Travel Bulletin 11th April 2014

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April 11 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,867 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Black Sea

DON’T MISS...

Operators unveil their latest deals & programme additions

with this issue

this week

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news survey reveals ‘customer service’ and ‘staff productivity’ are top goals for travel industry

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

holiday parks

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a round-up of Easter offers and new park developments

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seat-only carriers highlight new routes & developments plus special offers

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ORLANDO BLOOMS...Funway Holidays recently hosted a fam trip to Orlando, in conjunction with Visit Orlando and The Space Coast, for eight nights.

Highlights of the itinerary included a Boggy Creek Airboat Ride, a trip to Universal Studios, Disney and the Kennedy Space Centre and IFLY indoor sky diving. Pictured on a Disney Magic Kingdom visit are, from the left: Tracey Morris, Peter Goord Travel; Kerrie Blake, Mid Counties Co-op; Sally Longhorn, Colchester Travel; Nicky Philips, Dorothea’s Travel Shop; Carol McMurray, Baldwins Travel; Louise Devlin, Wordsworth Travel; Paul Mellon, Funway; Cathy Warnes, Thomas Cook; Tom Holland, Bath Travel; and Anne Butler, Spitfire Travel.

For details of upcoming fam trips visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

Cover Pictures: Main - Black Sea Balkan Holidays

Inset - Hoseasons

This Week 3

news

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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bulletin briefing

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holiday parks

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seat-only

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survey reveals ‘customer service’ and ‘staff productivity’ are top goals for travel industry Sandy's about to move house and joins Events for Travel for an evening gettogether the latest agent incentives, fam trips & exclusive offers

play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher the importance of trade & consumer shows

a round-up of Easter offers and new park developments carriers highlight new routes & developments plus special offers operators unveil their latest deals & programme additions

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Jet2holidays uncovers increasing trend for taking ‘me time’ breaks JET2HOLIDAYS HAS revealed an increasing trend of people choosing to take holidays alone.

The operator conducted research with more than 2,000 people across the UK to look into reasons why more are choosing to go it alone. The findings reveal that more than half of us (51%) crave the independent experience, with almost a fifth recently turning to a ‘Selfie’ holiday within the last 12 months.

Of those who have holidayed solo, it seems to be a welcome experience with 78% saying that they would go again. Although there is nothing to indicate these breaks are being chosen over holidays with family and friends, the top five reasons why people would like to introduce a ‘holiday for one’ are: To have time to myself (38%), To get some much needed rest (25%), Get involved in hobbies and interests (18%), To keep my sanity (17%) and To learn something new (17%).

Overall, a long weekend was favoured (32%) over a one week break (27%) or an overnight stay (4%), with 7% stating they would like their break to be ‘as long as I could possibly make it!’ A holiday abroad was preferred, with a short haul to the likes of Mallorca, Ibiza or France coming top over longer trips to Egypt or Thailand. When theming the break, culture is what we crave, with a third choosing a city break for sightseeing as a perfect option, followed by beach (24%), spa break (16%) and shopping (15%) with only 3% wanting a party scene.

The research also found that the number one reason people are holding back from booking a future ‘Selfie’ holiday is the guilt of leaving their family (30%). Other reasons included 'Don’t like being alone', 'Stigma associated/people looking at me', 'Nervous to go it alone', 'Costs too much' and 'Simply don’t have the spare time'.

Survey reveals ‘customer service’ & ‘staff productivity’ are top goals for UK travel industry CUSTOMER SERVICE and staff productivity are the leading concerns for the travel industry, however businesses are slow to recognise how technology can help, according to a new survey.

The ‘Unified Communications in Travel 2014’ survey was carried out by unified communications provider Elitetele.com and UC manufacturer Swyx, in conjunction with ‘Travolution’ magazine. It set out to investigate uptake and usage of advanced communications technology in the travel sector.

Polling more than 80 IT and senior travel professionals, the research uncovered a ● continues on next page

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range of key trends that are seen as important to the sector, but it also showed that there was a lack of awareness over how IT such as ‘unified communications’ (UC) can help to support current and future operational challenges.

More than 80% of respondents cited customer service and staff productivity as primary business drivers, however nearly three quarters of UK travel businesses are unaware of the benefits of UC; a technology that converges telephony and IT to reduce costs, enhance service and boost overall employee productivity.

Matt Newing, CEO and founder of Elitetele.com, said: “Surprisingly the research shows a clear lack of knowledge on what unified communications can offer the travel sector. Whilst most could pinpoint the benefits and business drivers of upgrading current systems, they didn’t know what unified comms was or how it could significantly impact their operations.”

Ralf Ebbinghaus, CEO at UC Vendor Swyx, who cosponsored the research, said: “UC is the ideal tool for an industry that prides itself on customer experience and loyalty, yet still wants to increase productivity and the volume of bookings. The concept behind unified communications is simple; it provides all the information an advisor needs to communicate, by integrating all systems together – from the call centre through to the back-office systems and even social media. This means that the customer always gets the best and most consistent experience possible and at the same time efficiencies and cost savings too. It’s a win/win situation.

With cloud based UC now available there are even fewer barriers to adoption because no upfront capital investment is required.”

To view the full report visit www.elitetele.com

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...A selection of travel agents from Leeds won a day out to Emmerdale where they mixed with the TV stars during an exclusive tour on set. The agents won by booking the most passengers from Leeds Bradford Airport to Bourgas for summer 2014. Pictured on set are, from the left: Emma Holliday, Leeds Bradford Airport; Tracey Burke, Balkan Holidays; Angela Turner and Claire Hill, Thomas Cook; and Mike Pickering, High Ridings Travel.

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Great Rail Journeys highlights 13-day Grand Imperial Cities tour GREAT RAIl Journeys is promoting its Grand Imperial Cities 2014 tour, which includes four 'must-see' European cities on one rail tour and high-speed intercity train journeys.

The 13-day itinerary leads in at £1,995 per person and includes First and Standard Class rail travel throughout; 12 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast; eight dinners; a tour of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Prague and Budapest; a journey on the Children's Railway in Budapest; an evening dinner cruise on the Danube; an evening coach tour of Budapest's illuminated city sights; an introductory sightseeing tour of Berlin; all transfers; and a tour manager.

Porterage is provided at Brussels station between Eurostar and connecting services, while coach transfers with porterage are provided in Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Berlin. Single room prices include a supplement of £395.

To book or for more information call 01904-521980 or see www.greatrail.com

Charles Bridge, Prague

Wendy Wu Tours' 'Best of Asia' campaign offers upgrades & savings WENDY WU Tours has launched a number of new tours and exclusive offers on a selection of best-selling escorted tours to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan and India travelling during the British winter months.

British Airways upgrades to World Traveller Plus are available on selected tours to China departing this winter and bookable before May 31, while customers can save up to £200 per couple on selected tours to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and India when booked by May 31.

As examples of prices, a nine-day 'In Pursuit of Pandas' group tour leads in at £1,790 per person and offers a free upgrade to World Traveller Plus. Highlights of the itinerary include visits to the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Grand Buddha of Leshan, Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square and the Giant Pandas in Chengdu.

A new 'Winter Wonderland' group tour also offers a free upgrade to World Traveller Plus and costs from £2,690 for ten days. The tour’s highlight is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nine Villages Valley in the Sichuan Province of China – an area of snowy peaks, frozen waterfalls and emerald lakes.

Meanwhile, a nine-day 'Golden Triangle' group tour, which leads in at £2,090, offers a saving of £200 per couple.

Highlights include the colourful markets in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Group tours include flights, domestic transport, accommodation, meals, touring with expert guides, entrance fees and visa fees for UK and EU passport holders.

For details see www.winterinasia.com or call 0844-875 2436.

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Early Booking Bonanza Guaranteed best prices on 2015/16 Titan holidays!

SAVE UP TO

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To book or order brochures call FREE on 0800 988 5800 or visit www.titanagents.co.uk T’s & C’s apply. Calls free from BT landlines, mobiles may vary. † Excludes Scottish islands and Sark.

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newsbulletin Superbreak offers West End musical The Bodyguard, featuring Alexandra Burke ON JUNE 2, Alexandra Burke will join the cast of the hit West End musical The Bodyguard, to play the leading role of Oscarnominated superstar Rachel Marron.

Superbreak has a range of packages available to see the show that combine overnight accommodation with tickets. Prices lead in

at £116 per person staying at the three-star President Hotel with breakfast and a top priced ticket to the show.

All packages are fully commissionable and bookable online at www.superbreak.com/ agents For more information call 0871-221 4444.

SHIP AHOY!..Pictured marking the launch of Attraction World's own range of shore excursions is the company's group sales and marketing director, Tony Seaman. The new range is offered on cruises departing from June 1 onwards, with booking availability on 3,400 shore excursions in 680 port stops on 240 cruise itineraries and on 17 different ships. The new product will initially focus on the most popular 17 ports of call in the Mediterranean (which currently represents 75% of the Mediterranean UK cruise market in peak summer months) and offers pre-bookable shore excursions on Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, P&O and Celebrity Cruises.

For more information see www.attractionworld.com

Alexandra Burke

New range of escorted tours across Europe from Grand UK Holidays GRAND UK Holidays has added three new holidays to its range of escorted tours of Eastern and Central Europe for this summer.

The company's sales director, Harold Burke, said: “We have been expanding our range of holidays to Eastern and Central Europe as they have a particular resonance and appeal for our over-55s clientele. For decades, many of these destinations were out of bounds as they were behind the Iron Curtain, so our customers are particularly keen to explore these cities, now they have the time to visit.

“Also, being on an escorted tour means they can sit back and enjoy all the highlights of the region, without worrying about navigating or lugging their suitcases. Guided tours of the region’s beautiful cities means clients can be sure of seeing the attractions that will appeal to them and their fellow holidaymakers."

‘Capitals of Central Europe By Air’ is a new eight-day holiday, which starts in Prague and visits Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Brno. Prices are from £649 per person including flights from Stansted or Gatwick, a tour

manager and half-board hotel accommodation in Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

Also new for this year is ‘Secret Bavaria & Cruising the River Danube’ which offers an eight-day coach touring holiday, with a river cruise from Schlogen to Linz.

The tour costs from £639 and includes visits to Passau, Bavaria and Cesky Krumlov – a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Czech Republic.

Burke said: “This escorted tour combines two popular forms of sightseeing – the coach tour and

the river cruise – and it has the added bonus of a free drinks package in the Bavarian hotel (Haus Bayerwald) from 19:00 to 22:00 each evening.”

Also new is a ‘From the Rhine to Bavaria’ option which costs £699 on halfboard and visits Rudesheim, Augsberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, the Black Forest and Heidelberg. It also includes a river cruise element, taking customers along the Rhine past the Loreley Rock to the small riverside town of St Goarhausen.

For details call 01603-619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com

Family Festival with sporting legends Will Greenwood, Austin Healey & Andrew Strauss SPORTFEST UK, a family summer festival offering two days of world class coaching from sporting legends, camping, live music and food by Jamie Oliver, takes place at the Wormsley Estate, Buckinghamshire from August 2-3.

Sports stars will include Andrew Strauss teaching cricket, Will Greenwood and Austin Healey giving hands-on rugby coaching, while hockey enthusiasts can pick up some top tips from Olympic Bronze medallist Sarah Thomas.

The event, which is now in its second year, gives children, aged five-16, a unique chance to learn more about their favourite sports, develop skills and be inspired

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by the experts in tennis, netball, rugby, cricket, hockey and golf.

Other onsite activities include glamping, fitness sessions for parents, live music, children’s entertainers and crèche facilities.

SportFest UK, in collaboration with Super Skills Experiences, has tickets from £299 for the first adult and child, then £99 per additional child (aged five+) or adult thereafter and £49 for children aged three to four. Children under three go free of charge.

For tickets call 08442-439476 or visit www.sport-fest.co.uk

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newsbulletin New group tours from National Museums Scotland NATIONAL MUSEUMS Scotland has announced two new group tours tailored for the travel trade, which are designed to give visitors a flavour of the most famous treasures at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Scotland Highlights tells the story of Scotland from its geological roots to its technological future.

Accompanied by an expert guide, visitors will explore the National Museum’s six Scotland galleries, featuring precious objects that have shaped the Scottish nation.

Discover the National Museum will introduce visitors to the internationally important collections on display, taking visitors on an inspirational journey through the wonders of nature, the excitement of scientific discovery, the cultures of the world, the beauty of art and design, and the history of Scotland. Accompanied by an expert guide, the tour is ideal for first-time visitors and can be tailored to suit the particular interests of a group.

Group tours cost £5 per person, with a minimum charge of £50 per guide, and can be booked in advance by emailing info@nms.ac.uk or calling 0131-247 4041.

SATURDAY SURPRISE...On a recent visit to Bournemouth to exhibit at Bath Travel’s holiday show, Riviera Travel decided to surprise Bath Travel agencies in and around the area to promote its later opening hours on Saturday for agents (from 09:00-14:00). Pictured at Bath Travel in Poole (Dolphin Centre) are, from the left: the agency's Lisa Hatcher and Charlene Hannington; Joseph Grimley, Riviera Travel; and Nicky Lewis, Bath Travel.

Cosmos issues summer 2014 'Star Deals' brochure COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its Cosmos Star Deals brochure featuring a wide choice of value holidays (from £149 per person) across the Mediterranean, Red Sea and North Africa as well as Florida.

The company's product manager, Gemma Day, said: “Our newly launched Star Deals brochure offers agents a showcase of lowest deals for their customers across a wide choice of popular destinations for this summer. All Cosmos ‘Star Deal’ holidays have airport transfers included to make holidays as hassle-free as possible.”

A choice of accommodation and board options are available in Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Greece, Malta, Turkey and Florida.

Holidays to Florida are available from both Manchester and Gatwick airports, with prices from £579 per person including flights, three-diamond rated room-only accommodation and basic car hire.

‘Allocation on Arrival’ is a simple way for customers to choose their holiday at the lowest price possible by selecting a destination. The specific hotel/apartment is then confirmed on arrival in resort. This option is available in the Canary Islands, Mallorca, Turkey and Greece.

Prices start from £149 per person for a seven-night, self-catering stay in Zante based on allocation on arrival. It includes flights, two-diamond rated self-catering accommodation and transfers.

The operator's flight programme features a choice of durations and departures, some with daily flying from a range of UK airports offering customers the option of a minibreak, mid-length getaway or a long leisurely stay.

Mediterranean holidays are available from seven UK airports including Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Luton, East Midlands, Newcastle and Bristol.

Savings on China & Vietnam tours from China Links Travel CHINA LINKS Travel is offering savings on five tours to China and Vietnam, which includes one of its most popular ‘China Highlights’ departing in May, June and November.

Up to £300 worth of savings are available per couple, with a 16-day 'Cruise & Pandas' tour leading in at £2,648 per person, based on May 22 and June 12 departures, including flights, accommodation in four-star hotels, meals as specified, entrance to attractions, transfers, visa fees and transport.

For details see www.chinalinkstravel.co.uk/specialoffers or call 0843-506 4028

'Spring Bonus' deal from Rocky Mountaineer offers additional night in Vancouver ROCKY MOUNTAINEER has launched a 'Spring Bonus' offer where, until May 2, qualifying new bookings will receive an additional night in Vancouver.

For clients booking a new Coastal Passage holiday package of six or more nights, the extra hotel night can be added in Vancouver or Seattle with a dinner and breakfast at the hotel, offering a combined value of more than $750 per couple. As an example, an

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eight-day Canadian Rockies Highlights and Coastal Passage trip travels between Seattle and the Canadian Rockies, with a stopover in Vancouver and features a range of activities for the timid and the adventurous, highlighting iconic landmarks in Lake Louise and Banff.

The company's GoldLeaf Service offers gourmet cuisine, a guest service and panoramic views in customised bi-

level dome cars. The Spring Bonus deal is exclusively applicable to bookings of six or more nights in GoldLeaf and SilverLeaf Service on 2014 departure dates.

Guests adding Coastal Passage to any of the qualifying holiday packages receive complimentary dinner and breakfast at their hotel in Vancouver or Seattle.

For more information visit www.rockymountaineer.com

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Newsbites ● ●

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N

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Y THE time you read this I will have moved house, and I can honestly say that unless it is to move abroad I don't want to move for a long time. It was 22 years since I last moved! My loft was like the Tardis - it was never ending! I even found my skis which were at least 23 years old and still had an Enterprise luggage label on!

I think for a while I am going to be surrounded by bags and boxes and I’ll have a lot of sorting to do, but at least I can do it at leisure. I think I will have three large boxes with ‘keep’, ‘junk’ and ‘charity shop’ on.

Elay, Garfield and Yoshi (my cats) are wondering what is going on - they are having a great time checking the boxes and they will have a great time when I move. I am very lucky to have fields at the back of me so they will love that.

Attended a great evening in Leeds at the Hilton, organised by Events for Travel with Colin Sanderson and Lizzie for the Canary Islands. It was nice to meet different hoteliers who were all very keen and it was certainly well attended. Well done to Jonathan Tighe at Oakwood Travel, Leeds, who won a fantastic holiday with flights - great prize.

I mentioned Darren Phillips recently, who organises the Geordie Ball. He is waiting for your phone call to invite him for an interview as he is looking for a job come on those of you that know Darren - he is well known and liked in the industry and works very hard, so will be a great asset for any company! Email him at darren1964@hotmail.co.uk or call 07885-859300. He is quite flexible and is also looking into the possibility of starting a representation company for smaller companies/organisations who don't have the budget for a full time rep on the road.

‘I was trying to daydream but my mind kept wondering' and 'Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work'.

B

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win a Kindle Fire courtesy of Atmosphere Kanifushi resort in The Maldives. Enter our competition today at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a memorable 2 nights city break for two people in Salzburg, courtesy of the Salzburg Tourist Office.

Prize includes first class accommodation and Salzburg Discount Cards. Enter at: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a trip to Cologne from Viking River Cruises.

Runners-up prizes of Viking goody bags are also available. Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Tickets and Tables at the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2014 are available on an Early Bird discount up until 30th May. Reserve yours now at: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/reserve-tickets

All this and more at: To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email jill. sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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TAM AIRLINES, a carrier of LATAM Airlines Group, has joined oneworld.

TOURISM IRELAND reports that overseas visitor numbers have increased by 11% for the December 2013 to February 2014 period.

THE HOUSES of Parliament has moved its table service afternoon tea offering to a larger riverside location at the Terrace Pavilion. Afternoon tea can now be combined with either audio or guided tours. Tea sittings are at 13:30 and 15:15 and tickets are now available for dates through to August 30. Prices lead in at £27.50 in addition to the price of the tour ticket.

For details call 08440-847 2498 or see www.parliament.uk/visiting AVALON WATERWAYS has announced that London Olympic Gold medallist, Dr Katherine Grainger CBE, is godmother to Avalon Poetry II, one of two river cruise ships christened in a joint ceremony in Holland.

VISIT FINLAND has created an online Finngenerator, which tells users what they would be called if they were a Finn.

For details see www.visitfinland.com/campaigns/finngenerator/public/en MARK WARNER has announced the addition of new luxury ski apartments in the Austrian resort of Zell am See to its 2014/15 portfolio. Accommodation ranges from one- to four-bedroom apartments, including two penthouses, all of which are within two minutes’ walk from the City Express ski gondola.

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

AGENTS CAN gear up for lazy, hazy summer evenings as part of Travel 2’s latest campaign, ‘Australia: Build the Perfect Holiday’ with the chance to win one of four barbecue kits. The operator has teamed up with Tourism Australia, Emirates, THL, Real Aussie Adventures and Hamilton Island to highlight the must-see sights, beaches and sunshine on offer ‘Down Under’.

Agents can win one of four BBQ kits containing a gas barbecue, a crate of Aussie beer, a case of Australian wine and a food shopping voucher to spend on barbecue favourites. For a chance to win, agents need to book a holiday to Australia that includes flights with Emirates and a minimum of three days’ ground arrangements with the operator

by April 30.

For details see www.travel2.com

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JERRY BRIDGE, who in the past founded travel brands Bridge The World and Bridge & Wickers, has launched his latest venture – World Travel With Bridge. The new company acts as a holiday match finding service and he’s looking to work with UK travel agents. To celebrate the launch, a free case of wine worth £75 will be given to any travel agent who makes a booking for a customer.

If agents are happy with the service given, they can then sign up for a 12 month period which will cost £100 and use the service as many times as they wish. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, S.E. Asia, Indo China, China, Africa, South America, Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico.

For details email jerry@worldtravelwithbridge.com or see http://worldtravelwithbridge.com

Agent offer WENDY WU Tours is awarding agents an additional 2% commission for all new Southeast Asia bookings made

by May 15. The offer is valid on new bookings only.

For details call 0844-499 3899 or visit www.bambuclub.co.uk/news

Become a SANDIE’S SARDINIA...Sandie Connelly (right) from Reigate Travel won a week's holiday with flights for two to Sardinia, following a booking incentive with Sardinian Places. The operator's Gill Synnuck is pictured delivering the good news.

Fancy a fam?

IN PARTNERSHIP with Vietnam Airlines, Travel Indochina is running a megafam to showcase travel across Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. There are three itineraries and four different dates, plus the opportunity to take a personal companion. The ten-, 11- and 12-day itineraries include flights, luxury hotel accommodation, the operator’s touring (including an expert western tour leader and local guides) with prices from £895 per person. The companion fare is from £995. The trips depart on May 20 and June 3, 4 and 18. There are 16 places per departure for agent s and a travelling companion.

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Brand new interactive online modules Get ahead by planning, promoting and selling outstanding New Zealand holidays Register and find out more at:

www.traveltrade.newzealand.com

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @visitlondon Plan ahead when visiting London to get some great deals on attractions, accommodation and restaurants: http://ow.ly/tt0ZU @ukcruising Hurtigruten Announce Aggressive Pricing Strategy With Reductions Of Up To 30% http://bit.ly/1eeba9c @ValenciaCity Travelling to Valencia with children this Easter? See our Plans with Children section: http://bit.ly/1dMTkjb @CosmosHolidays Make the most of your May Bank Holiday with a villa break to the Algarve from £159pp. http://bit.ly/1fMzNdD @ABTALifeLine 'Run for your LifeLine!'

Fancy running the London 10k, 13 July to help travel colleagues in need? Get in touch! lifeline@abtalifeline.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ TravelBulletin

TARTAN TEAM...15 agents were the lucky prize winners of holidays to the Canary Islands at the recent workshops given by the Canary Islands Tourism Authorities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Leeds. The event, which was hosted by a delegation of tourism representatives from the Canary Islands, welcomed 227 travel agents who had the opportunity to network with tourist board representatives from Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Gomera, Lanzarote and Tenerife, as well as 24 hoteliers. Pictured at the Edinburgh event are, from the left: Lynne Smith, Grupo Serhs; Nancy Gordon (a winner), Explorer Travel; Rebekka-Johanni, Arrecife Gran Hotel; Anja Alles, Vik Hotel San Antonio; Siobhan Donaldson (a winner), Ian Dickson Travel; Lydia Ainsa, Fariones Hoteles; and Gordon Love (a winner) from Flight Centre.

Prestige Holidays teams with BA to offer special packages PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS is offering special packages to Bermuda, Croatia, Tenerife, Lake Garda, Malta and Morocco in conjunction with British Airways. Holidays lead in at £657 per person for a four-night break at the Maison Arabe in Marrakech departing on October 13 and include BA flights from Gatwick, private transfers and a complimentary Marhaba massage.

In Lake Garda the

operator is featuring a getaway at the Grand Hotel Gardone from £799 for a May 1 departure. It includes a free night, saving £66 per person, BA flights from Gatwick, private transfers and seven nights' breakfast accommodation with a lake view.

Other offers include a week’s stay at the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda, departing on June 19, and costing from £1,875, which

includes a free night (saving £131 per person), and a free second room for children on certain dates, plus a week’s stay in Malta from £839, staying at the five-star Hotel Phoenicia, based on a September 28 departure, which includes a saving of £53 per person if booked by April 30.

For more information or to book see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480400.

Jetset introduces new Affinity Codes for agents Jetset has created new discount codes, called Affinity Codes, for travel agents to pass on savings to their clients and help seal the deal.

The codes have no impact on agents' commission and are also being sent to the head offices of consortiums and travel groups when applicable.

They are redeemable against all products and are valid for set sale

periods. In some cases, where the discount is substantial, there may only be a number of Affinity Codes allotted, so agents are being encouraged to use them quickly.

As a special offer, and exclusive to Travel Bulletin, the Affinity Code TBULLFJ offers a £15 discount per person for agents booking clients on Emirates' Business and First Class seats by April 25.

TrekAmerica launches the UK’s first space tour, ‘Trek In Space’ for £199,000 per person TREKAMERICA HAS announced its first epic space tour, ‘Trek In Space’, which is now available to book online.

Due to leave from Houston on September 7, 2015, the countdown has begun for the six passengers that book this ‘once in a lifetime’ adventure, which is the first of its kind from a UK tour operator.

Passengers will get to experience zero gravity and see the curve of the earth from space as they travel into the upper levels of the earth’s atmosphere with Virgin Galactic.

Pre-flight treats include the possibility of meeting Richard Branson on Necker Island and indulging in a three-day intensive training course to prepare for the adventure.

The company's managing director, Richard Hanson, said: “We

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are extremely excited to announce this unique tour. Not only does it allow trekkers to experience space up close and personal, it lets them road trip along America’s most famous space-related landmarks."

The tour costs £199,000 per person and includes 11 nights' hotel accommodation and Business Class flights from the UK. The services of a professional tour guide will also be on hand to guide the amateur astronauts from Houston to Las Vegas. Other highlights include entrance to the Johnson Space Centre, a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon and a limousine tour of Las Vegas.

For more information visit www.trekamerica.co.uk/space or call 0333-999 7951.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 014

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

Fart Rag La

A➠

B➠ This operator shares its name with a battle which took place in 1805

C➠

Bus Erg

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, April 17th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 28th March is Emma Cameron, Dawson & Sanderson in Northumberland.

March 28 Solution: A=4 B=3 C=9 D=1

Fill in the gap of the 2008 film title starring Colin Farrell: “In …...”

Where Am I?

2014 Champions League final will be in this city.

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

Number: 014

Across 1. Well-known hotel chain (7) 5. Low-cost airline ___2.com (3) 7. Popular Scottish holiday isle (5) 8. Adventurer Ben Fogle has recently joined this Worldwide holidays team (5) 9. National Park on the coast of Sabah (8) 13. Four US presidents are carved into this Mount (8) 17. Andy Murray’s recently departed coach, Ivan (5) 19. West African capital city (5) 20. Warsaw Chopin airport code (3) 21. UK-based hotel company (7)

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Down 1. Russell Crowe portrays this biblical character at a cinema near you (4) 2. Crystal offers holidays to this Swiss ski resort (7) 3. Polynesian island Kingdom (5) 4. Greece and Cyprus specialist, sounds like a star sign (5) 5. Japan airlines, in short (3) 6. Sea between Australia and New Zealand (6) 10. Bahrain International airport code (3) 11. Ancient city in the Netherlands (7) 12. English singer-songwriter, Gary (6) 14. Popular Dalmatian resort (5) 15. Florida city home of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (5) 16. Largest island of the Seychelles (4) 18. Australian state, initially (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 22 April 11 2014

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Industry Insight by...

Tracey Poggio, chair of ANTOR, examines the importance of travel trade & consumer shows

RADE AND consumer shows have always been an important part of a tourist board’s calendar and this spring has been no exception for ANTOR members.

ANTOR surveyed members at the end of the first quarter which is arguably one of the busiest quarters in regards to the number of trade and consumer shows that take place.

The survey covered a number of shows that have taken place over the past couple of months including ITB; Confex; Adventure Travel Show; Cruise Show; Destinations (London); Destinations (Manchester); Dive Show; Wedding Show and the Outdoor Show. Other shows attended by those who completed the survey included the Triathlon Show; Holiday World; and Matka.

T

"We surveyed members on their opinions of roadshows at the end of the first quarter, which is arguably one of the busiest quarters in regards to the number of trade and consumer shows that take place.

Research found that although respondents generally prefer roadshows across the UK as a way of meeting with members of the travel trade, they found smaller, niche shows equally as effective as large trade shows."

Of our respondents, a total of 50% said that they had exhibited at ITB; 40% at the Adventure Travel Show; 40% at Destinations (London); 20% at the Outdoor Show; and 10% participated in other shows. All those 12

April 11 2014

who attended ITB and Destinations found that the quality of contacts were ‘Good to Excellent’, while 75% of those who exhibited found the Adventure Travel Show contacts to be ’Satisfactory to Excellent’. In addition, all those who participated at Destinations (Manchester), The Cruise Show, The Wedding Show and the Dive Show found that the quality of contacts was good.

"Members of the travel trade can meet with 90% of our respondents at our inaugural ANTOR meets the Travel Trade event, which will be taking place on June 10" Overall, 90% of all respondents still value these shows as an effective way for tourist boards to engage with members of the travel trade and 100% agreed that it is still an excellent way of meeting and interacting with consumers.

Although respondents generally prefer roadshows across the UK as a way of meeting with members of the travel trade, they found smaller, niche shows equally as effective as large trade shows. The majority of respondents agreed that both trade and consumer shows will continue to be of great value in the future.

Members of the travel trade can meet with 90% of our respondents at our inaugural ANTOR meets the Travel Trade event, which will be taking place on June 10. For more information please contact the ANTOR secretariat on secretariat@antor.com ANTOR members would like to hear more about what members of the travel trade think about the relevance of trade and consumer shows and would be grateful if readers would take our latest poll. The poll can be found on our homepage www.antor.com Trade and consumer shows ANTOR members are attending in future include M⁢ Bird Fair; World Travel Market; Selling Cruise Convention; Cruise Show (Birmingham); and The Travel Convention - and we very much look forward to seeingTravel Bulletin readers there. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Looking4Parking Limited expands into Africa AIRPORT PARKING price comparison company, Looking4Parking, has extended its service to Africa following a new partnership with African airline fastjet.

A new site, www.airportparkingafrica. com, will allow the airline’s customers to purchase parking from a select range of its destinations, with the service initially serving Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. Further expansion will continue this year to cover other locations.

Passengers travelling to these locations will be able to use the company’s existing price comparison site to pre-book airport parking and full integration into the airline’s booking system is due to occur later this year.

For details see www.looking4parking.com

Themed mini-cruise to Holland from P&O Ferries PASSENGERS CAN sail into spring with a P&O Ferries themed mini cruise to the Keukenhof gardens situated near Lisse, Holland.

The company is offering an all-inclusive deal including two nights on board in en-suite cabin accommodation, tickets to Keukenhof gardens as well as coach transfers.

Prices start from £93 per person based on two sharing, with departures available until May 14.

For more information visit www.poferries.com and click on the ‘mini cruise’ section or call 08716-646464.

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FRED.\ IS promoting a selection of tailor-made options including a special ten-day rail holiday of Eastern Europe. Priced from £1,119 per person and based on two people sharing, the itinerary includes travel from London to Berlin via Cologne, then on to Prague, Vienna, the Bavarian capital of Munich, before returning to Cologne and then back to London. The operator is also highlighting to agents that product from its newly launched standalone river cruise brochure is ideal for adding on to its Eastern European city breaks and rail holidays.

For details call 0808-159 5256 or see www.fredrivercruises.co.uk

New itineraries on the Danube from The River Cruise Line IN RESPONSE to new demand, The River Cruise Line has announced the addition of four new itineraries on the Danube for the second half of 2014, plus additional dates on two existing cruises.

The company's sales manager, Paul Sharp, said: “The second longest river in Europe winds through no fewer than eight countries as it makes its way from Austria to the Black Sea. A journey on the Danube is a chance to discover some of central and Eastern Europe’s greatest treasures, including spectacular scenery and beautifully preserved historic cities.”

The new itineraries include an eightday Budapest & Vienna Cruise on the Danube, which departs on July 10 and leads in at £999 per person. Departing from the Hungarian capital, Budapest, the cruise takes in historic Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, as well as Durnstein, Melk and Passau before finishing in Vienna.

A 15-day Cruise up the Rhine and down the Danube option is also available and costs from £1,999. Departing from Cologne on June 26, the itinerary ventures through the Rhine Gorge, along the MainDanube Canal, and along the Danube through Vienna, Bratislava and finally Budapest.

Both prices are based on two adults sharing on a full board basis, travelling on

MS Switzerland II, and include Economy flights from London, transport to join the cruise and the services of a cruise manager. Options to join the cruise by rail or by ferry and coach are also available.

Meanwhile, a ten-day Christmas Cruise on the Danube leads in at £1,099 based on a December 20 departure. The itinerary, which departs from Passau on the Germany/Austria border, travels to Bratislava and Budapest before returning up the Danube to spend Christmas Day in Vienna.

Also available is a nine-day New Year Cruise on the Danube which departs on December 27 and costs from £999. Both prices are based on two adults sharing on a full board basis and include travel on MS Serenity, ferry crossings, transport from pick-up points nationwide and the services of a cruise manager. Options to join the cruise by rail or by ferry and coach are also available.

Additional departure dates during the summer months have also been confirmed on the eight-day ‘Cruise the Danube to Vienna and Budapest’ itinerary on MS Serenity, and the 15-day ‘Danube from Budapest and Vienna to the Rhine Valley’ itinerary on MS Switzerland II. For more information visit www.sellingrivercruises.co.uk or call 0844-544 7580.

April 11 2014

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s k r a p y a d i l ho

EUROCAMP IS offering May half-term savings at its holiday parcs. Prices start from £420 for seven nights at the La Chapelle parc at Argelès Plage, located 200 metres from a sandy beach and offering five pools. Cycle hire is also available, while the resort of Argelès Plage and the city of Perpignan are within easy reach. The price is based on a stay in a two-bedroom Esprit mobile home from May 24 and includes a discount of £147.

For more information or to book call 0844-844 0000 or visit eurocamp4agents.co.uk

‘Go Active’ and ‘Xplore’ this Easter with Hoseasons with prices from £169 HOSEASONS IS promoting its range of three-, four- and seven-night breaks at more than 440 UK holiday park locations this Easter, with prices starting from £169.

The company has teamed up with the national governing body of British Orienteering to establish the ‘Xplorer’ programme of outdoor navigational challenges across all 18 Go Active locations from Friday April 18.

Go Active breaks are a flagship collection of activity based holidays exclusive to the operator and offer a wide range of activities to suit all ages and abilities.

The company's head of sales, Zena Calderbank, said: "All 18 UK locations offer access to the great outdoors with a selection of activities including horse-riding, white water rafting and archery, as well a good selection of weatherproof activities too including indoor swimming pools for snorkelling and waterwalkerz, climbing walls and beauty treatments.

“Our Go Active Breaks are all about having fun with family and friends in an exhilarating way. With Easter just around the corner and the weather picking up, now is the time to burst outdoors, shake the cobwebs off and get active again. Xplorer is a great activity for the mind and body and guarantees to lift the spirits."

Peter Buckley, commercial manager from British Orienteering, said: “Xplorer is a fun family challenge aimed at primary and pre-school children and their parents, grandparents and guardians. Using a simple map of the park, the aim is to find the points marked on the map and write down the name of the secret animal, learning facts too shown on the marker as families progress through the challenges.”

For more information or to book visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0844-847 1144.

HAVEN IS offering a fournight Easter break at selected holiday parks from £149 per family. The price is based on up to six sharing a standard twobedroom caravan, based on an April 21 arrival.

For details visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0871-230 1919.

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April 11 2014

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holidayparks Parkdean offers new & improved accommodation, entertainment & facilities following £11m investment HOLIDAYMAKERS BOOKING a British break with Parkdean this year are set to benefit from an extensive multi-million pound investment programme designed to further improve the operator’s collection of parks.

Following an £11million spend, guests visiting one of the company's 24 locations across the UK can now benefit from new caravan and lodge accommodation, including models with double glazing and central heating. Holidaymakers can also look forward to new and refurbished restaurants, offering new menus using locally sourced ingredients, plus a range of new activities and entertainment. These range from outdoor climbing walls and adventure play areas, to new takeaway and bar areas.

The operator has invested £7million on new and refurbished accommodation across its parks, which range from two- and three-bedroom caravans with extra space, to luxury four-bedroom lodges, many of which offer home comforts such as flat screen TVs. The company's chief executive, John Waterworth, said: “Over the last few years, we’ve welcomed thousands of UK holidaymakers onto our parks as we continue to build on our reputation as one of the UK’s leading holiday park operators.

"We firmly believe that our success stems from a commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and comfort to our customers and so we continue to invest heavily in these areas. So many of our bookings come from repeat customers; in fact we’ve welcomed a record figure of return customers this year. In order to keep this number growing, it’s imperative that we not only meet customers’ expectations but exceed them and we hope that our latest programme of investment will help us achieve just that.”

The investment activity also includes a £150,000 transformation of Spelding’s Bar & Restaurant at Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park in Scotland, which has seen the eatery double its capacity and benefit from a glass front that overlooks the local marina. Down in Devon, Ruda Holiday Park has also introduced four-bedroom luxury lodges nestled at Croyde Burrows behind the sand dunes of Croyde Bay. In addition, the company has extended its popular (and free) Showtime Entertainment programme, with four new live shows and two new children’s theme days, due to launch this Easter.

For further information visit www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk or call 0844-335 3348.

Life's A Beach And Then You Fly At Tattershall Lakes Country Park

AWAY RESORTS is encouraging guests at its lakeside retreat in Lincolnshire to dig out their lilos, rubber rings and bucket and spades this Easter as the operator prepares to open its first beach on its main lake at Tattershall Lakes Country Park.

The company has created a beach 20 metres by 16 metres for guests to relax on, paddle in the lake or enjoy a swim.

The beach will also be large enough to accommodate a beach volleyball court, and guests will be able to watch live bands perform on the park's new floating stage, which will be just in front of the park's main Propeller Bar to the left of the beach.

There will also be amphitheatre-style seating built into the grass just in front of the jetty that leads to the floating stage,

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so that guests can enjoy live music in the late spring and summer evenings.

Meanwhile, for thrill-seeking guests, a new flyboarding activity has been introduced at the park, with a 30-minute session for £95. A fly board is a waterjet-powered board that creates underwater propulsion that can force the 'flyer” up to 12 metres high out of the water. Guests that master flyboarding during their stay will also learn how to do stunts and tricks.

New luxury lodges have also been built at the park in time for Easter. There are 39 new lodges that will form part of a new holiday development around Rudd Lake and the fishing lake.

The company's managing director, Carl Castledine, said: “We have spoken to our guests about the one thing that

was missing at Tattershall Lakes, and the feedback was that a beach would be the icing on the cake. The added bonus is that during the long summer evenings, guest will still be able to enjoy the beach, but watch the live music at our new floating stage just metres away from the beach.

“Also, many of our guests come back again and again to Tattershall because of the range of activities on offer, so we are thrilled that flyboarding will now be available, and is a welcome addition to the water-skiing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding and cable wakeboarding that is already on offer.”

Prices lead in at £169 for three nights in a eight-berth caravan this month.

For more information or to book see www.tattershall-lakes.com

April 11 2014

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holidayparks Butlins offers new entertainment & activities this Easter with breaks from £79 BUTLINS IS offering new entertainment and exclusive activities at its three seaside resorts on all three- or fournight breaks until April 25.

Special Easter activities include a family Easter egg hunt around the resort solving clues that lead to an Easter treat, plus Easter-themed arts and crafts sessions. Children can also join Bonnie Bear in her Easter Parade around the Skyline Pavilion showing off their decorated Easter bonnets or visit piglets, lambs and bunnies at Spring Farmyard.

Shows returning for this year’s Easter break include Dick & Dom who will be performing live on stage in their new 45minute show; Cirque du Hilarious performing daredevil acts from across the world and comedy routines; and a new Scooby Doo show.

Meanwhile, the company's Minehead resort has welcomed the opening of a new traditional fairground.

Along with classic rides such as the helter-skelter and the dodgems, guests can get faster thrills on the likes of the paratroopers and trabant rides. For those

The new fairground at Minehead

wanting more traditional fun, games such as hook a duck and whack a mole are also offered.

The new attraction also includes a new World of Wonders show venue where guests can enjoy traditional fairground side-shows with a modern 21st Century twist.

All rides are included in the price of the break. A four-night Easter break at

Minehead costs from £79 per person, based on an April 21 arrival and two adults and two children sharing a Silver self-catering apartment.

Customers can save an exclusive £20 discount when booking in store with a travel agent when booked before April 30.

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

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Experience more at one of these fantastic locations...

New for 2014 Piran Meadows North Cornwall

Devon Hills Holiday Village South Devon

Hengar Manor Country Park North Cornwall

Cheddar Woods Lodges Somerset

Finlake Lodges South Devon

Oakdene Forest Hampshire

Gurnard Pines Isle of Wight Crowhurst Park Lodges East Sussex Bainland Lodges Lincolnshire

exclusively from

New for 2014

Even more activities Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest Nottinghamshire

The Bay Yorkshire Moors & Coast

New for 2014 Lochgoilhead Lodges Southern Highlands

Talacre Beach North Wales

Kielder Water Lodges Northumberland

Hunters Quay Southern Highlands

Brynteg North Wales

Piperdam Lodges Southern Highlands

Great Glen Water Park Northern Highlands

Book Now! Visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call: 0844 847 1144 *Price based on 3/4 night stay for 4 people sharing between 04/04/14-21/04/14. Accommodation only. Subject to availability, booking conditions apply, see brochure or website. ^Lowest Price Guarantee – we’ll match the price of any like for like accommodation for the same dates at the same location for the same number of people. Proof of booking price required in all cases. Proof is required within 7 days of confirming the booking. The lowest price rate must be available the day the booking is being made. We reserve the right to withdraw this guarantee at anytime – see main brochure or website for full terms and conditions. Please note Go Active Breaks activities are provided by third parties and not all of the above activities are available at all Go Active Breaks locations, see booking conditions for more information. Charges and age restrictions apply.

ABTA No. Y0662

See booking conditions for full details of our ABTA membership

S05 TB1104 2014 Seat Only_Layout 1 08/04/2014 15:34 Page 17

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Birmingham launches first chartered flights from China to the UK BIRMINGHAM WILL become the country’s first airport to offer UK charter package tours from China and the first UK airport outside of London to launch direct charter flights to China.

The move is a joint initiative between Birmingham Airport, China Southern Airlines, Caissa Travel Management Co Ltd and Birmingham China specialist agency, United Travel.

It is now possible to fly direct between Birmingham and Beijing following a £40m investment by Birmingham to extend the runway, which will open next month.

The summer programme will involve flights on a 248-seater A330-200 aircraft operated by China Southern Airlines from Beijing to Birmingham between July 22 and August 6.

The partnership forms part of the wider VisitBritain ‘GREAT China Welcome’ campaign, which was announced during the Prime Minister’s visit to China in November last year.

FROM THIS summer, airberlin will increase its frequency of flights from Berlin to Chicago. From May, the carrier flies daily non-stop to the city on Lake Michigan, with a range of connections from numerous German cities as well as from Austria and Switzerland. Thanks to the codeshare agreement with oneworld partner American Airlines, the airline also offers guests 41 additional connecting cities within the US, offering travellers flights from Berlin via Chicago to Denver, New Orleans or Seattle, amongst others.

Lufthansa increases UK & Ireland capacity for summer LUFTHANSA IS increasing capacity on services from the UK and Ireland for the summer with the introduction of bigger aircraft on a number of routes.

The changes are in response to increased customer demand and reflect the general economic upturn currently being experienced by the airline.

The largest increase is between Aberdeen and Frankfurt - up by 23%, followed by Glasgow up by more than 16% as the Dusseldorf service is increased from six to seven flights weekly; Dublin, up by more than 16% with the summer service to Munich increased from three to four flights a week from April and then to five flights a week in July and August; Manchester - up by more than 11%; Birmingham - up by almost 8%; Edinburgh - up by more than 7%; and Heathrow - up by 7%.

The carrier has also introduced some subtle timetable adjustments to create a better spread of the 12 daily services between Heathrow and Frankfurt in both directions across the day, making it easier for customers to plan their journeys.

Peak time services will operate hourly with departures from Heathrow on or around the half-hour and the return flights from Frankfurt on the hour. In addition, all flights between Heathrow and Frankfurt will be operated by the larger Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft resulting in almost 1,000 additional seats every week.

The carrier's flights are also due to move into the new Terminal 2 at Heathrow in early October as it becomes the new home for Star Alliance airlines. A new Lufthansa lounge will be unveiled at Terminal 2 and will be the largest of the airline's lounge facilities outside of its home base in Germany, catering for Premium passengers, Miles & More status members and other Star Alliance status customers.

For more information see www.lufthansagroup.com/media

Garuda Indonesia launches non-stop flight between Jakarta and Amsterdam GARUDA INDONESIA is set to launch a direct flight between Jakarta and Amsterdam on May 30, which will be connected with the airline’s new service to Gatwick in September.

Following its entrance into the SkyTeam global airline alliance on March 5, the airline is making a number of changes including the decision to make Amsterdam its hub for Europe and beyond.

The airline will serve the Jakarta to Amsterdam route, which will be the first commercial non-stop flight between

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Indonesia and the Netherlands, using its new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The new service will shorten passengers’ travel time from Jakarta to Amsterdam and vice versa to less than 14 hours.

Emirsyah Satar, president and CEO of the airline, said: “Following Garuda’s official joining of SkyTeam, the opportunities presented by the established SkyTeam hub at Amsterdam are too significant to pass up, as it will be an alternative gateway for passengers who wish to travel beyond Europe. They

will be able to choose from 1,064 destinations in 178 countries served by SkyTeam member airlines.”

London will also be served through the Amsterdam hub from September 8, with the route being Jakarta – Amsterdam – London – Amsterdam – Jakarta.

The airline will be operating both Jakarta-Amsterdam and Jakarta – Amsterdam – London routes five times weekly with the airline’s Boeing 777300ER aircraft, which will feature a three-class cabin configuration.

April 11 2014

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seatonly Air Malta marks 40th anniversary with activities & initiatives AIR MALTA is marking the 40th anniversary of its inaugural flight from Malta to Heathrow, which departed on April 1, 1974.

A selection of activities and initiatives are being offered including a special April edition of its in-flight magazine, ‘IlBizzilla’.

The company's incoming chief executive, Louis Giordimaina, highlights the fact that the airline’s anniversary comes during a very important year for Malta when it will celebrate key historical milestones.

He said: “These milestones have had a significant impact on the Maltese, making us who we are today. Air Malta in the past 40 years has been instrumental in opening new tourism markets and connecting us more than ever before to the rest of the world, thus contributing to the island’s social and economic development."

In its first year of operation, the airline carried 53,459 passengers, which has now grown to 1.7m, with almost 50m passengers carried over the past 40 years.

SATA resumes weekly flights to Ponta Delgado SATA International has resumed its weekly flight from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel. The airline is offering travellers free baggage allowance of 20kg per person; free golfing equipment allowance up to 15kg; and a free diving equipment allowance up to 15kg.

AirBaltic and Etihad Airways announce expansion of codeshare agreement LATVIAN FLAG carrier airBaltic has expanded its codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways to include routes from Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich to Abu Dhabi and Riga as of June 1.

Subject to government approval, the newly added codeshare routes will see the airlines offer 37 connecting return flights per week between Riga and Abu Dhabi, with both airlines placing their respective BT and EY flight codes on services to and from the cities.

AirBaltic already places its flight code on Etihad’s flights

between Abu Dhabi and Muscat, and the UAE flag carrier currently places its flight code on the Latvian airline’s services beyond Riga to ten northern European cities, including Bergen, Billund, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo, Stavanger, Stockholm, Tallinn, Turku and Vilnius.

Subject to further government approvals, Etihad also plans to place its flight code on airBaltic services beyond Riga to Kiev, Tbilisi, Palanga and Gothenburg.

For more information see www.airbaltic.com and www.etihad.com

EVA Air launches upgrade offer from Economy to Premium Economy for loyal customers TAIWAN’S INDEPENDENT carrier EVA Air is offering members of its frequent flyer loyalty scheme the opportunity to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy Class for a third fewer ‘air miles’ than usual.

Members of the Infinity MileageLands can save up to 10,000 miles when redeeming mileage for an award upgrade from Economy to Elite/Evergreen Deluxe Class on North American and European flights.

Passengers with a confirmed reservation who have purchased a Y/B/M/S class fare are eligible for the offer and must apply for the upgrade and complete the mileage deduction before May 31.

The offer is only

available to ticketed passengers with confirmed reservations made through the internet booking system.

For more information call 020-7380 8300 or log on to the online MileageLands section at www.evaair.com

UIA promotes services to Ukraine & worldwide

FINNAIR HAS launched dedicated aircraft featuring full-flat seats in Business Class to Tokyo and New York and, from May 1, to Beijing and Seoul. As of June 1, the full-flat allocation will also extend to Hanoi, Hong Kong, Nagoya, Osaka and Shanghai. The new seats are a result of the airline’s €29m programme to retrofit the majority of its Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft. The seats – which are already in use on the airline’s four newest Airbus A330s – are designed to provide a fully-flat bed of up to 200cm, while shoulder room measures 58cm. The fully adjustable seats also come with an individual reading light, adjustable head rest, mood lights and a range of inflight entertainment options.

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April 11 2014

UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL Airlines (UIA), which continues to operate as scheduled - apart from minor alterations on selected routes, has announced that all flights for summer are currently planned from/to Terminal D at Kiev Boryspil International Airport, meaning that passengers will benefit from smoother connections for international and domestic travel.

The carrier offers daily services between Gatwick and Kiev and its network stretches from the UK to Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East, with connections from Gatwick throughout Ukraine and to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, UAE and Thailand via Kiev.

The airline's growing partner airline network includes UK regional flights to Kiev and within Ukraine from Birmingham, Bristol, Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle with Brussels Airlines via Brussels; and Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich with KLM via Amsterdam.

For more information see www.flyuia.com or call 01293-596609.

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seatonly Etihad Regional announces launch of weekly Verona flights from Cambridge next month

Verona

ETIHAD REGIONAL has opened bookings for a new route from Cambridge to Verona in Italy, which commence from next month. The flights will depart weekly on Saturday afternoons between May 17 and October 25 and are operated by a SAAB 2000 aircraft.

In anticipation of the flights, Inghams has already been promoting a wide range of summer sun packages to the resorts of Lake Garda, whilst local cruise specialist, Ponders Travel, will be selling a new range of Adriatic and Mediterranean fly/cruises with pre- and post-voyage breaks in Venice and Verona, direct from Cambridge.

Flights start from £100 per person, one-way.

For more information or to book visit www.etihadregional.com

Qantas reopens route to Great Barrier Reef gateway HAMILTON ISLAND, the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is set to welcome the return of a direct Qantas service from Sydney.

Starting from July 2, the revived route, will fly three times a week during peak season.

Phillipa Harrison, Hamilton Island’s general manager sales, said: “The timing of this news has been impeccable, as the Island’s events calendar is soon to ramp up with Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in August, the Australian Ballet pas de deux in paradise in October and The Great Barrier Feast in November.”

Economy domestic fares will start from AU$139 (approximately £76) one-way, while business fares lead in at AU$569 (£312) one-way.

Exsus (020-7337 9050/www.exsus.com) is offering a ten-day holiday to Hamilton Island from £2,240 per person including flights from London to Sydney and Sydney to Hamilton Island; seven nights’ accommodation at the five-star Hamilton Island Beach Club; a la carte breakfast; Hamilton Island Airport transfers; unlimited use of the scheduled Island Shuttle service; and a full day trip with Cruise Whitsundays to the Great Barrier Reef. The price is valid for travel up until December 8.

For more information or to book visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au

71% of carriers believe the future of airline payments lies in mobile AIRLINES WILL increase their focus on new distribution channels such as mobile and social media over the next two years, according to WorldPay’s Alternative Payment and Distribution Landscape: Airline Distribution Channels report.

The company surveyed 68 global carriers (from low-cost to traditional), and found that 83% of airlines believe that improvement and deployment of new payment technology is a major business priority. They want to align their payment offerings with customer expectations to gain competitive advantage.

Carriers are focusing heavily on mobile as both a distribution channel and a means of payment, with some 71% saying the future of airline payments lies in mobile; 50% see mobile payments as a way to keep up with competitors and 45% see them as a way to increase revenues.

Over the next two years, airlines will extend existing mobile services to offer ancillary purchases such as seat upgrades,

booking management, onward travel and inflight purchases via mobile phones.

Mike Parkinson, the company's vice president airlines, said: “Mobile is not without its challenges – carriers cite increased fraud risk, integration with current systems and processes and mobile platform diversity as the biggest concerns. But with more than three quarters of the world’s population now having access to a mobile device, airlines can’t afford to ignore this high-growth channel.”

The report also found that cards remain the most popular payment method used by passengers to pay for goods and services on board, but alternative payment methods are growing in popularity. The number of airlines offering onboard mobile payments will increase from 5% to 36% in the next two years, and 18% of airlines plan to accept e-wallets by 2016.

To view the report visit www.worldpay.com/reports/airlinedistribution-channel

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April 11 2014

ABTA No.V1021

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OCEANIA CRUISES has added a new Black Sea sailing for summer 2014, currently on offer from £1,499 per person, with free air fare and free gratuities. The ten-night sailing, on the 1,250-guest mid-sized luxury cruise ship `Riviera’, embarks on July 19 in Istanbul and calls into Nessebar (Bulgaria), Constanta (Romania) where the ship spends two days cruising the Black Sea before calling into Batumi in Georgia, Trabzon and Sinop in Northern Turkey. The itinerary also visits Kusadasi and Athens.

For more information or to book visit www.oceaniacruises.com or call on 0845-505 1920.

IntoRussia promotes Sochi as ‘must see’ city & offers agent booking incentive RECENTLY PUT in the limelight as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sochi has set itself up to become a ‘must see’ city for visitors to Russia.

The Winter Games coverage focused on the snow capped mountains and huge modern stadiums, however, IntoRussia is highlighting the fact that Sochi offers more than just a winter playground. The city has more than 140 km of rugged coastline, interspersed with manmade sandy beaches, palm trees and high quality hotels, complete with poolside cabanas.

With regular flights from the UK with Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot and Transaero, Sochi is being promoted as an ideal

twin-centre city/beach break combined with Moscow or Istanbul, and the operator reports an increase in demand for tailored packages since the games.

Excursions are available to visit the Winter Theatre or the Summer Residence of the infamous Josef Stalin, while nature lovers can visit the curative Matsesta Springs and explore one of the best skiing resorts in Europe.

The company is currently offering a six-day package including all of the above and more, with prices leading in at £1,085 per person. In addition, for every similar package sold by May 30 for 2014 departures, agents will be awarded a £10 M&S voucher.

Balkan Holidays introduces new resort of Obzor to summer programme BALKAN HOLIDAYS is featuring a new resort on the Black Sea as part of its Summer 2014 programme.

Obzor is a one-hour, 30 minute journey from Bourgas Airport, and mid-way between Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. It offers a long, sandy beach while the Stara Planina Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop.

The operator's sales and marketing manager, Rupert Diggins, said: “New, all-inclusive hotels and friendly locals make Obzor an excellent choice for a relaxing holiday and it is a welcome addition to our choice of resorts on the Black Sea.” The company will offer four new

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April 11 2014

hotels in Obzor this summer – the allinclusive Sol Hotel Luna Bay Resort, the Byala Beach Resort, the Club Hotel Miramar and the Aparthotel, Casablanca.

The operator is also offering adultonly hotels for the first time. The fourstar Hotel Metropol in Golden Sands, Bulgaria, was completely rebuilt and renovated last year in a modern design and offers views of the Black Sea. Adults staying at the hotel will be offered an all-inclusive package in a sea view room, plus facilities including an outdoor infinity swimming pool.

Prices start at £494 per person for a seven-night break, flying from London on May 9 and staying on an all-

inclusive basis.

Other new accommodation on Bulgaria’s Black Sea this summer includes the Bahami Residence, Apartments Sunny Victory and Apartments Bisser in Sunny Beach; Hotel Lotus and Hotel Metropol in Golden Sands; Zornitsa Sands, St Vlas and Via Pontica Resort, Pomorie.

The company offers departures from 19 major regional UK airports with weekly flights to Bourgas and Varna plus new for this year, three flights from Newquay Airport in May and September.

For further information or to book call 0845-130 1114 or see www.balkanholidays/agents

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blacksea Explore Georgia on an exclusive group tour with Regent Holidays REGENT HOLIDAYS has places available on its 12-day ‘Classic Georgia Group Tour’ departing on June 6.

The exclusive trip is priced from £2,285 per person and is accompanied throughout by a tour leader. The itinerary starts in the capital Tblisi and takes in many of the country’s regions,

exploring the culture and scenery, including the Kakheti region, Gudauri, Akhaltsikhe and Kutaisi, before ending with two days in Batumi, on the Black Sea coast, where there is a visit to the botanical gardens.

The price includes flights from London, breakfast accommodation,

some additional meals, transfers and transport, sightseeing and the services of a tour leader and local guides. The trip will depart with a maximum of 16 participants.

For more information visit www.regentholidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.

Europe Square, Batumi

Marriott opens new property in Istanbul MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL is continuing its growth in Eastern Europe with the opening of the Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli, taking the company’s total number of properties to seven in Istanbul and 11 in Turkey overall.

The five-star hotel is situated within a 34-storey building on the European side of Istanbul and between the business districts of Levent and Taksim. With its cosmopolitan location in Sisli and proximity to popular cultural and historical sites, it is an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers.

The hotel’s 259 guestrooms offer views across the city to the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. Onsite facilities include a rooftop heliport, health club and spa, gym, indoor swimming pool, tennis court, Turkish bath, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms.

The company's managing director Europe, Amy McPherson, said: “We are delighted to open this magnificent hotel in Istanbul and build on our strong portfolio in Turkey. Over the past few years we have seen robust growth in Turkey where six of our 11 hotel brands in Europe are represented, demonstrating the growing strength of our portfolio of brands.

“Last year, we began a journey to transform our signature Marriott Hotels brand and introduce innovations across every part of the guest experience in response to the changing needs of the new generation of traveller.

Everything from technology and design to meetings is being revitalised and we are very proud that the Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli showcases many of these innovations and represents a new standard for the brand.”

Rates at the property start from €169 per night.

For more information visit www.marriotthotels.com

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April 11 2014

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blacksea We asked our staff the following question this week: If you could ban one thing from public transport what would it be??

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Eating crisps

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Girls putting their make-up on

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk People who stand in the ailse - blocking it - when there are seats available.

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

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Traffic wardens and hope they get a parking ticket

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk People who put bags on seats and take aisle seats when the window seat is free. I know your game!

CELEBRITY CRUISES is offering guests the choice of complimentary drinks or up to $300 onboard spend on its 12-night Black Sea and Greek Isles fly/cruise itinerary. The voyage, on Celebrity Constellation, leads in at £3,053 per person and is based on two sharing an oceanview stateroom. It includes flights from London, transfers, onboard meals and entertainment and a 12-night cruise (including taxes/fees) departing from Istanbul and calling at Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa in Ukraine, Burgas in Bulgaria, Mykonos and Athens in Greece and Kusadasi in Turkey. The price is based on a May 10 departure and the offer is valid until April 30.

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

Istanbul launch from Starwood Hotels STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with Cevahir Yapi Sanayi Turizm ve Ticaret A.S. to open a new Sheraton hotel in Istanbul.

Set to open next year, Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir will reinforce the global growth of the hotel brand as it remains on track to open its 500th hotel by 2015.

Sheraton Istanbul Atasehir will be located in the Atasehir district, a business and trading centre

located 8 km from the Asian trading port at the intersection of two main highways, connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.

Offering 160 guestrooms with scenic views of either the Marmara Sea or the city, the hotel will occupy the top section of a new multi-purpose building from the 18th to 27th stories.

For more information visit www.sheraton.com

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk The miserable driver

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April 11 2014

FRED.\, WHICH recently launched its first stand-alone River Cruise brochure, is promoting its Black Sea Cruise to travel agents. Prices lead in at £2,284 per person including flights, transfers to the ship, excursions and seven nights' full board accommodation, including unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner.

For details see www.fredrivercruises.co.uk or call 0808-256 8148.

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. NOVOTEL, 5. JET, 7. ARRAN, 8. BALES, 9. KINABALU, 13. RUSHMORE, 17. LENDL, 19. ACCRA, 20. WAW, 21. THISTLE. Down: 1. NOAH, 2. VERBIER, 3. TONGA, 4. LIBRA, 5. JAL, 6. TASMAN, 10. BAH, 11. UTRECHT, 12. BARLOW, 14. SPLIT, 15. MIAMI, 16. MAHE, 18. NSW.

Highlighted Word: NAMIBIA Travagrams: (top) Trafalgar

(bottom) Bruges

Where Am I?: Lisbon

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The Number 1 Specialists to the Balkans

BULGARIA

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TO BOOK OR FIND OUT MORE T: 0845 130 1114 Brochures via BP Trade-Gate www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents www.facebook.com/bhagents www.twitter.com/balkanagents

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