Travel Bulletin 10th July 2015

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July 10 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,927 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Red Sea Top tips on must-see sights to entice clients

this week bulletin briefing 14 how small changes in a travel agency can make a huge difference

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pix mix pictures from the Midland’s Travel Trade Summer Ball 2015

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wildlife & safaris uk & ireland operators unveil new activities & tours for new figures show domestic tourism on a high after record- 2016 programmes breaking start to the year

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newsbulletin

DOMINICAN DELIGHT...

This Week news 3

industry urged to capitalise on demand for activity breaks for over 50s

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Cover Pictures: Main - Shutterstock - Copyright: frantisekhojdysz

Inset - xKidZania Doctors

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notes from normanton Sandy’s views on the industry’s recent events

agent bulletin this week’s latest booking incentives & agent offers

puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher

bulletin briefing news & views from The Global Travel Group

pix mix pictures from the Midland’s Travel Trade Summer Ball 2015

personality bulletin the national sales manager of Cosmos Tours and Cruises & Avalon Waterways takes the hot seat

red sea advice on must-see sights & things to do to entice clients

uk & ireland new figures show domestic tourism on a high after record breaking start to the year

wildlife & safaris operators unveil new activities & tours for 2016 programmes

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The Dominican Republic Tourist Board, British Airways and AMResorts teamed up to host a group of agents on a fam trip to the Dominican Republic last month. Agents visited several attractions including Saona Island and Altos de Chavon. Pictured checking out a cathedral are, from the left: Lianne Cooper, Caribtours; Claire Morgan, BA Holidays; Gareth Howells, The Holiday Place; Rachel Kneller, Funway Travel; Gustavo Candelario, Dominican Republic Tourist Board; Natasha Smith, Blue Bay Travel; Nicola Swabey, Hayes & Jarvis; and Erys Beltre, Dominican Republic Ministry rep.

Industry urged to capitalise on activity breaks for over 50s IN2ACTION HAS launched a new range of holiday activities for the 50+ age group, following what it has identified as a lack of provision within the market.

The company says holiday parks, resorts and hotels can improve their customer satisfaction scores and rebooking rates by providing more activities tailored for this booming demographic.

The number of fifty-somethings in Britain matches the population of Australia and is almost as diverse. They own 80% of the UK's wealth, worth more than £280billion.

The company's managing director, George Ross, said: “The 50-plus market seems to have been forgotten when it comes to new exciting activity concepts.

Whether it’s adrenaline-fuelled activities, pool activities, health and wellbeing, cycling, team-building or more passive group activities, it’s clear that those 50 and over want part of the action.

“Their wealth represents a huge opportunity to the UK holiday industry but activities need to be tailored to this very specific market.”

Among the ways Ross suggests things could be improved are introducing more instructors and coaches who are aged 50plus age group leading activities, having sessions that are age-restricted to the demographic so participants feel they are with their peers and tapping into current trends such as the Great British Bake Off and Come Dine With Me.

Majority of Brits can't name world leaders of popular holiday destinations A RECENT poll by Sunshine.co.uk has revealed that Brits fall behind when it comes to their awareness of the powerful figures linked to popular holiday destinations.

A total of 2,189 people aged 18 and over in the UK took part in the study, along with 1,062 adults from countries overseas.

Respondents were asked questions about world leaders to test their knowledge of the subject, so that results could be compared.

The people taking part were asked to identify any of the world leaders associated with a list of popular holiday destinations (either the president, prime minister, king or queen).

When asked to identify a world leader

who was in power in Mexico, 96% of the respondents failed to name Enrique Peña Nieto as President. Furthermore, only 5% of respondents could name the current King of Spain as Felipe VI. All of the respondents failed to identify the President of Cyprus as Nicos Anastasiades and 74% of the Brits taking part could name neither the President nor the Prime Minister of France.

However, when the non-UK residents took part in the poll, from an equal spread of countries, 78% of all foreign respondents could correctly identify David Cameron as Prime Minister of the UK, while 91% could identify Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of Great Britain and the British Empire.

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newsbulletin New adventure group tours in South America from Tucan Travel TUCAN TRAVEL has added 14 new group tours to its range of Adventure Tours in South America.

The nine-day 'Buenos Aires to Rio Flyer' gives travellers the opportunity to visit Colonia, Igauza Falls and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, with prices leading in at £1,319.

Alternatively, from £5,139, travellers can embark on a 48day 'South America Encompassed' tour to see the major

cities, sights and national parks of the continent, as well as travelling through jungle, coastlines, mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls.

Also available is an 11-day 'Ecuador to Peru' tour which costs £899 and gives travellers the chance to visit Quito, southern Ecuador and northern Peru.

To book or for more information call 020-8896 1600.

Debut 'Iceland & the Arctic Winter' brochure from Regent Holidays REGENT HOLIDAYS has launched its first 'Iceland and the Arctic Winter' brochure to mark its 40-year anniversary, which features trips across Iceland, Greenland, Finland and Northern Norway for 2015/16.

The programme in Iceland includes new accommodation, such as apartments in Reykjavik from £500 per person for a three-night stay, with breakfast included and based on up to six sharing a two-bedroom apartment.

Alternatively, a stay at Hotel Grimsborgir gives guests the chance to explore South Iceland, and each apartment offers a private hot tub and access to a gourmet restaurant, with prices from £995 for a fiveday break with car hire.

Meanwhile, the

Minniborgir Cottages, a group of 21 chalets within the Golden Circle, provide guests with the chance to watch the Northern Lights unaffected by light pollution.

Prices start from £495, based on up to six sharing and including car hire.

Alternatively, in Finland, a five-day 'Lapland Igloo and Ice Hotel break' features two nights in an igloo, snowmobile excursions and icefishing, and is available from £1,249 including transfers.

'Santa's Aurora short break' is also being highlighted, with prices from £1,130 including transfers, where guests experience husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides and snow shoe hikes. All prices also include flights.

For details call 020-7666 1290 or see www.regentholidays.co.uk

Regent’s new brochure

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THOMSON TREAT...Thomson in Cardiff was recently awarded 'Agent of the Month' by SuperBreak for excellent sales and support. Pictured is the agency's Jemma Trask (left) receiving her certificate and Champagne from the operator's Ellen Kennard.

Sandals teams up with British Airways to offer Jamaica deals SANDALS RESORTS has teamed up with British Airways to create limited-time BA Club World offers to its resorts in Jamaica.

The BA Club World upgrades allow guests to holiday like VIPs and include Sandals’ Butler Elite service, only available in its top-tier suites.

The offers are available on bookings made by July 14 and include seven nights at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort on a Luxury Included basis in a Butler Village Honeymoon Poolside Villa room from £2,199 per person. The price includes roundtrip BA Club World flights, personal butler service and resort transfers.

Alternatively, seven nights at Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios on a Luxury Included basis, staying in an Orchid Oceanfront Butler Suite, costs from £2,489. It includes roundtrip BA Club World flights, personal butler service and resort transfers. Both trips are valid for travel between September 13 and November 30.

Meanwhile, guests making a booking before July 14 for ten nights or more receive a complimentary 90-minute ‘Scents of Love’ couple’s massage worth £270.

For more information call 020-7590 0210 or visit www.sellingsandals.co.uk

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newsbulletin UK launch from Travelove TRAVELOVE HAS launched in the UK to offer a selection of tailor-made trips.

With experiences such as cooking modern Czech cuisine in the home of a chef and restaurateur in Prague, wild huskie rides in Finland, archeology days in Bavaria, shopping with a local in Italy and exploring the castles of Mostecko, there is something for everyone, including tailor-made trips for kids.

Agents can log on to the website to book their clients' holidays, which include transport and accommodation if needed, and guests are also offered a personalised guidebook containing a detailed itinerary, contact details, local information, photos and maps.

Round-the-clock trip support is also offered, including a SMS notification service, while agents are offered 10% commission.

As an example of prices, a four-day trip to Prague including accommodation and five activities leads in at £360.

For more information see www.mytravelove.com

New solo occupancy deal from Fred. Olsen FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES has introduced 'twinfor-sole occupancy' discounts, entitling solo guests occupying a twin cabin to at least 75% off the supplement costs.

The offer is available on a range of cruise itineraries in 2015/16 including Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch cruises.

Meanwhile, in order for solo travellers to meet other guests they are being invited to attend exclusive gatherings and will also be seated with other travellers at dinner. There are also

Gentleman Hosts and Dance Couples on board to provide dancing partners for solo guests.

As an example of prices, a 32-night ‘Caribbean from Scotland’ cruise, departing from Glasgow on November 10, offers a lead-in price of £2,799 per person. It includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port dues.

Guests can also choose to upgrade to an all-inclusive drinks package from £10 per person.

For details see www.fredolsencruises.com

New itineraries for 2016/17 from Viking Ocean Cruises VIKING OCEAN Cruises has unveiled four new itineraries for 2016 and 2017.

New for 2016 is a 15-day 'Ancient Empires & Holy Lands' itinerary, where guests will have the opportunity to explore historic destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and the Holy Land. Visits to destinations including Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Rome, Athens and Istanbul are included, with prices leading in at £3,990 per person.

Alternatively, a 15-day 'Bergen to the Bosphorus' itinerary gives guests the chance to explore Bergen, the Mediterranean, Paris and Lisbon, as well as visiting Tunis, Valletta, Athens and Istanbul, with prices from £2,990.

In addition, there are two new itineraries

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for 2017; 'Secrets of the Southern Mediterranean' which offers an eight-day tour through the southern Mediterranean.

Guests have the chance to explore Rome, Tunis, Algiers, Valletta, Sardinia, Valencia and Barcelona, with prices starting from £1,490.

All bookings made before August 31 receive a £500 per person discount and gratuities. All cruises will be on either the Viking Star, Viking Sea or Viking Sky, all of which have Veranda Staterooms, Explorer Suites, two pool choices, a spa and sustainable features, such as energyefficient hybrid engines and onboard solar panels.

For details see www.vikingcruises.co.uk/oceans

CHIMU CHUMS...Air Europa sponsored the Experience Latin America 2015 (ELA) opening party on June 15 at Rum and Sugar in Canary Wharf, where guests enjoyed Latin American themed cuisine and music, as well as taking part in a raffle for an all-inclusive, seven-night roundtrip with Air Europa to Punta Cana.

Pictured getting into the spirit of the event are, from the left: Simon Evans, Chad Carey and Greg Carter from Chimu Adventures.

Refurb for Malta's Phoenicia Hotel CAMPBELLGRAY HOTELS has launched an extensive refurbishment programme of The Phoenicia Hotel, Malta between November 14 and March 31, 2016.

The restoration programme will include upgrades to all guest bedrooms and bathrooms; the creation of new rooftop Sky Suites; a complete relandscaping of the hotel's grounds and terraces; restoration of the hotel's façade; the addition of a health club and spa, plus investment in a new energy efficient plant.

For details see www.campbellgrayhotels. com and www.phoeniciamalta.com

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newsbulletin Savings with new Stansted Express Webduo single ticket A NEW ticket aimed at couples travelling by train to and from Stansted Airport is delivering increased flexibility and value.

Stansted Express is trialling its ‘Webduo’ rail ticket (which offers savings when two people travel together) as a ‘single’ option (it was previously

only available as a return ticket).

The Webduo single costs £32 from London Liverpool Street and £30 from Tottenham Hale, offering a 17.5% saving on the usual single fare.

The ticket is available to book online only at www.stanstedexpress.com

Summer flights to Nantes by BMI Regional BMI REGIONAL has launched its summer 2015 route to Nantes with prices leading in at £79 per person including 20kg checked baggage.

The twice-weekly service allows customers to fly from Bristol Airport to France's sixth-largest city.

Nantes provides visitors with a range of opportunities and activities, such as wine tours, a 240km cycle track and a water bus service along the Loire River. Visitors can also explore the galleries, museums and churches in the region, or visit the fantasy world of Les Machines de l'ile de Nantes.

Throughout this month and next, visitors can explore the six mile-long Voyage à Nantes Art Trail, featuring a range of temporary and permanent artworks.

Paul Sies, the carrier's chief commercial officer said: “We’re thrilled to add Nantes to our expanding network and open up the Loire Valley region to travellers from the South West this summer. With our excellent punctuality record, generous checked baggage allowance and full at-seat bar and snack service, the Nantes service offers excellent value for money.”

Titan issues 2016/17 Worldwide brochure plus fam trip opportunities TITAN HAS announced the launch of its new 2016/17 Worldwide brochure, featuring more than 150 itineraries including six new tours.

The new brochure features a wide choice of holidays, with prices starting at £749 per person for an eight-day Historic Gems of Malta tour. Savings of up to £600 per person for early bookers are available, as well as special offers for solo travellers.

As an example of new tours a 15-day Contrasts of Colombia option takes guests through one of South America’s up-and-coming tourism destinations, from

the Caribbean coastline to the cloud forest of the Cocora Valley, including visits to coffee and tobacco plantations and the UNESCO-listed colonial city of Cartagena. Prices lead in at £2,799 per person.

The company is also giving agents the chance to win a place on one of its three upcoming fam trips to the US, India or a Douro river cruise.

For every booking made this month, agents should email the booking reference to famtrips@titantravel.co.uk for a chance to win.

For further information visit www.titanagents.co.uk

Colombia

MOVERS

CHEQUE IT OUT...TIPTO held a ‘Charity SurPrize Raffle’ at each of its 24 ‘A Date with TIPTO’ events held between September 2014 and June 2015, where agents could buy raffle tickets to enter into a prize draw to win a mystery gift. Pictured are Richard Forde (left) from Newmarket Holidays, TIPTO chair, Zena Calderbank, and Ashley Dellow from Leger Holidays with a cheque for £1,678.05 to be paid to Macmillan Cancer Support.

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AIR SEYCHELLES has appointed Roy Kinnear as chief executive officer.

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ANGIE REDHEAD has joined CruiseBritain as chair.

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CHRISTIAN BOELL has been appointed managing director for Europe at Norwegian Cruise Line.

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BEDSONLINE HAS appointed Mark Hopper as the new Country Manager for the UK & Ireland.

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TAUCK’S UK & Ireland country manager, Ray Steward, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of CLIA UK & Ireland.

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THE CRUISE Portfolio has restructured its sales team with the appointment of Jon Schofield as regional sales manager for Northern England and Scotland.

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WESTERN AND Oriental Travel has appointed Sue Cragg as trade sales manager, working across Western & Oriental, Villa Select, Rainbow Tours and Regent Holidays.

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newsbulletin Mallorca’s Katmandu Park introduces new attractions KATMANDU PARK in Mallorca, Spain has added a range of new attractions for summer.

They include the themed KATLANTIS Splash Park which features a water fortress with multiple twisting slides, more than 150 interactive water elements and two drenching buckets that fill and release more than 3,000 litres of water every few minutes; and a KATLANTIS Soft Play Adventure – a five-level air-conditioned zone featuring giant slides, an interactive ball battle, trampolines and tunnels.

Meanwhile, the park - which was voted Trip Advisor's 'Best Amusement Park in the Balearic Islands', has added Zombies!

XD Dark Ride – a new, interactive 3D theatre video game experience where guests have to battle it out to survive the zombies, as well as a new Timbuktu Smokehouse Tavern where guests can savour fire-smoked cuisine.

The amusement park is open from 10:00-23:00 this month and from 10:00 to 01:00 in August, with ticket prices leading in at 22.90 euros per adult and 16.90 euros per child.

For further information visit www.katmandupark.com

Half price tour of Alnwick Castle by Rabbie’s RABBIE’S SMALL Group Tours is wishing a happy 50th birthday to Harry Potter author JK Rowling this month, and to celebrate is offering customers a half price tour to Alnwick Castle – the setting for the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The Scottish author turns 50 on July 3 and the company is offering the 50% discount on its popular ‘Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and The Borders’ day trip (normally £38 per person or £35 per child over the age of five).

The deal applies to all new bookings for the tour, travelling during Rowling’s birthday week, starting on Monday 27 July for seven days.

The tour, which departs daily from Edinburgh, includes a three-hour visit

to Alnwick Castle, visits to the beaches of the Northumberland coast, the Borders town of Kelso and the historic walled town of Berwick upon Tweed, which has changed hands between England and Scotland an incredible 13 times!

To book, call 0131-226 3133 quoting ‘HappyBirthdayJK’or for more information see www.rabbies.com

Almwick Castle

Inspiring Madeira New Isle of Wight day trip rates for £45 per family from Wightlink WIGHTLINK FERRIES has introduced a new foot passenger family rate on its fast Catamaran service from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde, where families can now hop over to the Island for a day trip for £45. The ticket is valid for a family group of up to five people (minimum one adult and maximum two adults in the group), making a return day trip from £9 per person*.

Alternatively, foot passengers can travel from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth for a slightly longer journey of 40 minutes at £37.50 for a day trip.

Alongside the new rates, the company has introduced a new section to its website that highlights the range of things to do in a day – see www.wightlink.co.uk/daytrips - of which some can be reached on foot or by bike (foot passengers can take bikes on board the ferries at no additional cost) and others can be reached by the Island’s public transport network.

For more information visit www.wightlink.co.uk

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. . . an absence of man-made attractions and an abundance of natural ones

S LLEY D VA MERAL E , S F MOUNT F I L AIN PEAKS, SOARING C

WS VIE AL T S A CO ING UNN T S &

Call 0800 008 7288 I www.classic-collection.co.uk 5030

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newsbulletin Intrepid Travel promotes three new Arctic voyages for 2016 plus early booking saving

Notes from . . . n o t n a m Nor ELL, WHAT can I say...it’s not what a difference a day makes but a week! Unbelievable - the beheading in France and then the massacre in Tunisia. It never ceases to amaze me that the good old British public are very quick to blame and grumble.

According to reports, people say we should have had planes setting off within half an hour to rescue people.

They don’t realise that these things take a bit of planning and extra man power. Jet2 had extra staff working over the weekend and had planes going out the next day to bring people back – they did an amazing job and all I see are silly comments about not being able to get through on the phone etc.

Part of our job should be to calm people and, if they are not going away immediately, tell them it would be best to ring in a week or so rather than stop people getting through that have family out there! Reps in resort must have been working 24/7. Thomson & Thomas Cook were also quick to respond as well.

I have to say I really would not be encouraging anyone to change their holiday to Tunisia. I think it will be one of the safest places to be and that people will be bending over backwards to make sure customers have a great holiday.

They did not want this to happen and they must be in shock too at the devastation it is going to cause to their country and their jobs. I also think the media (TV and papers) should be told not to print such scaremongering rubbish as well, and ITV should be ashamed of its programme 'How safe is my holiday?' - what a load of drivel!

The Yorkshire Travel Ball is now sold out. Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support, especially to Jet2 for sponsoring the welcome drinks and the boy band - they really do support their local agents. A big thank you to Wayne at Cruise and Maritime for donating a wonderful star prize - I won’t say what it is, but I hope I win it!

‘Don’t look back, you’re not going that way’ and ‘We easily become trapped in the ‘someday’ mentality, someday I’ll have enough money, some day etc., etc., enjoy the here and now’.

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by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk

INTREPID TRAVEL is promoting three new voyages around the Arctic.

A 21-day 'Extreme Greenland' tour gives travellers the chance to make polar history by being on the first passenger-bearing vessel to make the journey over Greenland's northern tip and down its western coast.

Travellers will visit Northeast Greenland National Park via Cape Morris Jesup, Shannon and Ella Islands, Ittoqqortoormiit, Rodefjord, Danmark Island and Ottowa.

Prices lead in at £17,000 per person based on an August 4, 2016 departure.

An 18-day 'Best of the Canadian High Arctic' tour is also being offered where guests visit Sisimiut, Uummannaq, Upernavik and Qaanaaq, Illulissat Fjord, Apparsuit and McDougall Sound, where walruses and polar bears inhabit.

Prices start from £14,835 based on an August 22 departure.

Alternatively, an 18-day 'Ultimate Northwest Passage' tour, departing on September 6, leads in at £15,780 and takes visitors to northern Canada, Alaska and eastern Russia, as well as seeing Thule sites at Radstock Bay, Aulavik National Park and Amundsen Gulf.

To celebrate the launch of the new voyages, the company is offering a discount of 15% on suites and corner suites and 10% off twin cabins on each voyage, for bookings made before September 1.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● SOMAK HOLIDAYS’ top offer – 7 night Mombasa beach

from just £690 pp. Pick up your Somak Holidays window poster featuring the very best beach and safari holidays in this issue and over the coming weeks. Stay in touch....To arrange a visit from Justin email justin.coles@somak.co.uk. Speak to the Somak Holidays team on 020 8423 3000 Like the Somak Holidays Facebook Page to stay up to date with offers.

For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

AGENTS CAN earn up to £250 worth of Love2Shop vouchers for all bookings made

by July 31 with Western and Oriental. As examples, £25 can be earned for bookings up to £4,999, and for bookings over £50,000, agents can receive £250.

For details see at www.westernoriental.com/agents

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AGENTS CAN indulge in the Simple Pleasures of Summer with Bourne Leisure’s new summer incentive offering £5 for every summer Butlins and Haven booking, as well as the chance to win one of three big Simple Pleasures of Summer prizes. Agents who make a booking by July 26 for Butlin’s or Haven during this month and next for a minimum of a three-night stay can claim a £5 Love2Shop voucher by logging on at www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk. Agents are also automatically entered into a weekly prize draw to win one of the three prizes which include a free family day pass for a Butlin’s resort or a Haven holiday park with additional extras, £50 Love2Shop vouchers or a Wi-Fi camera.

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TRAVEL 2 is giving agents the chance to win a cruise holiday for two worth £3,000, to mark the launch of its new Cruise Plus mini-brochure as well as a 58% increase in cruise holiday bookings year-on-year. To be entered into the More Than Just Cruise prize draw agents need to make any Cruise Plus brochure booking with the operator before July 31.

For details see www.travel2.com

FANCY A FAM? VILLA

SELECT is giving agents the chance to win a place on its fam trip to Pol lensa which takes place from October 12-15.

Points will be given for boo kings made by August 15, with double poi nts awarded for September and October boo kings, and the winners will be selected on August 17.

The itinerary visits a select ion of villas in Mallorca and includes flights from Gatwick, hand luggage and accommodation in a restored townhouse.

KEEPING COOL…Pictured ready to hand out ice creams and ice lollies to agents as part of its ‘Sizzling Summer Specials campaign’ is Funway Holidays’ Paul Mellon (left), Anna Hawkins (second from left), Amy Drummond and Andy Travis. The campaign includes holidays from £419 per person for seven nights staying at the three-star Rosen Inn at Pointe in Orlando, based on two sharing and including flights.

FIRST CLASS EUROPEAN RAIL SALE - Last minute summer sale - fares start from £19* - High speed TGV fares in France and beyond - First class fares slashed - book by 24 August

www.voyages-sncf.eu .

*Subject to availability, T ’s and C’s apply

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Newsbites ●

WARNER LEISURE Hotels has launched ‘It’s a Hat Trick’ Comedy Festival which features three comedy acts over the weekend break. The Comedy Festival Weekends begin this month and run until February 2016, taking place at seven of Warner’s historic country houses and coastal hotels.

For details visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141111.

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SUNDAYS AT Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza are being dedicated to 80s music throughout the 2015 summer season including artists such as Boney M, Whigfield, Vengaboys, Bonnie Tyler and Bananarama. The events offer free entry for hotel guests, Ibiza residents and those dressed in 80s gear.

For details see www.hrhibiza.com

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THE FOUR-star superior Hotel Bon Sol Resort & Spa in Illetas, Mallorca has launched a new promotional video showcasing its facilities. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc1Eu-_elpo.

For more information visit www.hotelbonsol.es

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VISIT ST. PETE/CLEARWATER (VSPC) has announced a partnership with the world's only scientifically proven biodegradable, non-toxic to sea life sun care product, Reef Safe SPF 30+. VSPC will be distributing more than 250,000 co-branded 30ml bottles of Reef Safe SPF 30+ throughout the summer at events in St. Pete/Clearwater and in some of the area's biggest feeder markets including New York, Chicago and Boston.

Details at www.visitstpeteclearwater.com

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SECRET VINEYARDS has become an appointed agent with British Airways through Lime Management Ltd, where all holidays will now include flights with BA. The company offers gourmet wine holidays to Italy, Hungary and Spain with new destinations planned later in the year. All holidays are fully inclusive of flights, accommodation, gourmet meals and wine tasting, offering a unique insight into some hidden culture, wine and food within its destinations.

For details see www.secretvineyards.co.uk

TAIWAN TO GO...Flora Sweeting (left), Lisa Ward (centre) and Liz Cathcart from the reservations team at Wendy Wu Tours showcase the new Taiwan Easy Cards – a free ‘touch and go’ service for Taipei’s Metro, buses, car parks and stores. Any agents wanting to give clients a free card can get one by emailing taiwan@brightergroup.com

MOVERS ●

DERMOT KING, managing director of Butlin’s, will take up the role of chairman of the Cut Tourism VAT Campaign on behalf of the British Hospitality Association.

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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY ClickTripz.com has appointed Damien Retureau as managing director of its Europe division, based in London.

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WITH INGHAMS' executive director, Hugh Walton, retiring at the end of October, the company has announced the appointment of Paul Carter as its new chief operating officer, with effect from September 7.

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GERMANIA HAS expanded its team in the UK by appointing Jeannette Cooper as client care and sales support manager and Gemma Williams as new sales administration assistant to the director of sales for UK, Ireland and France.

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ROB PAYNE has joined Interchange & Consort Hotels as CEO.

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ANNE MORRISON has been appointed to the board of London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional company for London.

Free flights & transfers in Med & Northern Europe from Princess Cruises PRINCESS CRUISES is offering free flights and transfers for a number of its sailings for the first time. The offer applies to 70 fly/cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2016.

The line is also offering a choice of up to $300 free on board spending money per person or free car parking on 25 round-trip cruises from

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Southampton and six round-trip cruises from Dover. Southampton guests can also opt for free coach transfers.

The offers run until August 31 and apply to cruises which sail between April and November next year.

Fares for the cruises with free flights start at £999 per person for seven days in the Mediterranean

departing from Barcelona, and £1,399 per person for 11 days in Scandinavia and Russia departing from Copenhagen.

The Southampton sailings include seven days in Spain and Portugal from £799 per person.

For more information or to book call 0843-373 0333 or visit www.princess.com

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 027

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

National Yaks Said Holy

A➠

B➠ ABTA holiday company specialising in Turkey and North Cyprus

C➠

A Cannonading Lanky Parrot

D➠

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 16th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 26th June is Yvette Bailey, Thomson in Portsmouth.

June 26 Solution: A=3 B=7 C=8 D=1

Crossword

Copyright: sumikophoto

The 15th oldest national park in America

Where Am I? Copyright: CoolR

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:

A water-logged sea cave located in Croatia

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

Number: 027

Across 1. Operator, specialising in all-inclusive Caribbean holidays (7) 6. First name of the winner of 1 Down (5) 8. The longest river in Europe (5) 9. Manchester City's football stadium is named for this airline (6) 10. One of the Channel Isles (4) 12. Ferry operating between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (4) 14. 5 Down is famous for making this type of novelty clock (6) 16. Known as the forest giraffe, this mammal is a national symbol of the Congo (5) 17. Hospitality company, Rocco ___ Hotels (5) 19. Montpelier is the state capital (7)

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Down 1. Venue for the recent British Grand Prix (11) 2. Sydney is the capital of this state, initially (3) 3. Port of call for cruise ships to Fiji (4) 4. Capital of Majorca (5) 5. Picturesque region of Germany, sounds like a gateau (5,6) 7. Flows through Perth, Western Australia (4) 11. Bahrain carrier, ___ Air (4) 13. Olympic flyweight boxer Nicola, who recently won gold at the European Games (5) 15. Capital of Ukraine (4) 18. Rhodes international airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 26 July 10 2015

11

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newsbulletin

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT ....Jetset recently hosted a group of 20 agents at Tortworth Court Hotel for a full spa overnight event.

USA, Canada & South America 2016/17 launch from Insight INSIGHT VACATIONS has launched its 2016/17 USA, Canada and South America premium and luxury brochure, featuring ten upgraded Luxury Gold itineraries and two new Premium itineraries.

The itineraries offer guests the chance to attend a mixology class in New Orleans and explore the Butchart Gardens in Canada, as well as Signature Dining Experiences throughout their journey.

In 2016/17, the Luxury Gold itineraries will be all-inclusive and will offer private airport transfers including a personalised

meet and greet service.

As an example of prices, a 12-day 'Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes' itinerary, which departs between June 25 and September 17, 2016, offers visits to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, with prices from £4,025 per person.

The company is offering an early payment discount of up to 10% on selected 2016/17 itineraries when booked and paid in full by October 30.

For details see www.insightvacations.com

Cosmos Tours and Cruises introduces new options for 2016 COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched its North America & Worldwide 2016 brochure with an upgraded holiday experience including a privately chauffeured home pick-up service (for bookings made

by December 18), as well as airport lounge passes at selected UK airports for bookings made by August 5.

A wide choice of new tours and cruises have

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been added to the programme with new touring destinations including the American state of Kentucky and Indochina as well as reintroducing Indonesia.

New cruises to Cuba, Barbados and South America have also been added with an increased choice of tour and cruise options to meet demand.

Meanwhile, building on the success of last year’s

July 10 2015

introduction of ‘Relax and Explore’ concept to North America, an expanded choice of flexible style touring breaks based on twin and triple centre breaks with included excursions is available.

As examples, an eightday ‘Boston & New York’ costs from £1,119 per person, while an 11-day ‘Boston, New York & Washington DC’ starts from £1,499.

New Far East cruise from Emerald Waterways EMERALD WATERWAYS has launched a new itinerary for southeast Asia, an all-inclusive river cruise of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

The tour includes visits to Hanoi, Halong Bay and the Perfume River, as well as giving guests the chance to explore the Former Imperial City of Hue and Angkor Wat. The vessel, the Mekong Navigator, features a spa, sundeck library and large suites.

To celebrate the launch of the new itinerary, the company is offering an exclusive discount of £1,000 per couple for bookings made until August 31.

For further information or to book visit www.emeraldwaterays.co.uk

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TB 210x

S03 TB1007 2015 News 2_Layout 1 08/07/2015 12:14 Page 13

New Titan Worldwide 2016 brochure OUT NOW!

SIX NEW TOURS

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DOOR TO DOOR

including Uzbekistan, Colombia and the Balkans

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WIN A FAM TRIP Make a booking in July and enter into our draw to win a place on one of our 3 amazing fam trips. Visit www.titanagents.co.uk for more details

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02/07/2015 14:40

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

Andy Stark, managing director of The Global Travel Group, explains how it's the small changes an agency makes that can make all the difference...

HE TRAGIC events in Tunisia have sadly placed our industry in the spotlight. It is in these uncertain times that agents’ in-depth knowledge and that one-to-one relationship with the customer are invaluable for providing holidaymakers with up-to-date information and reassurance, as well as directing them to the official travel advice organisations.

T

I am always shouting about the benefits of booking through an agent – specialist insight, first-hand destination experience and the latest deals. Now, more than ever it is important for independent travel agents to brush up on the basics as holidaymakers look to the experts for guidance.

It’s the small changes and improvements that can make a big difference. Outdated window displays that haven’t changed for months for example are a no no.

Replacing these with eye-catching displays to re-engage with existing customers and attract new ones looking for that personalised booking experience and added insight can go a long way.

Shutterstock - Copyright: Kzenon

Online marketing offers a host of simple and costeffective opportunities to inspire clients looking for their next getaway. A Greek island photo gallery on Facebook definitely does it for me, so tap into your own image bank or speak to operators for existing video content that they are happy for you to use to really inspire customers.

"Whilst the bucket and spade deals can be volume drivers, honing a specialist skill is where the good retailers always prosper" We all know that social media is a powerful tool, and one that agents should be embracing. It’s great for running competitions, sharing the latest deals and reinforcing your skills as specialists, as well as a quick way to offer reassurance to customers on urgent matters. An engaged online customer base is invaluable and it’s important to give them something back in return. Whilst incentives are enticing, so is in-depth knowledge. Recommendations on hotels in Florida for a family trip to Disneyland, last-minute luxury getaways or sound advice for customers booked on a holiday to Greece this summer demonstrate your insight and skills that make booking through agents a worthwhile experience.

As well as maximising on marketing opportunities, I always say to agents to highlight their specialism and shout it from the rooftops. Whilst the bucket and spade deals can be volume drivers, honing a specialist skill is where the good retailers always prosper. When speaking to agents at industry events I hear more and more that customers are looking to them for comprehensive knowledge of a destination. Whether you are a luxury agent and have stayed at all the top resorts in the Maldives, know the family cruise market like the back of your hand or your passion for Asia has grown into a successful and specialised agency, be sure to make the most of this.

So, we aren’t talking big changes here; it’s important to be prepared for issues affecting the travel industry and getting back to basics is the best way for agents to do this. When holidaymakers face uncertainty we need to ensure that we are offering the support and practical advice, and that your direct relationship with the customer is what sets you apart from other holiday booking options.

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July 10 2015

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pixmix The MIDLAND’S TRAVEL TRADE SUMMER BALL 2015 was recently held at The Village Hotel in Shirley, Solihull, where the theme was ‘Caribbean Chic’. Attendees had the chance to participate in informal networking and let their hair down on the dance floor while enjoying entertainment and a late bar…

SPONSORED BY

e: Sophie From the left ar BEACH BABES… Collection; Wendy sic as Thackeray, Cl gs Fitz-Harris, avel Group; Ma Albutt, Elite Tr an, Elite nc Du a ur La d an Elite Escapes; Travel Group.

Carrick (left) EER…Dominic CARIBBEAN CH If Only join the m fro ire gu t: Zoe and Brendan Ma up – from the lef ladies for a catch chelle Mi ; ge un Lo ay lid Langton, The Ho n Dreams; Sam Redfern, oo Reeves, Honeym Bridget -operative; and Mid Counties Co Travel.

Hussey, Carrick

ey from … Louise Tans UNDER A-VEST on as Simon es tch wa re isu Bourne Le d Simon m Monarch an ove Garrido (left) fro tin aim to impr lle Bu el av Tr Eddolls from . their physiques

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KEEPING COOL…Travel Bulletin’s Simon Eddolls helps Ceren Albayrak (middle) from Turkish Airlines and Caroline Rixon from Corporate Traveller keep cool.

BIRMINGHAM BUNCH…Pictured are, from the left: Tracey Quirk, Birmingham Airport; Caroline Bentley-Showell, Heart of England Co-operative; Caroline Rixon, Corporate Traveller; Samantha James, JTA; and Stefanie Bowes and Mandy Haque from Birmingham Airport.

WARNER WATCH…on watch with Warner are, from the left: Izzy George, Mark Warner; Elaine Barnes, Travel Club Elite; Adam Sturges, Affinion; Julie Franklin, Mark Warner; and Louise Bradshaw, The Travel Shop.

HAT’S THE WAY… From the left are: Vikki Courtman, Holland America Line; Anna Perrott, Flexicruise; Dawn MacIntosh, Bolsover Cruise; and Katie Brickell, Holland America Line.

PARTY ON… Getting in the party spirit are, from the left: Julie Newman, Kelly's Travel; Carla Cole, Villair Travel; Lucy Jones, Do Something Different.com; and Sam Tyers, Mercian Travel.

FLYING HIGH…Enjoying the evening’s events are, from the left: (top row) Adam Sturges, Affinion Travel; Clare Daniels, Travelbag Solihull; Darryl Gardne r, Specialist Holidays Group; Jacqueline Gallagh er, Affinion Travel; and Phil Courtney, Emirates; with (bottom row) Caroline Hughes, Emirates; Claire Harrison, Trailfinders; Julia Broome, Travelb ag, Cheltenham; David Hinder-Edwards, JTA Travel.

July 10 2015

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personalitybulletin

Paul Sharp National sales manager, Cosmos Tours and Cruises & Avalon Waterways At work What other companies/organisations have you previously worked for?

Carnival, AmaWaterways, The River Cruise Line and P&O Cruises.

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

More freedom to host agents on fam trips.

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

A caricature of me and my partner

At home What's your favourite household gadget?

My Nespresso coffee machine – I’m a total caffeine junky!

What’s your favourite TV programme?

Game of Thrones.

Who does the cooking?

Me – I love being in the kitchen and Italian is my favourite.

What's a typical weekend for you like?

When I am not doing events, it’s catching up with my family and friends, walking my French bulldog, Lola, and going to the gym.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Jelly Babies.

What do you do to relax?

Taking well deserved holidays.

What music do you listen to?

My taste is so diverse – the iPod is often on shuffle in the car and it throws so much random music at me.

What's your favourite movie?

Star Wars – the original trilogy.

What's been your latest DIY project?

Building my ‘Man Shed’ at the bottom of the garden where I work from when I’m not meeting agents or on the road.

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July 10 2015

What's your favourite travel app?

Google Maps.

Who has been your inspiration in the travel industry?

Those who are never afraid to experience the new and challenge the conventional.

What skill are you most proud of?

My ability to empathise.

What's the best thing about your job?

The products I sell!

What do you love about the travel industry?

The places that I have seen and the resilience and resourcefulness of those who work within it.

What's a typical day like?

Long, filled with hard work but immensely satisfying.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

My iPod – music is a must!

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

Amalfi Coast – love the people, climate, scenery, food and way of life.

What are your hobbies?

Gym, walking, reading and the random night class thrown in for good measure on some really strange and creative topics.

If you could invent a new law, what would it be?

Has to be the introduction of a four-day week or a strict 09:00 – 17:00 law five days a week.

What is your best quality?

Caring nature, sense of humour and ability to laugh at myself.

Do you have any nicknames?

At school it was McD, now it’s Sharpie!

What's your most embarrassing moment?

All of my karaoke attempts at travel industry events and walking into a lamp post whist catching up on emails in front of a packed commuter bus.

My most embarrassing moment? Walking into a lamp post whist catching up on emails in front of a packed commuter bus

“

”

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redsea Red Sea delights to entice your customers

by JASON HILTON, deputy MD, Red Sea Holidays Water slides, Sunwing Makadi Hotel, Makadi Bay

The Palace, Port Ghalib Resort, Marsa Alam

E

GYPT IS a world-class tourist destination; it borders one of the clearest, cleanest seas in the world, boasts a cultural heritage - from the Pyramids to the Valley of the Kings at Luxor and good infrastructure, not to mention a huge range of accommodation and excursions that suit every visitor.

There’s world-class diving in a sea rarely below 26°C and filled with tropical fish of every shape and colour, while snorkelling and glass-bottomed boats cater for those who prefer to stay above the water. There are deserts where Bedouin tribes still live attached to their herds of camels (though you do see the odd Toyota pick-up) and night skies that leave you breathless with the numbers of stars. Then there’s the year-round sunshine - the last time it rained in Makadi Bay, just south of Hurghada was three years ago it lasted about two hours.

Family Suite, Sunwing Makadi Hotel, Makadi Bay

EASY ACCESS Getting to Egypt is easy. Scheduled and charter flights service Cairo, Luxor, Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and even Marsa Alam, the southernmost resort on the Red Sea. Coming soon, a new high speed ferry between Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada (journey time around 90 minutes) will make for excellent east and west coast Red Sea excursions, plus an added range of multi-centre holidays.

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KEEPING UP WITH DEMAND The country is seeing tourists returning in strong numbers.

Visitors in March this year were up by more than 200,000 on last year and we have seen double digit year-on-year growth and a significant rise in repeat bookings.

Our parent company, Red Sea Hotels, is a family-owned Egyptian company with substantial interests in four- and five-star hotels in the Red Sea resorts, as well as a comprehensive ground handling operation across the country. Their portfolio is mainly offered on an all-inclusive basis, a hugely popular choice with British and Irish visitors in general, and families in particular.

A particular favourite for the family market is the Sunwing Makadi Hotel, recently opened in Makadi Bay, an allinclusive resort hotel with pre-bookable connecting rooms and family suites plus an on-site waterpark with a range of kids’ (and adults) water rides, slides and play areas.

EMERGING TRENDS Our most popular two-week vacation combines a sevennight Red Sea beach holiday with a seven-night Nile cruise, complete with a fully inclusive itinerary.

A rising star, Marsa Alam is Egypt’s most southerly Red Sea resort and one of the newest to tempt British tourists.

As well as pristine sandy beaches, fantastic coral and marine life, plus an abundance of world class watersports – there’s a growing choice of luxury hotels, boutique shops and restaurants in the area.

With year-round guaranteed sunshine, the country is an excellent winter sun option, and summer temperatures aren’t dissimilar to Turkey or the Greek Islands – you’ll certainly appreciate the sea breeze that is a feature of the Red Sea resorts.

July 10 2015

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We go further

From

£399pp

BRIGHT HERE. BRIGHT NOW. Dazzling last minute deals to Egypt Our award-winning holidays to Egypt are full of everything you need for a fabulous escape to the sunshine. Every holiday includes flights, accommodation, 20kg luggage, resort transfers and full rep service.

Most include free late check out, too. So all you need to remember are your sunglasses.

All Inclusive

Low Deposit Just £75pp

Child Price Guarantee

Speak to us today on 0207 332 2660 or visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent ABTA No.Y2507 Subject to availability: may be withdrawn at any time. Lead-in price shown is based on 2 adults sharing, and is available on at least one departure date from at least one UK airport. Correct at date of publication. Once sold out there is no guarantee that alternative holidays will be available at that price. Other conditions apply; see brochure for details. ATOL protected 9749. ® Red Sea Holidays logo is a registered trade mark of Red Sea Holidays Ltd. © 2015.

S05 TB1007 2015 Red Sea_Layout 1 08/07/2015 12:23 Page 19

redsea

ANATOLIAN SKY HOLIDAYS is offering a seven-night stay at the luxurious Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh from £1,375 per person, based on two sharing and travelling in early December, including flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation. Surrounded by desert on one side and the waters of the Red Sea on the other, the resort is an ideal place to soak up some winter sun, with a multi-level infinity pool, sandy beach, spacious gardens and all-suite accommodation. For details visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3585.

New Sharm el Sheikh tours from DoSomethingDifferent DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM is offering a collection of new tours in Sharm el Sheikh.

The trips include horse riding for £19 per person, swimming with dolphins for £69 and parascending for £25, along with more traditional desert experiences such as star gazing, quad-biking, camel riding and shisha pipes, all available as part of the company’s full day ‘Total Desert Experience’, priced at £56 per person.

Also new is a children’s introductory scuba trip itinerary, ‘Bubble Maker’, designed for children aged eight-12 years to try out scuba diving with a dedicated PADI pro instructor. The experience costs £44 per child and is part of a full day boat trip with swimming, snorkelling and lunch included.

Should the rest of the family like to try, the company also offers a Tiran Island Snorkelling Cruise trip for £27.

Further afield, a trip to Luxor gives holidaymakers the chance to see The Valley of the Kings and iconic temples

including Karnak, the Luxor and the temple of Hatshepsut. The trip includes a 50-minute flight and is a full day excursion with a guide and transport, with prices from £181 per person.

To book or for more information visit www.dosomethingdifferent.com or call 020-8090 3890.

Horse riding in Sharm el Sheikh

Jordan waives departure tax for Aqaba visitors JORDAN HAS announced that from September it will be waiving departure tax on airline tickets for all flights arriving to Aqaba on the condition that tourists purchase the Unified Ticket for tourism sites and spend a minimum of three consecutive nights in Jordan.

The departure tax and entry visa has also been waived for all low-cost and charter flights leaving King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba.

The measures will greatly reduce the cost to people wanting to travel to the Red Sea in Jordan.

Trade package offer from Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna MOVENPICK RESORT & Spa El Gouna is highlighting a special offer for travel agents, with free accommodation and special privileges for agents to experience.

It includes VIP treatment; an upgrade to the next higher room category (upon availability); early check-in/ late checkout (upon availability); a free guided lagoon trip (reservation required with Guest Relations); the chance to experience the Dine Around programme daily at any of the participating outlets; 10% discount on all spa treatments, ‘Essence of Angsana’ packages and body massage; 50% on golf walk-in

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rates for the green fee only; 10% discount on water-skiing or wakeboarding at Sliders Cable Park; and a free weekly shuttle bus ticket.

Conditions to be eligible for the trip apply including compulsory half-board supplement of 41 euros per person, per night including breakfast and dinner buffet, plus proof of ID. The offer is not available during peak periods and public holidays.

For more information email reservation.elgouna@moevenpick.com or see www.moevenpick-hotels.com/el-gouna

July 10 2015

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redsea Soma Bay’s Breaker’s Diving & Surfing Lodge promotes range of activities WITH THE trend for active holidays on the rise and with extreme sports such as kite surfing becoming increasingly popular, The Breaker’s Diving & Surfing Lodge at Soma Bay is Egypt’s first watersports lifestyle hotel.

Specifically designed for watersports enthusiasts, the hotel features an on-site dive centre, beach bar and is located close to 7Bft KiteHouse, which is ranked as one of the top three kite spots worldwide and provides equipment hire and lessons to visitors.

Meanwhile, for £170, a ten dive package can be added to holidays, with options to add PADI dive courses.

The lodge also features a Finnish sauna on the roof and yoga classes.

Attraction World is giving visitors to Sharm the chance to learn to dive with Ocean College. Prices lead in at £55 for a half day taster experience up to £245 for a four-day intensive PADI Open Water Dive course. Ocean College is located in Sharm and is a five-star PADI Instructor Development Centre.

Olympic sees trend in last-minute requests for all-inclusive OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS reports strong demand for summer bookings on the Red Sea, with most last-minute enquiries for all-inclusive holidays.

The operator’s commercial director, Photis Lambrianides, said: “Virtually all properties on the Red Sea offer all-inclusive packages and no matter what the client’s budget, agents will find something to suit.”

The company acknowledges that with allinclusive packages offered by hotels at virtually all price points from budget threestars to high-end five-stars, it is not always easy for the client – or agent – to choose between them.

Lambrianides said: “Regardless of star rating, I believe the two most important things to consider are location (beach front or not) and the size of hotel, because the fewer rooms, the less likely it is that the hotel can offer choice of rooms, of dining options, and facilities. But, for example, older couples who

want a quiet week of sun and personal service are often happy at budget level, since they may not want to use – and of course pay for as part of the package price – all the facilities and activities laid on at the larger hotels.

“And though some clients may initially shy away from a property with 400-plus rooms, agents should highlight the increased choice that it inevitably offers, which is particularly important when it comes to eating every meal at the hotel on all-inclusive holidays. Check out how many restaurants there are, and what flexibility there is, especially for dining at specialist restaurants.”

The company also suggests that agents look into the detail of the all-inclusive package, for instance whether drinks are local and unbranded, or named international brands which tend to be included only in the very top five-star resorts.

For further information see www.olympicholidays.com

Classic Collection ‘cautiously optimistic’ for continued rise in visitors CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has reported that overall sales to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts for 2015 are currently showing modest gains of 4% over the previous 12-month period.

Despite a challenging winter season in 2014/15, summer sales are presently more than 20% up with the Sussex-based operator having sold more than 80% of its summer target.

Furthermore, with sales for next winter more than 40% up year-onyear, the operator is cautiously optimistic for future seasons.

Gary Boyer, the company’s head of purchasing, said: “Egypt winter sales were challenging for a third year in a row, but there has been a welcome increase in enquires for the summer season and, although early days, winter sales for 2015/16 are looking more promising than they have done for quite some time.

“To capitalise on this momentum we’re working closely with our Egyptian hoteliers to encourage

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July 10 2015

The Savoy Resort, Sharm el Sheikh

special offers and rate reductions over the summer period. We currently have more than 40 added value offers to tempt customers to travel to the region.”

Room rate reductions of up to 30% are currently available on hotels including the Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort, Savoy Resort, Royal Savoy, Hyatt Regency and Baron Palms resort, many on bookings until October 31.

As an example of prices, the company is offering a saving of £480 per couple, per week at The Savoy Resort in Sharm el Sheikh, with a lead-in price of £899 per person for a seven-night breakfast stay. It is based on a September 28 departure from Gatwick and includes flights and private transfers.

For more information or to book call 0800-008 7288 or visit www.classiccollection.co.uk

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uk&ireland • Plan an itinerary that goes beyond transport and accommodation bookings.

• Enhance the experience by providing the opportunity to purchase package upgrades.

• Provide ‘add ons’ to the core product so additional commission can be earned.

urism: Inbound and domestic to game how to stay ahead of the , City Cruises

d of sales and marketing

by KYLE HAUGHTON, hea

• Ensure the entire experience is planned, from arrival to departure, so customers feel reassured that their experience is taken care of.

• Make sure products are accredited by well-recognised and frequently used sites to solidify customer trust.

ITH BRITAIN’S tourism industry forecast to be worth more than £257billion by 2025, the value of tourism to the UK’s economy cannot be understated.

In order to seize the successes that can be had from this flourishing environment and future poof the sector, solid strategies must be developed by all tourism stakeholders.

In order to keep on top of performance levels, companies must continuously strive to capitalise during the peaks and adapt during the inevitable troughs. At City Cruises we utilise a number of tools, methods and strategies to make sure that we continuously mould our product to meet customer expectations.

It is important that as an industry we do not rest on our laurels, but pave the way forward for the future. Here are some top tourism tips for travel agents.

W

• Segment customer databases so customers are targeted with a personalised service that fulfils their specific needs.

• Ensure the service and product provided aligns with the needs and desires of the customer.

• Go beyond customer expectations, enhancing their experience in ways they hadn’t considered.

• Obtain an extensive knowledge of suppliers’ incentive programmes and the best deals.

• Ensure a post-trip follow-up process is in place to better understand the customer’s product opinion.

Lightwater Valley theme park offers from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD is promoting exclusive offers at North Yorkshire family theme park, Lightwater Valley, which offers more than 40 rides and attractions.

Visitors can save 25% off gate rates up until November 1, with ticket prices leading in at £21 for adults

and £5 for children. Additionally, from £21 per adult and £15 per child, visitors can buy a day entry ticket, with a meal and queue jump pass included.

Alternatively, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, with skip the queue entry, costs £13 per adult and

£5 per child. The company is also highlighting its new Guinness Connoisseur Experience, which, from £33 per adult, offers visitors the chance to have a tutored session with an official Guinness Connoisseur.

For details see www.attractionworld.com

Maximise your customers’ payment options With

, our “PAY AT HOTEL” programme

Book now on www.travelbulletin.co.uk

July 10 2015

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uk&ireland New figures show domestic tourism on a high after a record breaking start to the year THE LATEST results from the Great Britain Tourism Survey (GBTS) reveal a strong performance for domestic tourism in the first quarter of the year.

There were 19.7 million trips recorded in England between January and March this year, the highest number of trips recorded during the first quarter for seven years.

Expenditure also increased by 24% in total to £3.5billion compared to 2014.

These figures are a significant improvement on last year’s figures which dipped due to the severe weather

conditions and flooding at the beginning of the year.

VisitEngland’s latest Tourism Business Monitor supports the findings of this month’s GBTS. Nearly half of accommodation providers and 56% of attractions have reported experiencing an increase in visitors for the year to May. Looking ahead, over nine in ten of the businesses surveyed remain confident about the school summer holiday period. This is particularly true amongst accommodation providers reporting high numbers of advanced

bookings.

VisitEngland kick-started the holiday season with a new £4million Government-funded ‘Holiday’s At Home Are GREAT’ campaign, encouraging consumers to book a holiday through their local travel agent. The campaign has provided a significant boost to domestic tourism, generating more than half a billion (£520.6million) in incremental spend for the domestic tourism industry and more than two million domestic overnight holiday trips since it was launched in 2012.

New group packages for Christmas from The Canterbury Tales THE CANTERBURY Tales has launched a range of group packages and events for the Christmas season.

The Artisan Christmas Gift Fair on November 28-29 gives visitors the chance to purchase medievalthemed gifts among a 14th-century England setting. Prices lead in at £3 per person, which includes a complimentary glass of mulled cider.

Alternatively, a Christmas Theatre Package, available on December 15 and 16 and January 8, offers visitors

the opportunity to explore the city, have a two-course meal at the Marlowe Theatre and watch the traditional pantomime 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'. Prices lead in at £37.25 per person, including free coach parking.

Group tours of the reconstruction of Chaucer's stories are also available, with prices starting at £7.25 for adults, £5.75 for children and £6.25 for concessions.

For details call 0845-070 6255 or see www.canterburytales.org.uk

Rabbie’s promotes three upcoming tours with lead-in prices at £114 for two days RABBIE'S SMALL Group Tours is highlighting three of its upcoming tours.

A 'Foodies Tour of Scotland', departing from Edinburgh on September 28, offers the chance to visit the specialist breeders of Highland Cattle in Stirling and Callander, Scotland's seafood capital Oban and Cairngorm Brewing Company.

Guests are also offered meals at the renowned Loch Fyne and House of Bruar. Prices lead in at £535 per person including three nights’ accommodation, transport, the services of a guide, two themed dinners and two lunches en route. Entrance to Mid Torrie Farm, Arduaine Garden and a tour and tasting at Cairngorm Brewery are also included.

Alternatively, with prices leading in at £114, a two-day tour of the Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford gives guests the opportunity to visit the Abbey, the Roman Baths and the ancient stone circle of Avebury, as well as the chance to explore the three scenic towns. The tour departs from London on Mondays and Saturdays year-round, and Wednesday departures are available from October 28.

The company is also offering a week’s 'Southern Ireland Discovery' tour, from 744 euros per person. Guests have the chance to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle and Ireland's oldest city, Waterford.

Prices include transport, the services of a guide and breakfast accommodation, and the tour departs from Dublin every Sunday until September 27.

For details call 0131-226 3133 or see www.rabbies.com

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July 10 2015

ARUNDEL CASTLE is promoting its annual jousting competition, part of the Jousting and Medieval Tournament Week, taking place from July 21-26.

International teams will compete in a range of medieval competitions, as well as individually trying to secure a place in the prestigious Order of Arundel. Competitors will also adopt the medieval lifestyle to immerse themselves and visitors in the medieval period.

For details see www.arundelcastle.org

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uk&ireland Railtrail promotes range of summer options RAILTRAIL’S UK and Ireland programme offers a choice of Classic UK tours, Steam enthusiast’s tours, Rail, Ale and Malt Trails and, for a unique experience, Signature tours that offer smaller group sizes staying in castles, a former monastery, a chateau and Georgian country mansion.

Most tours include halfboard accommodation at quality hotels, all excursions and admissions to attractions, and are fully escorted by a tour manager.

As an example of prices, The Highland Rail Voyager leads in at £295 departing on September 12 and 26 and October 10.

For details visit www.railtrail.co.uk or call 01538-382323.

BUTLIN’S is offering families deals on ‘Just for Tots’ breaks where, from September 7 to December 14, fournight breaks start from £52 per person and are available at all three seaside resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. The price is based on an October 5 arrival for two adults and two children sharing a silver self-catering apartment at Minehead.

Three-night food festival option in Guernsey with Premier from £255 PREMIER HOLIDAYS is highlighting its Food Festival offer, a three-night stay in Guernsey which coincides with the summer season in the Channel Islands.

With prices leading in at £255 per person by sea and £319 by air from Gatwick, visitors will have the opportunity to attend the International

Food Festival (September 18-27), go on a gourmet bus tour and take part in a gastronomy masterclass.

The itinerary also includes a local beer and cider festival, a gala dinner and the Tennerfest Food Festival.

Visitors will stay at the three-star Best Western Moores Hotel, with

KIDZANIA KIDZANIA has opened its latest venue at Westfield London to offer the UK's first Educational Entertainment Experience for children, with an introduction to the world of work. SuperBreak is offering hotel and ticket packages from £194.50 per person including one night at the Holiday Inn Express Earls Court and tickets to the attraction. Call 01904-436000 or see www.superbreak.com/agents for details.

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breakfast included.

The offer is based on two adults sharing and is valid for Friday arrivals only, based on travel throughout September.

For more information or to make a booking call 0844-493 7532 or see www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk

THE PEMBROKESHIRE PASS chocolate bar has been launched by the Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company to unite the region’s top attractions, offering members of the public exclusive offers and discounts. The new pass offers buyers more than £35 worth of discounts to use at the region’s top attractions, including Oakwood Theme Park, Folly Farm and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Castell Henllys and Carew Castle. For details see www.wickedlywelsh.co.uk

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s i r a f a s & e f i wildl

CHEETAH SAFARI FROM £2,216 WITH SOMAK SOMAK HOLIDAYS is promoting its ‘Cheetah Safari’, a traditional seven-night safari visiting Samburu followed by the Rift Valley Lakes where thousands of pink flamingoes reside and the Masai Mara. Prices in September start from £2,216 with optional activities such as boat rides, bush breakfasts and hot-air balloon rides also available.The operator is also running a ‘Three Rivers’ six-night itinerary taking in the sights and wildlife experiences each river has to offer. Priced at £2,730 for a September departure, guests can take in Victoria Falls, the Chobe River and the Okavango River. For more information see www.somak.com

12-day Armenia introduction from £2,495 with The Travelling Naturalist THE TRAVELLING Naturalist, which offers wildlife and birdwatching holidays, has introduced Armenia to its programme, with the opportunity to see demoiselle cranes on their autumn passage.

The 12-day trip starts in the Yehegnadzor region via the Armash wetland (one of the top birding sites in the Western Palearctic), then moves

on with guests staying in hotels selected for their proximity to the best birding sites.

Highlights include exploring Arpa River Gorge in search of raptors; visiting a 10th Century Gndevank Monastery; a day trip in jeeps to seek out Caspian snowcock; a climb to the picturesque ski resort of Tsaghadzor; and a day’s birding on the extinct

volcano of Mount Aragats.

An autumn trip leads in at £2,495 per person based on two sharing. It includes flights, 11 nights’ full board accommodation, transport, tips, taxes and the services of a naturalist leader.

Departures are on September 9 and September 7, 2016.

For more information call 01305267994 or visit www.naturalist.co.uk

Florida’s Busch Gardens Tampa joins Fun2Fund conservation programme BUSCH GARDENS, the African-themed animal theme park in Tampa, Florida is allowing visitors to get up close to a range of exotic animals around the park, learn about animal nutrition, treatments and x-rays at the Animal Care Centre and experience rides that are inspired by members of the animal kingdom.

The safari is part of the SeaWorld Parks Extras programme and, for every

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in-park experience or Extra’s booking at the company’s Florida parks, $2 will be donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund which will then go directly to UK conservation charities.

Clients must have or purchase park tickets before booking any park extras.

For further information visit www.seaworldparks agents.co.uk

July 10 2015

‘REALM OF THE POLAR BEAR’ is a new tour from Taber holidays that explores the ice floes on the western edge of Spitsbergen.

The nine-day trip costs £4,955 per person including flights; accommodation in Oslo; a seven-night expedition cruise with all meals, shore excursions and zodiac cruises; an expedition parka and Spitsbergen destination guide book.

For more information see www.taberhols.co.uk

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wildlife&safaris Tourism Western Australia reports a bumper year for wildlife visitors THIS YEAR is already proving to be a bumper one for wildlife visitors in Western Australia. Not only did the state’s whale shark season start early, but a host of new offerings have become available for those seeking wildlife experiences.

As examples, tipped to be the next big eco-offering, Eco Abrolhos has launched a five-day eco cruise to the Abrolhos Islands for up-close observation of the 90-plus species of seabirds which call the islands home, in addition to migratory humpback whales, bottle nose dolphins and sea lions. The cruise costs from £877 per person and includes accommodation, meals, tours and on-land activities.

Returning in February 2016 will be Bremer Canyon Expeditions with Naturaliste Charters. Launched for the first time this year, the daily expeditions through February and March to the marine hotspot had a 100% killer whale viewing success rate. Prices lead in at £185.

The state is also preparing for its six-month whale-watching season, with charters set to commence from the new $36.4million Augusta Boat Harbour in the Margaret River Region.

With up to 35,000 whales migrating through the region, tour boats will be operating from the harbour and it is expected that there will be an increased number of whale watchers this year.

A humpback whale off Busselton, Australia's South West.

Naturaliste Charters and Legend Charters will both be offering twohour whale-watching tours, with multiple daily departures until August and prices from £41 per person.

Other ways to experience the great marine migration include Ahoy Buccaneers’ new all-inclusive, six-day cruise along the Buccaneer Archipelago in the Kimberley from

£856 per person.

Meanwhile, for guests looking for something more luxurious, Kimberley Quests offers a ten-day Adventure Quest round-trip from Broome from £5,291, including all-inclusive accommodation, excursions and transfers.

For further information visit www.westernaustralia.com

New experiences & special deals from Aardvark Safaris WITH A selection of new lodge openings, Aardvark Safaris is promoting special offers for agents to sell to clients.

A new safari lodge located high above Kenya's Massai Mara, Angama has a special opening offer of stay for four nights and pay for three. Prices lead in at £1,605 per person based on two adults sharing, valid until the end of this year.

Also opening this month is Mkombe's House Lamai in Tanzania. The selfcontained private house, complete with swimming pool, has been designed with families in mind and is set in one of Serengeti's richest mammal habitats. The cost for a three-night stay is from £1,325 per person, based on four adults sharing.

Meanwhile, the opportunity to become a Braai-Master and learn the art of barbecuing while on safari is being offered on a three-night stay at Melton Manor on Kwandwe Game Reserve from £1,215, based on four adults sharing.

Also new is an 11-day Great Migration Air

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Safari for clients to experience the natural wonders of Tanzania and Kenya from £9,035, based on two sharing.

All offers include full board accommodation and safari activities, but exclude flights, transfers, visas and gratuities.

For further information visit www.aardvarksafaris.co.uk

Lion pride with Robin Pope Safaris TYING IN with World Lion Day on August 10, Robin Pope Safaris is highlighting Mkulumadzi, a small lodge in Malawi’s undiscovered wildlife reserve, Majete, which helped reintroduce lions to the area, making it the country’s first territory to boast the Big Five.

As well as walking safaris and boating safaris on the lake and river, guests will gain insight into the pride and learn to track them during day and night game drives.

Prices for August lead in at £281 per person, per night including activities and transfers.

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wildlife&safaris We asked our staff the following question this week: What motto would you like others to live by?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Do your absolute best, and have a good time!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk ALWAYS under promise and over deliver.

Editorial Assistant: Adam Potter adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk Keep calm and make bacon pancakes.

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

SPECIALISTS IN rare mountain gorilla and chimpanzee safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, Volcanoes Safaris is now offering luxury lodges on an exclusive hire basis.

Comprising a collection of four lodges - three in Uganda and one in Rwanda - each is unique to its setting and offers access to different great ape species, wildlife, exotic birds and vibrant communities. All the lodges, which can sleep between 12 and 20 guests, have been constructed in an eco-sensitive manner and cost from approximately £1,140 per night including all meals, unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks, laundry services and one massage per guest. Exclusive hire is available from October 15 to December 14.

Do as you would be done by.

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

Jungle Book inspired tours with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Do as you would be done by.

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk You reap what you sow

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Think of yourself first.

Account Manager: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Sales Executive: Matthew Weinreb matthew.weinreb@travelbulletin.co.uk Sales Executive: Kathryn Frost kathryn.frost@travelbulletin.co.uk Marketing Assistant: Gemma Reeve gemma.reeve@travelbulletin.co.uk

IN ANTICIPATION of the 50th anniversary of Disney’s Jungle Book, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts has a new ‘Jungle Book’ inspired visit to The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore.

Situated ten minutes from Ranthambhore National Park, the resort offers the opportunity for guests to stay in luxury tents, furnished with four-poster beds and standalone baths, and featuring private gardens to experience the beauty of the Rajasthani forest.

Younger guests can take part in bathing the hotel’s elephants, Mala and Laxmi, or unleash their inner Mowgli with an escorted walk through the gardens and mangroves to learn about the exotic flora and fauna.

Prices lead in at approximately £474 per night in a luxury tent.

To book or for details email reservations@oberoigroup.com or visit www.oberoihotels.com

Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.

Senior Designer: Lee Telot lee.telot@travelbulletin.co.uk Assistant Designer: Tom Davies thomas.davies@alaincharles.com Production: Charlie Burns charlie.burns@alaincharles.com Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised - Aragorn.

Work Experience: Evie Richards Carpe Diem - Seize the Day!

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: Buxton Press Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

FOR NATURE lovers, the great lakes of Champagne-Ardenne, France are well-known for birding with thousands of Common Crane and other migratory birds stopping en route to wintering sites in Spain. The dusk arrivals and dawn departures are a spectacular sight from November to March, with hides available for hire and annual international photo Festival of Nature and Wildlife showcase.

For more information visit www.champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. SANDALS, 6. LEWIS, 8. VOLGA, 9. ETIHAD, 10. SARK, 12. STAR, 14. CUCKOO, 16. OKAPI, 17. FORTE, 19. VERMONT. Down: 1. SILVERSTONE, 2. NSW, 3. SUVA, 4. PALMA, 5. BLACK FOREST, 7. SWAN, 11. GULF, 13. ADAMS, 15. KIEV, 18. RHO.

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Highlighted Word: SWEDEN Travagrams: (top) Anatolian Sky Holidays

TravelBulletin 26

July 10 2015

(bottom) Grand Canyon National Park

Where Am I?: The Blue Grotto

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