proflight can then take you the last leg to Jeki and Royal Airstrips in Lower Zambezi, accessing all lodges in and outside the parks. For more destination features, ABTAmag.com/category/features
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July 2018 59
Section SUBJECT Destination South Africa
High and dry Esme Fox enjoys a visit to the Western Cape in the middle of the recent drought, but witnesses the impact it has had on tourism in South Africa
I
do not expect to be confronted with it so soon after arriving, but there it is: no water in the taps at Cape Town International Airport, only bottles of hand sanitiser. Large ‘water crisis’ posters on the walls and, at my hotel, a red sticker on the mirror reminds me to limit my showers to one minute at a time. This year Cape Town has suffered its worst drought in more than 100 years, prompting the government to warn of a ‘Day Zero’ – the moment when dam levels would run so low that taps would be turned off and residents sent to communal water points. Apocalyptic headlines followed across the world, as water restrictions were implemented, with residents and tourists told to limit usage to 50 litres a day. Despite the crisis only affecting Cape Town and its surrounding areas, not the wider Western Cape, there has been an inevitable impact on tourism. Navigating the drought seems daunting, but I soon realise it’s easy to stop and start the tap every time I wash my hands and to be more mindful of how much water I am using. It is because of everyone making seemingly small adjustments like these that Day Zero has been averted, for now. Russel Brueton, chief communications officer for Wesgro, the Cape Town and the Western Cape tourist board, says water usage is down 60 per cent: “We are now at a record low of 502 million litres per day.”
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With winter now here, the rains have begun, bringing much-needed water to the city’s reservoirs and easing the strain on its natural resources. There is every chance that the city could experience another drought next summer, but the government plans to be ready, investing in alternative water sources, including desalination plants, and collecting runoff from Table Mountain.
CAPE TOWN AND BEYOND
I begin my tour of the Western Cape, South Africa’s southernmost province, in Cape Town, the “Mother City” of four million people, which sits before the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. Locals tell me I am in luck: it is rare to see the landmark without its “tablecloth”, the line of fluffy white clouds that cover its summit, so I take the opportunity to go up straight away. From the mountain’s flat top, the views are spectacular: clear all the way to Cape Point, the jutting stone promontory that is the extreme southwestern tip of the African continent. The sun is shining, and the dassies – giant guinea pig-like animals, said to be the closest relative to the elephant – are out in their dozens. But even up here, away from the bustle of the city, I am reminded of the big issue: the toilets flush grey water; the taps are empty. There is plenty to do, see and eat in Cape Town, a melting pot of cultures and
SAA Review ABTA Magazine got to try out both business class and economy from London to Johannesburg, aboard South African Airways’ new Airbus A330-300. The new flat beds in business class fully recline and aid in a good night’s rest, while, in economy, there is now more leg room, making flights more bearable for those with longer legs. Both classes could do with a better inflight entertainment selection, but the stand-out feature was the staff, who were always friendly and ready to help in any way they could. Esme travelled to Cape Town as a guest of South African Airways and South African Tourism
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SUBJECT Section
cuisines. The active traveller can surf, hike and paraglide off Lion’s Head, or abseil off the top of Table Mountain. There is also, of course, Robben Island, which now pays tribute to former prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who was born 100 years ago this month. After Cape Town, I head for the delightful town of Stellenbosch, amid rolling hills and golden vineyards, known for its traditional Dutch architecture and, of course, wines. The water crisis is less severe here, but restrictions have still been put in place, and many wineries have had to adopt innovative means of lessening water consumption. Deeper into the Winelands, however, many areas have experienced no drought at all. I take a hop-on, hop-off safari with Hermanus Wine Hoppers to visit the best of the wine makers, including the sublime Whalehaven Winery, where wines are paired with floral chocolates; the historic Bouchard Finlayson, the first winery in Hermanus; and Creation Wines, which has an exquisite tasting and pairing menu.
THE WORLD IN ONE PLACE
This area of the Western Cape is more about the marine Big Five than land safaris: it is home to southern right whales, great white sharks, bottlenose dolphins, African penguins and Cape fur seals. The southern right whales are the undoubted stars of the show, and can be seen all along the Cape Whale Coast, one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. The whale season lasts from the beginning of June to the end of November and is centred on the picturesque town of Hermanus. Sadly, I am not in time for whale season, but I do have the chance to get up close and personal with the endangered African penguins at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai. The
town is also the shark cage diving capital, and the place from where tours leave to Dyer Island, home to one of the biggest African penguin colonies in the country, as well as Cape fur seals. The highlight of my trip, however, is the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a safari with a difference. High above the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, Grootbos is home to plants found nowhere else on the planet and offers mesmerising views of the surrounding fynbos (a belt of heathland with exceptional biodiversity), the De Kelders sand dunes and the ocean beyond. It was once a humble group of self-catering cottages, but today Grootbos is one of the region’s most luxurious lodges, where lavish villas are hidden among the ancient milkwood forest.
WELCOMING PEOPLE
It’s not that I am tired of autumnal vineyards, countless glasses of fragrant pinotage and dramatic coastal habitats, but I am also keen to see another side of South Africa, and to learn more about its mix of cultures and languages. So, Ann Heyns, development manager for Route 360 Township Tours, takes me to the home of Nocawe Piedt, in Kayamandi township, near Stellenbosch, who regales me with stories and songs, and treats me to a meal in her home. Nocawe is from the Xhosa people, and has welcomed more than 1,000 visitors through the Township Tourism project. “Water shortages are nothing new for the townships,” I am told. “Many people don’t have running water in their homes and often have to queue to fill buckets, making them last all day.” (See picture below.) I cannot help but think, despite the problems it has caused, that this drought has been a much-needed wake up call, not just for South Africans, but for all of us around the world. ABTAmag.com
Interview with Derek Hanekom, the Minister for Tourism and Sisa Ntshona, chief executive of South Africa Tourism How has the water crisis affected tourism?
Derek Hanekom: “Anything that affects Cape Town affects South Africa. Whatever droughts we experienced, we can only expect more. We do have alternatives in place, plans for desalination plants, reduced consumption and raising consciousness.” Sisa Ntshona: “Cape Town is open for business, but not in the same way. It has to be a more sustainable way.”
Are there plans for the visa situation for children, so they do not need to bring birth certificates?
Hanekom: “It will be addressed and soon, but it’s important to combat human trafficking. We will change it to say you may still have to prove your relationship to children, rather than you must.”
How does the government plan to regulate activities such as shark cage diving? Ntshona: “We need to educate tourists to ask the right questions. We are working on new guidelines, but legislation takes a long time.”
What is planned for the Mandela centenary year?
Ntshona: “We are creating 100 sites and experiences. Each site will tell the story of Mandela, from where he used to get his coffee, to where he was imprisoned on Robben Island.”
British Airways has a new route to Durban from October 29. How will this change tourism?
Hanekom: “It’s going to make a big difference. We are trying to spread the load, getting a better geographic spread of where tourism occurs and a better seasonal spread, too. All of that is better for tourism, so having a direct flight to Durban, especially from the UK, is very significant for us.”
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Industry Insights Package travel regulations
Industry insights
Unpacking the new PTR Gary Noakes takes a look at the new Package Travel Regulations that come into force this month and explains what they mean for the industry
A
s if agents and operators did not have enough to do with the peak season approaching, July 1 sees the new Package Travel Regulations (PTR) come into force. Businesses can be forgiven for not having fully prepared, because the new regulations were only published by the UK government in late April. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), preoccupied by Brexit, released the legislation almost four months after it was required by the European Union, leaving the industry scrambling to conform. These are the first changes to the rules since the pre-internet days of 1992, which shows just how much of a rejig was needed. Broadly speaking, more holidays will become packages – meaning
62 July 2018
more consumers will benefit from legal and financial protection, and more travel companies will become liable. Although its worth noting that ABTA believes as many as half of travel arrangements will still not have any protection at all. This is because while the 1992 regulations offered only one definition of a package (a pre-arranged combination of at least two components comprising transport, accommodation or other significant tourist service offered at an inclusive price), under PTR 2018 there are six definitions, plus something known as a Linked Travel Arrangement, or LTA. The original definition remains in place, while a new second definition extends package components to include car hire, bringing fly-drives firmly into the new rules. Another covers airline and OTA sales
by making a package something bought from a single point of sale within the same booking process, regardless of whether the purchaser has separate contracts with airlines, hotels and other providers. The new PTRs also protect bookings made via click-through arrangements, where bookings are transferred to a second site when the first booking is made. Rajeev Shaunak, head of travel and tourism at the specialist accountancy firm MHA MacIntyre Hudson, says the new definitions spell out legally what has always been there “in terms of the spirit of the law”, but grey areas have now been removed. ABTA’s director of legal affairs, Simon Bunce, says the significant difference is that the way most agents will have offered dynamic packaging and Flight-
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Plus arrangements mean they are now classed as package organisers, and may need an Atol. The new rules also place more liability on organisers if things go wrong, with compensation payable, or an appropriate price reduction offered. This, Shaunak believes, will inevitably push up agents’ liability insurance premiums. Companies offering an LTA will need to clearly communicate this to customers. If a customer pays for components of a trip separately, for example booking car hire via a link after visiting an agent to book accommodation, this constitutes an LTA – provided the additional transaction is within 24 hours. Retailers must protect the LTA payment that they take, but explain to customers via a document that this is not part of a package – even though it resembles one. Bunce advises: “Make sure you understand the information requirements, because if you don’t you can end up with liability.” He adds: “Airlines, I suspect, will like the LTA model, where clients
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‘Make sure that you understand the regulations or you can end up with liability’ book a flight and are offered an upsell of accommodation.” Another legal view is that LTAs will not see much use. Stephen Mason, senior partner with Stephen Mason Solicitors, said: “The new definition of ‘package’ is so wide, it doesn’t leave much room for LTAs at all.” It looks confusing, and Shaunak agrees that “most things are now a package”. He warns that agents that previously made sure they were not a principal are going to get caught. “If it looks and feels like a package, it is effectively going to be a package,” he believes. At the time of writing, the industry was awaiting the final BEIS guidance
notes to give more clarity in mid-June – only a fortnight before implementation of the new regulations. Ultimately it will be left to the courts to decide how the rules are interpreted, but meanwhile, more confusion stems from how they will initially be enforced. The Civil Aviation Authority has said it is not expecting compliance with the new rules straight away, saying it will take a “proportional and mentoring stance” and that companies will have until October 1 to get issues sorted. But according to Bunce, “It’s fine as far as the Atol regulations, but PTR regulations come into force from July 1 and give customers rights against travel companies.” He urges members to seek ABTA’s help, and advises: “Understand your business model and what you will be doing and put in place everything you need, particularly with LTAs.” Hopefully the picture will become clearer over the next few months. Otherwise, it could be a long, hot summer. ABTAmag.com
July 2018 63
Gamesroom
Gamesroom Crossword
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5. French and Dutch Caribbean destination (5,6) 7. Spore-producing plants (5) 8. Second-in-command on a commercial ship (4) 9. Shortcut to avoid Cape Horn (6,5) 12. Amorous target of a mythical swan (4) 14. Kingdom in the South Seas (5) 16. Field for grazing (7,4)
1. Headwear with a bill (8,3) 2. Alleged cause of second Gulf War (1,1,1) 3. Verdi solo (4) 4. Extending over a large area (4-7) 6. Japanese hitman (5) 8. Some nights, it’s open (3) 10. ___ Farrow (3) 11. Coral island (5) 13. Goods purchased for export are free of it (4) 15. Composed of mins and secs (3)
Word up
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64 July 2018
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ABTA Magazine
Where in the world? Name the city in these four images
Competition time
WIN!
7 nights with Marella Cruises
Here’s your chance to win an incredible seven-night cruise for two around Central and South America on board the beautiful Marella Discovery 2. From the colourful rainforests of Costa Rica to Colombia’s second oldest city, Cartagena, the Pride of Panama itinerary ticks off adventure, culture and one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Panama Canal. To enter, send the answer to the following question to info@ABTAmag.com with the subject ‘Marella competition’.
What is the name of the latest ship to join the Marella Cruises fleet? The lucky winner and their guest will share a Standard Inside Cabin and cruise on an All Inclusive basis. Flights depart from London Gatwick, Birmingham or Manchester airports. The cruise departs on November 13, 2018. Terms and conditions apply. See ABTAmag.com/2018/06/21/terms
May’s answer was Barcelona
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July 2018 65
Final word Alan Wardle
Final word
Each issue we speak to an ABTA employee to find out more about their work. This time, it’s Alan Wardle, director of public affairs
BREXIT TALKS IN BRUSSELS …
As part of ABTA’s Brexit engagement, which includes speaking to politicians in Westminster, Brussels and also in the European member states, Mark Tanzer, the ABTA chief executive, and I hosted a lunch in Brussels for ambassadors and senior representatives from some of the major destinations Britons travel to. It was a private lunch to talk about some of the priorities that the travel industry has – for instance, making sure we have good connectivity after Brexit, that staff can still be posted – and making sure these issues are sufficiently well known in the nations’ capitals. The good news is that they are all well aware of the potential impact of Brexit. It’s such a big market for those countries, and we’re keen to continue this by preserving the ability to travel freely and other benefits we have, post-Brexit.
… AND BREXIT TALKS AT HOME
The clock is ticking: there isn’t a huge amount of time left and the UK government is still essentially negotiating with itself. It’s a difficult time, but we are making sure we’re out there, in Europe and the UK, making sure our key priorities are understood, and that our members’ voices are heard, too. We’re speaking to all the main government departments, the Department for Exiting the European Union, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, which has the tourism portfolio, the Department for Transport, as well as Number 10 – how things are looking, what plans are in place, contingency in the event of a No Deal, which we certainly don’t expect to happen. Our membership of the EU has given us a lot of benefits in terms of travel, such as visa-free travel,
66 July 2018
and we want to preserve as many of these benefits as we can – that’s in the interest of UK travellers and travel companies. We had a wide consultation with our members just after the Brexit vote two years ago, which established our priority issues. That informs the basis of our lobbying. We hold roundtables with our members to discuss, sometimes quite complex issues, such as how VAT works with our travel. In general, we work as a conduit between our members, hearing what the practical issues are, and communicating those to key officials. Members are very much involved – we hear from them and we feed back to them about how the process is going and what it means for them and their business. There’s a lot of uncertainty out there and part of our job is helping our members manage this.
CAMPAIGNING FOR THE INDUSTRY
Thankfully, my work life is not just Brexit. We have a lot of other issues to deal with, such as fighting fake sickness claims (see page 27). The teams across ABTA have been working on this, delivering the change Members wanted. In this case, we spoke to Members, got their data, their stats, and raise the profile of the issue through the Stop Sickness Scams campaign. A lot of what we do is driven by our members’ concerns, and we think about how we can bring about change. My job is to communicate these things at a political level: we have to make sure we’re putting travel issues on the agenda. You don’t bombard MPs: it’s about being clear, and making sure you have specific issues that you want to get across. ABTAmag.com
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