Travel Bulletin 12th July 2013

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July 12 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,834 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

UK & Ireland

Survey reveals two thirds of families will enjoy a staycation this year

this week agent bulletin Funway launches agent incentive debit card personality bulletin which industry personality admits to being feisty?

red sea

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agents encouraged to capitalise on resorts' value for money offering

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far east a round-up of offers plus news from the Thailand Travel Mart

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BOOK YOUR SEATS NOW Monday 7th October 2013 TThe hee Landmark, 222 M Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ Dress Code: Black Tie

To attend the UK Travel Industry’s Premier Event call 020 7834 6661 or book online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/reserve-tickets Sponsors

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newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - Cotswolds, VisitBritain

Inset - Grand Resort Hurghada, Red Sea Holidays

TITAN TREAT...Titan took ten agents on an escorted tour to Canada, exploring Vancouver, Banff and the Rockies, with two days on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.

Pictured getting ready to enjoy the ride are, from the left: Sonia Reece, Travel Stop; Edwina Coppock, Titan; Mike Moran, Moran Travel; Iona Etchells, Eton Travel; Pauline Stoneman, Travelux; Mair Pennycook, The Travel House; Paul Matthews, Advance Travel; Carol Gibney, Co-operative Travel; Debbie Jackson, Midcounties Co-op; Lynne Ball, Hays Travel; and Vicki Wood, Fred Olsen Travel.

This Week 3

news

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agent bulletin

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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 industry announcements, product additions & new offers

Funway announces launch of agent incentive debit card which industry personality admits to being feisty?

survey reveals two thirds of families will enjoy a staycation this year agents encouraged to capitalise on resorts' value for money offering a round-up of news & announcements from the Thailand Travel Mart

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Research from BonVoyage.co.uk reveals parents spend average of £200 keeping kids entertained on holiday A NEW study from BonVoyage.co.uk has revealed that British parents spend an average of £201.32 per holiday purely on keeping their children entertained; with more than a third admitting that they hadn’t budgeted for the extra cost of entertaining before heading abroad.

The study polled 1,257 British holidaymakers with at least one child aged five and above, all of whom had been on holiday abroad as a family at least once in the last 18 months.

Respondents were asked to specify what they had spent money on to keep their children entertained, with the top five items/activities being excursions (44%), beach games (39%), theme/water parks (27%), group activities (21%) and shows/exhibitions (17%).

Respondents were also asked to estimate how much they had spent on items or activities to keep their children amused, wth the average price being £201.32.

The company's cruise development manager Steph Curtin said: “Taking the kids on holiday can be costly, particularly when you factor in how much it can cost to keep them happy - which as this study shows isn’t cheap!

“More than £200 on activities or items to keep the kids happy is a serious amount of money on top of the cost of a holiday, and to see that one in three parents don’t budget for the extra cost is worrying.

"It’s important that customers keep this cost in mind when booking their holiday, and choosing a holiday designed around the kids can be a great way of keeping costs down.

“There are plenty of resorts and cruises available which offer a range of activities included in the cost of booking, with all-inclusive options also popular. Opting for one of these means you know exactly how much you’ll be paying before heading off, and ensures that your kids will have plenty to do when you’re there.”

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newsbulletin Tailor-madeadventures.com offers bespoke honeymoon service TAILOR-MADEADVENTURES.COM, the dedicated tailor-made service from Dragoman and Imaginative Traveller, is offering a selection of honeymoon options that take in active adventures, beach, safari and cultural settings.

As an example, a 12-night 'Elephants & Beaches of Sri Lanka' leads in at £2,230 per person. Starting off in the island's ancient capital, Anuradhapura, guests will visit the first temple to be built on the island, famous for its sculpture of 'Lovers'. Staying in luxury accommodation, from eco lodges to boutique hotels surrounded by botanical gardens, the honeymoon ensures couples enjoy adventurous and cultural activities in a variety of locations including tea plantations, forested hills, historical towns and cities, wetlands, national parks and beaches. The trip includes a guide and driver.

For details see www.tailor-madeadventures.com or call 01728-885611.

Summer deals in Slovenia from Inghams

IT'S IN THE BAG...SATOA recently held two three-course dinner events for travel agents and operators, which also offered a platform for its members to build relationships with the key UK travel trade to promote their products and network. Pictured at the Surrey dinner are Natalie de la Porte (left) from Tourism KwaZulu Natal, with prize winner Becca Spurgeon from Visions of Africa. The next Agents' Dinner is in Chester on July 15.

For details email info@satoa.com

INGHAMS IS offering a selection of Slovenian breaks next month from £499 per person.

A seven-night stay in Lake Bled leads in at £499 per person and offers a range of lake activities such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing. Alternatively, guests can head to the mountains to try horse-riding, canyoning or paragliding.

The price, which offers a saving of £176 per person, includes half-board accommodation at the three-star Hotel Astoria, flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Ljubljana, transfers, an evening meal at Bled castle, daily packed lunches, tea/coffee and a weekly Slovenian dinner with traditional dishes and music.

Alternatively, a seven-night stay at the four-and-a-halfstar Grand Hotel Toplice costs £699 per person, offering a saving of £226 per person. Located on Lake Bled with views of the castle, guests can spend their days at the hotel’s private lakeside lido or experience the spa facilities. The price includes half-board accommodation, flights from Gatwick to Ljubljana, transfers, daily tea and coffee and rowing boat hire, and is based on an August 31 departure.

For more information or to book visit www.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791114.

Taber Holidays adds new rail tours of Sweden for summer with daily departures TABER HOLIDAYS has added two new rail tours in Sweden this summer.

‘The Polar Express to Lapland’ itinerary from Stockholm travels north to Kiruna, high above the Arctic Circle.

The eight-night adventure includes an overnight stay at Luleå and the Treehotel in the forest at nearby Harads.

Finishing in Kiruna, the heart of Swedish Lapland and home to the indigenous Sami people, guests have the choice of taking part in optional activities including white-water rafting and wildlife watching.

Prices start from £1,630 per person and include flights, accommodation

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and the rail journeys. The tour is based on two sharing and departs daily until September 30.

A ‘Gothenburg and Stockholm’ itinerary combines short stays in each city. The six-night trip links east and west, with three nights spent in both Gothenburg and Stockholm.

Prices start from £1,048 based on two sharing, and include flights from Heathrow to Gothenburg, returning from Stockholm; the rail journey between the two cities; and accommodation with breakfast. The tour departs daily until September 30.

The operator is also offering guests the option to combine the 'Gothenburg

and Stockholm' itinerary with either two nights in Karlstad overlooking Lake Vanern, Sweden’s largest lake, or two nights in this year’s host Eurovision city of Malmö. Prices for Gothenburg, Karlstad and Stockholm start from £988 per person and for Gothenburg, Malmö and Stockholm, from £1,021.

Both itineraries include flights from Heathrow, six nights' breakfast accommodation and the rail journey. A number of optional excursions are also available in each destination.

For more information or to book call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

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newsbulletin Trafalgar offers Love2Shop vouchers as agent incentive for US & Canada bookings TO CELEBRATE the launch of its new ‘USA & Canada’ programme for 2014, Trafalgar is offering savings of 10% off guided holidays booked and paid for by November 29, which equates to a saving of up to £810 per couple.

Guests who have booked through the operator before can also save up to £203 per couple with its additional frequent traveller discount of 5%.

The brochure features 52 trips throughout North America, Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica, including Hawaii and Alaska, with two new itineraries - the 15-day Best of the West and the ten-day Family Experiences trip, Florida Fun ‘n’ Sun. As a launch incentive, the operator is giving away £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers to agents per US and Canada

booking made by November 29. Agents are also invited to an evening in London showcasing the Sounds of South, including a Kings of Leon cover band and an opportunity to win prizes including an all-expenses paid trip to see the real Kings of Leon live later in the summer.

For more information visit www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

Overseas transfers bookable online with Superbreak

Cosmos launches 2014 ‘North America & Worldwide’ brochure COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched its 2014 ‘North America & Worldwide’ programme with a new reservations platform.

To celebrate the launch, the operator’s ‘Start in Style’ private door-to-door home pick-up service is being offered on all bookings made before December 19.

For those booking holidays with Virgin Atlantic flights, upgrades to Premium Economy are available from £49 per person, an offer worth up to £700 per couple (available for the first 100 customers booking 2014 holidays).

An airport hotel offer is also available for £29 per room at a four-star property for one night, preor post-tour stay, and includes up to 14 nights' airport parking.

Examples of itineraries include a 13-day twin-

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Pictured marking the launch of Cosmos Tours & Cruises’ 2014 North America & Worldwide brochure is Emily Franklin from Stamford Independent Travel with the operator's Simon Garrido.

centre ‘Classic Cuba’ break, which combines the city of Havana with a beach stay in Varadero from £1,249 per person, and an 11-day ‘Phuket & Khao Lak’ break from £1,485 per person.

To meet demand from single travellers, the company is offering a wider choice of departure dates and 14 itineraries with no single supplement to pay, including Highlights

of Morocco, Thailand Experience, The Mayan Trail, Heart of the Canadian Rockies and Great Cities of Eastern USA. Agents making any booking from the brochure from now until July 31 will also receive a £25 Love2Shop voucher.

For further details call 0844-573 0668 or to view the brochure online visit www.trade-gate.co.uk

AGENTS CAN now book overseas transfers with Superbreak online through its dedicated agent website.

In a move to ensure that the booking process is as speedy as possible, agents can now add a transfer to an overseas package once the flight/Eurostar and hotel have been selected.

Transfers are available for both city and beach destinations and either as shuttle transfers or private taxi and can be booked online for 17 European cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris, plus ten beach destinations including The Algarve, Tenerife, Costa del Sol, Ibiza and Mallorca.

Prices start from £8.25 per person for shuttle transfers and £53 for private transfers in Tenerife.

For more information visit www.superbreak.com/ agents

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newsbulletin BookaBed integrates product stock with Traveltek BOOKABED HAS announced the completion of product integration (XML) with Traveltek.

The company’s worldwide programme, which consists of more then 150,000 hotels, is available to book via the ISell and Holiday Maker platforms.

Users of the platforms can select either a gross or net pricing feed to best suit their respective needs.

Agents looking to sign up should email darren@bookabed.co.uk

Kuoni issues 2014 ‘Indian Ocean and Arabia’ brochure KUONI HAS brought together the islands of the Indian Ocean and Arabia for the first time in its latest brochure.

Valid from this September until December next year, the programme includes bonus nights, early bird savers, free child places and honeymoon/anniversary deals.

New additions include the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, home to orphaned baby elephants, which is included in an eight-day Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari, and an 11day Sri Lankan Discovery Family Tour, plus adventure itineraries in Oman, including the three-day Frankincense Trail in the province of Dhofar.

Meanwhile, new properties include La Digue Island Lodge in the Seychelles, the four-anda-half-star Jetwing Lagoon in Sri Lanka and the five-star Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa in Dubai.

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Newsbites ●

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A VIDEO contest, held in cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board, has been announced on Robbie Williams’ Facebook page, awarding ten all-expenses-paid VIP trips for fans to meet Robbie and attend his show on August 20 in Tallinn, Estonia. To enter, fans are asked to record a 60-second video of themselves describing how Robbie Williams’ music has influenced their life by July 21.

For details visit www.visitestonia.com/en/meet-robbie-in-tallinn CRUISINGEXCURSIONS.COM HAS announced that it will price match and offer a further 10% discount for customers finding shore excursions at a cheaper price. The company offers more than 5,000 excursions at 600 ports worldwide.

CONDOR FERRIES has reopened its ferry link from Weymouth to Jersey in the Channel Islands from July 17.

For details see www.condorferries.com STA TRAVEL has appointed International Rail to handle its rail enquiries and transactions worldwide. The new partnership will allow the operator to sell rail across 65 countries.

THE ILAMATEC Volcano and Lake Coatepeque in El Salvador are two of the candidates competing to become the 8th Wonder of the World in the 2013 edition of the competition.

Other candidates include Tikal Archaeological Park in Guatemala, Tulum in Mexico and La Alhambra in Granada. Online voting is open until September 30 at www.virtualtourist.com/8thwonder

PAC PAL PRIZE....Donna Hill from Carrick Travel was the winner of Jetset's Pac Pal game, which was hosted on Travel Bulletin's website and based on the classic game, Pac Man, to help educate agents on Package Pal. Donna is pictured collecting her prize of a retro hamper from the company's Paul Molyneux.

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New Gambia & Senegal brochure from Serenity SERENITY HAS introduced its ‘The Gambia & Senegal’ November 2013 - October 2014 brochure, giving those who book by July 31 the chance to save up to £250 per couple.

The Gambia Experience and The Senegal Experience are offering a range of breaks, including twin- and multi-centre stays within and between the two destinations, as well as a range of tours highlighting cultural, wildlife, birding and fishing opportunities.

Early booking offers in The Gambia include 11 nights for the price of ten at a wide range of properties, and savings of more than £250 per couple at the Coco Ocean Resort & Spa with a free room upgrade from Junior Suite to Deluxe.

In Senegal, offers include a saving of £150 per person available for 14-night all-inclusive holidays at the Royal Decameron Baobab Resort in La Somone, Saly.

Seven nights’ breakfast accommodation in The Gambia costs from £549 per person or from £699 on an all-inclusive basis, and from £835 for breakfast accommodation at a Luxury Collection property.

In Senegal, seven-night holidays start from £899 per person on a half-board basis.

All prices include flights, taxes and transfers.

For more information see www.gambia.co.uk and www.senegal.co.uk

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newsbulletin ONYX to launch first Amari Resort in Indonesia THAILAND-ONYX Hospitality Group has been appointed to operate the 435-room Amari Pecatu Bali on the Indonesian island of Bali.

The hotel, which is scheduled to open in 2015, is located on the southern peninsula of the Pecatu resort and will be part of the 400-hectare Pecatu Indah Resort, an integrated development with planned facilities including a shopping mall and conference venues.

The resort will offer a range of dining options as well as a lounge and bar, sea view swimming pool, spa, gym and a retail area.

For more information visit www.onyx-hospitality.com

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FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is promoting a range of tradeonly holiday packages to the US. A three-night room-only stay at the three-star The Midtown Hotel in Boston leads in at £539 per person, including flights from Heathrow with BA. The price is based on travel on January 13, 2014 and includes a saving of £226 per couple.

Alternatively, three nights' room-only stay at the threestar Holiday Inn Midtown 57th Street in New York costs from £659 per person including flights from Heathrow with United Airlines. The price applies to a January 13 departure and includes a saving of £192 per couple.

Clients looking for a longer stay can spend seven

nights at the four-star Millennium Biltmore (roomonly) in Los Angeles from £899 per person, including flights from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. The offer is valid for a departure on January 14 and includes a saving of £148 per couple.

For more information or to book call 0844-557 0626 or visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

Collette offers up to £525 of savings with late deals COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays is offering savings of up to £525 per person on a selection of tours, with departure dates up to November 8.

Examples include a nine-day Inspiring Iceland tour departing on October 4, which has been reduced from £2,349 per person to £1,824 – saving £525 on the normal price.

Highlights include the Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an overnight stay in a local fishing village with a puffin cruise and a trip to the Blue Lagoon.

Prices are based on two sharing and include flights, accommodation in four- and five-star hotels, most meals, the services of a tour manager and free door-to-door pick-up within 100 miles of the UK departure airport.

For more information call 0800-804 8700 or visit www.colletteworldwide.com

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Funway Holidays promotes trade-only US packages

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @STATravel_UK Amazing airfares with Etihad! Fly to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and S.Korea fr £499 each! http://sta.travel/12dhRRK @traveltraining New competition launched:Complete the Air Europa's course by 30th September to win a Red Letter Days Voucher! http://bit.ly/12F4AFW

THE MUSICAL adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has had its World Premiere in London’s West End. Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, the show is already proving a strong seller for Superbreak and the operator is urging agents to promote the new show to families looking for fun things to do over the approaching school summer holidays. Packages lead in at £248 per family of four including one night at the three-star Royal National Hotel in a family room and a ticket to the show.

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

@JurysInnsHotels Going 2 Brighton this summer to try & find a little sunshine?Check out our staff's tips for the best things 2see&do! http://ow.ly/mCh2m

CARLTON TOWERS in Yorkshire has launched midweek weddings which lead in at £2,900.

The stately home, set in 250 acres of private parkland, can host the couple and up to 30 guests from Monday to Thursday, and newlyweds can enjoy the same exclusivity as with weekend weddings. Ceremonies are

@PATATravelNews Strong Passenger Growth Trend Continues http://ow.ly/mCdh2 @FredOlsenCruise All inclusive cruising this summer with Fred. from just £69 per person per night for more details visit http://www.fredolsencruises.com/home

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

Yorkshire's Carlton Towers launches midweek weddings from £2,900 traditionally held in the Tower’s Venetian Drawing Room, although couples can take their pick of locations within the property as all rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships.

The package includes exclusive hire of the venue and immediate grounds; civil ceremony; bridal suite; butler

service; cake stand and knife; a reception drink of sparkling wine for each guest; a threecourse wedding breakfast; half a bottle of house wine per person; and one glass of sparkling wine or prosecco for the toast.

Luxury bedrooms with breakfast are available for £185 per room, based on two sharing and including VAT.

NCL issues 2014/15 ‘Freestyle Cruising’ brochure NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has launched its 2014/15 ‘Freestyle Cruising’ brochure which includes sailings to destinations such as Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Bahamas and Florida, Bermuda, Panama Canal and Hawaii, as well as Atlantic crossings.

To celebrate the launch of the brochure, agents can save customers up to £500 per stateroom on bookings made until July 31. The offer is valid on itineraries of six nights or more on 12 ships and on selected sailings taken between April 2014 and April 2015.

As an example of prices, a seven-night Western Mediterranean fly/cruise leads in at £808 per person, based on a May 11, 2014 departure.

For more information or to book call 0845-201 8900 or visit www.ncl.co.uk

Shearings gears up for autumn and winter sales drive with agents SHEARINGS HAS issued its autumn and winter programme which includes UK, European and river cruise holidays.

The brochure includes two incentives to encourage early bookings. Headline savings of up to 10% are available on all holidays, and if customers book multiple holidays at the same time they can save an additional £10 per couple per holiday until August 31.

The company's premium UK Grand Tourer breaks are running throughout autumn and winter, following an 80% increase in bookings year-on-year on the summer programme, and the operator

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is offering added extras on key occasions. For example, on St Andrew’s Day and Burns Night, guests can toast with a free ‘wee dram’ of whisky and gala dinner, while on Valentine’s Day guests will be treated to a four-course gala dinner, glass of sparkling wine and a red rose.

The company has seen bookings for its four-day Party Weekend breaks increase by 18% year-on-year, and in response has extended this concept to midweek breaks. As per Party Weekends, the new five-day Celebration Breaks include evening entertainment

and a party night with drinks vouchers and a gala dinner.

The European product range has also been expanded with new Grand Tourer Christmas Markets and festive programmes, plus new Christmas and New Year river cruises on the exclusively-chartered MV Virginia.

Meanwhile, agents have the chance to enter a booking incentive competition for a chance to win £250 in High Street vouchers.

For further details visit www.shearings.com or call 0844-824 6359.

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

TO CELEBRATE the launch of its Indochina mini-brochure, Wendy Wu Tours is offering agents a £50 shopping voucher for every new Indochina booking made by July 31.

For details see www.wendywutours.co.uk/agents or email tradesupport@wendywutours.co.uk

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TITAN IS offering agents the chance to claim £20 Love2Shop vouchers for any holidays booked by the end of this month for departures up to December 31. To claim, email your name, ABTA and booking reference within seven days of the booking to agentadmin@titantravel.co.uk. There is no limit to the number of entries.

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TRAVEL2 has teamed up with Cathay Pacific to give agents the chance to win an Apple iPad 4 and one of four iPad Minis when they make a booking with the operator by July 19 that includes flights with Cathay Pacific and a minimum of three nights' ground arrangements.

For details see www.travel2.com

Agent offer FUNWAY HOLIDAYS marked Jul y 4 (American Independence Day) with the lau nch of MoneyCard, a new incentive ena bling travel agents to earn tax free money on each booking made with the operator to the US, Mexico, Caribbean (Sandals), Middle Eas t and Far East.

Agents who have registered for the MoneyCard scheme will be provided with a VISA debit card which is loaded with money for each booking that is made. Bookings made online (Funway4Agents.co.uk) receive £10 on their card and bookings made via the res ervation team on 0844-557 0626 will receive £5. Additional cash incentives will run throughout the year, which will also be loaded onto the card which agents can use to spend on goods both online and in-store.

For details see www.funway.truc ash.com

Fancy a fam ? ered a place on a fam AGENTS ARE being off oking any Universal trip to Orlando by bo ngDifferent.com. The ticket with DoSomethi rk up with the theme pa company has teamed attraction, to celebrate the new ize de-3D. To enter the pr Transformers: The Ri d an 31 be made by July draw, bookings must me universal@doso references emailed to thingdifferent.com 90 3890.

For details call 020-80

Agent training

PRESTIGE HOLIDAY S has announced th at it is running agent road shows on July 23, 24 and 25 in Exeter, Wincheste r and Kent. The ed ucational evenings will be su pported by eight of the operator's trade pa rtners and will off er agents the chance to learn mo re about the comp any's properties and de stinations.

To register to atten d or for details em ail Emma Pine at epine@pre stigeholidays.co.uk

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PRESTBURY PRIZE...Karen Platt (middle) from Prestbury Travel in Poynton received £700 in Love2Shop vouchers from Settlers Villa Resorts’ European head, Colin Pegler, after scooping a six-figure booking for the propert y, located in Barbados. Pictured with Karen and Colin is Karen's colleague, Emma Boswor th.

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AIR MALTA has launched a new scheduled service to Algeria’s capital, Algiers. The airline operates two weekly flights (on Monday and Thursday) and expects to carry 6,000 passengers this summer.

For details see www.airmalta.com

Belleair Holidays offers new Leeds and Glasgow routes to Malta BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has added two new direct routes from Leeds Bradford and Glasgow Prestwick to Malta.

Ryanair operates a twice-weekly service throughout the year from Leeds and a weekly service from Glasgow for the summer season which will be available on both flight-only and package holidays.

As examples of packages, a sevennight breakfast stay at the five-star Le Meridien St. Julians Hotel & Spa costs from £844 per person. It includes direct

flights from Leeds, private transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction. The offer is based on two sharing and is valid for travel on July 21.

A 14-night breakfast stay in a superior room at the four-star Hotel Valentina costs from £1,004. The price includes flights from Leeds, transfers and free entrance to a selected Malta attraction.

The offer, which is based on two sharing, includes a stay for 14 nights and pay for 12 bonus and is valid for travel on July 21.

Meanwhile, a seven-night breakfast stay at the four-star Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa costs from £634 including flights from Glasgow, transfers and entrance to a selected Malta attraction, valid for travel on July 25. A 14-night breakfast stay at the four-star Ramla Bay is also being highlighted and leads in at £994 including flights from Glasgow, transfers and entrance to a selected Malta attraction, valid for travel on July 25.

For details see www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

Great deals for Groups!

With this amazing offer, the first passenger pays the saver fare and the second passenger, sharing twin accommodation, pays just half price! Here is an example of how it works and what you pay. Bookings must be made by 31st August 2013.

FULL FARE

5 %

A d d it io d g n is ro a l Tr F c u a r ou p L Gr ve ee n e o l t a u f d p o r e rs

We appreciate the need to offer the best possible early booking deals for groups on our summer 2014 cruises and that’s why we have introduced Saver Fares offering discounts of up to 25% plus Buy One Get One Half Price*!

£719

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25% DISCOUNT

2nd Adult

YOU PAY

PAYS

£180 = £539 + £269

Example based on Springtime Fjordland 6 nights, 13th April 2014.

Plus… you can take advantage of all of the following benefits

• • • • • • •

SAVER FARE

Dedicated check in time Free Welcome Drinks Reception ~ Dedicated Groups Host Preferential group dining Use of meeting facilities Group disembarkation Group Shore Excursion programme

Additional 5% Discount to be added!+

For specialist interest groups we have our exciting Additions Programme including guest speakers on a variety of topics.

Our Super Craft Cruises feature sessions to develop your crafting skills in millinery, bead jewellery, mosaic decoration, calligraphy and more.

Marco Polo and Discovery sail from eight British ports including London Tilbury, Edinburgh Leith & Rosyth, Bristol Avonmouth, Newcastle, Glasgow Greenock, Liverpool & Hull

Call our dedicated Groups Specialist Team on 0844 414 6199 groups@cruiseandmaritime.com www.cruiseandmaritime.com *Offer places are strictly limited, subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Applies to all Marco Polo and Discovery sailings (excluding voyager fares IG/OG) from/to UK from 15th December to 27th October 2014 (excludes New Year Break, Amazon & West Indies, D-Day Anniversary cruises and welcome aboard events). +Additional 5% group discount will be applied to the final fare once Buy One Get One Half Price is applied. Welcome Drinks Reception based on minimum of 30 full fare paying passengers. Standard Booking Conditions apply. Free places are based on berths and must be sharing with a full fare paying passenger. Operated by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 120

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

Amber Oiling

A➠

B➠ This British airline serves domestic UK and European routes

C➠

A Cog Chi

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, July 18th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 28th June is Nicki Tanner, Wallace Arnold Travel in Halifax.

June 28 Solution: A=1 B=5 C=6 D=4

The American home of deep-dish pizzas

Where Am I?

Ajman is one of the seven.

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

Number: 120

Across 1. Ferry and mini-cruise operator, ___ Seaways (4) 3. State capital of Texas (6) 7. Carrier operating out of Luqa airport (3,5) 9. Hawaiian island (4) 10. P&O ship, exclusively for adults (6) 12. Italian holiday isle (6) 14. First name of English actress currently in The Bling Ring (4) 17. Capital of Paraguay (8) 18. Mr Norton, chat show host (6) 19. Continent (4)

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Down 1. Murray defeated him to win the Wimbledon championship (8) 2. This US Valley is one of the world's hottest places (5) 4. African country (6) 5. Travel company, sounds like a giant (5) 6. Orly airport code (3) 8. Region at the toe of Italy (8) 11. Popular European city break destination (6) 13. Their tag line is Cruising Italian Style (5) 15. Part of Thomas Cook, they are experts in holidays to Greece (5) 16. Carrier with a Karachi hub (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 22 July 12 2013

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personalitybulletin

Ziva Werber The owner of the Hotel Hotline Ltd and co-owner of Hotline Marketing Services admits she’s feisty and says she’d like to have telepathic powers...

"My favourite city?

It’s always been Las Vegas for the fun but I was in Hangzhou recently and fell in love with its timeless beauty and culture"

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Eating sweets in the English park (‘Englischer Garten’) in Munich.

Where was your last work-related trip?

Las Vegas for Pow Wow. If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why?

Pavarotti because he gave and got so much pleasure with that wonderful voice (and didn’t care about dieting)!

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Warm, feisty and approachable.

What have your travels taught you?

That people are essentially the same all over the world.

What is the best advice you recall?

Never assume…!

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

Champagne.

Career path Hotline Travel Services: Dec 1998-present - owner/director ● Kenes international (MICE): 1997-98 groups ● Dan Hotels Corp., London office: 1989-1997 - European sales director ● Sonesta hotels Israel London office: 19881989 - European sales manager ● Speedwing Holidays: 1985-88 - operations ● Ticket Centre, London: 1984-85 - operations ● Twickenham Travel: 1981-1984 - operations ●

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

Telepathy - it would save SO many problems.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

A hair dryer.

What's your favourite airline and why?

Cathay Pacific – I’m impressed with the value of their new Premium Economy Class.

How do you deal with stress?

I try to laugh more.

What song would you have played at your funeral?

The ‘Nile March’ from Aida.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?

That it’s not being taken seriously enough, given the value it adds to the country’s GDP. What special skills do you have?

Organisation and mediation – and a philosophical outlook!

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

1) A system of formal qualification/credentials including sponsored apprenticeship to work in the industry.

2) More clout in parliament 3) More schemes and incentives for young trainees.

What's your favourite city and why?

It has always been Las Vegas for the fun and innovation but I was in Hangzhou recently and fell in love with its timeless beauty and culture.

How do you cope with the advances in technology?

I try to learn as much as I can about new technology that will genuinely help my clients and my business.

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing?

I would be a journalist.

What’s your favourite movie of all time?

Casablanca.

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

Sheldon Adelson - chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

His vision and dedication is truly inspirational.

What is your motto in life?

Worry about it tomorrow!

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you?

Dame Helen Mirren.

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July 12 2013

What is your favourite mode of travel?

First Class when working (I wish!) and cruising for pleasure.

What do you love about your job?

Meeting people and making new friends.

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uk&ireland

WIGHTLINK HAS plotted a holiday route through the Isle of Wight's scenic countryside to create the Wight Taste Trail. Available in a 44-page colour booklet that traces the short path from field to fork and from sea to shore, the guide highlights eight trail breaks and spotlights the best food producers but also showcases restaurants, pubs, delicatessens and farm shops dedicated to local produce. A two-night midweek Taste Trail Break this month costs from £235 per person, based on two sharing at the Priory Bay Hotel. It includes ferry crossings from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or from Lymington to Yarmouth.

For copies of the booklet call 0871-376 1000 or visit www.wightlink.co.uk/wighttastetrail

Bake with TV’s Paul Hollywood at Warner’s Nidd Hall Hotel WARNER LEISURE Hotels is launching a new baking break as BBC Two’s Great British Bake Off star, Paul Hollywood, heads to Nidd Hall Hotel near Harrogate, Yorkshire.

Hollywood will be offering a baking demonstration at one of the new themed celebrity weekends and will be creating his famous “eight strand plaited loaf”, before offering aspiring tips during a question and answer session.

The three-night bakery weekend break, from October 18, will also allow guests to join live master classes with the company's head chefs. Guests will also be treated to live Paul Hollywood entertainment every night including “Forever in Blue Jeans” on the Saturday night.

Prices start from £369 per person based on an October 18 arrival and two sharing a standard room on a half-board basis for three nights.

For more information visit www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk or call 0808-141 111.

The Making of Harry Potter studio tour from Superbreak THIS SUMMER, between July 26 and September 2, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is inviting visitors to delve into the world of spell casting, potions and wizard duels as it hosts its first Summer Spells feature.

Visitors will discover how spells such as Wingardium Leviosa came to life on screen and how the wand movements that accompanied them were developed.

Superbreak offers a range of packages, all including tickets to the tour and overnight accommodation. Staff members will be on hand to teach wand battle choreography, aided by an interactive experience and guests will also have the chance to take part in a special effects demonstration.

A family package leads in at £147 per person based on a one-night stay next month at the three-star Jury’s Inn Watford on a bed-and-breakfast basis for two adults and two children under 12.

For more information or to book visit www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

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Eight-night Channel Island itinerary from Explore CLIENTS CAN explore the landscapes of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Herm on an eight-night itinerary from Explore, which takes in coastal walks, the islands' history and the combination of French and British cultures.

Visits to the historic towns of St Helier in Jersey and St Peter Port in Guernsey, as well as the beaches of Herm and Sark, are some of the highlights.

Departing on July 27 and August 24, the tour leads in at £871 per person including flights, seven nights' breakfast accommodation, local transport and the services of a tour leader.

For further information visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844-499 0901.

July 12 2013

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uk&ireland

nn, holiday

by John Gui

researcher

Angry men with blue faces?

John Guinn runs Holiday Hut and has a fortnightly travel show on internet radio station Secklow Sounds. Here he discovers 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland...

F YOU’RE told that you will be talking to one of the ‘wild people’ of Scotland, what would go through your mind? Go on, be honest. Perhaps you will think of Braveheart and rows of men with blue faces, mooning the opposing army before the big charge across the battlefield. I was also recollecting on the first time that I met my future father-in-law. A Sassenach is not what he had in mind for his daughter. That was a fun meeting.

So when Visit Scotland put me in touch with Gregor Ewing, one of their ‘wild people’, you now know what went through my mind. These wild people of Scotland are not like that. They are people who are involved in the great outdoors, helping visitors to experience Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. The tourist board introduced me to Gregor as 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland. The promotion is to encourage both Scots and visitors to discover - or rediscover - the natural beauty of the country. So it’s never been a better time for your clients to experience the landscape north of the border.

Scotland has two national parks; both are great places to experience Natural Scotland. Either one has stunning scenery, a chance to see wildlife plus a variety of outdoor activities.

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest and most extensive range of sub-arctic mountainous landscape anywhere in the British Isles. This year is also the tenth anniversary of the park. The other park is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, whose focal point is Loch Lomond, the largest inland expanse of freshwater in Britain and home to many different watersports, including windsurfing.

Various events are planned to promote the Scottish outdoors and can be found on websites such as www.visitscotland.com and www.eventscotland.org Don’t worry if your clients are not the outdoor type. Some events are to celebrate how Scotland uses its natural resources, so visitors can find out about the local variations in food and drink as well. Just make sure that they don’t add water to the whisky! Those on a city break can also experience Natural Scotland. There is an abundance of nature in the cities too. Each of the seven cities (did you know that there are seven cities?) has plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Especially in Glasgow, where there are over 90 parks and green spaces.

Being Scotland, it’s bound to rain once or twice, which will be the perfect time to discover how art and nature go together at various concerts and art exhibitions running through 2013.

For more information on the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 visit www.visitscotland.com/natural You can find out more about Scotland by listening to my interview with Gregor on my podcast http://tinyurl.com/ndcabud

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July 12 2013

IRISH FERRIES and Eurolines are teaming up for another three years to offer low-cost coach-and-ship travel linking the UK’s major cities with Ireland.

Coaches now depart London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Leeds on a daily basis, with ferry crossings available from Holyhead or Pembroke. Return fares start at £44 per person for city-centre to city-centre travel with no charge for up to two suitcases per passenger and no hidden extras. Pictured marking the new partnership are, from the left: Rory Leahy, Eurolines; rugby star, Leo Cullen, and Marie McCarthy and Dermot Merrigan from Irish Ferries.

For details see www.irishferries.com

Survey reveals two thirds of families will enjoy a staycation this year THE STAYCATION is becoming an increasingly popular way to enjoy a budget-friendly holiday in the UK, with two out of three families opting to explore the wonders of the British Isles rather than head for sunnier climes according to new research

by UK Tourism.

Other popular destinations included The Cotswolds, the north coast of Wales and rural Dorset.

The company's CEO Ginna Clark said: “Our research shows that more and more families are shunning sunshine breaks overseas this year in favour of exploring beautiful Great Britain. With so much to offer from gorgeous beaches and historic market towns to rolling countryside and bustling cities, there is something for everyone. Opting to holiday in the UK also offers incredible value for money and there really is something for everyone come rain or shine.”

For more information visit www.uktourism.co.uk

Welsh Government launches new tourism strategy THE WELSH Government has announced a new tourism strategy for Wales, which aims to grow the sector by 10% over the next seven years.

Devised by Visit Wales’ new chief executive of tourism and marketing, Dr Manon Williams, the strategy concentrates on further developing the destination's products and events to enhance the country’s reputation. As part of its development, Visit Wales sought the views of 1,000 individuals, operators and businesses across Wales, from all sectors of the industry, on the future of tourism to Wales.

The five key areas of focus have been highlighted as promoting the brand; product development; people development; profitable performance; and place building.

There will also be an emphasis on more luxury and branded hotels, wellbeing facilities, heritage hotels using historic and distinctive buildings, year-round attractions, activities, cultural experiences and innovative and unusual products.

Williams said: "This strategy is the beginning of a new direction for tourism in Wales that will support growth in the sector during the coming years. We want to work more closely with partners in Wales and the travel trade to develop our offering and ultimately increase visitor spend to Wales."

For more information see www.visitwales.co.uk

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uk&ireland Up to £150 savings from Hoseasons HOSEASONS IS offering up to £150 off a week’s stay at one of its Go Active Breaks locations for families looking to get active this school summer holiday.

The Go Active Breaks Talacre Beach programme, available at 16 locations across the UK, offers a range of activities - from quad-biking, white-water rafting and abseiling to fencing, archery and crossbows, plus relaxing activities such as yoga, beauty therapies and sports massage.

Many of the locations also feature the company’s ‘Go Juniors’ programme, featuring a tailor-made programme for children aged three to seven, including activities such as Mini Musketeers, Pirates Paradise and Robin Hood Juniors.

As an example of prices, a week in a 12ft caravan in Talacre Beach near Prestatyn in North Wales from August 17 leads in at £599 for a family of four, offering a saving of £146 on the brochure price.

The park offers a range of activities including archery, parachute games, target paintball, raft-building, sea scooters, fencing, tennis and a circus workshop, as well as a programme of Go Juniors activities.

Onsite facilities include a heated swimming pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room, gym, restaurant and evening entertainment.

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

A DIRECT Glasgow-Guernsey flight linking Scotland to the island for the first time in several years has been launched, operating every Saturday until September 14 and agents can book holiday packages using the route through Airways Holidays.

The operator is offering agents £10 Love2Shop vouchers for all Guernsey holiday package bookings made by July 31 from any UK air or sea departure point.

As an example of prices, a seven-night stay at the three-star Hougue du Pommier Hotel costs £421 per person, based on two sharing and including flights.

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

Plymouth highlights calendar of events in August and September THIS SUMMER, Plymouth kicks off a busy calendar of events with the British Firework Championships, which runs on August 13 and 14 at Plymouth’s Hoe. The city’s Flavour Fest (from August 17-19) is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, while the city's second annual Ocean City Festival (from September 9-22) is returning for a second year.

The full event calendar can be viewed at www.visitplymouth.co.uk

L

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UP TO £100 OFF†

Agent incentive on Guernsey package bookings

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LOOK AT THESE GREAT PRICES...

EXAMPLE DATE SHOWN FOR 7 NIGHTS 27 JULY - 24 AUG SLEEPS LOCATION

WAS

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£625 £699 £769 £569 £739 £538 £1,095 £529

£187 £104 £372 £100 £100 £100 £146 £50

£438 £595 £397 £469 £639 £483 £949 £479

school summer holidays!

Michaelstow Holiday Village North Cornwall

4-6

St Ives Holiday Village North Cornwall

4

Ilfracombe Holiday Park North Devon

6

Bainland Country Park Lincolnshire

6

Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest Nottinghamshire

4

Marine Holiday Park North Wales

4-6

The Bay Yorkshire Moors and Coast

4

Lochy Park Northern Highlands

6

HOME GROWN FUN

VIEW MORE OFFERS AND BOOK TODAY Visit: www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call: 0844 847 1144

HOSEASONS

HOME OF

();( 5V @ See booking conditions for full details of our ABTA membership

BRITISH HOLIDAYS

TERMS & CONDITIONS †Up to £100 off applies to selected parks and accommodation types – accommodation only, to new bookings only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. This applies to holidays being taken between 19/07/13 – 31/08/13. Example prices shown in grid for 7 nights 27/07/13 and completed by 24/08/13. Standard booking terms and conditions apply, please see main brochure or website. ^Lowest Price Guarantee – we’ll match the price of any like for like accommodation for the same dates at the same location for the same number of people. Proof of booking price required in all cases and required within 7 days of making the booking. The rate must be available on the day the booking is made and we reserve the right to withdraw this guarantee at any time. See brochure or website for full details.

S05 TB1207 Red Sea_Layout 1 10/07/2013 12:49 Page 16

Experience the magic of Egypt Year round sunshine, exclusive hotels and 5000 years of history.

All just 5 hours away.

The Egyptian Experts ABTA No.Y2507

Call 0845 072 2477 Visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent

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redsea

Marriott Red Sea Resort, Sharm el Sheikh

Olympic urges agents to capitalise on value for money resorts EGYPT'S RED Sea resorts are representing even better value this summer, particularly at the upper end of the market, according to Olympic Holidays.

The company's commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: "Booking levels to the Red Sea have stabilised, with hoteliers making every effort to fill their beds with good offers and in particular at five-star level.

"While the region as a whole continues to represent excellent value, the Red Sea has now become a very late market, just like the majority of shorthaul holiday destinations. Demand has flattened out over the years. A while back the Red Sea resorts were popular only in winter, but more recently they have become a truly year-round destination. The Red Sea is known for its hotel quality, especially the allinclusives. Meanwhile, there's been a resurgence in diving, with many people including it in their holiday plans."

According to Lambrianides, the best discounts this summer can be found in Sharm el Sheikh, which also offers the greatest number of hotels.

Meanwhile, newly featured in the operator's Summer Sun 2013 brochure are a number of Hurghada hotels, including the five-star Marriott Hurghada Beach Resort with its own private island.

Other Hurghada additions are the fivestar Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh, and the four-star Hilton Hurghada Long Beach, Pyramisa Blue Lagoon and Seagull Resort. Also new is the five-star Sheraton Soma Bay. The company's budget Smart Choice brochure has seen the addition of two five-star hotels for this year – the Marriott Beach Resort Sharm and Marriott Mountain Resort Sharm, plus the four-star Coral Beach Rotana Tiran.

Lambrianides said: "Sharm el Sheikh offers so much. It's a good safe destination with guaranteed sunshine, excellent snorkelling and diving, quality

hotels and real value for money.

"Hurghada has more traditional elements. It was formerly a small fishing village and has an old town with a splendid mosque that offers a good insight into the Egyptian way of life. Up the coast from Hurghada, El Gouna is the Red Sea's 'little Venice', while Soma Bay is a quiet and exclusive resort and Makadi Bay has a wealth of sandy beaches among the dunes."

This summer, the operator has direct flights from major UK airports to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. Scheduled flights with EgyptAir are also available from Heathrow to Sharm el Sheikh.

As an example of prices, a seven-night breakfast stay at the newly featured fivestar Marriott Beach Resort Sharm in Sharm el Sheikh costs £769 per person in September, based on two sharing a standard room. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

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

Explore offers 15-day Nile Cruise and Red Sea experience from £1,128 EXPLORE IS highlighting a 15-day Nile Cruise and Red Sea holiday which explores the Nile Valley by cruise boat, visiting the sites of Luxor and Aswan, before taking in the Red Sea coast.

Departing in August, October and December, the tour leads in at £1,128 per person including flights; ten nights' hotel accommodation and four nights' cabin accommodation, both with breakfast; seven other meals; local transport; and the services of a tour leader and driver, plus captain and crew on the Nile boat.

The operator is also promoting a 15-day Nile Felucca Sailtrek & Red Sea experience, which leads in at £1,023.

Guests can take in the Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, before

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touring the Egyptian Museum with a local Egyptologist. Other highlights include a horse drawn 'calesh' to Karnak temple; exploring the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor; visiting Luxor and Aswan's souks and spice market; and sailing the Nile on traditional feluccas. There is also the chance for guests to snorkel among coral reefs from the coastal town of Safaga. Departing in September, October and December, the price includes flights; ten nights' hotel accommodation, one night on a sleeper train and three nights in a felucca, all with breakfast; six other meals; local transport; and the services of a tour leader, boatmen, and cook.

For further information or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844-499 0901.

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redsea

LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS is promoting a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Steigenberger Golf Resort in El Gouna for £719 per person. The offer is based on two sharing for an August 9 departure and includes flights from Gatwick, airport tax, baggage and transfers.

For more information or to book visit www.longwoodholidays.co.uk or call 0844-770 4898.

Discover Egypt adds more choice for twin-centre Nile Cruise and Red Sea Riviera packages DISCOVER EGYPT is offering greater choice for agents looking to sell a classic seven-night Nile cruise with an additional seven nights in a Red Sea resort, including El Gouna, Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh.

To combine the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh, the company offers a choice of three Nile cruise boats on a full board basis – Viking Princess, Royal Viking and Alexander the Great - for the first seven nights, inclusive of ten complimentary guided excursions with an Egyptologist.

Prices for a cruise on the five-star Viking Princess on full board followed by a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the newly introduced four-star Tiran Island start from £1,398 per person including flights and transfers.

Alternatively the five-star Royal Viking combined with a stay at the newly introduced five-star Renaissance Golden View, also on an all-inclusive basis, leads in at £1,548 per person.

In Hurghada all the properties that are used to combine

the seven-night Nile cruises are offered on an all-inclusive basis and include the four-star Grand Plaza, the five-star Hilton Hurghada Resort, the newly introduced five-star Movenpick Resort and the all suite resort Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh. Prices for a 14-night package start from £1,298.

In El Gouna the seven-night Nile cruise on the Viking Princess can be combined with the all-inclusive four-star TC Rihana Resort, with prices from £1,198.

The operator's commercial director Philip Breckner said: “To travel to Egypt and not see the ancient sites is a missed opportunity. Combining a seven-night Nile cruise which takes in at least ten top sites and then going to soak up sun and sea is very easy to do and we’ve added more hotels to our packages so that agents can offer their clients the best of both worlds – culture plus beach and flop, at the best prices.”

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

Red Sea Holidays reports strong sales for cruise and stay bookings RED SEA Holidays reports an increase in Cruise and Stay bookings, which represent more than 90% of all 14-day holidays.

The operator's sales director Jason Hilton said: "Summer 2013 is already 35% over last year and the same growth can be seen in the forward sales for this coming winter. These figures are extremely encouraging; Red Sea Holidays are continuing to grow at a steady rate and we have recently taken on three new recruits within the contact centre to meet demand and the increase in call

volumes, as well as expanding our trade sales team."

The operator reports that it will continue with its popular educational programmes, which have seen more than 700 agents experience a variety of Red Sea hotels, Nile cruises and cultural excursions over the past four years.

From September to December more than 50 agents will be escorted to Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Makadi Bay as well as Luxor.

Hilton said: "The positive feedback from agents that have experienced the

Nile and Red Sea on our educational visits has been overwhelming – we have no doubt this enthusiasm has improved agency sales significantly."

The company is offering guaranteed savings of £100 per booking for all summer 2014 holidays. Red Sea Holidays Nile Cruise and Red Sea Stay packages start from £895 per person, departing between November 25 and December 11 from Gatwick. Prices include seven nights' all-inclusive on the five-star MS Grand Rose and seven nights' half-board at the five-star Grand Resort Hurghada.

Grand Resort Hurghada

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July 12 2013

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THE PATHUMWAN Princess Hotel in Bangkok was one of the sponsors of the recent UK & Ireland press trip. The newly refurbished property, located adjacent to the MBK Center, a Skytrain station and opposite Siam Square, offers one of the largest gyms in Thailand and an awardwinning Korean restaurant. The triple deluxe rooms feature three twin beds and a cot, with prices leading in at 6,500 baht a night (approximately £138).

For details see www.pprincess.com

Thailand Tourism Authority puts focus on niche-market tourism

by TIM PODGER

T

HE 2013 Thailand Travel Mart (TTM), held in Bangkok last month, comprised nearly 400 exhibitors and was attended by more than 300 buyers from 58 countries. A marketing theme of ‘Customise Your Experience’ was announced with the four key niche markets identified as: Golf, Wedding and Honeymoons, Ecotourism and Health and Wellness.

TAT governor Suraphon Svetasreni said: “This year the priority is to develop niche-market tourism as we move into a new era of marketing and development. Hence, the entire structure of the TTM has been geared towards meeting this strategy and connecting the right buyer to the right seller.”

TAT’s aim is to get visitors to experience the ‘Thainess’ of Thailand, for example, learn Thai cooking, Thai massage and Muay Thai. This will be marketed using mainly online and social media, an example of which is www.thelittlebigprojectthailand.com, where potential visitors have the chance to win two-week volunteering holidays.

David Kevan of Chic Locations, who won the 2013 TTM ‘Friends Of Thailand’ award, said: “I was thrilled and honoured to win this award and I see it as an acknowledgement of Chic Locations just as much as the honour to me. Thailand is still a destination that excites me both personally and commercially.

The product range and variety is huge and it is no coincidence that Thailand enjoys the most repeat guests for all countries in the region.” ✦

THAI TREAT...Enjoying a visit to Moom Sabai at the Centara Watergate are, from the left: Oscar Lopera, Stella Travel Services; Mike Wild, Let's Go; Alex Wilson, Kenwood Travel; guests Jas Anand and Andrea Lucido with Chris Bailey, Centara Hotels & Resorts.

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fareast Bangkok Airways & TAT mark airline’s 45th anniversary with a pre-TTM trip TO CELEBRATE Bangkok Airways’ 45th anniversary, Asia’s Boutique Airline together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a pre-Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) trip to Sukhothai for UK tour operators and Andrew journalists.

Hoskins Andrew Hoskins, Bangkok Airways’ UK account manager, said: “This was a great opportunity to showcase Bangkok Airways’ product and demonstrate the airline’s exclusive service, including the boutique lounges and complimentary lounge access for all passengers at Bangkok International Airport. We have new codeshare agreements with both British Airways and Qatar Airways, and now operate 22 aircraft to 20 destinations in Asia.”

The trip centred on Sukhothai, a 50-minute flight from Bangkok, which was the first capital of Thailand in the 13th century. A stone pillar inscribed by King Ramkhamhaeng in 1292, discovered in Sukhothai Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is the first recorded example of Thai writing. The next stop saw the group visit Sri Satchanalai, another UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 100 temples and monuments. The final leg of the tour included a visit to the Sukhothai Organic Farm Project where the group rode buffalo, picked mangoes and planted rice. The day concluded with the group cooking their produce and dining with a backdrop of verdant rice fields stretching to the horizon.

The Sukhothai Heritage Resort, located next to the airport, was one of the properties that played host to the group. The low-rise boutique hotel offers an eclectic Thai architectural design and pool-facing balconies. A member of the ‘Unique Collection Of Hotels & Resorts’, the property is featured by Audley Travel, Cox & Kings and Kuoni.

For details see www.sukhothaiheritage.com

Sukhothai Heritage Resort

July 12 2013

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fareast Kyoto Convention Bureau promotes seasonal activities THE KYOTO Convention Bureau is highlighting a range of seasonal activities this summer.

The Gozan no Okuribi (Mountain Bonfire) is a traditional event which takes place during the Obon Festival (Festival of the Ancestors) on August 16 every year. The festival, which is said to have roots in the 13th Century, involves each of the five mountains that surround the city lighting giant bonfires at 20:00. Three of the fires are in the shape of kanji, the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing, and the other two fires are in the shapes of a boat and a Shinto shrine gate.

Meanwhile, visitors can learn traditional arts at the Woman’s Association of Kyoto (WAK) Japan, including flower arranging, Japanese

calligraphy, paper craft, Japanese home-cooking, Japanese fencing and Taiko (drum) beating, among others. The association also arranges visits to temples and shrines which are not normally open to the public.

For details see www.wakjapan.com Meanwhile, to increase internet access across the city, Kyoto has launched 385 free Wi-Fi spots at 297 bus stops and 78 ‘Seven-Eleven’ convenience stores. Users can select a ‘three hours free’ point or a ‘seven days free’ point, with blue and purple symbols marking the points across the city. The tourist office is aiming to increase the Wi-Fi points to 630 points across the city.

For more information visit www.kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp and for the latest news on Kyoto visit www.kyoto.travel

A 14-DAY ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ tour from Imaginative Traveller, which offers guaranteed departures, includes highlights such as exploring Tokyo and Kyoto, taking a bullet train to Nikko, taking a cruise across Ashinoko, a cable car ride through mountains and experiencing Hakone's hot springs. Accommodation is mainly provided in local guesthouses or ryokans (traditional guesthouses), with prices starting from £2,385 per person. Flights from London are available at an extra cost of around £480.

For details call 01728-888193 or visit www.imaginative-traveller.com

Thailand's The Sarojin Resort launches elephant experience package THE SAROJIN Resort in Thailand has introduced an ‘Elephant Owner for a Day’ package.

Located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park, the fivestar hotel gives guests the opportunity to experience local mahout life and learn the key responsibilities involved in caring for elephants as part of its new package.

The teaching will focus on the correct ways to interact with free-roaming elephants; how to approach them using Thai greetings; general skin care and how to bathe them in the river; their overall digestion and how to feed them; basic mahout-style riding skills; and the five key signs to identify a healthy elephant.

A full-day activity costs from THB 2,500 (approximately £110) per person. Garden Residence rooms at the resort start from THB 6,100 (£135), including all-day à la carte breakfast with sparkling wine for two people.

Conrad Koh Samui unveils new villa CONRAD KOH Samui in Thailand has introduced its latest property, the three-bedroom pool villa, Oceanview.

The property offers panoramic ocean views of the Gulf of Thailand and is set over two levels, with 829sq.m of indoor and outdoor living space. The upper level opens on to a private outdoor lawn terrace which also includes an open-plan living and dining area, bar, kitchen and a sundeck with a dining area.

Villa prices lead in at approximately £4,400 per night plus applicable tax and service charges, including breakfast for up to nine guests, transfers, laundry service, inflatable toys for the pool and a 24-hour butler service. A private chef and grocery shopping service is available on request.

For details email conrad_koh_samui@conradhotels.com or visit www.conradkohsamui.com

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fareast Club Med opens all-inclusive resort in China

HAYES AND Jarvis has boosted its offering to the Far East in its new Worldwide brochure. The Thai island of Koh Chang is a new addition in its 'Hidden Gems' programme, while the tailor-made Indochina programme has been expanded to offer new tour options in Cambodia and Laos. In Koh Chang, the featured hotel is the four-star Centara Koh Chang Tropicana (pictured), located on Klong Prao Beach. Prices for five nights’ breakfast accommodation in September, including flights with Thai Airways, start from £1,239 per person. A total of 16 new hotels are featured across the Far East and among these are a range of fourstar options in Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Phi Phi and Chiang Mai.

Life's a Beach package from Centara CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts is offering a Life’s A Beach package at selected Thai beachside properties, which includes a choice of a one 60-minute Thai massage for two at a beachfront sala or a 60-minute aromatherapy massage for two at Spa Cenvaree.

The package also includes breakfast for two, welcome cocktails and complimentary transfers at most resorts.

It is available at beachfront resorts in Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin, Samui and Pattaya in Thailand and Phu Quoc and Danang in Vietnam.

FOLLOWING THE opening of its Yabuli resort in 2010, Club Med has opened its second resort, the four-trident Guilin, in China.

Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guilin in Guangxi, Southern China, the resort offers a variety of sports and activities for all ages, including an indoor and outdoor flying trapeze, yoga, tai chi, golf and cookery. Guests have a choice of three swimming pools, including an indoor and adult-only pool, plus a range of children’s clubs.

Meanwhile, the spa has 15 treatment rooms, one plantar reflexology room and 25 massage beds, with a number of different treatment packages available.

Laurent De Chorivit, managing director of the operator’s UK division said: “Expanding into China is an important part of our global strategy and we hope to attract new guests from the domestic market. However, the Guilin resort also gives British holidaymakers an easier way of discovering Asia. We expect Europeans to use Guilin as a stepping stone for exploring China and its rich heritage and culture, with the high-end, high-quality Club Med experience they have come to expect.”

Prices start from £1,790 per person in low-season, based on two sharing a double room on an all-inclusive basis, with flights and transfers.

With five resorts planned for the near future, the operator estimates that it will host up to 200,000 Chinese guests at its resorts within three years, making China its second largest market by 2015.

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fareast Malaysia highlights summer celebrations & events

We asked our staff the following question this week: What's your favourite sandwich or snack?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Worcester sauce flavoured crisps

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk A cheese toastie

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk A chip butty

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk A real Cornish pasty

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Bacon sandwich

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

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Cheese and onion toastie

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk Ham, cucumber, beetroot with salad cream

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

MALAYSIA IS offering a variety of events for those visiting the destination this summer, with many centred on the observance of Ramadan.

Clients seeking cultural experiences will find them during the day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which celebrates Muslims breaking their fast following Ramadan. Muslims attend special morning prayers in mosques and visit the cemeteries of their loved ones. Decked in traditional clothing, friends and family from near and far come together to celebrate the occasion.

A further cause for celebration is Independence Day (Hari Merdeka), taking place on August 31, which commemorates the Federation of Malaya gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1957.

Meanwhile, the 1Malaysia programme, an ongoing scheme by the Malayan government to promote harmony and efficient governance in the country, is implementing a Mega Sale Carnival until September 1, during which shoppers will be able to access exclusive offers and discounts at malls and retail stores across the country. The 1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival also runs until September 30.

For more information visit www.tourism.gov.my

Taiwan campaign targets backpacker market BACKPACKERS LOOKING for their next trip can enter a youth travel initiative launched by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education.

The ‘Youth Trekkers Wanted’ campaign gives people aged 18-30 the opportunity to come up with their dream Taiwan trekking itinerary, awarding the winners with up to $3,000 (approximately £1,945) to make their dream a reality.

Previous winning itineraries have included a ‘love at first bite’ culinary tour, as well as a trek to discover Taiwan’s diverse graffiti and street art scene.

Agents and their clients interested in entering this year’s competition should submit their itinerary and completed application by this Sunday at www.youthtravel.tw/youthtrekker Meanwhile, in a recent study by the Taipei City Government, the city’s five most popular attractions amongst foreign visitors were determined. Winners included night markets, Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The tourism board offers free incentives to tourists including a one-way airport bus voucher and free admission tickets for up to 18 theme parks in Taiwan, which are available to pick up prior to departure from local Taipei tourism offices until late November.

Meanwhile, EVA Air now offers a new Business Class service to include full flat-bed seating. The Royal Laurel Class Business cabins also include privacy panels as well as a 15.4-inch touchscreen TV and will be available from July 26.

Soreen Maltloaf

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

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk POM-BEAR crisps

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk All I can get is curry

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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July 12 2013

TransIndus offers £300 saving on Burma festival tour TRANSINDUS IS promoting a selection of Burma and South East Asia tours, including a 13-day Burma Highlights – Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival tour.

Leading in at £3,595 for groups of up to 12 people, the tour currently offers a £300 discount and offers an insight into the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival in Inle Lake, one of the largest Buddhist festivals in Burma.

During the three-week long celebration, the pagoda’s gold leaf Buddha statues are taken out on procession by hundreds of rowers in a decorated long boat. Throughout the event, there are leg-rowed boat races where participants from different villages compete.

The package includes a two-night stay in the Inle Lake area during the festival, flights, a tour guide, breakfast accommodation in four-star hotels and coach and boat transport. A welcome dinner on the second day is also included.

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. DFDS, 3. AUSTIN, 7. AIR MALTA, 9. OAHU, 10. ADONIA, 12. ISCHIA, 14. EMMA, 17. ASUNCION, 18. GRAHAM, 19. ASIA. Down: 1. DJOKOVIC, 2. DEATH, 4. UGANDA, 5. TITAN, 6. ORY, 8. CALABRIA, 11. VIENNA, 13. COSTA, 15. MANOS, 16. PIA.

Highlighted Word: DOHA Travagrams: (top) Bmi regional

(bottom) Chicago

Where Am I?: United Arab Emirates

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