Travel Bulletin 12th April 2013

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April 12 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,821 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

North Africa

Operators report strong demand for Morocco & Egypt

D O N ’ T M I SS. .

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Caribbean

All About the

April 2013

guide stop lopm oneents Your t news and deve to all the lates an in the Caribbe

Produced by

in.co.uk

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with this issue

this week agent bulletin 9 win one of three holiday prizes with Mosaic Holidays

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event bulletin images from The Tobago Tourist Office's 'Experience Tobago' event in London

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hotel bulletin Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill launches after ÂŁ1.5m renovation

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holiday parks operators unveil new entertainment & accommodation upgrades

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FAM FRIENDS...Cyplon Holidays, in conjunction with Aegean Airways and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), recently took a group of agents on an educational to Cyprus. Pictured making the most of the fam are, from the left: Natalie Barclay, American Express, Brighton; Anne Washington, Camberley Travel, Camberley; Anna Davies, Preston Travel, London; Jayne Scott, Cyplon Holidays; Alison Lee, Travel Stop; Ipswich; Ingrid Philphott, Bath Travel, Romsey; and at the front, Paige Prior from Toucan Travel in Basingstoke and Helen Cook from Go Travel in Orpington.

Cover Pictures: Main - Classic Collection Holidays, Koutoubia Mosque Marrakech

Inset - Away Resorts

This Week 3

news

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at home with eileen

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agent bulletin

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event bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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W-AITO-Go!

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hotel bulletin

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personality bulletin

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north africa

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holiday parks

the latest product launches, special offers & industry announcements find out what homeworker Eileen has been up to lately win one of three holiday prizes with Mosaic Holidays images from The Tobago Tourist Office's 'Experience Tobago' event in London win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher by playing Su Doku the latest news & views from AITO Agents Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill launches after £1.5m renovation which uk manager likes Virgin's in-flight entertainment where you can text other passengers? operators report strong demand for Morocco & Egypt operators unveil new entertainment & accommodation upgrades

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Survey finds more than a quarter of Brits find holiday planning stressful THE LEAD up to a holiday should be an exciting time, but for more than a quarter (27%) of Brits the planning, booking and preparation is a source of great stress according to a survey commissioned by travel comparison site, Kayak.co.uk The study examined which elements of the holiday booking process Brits find the most taxing. It also revealed that young 1825 year old females from London are most at risk of suffering from the holiday stress factor, whilst older males (66+) from the East of England are the most chilled out.

Contrary to popular belief that the younger generation is more adventurous and carefree, the study identifies they are amongst the most worrisome when it comes to organising a holiday, with nearly half (47%) confessing that the entire process stresses them out. Nearly a third (29%) of this age group stumbles at the first hurdle finding it a challenge to agree where to go with friends. They then spend

the lead up to the holiday worrying about a series of factors that range from making sure the resort lives up to expectations (51%), to getting to the airport on time (22%).

While the study reveals a number of key stress factors in the holiday planning stages, making sure that all of the essentials are packed was one of the top concerns for 13% of Brits.

Unsurprisingly, forgetting travel documents topped the league table of items for two thirds of Brits, followed closely by making sure they have packed the right sort of clothes (44%) and medication (35%).

In the event of forgetting to pack an essential belonging, most Brits said they would respond calmly by purchasing the item at the airport (19%) or when they arrive at their destination (53%), but for more than one in ten (11%) of the stressed out 18-25 year olds the default response would be to panic.

It would seem the worry doesn’t end there with Brits then contending with the

apprehension of what may befall them whilst away.

Falling ill is a main concern for more than a quarter (26%) of holidaymakers, whilst 6% stress about having to deal with badly behaved children. Brits are also advised to choose their travelling companions wisely as arguing with friends or family on holiday is a big concern for 10%.

It’s not all doom and gloom however. The study suggests an ebb and flow of stress in the lead up to a holiday and pinpoints the problem areas that Brits need to look out for.

Planning is a key stressful time, but once the holiday is booked Brits appear to relax, with 81% claiming this period is calmer. Yet this respite doesn’t seem to last long. As the holiday approaches the pressure begins to mount again as holidaymakers start to worry about the logistics of preparing to go away, such as getting to the airport on time (18%), making sure things will be alright at home (18%) and ensuring the holiday lives up to expectations (13%).

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newsbulletin Early launch of Mark Warner’s 2013/14 ski resorts brochure

MOVERS ● LEISURE PASS Group has appointed Lesley Bailey as retail

sales manager. ● HERVÉ BELLAÏCHE has joined Compagnie du Ponant to take up

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MARK WARNER has launched its 2013/14 ski resorts brochure six months earlier than usual to gear agents up for the start of the next ski season which begins on December 1.

There are a host of early booking offers available including savings of up to £450 per family for holidays booked before May 22.

The 100-page brochure features ten chalet hotels in the seven resorts of Val d’Isere, Tignes, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Courchevel 1850 and Meribel in France and St Anton in Austria.

Free child places are available on the following departure dates: December 1, 8 and 15; January 5, 12, 19 and 26; February 2 and 23; and all of March at the following chalet hotels: Chalet hotel Hauts de

Toviere, Tignes; Chalet hotel Berangere, Les Deux Alpes; Chalet hotel Christina, La Plagne and Chalet hotel Schweizerhof, St Anton.

Free childcare is also available on all January departures and also on February 2 and 9, while half price childcare is available on all departure dates apart from December 29, February 16 and April 6 and 13.

The overall lead-in price for the brochure, including the early booking offer, is £398 per person including flights from Gatwick, seven nights' half-board accommodation including wine with dinner, plus afternoon tea at Hauts de Toviere in Tignes, resort transfers and evening childcare.

For bookings or more information call 0844-273 6826.

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the post of executive vice president sales, member of the Board of Directors.

ABTA HAS announced that Doreen McKenzie, proprietor of Knock Travel, has been elected to the ABTA Board of Directors representing retailers with an annual turnover of less than £20m. Noel Josephides of Sunvil has also been reappointed to the Board representing principal members with a turnover of less than £50m.

RABBIE’S SMALL Group Tours has appointed Hazel Rickett as managing director.

DFDS SEAWAYS has introduced a new structure for its UK sales team which will be headed up by Andrew Crowe as head of sales for the UK. He will be supported by two sales managers – Stuart Duddy and Colin Fawcus. Janet Donaldson, based in Newcastle, will continue to look after private group sales and will work with Stuart on coach/tour operator business. The team will be supported by sales support, also based in the Newcastle office.

EXCLUSIVE HOTELS has appointed Antonio Lopez-Bustos as general manager of its Hampshire property, the 17th century Lainston House Hotel near Winchester.

BMI REGIONAL has appointed Claire Macklin and Jenna Donaldson as regional sales executives.

Half of professionals check emails on holiday GADGETS AND devices may be getting in the way of quality holiday time, according to research by www.sunshine.co.uk, which found in a recent poll that half of those in professional management roles check their emails every single day whilst on a holiday abroad.

Some 2,113 UK employees in management roles took part in the study and all respondents had been abroad on holiday in the last 12 months.

When asked, ‘On your last holiday abroad, did you check your emails on a daily basis?’ 49% of those said that they did, and 44% admitted that their checking of emails had caused friction with the other people on holiday with them.

The survey also found that 26% of respondents admitted to doing work whilst on their last holiday, while 86% of respondents said that they had checked the Wi-Fi availability in their accommodation before booking.

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GETTING WIGGY WITH IT...Colleagues at The Midcounties Cooperative Travel had some fun when they decided to ‘Get Wiggy With It’ for Teenage Cancer Trust. The group raised £4,350 for their charity partner by wearing brightly coloured wigs and holding fundraising activities and asking customers for donations. It was part of a Give at the Till initiative by all The Midcounties Co-operative businesses which together raised £87,000. Pictured are Sharre Fox (left) and Sharon Tanser-Voets from the Stourport Travel branch.

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newsbulletin Titan issues first edition ‘Paradise Journeys’ brochure

EASTER CELEBRATIONS... Fiona Boss (far right) from Funway Holidays celebrates Easter with Worcestershire based, Tranquillity Travel for being one of the biggest growing agencies in the region with sales up more than 300% compared to this time last year. The agency has also recently booked a wedding group to Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua for 17 passengers worth more than £24,000. Pictured with Fiona is the agency's Julie Sadler, Ruth Brunger and Jo Grazier.

Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @TOUCANTRAVEL Complimentary Half Board at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas from £899 per person http://goo.gl/e63JW @ContikiUK Save up to £225 on New Zealand & Australia tours with @contikiuk during April! http://bit.ly/13TO7QU @Monarch Save £25 off all return scheduled flights, all dates in our biggest ever sale! http://bit.ly/Big25sale .

What will you spend the £25 on? @ClassicHols Luxury offer save £400 per couple: 5* Grace Mykonos, 7 nights B&B from £1159pp dep from 18 Sept http://ow.ly/jJToo @CosmosHolidays Do you tweet about your holidays to share with friends and family? Here's a cool idea - map & tweet your hols http://bit.ly/12j73rj

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ TravelBulletin www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Hebridean Island Cruises exhibits at Coronation Festival HEBRIDEAN ISLAND Cruises will be exhibiting at the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace this summer.

The cruise line will join more than 200 other Royal Warrant holders for the oneoff event held in the gardens of the Palace between Friday July 12 and Sunday July 14.

The company's chief operating officer Ken Charleson said: “It’s a real honour to join our fellow Royal Warrant holders for this very special event. We will be showcasing the very best of Hebridean Island Cruises and highlighting our unique offering on our stand, designed to capture the home-from-home ambiance on board Hebridean Princess. In addition we will be offering visitors a tasting of our own labelled Single Malt whisky to pay homage to our Scottish heritage.”

The Coronation Festival is open to members of the public and each evening the Gardens will play host to performances of music and dance at The Coronation Gala.

Daytime tickets are available from £30 per person and evening tickets, including the Coronation Gala, cost from £90 per person.

For further information see www.coronationfestival.com and www.hebridean.co.uk

TITAN HAS released the first edition of its ‘Paradise Journeys’ brochure, which offers nine new tours in Africa, Asia and the Near East, as well as a number of new cruise itineraries.

As examples, new options include a 17-day 'Tracks of Africa’, which begins in Port Elizabeth, moving across the south coast of South Africa to Cape Town, where a two-day train journey on the Rovos Rail’s ‘Pride of Africa’ travels across South Africa to Pretoria. From here, guests catch an internal flight to Livingstone followed by a boat trip across the Zambezi River into Botswana to Chobe National Park, where two days are spent on safari. The trip concludes with a visit to Victoria Falls.

There are eight departures on selected dates from October through to May 2014 costing from £3,995 per person, and offering a saving of up to £300 per person if booked before July 31. The price includes flights, transfers, breakfast accommodation, excursions, the services of a tour manager and VIP Home Departure Service.

Meanwhile, a 14-day 'Natural Wonders of Southern India' itinerary begins in Bangalore before embarking on a journey to the Nagarhole National Park. Guests can discover resident wildlife via houseboat along the Kabini River and by jeep safari, while other highlights include a visit to a coffee plantation in Coorg, a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a cruise through the backwaters by houseboat and a three-night stay in one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India.

There are ten departures on selected dates in October to November, January to April 2014 and October to November 2014. Prices lead in at £2,245 per person, offering a saving of up to £200 when booked by July 31. The price includes scheduled flights, breakfast accommodation, excursions, coach transport, a tour manager and VIP Home Departure Service.

For more information or to book call 0800-988 5858 or see www.titantravel.co.uk

Sofitel Legend reopens Cartagena Santa Clara following renovation SOFITEL LEGEND has reopened the Cartagena Santa Clara following three years of renovation work.

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the hotel offers 122 guest rooms, comprised of a Colonial wing and a Republican wing.

The Colonial wing offers 17 suites, including a Junior Suite Legend and a 1,539sq.ft Fernando Botero Suite, named after the Colombian artist and featuring several pieces of his work.

The Republican wing reflects architectural details of the Republican era, along with elements of French and Colombian culture.

Situated in the former Clarist nuns’ dining room, the property’s restaurant, 1621, offers Mediterranean cuisine with a French twist, while the El Claustro brasserie offers a more casual eating experience.

The hotel features a spa with a variety of treatments, a hammam, solarium, fitness centre and dedicated tea area.

Also featured is a pool with sea views, a courtyard and access to the privately-owned beachfront properties nearby.

For further details see www.sofitel.com

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GARY'S GIFT... Yorkshire ex-pat, Gary Plank (pictured), is offering Tyke visitors to his shop, British Allsorts, in Munich a warm welcome to celebrate Monarch Airlines’ direct link from Leeds Bradford Airport to the German city. Gary's shop commends all things British and in particular, food and produce from Yorkshire. Leeds Bradford passengers will be welcomed with a complimentary cup of Yorkshire Tea plus a 10% discount in store to celebrate Monarch launching its sixth UK base at Leeds Bradford Airport. The promotion will run for the entire summer 2013 period.

Flights are available from Leeds Bradford to Munich up to three times weekly, with prices starting from £45.50 one-way or £81.99 return.

To book visit www.monarch.co.uk

Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer free nights for newlyweds SANDALS AND Beaches Resorts has launched a ‘Free Anniversary Nights on Us, On Any Island’ offer for honeymoon travellers.

From now until May 18, newlyweds who book a Luxury Included honeymoon within 60 days of their wedding date (in any room category) will receive up to five free nights during their next visit to any resort.

For couples looking to renew their vows, the resorts has also launched a new ‘ReTie the Knot’ programme, available on departures from April 15. Couples who book a minimum three-night stay at any resort can purchase the package for an additional $300 (approximately £198),

which includes a personal planner and a mimosa breakfast-in-bed on the morning of their choice. For those looking to share the occasion with friends and family, the package is free for bookings of five rooms or more.

Features of the ceremony include a bouquet and boutonniere, cake, a musical accompaniment and a reception for up to six guests with sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres. After the ceremony, couples will receive a commemorative certificate and gift, a complimentary photograph, dinner for two with a bottle of sparkling wine and romantic room decorations.

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

Cosmos Tours & Cruises highlights value of escorted tours COSMOS TOURS & Cruises is promoting its range of US tours and cruises to agents with a marketing campaign to highlight that ‘more’ is included in the holiday price.

The operator's product manager Amy Shine said: “An escorted tour in the US is often the best, cheapest and most relaxing way of seeing a vast area or several famous sights with many elements included in the price. As well as flights, all travel and transfers and guided sightseeing, some of our holidays even include a private door-to-door home pick up service.

"These days an escorted touring holiday could include a stay in a fun themed room at the Heartbreak Hotel in Memphis, soaking up the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras with the locals in New Orleans or even watching the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.

“An escorted touring holiday has good commission earning potential for agents as customers upgrade flights, book airport hotel nights, or book two tours back-to-back or even add a week’s cruise. Our premium brand of touring ‘Select by Globus’ offers great value, with upgraded levels of coach travel and deluxe hotels in city centres, as well more meals on tour and included door-to-door transfer services to the departure airport - depending on a customer’s budget, it’s worth knowing about."

New holidays to North America include a tour to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, the 12-day ‘Footsteps of Martin Luther King’ (from £1,795 per person) as well as a tour of Texas, the 14-day ‘Texas – the Lone Star State’, which costs from £1,965.

For more information see www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

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Belleair offers last minute Malta deals BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is offering a selection of last minute Malta deals.

Example packages include a seven-night stay at the fourstar Pergola Club Hotel & Spa from £354 per person, saving £20 per person. The price includes ryanair flights from Bristol or Stansted and breakfast accommodation in a standard room, and is valid for travel on April 19.

Alternatively, a sevennight all-inclusive stay at the four-star Seabank costs from £574 per person, saving £144 per person. The price includes ryanair flights from Luton and a pool view room and is valid for travel on April 23.

For clients with a slightly bigger budget, seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the five-star Gran Hotel Excelsior Malta costs from £764 per person, saving £68 per person. It includes easyJet flights from Gatwick and a deluxe inland room, valid for travel on April 24.

All prices are based on two people sharing and include transfers and entry to one of the island’s attractions.

For further information call 0845-365 3412 or visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents

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Marmaris Turkish Culture and Tourism OfďŹ ce Tel: 020 7839 7778 | www.gototurkey.co.uk

www.goturkey.com

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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

HAVE just returned from a wonderful holiday in the Caribbean - a seven-night cruise on the Seabourn Spirit plus five nights in Antigua. We flew to Barbados, and enjoyed an overnight stay at the Ocean2 Hotel, a very attractive all-suite beachfront hotel situated on the South Coast, and one that I would have no hesitation in recommending.

The Seabourn Spirit is a small ship with 104 ocean view suites and we were extremely impressed with our cabin. It was very spacious with a picture window, a sitting area and walk-in closet. The bathroom was very spacious too with a bath and shower and double washbasins.

The ship has two restaurants, one of which is bookable, the other open seating and both are waiter service. The quality of the food was excellent and the service was outstanding. At meals, you are encouraged to dine with other guests which we enjoyed as we met a very interesting mix of people. Life on board was very relaxed and the entertainment, although lowkey, was very good. Our cruise called at a different island every day including some smaller Caribbean islands. With less than 200 passengers on board, getting on and off the ship was a breeze.

One of our stops was at St John’s in Antigua and, as I had clients staying at the Inn at English Harbour, I got a taxi to the other side of the island to surprise them with a celebratory bottle of champagne to mark a special birthday. They were delighted and after a quick look around the hotel before joining them for lunch, we took the hotel’s private shuttle boat to Nelson’s Dockyard and spent the afternoon there together.

Our last stop on the cruise was at Prickly Pear Island in the B.V.I where a beach barbecue and watersports were laid on for us, together with champagne and caviar. It was a great finale to a wonderful cruise, but our holiday wasn’t quite over yet.

After disembarking the cruise, we flew to Antigua and spent the next five nights relaxing at the Blue Waters Hotel, where the accommodation, food and service were all excellent. The highlight was the chef specially preparing and serving vegetarian meals to me which were really delicious.

I’ve never had such attentive service before, especially in the Caribbean.

It was tough leaving behind that wonderful Caribbean sunshine to return to the cold - 30°C in Antigua and 3°C at Gatwick. It was enough to make you get straight back on the plane!

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A TRIO OF TREATS...Travel 2 delivered Easter treats to agents across the UK. Pictured with the operator's Hollie Smith (centre) is Lesley Pile (left) and Sherie Stembridge from Travel Designers.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Two great prizes to be won with the Canadian Tourism Commission: a) Win a fantastic lobster dinner for 4, delivered direct to your door! b) Entrants are also encouraged to complete the Canada Specialist training module for the further chance to win a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.

Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Travel Bulletin now hosts some of the trade’s most educational - yet fun - agent events. To view video footage from our most recent networking evenings, go to www.youtube.com/travelbulletin

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Make sure you complete this week’s Crossword, sponsored by Jet2holidays, for the chance to win £50 in Love2Shop vouchers. Just fill in the crossword on Page 11 of this edition, and then submit the mystery location along with your contact details via our website on 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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www.travelbulletin.co.uk The home of the web savvy travel agent www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

INTOURIST IS giving agents the opportunity to earn a £10 Love2Shop voucher with every booking made for its new cruise and stay itinerary which features seven nights' accommodation on MS Peter the First and two nights' pre- and post-cruise accommodation in the four-star Budapest in Moscow and the fourstar Ambassador in St Petersburg. The itinerary departs on May 16 and prices lead in at £1,835 per person including flights from London. Regional departures are available for a supplement. Bookings must be made by April 30. The company is currently running an incentive to celebrate its 75th anniversary, where the top selling agent for the month of April will win a £75 Love2Shop voucher.

For details call 0844-875 4026 or email info@intouristuk.com

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MOSAIC HOLIDAYS is offering three holiday prizes to agents to celebrate the launch of its new Turkey &

North Cyprus brochure and to entice agents to sell both the newly featured and existing product.

The new brochure features five new intimate and stylish boutique properties in the Aegean resort of Alacati; a new destination for the operator this year; 14 further properties in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Bodrum, Antalya and the Turquoise Coast; and six new hotels in North Cyprus. The company is giving agents the chance to win one of three holidays for two people when they make a Turkey or North Cyprus booking. Agents can enter multiple times as each booking counts as a separate entry. Winners will be drawn at the end of May, July and September and announced on the agent site and Facebook page.

The prizes include breakfast accommodation, flights and transfers and holidays must be taken by July 23, 2014.

For details see www.mosaicholidays.co.uk or call 020-8574 4000.

Agent training OFFERING GREAT days out beyond Disney and the major Orlando theme parks, the Florida Attractions Collection includes some of Florida's oldest and most iconic attractions, including dinner shows at Pirates Dinner Adventure and Outta Control Dinner Show, hot air balloon rides, airboats rides, WonderWorks the upside down house, as well as sightseeing excursions to various locations with Florida Dolphin Tours.

Agents completing the eLearning course by May 1 have the chance to win a Kindle Fire HD. For details see ott.travel BARCELÓ HOTELS & Resorts has launched a new training course that provides information on properties in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, along with details of resort credit offers at its Bavaro Beach Resort, Maya Beach Resort, Costa Cancun and Tucancun. Agents also have the chance to enrol in Barcelo's loyalty programme, BPartner, where they can earn points for bookings and redeem them for room nights in any of the company's 142 properties in 16 countries. The company is also offering three seven-night stays in one of its luxury resorts in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. To be in with a chance to win one of the prizes agents should complete and pass the course by April 30.

For details see www.ott.travel

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BOLTON BUDDIES...Thomson Superstore in Bolton recently won a Barrel of Booze, courtesy of Superbreak to enjoy on their team night out. To win it the shop had to increase their sales with the operator by more than 50%. Pictured are the agency's travel consultants - from the left: Meredith Swift, Natalie Bancks, Sue Churchouse, Sharron Turner and Caroline Merriman, with Superbreak's sales executive, Laura Dawson.

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eventbulletin THE TOBAGO Tourist Office held an 'Experience Tobago' event for travel agents at the Aura Mayfair in London recently. The event was held in conjunction with Cosmos Holidays and was supported by Travel Bulletin. Here's a round-up of the event in pictures...

Below: GETTING THE THUMBS UP...Jeanette Ratcliffe from Travel Bulletin presents Tosin Shobowale with a bottle of wine and box of chocolates courtesy of Cosmos Holidays.

Above: KITTED OUT....Ready to update agents on their latest products and developments are, from the left: Andrew Hillier, Coco Reef Resort; Gemma Lewis, The Villas at Stonehaven; and Mac Campbell, Rex Resorts/Turtle Beach.

Below: SHAKE ON IT...Morris Kusotera (left) from Polarbus Tours & Travel celebrates winning a place on the Tobago fam trip, courtesy of Marek Serzeniewski, national account manager of Cosmos Holidays.

Right: FLIGHT FRIENDS...

Pictured ready to make the most of the networking opportunities are, from the left: Hayley Newark, Holly Hyde and Zoe Winton, all from Flight Centre in Kensington.

“I had a wonderful time. The evening was very informative!

It’s all about Tobago now - watch this space!”

Below: DIPTI'S DELIGHT...Dipti Nana (centre) from Travel Pack won a place on a fam trip to Tobago, donated by Cosmos Holidays. Pictured presenting Dipti with her prize is Darrin Des Vignes and Vikki Moody from the Tobago Tourist Board.

Esther Jordan, Virgin Holidays

“Thank you ever so much for this wonderful night. My colleague even won a place on the fam trip! The evening was very informative and the ambiance was very nice.”

Riad Laulloo, Travelpack Marketing & Leisure Services

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Above: VOUCHER WOWCHER...

Jenny Jackson (left) from Travel PA picked up a £25 Love2Shop voucher from Sharon Earls of Cosmos Holidays.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

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

Number: 107

A Gas

A➠

B➠ With assistance to the retired a priority, this tour company is the opposite of its name!

C➠

New Quest No

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

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, April 18th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 29th March is Rosie Leary, Virgin Holidays in Nottingham.

March 29 Solution: A=5 B=8 C=1 D=4

Crossword

Sponsored By

This New Zealand skiing resort is fit for the Queen.

Where Am I?

The volcanoes Katla and Hekla are found here.

Fill in the crossword to spell the mystery location highlighted by the blue squares and visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword to submit your entry. All correct entries will be placed in a free prize draw and one lucky winner will win £50 Love2Shop vouchers.

Closing date for entries is Thursday April 18th.

Across 1. In which Jet2holidays destination might you find more bikes than residents? (9) 6. Active holidays operator, part of the Thomas Cook group (7) 7. Currency of Bulgaria (3) 8. English stand-up comedian, Michael (8) 12. Costa del Sol town, renowned for its beaches (8) 16. One of the Dodecanese islands (3) 17. First name of the famous admiral in Trafalgar Square (7) 18. Northern Territory tourist attraction, also known as Uluru (5,4)

Down 1. The Ponte Vecchio spans this river (4) 2. German city (5) 3. The Script frontman and judge on The Voice (5) 4. Worcestershire hills and spring water (7) 5. Carson City is the state capital (6) 9. Stamford Bridge is home to this football club (7) 10. Calabria is known as this part of Italy's boot (3) 11. Thailand's largest island and popular tourist destination (6) 13. Scenic lake on the border of 5 Down (5) 14. European capital city (5) 15. English city the Vikings called Jorvik (4)

Number: 107

Congratulations to Janette Ashby, Global Travel who won the 29th March crossword prize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers

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Jet2holidays offers flexible and great value package holidays for just £60pp deposit

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 22 April 12 2013

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!

by RACHEL JELLEY Product manager and responsible tourism manager at Sunvil Discovery

Sustainable tourism – the good, the bad and the life-changing...

ORKING FOR a tour operator for the past decade has opened my eyes to the complex – and, at times, narrow-sighted - world of the tourism industry. I have learnt that life is not black and white, that the development of a tourism product can have profound positive and negative impacts and that tourism must be tailored to suit the requirements of individual destinations.

I have seen how some countries perceive tourism as the answer to all of their problems, envisaging thousands of visitors, jobs for construction workers and tourism providers, economic diversification and international awareness. I have observed how poorly-planned and accelerated tourism development can result in bankrupt half-built hotels, tourism demand without the necessary accompanying infrastructure, problems of seasonality and unengaged and frustrated local suppliers and residents.

I have also witnessed the passion and enthusiasm that a local hotelier or guide has for their destination and how their stories can enrich a visitor’s holiday experience and memories. How a farmer has managed to diversify his source of income and safeguard his future by inviting guests into his home. How tourism jobs have stopped young people leaving villages and towns in search of employment. How tourism has led to the preservation and restoration of historical attractions, increased local pride and how, for example in the Azores, conservation of cetacean species has led to the creation of a new, thriving and highly-regarded whalewatching industry.

The more I speak to people in the places that Sunvil features, the more I realise how fragile are the attractions of a destination – natural, physical and man-made.

Destinations, and the people who live and work there, are not mere toys which we, as tour operators, can play with, mould as we desire and then dump on the arrival of a new present.

We need to take care of our destinations, to help develop them sensibly and sustainably and to protect them for generations to come.

It is not easy. Tour operators are businesses - we need to sell holidays to survive and we need to sell the holidays that our clients demand. Do clients demand sustainable tourism products? Some do, but they are in a minority. But does that mean that we should not make small changes to ensure that our holiday programmes become more sustainable? If anything, I believe that it means that we should do much more. We should allow our customers to have the holiday of their dreams in the knowledge that we, as operators, have chosen sustainable products and that we ensure that local people are earning a fair wage and not being exploited.

We cannot change the world as individuals, but we can

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make a difference - and this, to me, is what sustainable tourism is about. It is about small changes which, when added together, can make a significant difference to a host community and to the protection of natural resources.

All too often I think that we, as an industry, get caught up in the terminology of ‘sustainable tourism’ and are scared by a subject about which we feel unsure. We often put it into a pigeonhole believing it to be a niche product when, in fact, it is relevant to every tourism business and should be integrated into our day-to-day operations.

We must challenge ourselves to make the change! For example, during my time as product manager, I have increased my selection of owner-managed properties and hotels that offer the chance to sample local cuisine, and have placed greater emphasis on educating my clients about the local culture, visitor attractions and traditionally-produced souvenirs. This in turn has helped to increase the economic benefits that my clients generate for our destinations. Sunvil works very closely with destination tourist boards to develop sensitive tourism products which promote local produce and traditions, and we encourage our suppliers to utilise the tools developed by The Travel Foundation and the Travelife Sustainability System to improve their environmental and social performance - and to save money. Small changes - but every bit counts.

We can challenge ourselves to run a marathon and climb a mountain, so why not challenge ourselves to make one change or addition to our holiday programmes this year that will benefit the destinations in which we operate?

Guest experiences can be enhanced through the adoption of sustainable business practices and from the passion and care exuded by local suppliers, agents and representatives. This, in turn, generates repeat business and improved reputation through word of mouth. As a product manager, there is no greater reward than that of guest satisfaction and the knowledge that your suppliers are happy to work with you and to welcome your guests.

Rachel To respond to any of Rachel’s views email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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hotelbulletin Savings of up to 30% on spa & gourmet packages at Sicily’s Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa SICILY’S DONNAFUGATA Golf Resort & Spa is offering savings of up to 30% on spa and gourmet packages, with fourand seven-night breaks leading in at €101 (approximately £90) per person per night.

Visitors can experience a selection of spa treatments and various local culinary delights during the luxury breaks, with a four-night stay available from €460

(approximately £420 per person). Prices are based on two sharing a room and a ‘Gold’ package includes five-star bedand-breakfast accommodation with a free Sicilian gift, four massage treatments and four two-hour sessions in the spa, which features an indoor pool, hydromassage, sauna, steam bath and gym. In addition to a full body massage

and a seasonal treatment, guests can choose two extra treatments from a list including facial cleansing; aromatherapy manicure or pedicure; Viso Alchemy massage or hot stone therapy, while a 20% discount on spa products is also available.

For more information see www.donnafugatagolfresort.com

Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill launches after £1.5m renovation

THE FIVE-STAR Mercy Hotel Lisboa has opened in Lisbon, offering an ideal base for leisure and business guests with easy access to the city, plus dining, shopping and nightlife within easy walking distance of the hotel. The property features 47 rooms including luxury rooms (with rates from €118).

For details see www.mercyhotel.com

InBrief ● LUX* RESORTS has launched its new B2B platform for the travel

trade, Exchange. The tool provides agents with unlimited access to information and the latest news from the company's resorts in Mauritius, the Maldives and Ile de La Réunion. The site incorporates the new Expert programme which educates the trade on unique selling points of the properties. Users can take a test to qualify as a LUX* EXPERT and on successful completion, agents have the chance to win a two-night stay in a resort of their choice. ● FOCUS HOTELS has announced that it has taken over the management of the ibis Styles Blackpool Hotel on a long term management contract. ● CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts is opening its sixth hotel in Pattaya with the signing of a management contract to operate the Centara Grand Modus Resort & Spa Pattaya.

The hotel is due to open in the third quarter of this year. ● MANDARIN ORIENTAL Hyde Park, London has introduced a new family experience that offers a Suite sleep-over for children. The Little BU and Master Beau Sleep-Over package offers girls a selection of Little BU colourful, water-based, wash-off, nail varnishes on arrival and a free professional manicure. Master Beau’s will be presented with a Harrods Cirque de Sweet pail of candy, while bath time is made extra fun with Childs Farm goodies, to create big bubbles and sparkly clean skin, before having a blockbuster fun-filled evening, with popcorn and milkshakes. Prices start from £745, excluding VAT and 5% discretionary service charge, based on a family of four.

For details call 020-7201 3773 or email molon-reservations@mohg.com

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THE NEW Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill - previously Abbey Hill Hotel - has announced its launch following a £1.5m transformation, and rebranding as a Mercure property. Located close to the city centre adjacent to Abbey Hill Golf Course, the hotel features newly designed and furnished public spaces. The design theme continues through its 60-seater restaurant, 50-person capacity bar and lobby area, and throughout its 88 refurbished bedrooms. Other facilities include five state-of-the-art meeting rooms ideal for conferences, private events and weddings and a newly-built outdoor decking area with contemporary furniture.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s new restaurant, Moltens, has launched interactive dining enabling guests to cook their preferred meats or fish on lava rock - a rare concept that uses volcanic slates heated to 440oC. The dishes are brought to the table part-cooked and sizzling on a volcanic rock and the meat continues to cook at the table with diners able to choose themselves, according to their own personal preference, how long to cook it for.

The high temperature of the rock seals in the natural juices and nutrients giving the food a special taste and flavour. It’s also one of the healthiest methods of cooking with little or no fat used. Diners can choose from a selection of beef steaks of varying cuts, pork loin, chicken, king prawns and fresh tuna which are served with sides of salads, dips, chips and vegetables. Vegetarian options are also available.

The property is currently offering a special spring deal of 30% off room rates, plus standard rooms for two people including buffet breakfast from £64.50 per night, or from £85.50 for a Privilege Room with a king bed and golf course views.

For more information visit www.mercure.com or to make a booking email sales@abbeyhillhotel.com or call 01908-561666.

Mercure Abbey Hill

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personalitybulletin

Ginny Hawksley The UK manager of The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board takes her special pillow with her when travelling and likes texting other passengers when flying with Virgin...

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

My 14-year old son Archie.

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Walking through Knightsbridge with my grandmother – very happy memories. She used to listen to my ramblings of what I wanted to be when I grew up. In those days I wanted to be a fireman or work on the Chanel counter at Harrods!

Where was your last work-related trip?

I took a luxury educational with five fabulous travel agents to BVI in January.

I love sharing our islands, everyone who goes falls in love with them too.

"My first employer in New York told me I’d be successful working in sales and with people. He made me feel like I could achieve anything I put my mind to"

Career path ●

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why?

Angelina Jolie because I think she’s the sexiest woman in the world.

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What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Busy, happy & sociable.

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What have your travels taught you?

Patience.

What is the best advice you recall?

I lived in BVI for 13 years and when I moved there, my mother-in-law told me “It’s a small island, gossip can be rife, when somebody tells you something about somebody else, ask them ‘did you see it or did you hear it?’”. It was great advice.

If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?

My family.

If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be?

APD, direct flights to BVI & shorter immigration lines.

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● ●

June 2012 – present: Manager UK & Europe – BVI Tourist Board 2009: Launched www.onebvi.com 2006 – 2012: Moved to the UK as representative for BVI properties including Guana Island and Bitter End Yacht Club 2000 – 2006: Set up Smiths Gore Real Estate office on Virgin Gorda BVI selling luxury villas 1994 – 2000: Director of sales and marketing for Biras Creek Resort, BVI 1993: Moved to start assistant manager role at Necker Island, BVI. Earlier roles with Laura Ashley in London and other various positions including Au Pair in New York.

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career?

After messing about at school, my first employer in New York told me I’d be successful working in sales and with people. He made me feel like I could achieve anything I put my mind to.

What's your favourite city and why?

London – it’s fun, beautiful, cosmopolitan, has fascinating history, great art, entertainment & shopping. It’s always good to come home to.

What is your motto in life?

You’re a long time dead.

What is your favourite mode of travel?

Helicopter.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?

Healing terminally ill children.

What was your nickname at school and why?

I didn’t have one at school but at home my father called me pixie or stirrer as I look like a pixie and was always stirring up trouble.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

My pillow - it’s travelled all over the world with me.

What's your favourite airline and why?

BA or Virgin. I love BA Club Class and Virgin’s inflight entertainment especially the texting people in other seats!

How do you deal with stress?

Hanging out with my son Archie, he always makes me laugh.

What special skills do you have?

Strength, tenacity and the ability to find the positive side.

What’s your favourite movie of all time?

Love Actually, especially when Jamie proposes to Aurelia, I’ve watched it hundreds of times and it still makes me cry.

What do you love about your job?

There are three of us working in our office and we’re a great team. We are all passionate about BVI, we get paid to talk about it and take people there – what’s not to love?

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northafrica THE RESIDENCE Tunis has launched a new Golf Performance Academy 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 all aspects of their game.

Using state-of–the-art software to monitor brain activity, golfers are taught to relax, focus and visualise allowing them to reach their golfing potential. Elegant Resorts is currently offering seven nights for the price of six at the resort, with prices from £1,125 per person, offering a saving of £500 per couple. It is based on two sharing a Garden View Room on a bed-and-breakfast basis and includes flights from Gatwick with BA and transfers, for a departure between April 21 and June 30.

For details call 01244-897538 or see www.elegantresorts.co.uk and www.theresidence.com/tunis

Anatolian Sky reports steady increase in demand for Morocco & Egypt ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays has reported a steady increase in demand for holidays to Morocco, with bookings up around 40% since the middle of 2012, particularly tailor-made trips that include Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and the coastal resorts of Essaouira and Agadir.

Of particular interest has been the two-day Desert Adventure package which can be added to tailor-made trips such as an itinerary including Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains.

The operator also plans to further expand its Morocco programme for

2014 to include additional properties in the coastal resort of Agadir, where bookings for beach holidays have also increased.

The company's managing director Akin Koç said: “Regarding Egypt, we have seen a steady increase since late last year despite the political uncertainty and negative press. Many people delayed their trips to Egypt in the last few years, but now their confidence is returning.

For us the best selling products are the classic Egypt itineraries – Nile cruises and cruise-andstay holidays.”

RED SEA Holidays is launching new charter flights from Leeds Bradford to Sharm el Sheikh on May 2 and new charter flights from Exeter to Sharm el Sheikh on May 8. All-inclusive holidays start from £349 per person and bed-and-breakfast prices lead in at £309 per person.

For details call 0845-072 2477 or visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk

Just Sunshine adds new flight from Gatwick to Tunisia in response to demand TO SATISFY unexpected demand from the south, Just Sunshine has introduced a second flight from Gatwick to Tunisia from May 25 through to October.

The operator's marketing manager Chris Mansell said: “Trade support just keeps growing. Additionally, the new Newcastle and Glasgow departures are selling well and overall we are considerably ahead compared with the same time last year.

"We remain committed to educationals and once again plan to take more than 150 agents to Tunisia this year. Our first trip for 25 agents is already full and departs from Manchester on April 20. As always all our educationals are free and any agent making just five bookings

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(transactions) will be guaranteed an invitation to join us on a future trip.

"Tunisian prices are extremely competitive and we are confident that our total commitment to agents will see us record our best year ever. A recent survey showed that an independent agent who provided a family package holiday quote from Just Sunshine was £890 cheaper than the best price offered by a multiple."

Prices lead in at £309 at the all-inclusive five-star El Mouradi Hammamet Hotel for seven nights in May, departing from Gatwick, with commission at 13% on packages.

For more information or to book call 0844-756 0056 or visit www.justsunshine.com

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northafrica BOGOF deal from Encounters Travel CLIENTS BOOKING a Moroccan Mosaics escorted tour with Encounters Travel by July 31, for travel between June and December, will receive an Egypt Encounters tour worth £415 per person, for free.

Visitors can travel to Egypt on a departure between June and August to discover the ancient secrets of the Great Pyramids, Sphinx and the Egyptian museum in Cairo.

The operator is featuring a nine-day Moroccan Mosaics tour from £599 per person, for regular departures in June, July and August. The tour comprises two days exploring Marrakech’s mosques, minarets, souks and bazaars; visits to local Berber villages, gorges and canyons and the highest mountain pass in Africa; and a desert safari near Merzouga. The price includes transfers; eight nights’ varied accommodation in four-star hotels and a traditional Berber camp on a mixed-board basis; all entrance fees to monuments; and a local guide throughout.

The Egypt tour includes transfers from/to Cairo, eight nights’ accommodation on a mixed-board basis staying in four- or five-star hotels, on a luxury coach and a traditional felucca boat, as well as the services of an Egyptologist throughout.

The tour starts in Cairo with a visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Guests then head to Aswan and Luxor in the Nile Valley and take a traditional felucca cruise down the Nile before heading back to Cairo, with time to explore the city.

International flights are excluded on both itineraries and the tours do not have to be taken consecutively.

For more information see www.encounterstravel.com or call 0800-088 6002.

SPECIALIST MOROCCO has launched a new trip called ‘White River Canyon Trek’ to the Imilchil region in the Eastern High Atlas, one of the remotest spots in Morocco. Guests will experience a variety of landscapes from high peaks and arid, almost Mars-like plateaux to flourishing green valleys. The focal point of the trek is to hike and camp in the dramatic Assif Melloul (White River) Canyon between Imilchil and Anergui. The itinerary can depart on any day from May through to September and costs from £999 per person, based on two sharing, or from £649 per person for groups of five-12 people. The price includes flights, transfers, eight nights’ accommodation (two nights in a riad in Marrakech, two nights in simple hotel/gîtes and four nights camping), most meals, private transport, mule support for bags during the trek, camping equipment, mountain guides, a cook and driver.

For details call 01428-605833 or visit www.specialistmorocco.com

Prestige Holidays reports Morocco business remains strong PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports that it has seen a surge in winter and summer business to Morocco with bookings up 11% and 10% respectively.

The operator's marketing manager Nicky Shafe said: "A combination of some great offers and poor British weather has resulted in a marked increase in our business to Marrakech and other parts of Morocco.

"Our top selling hotels continue to be the Maison Arabe, Jardin de la Medina and Es Saadi. The majority of our clients are couples in the 30 to 60 age bracket staying four or five nights. Many are repeat clients and so often choose to combine a stay in the frenetic city of Marrakech with a break in Essaouira or Oualidia."

The company also predicts a renewed interest in Kasbah Tamadot following the reopening of its five Berber Tents, which now offer luxury hot tubs. Guests can relax and rejuvenate on their private terrace while taking in the views of the Atlas Mountains. The hotel has also introduced openair movie screenings where guests can watch a good old classic, romantic or Moroccan-inspired film underneath the stars, while a waiter serves popcorn, snacks and drinks.

The operator is currently highlighting free child stays at Kasbah Tamadot; free nights at the Dar Anika, Villa des Orangers, Es Saadi and Four Seasons Hotels; free spa treatment or cookery lesson at Maison Arabe; and complimentary half-board at Jardins de la Medina.

A three-night break in June costs from £336 per person staying at Es Saadi hotel in a twin room with a balcony on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with easyJet flights from Gatwick, private transfers and the services of a representative. The price includes one free night saving £82 per couple.

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

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northafrica Classic Collection Holidays highlights selection of summer deals to boost sales TO ENCOURAGE summer bookings to Morocco, Classic Collection Holidays has negotiated more than 70 special offers in many of its properties in North Africa.

For early bookers, complimentary room and board upgrades plus free night offers are currently available at 28 of the operator’s 32 hotels in the region.

The company's head of purchasing Gary Boyer said: "We’re delighted to report that winter sales to Morocco are currently 20% up year-on-year. Summer sales are proving to be more of a challenge, being broadly on a par with last

year. We have therefore contacted our Moroccan hoteliers to secure the best possible offers to stimulate demand to this fascinating, close to home, year-round sun destination."

Clients opting to book at least 60 days prior to departure for travel between May 23 and October 31 can benefit from savings of between £144 and £192 per couple on a fournight break at the recently opened Taj Palace, Marrakech.

For further details call 0800-008 7288 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk

Taj Palace, Morocco

Attraction World adds 15 new experiences in Marrakech ATTRACTION WORLD has added 15 new experiences for clients to try in Marrakech this year.

As examples, a half-day Tajine Cooking Class leads in at £49 per adult and £44 per child (aged six-11), and starts with a short Arabic lesson before heading to the market to test language skills whilst buying the local produce.

Guests will discover the various spices and ingredients used in Moroccan cuisine before indulging their tastebuds.

A Medina, Palaces & Tombs option takes in the medina, souks, the city gates, palaces and tombs, before visiting Djemma El Fna for some snake charming, music and shopping. Prices lead in at £29 per adult and £25 per child.

Meanwhile, an Historical Tour of Marrakech costs £40 for adults and £21 for kids (aged two-11) and includes a visit to the Djemaa El Fna to experience fire eaters, snake charmers, fortune tellers, teeth pullers and monkey tamers.

In Tunisia, the operator is highlighting a day trip to Cap Bon from Hammamet for £125 per adult and £100 per child, where guests will experience a panoramic drive around the ‘Garden of Tunisia’ including a visit to Nabeul, Kerkouane and the Phoenician-Byzantine fortress, the caves of Ghar el Kebir and Bacchus Palace for some wine tasting.

Meanwhile, a half-day option to Nabeul (the ceramics centre of Tunisia) leads in at £53 per adult and £42 per child (aged two-11), where the streets are filled with local craftsmen selling ceramics, leatherware and brass, plus fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and household goods.

All tours are fully commissionable to agents.

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s k r a p y a d i l ho Hoseasons encourages agents to capitalise on adult couples market Great Glen Water Park rafting

HOSEASONS IS urging travel agents not to forget the important adult couples market during the next couple of months – and is pushing activity holidays and luxury self-catering accommodation as two of the key factors to attract this market.

As the Easter school holidays come to an end, the focus during May and June – with the exception of the Whitsun halfterm week – needs to be on adult couples holidaying on their own or with other couples, according to the operator's head of marketing and creative services, Rebecca Harris.

She said: “Of course families are a key part of the market, especially during the school holidays, but couples holidaying without children constitute a great opportunity for incremental business during term-time.

“Travel agents cannot afford to ignore this important market, which includes

holidaymakers who are prepared to splash out on something special, but who might not want to travel too far from home. Holiday parks have a great family image – but increasingly they are becoming the first choice for adult couples as well. The key is understanding what this market is looking for – and we find that increasingly exciting activities and luxury accommodation are two of the things which will attract bookings in this market.”

The company's holiday parks programme offers both Go Active activity breaks along with its contemporary boutique Autograph Lodge Holidays Collection.

The Go Active programme features action-packed activity breaks at 16 flagship locations across the UK, with a wide range of activities available including quad-biking, white-water

rafting and abseiling, plus tuition in a number of sports including fencing, archery and crossbows, along with more relaxing activities such as yoga, beauty therapies and sports massage.

One Go Active park which the operator says will appeal to adventurous adults is Great Glen Water Park in Inverness-shire, which offers a range of activities including gorge walking, clay pigeon shooting, quad-biking and whitewater rafting. Four nights in a luxury two-bedroom Scandinavian-style Loch Oich Premier Lodge from May 18 costs £299, offering a saving of £59 on the brochure price. Go Active activities are charged as taken and include £15 for a one-and-a-half hour archery lesson and £50 for a three-hour white-water rafting experience.

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

PIERRE & Vacances' Village Bonavista de Bonmont in Catalonia is a new village surrounded by natural habitats on the edge of the Bonmont golf course. The village has the usual features that make it an ideal village holiday for families with young children including a heated pool, playground, sports grounds, aquatic centre and kids' clubs.

Beyond the village there are sandy beaches and 25km away is the Port Aventura theme park. Prices start at £355 for an air-conditioned one-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to six guests.

Agents should visit to.pv-holidays.com/gb-en/login when booking.

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holidayparks DURING THE peak summer season, Away Resorts' Whitecliff Bay, which has its own secluded beach, will be the only park on the island to have a live resident band for every night of the peak summer holiday period. The company is also introducing a number of new shows for families, including a new pre-school character, Lucy's Teddy, which joins the show, Bear in the Woods. The entertainment teams at Whitecliff Bay and Tattershall Lakes will also be debuting an hour-long ‘Play Live on Stage’ production, based on the format for Saturday morning TV programmes with ‘presenters’, game shows, dancing/singing competitions and a mini version of Bear in the Woods. This will take place at 19:00 every evening. Also new is a dedicated toddler-friendly show that will be performed between 16:00 and 17:00, and at Whitecliff Bay is a revamped version of the Champions of Rock show performed by the park’s entertainment team, which will include covers of popular rock classics.

Keycamp offers inclusive options on parc to offer holidaymakers more flexibility NEW FROM Keycamp for this year, inclusive options are now available on-parc to give holidaymakers more flexibility with the option to pay for breakfast, evening meals, drinks and extras such as ice-creams prior to departure.

Available on 13 of the operator's parcs throughout Europe, prices start at £30 per adult for the breakfast and evening meal option, which also includes Wi-Fi, linen, beach towels and an Essentials Pack for the family.

As an example of prices, seven nights on the Côte d’Azur in May costs from £150 per party, accommodation-only.

Located on the edge of the Esterel forest, La Baume is one of the company's most popular parcs on the French Riviera.

The large, lively parc has Californian-style pool complexes which include a covered pool and tropical palm tree islands, while onsite facilities include tennis, archery and cycle hire.

The price applies to a May 11 departure and is based on a stay in a two-bedroom Villanova mobile home which sleeps up to four adults and two children. It also includes a discount of £102. Ferry crossings and fly/drive packages are available at a supplement.

Haven invests £40million in family facilities, accommodation & landscaping HAVEN IS investing £40m for 2013 in improved facilities, accommodation, landscaping and new places to eat and drink.

New additions include a refurbished and extended indoor swimming pool at Golden Sands in Lincolnshire; a refurbished indoor pool with toddler area and new changing area at Seaview in Dorset; and a new terrace overlooking the sea at Craig Tara’s Mash and Barrel bar and restaurant in Scotland.

Other parks offering new food outlets for this year include Greenacres in North Wales, Rockley Park in Dorset, Wild Duck in Norfolk and Perran Sands in Cornwall, while Presthaven Sands in North Wales has a new Live Lounge entertainment venue.

The operator is spending £750,000 of its total investment for 2013 on 25 new outdoor playgrounds across its parks.

Pool kayaking and pool snorkelling is coming to all parks (with the exception of Lydstep Beach) this year, and customers can learn the basics of pool kayaking for a small extra charge, before putting their new skills to use in a series of pool games.

Guests can also take their first steps

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into an underwater world with qualified instructors who will demonstrate the basics of snorkelling in the safety of the parks’ pools where they will learn how to quickly clear their snorkel of water, how to prevent their face mask from misting and more.

Back on dry land the new 'Everyone Outdoors' concept brings noncompetitive family fun, offering families a chance to spend time, play together and meet new people whilst taking part in a number of outdoor team games such as rounders, frisbee or ‘kick about’.

At Hafan y Mor, Kiln Park, Perran Sands, Devon Cliffs and Burnham-onSea, wannabee Bear Grylls can learn the essentials of wilderness survival on a new Bush Craft programme. Ideal for adventurers, guests can learn skills such as purifying water, building shelters and lighting fires. The activity is suitable for children seven and over.

The company is also launching new family-friendly activity walks for 2013 that can be enjoyed either as gentle strolling options or more advanced jogging and cycling routes.

Seton Sands’ new track and trail offers two scenic routes and includes

bits of purpose built activity equipment for guests who want to mix up their journey with some different exercises.

The new track at Lakeland holiday park offers a 1.8-mile route that features some local history and winds past an old RAF training base built and operated during the Second World War. All tracks and trails are accessible for pushchairs and dog walkers.

This year also sees a line-up of new entertainment across all 35 holiday parks including a Sounds of the 60s show, Clockwork and TV Talent where guests can enjoy the vocal talents of X Factor finalists Lucie Jones, Jamie Archer & Danyl Johnson and comedy from Kevin Cruise from Britain’s Got Talent, as well as the parks’ all-singing, all-dancing Funstars.

During the summer, parks will host a new seaside musical where customers can join Cinders on her journey to find her Prince Charming. Plus guests can learn how to sing and dance like a star with reality TV favourites Same Difference in their own Pop Academy.

For more information or to book see www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0871-230 1919.

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holidayparks Butlins hosts Northern Soul Event in September We asked our staff the following question this week: The best part of waking up is.....?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Realising that a day working with my wonderful colleagues at TB lies ahead!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Realising that it's the weekend!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk The Sun shining through the curtains on rare sunny mornings and breakfast

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Going back to sleep again

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Knowing it's Saturday and cricket beckons!

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk I'm still alive

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

BUTLINS SKEGNESS is set for a weekend celebration this September in honour of the 40th anniversary of Northern Soul nights, which takes place at Wigan Casino.

On September 27, guests can step back to the place where Northern Soul peaked in the 1970s.

In September 1973, Russ Winstanley, a DJ and Soul lover managed to convince the manager of the Wigan Casino to hold an all-night Soul party at the venue. The party didn’t start until 02:00 and ran through until the milkman started work.

During the eight years of all nighters, more than four million people flocked to the venue to dance and enjoy the sound of Northern Soul surrounded by like-minded revellers. Celebrity visitors and performers included Pete Waterman, Paul Weller, Mick Hucknall, Soft Cell, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Paul O’Grady and the Happy Mondays.

The upcoming event will involve guests dancing with Martha Reeves and grooving to the soul music of Geno Washington, before joining the Boogaloo Party with Tommy Hunt. Supporting acts across the weekend will include Sidney Barnes, Brenda Holloway, Chris Clarke, Dean Parrish and a range of northern DJs. Off stage, guests can learn the secrets of a Northern Soul shuffle at one of the Soul and Dance workshops or experience some classic silver screen soul flicks from the Northern Soul era at the on-resort cinema, such as Soul Boy and Standing in the Shadows.

During the exclusive break, guests will also get the chance to be part of a Guinness World Record attempt, for the world’s longest all night Soul party.

A three-night break costs from £89 per person, based on four people sharing a Silver self-catering apartment.

For more information or to book visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0845-070 4742.

Seeing it's only 2am, yet you feel like you've slept for ages. The next 5 hours feel like a bonus.

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

Shorefield Holidays unveils new accommodation

Having a snooze button

SHOREFIELD HOLIDAYS has announced its new luxury accommodation, Warren House, which will open on July 26 at Shorefield Country Park in the New Forest.

Offering space for up to 12 guests, the property features a dedicated games room (table tennis, table-top football, Wii, Wi-fi) and a large open-plan living/dining/kitchen area of 2,240sq.ft on the ground floor.

The upper floor offers six bedrooms (four with ensuite facilities) and six shower/bathrooms. In addition to a private outdoor patio area with a hot tub and barbecue, parking is available for guests and catering can also be pre-booked.

Prices start from £994 per week (less than £12 per person per night based on 12 people sharing from November 1 to December 19) increasing to £3,500 in high season - less than £42 per person per night on the same basis between July 26 and August 22.

Shorefield Country Park is set in 100-acres of parkland near Milfordon-Sea on the edge of the New Forest, five minutes’ walk from the sea.

Facilities include large indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym with new techno-gym equipment, floodlit tennis court, kids’ clubs, fishing lake, sauna, steam room and spa bath and the Reflections Elemis Day Spa. There is also a variety of dining options, live entertainment in the evenings, supermarket, internet kiosk and Wi-Fi. For more information or to book visit www.shorefield.co.uk or call 01590-648331.

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk My first cup of tea

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk A full English breakfast

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Falling back asleep

Production: Jeremy Walters production@travelbulletin.co.uk Breakfast!

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited Subscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

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puzzlesolutions Travagrams: (top) Saga

(bottom) Queenstown

Where Am I?: Iceland

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April 12 2013

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