Travel Bulletin 11th July 2014

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July 11 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,880 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Red Sea

Operators welcome rise in visitor numbers as confidence returns DON’T MISS...

with this issue

this week agent bulletin 9 the latest agent booking incentives, training updates & offers

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pix mix pictures from the annual Midlands Travel Trade Ball

17 uk & ireland breaks to promote to clients that won't break the budget

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far east updates from the Thailand Travel Mart plus a round-up of new product launches

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Worldwide

Titan’s flagship collection of award winning escorted tours and cruise holidays

Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service® Door-to-door transfers included from every UK address†

2015/16 WORLDWIDE BROCHURE OUT NOW! Special offers for solo travellers ■ 175 amazing itineraries SAVE between £50 and £500pp on selected itineraries

To book 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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This Week news 3

report reveals all-inclusive holidaymakers splurge on spa treatments

Cover Pictures: Main - Siva Sharm Resort and Spa, Red Sea Holidays

Inset - Butlins

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at home with eileen Travel Counsellors' Eileen Saunders takes a trip to the Lake District

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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bulletin briefing

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hotel bulletin

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pix mix

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personality bulletin

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uk & ireland

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red sea

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far east

the latest agent booking incentives, training updates & offers play Su Doku for a chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher ANTOR highlights the benefits for agents attending World Travel Market hoteliers increase marketing spend in online and social media pictures from the annual Midlands Travel Trade Ball Bryan Arnicar from Tourism Australia is in the hot seat this week breaks to promote to clients that won't break the budget operators welcome rise in visitor numbers as confidence returns updates from the Thailand Travel Mart plus a round-up of new product launches

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TURKISH DELIGHT...To mark 25 years in business, Anatolian Sky Holidays recently took a group of 11 agents on a sevenday fam to highlight tailor-made itineraries incorporating some of Turkey’s most iconic natural wonders and historic sites. Pictured are, from the left: Toni Hart, Travel Soon; Samantha Pearson, Mercian Travel; Daisy Marwaha, Anatolian Sky; Sarah Childs, Robins World Travel; Penny Higgs, Anatolian Sky; Oscar – Guild; Helder Lemos, Gallivant Travel; Satish Kumar, Assinian Travel; Sarah Tetik, Dream Time Travel; Tom Seddon, On Your Travels; Kayleigh Bennett, Peaks Travel; and Dean Sheriff, Turkish Airlines.

All-inclusive holidaymakers splash out on spa treatments according to report COST-CUTTING holidaymakers are reining in their spending on meals, drinks and internet access charged as extras on all-inclusive trips in Europe, but new research by Post Office Travel Money reveals that they are happy to splash extra cash on spa treatments.

More than one-in-seven holidaymakers said they had expected spa treatments to be included in their European all-inclusive packages. However, none of the European resorts contacted by the Post Office for the fourth annual All Inclusive Holiday Report offered this. As a result, almost three-in-ten (28%) of people who had taken European allinclusive trips paid extra to pamper themselves with spa treatments, while 35% of holidaymakers on long-haul trips spent money in the spa. At an average of £43 per treatment, this means that in total six million all-inclusive holidaymakers paid £253m for massages and other rejuvenating treatments.

Other findings from the report revealed that bargainhunters who have stayed in European resorts now expect less to be included in their package and fewer are prepared to pay for extras than they were just two years ago. In contrast, UK holidaymakers visiting long-haul resorts not only expected more from their all-inclusive package, but more of them were prepared to pay for extras; 76% paid extra to get the holiday experience they wanted – 6% more than a year ago.

Against the backdrop of a rising UK pound, Post Office Travel Money also compared the cost of all-inclusive and B&B holidays. After adding the cost of eating in resort restaurants and buying drinks in local bars, it found that both couples and families could save money by booking a B&B holiday in several popular European resorts during the summer. These included the Spanish Costas, the Algarve, Agia Napa in Cyprus and Sunny Beach, Bulgaria.

Mallorca was the only destination where the all-inclusive cost was lower.

More than half of holidaymakers 'forget holiday essentials' WE’RE A nation of forgetful flyers according to foreign exchange provider, Travelex. It comes as a recent survey has revealed that half of Brits admit to forgetting holiday essentials when jetting off on their annual summer holiday.

The results also found that women are the worst culprits when it comes to leaving things behind, with 58% forgetting holiday essentials.

Other findings from the survey revealed that more than two-thirds of forgetful holidaymakers admitted to relying on airport shops for their holiday essentials.

Perfume tops the list of airport purchases with 40% of people revealing they choose their scent before flying, with books coming in second followed by sun cream, makeup and currency.

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newsbulletin Sunshine survey reveals half of Brits have 'no idea' when their passport expires ACCORDING TO Sunshine.co.uk, more than half of Brits couldn’t say how long was left on their current passport without checking their documents.

The company conducted the poll following the recent reveal of the passport application backlog, which has allegedly affected as many as

half a million holidaymakers. A total of 1,822 adults from around the UK took part in the poll and answered questions relating to their holiday plans and passports.

Respondents were initially asked if they would be able to accurately state when their passport was due to expire to the nearest year, to which

53% said they had 'no idea’, 37% said they had a ‘rough idea’ and 10% said they ‘definitely’ knew.

The poll also revealed that almost a fifth (17%) of the respondents taking part admitted that they had previously forgotten their passport and hadn’t realised until they arrived at the airport, port or train station.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Watch offers sailings from Newcastle FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines is offering cruise deals from £67 per person, per night on Black Watch.

A series of seven cruises from Tyneside are available through to October on a variety of worldwide itineraries – from a sevennight ‘Norwegian Fjords’ cruise to a 15-night ‘Canary Islands’ sailing.

Guests taking advantage of the deals from Newcastle can choose to upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package for a special price of £10 per person, per night.

The deal includes selected wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks, while premium branded drinks are available at half price.

The line will also be offering guests its exclusive ‘Enjoyment Promise’ to encourage people to try cruising. Under the

promise, people who have never cruised with the company before will be able to try a cruise and, if they do not enjoy it, will be flown home and refunded their cruise fare. The promise is valid for bookings made at least 14 weeks in advance, and does not apply to cruises of six nights or less, or with a duration greater than 35 nights.

The line's sales and marketing director, Nathan Philpot, said: “We have made a considerable investment in adding our unique branding to the Port of Tyne’s International Passenger Terminal, and we are committed to our cruise programme in the North East. We will be offering an even greater number of cruise departures from Newcastle in 2015, with eight in total, and we are

Aalesund, Norway

happy to be making our own contribution to the estimated £54m that the cruise industry generates for the economy in the North East each year.”

As an example of prices, a 14-night ‘Stockholm & St. Petersburg’ cruise, ex Newcastle departs on

September 14 and costs from £999 per person. Ports of call include Oslo, Stockholm, Tallinn, St. Petersburg and Travemünde.

For more information or to book see www.fredolsencruises.com

BVI Tourist Board announces launch of new flight

MAD HATTER'S PARTY...The Regent Travel team in Stone, Staffordshire raised £900 for MacMillan Nurses following a Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Pictured ready to serve tea to clients are, from the left: the agency's Sarah Clewlow, David Barrett, Becky Sims, Laura Marshall, Sharron Gallagher and Diane Hammond.

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THE BRITISH Virgin Islands has become more accessible with launch of new air services from Virgin Islands Airlink.

Connecting VC Bird International Airport in Antigua (ANU) with T.B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), Beef Island, Tortola, the new flights launch on November 1.

Flights will operate twice weekly on Saturdays and Sundays. All-inclusive fares, from £249 round-trip, are scheduled to connect with the British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights to and from Gatwick, providing a supplementary service to the current LIAT air service operating from ANU to and from EIS. The flights support the additional travellers arriving on weekends from the UK. Ginny Hawksley, UK manager of the BVI Tourist Board, said: “The launch of the new flights enables travellers from the UK to enjoy more time in the British Virgin Islands thanks to a quicker transfer time in Antigua. The personalised meet and greet concierge service also takes the stress out of connecting flights and ensures guests arrive in style and depart feeling truly relaxed.”

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THE SKY'S THE LIMIT...Marking the launch of Scandinavian Airlines' (SAS) new flights between Bristol and Stockholm are, from the left: Lorna Thornton, SAS; Robin O’Neil, Isambard Kingdom Brunel; Shaun Browne, Bristol Airport; and Georgian Lady, Glenys Hale. The Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Georgian housekeeper posed for photos to represent two of the area’s most popular tourist attractions – Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol and No.1 Royal Crescent in Bath. The new flights operate twice weekly until August 15 using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Fares start from £75 one-way or £126 return, including taxes and charges.

For details see www.flysas.co.uk or call 0871-226 7760.

Archipelago Choice’s seven-night deal in the Azores offers active breaks for families ARCHIPELAGO CHOICE is offering a seven-night active family holiday to the largest of the Azorean islands, Sao Miguel from £3,874, based on two adults and two children under the age of 17 sharing.

The price, which is based on August departures, includes direct flights with SATA International from Gatwick, airport taxes, a seven-night, self-catering stay at Quinta Santana, seven days' car hire, as well as three of the following

activities: jeep tours, mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking, whale watching and swimming with dolphins.

With free time available, families can explore the island at their own pace or personalise their itineraries with additional activities.

SATA is also offering free baggage up to 15kg per person.

For further information or to book call 01768-775672 or see www.azoreschoice.com

World's highest observation wheel, The High Roller, opens in Las Vegas The High Roller observation wheel has recently opened in Las Vegas and is the focal point of The LINQ, an openair shopping, dining and entertainment district.

Standing 550ft high, the wheel is the tallest in the world and features 28 spherical cabins that each accommodates up to 40 guests.

The cabins are 21’ in diameter and offer floor to ceiling glass windows for

panoramic views of Las Vegas and the surrounding valley.

The new attraction travels at one foot per second and takes roughly 30 minutes to make one full revolution.

Guests are also offered an immersive pre-ride experience on their journey - from ticketing through to the wheel house, complete with a lounge.

Following their ride, guests can discover The LINQ, a

The High Roller

pedestrian-friendly district with a neighborhood vibe.

Spanning more than 300,000sq.ft, the district

features more than 30 unique retail, dining, nightlife and entertainment venues.

Attraction World highlights selection of exclusive offers for July with agent incentives ATTRACTION WORLD has issued a selection of exclusive offers for this month.

As examples, a Disney 14-day Ultimate ticket is available for the price of seven days, valid on all 2014 departures booked during July.

Agents also have the chance to win a VIP day out with cocktails, cooking and dining when they make a booking by emailing the booking reference to ilovedisney@attractionworld.com Meanwhile, to celebrate the opening of Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort, the company is giving away ten

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luxury goodie bags to agents making a booking for a three-park bonus ticket this month. Agents can email the booking reference to universal@attractionworld.com The company is offering free euros at Siam Park and Loro Parque in Tenerife. The deal offers 5 per person spending money on all one-day tickets to the parks and 10 per person on all multi-park tickets.

Agents also have the chance to win one of ten VIP goodie bags by making a booking to either Siam Park or Loro Parque during this month and emailing their booking reference to ilovetenerife@attractionworld.com

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week

Iberostar launches new microsite

Who’s saying what on Twitter... @ospreyholidays South of France anyone..?

2 nights in Nice flying from @LDNLutonAirport on 15th September from £225pp @HolidayExtras Check out these awesome wine tasting destinations #cheers http://buff.ly/1pZjzUx @visitlondon Take a thrilling childfriendly @LondonRIB tour on the Thames: http://bit.ly/1rbn7Xs @1stclasshols Discover Canada & New Zealand with 1st Class Holidays http://eepurl.com/XuHur @thriftycars Added savings! Save 10% on your next weekly rental of an Economy through Full-size car. #traveldeal http://rsysi.com/2/ iAczAApKj

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

LEFT BREATHLESS...The Dominican Republic Tourist Office, in partnership with BA, took a group of agents on a fam. Pictured visiting the new Breathless resort in Punta Cana are, from the left: Sharon Murphy, Travel Counsellors; Julie Giles, Travelabout; Sophie Walker, Avios; Laura Fordyce (front) The Holiday Place; Nicholas McKay, Travel Designers; Tricia Grover, BA; and Esther Smith, Dominican Republic Tourist Office.

New Cuban tour from Riviera Travel RIVIERA TRAVEL has added a new tour to its programme.

The 13-day The Star Flyer - A Cuban Discovery leads in at £2,499 per person.

It includes scheduled flights to Havana, five-star accommodation, a selection of guided tours and excursions, visits to a selection of beaches plus time for snorkelling and swimming.

The tour is escorted by a tour manager.

For more information email agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk or see www.rivieratravel.co.uk

Insurance savings from American Express AGENTS CAN save their clients 20% on travel insurance with American Express when purchased online at insurance.americanexpress.co.uk/travel-insurance The discount is available on the full range of travel insurance products, which include the Annual Essential, Annual Prestige, Select and Gap/Backpacker Travel Insurance policies.

IBEROSTAR HOTELS & Resorts has initiated its latest brand communication strategy with the launch of its new ‘Inside IBEROSTAR’ microsite, which provides users with all the information they need to plan their holiday.

The company's latest campaign has shifted its media and advertising strategy, using ‘Inside IBEROSTAR’ as the title of the campaign and “Enjoy being a Star” as the brand’s slogan.

The site features ten interactive sections that demonstrate everything the company offers.

Users can browse videos, images and brand/product content, as well as search for content dedicated to specific activities such as golf, weddings, honeymoons and business meetings.

Three versions of the microsite are available to accommodate PCs, mobiles and tablets, in addition to seven languages.

For more information visit http://inside.iberostar.com

Great Sail Away summer promo with free onboard spending from P&O Cruises P&O CRUISES has launched Great Sail Away, a two month summer promotion for holidays departing from September through to June 2015 with a range of offers.

Benefits include free additional on board spending money on the line's Select Price holidays, plus free flights on world sector cruises this winter.

In addition, reduced Early Saver prices are being released for sailings starting from September 1 up to the end of June 2015.

The promotion will run throughout this month and next and cover departures which include those over the key school holidays of autumn

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half-term, Christmas and Easter 2015.

There is a wide selection of childfriendly or adult-only holidays and destinations including short breaks to Bruges, ex-UK to the Mediterranean, Atlantic islands, Baltic and Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean fly/cruises and transatlantic Caribbean cruises, as well as world cruises and sectors of world cruises.

Offers will also be available on new ship Britannia which launches in March 2015.

The free extra on board spending money on Select Price holidays can be spent on drinks, fine dining, shop

purchases, spa treatments and shore excursions booked on board, and is in addition to the Select Price benefits which include: a choice of on board spending money, car parking or return coach travel (on cruises seven nights or more); a choice of cabin; first priority restaurant booking; first priority for upgrades; shuttle buses; and flexibility to change the booking.

As an example, bookings made by July 31 for a 48-night world cruise sector from Southampton to Brisbane on Arcadia, departing on January 6, 2015, cost from £4,899 per person for a Select Price with free flights to London worth £730.

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Newsbites ●

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THE RESIDENCE Tunis in Tunisia has launched a new Golf Performance Academy for both adults and children which has been designed to enhance and complement the hotel’s Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole course. The academy offers mental, technical and physical training for beginners through to advanced golfers wishing to improve their game, as well as a year-round driving range, 50 green bays, three dedicated short green games, a large putting green, online coaching (performance statistics, exercise programmes and drills) and a junior golf school. A seven-night breakfast stay at the property costs from £935 per person including flights and private transfers with Bailey Robinson.

For details call 01488-689700 or see www.baileyrobinson.com and www.theresidence.com/tunis

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Name game offers savings from DFDS Seaways DFDS SEAWAYS is offering passengers a £5 discount each way on their cross Channel sailings if they name their favourite French food and wine pairing.

Traditional pairings include Boeuf Bourguignon and a red pinot noir wine from the Burgundy wine region, such as Vosne-Romanée or Morey-Saint-Denis. More eclectic choices include pairing a smooth meat paté with a sweet wine, such as Sauterne from the Bordeaux wine region.

Guests can share their own perfect pairings by visiting www.dfds.co.uk/pairings before the end of this month to receive the discount on Dover routes.

For more information call 0871-574 7235.

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SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT has secured a new daily service to and from Hamburg from October with Flybe. The new service is ideally timed in the evening, so business travellers can be ready for a full day’s work in northern Germany.

For details visit www.southamptonairport.com BIRMINGHAM’S NEWEST tourist attraction, Wonderful World of Trains & Planes, is finalising Phase 1 of its development in preparation for its August 1 launch date. The attraction offers a funfilled adventure by train from the UK through France, to Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the US and Japan, with other countries coming on board at a later date.

Visitors can go back in time to 1831 and the first American train, move to 1890s France and watch the Impressionists painting on the Normandy coast; walk the red carpet in Grand Central Station in 1902 as they board the Twentieth Century Limited, America's greatest train; or journey on the Super Chief to Los Angeles with Hollywood stars of the day. Other highlights include the Japanese Shinkansen and France’s TGV. POP AND dance music producer David Guetta is to headline a unique concert in the Azores from July 18-19. Targeted at young music fans, the concert is part of the Azores Greenfest, a new festival celebrating music and nature. The Azores @ Night concert will take place in Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater on Sao Miguel Island.

For details see www.fabricadeespectaculos.com or email info@fabricadeespectaculos.com SPAIN'S ANDALUCIA is hosting the first international conference on halal tourism to look at how the industry can capitalise on one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. The Halal Tourism Conference is being held on September 22-23. According to the latest figures, the halal tourism sector was worth $140b in 2013 representing around 13% of global travel expenditures. This figure is expected to reach $192b by 2020.

For details see www.htc2014.com or email info@cmmedia.co.uk

Travel Counsellors announces plans for corporate travel growth & developments TRAVEL COUNSELLORS announced significant growth and future developments for its Travel Management Division at its recent Business Travel Conference.

Speaking to 100 of the company’s corporate travel specialists at the event, held at Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, managing director Steve Byrne revealed that the division has grown on average by more than 30% over the last four years, with

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corporate travel turnover growing to more than £100m in 2013.

The company now has more than 100 consultants specialising purely in business travel, and a further 200 working in both the corporate and leisure travel arena, with this division now accounting for half of the growth of the business overall over the past four years.

Byrne said: “Business travel offers a strategic opportunity for growth and

our agents are presented with significant potential to reshape the future of business travel in the UK. Connecting emotionally with clients and providing a personal concierge service that saves the client time and money will form the cornerstone of success for business travel in the future, and the agents that do this well are those that have an assured future.”

To further build on its growing business travel division, the company is

continuing to heavily invest in technology offered to its corporate agents. This was highlighted during IT director Paul Speakman’s presentation when he revealed a range of new improvements to the company’s dynamic packaging system, Phenix, including newly branded and designed documentation which is fully integrated into the system to streamline the booking process, making it more personal and bespoke to clients.

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newsbulletin Barbados launches ‘Re-discover’ dining package

e m o h At en...

e l i E with

ileen orker E w e m o as h th?

What h p to this mon u n e be

’VE JUST got back from an enjoyable few days in the Lake District. I’ve never been there before but it exceeded my expectations in every way. It was even more beautiful and unspoilt than I’d anticipated.

We booked at the last minute and the hotel we chose turned out to be a real find. We stayed at Lancrigg, a small vegetarian country house hotel, situated in a beautiful quiet location overlooking the Easedale Valley and just a short walk from the Lakeland village of Grasmere. The house was once a much loved haunt of the romantic Lakes poets and it was easy to see why.

It was totally different from the usual style of hotel that I stay at but I loved everything about this place. With its quirky, shabby chic charm and friendly atmosphere, it felt more like I was staying at a friend’s house in the country rather than a hotel.

Our room was spacious with a whirlpool bath and best of all, the most comfortable bed I’ve slept in for a long time.

After a great night’s sleep, it was wonderful opening the shutters each morning to see the most wonderful view of the garden and the valley below.

The food at the hotel was extremely good, mostly organic and locally sourced. For a vegetarian like myself, it was wonderful to have a full menu to choose from unlike at most hotels, where one token veggie dish is offered. My husband who is not vegetarian loved the food here and said if all veggie food was as delicious as this, he was sure there would be many more converts.

Situated in the very heart of the Lake District mountains, this is the perfect location for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. In such a beautiful area, even I was inspired to go off walking. I had no problem walking along the valley but on the climb up to one of the crags, I realised how unfit I am. However, I made it to the top and it was worth all the puffing and panting as the view was absolutely stunning.

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THE BARBADOS Tourism Authority has joined forces with nine of the island’s favourite dining hotspots to create a package that offers dining from $99 per person (approximately £29.50).

The 'Re-discover' deal offers customers a three-course dinner each, plus a bottle of wine per couple.

To take advantage of the offer for their clients, agents can choose a dining experience via www.re-discover.com Virgin Holidays is offering seven nights’ accommodation at Time Out Hotel from £769 per person. It is based on two adults sharing on a room-only basis and includes flights from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic departing on September 15.

For details or to book call 0844-557 3859 or see www.virginholidays.co.uk and www.visitbarbados.org

Jet2 extends Edinburgh-Verona service JET2.COM HAS announced an extension of its Edinburgh to Verona service for winter 2014/15. Weekly flights to the historic Italian city are on sale now and will operate on Saturdays from December 20.

As well as being the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona enjoys a rich history with numerous museums and galleries to visit, plus Lake Garda on its doorstep.

Flights start from £50 per person including taxes.

For more information or to book visit www.jet2.com

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win a place a Fam Trip place to Fiji, courtesy of the Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji. Just answer five questions to enter. Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win an amazing £1,000 shopping spree at Selfridges, courtesy of Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Manchester Airport. See: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions for full details.

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Win a pair of round-trip Condor Economy Class tickets from London to Brazil. Enter today at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.

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Design a new slogan for the China National Tourist Office for your chance to win an iPad mini. Enter your suggestions at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

TRAVEL 2 is giving agents the chance to earn shopping vouchers on all qualifying Australia bookings made before July 21. Agents can earn a £10 shopping voucher for an Australia booking with flights, a £20 voucher for an Australia booking with flights and three nights' accommodation, a £40 voucher for flights and seven nights' accommodation and a £50 voucher for flights and 14 nights' accommodation or flights and an extended tour or flights and 14 nights' campervan hire.

For details see www.travel2.com

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MAJOR TRAVEL has teamed up with airlines Etihad, Virgin, Royal Brunei, Delta, United, Air Canada, Air France and KLM to help celebrate its 40th year in business. Leading up to the big celebration in August, every partner airline booking made with Major will qualify for entry into a daily prize draw to win one of several £40 shopping vouchers, with a final prize of £400. All prize winners will also be invited to the company's 70s themed birthday bash in London’s West End on August 14 where more prizes can be won, courtesy of airline, cruise and hotel partners.

Agents can make prize-winning bookings online at www.major4agents.co.uk or by calling 0800-035 5681.

OCEANIA CRUISES is offering agents the opportunity to earn £50 additional commission, a £50 staff incentive plus upgrades and savings for customers booking places on the line’s September 22 `Black Sea Legends’ departure from Istanbul to Athens. Guests are also being offered value fares for the sailing, with savings of up to £2,937, free return UK airfares, optional Business Class upgrades from £199, free gratuities, free unlimited premium spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks and free unlimited internet. Staterooms are available from £1,649 (saving £1,417), with the best value and savings on a Penthouse Suite available for £2,549 (saving £2,937). For details call 0845-505 1920 or see www.oceaniacruises.com

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Agent training

AGENTS SIGNING up for Norweg ian Cruise Line’s virtual university, NCL U by July 31 will be in with a chance of winning one of ten £10 High Stre et vouchers. As an NCL U student, agents can take differe nt courses and electives, collect points and win cruise prizes in a yearly prize draw, receive insider info rmation and connect with fellow students, play games and participate in regular competitions and prize draws.

LONDON & Partners, the Mayor’s promotional organisation for London, has created a spe cific London module as part of a free online travel trainin g programme known as BritAgent, managed by VisitBritain . The module is tailored specifically for agents, operators and DMC’s with an interest and desire to promo te Britain as a destination, and offers key knowledge needed to sell London more effectively to clients. Topics include Culture & Sightseeing; Theatre, Entertainm ent & Leisure; Shopping; Food & Drink; and Acc ommodation.

For more information visit www.b ritagent.com

Agent offer PREFERRED HOTEL Group has launched its first travel agent rate, which offers agents either a 50% discount on the best available rate or a flat fee of $100 (approximately £59) per night at more than 160 independent luxury hotels worldwide.

Deals are available via GDS. For details visit www.preferredhotelgroup.com/tarate

CAROL'S COUP...The Greek National Tourism Organisation recently ran an online competition with Travel Bulletin where agents had to correctly answer questions about the destina tion. Pictured collecting her prize of a Kindle fire HD tablet is Co-operatve personal travel advisor, Carol Smith.

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newsbulletin Cosmos issues latest product range for winter 2014/15 & summer 2015

CHOCS AWAY...SuperBreak recently paid a visit to Dawson and Sanderson in Ashington to say thank you for their continued support and for growing their business with the operator year-onyear. Pictured receiving a chocolate treat is the agency's Julie Haxon (left) with Kelly Giblin from SuperBreak.

It’s back to basics with BackBliss...

AGENTS SELLING holidays to solo travellers might like to highlight the BackBliss Lotion & Cream Applicator to their clients. The device helps users apply sun lotion, cream or after sun to that awkward middle part of your back to keep it protected in and out of the sun. Of course, it is also ideal for couples reluctant to ask their partner for help in applying lotion or those who are unable to help. A single pack costs £11.99 and a double pack leads in at £19.99.

For details see www.backbliss.com

ON THE C ASE

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND...

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COSMOS HOLIDAYS has launched its Summer 2015 Indian Ocean and Florida 2014/15 programmes, all bookable via a new trade web portal, www.cosmosagents.co.uk, with low deposit offers available on bookings made before August 31.

The company's summer 2015 preview brochure showcases a range of accommodation and destinations available, with ultimate flexibility across 19 destinations offering mini summer breaks, traditional seven- and 14night stays, as well as long stays ranging from 15 to more than 100 nights. Early bookers can take advantage of a deposit offer of £59 per person.

The operator's ‘Ultimate Family Friendly’ properties are highlighted, offering a selection of family-friendly facilities, accommodation and/or waterparks, some with inclusive waterpark options. A new category of ‘Ultimate Family Elite’ has been added which offers luxury accommodation and family facilities. Seven-night package prices lead in at £519 per person at the five-diamond rated Vogue Hotel Bodrum in Torba.

Re-launched for this summer, the company's kids' club at Club Mac Alcudia Hotel & Waterpark in Mallorca offers a new activity programme. The club is operated by fully qualified or experienced children’s representatives and caters for children aged three through to 11 between July and September.

The operator has also expanded its range of regional flying from Leeds Bradford with new charter flights to Rhodes and Zante, as well as new scheduled flights to Gran Canaria, Alicante and Malaga.

Destinations on sale include mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Malta, Algarve, Madeira, Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, North Africa and Italy.

The operator's Indian Ocean brochure features a greater choice of accommodation in Goa as well as new luxury resort properties in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius and a deposit offer of £75 per person.

Goa holidays are priced from £639, Sri Lanka from £899, the Maldives from £1,245 and Mauritius from £1,299, all based on a seven-night stay.

Meanwhile, the company's first edition 2015 Florida programme offers an enhanced emphasis on the Walt Disney World Resort hotels to highlight the added value benefits available as well as a range of early booking offers.

With a dedicated section in the brochure, benefits include a free Disney Dining offer, 14-day Disney’s Ultimate ticket with access to six parks in one ticket for the cost of seven days, free Disney transport, extended theme park hours as well as the newly launched ‘My Magic+’.

The Monarch charter flight programme from Gatwick and Manchester will run throughout the summer season with departures from Glasgow available on peak season dates for 14-night durations. Scheduled flights with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and Manchester are also available to Orlando and Tampa on a year-round basis.

For further information or to book see www.cosmosagents.co.uk or call 0843-227 0962.

For further information on the webportal agents can email agentweb@cosmos.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Love2Shop voucher in the

Su Doku prize puzzle

Number: 027

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

Ballad Oak Shiny

A➠

B➠ This operator focuses on Southeast Europe

C➠

Insinuated Rile

D➠

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, July 17th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 27th June is Karen Smith, Bath Travel in Petersfield.

June 27 Solution: A=5 B=5 C=4 D=3

Number: 027

Crossword

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An American airline headquartered in Chicago

Where Am I? image credit: Adam Axon

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:

North African mountain range

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

Across 1. Independent, family-owned company, ___ Travel (5) 4. Bardolino is a popular resort on this lake (5) 6. British singer-songwriter, ___ Smith (3) 7. City in the Basque region (6) 9. One of the Big 5 safari game animals (5) 10. International online buying and selling website (4) 12. Part of Australia, initially (3) 14. River which flows through Sunderland (4) 15. City in Israel, on the slopes of Mount Carmel (5) 17. Separates the Isle of Wight from the mainland (6) 19. Tampa, Florida international airport (3) 20. Italy's second city and fashion centre (5) 21. Resort city on the Black Sea (5)

Down 1. Character played by Brendan O'Carroll in D'MOVIE at a cinema near you (3,5) 2. Caribbean island destination (7) 3. Extreme Fishing enthusiast, ___ Green (6) 4. Bahrain carrier, ___ Air (4) 5. South African country, initially (3) 8. Popular Cyprus resort (4,4) 11. English city with an iconic suspension bridge (7) 13. Yorkshire resort, popular with goths (6) 16. Villas specialists, part of TUI (4) 18. Oslo airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 July 11 2014

11

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

Tracey Poggio, ANTOR’s chair, highlights the benefits for agents attending World Travel Market

ETAIL AND reservations agents keen to meet with experts from 58 countries should make sure they put a date in their diaries to meet ANTOR members at this year’s World Travel Market at Excel from November 3-6 and make note of the new daily opening time of 09:00.

To celebrate WTM’s 35th anniversary the event will remain open for an extra two hours until 20:00 on the Wednesday evening, giving exhibitors, including ANTOR members, the opportunity to showcase the culture and vibrancy of their destinations. WTM Premier Partner and ANTOR member, Flanders and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation with ANTOR members (Anguilla, Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Dominican Republic) are among the many exhibitors that will be hosting WTM festivals on the Wednesday evening.

Josephine Wiggall Lazarus, director of Destination Quebec UK, said: “ANTOR’s members’ primary objective at WTM is to meet as many travel experts as possible. We are looking forward to meeting more homeworkers and UK retail travel and reservations agents in the extra hours that are now available each day, particularly on the Thursday, the last day of the show.”

World Travel Market remains one of the major industry events attended by a majority of our members, with a large part of their annual budget used to showcase their destinations.

Increasingly, however, these budgets are being questioned and, most of all, tourism directors are being asked to show the ROI of a stand at this business to business show. Therefore, we would urge agents to attend for the destinations to be able to justify their

R

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July 11 2014

time and budget.

Some members have felt that they have seen fewer retail travel agents reservations staff or homeworkers at WTM over the past years, hence the introduction of the more targeted ANTOR Meets the Travel Trade.

Wiggall Lazarus said: “It would be interesting to hear from the retail trade on what they would like to see and who they would like to meet, or even why they may not be venturing out to meet the tourist boards and their suppliers.”

Meanwhile, the first ANTOR ‘Meets the Travel Trade’ event, held on June 10, welcomed 21 tourist boards and more than 80 members of the travel trade - from travel agents and homeworkers to tour operator sales and contract staff to MICE organisers.

The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania’s inaugural ‘Meet the Travel Trade’ networking event aimed to build valuable relationships between the travel trade and ANTOR members, with the ANTOR website being a one-stop shop for access to destination information.

Following a survey of exhibitors and trade participants, 60% of the respondents agreed that the format of the event was ‘good to excellent’, 7285% agreed that the variety and number of tourist boards present was ‘good to excellent’, while 89% said that they would like to attend next year’s event.

The event was preceded by two free seminars open to the travel trade and our members, which saw Lyn Hughes, editor-in-chief at Wanderlust, speak on the topic of Experiential and Adventure Travel, and Dr Harold Goodwin, lecturer at Manchester University, offered a presentation on responsible tourism.

The event was an excellent

opportunity for us to make ourselves, our members and our missions better known to the travel trade, and to make new connections in the travel industry.

Watch this space for an announcement regarding next year’s event which takes place on June 10.

We always welcome suggestions from the trade and our members on what they would like us to do and suggestions on how we can help them increase sales. To submit any ideas and suggestions you can post on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ANTORMembershi p or tweet us at @ANTOR_Travel.

For more information on future ANTOR events, visit our website at www.antor.com

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newsbulletin American Airlines boosts services from Heathrow AMERICAN AIRLINES is adding a second daily frequency to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) from Heathrow from September 14. The service will be operated by US Airways with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft featuring fully lieflat seats in the Business Class cabin.

For more information see www.aa.com

Intrepid offers collection of winter trips to Europe INTREPID TRAVEL has launched three new winter trips in Europe, giving travellers the chance to experience the Northern Lights, stay at an Ice Hotel and explore Christmas markets.

A five-day Ice Hotel Experience to Romania focuses on spooky Transylvania and includes a visit to Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, the chance to explore medieval villages and experience a unique stay at an Ice Hotel, with prices leading in at £690 per person.

A six-day Northern Lights Escape costs from £775 and takes in Iceland's waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes and the Northern Lights.

Meanwhile, an eightday Christmas Markets of Central Europe gives travellers the chance to sample local food and soak up the festive atmosphere in Munich, Salzberg, Prague and Vienna. The trip marks the operator's first time visiting Salzberg, and prices lead in at £1,020.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN International’s new ship, Quantum of the Seas, will take entertainment to a new level with a stellar line up of acts, shows and ground breaking technology. The line-up provides a heady concoction of firsts including Roboscreens and digital shows projected onto 100ft wide windows more than 20ft high. Two70° is the stage for a futuristic approach to entertainment that pairs the most advanced technology with dancers, singers, aerialists and musicians. At the forefront of the venue is Vistarama which transforms its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100ft wide. Across this expanse, impromptu digital shows come to life in 12K resolution providing the audience with 270 degree views. In addition, Two70° is home to six Roboscreens each measuring more than seven feet high and controlled by powerful robotic arms. The Roboscreens create scenes while soaring and twisting solo, or uniting as one.

For details see www.royalcaribbean.com/quantumoftheseas

Free parking offer from I Love meet and greet I LOVE meet and greet has launched a loyalty scheme with the offer of free parking.

The company's managing director, Sarah Anglim, said: "We are passionate about our service and we know that we offer the leading meet and greet parking in the country. We are also passionate about our customers and to recognise their loyalty in this highly competitive market, we wanted to be the first operator to offer free parking."

All existing customers have been automatically invited to join the scheme and have been mailed their Airport Parking Club

membership cards which includes their unique membership number. Once they have registered this number to their account, the customer can start collecting bookings at either Gatwick or Stansted airports. After five bookings, the sixth park is free.

Anglim said: "We are not just giving a free park away once for each customer, as once they have collected their free park, they can start collecting again towards their next free park. Also, we have not forgotten any new customers, because anyone can join the scheme as long as they register online and make a booking."

Serenity Holidays issues new brochure with early booking offers SERENITY HOLIDAYS has launched its new Gambia & Senegal (November 2014 – October 2015) brochure through its brands The Gambia Experience (www.gambia.co.uk) and The Senegal Experience (www.senegal.co.uk), adding new resort hotels as well as several properties aimed at twin-centre and tailor-made holidays.

The operator’s Luxury collection, Unique Collection and other carefully selected hotels (incorporating Mid Range, Value and More Online) presents a range of choice and features eco lodges, wildlife and bird

reserves, boutique hotels, all-inclusives, spa resorts and beachfront hotels.

Suitable for all tastes and budgets, with many accommodation exclusive through the operator, the brochure highlights options that are ideal for couples, special occasions, families and groups. For those wishing to explore, there’s also a selection of excursions which include river cruises and guided tours, as well as birdwatching with one of The Gambia’s biggest fans - TV presenter Chris Packham.

Year-round flights to Banjul, (The Gambia) and

Dakar, (Senegal) are available with twin-centre, multi-centre and tailor-made holidays combining the two.

The flight programme also provides a choice of travel upgrades including a new enhanced Premium Class service which has also been extended to cover the full winter season on The Gambia Experience’s Friday Gatwick flights.

A range of early booking offers are highlighted with savings of up to £175 per person, valid for holidays booked by July 31.

For further information see www.gambia.co.uk/earlybooking-offers

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hotelbulletin

InBrief

ELLERMAN HOUSE, a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection and situated in the suburb of Bantry Bay, Cape Town, offers 11 bedrooms, two suites and two private villas, as well as panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline. Facilities include an outdoor solarheated lap pool; tiered gardens; two lounges; a library; two dining rooms; a spa; gym; wine gallery; art gallery; whisky bar; and an exclusive art collection, showcasing original artwork from South African artists. Rates start from £309 per night in a Classic House room, based on single occupancy or sharing and include transfers from the airport or city locations, private transfers within 15 km radius from the hotel (subject to availability), breakfast, laundry services, all beverages including spirits and beer, a fully stocked inroom bar, 24-hour guest pantry, sunset cocktails and canapés, Wi-Fi, 24-hour monitored security, as well as private and secure parking.

For details see www.ellermanhouse.co.za

Survey reveals hoteliers increase marketing spend in online and social media HOTELIERS ARE seeing the benefits of online advertising as it increasingly drives bookings through property websites, according to a survey by hotel market intelligence provider, TravelClick, and, as a result, they are ramping up the marketing spend in the area.

Two thirds of the hoteliers polled (65%) are now spending on Facebook advertising, and almost a fifth (23%) have increased their Facebook ad budget for this year.

Online marketing spend is a growing trend with three quarters of the surveyed hoteliers (75%) spending on metasearch and within that, a third are increasing that spend for this year. Similarly, more than four in every five hoteliers polled (83%) invests in ad words with one in three increasing that spend for 2014.

When asked which social media channels drive the most bookings to their property websites, the overwhelming leader was TripAdvisor, with more than three quarters (78%) of respondents singling out the travel review site.

Both Facebook and Google+ were also named as sites which drive bookings.

● EXPLORING PERU has become even easier with 'Discover Peru with Belmond', whereby guests booking three consecutive nights at a Belmond hotel are offered a fourth night complimentary at a sister property. The offer is valid for new bookings for travel by September 30, and all hotel nights include breakfast except at Belmond Miraflores Park. The fourth night needs to be taken within the same itinerary and in the same category of accommodation. Black-out dates apply.

For more information call 0845-077 2222 or visit www.belmond.com ● VDARA HOTEL & Spa, a Forbes four-star property in Las Vegas, has strengthened its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility with the launch of its new house wine programme for catering. The all-suite hotel now offers Bonterra’s 100% organic and Biodynamic wines in four different varietals – Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Meeting planners can collaborate with the hotel's trained staff to pair wines with the resort’s menus, which include a selection of organic, sustainable and Fair Trade products.

For details see www. vdara.com/meetings or email meetings@vdara.com ● ADLER MOUNTAIN Lodge, in the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, has opened its doors. The property offers a central wooden lodge with 18 guest suites and an arc of 12 small chalets, modelled on old Tyrolean mountain huts, so that they blend in with the scenery of the Alpe di Siusi. Onsite facilities include a lounge with open fireplace, sun terrace, restaurant, wellness and spa facilities and infinity pool. Room rates start at approximately £170 per person, per night on a full-board basis, including soft drinks and a selection of Italian fine wines and liquors, as well as access to the spa and wellness facilities. Also included is a full programme of activities, such as guided skiing, hiking and mountain biking, plus yoga at sunset.

For details email info@adler-lodge.com or see www.adler-lodge.com ● AUSTRALIA’S NEW ultra-luxury private island resort, One&Only Hayman Island, has opened following an $80m investment. Set in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the property introduces new suite accommodation, redesigned spaces and restaurants, plus new adult and family experiences. A special opening deal offers guests 25% off accommodation. As an example, Bridge & Wickers can tailor-make a ten-day One&Only Hayman Island and Sydney stay from £3,395 per person. It includes flights with Qantas, three nights at the Park Hyatt, followed by a six-night breakfast stay in a Lagoon View room at One & Only Hayman Island Resort, plus all connecting flights and private transfers. The deal is valid for travel up to September 30.

For details call 020-3411 0711 or see www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk

Croatia’s Park Plaza Belvedere Medulin opens its doors to guests PARK PLAZA Hotels & Resorts has announced the official opening of Park Plaza Belvedere Medulin in the historic harbour town of Medulin, Croatia, in conjunction with Croatian hospitality partner, Arenaturist.

The property features 427 guestrooms; a 1,200sq.m spa; indoor and outdoor pools; restaurants and a

14

lobby bar.

The hotel will be a key attraction for sports fans, offering six FIFA-sized football pitches, five clay tennis courts and four athletic areas and running tracks.

Open-water swimming, coastal running paths, biking tracks, golf and watersports are all nearby, with the marina and golden

July 11 2014

Pool area at the Park Plaza Belvedere

sands of Bijeca beach located less than 1 km

away.

For details see

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eventbulletin Right: ELITE TEAM...Wendy Albutt (left) and Laura Duncan from Elite Travel Group.

The annual Midlands Travel Trade Ball, organised by the Midland Travel Trade Club, took place last month at the Belfry Hotel in Wishaw, Warwickshire, and welcomed 150 attendants.

Headline sponsors at the event included Travel Bulletin, Elite Travel Group, JTA, Birmingham Airport and Midland Travel Trade Club...

MIDLAND MATES...From the left are: Raj Mistry, Carrier; Rosanna King, Star Clippers; Danielle Dudley, Star Clippers; and Justin Coles, Somak.

BIRMINGHAM BUDDIES...Pictured at the Birmingham Airport table are, from the left (standing): Kathy Vale, Sutton Travel; Tracey Quirk, Birmingham Airport; Stephen Hall, Carrick Travel; Abbie Stanton, Midcounties Co-op; and Paul Willoughby, Flybe; with (sitting) Dean Sheriff, Turkish Airlines; Akin Koc, Anatolian Sky Holidays; Stefanie Bowes, Birmingham Airport; and John Garside, United Airlines.

GIRL TALK...Grabbing the chance for a chat are, from the left: Kelly Stanley, Kellys Travel; Laura Smith, Travelcube; Anna Barnes, Funway; and Amanda Schofield, Travelcube.

CLOWN ACT...Having a giggle with the girls is Travel Bulletin's Simon Eddolls with, from the left: (back row): Nicola Foster, Thomson; Claire Dutton, SuperBreak; Michaela Gray, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; Denise John, Thomson; and (front) Louise Tansey, Bourne Leisure.

TOP TABLE...Pictured are, from the left: (standing) Phil Courtney and Caroline Hughes from Emirates with Jayne and Dave Beasley from Travel Counsellors.

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THREE OF A KIND...Catching up are, from the left: Tracey Quirk, Birmingham Airport; Peter Jones, Bedsonline; and Abbie Stanton, Midcounties Co-op.

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personalitybulletin

Bryan Arnicar Trainer - International UK/Northern Europe, Tourism Australia

At home What's your favourite household gadget?

Espresso maker.

What are your favourite TV programmes?

A Place in the Sun, travel documentaries and Futurama.

“

My most embarrassing moment? Smashing a window at school whilst trying to throw a piece of apple out of it At work

”

What's a typical weekend for you like?

Lazy weekends generally.

What other companies/organisations have you previously worked for?

Footlocker, Gold Medal, STA Travel.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Bundaberg Rum.

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

Nothing. The people make the industry and I wouldn’t change any of them.

What do you do to relax?

A walk in the sun works or I'll visit a pub with friends.

What's the best thing about your job?

I get to inspire the trade about Australia every day, plus lead groups back every year.

What's your favourite movie?

Dumb and Dumber.

What's a typical day like?

Normally I'm either in the office planning an exciting incentive for the trade or travelling the UK and training on the destination.

What's your favourite travel app?

City mapper for London.

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

Svalbard because I love the polar regions and wildlife.

What trait do you dislike in other people?

Ignorance.

Who has been your inspiration in the travel industry?

Sir Douglas Mawson – an early Australian explorer.

What was the last email you received?

An agreement to run an agent training day in Manchester.

What skill are you most proud of?

My typing has improved massively over the years.

What is your best quality?

My easy-going attitude.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

Smashing a window at school whilst trying to throw a piece of apple out of it.

Do you have any nicknames?

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

A four-day work week at full pay.

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July 11 2014

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uk&ireland

Butlins unveils new Big Top Circus shows across all resorts for 2014 BUTLINS IS welcoming new shows to its Big Top Circus for this summer at each of its resorts.

The entertainment includes visits from professional circuses. For example, at Bognor Regis guests will be treated to a show by the Bilenki Clowns, while Lisandra Sanchez Cros - the South American Princess - will mesmerise guests with her aerial and death defying skills and Peter and Pepe Sandow will be performing their Comedy Taxi Routine. Also included is a show by the Havana Troupe, an acrobatic act that showcases gymnastic skills and athleticism.

At Minehead, Andrea Mihut will perform a rib-tickling clown routine,

while Albert Arslanov’s unique routine will make guests sit up and pay attention with his knife juggling skills. Other highlights include Trio Serik from Khazakstan with their aerial triple strap act, Victoria Antipova - the Aerial Goddess - with acrobatics that combine speed, beauty and effortless grace, plus the daredevil Lucius Team with their extreme high adrenaline motorcycles in The Globe Act. Meanwhile, Skegness will be welcoming Equivokee, the Ukrainian Clowns and winners of the Monte Carlo Circus Festival and the mighty strongman Fakhriddin Akhnazarov.

Other highlights include Velenciuc

Troupe, an acrobatic act, and Flying Havanas, who will have guests dancing, cheering and clapping as they swing and fly high into the air.

The 50-minute Big Top Circus shows are available on every school summer holiday break and performances are scheduled daily from Tuesday to Sunday, with tickets from £5 per person.

A three-night weekend break at Minehead costs from £53 per person based on a July 18 arrival and two adults and two children sharing a standard self-catering apartment.

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

Southend identifies emerging trend in seaside towns becoming business hubs SOUTHEND-ON-Sea Borough Council has identified traditional seaside towns in the UK increasingly becoming business hubs, following both increased tourism opportunities and seaside towns looking at attracting further businesses in specialist sectors to relocate.

That being said, the UK is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world and tourism vastly supports businesses, particularly those of a smaller size, as well as the wider economy – providing increased business opportunities.

Southend-on-Sea has recently received £1.25million from the Coastal Communities Funding, and aims to use this investment to strengthen and improve its destination infrastructure to attract businesses and visitors to open up and visit the area – key to driving business.

Aiming to attract more tourists by improving and developing the town’s waterfront, project partner, Stockvale Group, is also contributing a further £100,000 as match

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funding. The news coincides with the announcement that seven beaches in Southend-on-Sea have been awarded Seaside Awards which recognise those achieving the highest standards of beach management.

The grant will be used to support numerous projects, including building a lagoon which will provide a year-round body of water, regardless of the tide, for water-based sport and leisure activities, as well as improving facilities at Bell Wharf in Old Leigh – growing the number of boating visits to the historic fishing village. Developing the Southend Marine Activities Centre by investing in new equipment, these funds will also add to the number of Safe Zone Buoys off the east coast so kitesurfing, jet skiing and other popular sports can be encouraged in an area identified especially for them. It will also deliver a maritime festival celebrating Southend’s heritage, location, industries and spirit.

For further information visit www.southend.gov.uk and www.businessonsea.co.uk

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uk&ireland Launch of new pocket guide for walkers and cyclists A NEW official tourist board pocket guide has been launched for walkers and cyclists published by Hudson’s Media in association with the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA).

The guide, entitled 'Walkers & Cyclists Welcome' includes 156 star-rated great places to stay that go out of the way to make special provisions for walkers and cyclists and make them feel welcome.

All the accommodation listed is accredited by VisitEngland, the national tourist board for England, and assessed by them to meet the needs of both walkers and cyclists.

The guide comes in a handy pocket-sized format so that’s it small enough for walkers and cyclists to transport with them and features essential information, along with a range of accommodation listed by region, county and town. Additional facilities such as places to dry outdoor clothing, secure bicycle storage, cycle hire and repairs and the nearest pub and shops are also provided.

The guide costs £7.99 and can be ordered online from www.hudsons.co.uk/shop. An interactive website complements the new publication and can be found at www.visitor-guides.co.uk

Warner Leisure Hotels reveals Lee Mead's return for 2015 plus special variety acts WARNER LEISURE Hotels has announced the return of Lee Mead to its 2015 Star Break line-up.

The ‘Any Dream Will Do’ winner and star of West End shows Joseph, Wicked and Legally Blonde, is back by popular demand and will perform at Holme Lacy House Hotel in Herefordshire on May 15.

The hotel group is also offering a range of entertaining stars lined up at its various locations across the UK including comedians, live music and special variety acts.

As examples, Strictly Come Dancing star judge, Len Goodman, and the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra will be at

Littlecote House on July 25, where guests will re-discover the magical world of Broadway and Hollywood music.

Meanwhile, vocal harmony group, The Overtones, will be blending uplifting 50s Motown and doowop with modern pop at Nidd Hall on August 1, while TV personality Christopher Biggins will bring laughs to the stage in an evening at Nidd Hall Hotel on September 5.

Star Break Platinum VIP Experience packages are available for an additional £50 per person on selected breaks. These include the best seats

in the house, a bottle of Champagne per couple and the opportunity to meet the stars of the show in a secret backstage location.

Star Breaks lead in at £269 per person based on two adults sharing a standard room for a three-night break arriving on September 5 at Nidd Hall Hotel, North Yorkshire. The price includes Simply Dine (full English breakfasts and three-course evening meals) and features a performance by Christopher Biggins.

For further information or to book see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141111.

Headline acts revealed for Blackpool’s 2014 Switch-On in August THE FIRST acts for Blackpool’s 2014 Switch-On night have been revealed and include chart stars Pixie Lott, Union J, Neon Jungle, George Ezra and Matt Cardle.

The Friday night Switch-On, which takes place on August 29 on the Tower Festival Headland, marks the start of a three-day festival of entertainment, where the West End themed Saturday night will be headlined by Thriller Live and the Sunday night concert will be headlined by Rebecca Ferguson.

Cllr Graham Cain, cabinet member for Tourism and Leisure at Blackpool Council, said: "We are delighted to be able to name the first list of stars who will perform on Switch-On night. They will join what is going to be a fantastic line up over the three days."

The Friday night acts join a weekend line-up which already includes Chicago, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and excerpts from The Jersey Boys on the Saturday night, as well as Rebecca Ferguson, Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, 911 and Damage on the Sunday night.

Entrance to this year’s free Friday night Switch-On will be strictly by wristband only, allocated at random through an online ballot with a maximum of four wristbands per household. A total of 6,000 of these will be allocated to applicants from the Blackpool area.

Wristband registration closes at 12:00 on Wednesday July 23 and successful applicants will be notified on Tuesday July 29. Prices for an adult weekend two-night ticket cost from £25 per adult and £12.50 per child.

For details see www.visitblackpool.com/switchon

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July 11 2014

Meanwhile, a bold campaign has been launched to remind families that Blackpool offers a modern seaside resort and is an ideal choice for a fun filled, short break in the UK. The initiative #Blackpoolsback aims to challenge any negative perceptions of the resort by reminding families of everything Blackpool has to offer. This includes a plethora of family attractions, an award-winning beach as well as a summer packed with exciting events.

Merlin Entertainments, which runs a host of attractions in the town including The Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life - together with Visit Blackpool, are driving the family-focused awareness campaign to re-energise the seaside resort. The campaign also underlines the significant investment and regeneration that has taken place in the town over the past seven years.

Cain said: “Blackpool attracts 13 million visitors a year and is the UK’s most visited seaside resort by some distance. We’re aiming to re-engage families that used to visit the resort, perhaps as youngsters themselves, as well as stimulating new visits from families and younger couples for whom Blackpool is simply not on their holiday radar.

“We know that kids of all ages love the resort and there’s so much here for them to do - from the Blackpool Tower to the Zoo and the Pleasure Beach. There’s nowhere quite like the buzz of Blackpool and we know that families who come here won’t leave disappointed. We’re also working with independent hotels, restaurants and other business owners to ensure the collaboration has a positive effect across the resort.”

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uk&ireland Edinburgh Military Tattoo offer from Solos Holidays SINGLE TRAVEL specialist, Solos Holidays has places available on its long weekend to enjoy the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Based on an August 8 arrival, the three-night trip costs from £745 per person and includes a breakfast stay at the three-star Parliament House Hotel in a twin or double room for single use, welcome drink and information meeting, one dinner with half a bottle of wine, a guided walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town, entrance to/guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, a ticket to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and a tour leader.

To book or for more information call 0844-371 8860 or visit www.solosholidays.co.uk

Bicester Village shopping day from Superbreak SUPERBREAK is now offering agents booking short breaks to London the opportunity to add on a shopping experience at Bicester Village from £95 per person.

Guests will travel by luxury coach from central London to Bicester to experience more than 130 boutiques of the best British and international fashion and lifestyle brands. The day trips can be added to a hotel booking and are fully commissionable to agents.

The day also includes a VIP Card and a £50 prepaid MasterCard gift card to spend, plus a two-course meal at Busaba Eathai, Villandry Grand Café or Carluccio.

For details see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

Celebrating 70 years

• 1944 – 2014 •

InBrief ● SHERWOOD FOREST will come alive with the spirit of Robin

Hood this summer, when the annual Robin Hood Festival returns to Sherwood Forest from August 4-10, hosted by Nottinghamshire County Council. The festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year and offers a week of free entertainment and a daily programme of education and entertainment for all ages. Highlights include archery, live jousting tournaments, musicians and entertainers across Sherwood Forest, Falconry displays and a range of craft stalls and activities.

For details see www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhoodfestival ●COTTAGES4YOU IS offering savings of up to £206 on arrivals until August 23. As an example, a seven-night, self-catering stay at Brocks Cottage, which is ideal for exploring the Highlands, nearby Inverness, the Moray Coast or Loch Ness, leads in at £859 (from £1,065) or £30.68 per person, per night. The cottage sleeps four and the deal is based on an August 9 arrival.

For details see www.cottages4you.co.uk or call 0845-268 0760. ● HASTINGS HOTELS is offering a new Ballygally Castle Picnic Package in Glenarm Forest, Northern Ireland. The package includes a return taxi ride to Glenarm Forest where guests can follow a hiking path and enjoy the wildlife, flora and fauna along with a luxury picnic hamper. Prices lead in at £140 per person based on two sharing a superior double room on a halfboard basis.

See www.hastingshotels.com or call 028-9067 1066.

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SAVE UP TO

*

£230

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Click www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0844 847 1144 *Based on 7 night stays being taken between 25/07/14 and completed by 30/08/14.

Applies to selected locations and accommodation types. Accommodation only. This offer can be withdrawn at any time and cannot be combined with any other discount.

Subject to availability, booking conditions apply, see brochure or website.

See booking conditions for full details of our ABTA membership

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We’re stories

We’re rhythms

We’re Egypt

Seeyouinona Nile Cruise LUXOR - ASWAN

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redsea ATTRACTION WORLD is offering a half-day Ocean College Discover Scuba Diving course in Sharm el Sheikh for £55 per person, for children (aged ten and above) and adults. The course, run by Sharm el Sheikh dive partners Ocean College, offers an introductory briefing followed by a fun training dive in confined, shallow seas. Once guests feel comfortable to move on to the next stage, they are then taken on a shore-dive around a shallow reef to take in the exotic fish and corals. Guests can also opt to try an Ocean College discovery boat dive or a full, four-day PADI diving course.

Hurghada introduction for winter 2014/15 from Cosmos COSMOS HAS introduced Hurghada on the Red Sea for this winter featuring the resorts of Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna and Makadi Bay. A range of four- and fivediamond rated, all-inclusive accommodation is available to suit a range of customers for spa and golf breaks, as well as winter holidays for adults and families.

The operator's newly branded ‘Ultimate Family’ properties featured in its winter programme offer an a range of family experiences with facilities including family rooms, suites or inter-connecting

rooms, entertainment and playgrounds plus kids’ clubs and menus.

All are in convenient locations close to the resort centre or family-friendly beaches. New for winter in Nabq Bay is the fivediamond rated Sea Club Aquapark Resort as well as the five-diamond rated Steigenberger Aqua Magic in Hurghada, both featuring their own waterparks.

Also available are a choice of ‘Family Friendly’ branded properties that offer a range of facilities and value for money.

Water parks either at, or

near to the newly branded family hotels are also flagged up.

As an example, a sevennight, all-inclusive stay at the four-diamond rated ‘family friendly’ Titanic Palace & Aquapark Resort costs from £489 per person based on a December 2 departure from Gatwick.

Flights to Hurghada are available twice weekly from Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester during the winter period. Additional newly introduced routes to the Red Sea include Luton to Sharm el Sheikh three times a week.

Red Sea Holidays boosts summer capacity for 2015 RED SEA Holidays is planning to increase summer 2015 capacity by 30-35% by adding further regional departures, including Belfast, to its current 13 UK airports.

The operator's sales director, Jason Hilton, said: “We’re seeing very optimistic signs that the market will continue to grow over the coming months and we’re also increasing our programme in to Luxor and our Nile cruise options."

The company is offering fixed child prices at £439 for any date or duration which, according to Hilton, is proving popular with customers, especially during the school holidays and is also offering guaranteed savings of £100 per booking for summer 2015.

Meanwhile, to coincide with increased capacity plans, the company is focusing on

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increasing consumer brand awareness following a successful TV campaign, with plans to roll out further regional TV ads in September and December to further support travel agents.

The company is also adding two new hotels, the Movenpick Resort and Iberotel II Mercato, both in Sharm el Sheikh, to its offering, with summer 2015 holidays leading in at £459 per person including breakfast, based on a May 28 departure from Gatwick.

Leger introduces 'Red, Dead and the Med' tour RED, DEAD and the Med, Leger’s new ten-day fly and tour Grand Explorer, visits the iconic sites of the Holy Land as well as the three surrounding seas.

Guests will experience both Jerusalem’s old and new cities, as well as the Red Sea resort of Eilat, the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv, taking in the Negev and the Noger deserts on the way.

Prices, which are based on an October 9 departure, lead in at £1,499 per person including nine nights' half-board accommodation, travel by air conditioned executive coach from more than 510 regional joining points, flights from Luton (or a supplement from Heathrow), airport taxes, a tour manager and porterage in hotels.

Optional excursions are also available including the Red Sea Observatory in Petra.

For further information or to book see www.leger.co.uk or call 0844-324 9262.

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Bright here.

Bright now.

Dazzling last minute deals to Egypt

From

Award-winning holidays

Every holiday includes 20kg luggage,

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Most include free late check out, too.

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The Egyptian Experts Call today on 0845 072 2477 Visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent ABTA No.Y2507

Subject to availability and 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 02 May 2014. 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 UK Ltd. © 2014.

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redsea Savings of £200 on Nile cruises & Red Sea holidays from Discover Egypt DISCOVER EGYPT is offering a £200 per person saving on 14-night holidays in July, August, September and October that combine a classic seven-night Nile cruise on Royal Viking with an additional week by the Red Sea in El Gouna, Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, as well as a 50% reduction on single supplements.

Prices start from £799 per person including flights from Heathrow and Manchester, transfers in Luxor, a full board cruise and ten guided excursions with an Egyptologist.

Nile cruises start and end in Luxor and highlights include visiting the Valley of the King and Queens, Karnak Temple, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.

Clients can also opt to extend their Nile cruise with an additional week’s stay in Luxor or in a choice of resorts on the Red Sea Riviera.

After the first week on a classic Nile cruise, guests transfer to Hurghada, El Gouna or Sharm el Sheikh for a beach break, with prices starting from £1,118 per person including transfers to the resort. In Hurghada, the lead in price includes a bed-andbreakfast stay at the Grand Plaza for £1,089 for the two-week holiday; in El Gouna a stay at the Arena Inn costs £1,018 and in Sharm an allinclusive stay at the Tiran Island leads in at £1,268.

For more information or to book call 0844-880 0462 or visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk

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GUESTS AT The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh can now discover the Red Sea’s underwater sights with a complimentary try dive, courtesy of Original Diving. The specialist diving tour operator is offering a sevennight holiday at the hotel, staying in a Superior Deluxe Suite, starting from £1,050 including breakfast. The offer represents a saving of 50% with two free nights, a complimentary upgrade from Deluxe Suite to Superior Deluxe (Beachfront) and a free try dive per person. It is valid until the end of August.

For details see www.oberoihotels.com

Olympic welcomes increase in year-round holidaymakers EGYPT'S RED Sea Riviera has evolved into one of the prime year-round holiday regions, with some of the best value to be found anywhere, according to Olympic Holidays' commercial director, Photis Lambrianides.

He said: "A couple of decades ago, the Red Sea resorts attracted relatively few visitors in summer, but with the rise to prominence of Sharm el Sheikh the area has become a popular all-year destination.

"Holidaymakers now get even better holiday value in summer than they do in winter, with hoteliers pricing sensibly to fill their rooms and package rates rivalling those for destinations much closer to home.

"Despite Egypt's political problems of late, the message seems to have got through to holidaymakers that holidays in the region are as secure as ever. The region has never represented better value across all types and levels of property – including the extensive collection of all-inclusives for which it is best-known."

This summer, the company has added two Xperience all-inclusives in Sharm el Sheikh – the Xperience Sea Breeze Resort and Xperience St George Homestay – to its Red Sea programme.

The five-star, 304-room Xperience Sea Breeze Resort is located in the resort's Shark's Bay area, while the four-star Xperience St George Homestay has 262

rooms and occupies a hillside location.

New to both Summer Sun and Winter Sun programmes is the four-star Aqua Blue Sharm el Sheikh resort. The property has a water theme park with 30 slides and is next to a major entertainment complex.

Lambrianides said: "Development is ongoing here and the Red Sea is one of our key destinations. The outstanding low-cost charter capacity helps keep prices highly attractive. Sharm el Sheikh has become well-established as a sunshine destination and now attracts all types of client, from young people and families with young children to mature couples. The resort boasts an excellent year-round climate and has built a reputation for supplying a quality holiday product, with first class hotels and facilities plus great watersports."

"It's possible to combine some adventurous activity with a Red Sea holiday.

Climbing Mount Sinai, quad-biking and guided trekking are great adventure opportunities for clients to try."

As an example of prices, a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at the newly featured Viva Sharm Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, based on two sharing a standard room, costs £680 per person in early September. It includes flights from Gatwick with Thomas Cook Airlines or Thomson Airways and transfers.

For more information or to book call 0844499 4449 or see www.olympicholidays.com

Sports package from Egypt’s La Résidence des Cascades A RESIDENCE des Cascades, located on Egypt's Soma Bay Resort, is offering a Sports Package until July 31.

The colonial-style hotel offers 250 rooms and luxury suites, with views of the sea and the golf course greens, as well as a number of bars and restaurants, a spa and

nightly live entertainment.

Prices for the package lead in at €650 per person in a double standard room or €775 per single room for a seven-night, all-inclusive stay.

The offer includes two days' 'Magic Journey' at The Cascades Spa & Thalasso

(offering a 50-minute massage, one hour's use of the Thalasso Tonic pool and unlimited day use of the pool, sauna and steam bath); daily use of squash, tennis, racquet and tennis table; free internet access in all hotel areas; a welcome drink on arrival; and transfers.

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KHIRI TRAVEL is offering a ten-day Laos discovery fam trip for travel agents. The itinerary, which departs on September 21, starts in Vientiane and finishes in Luang Prabang, and is designed for agents who have clients with a passion for discovery. Highlights include The Plain of Jars, a silk handicraft village, a foundation for children, Viengxay ‘underground city’ from the Second Indochina War, a river night safari, waterfall and forest hikes, cave trips, sacred Buddhist caves, hilltribe villages, and two days to discover the heritage-rich former royal capital of Luang Prabang.

Prices for the fam lead in at £478 for one person, based on six agents travelling together.

For details email sales.laos@khiri.com

Riviera Travel highlights new tours in Japan, China & Thailand for 2014 RIVIERA TRAVEL is promoting three new tours that it has recently introduced to its portfolio.

A 13-day Japan – Land Of The Rising Sun itinerary leads in at £2,799 per person, with selected departures up to November and between March and May 2015.

The fully escorted price includes

flights from Heathrow; breakfast accommodation in four-star hotels plus other meals; and visits to Japan’s temples and shrines, pagodas, manicured gardens, cities and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

A 17-day Grand Tour of China including a Yangtze cruise is also

being highlighted from £2,699, and offers selected departures up to October, while a 16-day Laos, the Mekong and Thailand option leads in at £2,249, with departures up to September.

For further information email agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk or visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk

OZO Colombo Sri Lanka introduces special opening rate & complimentary upgrade OZO COLOMBO Sri Lanka is offering a special opening rate of $105 per night (approximately £62) including breakfast and a complimentary upgrade to the next room category for visits by August 31, subject to availability. Rates are exclusive of local government taxes, VAT and service charges.

The property offers 158 guestrooms and suites plus a 'Snooze Zone’, comprising four categories - Sleep, Dream, Dream Ocean and OZO Suites that provide guests with high

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quality bedding and a variety of modern amenities including IPTV, multimedia connectivity panel and free Wi-Fi access throughout.

Other onsite facilities include a rooftop bar and lounge, infinity swimming pool, fitness room, a boardroom and a meeting room which accommodates up to 220 guests for cocktail receptions, conferences, product launches and weddings.

For details see www.ozohotels.com

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fareast Taiwan Tourism Bureau releases new promotional videos THE TAIWAN Tourism Bureau has produced a series of short promotional videos as part of an ongoing effort to promote the island’s rich diversity of experiences, wildlife and cuisine to international tourists.

Centered on six different themes including food, culture, shopping, nature, romance and lifestyle, the videos have been produced using a quasi-documentary format to present the actual experiences of foreign travellers exploring Taiwan.

Each film shows travellers discovering what is ‘zan’ (Chinese for ‘great’ or bravo) about the destination, whether it be tasting tea boiled eggs in local markets to uncovering hidden temples in the city, taking part in traditional festivals or hiking to Taiwan’s highest peak.

The videos are available to view on Youtube and can also be downloaded by scanning a QR code on EasyCards used on Taipei’s MRT and bus systems.

To encourage visitors to discover Taiwan themselves, the tourism bureau is also offering vouchers for one free entry to one of 18 amusement parks across the country. To claim the voucher, agents can email Taiwan@brightergroup.com stating their clients' date of travel and the names of the travellers.

There is a maximum of one voucher per person, which is valid until January 31, 2015, and vouchers are not valid for travellers holding a R.O.C. passport.

For further information visit www.eng.taiwan.net.tw

Vietnam welcomes opening of Alma Courtyard Hoi An next month

MANDARIN ORIENTAL Hotel Group has signed a long-term management contract to brand and manage a new luxury 275room hotel in the heart of Metro Manila. The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila, which is scheduled to open in 2020, will be part of a mixed-use development centrally located within Makati City. At the same time the group has announced the closure of the existing Mandarin Oriental, Manila on Makati Avenue later this year. The new property will feature spacious rooms and a range of contemporary facilities, including a variety of restaurants and a signature spa.

Launch of Royale Bintang Penang Hotel NESTLED IN the heart of historic Georgetown, the Royale Bintang Penang Hotel opened its doors last month.

The property features 180 rooms, an infinity pool, a spa and a range of food and beverage options, including a restaurant, tea room and cigar lounge.

Located at the Weld Quay and within walking distance of the major historical sites along the Heritage Trail of Penang, the hotel is partially housed in a restored heritage building which dates back to 1892.

Rooms start from approximately £65 per night.

For more information visit www.royalebintangpenang.com and www.tourism.gov.my/en/uk

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FOLLOWING THE success of flagship resort Fusion Maia Da Nang in Vietnam, Serenity Holding has announced that it will launch a second property at the end of next month in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage ancient port town of Hoi An. The four-star Alma Courtyard Hoi An reflects the rich Vietnamese culture of its location in its architecture and design while also offering guests an inclusive wellness journey. The resort will be home to 144 rooms, with five different room types, set in tropical courtyard gardens.

Steeped in the local culture and providing a real sense of place, the neo colonial building has been adapted to reference an ‘Old Hoi An’ monastery, with cloistered courtyard housing the rectangular pool, and tranquil gardens giving the opportunity for guests to enjoy space and solitude. For a more social buzz, the public and dining areas offer relaxed glamour and the opportunity for guests to interact with fellow travellers.

The resort will also offer a complete journey for mind, body and soul. All guests will be offered an inclusive daily ‘My Chi’ wellness journey to balance the body’s vital energy or “chi”, including a steam and sauna, choice of massage, Tai Chi energy movement and meditation practice. Intuitive, skilled local therapists will use 100% local and natural spa products at the resort’s holistic spa.

On-site restaurants will include The Four Plate Restaurant, which will feature four interactive demonstration kitchens and a large variety of local foods; Blue Bottle Bar, which features an entertaining bar experience with a unique drink selection made using local fruits and spices; and The Blue Teapot Terrace, which is the resort’s casual cafe and al fresco terrace offering creative light bites, cakes and pastries with blue teapots and blooming teas including jasmine, lily and hibiscus.

For more information visit www.almacourtyardhoian.com

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fareast New hotel launches in Pattaya from Centara Hotels & Resorts CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts is to open two hotels in Pattaya during the fourth quarter of 2014, bringing the company’s total number of properties either in operation or under construction in the resort city to eight.

Centara Avenue Hotel Pattaya is part of the company’s core four-star Hotels & Resorts brand, while Centra Avenue Hotel Pattaya will be part of the three-star value Centra brand.

Both properties are located within the same development in Central Pattaya, close to The Avenue shopping mall, and will share management and facilities.

Centara Avenue Hotel will offer 96 guestrooms, while Centra Avenue Hotel will have 51 rooms.

The company's CEO, Thirayuth Chirathivat, said: “Pattaya is a destination of great importance and potential to us, and we are delighted to announce the opening of two new hotels in the central district of the city.

“This is an ideal location for our core Hotels & Resorts brand, and we are confident that our facilities and location will attract both international and Thai guests.

Lobby at the Centara Avenue Hotel Pattaya

“We are also very proud of the fact that this new development sees the introduction of our value Centra brand to Pattaya."

Guestrooms in both hotels will feature a smart TV, DVD, minibar, bathroom with shower, safety box, individual air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. For more information email reservations@chr.co.th or see www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Hong Kong Tourism Board invites visitors to explore like a local THERE’S NO better way to really get to know a city than experiencing it through the eyes of a local. The new, free-of-charge, ‘Hong Kong Pals’ programme from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, offers visitors the opportunity to meet with a Hong Kong local and get an authentic insight into the city.

The Hong Kong Pals are specially selected volunteers eager to share their passion and enthusiasm for the city. The Pals will provide insider knowledge, personal recommendations and tips, allowing

visitors to explore Hong Kong with someone who knows the city inside out.

Director, UK & Northern Europe of the tourism board, Dawn Page, said: “The Hong Kong Pals Programme enables visitors to discover the hidden gems which are off the guide book radar that most people miss; no one knows Hong Kong like those who call it home. We are pleased to offer this programme completely free of charge and strongly encourage visitors to make a ‘Hong Kong Pal’ and delve deeper into Asia’s World City.”

Visitors are invited to book in a consultation with a Hong Kong Pal to devise a custom-made guided exploration of the city. Also, specific Pals are available for insights on specialist subjects; visitors can discover the best locations for pictures with Hong Kong photography buffs, appreciate the city’s heritage buildings with an urban planner or wine and dine with a local foodie amongst other niche areas of interest.

For more information visit www.discoverhongkong.com

Short film releases from MGTO

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering a tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok for agents to add on to their clients' holiday in Bangkok. The tour calls into Wat Po, before heading to Phahurat Market to fill up on tasty snacks in Little India. Guests can also climb the 318 steps of the Golden Mount. Prices lead in at £31 per person.

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THE MACAU Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has launched four new short films to accompany its collection of recently created walking tours.

Available online, the films are designed to give visitors a taste of what to expect on each walking tour and also create a greater travel experience by complementing the walking tours iOS app and maps that can be downloaded for free via the tourist office's website.

The four walking tours, titled 'Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities', are each themed to take in a different aspect of Macau: 'A Tour of Historical Trails', 'A Tour of Nature and Creativity', 'A Tour of East meets West' and 'A Tour of Arts and Culture'. Intended to be leisurely strolls, the shortest of the four walks takes approximately 90 minutes to complete while the longest takes approximately 130 minutes to complete.

For more information see www.macautourism.gov.mo

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Trafalgar highlights 11-night ‘Secrets of Thailand’ itinerary from £2,175 TRAFALGAR IS promoting its 11-night Secrets of Thailand itinerary, which leads in at £2,175 per person, land only and includes breakfast accommodation, VIP door-to-door airport transfers, included sightseeing and the services of a travel director.

The itinerary starts in Bangkok and includes a lesson in Tai Chi in The Limpini Park, followed by taking in some of Bangkok’s most iconic sites. Highlights include visiting the floating market of Damnoen Saduak and lunch at the Grand Palace.

Guests will then leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi where there is a sugar cane farm stop along the way, before getting to the Thailand–Burma Railway museum and War Cemetery. Leaving Kanchanaburi and heading back to Bangkok, the tour boards a flight to Chiang Rai for a boat trip to the Golden Triangle, where the boarders of

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Thailand Myanmar and Laos converge. Guests can then explore more of Chiang Mai including the botanic gardens, tribal villages and the white temple of Wat Rong Khun.

The operator is also promoting its eight-day Classic China option from £2,130.

Highlights include a three-night stay in Beijing to take in the sights, an excursion to the Great Wall, a visit to Xi’an to see the giant pandas at Beijing Zoo, plus the army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Emperor Qin Sho Huang’s subterranean tomb. Other highlights include a stay and tour of Shanghai and a cruise on the Huangpu River.

The price includes breakfast accommodation, VIP doorto-door airport transfers, included sightseeing and the services of a travel director.

For more information visit www.trafalgar.com

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fareast Thailand’s Bandara Resort & Spa on the run to laid-back fun in the sun THE FAR East is, yes, quite far away, but it's so worth it when you get there, writes Paul Scudamore. The flight is lengthy but certainly comfortable on, for instance, Taiwan-based EVA Airways to Bangkok and then for a seamless connection on to Bangkok Airways for a lounge-inclusive (even for Economy passengers) transfer to Koh Samui for utter rest and relaxation at any of a number of first-class resort hotels. For the sake of a sample package, Kuoni offers an eight-night half-board package in September from Heathrow for £1,289 with accommodation in a superior room at the Bandara Resort & Spa on Bophut Beach. The 150-room hotel is only a 15-minute transfer from probably the prettiest airport in the world (it's open-air, beautifully planted, has golf-buggy style mini-train transfers from

plane to open-air baggage carousels, and a village-style market). As for the hotel, there are two designer swimming pools, plus a children's pool, two pool bars and a beach-side restaurant plus spa, and all that goes with that in true Thai style. In other words, stylish, and relaxing. The plus-factor comes from its location - it is a ten-minute stroll along the beach from Fisherman's Village which is jam-packed with shops, restaurants and bars, and once a week it closes to all traffic to become a buzzing glory of joyous fill-yer-boots fun. Oh, and there's also a very fine French bar/restaurant and the Emerald Irish bar. Not that I've ever been to either.

However, you can recommend them both to your clients. Samui? They'll thank you for it.

Jakarta introduces free city bus tours VISITORS TO Jakarta have a new way of exploring the city’s many tourist sites, with five new double-decker tour buses recently introduced by the Jakarta City Government. The new bus service enables tourists to enjoy free hop-on-hop-off city tours through the capital of Indonesia.

Operating from 07:00 to 19:00 daily, the air-conditioned buses loop around the city centre and take tourists within walking distance of major attractions, shopping malls and entertainment hot-spots.

The buses can be boarded by domestic and international tourists from designated bus stops throughout the city, allowing sightseers to explore Jakarta’s sites and rich colonial history at their own pace.

The 11-kilometre tour takes oneand-a-half hours to complete the circle, travelling at an average speed of 10-20km per hour, with all buses equipped with disabled seating, plus video screens and tour guides to provide key tourist information along

the route. Each bus can accommodate up to 3,000 passengers per day, making around ten round trips daily, with a capacity of around 60 passengers.

The government plans to roll out another 15 buses on an expanded tour of the capital, enabling visitors to discover the Dutch colonial town of Kota Tua in the north, as well as the highlights of the Blok M shopping quarter in south Jakarta.

For further information see www.tourism-indonesia.co.uk

October launch for third river cruise vessel from Aqua Expeditions FOLLOWING THE success of Aqua Expeditions’ boutique river cruises in the Peruvian Amazon, Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of Aqua Expeditions, has announced an October launch for the third luxury vessel in the fleet, on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Introducing a new standard of luxury and sophistication on the river, the new Aqua Mekong will be in keeping with the style of the Peruvian vessels; Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon- small enough to be intimate but equally spacious and luxurious.

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The Aqua Mekong will feature 20 outward-facing suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Each will be decorated in an authentic Asian style using locally sourced fabrics and materials, while other facilities include a spa and fitness centre, dining room, library, screening room and an observation deck with a swimming pool and lounge bar.

The vessel will operate three-, four- and seven-night itineraries that will run from Siem Riep down river to My Tho, near Saigon, stopping in Phnom Penh along the way, and vice versa. Guests will have the opportunity to take part in daily river and shore excursions.

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Pictured in the Vimanmek Mansion's Throne Hall on TAT's recent press trip are, from the left: Declan Mescall, Travelbiz; Tim Podger, Travel Bulletin; Michael Flood, Irish Travel Trade News; Joanna Cooke, TAT London; Eoghan Corry, Travel Extra; Suchitra Sirirak, The Siam Hotel, Bangkok; Graham McKenzie, Travelmole; an Exotissimo guide and Kate Els, a South African journalist.

Thailand Travel Mart conveys 'business as usual' message to delegates

by TIM PODGER MORE THAN 300 travel trade buyers from 45 countries around the world were in Bangkok for the recent annual Thailand Travel Mart (TTM), which emphasised that Thailand is a safe destination and that it is 'business as normal'.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand's (TAT) governor, Thawatchai Arunyik, said: "Thailand is safe and the people of Thailand are ready to welcome you to the land of smiles."

I took part in a pre & post-event press trip to take in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui. A range of hotels were hosts including The Siam, which encourages the trade to experience its product firsthand, as it says that this is instrumental in its development within the luxury market.

General manager of The Siam, Jason Friedman, said: “As a luxury independent hotel with limited resources and competing against established global luxury brands, we have to be precise with our positioning, marketing and PR to use our resources to their best effect. This will ultimately drive our credibility in order to make agents more comfortable in booking our high value product."

The director of sales at Cape & Kantary Hotels, Siranee Rojanavanichakorn, agrees. She said: "We believe that hosting a fam trip is an excellent way to promote a destination as well as a hotel because the delegates can experience the product and related services themselves, especially at the moment when many tourists are discouraged from visiting our country due to the current political climate.

"Several product managers who attended the fam trip told us that they did not feel that the current state of Martial Law would have any substantial effect upon tourists who visit Thailand. They were disappointed that they did not see even one soldier during their trip to Thailand!"

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The general manager of Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa, Michael Boele, added: "It is always a pleasure for us to welcome friends to our property. But more importantly, visiting the island is a strong indicator, despite the interesting times that we are in right now, of people's confidence in the country. It is reassuring for us to know that through this channel, we will be able to communicate with the rest of the world that the situation in Thailand remains stable and it is business as usual including the hospitality industry."

Overall, TTM 2014 was deemed a huge success, with the TAT's consumer marketing & PR manager, Joanna Cooke, saying: "Despite the curfew in place across Thailand during TTM, not one of our trade guests cancelled their place and 100% attendance was achieved. We would like to thank all of our guests for their continued support of TAT and Thailand.

We ran our itinerary to Bangkok, Phuket and Samui as planned and it gave us the perfect opportunity to show each of our guests that Thailand really is still 'open for business as usual'.

"Much of the news coverage has been sensationalised by UK media but during TTM we alleviated any concerns the tour operators may have had about travel to Thailand as they were able to see, first-hand for themselves, that the airports, local transport, hotels, shopping and nightlife are all open and ready to welcome tourists."

A huge thank you to Exotissimo and the TAT who whizzed us around Bangkok in a flotilla of Tuk Tuks, street dancing, street food, a commuter filled river taxi and finally a motorbike taxi. We saw, smelt and tasted first hand that Thailand is indeed 'business as normal' and a tourist haven keep selling Thailand!

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fareast We asked our staff the following question this week: What project have you been putting off from doing?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Painting all my door frames and window sills

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LOCATED ONE block from Phuket Island's Patong Beach and within walking distance of the Jungceylon shopping and leisure complex, the dusitD2 Phuket Resort has recently opened. The hotel offers 390 guest rooms and suites, an allday dining restaurant and two pool bars.

For details see www.dusit.com

Essence of Thailand from Travelsphere TRAVELSPHERE IS highlighting its 12-day Essence of Thailand tour, which takes guests from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, the site of the famous bridge over the River Kwai, before heading north to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, areas of natural beauty. Highlights include discovering ancient palaces, colourful floating markets and jungle rivers.

Prices lead in at £1,999 per person including accommodation, some meals, flights, excursions and the services of a tour manager and local guides. Guests also have the option to extend their trip, with a fivenight Laos add-on from £599.

AmaWaterways to launch new Mekong ship in 2015 AMAWATERWAYS has announced details of its new custom-designed vessel, AmaDara, which will sail the line's Vietnam, Cambodia & The Riches of The Mekong programme in 2015.

AmaDara is due to make her debut with an inaugural voyage on August 11, 2015 and will join sister ship AmaLotus on the Mekong.

The 124-passenger ship will feature 62 air-conditioned outside staterooms and luxury suites; two restaurants serving Western-style cuisine as well as locally inspired dishes; a variety of entertainment; spa and salon services; a sun deck with swimming pool; a fitness centre; complimentary in-room ‘Infotainment’ with internet, music, new release movies and TV; complimentary wine with lunch and dinner plus complimentary house spirits, local beer, soft drinks and bottled water available daily; and a selection of shore excursions.

The company is offering two cruise options on the Mekong - a seven-night, cruise-only itinerary or a 16-day holiday including the cruise and a comprehensive land programme.

The 16-day itinerary includes, in addition to the cruise, two nights in Hanoi, a night on board an authentic junk in Halong Bay, three nights in Siem Reap and two nights in Ho Chi Minh City.

Prices lead in at £1,536 per person, cruise-only, for a seven-day sailing on AmaDara (or AmaLotus), with departures throughout 2015 (except May).

Prices for the full 16-day land and cruise itinerary lead in at £2,910 and both prices include port taxes, but exclude flights.

For more information call 0808-256 8422 or see www.amawaterways.co.uk

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. MAJOR, 4. GARDA, 6. SAM, 7. BILBAO, 9. RHINO, 10. EBAY, 12. NSW, 14. WEAR, 15. HAIFA, 17. SOLENT, 19. TPA, 20. MILAN, 21. YALTA. Down: 1. MRS BROWN, 2. JAMAICA, 3. ROBSON, 4. GULF, 5. RSA, 8. AYIA NAPA, 11. BRISTOL, 13. WHITBY, 16. MEON, 18. OSL.

Highlighted Word: MANILA Travagrams: (top) Balkan Holidays

(bottom)United Airlines

Where Am I?: Atlas Mountains

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