Travel Bulletin 2nd May 2014

TB0205 2014 2 page coverwrap_TB Front Cover.qxd 4/30/2014 2:51 PM Page 1

May 2 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,870 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

THE 2 FOR 1 SALE

®

HALF PRICE LUXURY INCLUDED HOLIDAYS FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS

TB0205 2014 2 page coverwrap_TB Front Cover.qxd 4/30/2014 2:51 PM Page 2

TB0205 2014 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 4/30/2014 2:19 PM Page 1

May 2 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,870 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Cruising Research reveals quarter of cruise passengers plan to take a river cruise

this week agent bulletin 9 poll reveals the funniest excuses for passengers late for flights

star awards focus NEW! Each week this month we'll be taking a closer look at our Star Awards categories

13

14

event bulletin pictures from our Caribbean Showcase events in Birmingham & Bristol

escorted trips how the expertise of a local guide can add to the value of your client's time in a city

29

S01 TB0205 2014 Start_Layout 1 4/30/2014 3:13 PM Page 2

CELEBRATE THE NEW SIMPLY LUXURY BY TRAVEL 2 SHORT HAUL BROCHURE AND BOOK A SELECTED NUMBER OF HOTELS TO DOUBLE YOUR INCENTIVE

Travel 2 presents Simply Luxury by Travel 2 Short Haul A collection of destinations that offer an array of cultural experiences, breathtaking beaches, an abundance of culinary delights and a selection of the finest hand-selected 4 & 5* luxurious hotels at exceptional value throughout Europe, Egypt and Morocco.

InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort, near Paphos Includes Return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick 7 nights in a Deluxe Room Golf & Sea View, bed & breakfast FROM £ PP Return private transfers Valid for travel: 11 Jun 14

879

Skiathos Princess Hotel, Skiathos Includes Return flights from London Gatwick 7 nights in a Club Superior Sea View Room, bed & breakfast Return private transfers

919PP

FROM £

Valid for travel: 28 May 14

Include British Airways in luxury short haul holiday bookings to ensure your clients breeze through their journey. With excellent value for money that includes a bag per person, seat reservation capabilities and online check-in, they promise a journey of comfort and relaxation.

TO CONTACT OUR SIMPLY LUXURY SPECIALISTS, CALL 0800 678 1497 AND SELECT OPTION 2 OR EMAIL SIMPLYLUXURY@TRAVEL2.COM 3228

*Incentive terms & conditions: http://www.travel2.com/sitecontent/terms/simplyluxury.html

S01 TB0205 2014 Start_Layout 1 4/30/2014 4:03 PM Page 3

newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - Riviera Travel, Cologne

Inset - Wendy Wu Tours, Great Wall of China

This Week 3

news

8

at home with eileen

9

agent bulletin

11

puzzle bulletin

12 14 16

a round-up of this week's industry news & product launches find out what homeworker Eileen has been up to lately poll reveals the funniest excuses from passengers late for flights play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher

star awards focus NEW! Each week this month we'll be taking a closer look at our Star Awards categories. This week it's the turn of the Landlords...

event bulletin pictures from our Caribbean Showcase events in Birmingham & Bristol

personality bulletin the chief commercial officer of InterContinental Hotels Group Europe is in the hot seat

17

germany

21

cruising

29

escorted trips

YouGov report reveals increase in UK overnight stays research reveals quarter of cruise passengers plan a river cruise for next holiday how the expertise of a local guide can add to the value of your client's time in a city

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

GRAHAM'S GANG...As part of Visit England’s ‘Holidays at Home are Great’ campaign, Superbreak’s sales team will be visiting agents around the country with various merchandising treats and offers for agents to promote domestic breaks.

Kitted out in their new branded fleeces is the company's national sales manager, Graham Balmforth (centre front), with the rest of the company's sales team - from the left (back row) David Hinder, Donna Smithson, Scott Jame, Kelly Giblin and Colin Fanning, with (front row) Claire Dutton and Wendy Cameron.

Post Office Travel Money Holiday Costs Barometer reveals best value hotspots for British holidaymakers this summer HOLIDAYMAKERS CAN look forward to lower prices in two-thirds of the European resorts surveyed for the eighth annual Post Office Travel Money Holiday Costs Barometer.

And it is not just the more powerful pound that will make spending money stretch further this year because local prices have also plunged in half the destinations surveyed by the Post Office.

As a result, UK tourists could pay up to a fifth less than in 2013 in popular destinations. Post Office researchers found that the biggest price fall was more than 21% in Paphos. Ten tourist staples – lunch and evening meals, drinks, suncream, insect repellent and a daily newspaper – cost £62 in the Cypriot resort, taking it to sixth place in the table from 10th last year.

However, Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach has been highlighted as the best bet for a bargain break. A 16% fall in prices, most notably in the cost of eating out, has enabled Sunny Beach to overtake mainland Spain and the Algarve to claim the barometer top spot. At £43, Sunny Beach’s basket of ten tourist staples is more than £10 cheaper than its nearest competitor.

Marmaris is this year’s runner-up with a barometer total of £54. Despite a 13% jump in local prices as the summer gets underway, the Turkish resort has moved five places up the top 10 because the resort rises have been offset by a 31% surge in sterling’s

value. This has made Marmaris 14% cheaper than in 2013. Another Turkish resort, Bodrum, will cost almost £96 – 76% more for the same items.

At just below £55, the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca remain the best value in the eurozone with only a few pence separating the two resort areas and Marmaris. Prices in mainland Spain, the most popular destination for UK holidaymakers, are more than a third cheaper than they were five summers ago, which may explain why more than three-infive of consumers surveyed by the Post Office said they will return because they found it good value on a previous trip.

The same is true of the Algarve, where resort prices are 35% lower than in 2009.

However, prices are more than 6% higher than a year ago, even allowing for the stronger sterling exchange rate against the euro. At just over £56, this means UK holidaymakers will pay around 3% more than on the Costa del Sol. Despite this, the cost of a round of drinks, lunch and evening meal is less than in Spain and second cheapest to Sunny Beach.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “The strength of sterling is great news for people planning holidays abroad. They can make sure their holiday cash stretches even further by doing their homework before ● continues on next page

May 2 2014

3

S01 TB0205 2014 Start_Layout 1 4/30/2014 4:03 PM Page 4

newsbulletin ● continued from previous page

booking to pick a destination where prices have fallen furthest. Resort prices can make or break the holiday budget so choose a destination where healthy competition between restaurants and bars has resulted in cheaper meals and drinks.”

Away from Europe, Orlando remains a good value option. A barometer total of £76 helped the theme park favourite to retain its place in the top 10 destinations in ninth place.

Brown said: “Budget carefully to ensure your holiday pound packs a punch this year. Our research found that the average resort spend is more than £500 so it makes sense to take at least that amount with you to avoid running out of cash – especially as there are improved rates for higher value transactions in our branches or online. Allow time to buy foreign currency before leaving home, because changing money at the airport means you are likely to lose out by getting a poor rate.”

For more information see www.postoffice.co.uk/holidaycosts2014

Spanish Tourist Office announces launch of new digital campaign THE SPANISH Tourist Office has announced the launch of a new global digital campaign entitled “The More You Live It, The More You Like It”, which aims to make Spain the first country to obtain 100% holiday satisfaction from visitors and boost return trips.

Recent survey figures have revealed that nine out of every ten visitors to Spain want to go back and the tourist board is on a mission to encourage that tenth visitor to give the country another try.

A Spanish Tourist Office 100% Visitor Satisfaction team will be hitting the streets of different cities across the globe on the hunt for different candidates who are willing to give the country a second chance, as well as recruiting a selection of candidates who fall into the 90% that already love the destination.

Candidates will be filmed saying what it is they do and don’t like about the country and it will then be up to a public vote on Spain’s social media channels to determine who the tourist board should send to Spain. In their pairs, they will then be sent on an exciting trip to see if the unconvinced can be converted.

For more information visit www.themoreyouliveit.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter #themoreyouliveit.

PREMIER LAUNCH...Pictured marking the launch of Premier Holidays' new Indochina campaign is the operator's Carly Charteris and Dave Kneale. The campaign offers a selection of tactical offers available for Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma, with options for guided touring, as well as city and beach itineraries.

Agents are also being offered a booking incentive to earn between £25-£150 per Indochina or Burma booking, dependent on the booking value.

For details see www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or call 0844-493 7444.

Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort offers deal for travel agent bookings AGENTS BOOKING their clients a holiday to Tobago’s Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort should quote the offer code ‘SPRINGUP14’ to take advantage of a complimentary room upgrade from a standard room to a deluxe Oceanfront room this month.

This offer is valid for bookings until May 31 for a minimum seven-night stay for arrivals up to July 20 and between September 1 and November 30.

Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort and Cosmos are offering a seven-night package at the four-star resort from £865 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis or £1,339 on the hotel’s “Grand Experience” all-inclusive basis. Prices are based on two adults sharing a standard room and include the free room upgrade (when quoting the offer code), flights from Gatwick on June 4, transfers and all taxes and charges.

To book call 0843-227 0962.

To claim the upgrade, agents should email the details of the booking to reservations@magdalenagrand.com

Travel Network Group announces full programme for 'Obsession' conference THE TRAVEL Network Group has announced the full programme for its ‘Obsession’ conference, taking place from October 3-5 in Split, Croatia.

Group managing director of the group, Gary Lewis, said: “The conference theme – ‘Obsession’ has been chosen not only because it underpins our values of being entrepreneurial, target-driven and passionate but also because it best describes our ruthlessness over the last year in pursuing our growth strategy and how we have continually challenged ourselves, our members and our business

4

May 2 2014

partners in how they deal with us.

“Our previous conferences have focused a great deal on the future the trends, forecasts and predictions of what the travel industry will look like in the future and how we need to adapt and prepare ourselves for the changes. Whilst the industry will continue to evolve, I believe so much of that change has taken place and it's now time to live in the here and now and take advantage of the new technologies, customer behaviours and changed trading environment that we are living and breathing every day. The conference programme reflects this.”

As well as receiving a strategic, economic and market update from the group’s senior management team at the 300- strong conference, delegates will also hear from a number of high profile key note speakers. A business partner forum hosted over the two-day event will also give delegates the opportunity to meet more than 46 of the group’s preferred business partners and three external professionals will lead workshops that will address key issues and opportunities facing the industry that cover data management, social media and retailing.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S02 TB0205 2014 News_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:53 PM Page 5

newsbulletin Thoresby Hall Hotel offers deals on spring spa breaks WARNER LEISURE Hotels’ Thoresby Hall Hotel in Nottinghamshire has introduced last minute deals on two- and threenight spa breaks this spring.

Agents can book guests on a midweek two-night Relax and Unwind spa break from £179 per person including two, twohour spa experiences per person and a choice of either a 55-minute Swedish massage, 55minute facial, 55-minute back, neck and shoulder massage or a scalp ritual.

The deal is available to book on May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28.

Alternatively agents can book guests on a threenight weekend Indulgence spa break from £249 per person which includes everything that a two-night relax and unwind spa break includes with an added choice of either a Jessica manicure or a Jessica pedicure. The offer is available to book for May 16 and 30. Prices include the Simply Dine dining option on a halfboard basis.

Agents should use the code LASTSPA when booking to take advantage of the offers.

For more information see www.bourneleisuresales.co. uk or call 0808-141111.

BEACH BUDDIES...It was sand-downers time for this group of lucky agents on a Thai Airways/Sandra Leach Company fam trip to Thailand recently when they were hosted by the Akaryn beach villas resort on Koh Samui. Pictured with resident manager Christophe Gestin (second left) are, from the left: Richard Coates, Western & Oriental; Lee Ballard, Sandra Leach Company; Lesley Nicholls, Travel Counsellors; Mark Mallison, Gold Medal; Alison Tucker, Tropical Sky; David Wake, Audley Travel; Amy Griffiths, Lusso Travel, and Caroline Waite, Turquoise Holidays.

SAT reveals tourists make the most of the devalued rand SOUTH AFRICA’S currency, the rand, has devalued by between 22% and 32% against major currencies over the past 12 months, making it a good time to visit the country. In the country’s Eastern Cape province, luxury game reserves are reporting increased visitor numbers, particularly from North America and Europe.

Popular among travellers are Cape TownGarden Route-safari self-drive itineraries.

As an example of prices, a ten-night itinerary spending four nights in Cape Town, three nights on the Garden Route and three nights on safari, including car hire and meals, costs approximately £650 between May and August. For those who prefer not to drive in an unfamiliar country, there are chauffeur-driven and shuttle options or flights spanning the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

The latest figures from South African Tourism reveal that tourists are spending on average two days longer in South Africa than they used to three years ago. Due to the

rand’s devaluation, these ‘extra’ two days are essentially for free because the tourists are spending the same amount of dollars or pounds as they did three years ago.

Port Elizabeth, 750 km from Cape Town and location of the main airport accessing the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route, is seeing increasing numbers of foreign visitors, according to the CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.

Rick Van Zyl, founder of Lalibela Game Reserve (www.lalibela.net), which is located an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, also notes a marked increase in bookings from Europe, the UK and North America over the past year.

He said: “Most travellers to Africa and South Africa are looking for a safari experience and we have benefited greatly from the increased numbers of visitors to Cape Town. We are a short hop down the coast and a logical choice for travellers who want to avoid malaria areas.”

For more information see www.lalibela.net

Flybe signs five-year deal with LCY to commence operations in October FLYBE HAS signed a fiveyear agreement with London City Airport (LCY) to commence domestic and international operations to/from London City with effect from October 27, with routes now on sale.

The carrier will deploy five growth aircraft for its LCY operation which will be based at three of its regional bases, and are

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

expected to fly up to circa 500,000 passengers annually on a schedule that will see four times daily services from/to Edinburgh and Dublin, three times daily services from/to Belfast and Exeter and twice daily from/to Inverness.

The new routes will boost connectivity from the UK regions to London,

providing direct links for customers in the regions to the heart of London’s financial district. The airline expects that the new routes will also appeal to a significant number of City and Canary Wharf-based passengers who need to access the UK regions and neighbouring European destinations quickly and efficiently.

Regional core services within the UK and from/to Ireland will be supplemented with offpeak leisure flights to selected ski, regional French and Northern Spanish destinations.

Flights between LCY and Edinburgh, Belfast City, Dublin, Inverness and Exeter are now on sale at www.flybe.com

May 2 2014

5

S02 TB0205 2014 News_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:53 PM Page 6

newsbulletin SuperBreak puts new Coronation Street The Tour on sale from £51.25 FANS OF Coronation Street can now walk down Weatherfield’s hallowed cobbles on a new Coronation Street behind the scenes tour, which has just opened at the former Quay Street set in Manchester.

SuperBreak has packages available for agents to promote that include tickets to the tour and overnight accommodation in a three-star hotel

and lead in at £51.25 per person.

Studio guides will share facts and stories from more than 50 years of filming at the site, before the production moved to its new home at MediaCityUK. Other highlights include the chance to walk down Coronation Street on the famous cobbles and have a photo taken in front of the Rovers Return. It

Jet2.com introduces Pula from East Midlands from £51 JET2.COM HAS added the Croatian resort of Pula to its portfolio.

Flights to the historic coastal town are now on sale from East Midlands Airport. Weekly Sunday flights start at £51 per person, one-way, including taxes and will operate from May 24, 2015 until September 27.

Jet2holidays’ ATOL protected package breaks are also available to Pula, starting at £349 per person, including a 22kg baggage allowance and can be booked now with a £60 deposit.

In addition to Pula, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays already offer flights and package breaks to coastal resort and UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Dubrovnik.

For more information call 0800-408 5587 or visit www.jet2.com and https://tradesite.jet2holidays.com

Football Academy at Morocco's Mazagan MAZAGAN BEACH & Golf Resort in Morocco is launching its PSG Football Academy from July to September for kids aged between four and 16.

Training runs from Wednesday to Sunday, allowing two days a week to sample the resort's other activities including quad biking, horse-riding and ‘Ferrari Pit’ racing.

Prices for the academy are from 500 MAD (approximately £37) for one day. The resort is offering a seven nights for the price of five offer for families of two adults and two children, valid from July 1 to September 30, including breakfast and free meals for children.

For details email reservations@mazaganbeachresort.com

PRIZE PICK...Jenny Ruff from Thames Travel in Twickenham won an iPad mini after completing Osprey Holidays' agent survey competition which the operator launched to gain a closer insight into the views and opinions of agents.

6

May 2 2014

is also possible to visit some of the interior sets where key scenes were filmed and see exclusive props and memorabilia.

The Tour is open until October 4 and weekend and midweek options are available.

Fore more information see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 01904-436000.

First Choice brings all-inclusive to the UK with Vue Cinemas partnership FIRST CHOICE has teamed up with Vue Cinemas aimed at bringing the ‘all-inclusive feeling’ to life in the UK. The partnership deal has been organised by Digital Cinema Media (DCM).

The operator's ‘AllInclusive Family Package’ ticket will be available at 82 Vue cinemas nationwide and includes entry into a film, a snack of choice and a drink. There will also be a kids’ snack box option available for young film buffs. Prices start from £7.15 per person meaning a family of four will save more than 20% on the cost

of a trip to watch the latest blockbuster together.

The company's marketing and digital director, Jeremy Ellis, said: “We’re delighted to announce this exciting partnership with Vue Cinemas. Heading out to see a film is a great way to have fun with your family – something that we are incredibly passionate about.

We’re renowned for our ‘all you can’ all-inclusive offering in our exotic destinations around the world and we wanted to bring a taste of that home for families across the UK.”

Virgin Holidays adds Florida hotels VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has introduced eight new properties to its 2015 programme, which arrives on shelves next Thursday.

For clients looking to head to Orlando’s theme parks the 5V Four Seasons Orlando Resort, the 4V B Resort at Walt Disney World Resort and the 4V Wyndham Orlando Resort are now being offered.

In Miami, agents can recommend a stay at the 3V+ Pestana or the 4V+ Eden Roc to give customers the chance to explore the art deco hub of South Beach.

Alternatively, for Bubba Watson fans, agents can suggest a trip to the 4V+ Turnberry Isle Miami, which features two championship golf courses, and is located across the street from the Aventura Mall.

The operator has also reintroduced Captiva Island on Florida’s west coast and features the 5V South Seas Island Resort which is set on a private white-sand beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Meanwhile, for agents keen to promote the Florida Keys, they can suggest that customers travel across the ocean to Key West on the state’s only ‘All American Road’ for a stay at the 4V The Reach, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Set in the heart of the Old Town, the resort offers the only natural beach on the island.

For more information see www.vhols4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 3973.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S02 TB0205 2014 News_Layout 1 4/30/2014 3:10 PM Page 7

newsbulletin Super Skills Netball Academy opens at Sardinia's Forte Village Resort SUPER SKILLS Experiences has announced a new Netball Academy for 2014 at Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, with Karen Atkinson MBE. Ex-England Captain Atkinson, who is now part of the England netball management team, will be providing hands-on coaching sessions for girls aged five-16 during May half-term.

The academy will run alongside the Rugby Academy on the following dates: May 24-31, July 5-12, July 12-19, July 19-26 and August 16-30. The Super Skills Experiences Netball Academy costs from £3,699 for a family of four, based on two adults and two children under 12 staying in an Il Villaggio Family Bungalow for seven nights on a half-board basis. The price includes private transfers and participation in the netball academy. easyJet flies daily from Stansted to Cagliari, Sardinia.

To book visit www.easyjet.com and for more information see www.superskillsexperiences.com

SPECIAL OFFERS THE SUN SIYAM IRUFUSHI ISLAND RESORT MALDIVES FREE NIGHTS 2014: Stay 7, Pay 5; Stay 14, Pay 10 Valid for stays between 01 May – 28 Sept 14 and 11 Oct – 23 Dec 14

EARLY BOOKING OFFER: Book 60 days prior to arrival and receive a 10% Discount on room rates only - Valid for stays between 01 May – 23 Dec 14 EARLY BOOKING OFFER: Book 90 days prior to arrival and receive a 15% Discount on room rates only Valid for stays between 01 May – 23 Dec 14

KIHAAD MALDIVES FANTASTIC EARLY BOOKING OFFER: Book 30 days prior to arrival and receive a 10% Discount on room rates only Valid for stays between 01 May – 20 Dec 14

SHERATON MALDIVES FULL MOON ISLAND FREE NIGHTS 2014: Stay 7, Pay 5; Stay 14, Pay 10 Valid for stays between 10 May –25 Jul 14

EARLY BOOKING OFFER: Book 60 days prior to arrival and receive a 10% Discount on room rates only - Valid for stays between 10 May –25 Jul 14

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFER OFFER: Book by 10 May 14 and receive Complimentary Speedboat Transfers from Male Airport Return Valid for stays between 10 May –25 Jul 14

VIVANTA BY TAJ CORAL MALDIVES NORTH MALE ATOLL ARBLASTER & CLARKE Wine Tours has added a new Milan and Verona Opera tour to its portfolio which departs from July 3-7 and costs from £2,695 per person. It includes operas with performances by two of the world’s leading tenors, Juan Diego Flórez in Rossini’s Le Comte Ory and Rolando Villazón in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte at La Scala opera house. Guests can combine the performances with days spent exploring the vineyards of Franciacorta, Serego-Alighieri and Zenato; Valpolicella and il Mosnel, including leisurely lunches as personal guests of the wine estates. The four-night break includes two nights at a five-star hotel in central Milan and two nights in a four-star hotel in central Verona. Breakfast, three lunches, a pre-opera supper with wines, visits and tastings are also included.

For details call 01730-263111 or see winetours.co.uk

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

NOW SELLING ON ALL INCLUSIVE BASIS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DESCRIPTION AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

SRI LANKA - MAURITIUS - SEYCHELLES - INDIA - UAE Over 150 hotels and a selection of tours available on our website Including exclusive offers for Summer 2014 and Winter 2014/15

www.osborneandebel.com All above offers are subject to availability.

Terms & Conditions Apply

S02 TB0205 2014 News_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:53 PM Page 8

newsbulletin

e m o h At ...

Newsbites ●

n e e l i E with

ileen orker E w e m o as h th?

What h p to this mon u n e be

N RECENT weeks I’ve attended several excellent supplier events in London. Suppliers often choose prestigious and sometimes unusual venues to host their events and these were certainly no exception.

The first event was held at the Savoy Hotel in the Strand, where I, along with a number of my Travel Counsellor colleagues, were invited to partake in afternoon tea in the beautiful Thames Foyer of the hotel. The afternoon was hosted by FRHI and the Fairmont Mayakoba hotel, which is a fabulous 5* property located in Riviera Maya in Mexico.

After a sumptuous tea, we took a tour of this beautiful hotel and viewed several bedrooms and suites. The bedrooms are all elegantly furnished in either Edwardian or Art Deco style, some with amazing views of the river Thames.

Next up was an evening organised by Kempinski Hotels which was held in the unusual setting of the Crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral. On arrival, we were given a short guided tour of the cathedral which was totally unexpected. Then we made our way down to the Crypt where we enjoyed drinks and met representatives from a selection of Kempinski hotels who told us all about their individual properties.

It’s years since I visited St Paul’s and it was even more magnificent than I remembered it to be. I felt very privileged to have been given the opportunity of being in such a beautiful and atmospheric building at night without all the hustle and bustle from visiting tourists throughout the day.

Last but by no means least was an enjoyable evening event organised by Dubai Tourism, Ritz Carlton and Emirates Tours which was held in the private dining room at Fortnum & Mason’s in Piccadilly. It was an informal evening starting with Champagne on arrival followed by an excellent dinner and a few short presentations.

I count myself very lucky to be invited to such enjoyable and informative events and would like to thank our hosts for their wonderful hospitality and the opportunity to learn about their products in such amazing surroundings.

I

●

●

INTREPID'S DAY tour company, Urban Adventures, has added the Moroccan coastal town of Essaouira to its list of 90 destinations where it offers tours led by locals. A new three-hour 'Essaouira Insider' tour leads in at approximately £41 and takes travellers off the beaten path to discover local life. Highlights include sampling local cuisine, mingling with local artists and learning about their unique crafts, taking in the panoramic views of the city from an old fortress watchtower and visiting a traditional herbalist's shop to sip Moroccan Royal Tea. For details see www.urbanadventures.com BRADT TRAVEL Guides has just published a World War I Battlefields travel guide to the Western Front to coincide with the centenary of the outbreak of the war. The tourist guide, by John Ruler and Emma Thomson, includes comprehensive details and maps of well-known and little-visited sites, information on museums and memorials, and in-depth information on touring the battlefields by car, bike or on foot. It costs £6.99.

Details at www.bradtguides.com COX & KINGS has partnered with VistaBee, the UK tech video start-up to use Google Glass and bring wearable technology to the international travel market. The soon-to-launch technology captures the hustle and bustle of Marrakech's medina.

For details see www.coxandkings.co.uk and www.vistabee.com

Go

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Competition of the Week: Win a Kindle courtesy of the Greek National Tourism Organisation. To enter, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

●

VideoBox: Follow the continuing adventures of Britain’s Funnest Family – The Alexanders from Nottingham – as they sample their virgin cruise, courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines. Watch the latest episode on http://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/video-box

●

Video highlights of Travel Bulletin’s recent Caribbean Showcases at Birmingham and Bristol can be viewed now on our YouTube channel. Go to: www.youtube.com/Travelbulletin .

All this and more at:

by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

8

May 2 2014

www.travelbulletin.co.uk The home of the web savvy travel agent

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 3:05 PM Page 9

agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

LEEDS BRADFORD Airport and Balkan Holidays have teamed up to offer the top 20 performing stores (based on bookings from Leeds Bradford – Bourgas with Balkan Holidays made by July 31) two tickets per store on an “Exclusive Ghost Hunt”. The event includes table tipping, crystal reading and Ouija board activity and will be held on Saturday August 30 at Bolling Hall Bradford from 21:00. Agents can register bookings at sales@balkanholidays.co.uk

●

UK MICE agents and event bookers can now earn themselves a pair of coveted Jimmy Choo designer shoes, following an incentive launch

by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ UK sales office. To qualify, agents need to confirm an event booking for 2014 worth at least €60,000 at one of the hotel brand's 80-plus properties worldwide by September 30 and then send an email (and include the reference “Shoes2014”) to muriel.renard@movenpick.com when booking an event. The incentive only applies to new enquiries sent via the UK sales office.

●

TITAN IS offering agents a £15 Love2Shop voucher for every passenger booked on a cruise from its 2015 Saga Cruise Collection brochure. To claim agents should email agentincentives@titantravel.co.uk within seven days of the booking with a booking reference, ABTA reference, agency and agent name.

STRAIGHT UP...Pictured collecting GHD hair straighteners on behalf of her colleague Sam Peters is Carol Hooley (right) from Travel Counsellors. Sam won the prize through Hoseasons' online competition on Travel Bulletin , and pictured delivering the GHDs is the operator's Zena Calderbank. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Excuses, excuses...

RESEARCH BY Sunshin e.co.uk has revealed a selection of the funniest excuses given by holidaymakers who were late for flights and almost missed their pla ne...

A woman in her 40s who was flying from Heathrow to the Dominic an Republic almost missed her flight and claimed that her car had broken down and sh e’d had to abandon it on the hard shoulder of the M4 and walk “miles and miles” with her luggage to make it in time. ● A wo ma n in he r late 20s flying from Luton to Eg yp t sa id tha t he r rea so n for alm os t missing her flight was because she couldn’t decide whether it was best to fly wearing jeans and a t-shirt, a sk irt and vest top or a comfortable tracksuit. Sh e settled in the end for a beach dress and flip flops. ● A ma n in his 60 s flying from Mancheste r to Italy claimed that his lat eness was due to the fact he’d had to make su re he had fed all 17 of his cats, all five of his dogs and his two budgies and needed to give his neighbour all the instructions to do with the care of his pets whilst he’d be away. ● A wo ma n in he r late teens flying from Br istol to Gran Canaria told air po late for her flight becau rt staff she was se, whilst getting rea dy to lea ve the ho us e, sh e’d be en watching the Lion King on DVD for the first time and had to find ou t how it ended (even though she knew she’d then be running late). ● A ma n in his 30s flying to Mallorca from Bir mi ng ha m cla im ed tha t he ha d alm ost missed his flight because he had got drunk in a bar in the airport and fallen asleep on his stool, but that he’d mirac ulously sobered up during his 20 minute na p and was fit to fly. ● A wo ma n in he r 30s flying to Brazil from Heathrow only just ma de it onto her flight.

She explained that sh e had put her watch back two hours ready for he an d the rig ht tim e zo r arrival in Brazil ne . Ho we ve r, sh e needed to check in two hours before, so she on ly jus t ma de it; no t rem em be rin g he r watch was two hours behind of the actual time in the UK. ● A ma n in his lat e 20s flying from Cardi ff to Tunisia said that he was made late by the fact he thought his flight wa s the next day, but luckily his mum had cal led to remind him that he needed to go an d meet his friends at the airport. ●

May 2 2014

9

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:33 PM Page 10

newsbulletin

TRANSUN’S NEW seven-night ‘Bosnian Highlights’ package offers six nights in Dubrovnik and a night in Sarajevo, where visitors are taken on a guided walking tour which includes a visit to the Sarajevo Museum. The museum was built on the very spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, triggering the First World War, particularly poignant in this the centenary year, plus a visit to Mostar to see the famous Ottoman bridge over the Neretva River. Prices start from £1,345 per person, based on two sharing, and include flights from a range of national airports, transfers, breakfast accommodation and guided walking tours of Sarajevo, Mostar and Dubrovnik.

For details see www.transun.co.uk/agents or call 01865-265200.

Pegasus adds new European routes PEGASUS AIRLINES is continuing to expand its network with the addition of three new European destinations, Geneva, Hamburg and Prague, making a total of 83 destinations in 34 countries.

One-way fares between the hub of Istanbul and the new destinations start from €39.99 including taxes and charges.

Three times weekly flights to Prague launch on June 19, with fares from €39.99; four times weekly flights to Geneva launch on June 21, with fares from €49.99; and four times weekly flights to Hamburg launch on July 1 with one-way fares from €49.99.

For more information visit www.flypgs.com/en

Two weeks in Australia from £895 TOURISM AUSTRALIA (TA) has launched a new campaign to promote Australia as an achievable two-week holiday destination to get the country off the ‘wish’ list and on to the ‘shopping’ list. The call to action is www.australia.com/twoweeks.

The headline tour operator partner for the campaign is Austravel, which is offering a two-week package including flights and 15 days' campervan hire from £895 per person for travel this month.

Denise von Wald, the tourist office's regional general manager UK/Northern Europe, said: “Breaking Australia down into achievable itineraries will help challenge the long-held view that you need four to six weeks to ‘do’ the country. This campaign presents a range of inspirational adventures which you can enjoy in as little as two weeks with some strong lead in fares. The Melbourne to Sydney coastal drive for example, makes for an incredible two-week campervan holiday including two fantastic cities, wonderful national parks, friendly heritage towns and beaches where you share the sand with kangaroos!”

10

May 2 2014

Eurostar fares from £109 return TRAVELLERS LOOKING to escape to the South of France by rail this summer can take advantage of value tickets, as Eurostar makes 20,000 of its lowest fares available for connecting journeys in Standard Class, to coincide with the booking window opening for French TGV services.

Tickets from London to the French destinations of Marseille, Montpellier, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon (with a change in Paris or Lille) are available from £119 return, and to Lyon for £109 return, for travel between June 2 and August 24.

The connecting services to the South of France complement the company's direct weekly seasonal service from London to Avignon, which runs from June 28 to September 13, offering flexibility to travel on any day of the week.

For details visit www.eurostar.com or call 0843-218 6186.

Dino Babies 3D launches at Butlins Bognor Regis BUTLINS BOGNOR Regis is introducing a new show – Dino Babies 3D - to its Discovery Studio. The new musical adventure featuring four dinosaur puppets will come to life on the big screen and, for £5 per person, guests on a family break can watch the story brought to life through music and songs.

Guests can also get involved in a range of fun sporting activities as well as watch character shows and experience the traditional fairground and Splash Waterworld.

A four-night break costs from £50 per person based on a May 19 arrival and two adults and two children sharing a standard self-catering apartment.

For details see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:33 PM Page 11

puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?

Number: 017

Raw I Ow

A➠

B➠ A low-cost Iceland-based airline

C➠

Ear Jostle Shorts

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, May 8th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 18th April is Jane Savage, Co-operative Travel in Cambs.

April 18 Solution: A=5 B=6 C=4 D=3

Crossword

This actress’ initials are the first part of this Middle Eastern brand’s name

Where Am I?

Third largest island in the world.

Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

Number: 017

Across 1. Tours specialist to Africa and Latin America, sounds colourful (7) 4. Royal Dutch Airlines (3) 6. Capital of Jordan (5) 8. One of the Costas (5) 11. Bahrain carrier, ___ Air (4) 12. European country with a blue and white flag (6) 14. Cosmos are part of this Family of Brands (6) 15. City known for its Terracotta Army (4) 17. Country with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines (5) 19. Canadian singer-songwriter, Shania (5) 20. Abu Dhabi is the capital (3) 21. Salzburg has two museums dedicated to Wolfgang ___ Mozart (7)

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Down 1. Man U player and interim manager (4,5) 2. German city, sounds good in French (4) 3. Stately home of the Duke of Bedford, ___ Abbey (6) 5. Currency of Bulgaria (3) 7. Landlocked country between Romania and Ukraine (7) 9. Funway specialise in holidays to this country (7) 10. Mountains known as the backbone of Italy (9) 13. Capital of Angola (6) 16. Active volcano on the island of Sicily (4) 18. Pakistan International Airlines, initially (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 34 May 2 2014

11

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:33 PM Page 12

Landlords In every issue this month, we will remind you of the Travel Bulletin Star Awards available in each of the industry sectors - and this week it's the turn of the 'Landlords'. Take a look at the 2014 categories in this sector and decide who, for you, has stood out from the crowd. Some past winners also reflect on their Star Awards experience and their relationship with the trade...

2014 Landlords' categories There are seven categories to vote for in Landlords.

They include: ●

●

Star Worldwide Theme Park Or Attraction Star European Theme Park Or Attraction

●

Star Rail Operator

●

Star Car Rental Company

●

Star Accommodation-Only Provider

●

Star Worldwide Hotel Chain

●

Star Technology Supplier

Agent voting is open until 6th June 2014. You can fill in the voting form online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ awards/the-voting or complete the printed form accompanying this week's issue. Remember there are some fantastic prizes to be won in a free prize draw.

Winner's Words Last year's winner under the 'Star Worldwide Hotel Group' category was RIU Hotels & Resorts.

The company's head of market development UK & Ireland, Paul Bunce, chats about the company's recent developments...

What made winning your award so special last year?

It was the 10th year in a row that we had won a Travel Bulletin Star Award!

How have you continued to work with the trade this year?

Our UK sales team we have attended numerous trade events and continued to visit agents to update them with the latest news and offers from RIU. What developments in the industry as a whole do you think that agents should be aware of?

The continued tendency towards all-inclusive holidays as well as the huge growth in demand for adult-only hotels, both of which we continue to grow within our portfolio.

What new developments have you announced since last year?

We launched our exclusive RIU elearning programme recently through which agents can earn points to use towards their own free stays at our hotels when they complete each module.

Why do you think it is important that agents have a say and vote for their favourite suppliers in the Star Awards?

It is a totally fair way for agents to show who they recommend to their customers and who provides them with the best service and benefits, rather than it being judged by a panel.

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:33 PM Page 13

Winner's Words Winner's Words

Last year's winner under the 'Star Rail Operator' category was Great Rail Journeys. Here, the company's national sales manager, Tony Byrne, reflects on the 2013 Star Awards and looks forward to what this year's event holds in store...

What was the highlight of the 2013 Star Awards evening?

Dancing with Jeanette and wearing a cone on my head!

How have you continued to work with the trade this year?

We have seen our trade sales grow again this year and more agents then ever are looking at our brands which is great.

We believe firmly in constant face-to-face contact with our trade partners so have been involved in more training, roadshows and trade events with agents than ever before.

What developments in the industry as a whole do you think that agents should be aware of?

The continuing popularity of rail travel in the over 50s market just grows and grows - and is a niche market agents should get into.

What new developments have you announced since last year? And do you have any new plans in the pipeline?

We are constantly evolving and adding new tours to our product range. I particularly like the fact that we are growing our China product and have introduced a round-the-world itinerary for 2015 that takes 53 days but covers some amazing destinations, iconic rail journeys and must-see attractions.

Why do you think it is important that agents have a say and vote for their favourite suppliers in the Star Awards?

The Star Awards give agents the chance to say 'thank you' to the suppliers who support them and recognise suppliers who provide service to the retail trade.

What are you most looking forward to at this year's Star Awards event?

Obviously having another cone on my head and dancing with Jeanette again - as that would mean we were winners for a third time!

Affordable Car Hire picked up last year's award under the 'Star Car Rental Company' category for the first time. The company's CEO, Angela Day, outlines new industry developments that agents should be aware of...

What made winning your award so special last year?

It was the first year we had won the award and it was such an amazing accolade to have been voted for by the agents.

What developments in the industry as a whole do you think that agents should be aware of?

Technology is changing the way clients research and book travel. For example, more people are using social media as a way of sharing travel experiences which is why we have introduced a review section on our website which enables customers to feedback and rate their car hire service. We are also seeing a significant increase in the number of clients using their tablets and smart phones to research and book travel which is leading to a much shorter booking window.

What new developments have you announced since last year?

The A.R.T.S. training academy is enabling us to further enhance agents' knowledge of car hire through both regular webinars and bespoke courses covering specific areas. Over the last 12 months we have also further improved the CARS booking website by adding new features which are in direct response to user group feedback.

The pages now have a series of enhanced features that allow web users to find more easily on the car results pages details about fuel policy, excess policy, airport location and availability. In the coming months we will be announcing a number of exciting new developments which will further improve our service to agents.

Why do you think it is important that agents have a say and vote for their favourite suppliers in the Star Awards?

It’s fantastic that agents have a big input to the Star Awards as ultimately it’s their views that matter. They are the people at the sharp end of our industry so everything we do has to be geared around improving their car hire booking experience.

Where does your award take pride of place?

In our reception area in a display cabinet - it looks amazing!

Travel Bulletin's 2014 Star Awards ceremony will be held at the prestigious five-star Landmark Hotel in London on Monday September 8. To reserve tickets or for more information see www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards or call 020-7834 6661.

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:33 PM Page 14

eventbulletin TRAVEL BULLETIN played host to two Caribbean Showcase events recently - in Birmingham at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and in Bristol at the Marriott Royal Hotel. The Showcase events gave agents the opportunity to learn more about this part of the world and, at the same time, win a range of fantastic prizes.

"Lovely evening in Birmingham last night - thank you!"

Lisa McEwan, Carrick Travel

Left: SHOWCASE STARS...Pictured ready to meet agents in Birmingham are, from the left: Isabel D. Jimenez and Miguel Chang from the Cuba Tourist Board; Gracita Alert of St. Vincent & Grenadines Tourist Board; Ginny Hawksley of British Virgin Islands Tourist Board; Fiona Moss (back) of Hard Rock Hotels All Inclusive Collection; Myrvina Jeria (front) from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board; Graham Hawkins of Harlequin Resorts; and Jane Bolton of Couples Resorts.

Above: CUBA CATCH...Claire Mitchell of Thomas Cook Castle Vale won a bottle of Havana Club Rum courtesy of Miguel Chang from the Cuba Tourist Office.

BINGO WIN... Shellie Jones of Kuoni receives her prize of a Caribbean bottle of wine from Travel Bulletin’s Bill Coad.

14

May 2 2014

CARIBBEAN COUP...Rebecca Bunn (left) of STA Travel receives her prize of seven nights' breakfast stay at True Blue Bay Boutique Resort from Denise Greene of Sunrise Marketing.

Above: CHOCS AWAY...The winner of a Caribbean Bingo box of chocolates was Claire Rosser (left) of C The World, pictured with Travel Bulletin's Jeanette Ratcliffe.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:33 PM Page 15

eventbulletin Left: INSPIRED BY HARLEQUIN...Sharon Keaveney of Inspired Travel Nuneaton receives her prize of a three-night, all-inclusive stay for two at Buccament Bay Resort from Graham Hawkins of Harlequin Resorts.

Below: LINING UP...and ready to meet Ginny Hawksley (second from right) from the British Virgin Islands Holidays' Tourist Board are agents attending the Birmingham event.

Below: SPEEDY GONZALES...Agents enjoy the speed networking session in Bristol.

"Brilliant Caribbean Event in Birmingham last week - lots of fun and info - thank you!"

Linzi Haywood, Thomas Cook

Below: JOHN'S JOY...John Wilson (left) of 2J's Travel won a fournight stay for two at any RIU hotel worldwide courtesy of Paul Bunce from RIU Hotels & Resorts.

LAWRIE'S LUCK...Fiona Moss (left) of Hard Rock Hotels' All Inclusive Collection presents a Hard Rock goodie bag to winner Lawrie Buckeridge of Flight Centre.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

May 2 2014

15

S03 TB0205 2014 News 2_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:33 PM Page 16

personalitybulletin

Matt Luscombe Chief commercial officer, InterContinental Hotels Group Europe At work What's the best thing about your job?

There is enormous variety and challenge in building our brands and ensuring we’re delivering on our promises to tens of thousands of guests every night of the week in more than 600 hotels across Europe.

What's a typical day like?

As a marketeer, my days are ultimately spent thinking about our guests; how their needs are evolving, how we can earn their loyalty, and how we can differentiate our brands and booking experiences from the competition.

What skill are you most proud of?

Finding and hiring great talent is central to everything we do. The success of our business is down to the consistent value we have placed on nurturing talent over the years.

At home What's your favourite household gadget?

I like to cook, so I’d have to say a garlic crusher.

What do you love about the travel industry?

Our industry is all about building deep connections with people; serving guests with

What are your favourite TV programmes?

I don’t get a great deal of time to watch TV, but I try to keep up with current affairs, and I enjoy quite a few sitcoms. A few years ago, I bought the House MD box-set, which I enjoyed; although, part of me still preferred Hugh Laurie in Blackadder!

“

Who does the cooking?

I usually do the cooking at the weekend. I find it a great way to relax in the evening.

What's a typical weekend for you like?

I spend time with my wife and young son.

What's your guilty pleasure?

I’m something of a Diet Coke addict.

What do you do to relax?

Spending time with my son puts everything else into context – it’s a great way to unwind.

What's your favourite movie?

Life in a Day.

16

May 2 2014

passion and giving them fantastic, memorable and special experiences that will last a lifetime.

If you could change one thing in the industry what would it be?

A reduction in tourism VAT in the UK. We want to compete on a level playing field with our European counterparts.

What personal item do you have on your desk at work?

A photograph of my wife at the Rowing World Championships in 2004, where I coached her to a silver medal in the Lightweight Single Scull.

What was the last email you received?

I just received some images of our upcoming Staybridge Suites hotel in Vauxhall. It’s an incredible brand, with the highest guest satisfaction of any of major hotel chain in Europe – so it’s really exciting to have another location where our guests can experience it.

The success of our business is down to the consistent value we have placed on nurturing talent over the years

At play Where would you most like to visit and why?

My favourite country is Italy, so I’m really excited that we have just debuted our boutique brand, Hotel Indigo, in Rome. Every Hotel Indigo hotel is designed to reflect the local neighbourhood, and I can’t wait to see the artistic charm of Rome brought to life in Hotel Indigo Rome – St. George.

What are your hobbies?

The hotel business is famous for long hours and great food, so I try to use my step machine as often as I can!

”

What's your favourite (non-work related) website?

Buzzfeed is an absorbing blend of funny, informative and outrageous news and features; and it’s fascinating to see how online sharing has become a form of social currency.

Do you use social media for work and play?

Yes, I’m an active user as it’s obviously important to understand social media in my role. From a business perspective LinkedIn is extremely useful.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S04 TB0205 2014 Germany_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:51 PM Page 17

germany THE FOUR-STAR Hotel AlpenClub in Schliersee has been renamed Karma Bavaria. The property, which is open year-round, offers a range of leisure activities to suit the seasons including skiing, snowboarding, snow shoe walks and torch-lit hikes. Other activities include ice-skating on the nearby frozen lake, sledding, bobsledding and cross-country skiing.

For more information see www.alpenclub.de

YouGov report reveals increase in overnight stays to Germany from UK visitors RESEARCH BY YouGov entitled ‘Hurrah For Ze Germans!’ has reported that 59% of British people have a positive opinion of Germany, which comes as the German National Tourist Board reported its fourth record growth year in a row for overnight stays from the UK, which showed an increase of 4.1% for December 2013, compared to the previous year.

For the period of January to December last year, overnight stays by UK visitors showed an increase of 8.1% compared to 2012.

The UK is the third most active source market in Europe for incoming German tourism (following the Netherlands and Switzerland respectively) and by city, UK visitors represent some of the biggest source markets overall, such as in Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg.

More overnights from the UK were recorded in Cologne last year than any other international source market (210,622) and Hamburg reported a leap of almost 22% (274,000 in 2013) in overnights by UK visitors.

Germany is this year celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ‘Peaceful Revolution’ which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, for which the official celebrations will take place on November 9. Next year will be the 25th anniversary of German reunification. This year will also be the 300th anniversary of British-German Royal Connections, established when George I acceded the British throne in 1714, which the tourist office is celebrating with a new Royal Heritage Route.

Klaus Lohmann, director of the tourist office for the UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted that more visitors from the UK and Ireland are visiting Germany than ever before. Germany has so much to offer and is easy to reach.

“Whether the reason for travel is for a weekend break, for cultural reasons, for business or to sample German Gemütlichkeit, there are many areas in Germany still waiting to be discovered, from the coastal areas of the north to the mountains in the south and the many fascinating regions in between.”

Frankfurt highlights summer culinary festivals for agents to promote to clients FRANKFURT IS highlighting its range of culinary festivals taking place across summer.

As an example, The Green Sauce Festival - which takes place from May 10-17 - pays tribute to the state’s seven most famous herbs.

Restaurateurs from Frankfurt and the RhineMain region come together to vie for the favours of the

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

festival’s visitors as they compete for the title of the region’s best green sauce.

The popular speciality is traditionally served with boiled potatoes and hardboiled eggs.

Festival visitors have the opportunity to taste the green sauce variations on offer and grade them accordingly. The culinary

festival is accompanied by a fringe programme consisting of cabaret, a capella performances, live music and travesty shows.

Alternatively, an Apple Wine Festival takes place from August 8-17 where the locals’ beverage of choice is celebrated in style.

Apple wine is a cider-like beverage that is generally

made from a blend of mostly sour apple varieties. It is available at the festival in a number of unusual variations such as a mixed drink or summertime cocktail. The festival will also host some of the region’s delicacies plus a musical stage entertainment programme.

For more information see www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

May 2 2014

17

S04 TB0205 2014 Germany_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:51 PM Page 18

TimeTravel UNESCO World Heritage in Germany

From the distant past to the near future

Details on all the 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and their routes are available on app.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

German National Tourist Board Theme for 2014 World Heritage in Germany with the support of the German Commission for UNESCO

Download at

www.germany.travel/ unesco

Upper Middle Rhine Valley: Katz Castle near St. Goarshausen Š DZT/ Andrew Cowin

www.germany.travel/unesco

S04 TB0205 2014 Germany_Layout 1 4/30/2014 2:25 PM Page 19

germany

ARBLASTER & Clarke Wine Tours has added a new itinerary called Mosel, Saar & Ahr, which departs on October 12 and leads in at £1,799 per person. The itinerary encompasses new estates and includes wines from a new generation of producers, as well as a lunch visit to ClusserathWeiler, whose family have owned vineyards in the Mosel for 300 years. The price includes five nights' three- or four-star breakfast accommodation, five meals with wines, coach travel from the UK, visits and tastings plus a wine guide and tour manager.

For details call 01730-263111 or see www.winetours.co.uk

AW welcomes boost in Berlin add-on sales ATTRACTION WORLD reports that it has seen a significant increase in sales for add-on options in Berlin.

The company's three sellers include The Berlin Pass, which costs £72 per adult and £34 per child (aged six-14) for a two-day pass or £85 per adult and £37 per child for three days.

The pass gives visitors entrance to more than 50 attractions, as well as a free guide book and free travel on public transport (zones A-B-C).

Also popular is a 'Storyline of Berlin' tour which leads in at £36 per adult and £19 per child (aged six-11). The four- to five-hour walking tour takes visitors through the city’s history, uncovering some of its most iconic buildings and sites of historical significance.

Meanwhile, a Berlin TV Tower add-on includes a two-course VIP lunch or dinner (£62 for lunch or £80 dinner) where guests can take in the sights while eating at the 368m rotating ‘Sphere’ restaurant.

To book or for further information see www.attractionworld.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

11-day river cruise for £1,745 from Viking VIKING RIVER Cruises is offering an 11-day river cruise from Berlin to Prague from £1,745 per person.

The tour, called Elegant Elbe, allows guests to take in the natural beauty of former East Germany’s landscapes on Viking Schumann and Viking Fontane and includes seven guided tours, flights and full board accommodation, including all meals and drinks.

For more information or to book see www.vikingcruises.co.uk or call 0800-319 6660.

LEGER IS highlighting a six-night 'The Harz Mountains & Fairytale Germany' holiday from £429 per person, based on a May 17 departure.

Guests can take in views of the Hartz Mountains combined with medieval and picturesque towns and villages. Highlights include visits to the ‘Dambusters’ dam, the Imperial city of Goslar and Hannover.

The price includes breakfast accommodation and four evening meals, travel by executive coach from more than 510 regional joining points and a selection of excursions. Optional excursions include Fairytale Road and Hamelin, Celle (pictured).

For details see www.leger.co.uk

New Facebook app from GNTO highlights 38 UNESCO sites THE GERMAN National Tourist Office (GNTO) has created a new Facebook app “TimeTravel in Germany” to highlight Germany’s 38 UNESCO sites.

Accessible through the GNTO’s Facebook page, Visit Germany, and the Facebook app store, the new app will be launched shortly, with official travel partners Skyscanner and Deutsche Bahn.

For details see www.germany.travel

May 2 2014

19

S04 TB0205 2014 Germany_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:51 PM Page 20

germany Fred.\ promotes 16th Berlin International Beer Festival taking place in August FRED.\ IS promoting short breaks and holidays to this year’s annual Berlin International Beer Festival.

The festival, which is in its 16th year, takes place from August 1-3 and features more than 300 breweries from 86 countries and more than 2,000 different beers to be sampled.

The operator's UK sales manager, Lawrence Peachey, said: “When people think of Germany and beer festivals, then

Munich’s Oktoberfest often comes to mind.

“However, the country offers so many excellent beer festivals so we are delighted to offer packages to this fantastic one in Berlin."

Packages start from £269 per person including flights from London and two nights' hotel accommodation.

For more information or to book call 0808-159 5256.

Berlin

THE RIVER Cruise Line is encouraging agents to recommend that clients who are keen on experiencing Germany’s Christmas markets on a river cruise to book soon, to avoid disappointment. The operator offers a choice of itineraries including four- and five-day trips that incorporate many of Germany’s markets.

Highlights include Cologne; the Rhineland town of Rudesheim; Cochem; and an excursion to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Prices start from £269 per person for a four-day ‘Germany Christmas Markets’ itinerary on the Rhine, which departs on December 5 and 12. It is based on two sharing on a full board basis and includes ferry crossings from Dover to Calais, transport from pick-up points nationwide and the services of a cruise manager.

Visit www.sellingrivercruises.co.uk or call 0844 544 7580 for details.

20

May 2 2014

airberlin launches Smartwatch boarding pass USERS OF airberlin’s iPhone app can now send a digital boarding pass to their smartwatch if they have a Pebble or Pebble Steel Smartwatch.

The user’s smartphone and watch will subsequently synchronise – making boarding directly with the smartwatch possible. The smartwatch was launched on the crowdfunding portal Kickstarter in 2012 and, to date, Pebble has sold more than 400,000 smartwatches worldwide.

The carrier's senior vice president, André Rahn, said: "We are the world’s first airline to offer iPhone users the possibility of boarding using a barcode downloaded to their smartwatch. The watch also displays a quick overview of the guest’s departure time, gate number and seat. This option makes opening the boarding pass on the iPhone or even searching for the paper pass in your purse a thing of the past. It’s just another step we are taking to simplify the boarding process through technical innovation.”

The airline has also updated its iPhone app which, in addition to a new design, includes new features such as the ability for guests to view and manage current and previous flights in the booking history plus information on the destination to serve as a mobile tour guide.

For more information visit www.airberlin.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 3:19 PM Page 21

cruising Castle Ward

Crystal Cruises enters the 'Game of Thrones' with new Northern Ireland adventure WHILE FANS immerse themselves in the fourth season of Game of Thrones, Crystal Cruises has unveiled a new Thrones-focused adventure in the show’s key filming location, Northern Ireland.

Guests will explore several iconic production locations near Belfast, where they will step into mythical medieval life, shooting arrows, taking photographs with show costumes and learning how centuries-old castles and towers are transformed into sets for the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The half-day excursion is offered on an August 24 seven-night cruise through the British Isles on Crystal Symphony and a 14-night Ireland/Iceland & New England Transatlantic voyage on Crystal Serenity on September 5 .

From Belfast, guests will travel to the shores of Strangford Lough, location of 18th century Castle Ward and estate, which includes Forest Park and Audley’s Castle. Participants will learn how special effects are used to transform the castles into those seen on screen, and play their own Game game, matching actual sites to show scenes. Warrior-wannabes can also try their hand at archery, while a photo opportunity with series costumes will showcase the ingenuity that goes into creating characters’ different looks.

The excursion is available for $289 per person.

For further information or to book call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

VoD reconnects with Harwich routes & launches new cruises for 2015 VOYAGES OF Discovery's Voyager will be heading to Harwich next year, the line's old stomping ground, as she sets sail on new itineraries including her first minicruise, a no-fly cruise to the Azores, a new itinerary to the White Sea and new takes on classic itineraries.

The line's group national account manager, Julie Franklin, said: "We’re thrilled to be adding these new itineraries for 2015. For those who have been with us for some time, we hope the return to Harwich brings back

some fond memories, and for those new to cruise, our mini-cruise offers the perfect taster and a great option for any customers who have been nervous to commit to a longer itinerary."

New itineraries for next year include 'Madeira and the Azores in Spring’, a 16-day cruise and the furthest south Voyager has sailed from her home port. The itinerary takes in the dolphin and whale migration season in the Azores, along with discovering the UNESCOlisted Santiago de

Compostela, the flora and fauna of Madeira and historic Lisbon. Prices start from £1,599 based on an April 16 departure.

‘A Flavour of Voyager and France’ is a new addition for Voyager. A four-day minicruise, the itinerary offers guests the chance to explore the Voyager experience in just a few days. A new port for Voyager, the ship will also call at Honfleur, where guests can visit Monet’s garden and explore the seaside town.

Prices start from £299 based on a May 12 departure.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages offers ASTOR tours for agents CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages has some places remaining for agents to see its premium cruise ship ASTOR while she is in the UK. The dates are June 6 in Harwich, June 23 in Tilbury and September 6 in Southampton.

Agents should contact agency sales to book a place which includes a ship tour and lunch.

ASTOR will be operating a full cruise programme in Australia in addition to a Southbound voyage from the UK to Freemantle, Australia on November 5.

Alternatively, a one-night mini-cruise is available on May 11 where guests can join the ship in Harwich and take an overnight trip across to Bremerhaven from £149 per person. It includes lunch, afternoon tea, a Captain’s cocktail party and a gala dinner, followed by a live show and late night entertainment. After breakfast the next day, guests will return to the UK by air or coach. There are also options to stay overnight in Bremen from £60 on a bedand-breakfast basis.

For details see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Meanwhile, a 20-day ‘Spectacular Norway and the Enigmatic White Sea’ cruise takes guests to explore the remote Solovetsky Islands and the scenery of the Lofoton Islands, along with the midnight sunat the North Cape and the Atlantic Road.

Based on a June 8 departure, prices lead in at £2,799.

All prices include flights, transfers, meals and entertainment, plus a guest speaker programme.

For more information see www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

Cyplon cruise from £599 CYPLON IS offering a threenight cruise plus a night in Athens from £599 per person. The itinerary includes visits to Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Crete and Santorini, and the price includes flights from Heathrow, private transfers, full board on the cruise and breakfast accommodation in a hotel in Athens.

May 2 2014

21

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:49 PM Page 22

cruising Azamara Club Cruises expands shore excursion programme

Azamara Quest

AZAMARA CLUB Cruises has increased its offering of Land Discoveries shore excursion programmes.

Beginning with the 2014 Europe season, guests seeking a more in depth, personalised destination experience can choose from two exclusive programmes that are aimed at culture seekers.

The first programme, Insider Access, features an exclusive invitation into the

ancestral home, workshop or place of business of a local insider. It allows guests to actively engage with knowledgeable individuals who will share stories and historic tales of their home destination on a personal level. The second, Nights and Cool Places, makes the most of Azamara’s longer stays in port and overnights with an intimate night touring programme. The custom

after dinner experiences give guests exclusive opportunities to visit worldfamous museums after hours, such as Malaga’s Picasso Museum; sip cocktails at a local hot spot, such as Rio de Janeiro’s Scenarium; or take a stroll on an intimate guided architectural walk – all with a local guide.

For more information see www.azamaraclubcruises.co. uk/landdiscoveries

Leger Holidays offers Med cruise from £1,195 LEGER HOLIDAYS is offering a seven-night Mediterranean Cruise for single travellers on NCL's Norwegian Epic from £1,195. Highlights include visits to Barcelona, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Cannes and Palma. The price, which is based on an October 4 departure, includes full board on the cruise staying in a Studio Stateroom, a meet & greet service upon arrival in Barcelona, one night's breakfast accommodation in a four-star hotel in Barcelona, flights, transfers and all airport taxes.

For details see www.leger.co.uk

Celebrity Cruises reveals new Asia, Australia, New Zealand & Hawaii holidays for 2015/16 CELEBRITY CRUISES has unveiled its 2015/16 sailings to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, featuring more than 70 destinations to choose from.

New ports of call include Mystery Island (Vanuatu), Dutch Harbor (Alaska), Beppu and Kanazawa (Japan) and Vladivostok (Russia) and more overnight stays are also offered.

As examples, in Asia, Celebrity Millennium will visit 43 destinations in 14 countries during the 2015/16 season. With departures from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo (Yokohama), the itineraries offer guests a wide range of options to choose

from. Holidaymakers can also experience more of Asia for longer with overnight stays in eight different destinations: Tokyo and Kobe (Japan), Hong Kong (China), Taipei (Taiwan), Hanoi (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Bali (Indonesia).

Meanwhile, Celebrity Solstice will sail to 34 destinations in ten countries from September 2015 with itineraries ranging from eight to 18 nights in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, departing from Auckland, Sydney and Perth.

For more information or to book call 0845-456 0523 or see www.celebritycruises.co.uk

Carnival Cruise Lines introduces marine-themed children's programme

NEW EXCLUSIVE cruise holiday options, ideal for clients looking to escape to the Mediterranean sun as well as explore the region’s culture, have been launched by Transun. As an example, a sevennight ‘Southern Pearls’ cruise of the Adriatic coast offers weekly departures throughout the summer and departs from Split or Dubrovnik. Highlights include visits to Hvar, Vis and Korcula and prices lead in at £1,095 per person based on two sharing. It includes flights from a range of national airports, transfers, breakfast accommodation and a guided sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik.

For more information see www.transun.co.uk or call 01865-265200.

22

May 2 2014

CARNIVAL CRUISE Lines has launched Camp Ocean – a new marine-themed children’s programme coming to its fleet of 24 ‘Fun Ships’.

Set to debut on Carnival Freedom on May 24, the new addition will immerse children (aged two-11) in the wonders of the sea through fun, engaging and educational experiences.

More than 200 new ocean-inspired activities will range from educational games such as Sea Creature Discovery, Marine Life Trivia, Under the Sea Mad Libs and Ocean Artifacts Memory Tray to creative arts opportunities such as Design Your Own Aquarium, Make Your Own Sailboat, Sea Salt Art, and Create a Penguin from Oreos.

Camp Ocean, which replaces the line’s existing 'Camp Carnival' programme, will welcome youngsters across three age-related categories; children aged two-five will be dubbed “Penguins” kids aged six-eight are “Sting Rays”, while nine-11 year olds will be “Sharks”.

The line will also introduce a Badge Challenge as part of the programme, which will provide the opportunity for kids to earn and collect badges as a special memento of their cruise.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

(1) Ponant bonus fare based on two people sharing a cabin, excluding pre/post transport, port and security taxes. Ponant bonus fare is susceptible to change depending on the availability at the moment of the reservation. More informations at www.ponant.com Photo Credits : © Compagnie du Ponant, Istockphoto.

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:49 PM Page 23

Luxury Cruising by Compagnie du Ponant

ADRIATIC AND AEGEAN SEA: THE ULTIMATE YACHTING EXPERIENCE Taking a cruise with Compagnie du Ponant in the Mediterranean offers you a perfect combination of relaxation, exclusivity and cultural discoveries across a range of locations such as Venice, Kotor and Athens.

The 132-cabin, 5-star yacht LE SOLÉAL reaches some of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets whilst treating guests to unrivalled passenger service, the finest cuisine and a bilingual crew ready to tend to your every need. Discover the treasures of the World by sea.

Summer 2014 - 13 departures from € 1250(1)

Start your journey on ponant.com

Contact your travel agency or call our UK call centre

0800 980 40 27

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:49 PM Page 24

Great holidays happen when you have

the peace of mind to truly unwind Holiday Extras can give your customers the freedom to really enjoy their time away by providing them with hassle-free, affordable travel insurance.

Feel great knowing you’re leaving your customers really excited about their holidays and look forward to a healthy commission.

We offer: Insurance custom-made for cruises Cover for anyone up to the age of 89 Cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions Tailored insurance for your customer Great features like free cover for under 18s Complete cover including lost baggage and delays or cancellations A great range of little extras to add to your package

Cruise Travel Insurance | Port Parking | Port Hotels | Plus much more For more information or if you would like to work in partnership with Holiday Extras:

Telephone 0871 360 2312 Email travelinsurance@holidayextras.com

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 2:43 PM Page 25

cruising Spring savings with Hebridean HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises is highlighting last minute spring savings for agents to sell to clients.

Examples include Botanic Beauty of the West Coast, departing on May 13, with prices starting from £2,495 per person for a seven-night cruise; and Heritage of the Hebrides, departing on May 27, with prices from £2,995 for seven nights.

Both cruises include all meals on board, all drinks (excluding premium brands), shore visits and entrance fees, use of the ships' bicycles, speed boat rides and fishing trips, gratuities and port taxes and single trip travel insurance.

Transfers from Glasgow or car parking in Oban are also included.

For details call 01756-704700 or see www.hebridean.co.uk

Oceania Cruises launches new entertainment series OCEANIA CRUISES has announced a new "Life in the Theatre" series for select sailings, starting with a voyage on Riviera on October 29 which will feature Andrea McArdle – the original namesake character in “Annie” on Broadway.

Ticket holders will have access to eight special events including one cocktail party, five events of song and stories, plus one private fullperformance. During the sailing, there will be one performance open to all guests, but those who purchased tickets will receive preferred seating access.

The package costs £235 per person, with limited availability, and events will take place during the ship’s Enchanting Riviera itinerary, which is a ten-day sailing departing from Athens and calling on ports in Santorini, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey; and the Italian cities of Taormina, Amalfi, Rome and Florence, before visiting Provence, France, and concluding in Monte Carlo.

For more information call 0845-505 1920 or visit Andrea McArdle www.oceaniacruises.com

Hapag-Lloyd issues 2015/16 Expedition Cruises brochure HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises has introduced its 2015/16 Hanseatic Expedition Cruises brochure, offering 11 itineraries on the line's fivestar expedition ship, Hanseatic.

The ship will sail on routes to Antarctica, Chile, Greenland, the Arctic and the Amazon, with voyages ranging from 15 to 20 days.

All cruises will be operated in English and German and all documentation will be in English in advance of the cruise.

As an example of prices, a 15-night 'Fire and Ice in the Arctic Circle' departs Reykjavik on June 30, 2015, concluding in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on July 15, with prices leading in at £7,020 per person, cruise-only.

For more information visit www.hl-cruises.com/contactservices

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

May 2 2014

25

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:49 PM Page 26

rivercruisng Viking Cruises plans to double agent fam ship visits VIKING CRUISES reports that it has seen a surge in sales for 2015 following its recently launched earlybooking offer and increased support for the travel trade.

The river cruise line unveiled its 2015 sailings in March, with increased capacity across some of its key routes and a £1,000 discount for 2015 itineraries across river routes to help travel agents meet the early-booking demand from customers which is driving the industry.

Neil Barclay, the line's head of sales, said: “Agents make up a large percentage of our business and we have committed to even greater support this year through increased training, more frequent fam visits and a dedicated agent sales person available in our call centre.”

The company is also looking to double its agent fam ship visits this year to allow more key industry partners to experience its bespoke-designed Longships and culturallyrich itineraries.

Barclay said: “We recognise the need to invest in travel agents, supporting them to maximise opportunity with the increase in demand for early river cruise bookings.

We have expanded our fleet with 14 new Longships which will bring the fleet to 54 vessels by the end of 2014. In addition, we have two new bespoke ships designed for the everpopular Douro itinerary and we’ve also opened up new routes, such as launching the eight-day Heart of Bordeaux cruise to ensure that we are offering culturally enriching and destination focused experiences.”

26

River Cruise Line recommends early booking for Danube festive breaks THE RIVER Cruise Line has introduced two new festive cruises for this year, travelling on the four-star MS Serenity on the Danube, and is recommending early booking to avoid missing out.

A new ten-day ‘Christmas Cruise on the Danube’ costs from £1,099 per person. It departs from Passau on December 20, travelling to Bratislava and Budapest before returning up the Danube to spend Christmas Day in Vienna, with a traditional Christmas dinner and entertainment.

A nine-day ‘New Year Cruise on the Danube’ leads in at £999 and departs from Passau on December 27 for Vienna, then on to Bratislava before spending New Year’s Eve in Budapest.

Both prices are based on two adults sharing on a full board basis and include ferry crossings from Dover to Calais, transport from pick-up points nationwide and the services of a cruise manager. Options to travel by air are also available and agents should contact the team for more details.

Visit www.sellingrivercruises.co.uk or call 0844-544 7580.

RIVIERA TRAVEL River Cruises is expanding its programme for 2015 with the building of a new five-star vessel and the introduction of a new itinerary on the Douro. The new vessel, MS Jane Austen, will be the twin sister to the five-star MS Lord Byron and will operate eight-day Rhine and Danube itineraries (and the 14-day Cruise the Heart of Europe) from May to October next year. Prices start from £1,099 per person for a lower deck on the Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg itinerary based on an October 19 departure. The company is also chartering a ship on the Douro for the first time during July and August 2015. Seven-night cruises on the four-star superior Douro Spirit lead in at £1,499.

For details call 01283-744390 or visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents

New research by Bonvoyage.co.uk reveals quarter of cruise passengers plan a river cruise for next holiday A NEW study conducted by Bonvoyage.co.uk has revealed that almost one quarter of cruise passengers polled are planning to book a river cruise for their next trip, rather than a more traditional ocean voyage.

Wanting a ‘different cruise experience’ and ‘a more intimate setting’ were revealed as the most popular reasons behind the decision to choose a river cruise.

The company says that a recent surge in the popularity of river cruises has led to an increase in the number of businesses offering specific holidays, as well as more established river cruise companies having to build new ships in order to cope with the high demand.

Of the 1,673 UK adults polled, one in ten (11%), had previously experienced a river cruise, and when asked to disclose if they had yet decided on the type cruise they would be purchasing, 67% of respondents answered they were planning an ‘ocean cruise’ with 24% opting for a river cruise. The remaining 9% were undecided on their cruise preference of their next voyage.

May 2 2014

From this, relevant participants were asked to state the main reasons for opting for a river cruise, which included 'I want a different/new cruising experience and memories' (68%); 'The range of interesting/unusual ports not accessed by cruise ships' (66%); 'More intimate setting/personalised service than ocean cruise' (54%); 'Scenery and views available are more plentiful and attractive than an ocean cruise' (32%); and 'I want to boast to my friends of a river cruise to friends/family' (17%).

The company's cruise development manager, Steph Curtin, said: “A river cruise gives people the chance to visit new places to see things that may not have been available to them on a holiday 20 years ago. We have seen a real turnaround in the kind of things customers want from a ship. Nowadays, individuals don’t necessarily want a luxury resort ship with all the bells and whistles, particularly the more 'mature' cruisers; they are more content with simple comfort in an intimate atmosphere with personalised service, and river cruises are perfect for that."

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 2:43 PM Page 27

rivercruisng GREAT RAIL Journeys is promoting its ten-day Danube rail and cruise tour which features a seven-night cruise on MS Belvedere and includes visits to Cologne, Passau, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Nuremberg. Prices lead in at £1,495 per person and include seven nights' cruise with all meals, two nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner, transfers and the services of a tour manager and cruise director.

For details call 01904-521980 or see www.greatrail.com

Bales Worldwide invites guests to experience the gentler pace of river life BALES WORLDWIDE is offering a selection of river cruises that allow guests to experience the gentle pace of river life.

As examples, 'Between Two Oceans The Best Of Panama' explores the isthmus connecting Central and South America and takes in the Panama Canal.

Guests will also visit a range of Caribbean Islands, where the indigenous

natives maintain their traditional existence, and explore the rainforest before relaxing at one of the country’s top beach resorts on the Pacific Coast.

The 14-day cruise costs from £3,395 per person including scheduled flights, accommodation and meals, transport and sightseeing tours.

Alternatively, an eight-day 'Sanctuary of Egypt' option navigates the Nile’s

historic course between Luxor and Aswan. Highlights include Cairo, the Pyramids, Memphis - the ancient capital of Egypt and many of the destination's ancient temples.

Prices start from £1,870 including scheduled flights, accommodation and meals, transport and sightseeing tours.

For more information see www.balesworldwide.com

S05 TB0205 2014 Cruising_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:49 PM Page 28

rivercruisng Selling cruise is CLIA

by ANDY HARMER, director, CLIA UK & Ireland NE CENTRAL part of selling cruise holidays effectively is to know the destination experiences available to your customers as research after research tells us that destinations are the main reason why people choose to cruise.

Many travel agents may know the ports and places they have visited on their own cruise holidays and fam trips, but good sellers of cruise holidays need to know more.

With internet, then YouTube, smart phones, tablets and apps, the consumer is inundated with information. Those wanting to go on a cruise can easily research ships, cities and towns they want to venture to. But with this also comes confusion and the inetivably of information overload – hence the consumer is lost; and that is without allowing for the fact that the site they may be using may have incorrect or misleading information.

This is where you come in. You are the travel professional so it is up to you to understand the products and the different destination experiences available.

Selling a cruise is non-tangible to your client - unlike a handbag or pair of shoes they can’t see it, try it on, nor walk out with it. So we have to pull those emotional strings with our cruise geography knowledge and paint the picture for them.

If you have qualified your customer well, you have a good sense of ‘knowing’ them and their needs and you can paint that picture towards their emotional strings. If they love food, you can paint the picture of the local gastonomic delights on offer in that region. If they love history or art, you can paint the picture of the sights and attractions they can visit to fulfil their learning urges. If they love scenery, you can paint the picture of the illuminating senses they can experience in local landscapes and terrain.

The better that you know these key destinations and ports the better able you will be to ‘paint the picture’ – and this is particularly important for when you are discussing holiday options with new to cruise guests who may not know that these experiences are available.

At CLIA UK & Ireland we believe very much in the power of destination knowledge and this is why this month we launched our destination training programme ‘CLIA Discovers’ that will ultimately cover more than 350 ports so that learners can really ‘sell the destination’.

We all know that the destinations that are visited by cruise lines are incredible – it is probably fair to say that your customers are unaware of the possibilities that exist.

O

28

May 2 2014

Regent Holidays adds new vessel to Russian river cruise programme REGENT HOLIDAYS is poised to unveil details of new luxury cruises between St Petersburg and Moscow on the newlylaunched Volga Dream II, with departure dates between June and October 2015.

The Volga Dream II, sister vessel of Volga Dream, will offer ‘Gold’ and ‘Platinum’ programmes, which include accommodation at either end of the journey at five-star hotels in Moscow and St Petersburg, to offer more time to explore the two cities.

The Platinum programme also includes special early entrance to the Hermitage Museum, visits to the Diamond Fund in the Kremlin and the Museum of Cosmonauts, plus gourmet meals in some of the cities’ finest restaurants.

The cruise itineraries include visits to Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy, Kizhi Island and the wooden village of Mandrogi.

Prices lead in at £3,315 per person, based on two sharing and travelling in October 2015 on the ‘Gold Programme’. It includes six nights’ accommodation on board, three nights in Moscow and three in St Petersburg, flights, transfers and a sightseeing programme with a guide.

For more information or to book see www.regent-holidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.

Fred. Olsen boosts river cruise programme with six new additions Guadalquivir River, Spain

FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines is offering guests six new relaxing river cruises in its 2015 cruise season, following the booking success of Braemar’s seven-night ‘French River Cruise’, which offers the chance to sail along two of France’s rivers from Dover on August 24.

The line will be making the most of Braemar’s shorter and shallower dimensions with a range of European river cruises next year to destinations including Seville (Spain), Bordeaux (France) and Hamburg (Germany).

In addition, guests who book on one of the new 2015 river cruises before May 7 will benefit from the line’s ‘The more you buy, the more you save’ campaign, whereby guests who book two cruises will save 20%, and if they book three cruises or more, this rises to a 30% saving.

As examples of itineraries, Braemar’s ten-night ‘German Waterways’ cruise departs from Dover on June 2 and costs from £1,099 per person, while an eight-night ‘French River’ cruise from Dover, departing on August 1, leads in at £899.

Prices are based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes.

For further information visit www.fredolsencruises.com or call 0800-035 5242.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:46 PM Page 29

escortedtrips COLLETTE IS offering savings of £525 per person on a 14-day ‘Spectacular South Africa’ tour, departing on June 5 and August 14. The offer means that the tour costs from £2,689 per person, including flights, transfers and transport, breakfast accommodation and many other meals, excursions, door-to-door airport transfers within 100 miles of the airport and the services of a tour leader. The tour begins in Sandton, near Johannesburg and includes a guided tour of Soweto; a journey through the Drakensburg Mountains; game viewing in the Kruger National Park; a stay in Knysna; wine tasting in Stellenbosch; and a stay in Cape Town including a city tour and cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain.

How the expertise of a local guide can add to the value of your client's time in a city

by PAUL SCUDAMORE THE GREAT advantage of being a part of an escorted group is that apart from everything being well organised, so you or your client don't need to be concerned about details such as timings, accommodation and travel arrangements, you are actually being escorted.

Seems obvious enough, but the big bonus is that with an expert guide you are sure to get much more out of the trip than if you were on your own. Local expertise adds a huge amount to your client's time in a location. For instance, within a few hours in the company of a local guide in a bustling city such as Shanghai, you learn much more than you would in several days alone.

And talking of China, one of the companies with the most expertise when it comes to escorted trips is Travel Indochina, whose groups do not exceed 16

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

people. Accommodation is in three- to four-star hotels, there is a western tour leader, and the itineraries feature local English-speaking guides.

As an example of packages available, a tenday/nine-night Highlights of China itinerary includes eight hotel nights and one overnight sleeper train journey from Xian for the Terracotta Warriors to Beijing for three nights, including a visit to the Great Wall. The trip begins with three nights in Shanghai before a flight to Xian for two nights, and includes daily breakfast, all entrance fees and flights and transfers. Based on two sharing, it costs £1,880 per person for a May 28 departure.

The company also offers small group trips and tailor-made holidays to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Mongolia.

Virgin promotes ten-day 'A Taste of China' option for £1,995 VIRGIN HOLIDAYS' Worldwide Journeys includes a ten-day 'A Taste of China' escorted trip which introduces the destination to guests by visiting key sights, including the Mu Tian Yu section of the Great Wall, which takes guests away from the crowds and offers opportunities to explore and take photos.

Prices lead in at £1,995 per person and include Virgin Atlantic flights, accommodation and sightseeing encompassing Shanghai, Beijing, the Great Wall, Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors and Shanghai.

Prices are based on a mixed board basis for a November departure and also include transfers, all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges.

For more information see www.vhols4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 3973.

Titan issues Cruise & Tour Preview brochure TITAN HAS launched its Cruise & Tour 2015 Preview brochure, which features a range of early booking offers including discounts ranging from £100 to £350 per person and up to £75 per person free on board credit with Fred.

Olsen Lines.

Itineraries range from the company's perennial favourites such as The Wonders of the Northern Lights starting from £1,349 per person for six days, saving up to £150 per person, to an 18-day Panama Canal Cruise taking in the Mexican Rivera, Costa Rica and Cartagena, which offers savings of up to £200 and leads in at £2,149.

Eight new tours feature in the preview brochure including a 15-day Iceland and the Arctic Circle option from £1,349 with Fred. Olsen departing from Dover and a 15-day 'Constantinople…it is the Empire of the World' cruise with Voyages to Antiquity from £2,345, saving up to £300.

For more information visit www.titanagents.co.uk or call 0800-988 5166.

May 2 2014

29

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 3:17 PM Page 30

escortedtrips

Geiranger TABER HOLIDAYS is offering a seven-night 'The Fjords of Norway' tour from £1,995 per person, which combines Norway’s capital city with its western fjord. Starting and ending in Oslo, the tour also takes in Ulvik, Bergen, Geiranger, Flåm and Balestrand. Highlights include a trip to the top of Mount Fløyen overlooking the city of Bergen, a ride on the Flåm Railway and a cruise on the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Geirangerfjord. Prices, which are based on two sharing, include flights from Heathrow, accommodation, most meals, the services of a tour guide and coach transport. Departures are weekly from June 10 to August 12 and it is also possible to extend the tour by two nights and travel into Sweden to explore Stockholm, with prices for the nine-night itinerary starting from £2,482.

For details call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

Prestige promotes cultural tour of Croatia’s Kvarner & Istria regions PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS is offering a seven-night escorted tour of the Kvarner region’s bay and islands and the valleys and the hilltop villages of neighbouring Istria in Croatia from £1,379 per person, based on two sharing.

Departing on September 3, the cultural tour is escorted by an expert guide and includes flights from Heathrow, four-star superior half-board accommodation at the Grand 4 Flowers Hotel in Opatija, guided sightseeing, four lunches, entrance fees and transport by airconditioned coach.

Highlights include tickets to two performances at the Festival Kvarner in Opatija’s Crystal Hall, a boat trip to a classical Venethian villa in Lovran, lunch in the hilltop village of Kastav, a trip to the 1st century Roman amphitheatre in Pula and sightseeing in Porec, with a stop at the UNESCO listed site, Basilica of Euphrasius.

For details call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk /croatia

30

New range of 'Voyage' adventures from Imaginative Traveller IMAGINATIVE TRAVELLER has launched a new 'Voyage' range of trips ahead of the summer season.

The six sailing adventures are in Europe, South East Asia, the Galapagos Islands and down the Nile. All are accompanied by fully qualified crew, and vessels range from yachts to river boats. Maximum group sizes vary from eight people to 16 depending on the nature of the trip and itineraries vary in length from seven to ten days, and cost between £550 and £4,472 per person.

As examples, a nine-day Burma Sailing includes a visit to Phuket and costs from £851

per person land-only. Highlights include kayaking, swimming and snorkelling, meeting the sea gypsies of Bo Cho; and a jungle hike on Kho Yinn Khwa. The itinerary departs up to four times monthly and flights from London cost approximately £550 per person.

A seven-day Phuket Sailing Adventure takes in Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Railay/Ko Hong, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Yao Tai and Koh Racha, before returning to Phuket. Prices lead in at £920 land-only, with flights costing approximately £550 from London.

For further information or to book call 01728885514 or visit www.imaginative-traveller.com

New tours to Ireland with Leger Holidays LEGER HOLIDAYS has added two new tours to its Irish collection allowing travellers to see even more of the Emerald Isle.

Showcasing Ireland’s countryside, ancient myths and legends, the tours add to the operator’s existing range of seven Irish breaks with a focus on the southern sights of the country.

As examples, a six-day Waterford, Kilkenny and

Treasures of South-East Ireland tour features Waterford (Ireland’s oldest town), Kilkenny on the banks of the River Nore and the treasures of south-east Ireland. Prices start from £409 including travel by Silver Service luxury coach and free porterage at all hotels.

The second new addition is the Ireland’s Spectacular South West – Kerry and Cork seven-day fly and tour

holiday, which visits the Dingle Peninsula (a popular backdrop for feature films including Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away) as well as Kenmare, Bantry and Skibereen. Prices start from £619 and guests also pay a visit to Kinsale, Ireland’s gourmet capital, where they can enjoy lunch on the quayside.

For details see www.legerbreaks.info or call 0844-324 9256.

New WWI Battlefield tour from Cosmos Tours & Cruises COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched a four-night Battlefields tour of France.

It costs from £1,059 per person and includes Eurostar travel, four nights' breakfast accommodation in three-star accommodation, transfers and a range of included sights with an expert lecturer.

Guests will be located in one hotel for the whole tour, conveniently located in Lille, which provides easy access to major sites

May 2 2014

such as the Ypres battlefields and Somme battlefields.

The tour includes significant WWI sites such as The Somme Battlefields, Arras Memorial, Historical Museum Peronne, Ulster Tower, Flaunders battlefields, The Trenches at Sanctuary Wood, The Menin Gate, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ploegsteert and the Wellington Quarries. Departures are available from August to November.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:46 PM Page 31

Over 40 years of creating beautiful worldwide touring holidays

Have you got our brochures?

Guaranteed savings on 2015 prices

www.jod.uk.com/agents

20 worldwide itineraries

2014 FAM trip details

Book by 23rd May 2014

LOVE2Shop voucher incentives Posters / special offers and information

0161 820 1340 or visit

www.jod.uk.com

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 2:23 PM Page 32

escortedtrips Great Rail Journeys & Treyn highlight new tours in European programme GREAT RAIL Journeys’ ‘Europe & UK Holidays by Rail 2014’ brochure features ten new tours - its largest programme with a total of 102 tours, with the majority including First Class rail, quality hotels and unique itineraries.

New tours include Splendid Italian Lakes, Venetian Hills, The Beauty of Calabria, 1930s Pullman Glacier Express, Switzerland’s Golden Pass, Austrian Heritage Railways, Journey to the Orient, Britain’s Royal Heritage Route, Baie de la Somme and Battle of Bannockburn.

Treyn’s ‘European & Worldwide Rail Holidays 2014’ brochure, features a total of 19 new tours and is the operator’s largest brochure featuring 89 tours in total, 19 of which are new.

They include Somerset & The Avon Valley, Worcester & the Severn Valley, Shetland & Royal Deeside, Ireland All Inclusive, Little Trains of the Somme, Normandy Landing Beaches, Langedoc & Carcassonne, Biarritz & the Atlantic, The Orange Blossom Coast, Glacier Express All Inclusive, Austria’s Heritage Railways, Saxony

Jacobite steam train on Glenfinnan Viaduct

Castles & Steam, Romantic Rhine Explorer, Rome, Puglia & Basilicata, Rome & Calabria, Southern Tuscany & Elba, Magnificent Italian Lakes, Sirimione on Lake Garda and USA Overland Rail Adventure.

As an example of prices, a fournight 'The Battle of Bannockburn' tour includes Glasgow and Loch Lomond, before travelling back to the 14th century at the Battle of Bannockburn event and costs £398

per person. It includes standard class rail and coach travel, four nights' breakfast accommodation at a five-star hotel, two dinners, an excursion to Balloch, a cruise on Loch Lomond, a full-day excursion to the Battle of Bannockburn reenactment event and the services of a tour manager.

For further details or to book see www.greatrail.com and www.railholidays.com

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:46 PM Page 33

escortedtrips Summer and autumn availability on Regent Holidays’ small group tours to Russia REGENT HOLIDAYS has availability on a number of small group tours to Russia with departures in late summer and early autumn, each led by a specialist.

As examples, a 12-day ‘Pioneering Russia’s Autonomous Republics’ tour, priced from £2,715 per person, departs on August 11 and offers a trip to six of Russia’s 16 autonomous republics, most of which rarely feature on any tourist maps of Russia. Alternatively, a five-day ‘History of Stalingrad’ group tour leads in at £1,350, based on a September 27 departure, and focuses on the sights in and around Volgograd that are connected with World War II. For rail enthusiasts, a 16-day ‘BAM Railway Group Tour’, which departs on October 10, costs from £3,550 and offers an opportunity to travel the Baikal-Amur-Mainline (BAM) from Vladivostok to Khabarovsk, and on to Tynda and Severobaikalsk, passing through contrasting landscapes.

Highlights include a city tour of Irkutsk, a walk along the shores of Lake Baikal and a visit to the Angara River Dam. Prices are based on two sharing and include breakfast accommodation, many additional meals, transport, flights and sightseeing with a tour leader and local guides.

For details see www.regent-holidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.

Kiwi Experience offers optional New Zealand excursion from £92 KIWI EXPERIENCES’ latest overnight activity is a Marae stay at Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua, recognised as the Maori cultural capital of New Zealand.

The excursion is available as an add-on for any passengers heading through Rotorua (all national passes and most North Island passes), and offers a taste of Tamaki hospitality with a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony, dinner and concert.

The newly built facilities at Tamaki Maori Village include an open air cinema, spa pools, bar, fire pit (for sharing stories and marshmallows) and a purpose built area for taking part in cultural activities.

The excursion costs NZ$180 (approximately £92) including full-board accommodation and all activities.

For details see www.kiwiexperience.com

Acacia Africa strengthens 2014 small group safari offering with new tours FOLLOWING THE recent launch of its accommodated overland expeditions, Acacia Africa has added a range of new adventures to its small group safaris.

The itineraries include village visits, guided tours of historically significant locations, additional conservation projects and nature and adrenaline-fuelled pursuits.

The operator's sales and marketing manager, Arno Delport, said: “Experiential travel may be one of the latest buzzwords in the world of tourism, but it’s always been at the heart of our tours. Each of the new small group safaris gives travellers greater insight into the locations we cover - from its culture to its history and more opportunity to indulge in adventure, from caving to quad-biking.”

As an example, a nine-day Kruger Swaziland & Durban includes guided excursions to Rorkes Drift, Blood River and the Talana Hills. It also includes a hike across the Drakensburg Mountains to view ancient bushman paintings, a cultural rendezvous with the Zulu tribe in the Bothas hills and a visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Prices lead in at £795 per person based on two sharing, plus a local payment from £74 per person. Accommodation, most meals and a tour leader/driver are also included, but flights are excluded.

For more information call 020-7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or see www.acacia-africa.com

Lost Earth Adventures launches new Nepal tour MOUNTAIN MADNESS Nepal is a shortened version of Lost Earth Adventures’ popular Nepal Xtreme Tour, created for clients who are looking for adventure but have tighter time constraints and are unable to take extended holidays.

Highlights of the 13-day tour include white-water rafting on the Bhote Kosi, downhill mountain biking, paragliding, a bungee jump, a visit to UNESCO listed Kathmandu Valley and the chance to see famous peaks including Mount Everest.

The trip costs £1,650, excluding flights, and departures are on October 5 and November 9.

The company offers a commission structure to agents with 8% commission for up to five passengers booked, up to 10% commission plus a £150 bonus for a minimum of nine passengers booked. Group booking discounts are also available.

For details call 01904-500094 or visit www.lostearthadventures.co.uk

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

May 2 2014

33

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:47 PM Page 34

escortedtrips We asked our staff the following question this week: Who do you turn to for advice?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk My lovely mum

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk My mum - they always know best!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk My sister

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk

WENDY WU'S new 15-day Gardens of China combines some of China’s most iconic sights with a range of oriental and botanical gardens. Designed in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the tour begins in Beijing to explore gardens and Chinese delicacies, followed by visits to the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. In Xian, visitors can see the Terracotta Warriors (pictured) and explore the Botanical Gardens and the site of the 2011 World Horticultural Expo, before visiting Guilin’s Botanical Gardens and the rice terraces. The tour ends with a trip to Shanghai to tour Chenshen Botanical Gardens, the Yu Gardens, the Old Town and cruise the Huangpu River.

A June 1 departure leads in at £4,190 per person including flights, transport, accommodation, all meals, tour guides, entrance fees and visa fees.

For details visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-499 3899.

HMRC - Oh, and my wife

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Nick Salt

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk My step father or an empty pint

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Erm...Google???

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Citizens

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk The Magic 8 ball

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Dale Winton

Travelsphere & Just You add new tours for 2014/15 TRAVELSPHERE AND Just You have issued their latest brochures for 2014/15 featuring a range of new tours.

The Travelsphere brochure offers 19 new tours including a 12-day 'Texas – the Lonestar State' option which leads in at £1,699 per person. It includes a Champagne reception at Dallas Cowboys' stadium, breakfast at Tortilla Factory, a visit to South Fork Ranch, a cattle drive, dance lessons in Austin, Mariachi band in San Antonio, a Riverwalk cocktail reception, Houston Space Center and an optional Texan dinner in Fort Worth. Departures begin in April next year.

The Just You brochure offers 15 new tours including two new long-haul city breaks to Hong Kong and Boston.

As an example, a five-day Hong Kong city break costs from £1,699 including three nights' accommodation, a welcome cocktail reception, dinner in a restaurant, a half-day tour and, on the final night, dinner followed by a harbour cruise.

For more information or to book see www.travelsphere.co.uk/agents and www.justyou.co.uk/agents

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk

New experience breaks from Shearings

Nick Salt Junior

SHEARINGS HAS added new experience breaks to its portfolio which take in key events as part of the tour and offer added value.

As examples, a five-day trip to the 11th annual World Flower Show in Dublin on June 16 costs from £479 per person and includes four nights' half-board accommodation, two excursions (to Powerscourt House and Gardens and County Wicklow), flights and transfers.

Alternatively, a ten-day Verona Opera & Lake Garda combines the Verona Opera Festival, which takes place in Verona’s Roman Amphitheatre and the scenery of Lake Garda, and costs from £899. Other highlights include visits to Sirmione and Padua and nine nights’ half-board accommodation, four excursions and coach travel are included in the price. Departures are available between June and August and options to travel by air are also offered.

For more information call 0844-824 6359 or visit www.shearings.com

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Yoda

Production: Erica Sesay production@travelbulletin.co.uk God

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

Follow us on Twitter! @TravelBulletin

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. RAINBOW, 4. KLM, 6. AMMAN, 8. BRAVA, 11. GULF, 12. GREECE, 14. GLOBUS, 15. XIAN, 17. SPAIN, 19. TWAIN, 20. UAE, 21. AMADEUS. Down: 1. RYAN GIGGS, 2. BONN, 3. WOBURN, 5. LEV, 7. MOLDOVA, 9. AMERICA, 10. APENNINES, 13. LUANDA, 16. ETNA, 18. PIA.

Highlighted Word: BELGIUM Travagrams: (top) Wow Air

(bottom) JA Resorts & Hotels

Where Am I?: Borneo

34

May 2 2014

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:47 PM Page 35

Meet the Titan Sales Force

NORTHERN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND

SCOTLAND NORTHERN ENGLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND

Titan’s Sales Team are out on the road in support of our agent partners, wherever they might be in the UK. Your Regional Sales Executives mission is to provide a wealth of sales tools, expertise and support to ensure your Titan business continues to grow.

EMILY PARKES M: 07545 716602 emily.parkes@titantravel.co.uk

CENTRAL & EASTERN ENGLAND

SOUTHERN ENGLAND & LONDON

LOUISE SWORD M: 07931 587369 lsword@titantravel.co.uk

SOUTHERN ENGLAND & LONDON

CENTRAL & EASTERN ENGLAND

SHARON TAIT M: 07803 600086 sharon.tait@titantravel.co.uk

HEAD OFFICE

AGENCY SALES MANAGER

OFFLINE MARKETING

ONLINE MARKETING

EDWINA COPPOCK

CRAIG LIDDLE

ASHLEY RUSHMAN

T: 01293 450726 M: 07834 652135 edwina.coppock@titantravel.co.uk

T: 01293 450495 M: 07931 587369 cliddle@titantravel.co.uk

T: 01293 450521 M: 07808 056454 ashley.rushman@titantravel.co.uk

Titan Agency Sales - on the road, on the phone, on-line - here for you!

For more information call FREE on 0800 988 5166 or visit www.titanagents.co.uk

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:47 PM Page 36

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:47 PM Page 37

S06 TB0205 2014 Escorted Trips_Layout 1 4/30/2014 12:47 PM Page 38

HURRY! OFFER ENDS 12 MAY ‘14