Travel Bulletin 14th February 2014

TB1402 2014 Cover_TB Front Cover.qxd 2/12/2014 2:04 PM Page 1

February 14 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,860 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Italy

New city break options & tours to inspire your clients

this week puzzle bulletin 11 play su doku for your chance to win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher

14

training new online modules, agent incentives & events

weddings & honeymoons

22

research reveals one in three marriage proposals take place abroad

27

middle east Israel welcomes 5% increase in British visitors

S01 TB1402 Start_Layout 1 2/12/2014 11:34 AM Page 2

S01 TB1402 Start_Layout 1 2/12/2014 11:34 AM Page 3

newsbulletin

This Week news 3

Cover Pictures: Main - Riviera Travel - Portovenere Village

Inset - Sandos Hotels & Resorts

AITO offers its views on the school holiday price hike

8

notes from normanton

9

agent bulletin

10

hotel bulletin

11

puzzle bulletin

13

bulletin briefing

14

training

18

personality bulletin

19

italy

22

weddings & honeymoons

27

middle east

Sandy spots some suspicious characters while working at Idle Travel Cyplon Holidays announces latest booking incentives last minute winter savings of up to 30% from ibis play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher the latest news & views from ANTOR a round-up of new online modules, agent incentives & events Geoff Manchester from Intrepid is in the hot seat this week new city break options & tours to inspire your clients research reveals one in three marriage proposals take place abroad Israel welcomes 5% increase in British visitors

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

TREKKING TREAT...Ethos Marketing, the UK office for Serena Hotels, hosted a fam trip to Rwanda for a group of seven tour operators, which included a trek into the rainforest and Volcanoes National Park to spot gorillas.

Pictured enjoying the sights at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel are, from the left: Claire Chant, Audley; Rose Gemmel, Scott Dunn; Gemma Smith, Ramblers; Karine Loupy, World Odyssey; Peter Felix, Africa Travel; Ali Whitfield, Ethos Marketing/Serena Hotels; Andy Fielding, Kuoni; and Bina Patel, Trailfinders.

AITO argues why prices shouldn't be capped in school holidays THE ASSOCIATION of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) says that the debate on the price of holidays during school holiday dates could be resolved by Government action to spread summer holiday dates over a longer period of time.

Key questions raised have included whether parents should be allowed to take children out of school in term time to avoid paying peak season prices. AITO believes that they should and says that in exceptional circumstances, and with the head teacher’s permission, parents are allowed to do this. Examples might include instances where the family has experienced a tough time due to marital problems, illness or bereavement, for example. Other questions raised have included why prices remain high in peak season. AITO says this is due to supply and demand, much like the demand for roses on St Valentine’s Day. It says that a hotel, villa, apartment or campsite has just six weeks in the summer in which largely to cover its costs for the year – and that might equate to just three family holidays lasting two weeks each.

The association also believes that prices should not be capped in school holidays as it says that this ignores the core problem and will make holidays year-round more expensive. Instead, it says that the answer is to spread the peak school holiday period over a longer time-span.

The association's chairman, Derek Moore, said: "The peak summer holiday dates cover, in the main, just a six-week period. AITO urges the Government to vary holiday dates from region to region in the UK and to stretch the peak season from six to 12 weeks, i.e. from mid-June to midSeptember. This would allow holiday companies to reduce peak season prices. It would also offer huge economic benefits to some of the key holiday destinations (many of which are suffering huge unemployment and other financial problems) by lengthening their seasons.”

BOGOF ski passes with Powder White POWDER WHITE is offering two ski passes for the price of one for clients travelling in March and April, providing savings in the ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, Verbier and St Anton.

The offer is valid with the purchase of a local area six-day ski pass.

The company's fully catered chalet offering includes Champagne and canapés on arrival, cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, unlimited house wine and a three-course dinner with select dinner wines.

Flights are not included but the operator can arrange them (and transfers) on request.

As an example of prices, a stay at Chalet Eleanor in Meribel from March 29 leads in at £649 per person, with ski pass savings of £95 per person.

For further information visit www.powderwhite.com or call 020-8877 8888.

February 14 2014

3

S01 TB1402 Start_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:45 PM Page 4

newsbulletin New property additions from Sovereign SOVEREIGN LUXURY Travel has launched the second edition of its 2014 brochure featuring several new hotels in destinations including Croatia, Cyprus, Turkey, Ibiza and Mallorca, which form part of its extensive collection of luxury holidays.

Showcasing more than 240 properties in 19 destinations worldwide, the brochure features a range of luxury holiday options for 2014 and early 2015.

New properties include the five-star ME Ibiza hotel, located in S'Argamassa-Santa Eulalia, the third largest town on the island of Ibiza. The new hotel, which opens this summer, offers a rooftop pool, a 24hr gym and restaurants open until late with live DJs. A seven-night breakfast stay costs from £489 per person, based on a May 2 departure. It includes flights from Gatwick with easyJet, airport lounge access and private transfers.

The five-star Titanic Deluxe Belek is also new to the operator's programme in Turkey and prices lead in at £869 per person based on a seven-night all-inclusive stay. It includes flights, airport lounge access and private transfers, and is based on departures in April.

For more information visit www.sovereign.com or call 0843-770 4526.

Exodus introduces UK landscape and wildlife photography workshops FOLLOWING THE success of its worldwide photography holidays, Exodus is enabling budding photographers to refine their skills closer to home with a series of new UK landscape and wildlife photography workshops. With multiple dates available, the workshops visit three of the RSPB’s most spectacular reserves in the South East Dungeness in Kent, Pulborough Brooks in Sussex and Rainham Marshes in Essex.

Combining classroom learning with hands-on tuition, the workshops are instructed by award winning photographer and tutor Dave Stephenson, whose wildlife and travel images have been published all over the world, and whose work takes in everything from big cats to huge primates, small lizards and everything in between.

Workshops in Rainham Marshes take place on April 19, May 28 and June 28. The location is a former World War II rifle range and now a refuge for wildlife on London’s doorstep. More than 270 birds of prey and rare birds have been recorded on the site, along with 31 species of butterfly and rare species of dragonfly.

Workshops in Dungeness take place on April 23, May 10 and June 2 and the location offers one of the largest expanses of shingle in the world. With more than 600 types of plant, guests will find insects such as moths, bees, beetles and spiders to photograph, as well as migrating birds.

At Pulborough Brooks, workshops are available on June 15, July 5 and July 9. The reserve is located within the South Downs National Park, offering far-reaching views over the Arun Valley. Visitors might catch a glimpse of the world’s fastest bird - the peregrine - and be able to spot wild ducks, geese, swans and other waders.

All workshops take place from 09:30-17:30 and cost from £150 per person.

For details call 0845-863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk/photographyworkshops

4

February 14 2014

PUCKERING UP...To celebrate the launch of its new uniforms, Eurostar dressed up the giant kissing couple statue at St Pancras station (‘The Meeting Place’ by Paul Day) to showcase the new attire. Pictured puckering up are Eurostar's married couple, train manager Adele Gent and station shift leader Simon Gent.

New tour operator lands at Bournemouth Airport A NEW tour operator, OSKA Travel, is offering value holidays to Turkey from Bournemouth Airport this year.

Two holiday options will be available from Bournemouth including a seven-night, all-inclusive holiday to a five-star hotel from £449 per person, or a week's escorted tour around the Turkish Riviera, staying in fourand five-star hotels on a

bed-and-breakfast basis from £249 per person.

The company offers allinclusive holidays in a choice of three five-star hotels – the Vera Stone Palace in Side and the Maritim Pine Beach Resort and the Vera Verde Hotel in Belek.

Flights depart from Bournemouth on April 10, 17 and 24 and can be booked at www.oskatravel.co.uk

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Hurtigruten’s new 2014/15 Winter brochure is

out now. With flight-inclusive voyages from 11 UK airports (including Cardiff, Dublin and Jersey), a voyage along Norway’s coast is the best way for your customers to go in search of the Northern Lights!

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S02 TB1402 News 1_Layout 1 2/12/2014 11:47 AM Page 5

newsbulletin

Newsbites ●

●

●

●

CARNIVAL UK cruise passengers can now benefit from an enhanced selection of cruise insurance cover following a new partnership with Holiday Extras Travel Insurance.

Customers can choose cover that can be tailored to their specific holiday needs including Latitude, a policy designed specifically for customers with pre-existing medical conditions and Cruise Travel Insurance, which offers flexible levels of cover for all types of cruise travel.

NYC & Company has announced that two-for-one tickets are now on sale as part of Off-Broadway Week, up to March 2.

Theatregoers have the opportunity to choose from 49 OffBroadway shows and tickets are available at nycgo.com/offbroadwayweek TO CELEBRATE the Chinese New Year of the horse, Wendy Wu Tours has extended its January sale, offering £200 off per couple for all group tours departing in 2014 to China, Southeast Asia and India for bookings made by February 28.

See www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-875 2436.

AMAWATERWAYS HAS announced that it will donate $500 for every stateroom sold on each of three nominated river

●

cruises in 2014 and 2015 to support breast cancer awareness, research, prevention and treatment.

GLOBAL TRAVEL Group agents based in Scotland can now reap the benefits of being members of the Scottish Passenger Agent’s Association (SPAA) following the latest partnership from The Global Travel Group. As well as working closely with the major travel associations including the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the SPAA meets regularly to discuss and maintain the interests of its members by addressing relevant travel industry issues.

Other benefits include free participation at SPAA seminars and the annual general meeting, regular industry updates, access to incentives and competitions, training modules and networking events. Meanwhile, producer and songwriter Pete Waterman OBE and entrepreneurial chef Levi Roots have been announced as The Global Travel Group’s guest speakers at this year’s annual conference, which takes place from March 23-25 near Chester.

SUNVIL DISCOVERY has launched its 2014 real Scandinavia brochure featuring Copenhagen for the first time plus a selection of hand-picked accommodation and itineraries throughout Sweden, Norway and the Faroe Islands. A threenight breakfast stay at Hotel Ibsen in Copenhagen costs from £449 per person, based on two sharing and including flights from Heathrow.

For details call 020-8758 4747 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

Airlines team up to offer joint fares between Europe & Japan FINNAIR AND fellow oneworld alliance members Japan Airlines and British Airways are now selling joint fares between Europe and Japan, for travel after April 1.

Customers will benefit from more flexible routing options and the ability to mix and match flights on all three carriers for the most convenient scheduling and best pricing.

Currently, Finnair flies daily from Helsinki to Tokyo and five times weekly (daily in summer) to Osaka and Nagoya, connecting Japan to more than 50 Finnair destinations in Europe. Japan Airlines and British Airways are increasing their scheduled services between Japan and Europe this summer, as well as improving timings of the flights.

From May, two additional weekly services means British Airways will fly twice daily to Tokyo with daily flights to both Haneda and Narita airports, and Japan Airlines will launch new day-time non-stop flights from March 30, between Haneda and London.

For more information see www.ba.com, www.jal.com or www.finnair.com

P&O Cruises launches regional flights for Ventura Fly-Med programme P&O CRUISES has added departures from seven regional airports on selected Fly-Med cruises on Ventura for this summer.

The direct regional charter flights will be available, at no extra cost, on 16 Fly-Med cruises at regional airports including Bournemouth, Belfast, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle and Stansted. Flights are also available from London, Manchester or Birmingham as standard.

The cruises offer something for both

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

couples and families, with new cities to explore, beaches to discover, plus a choice of dining options (including Marco Pierre White’s restaurant) and a pool.

A variety of seven- and 14-night fly/cruise holidays are available from March to October. Ventura will sail from either Venice or Genoa and head around the Greek Islands, Dalmatian coast and French Riviera, taking in some of the region’s cities including Rome, Venice, Naples, Dubrovnik and Florence, as well as other smaller destinations including

Kotor and Ajaccio in Corsica.

Guests who book before February 28 will also receive additional free on board spending money to use for drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments or dining.

As an example of itineraries, a sevennight fly/cruise departing from East Midlands and travelling to Monaco, France and Spain costs from £879 per person, based on an October 15 departure.

To book call 0843-373 0111 or visit www.pocruises.co.uk

February 14 2014

5

S02 TB1402 News 1_Layout 1 2/12/2014 11:47 AM Page 6

newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @contikiuk The 20 best Thai islands you just HAVE to visit: http://conti.ki/1d3P2zK @GreatRail Calling all travel agents!

New online course from @traveltraining to learn more about Great Rail Journeys. http://bit.ly/1cNsR2i @SunvilTeam A look at the many myths and legends surrounding the aurora borealis http://fb.me/1165UMtE7 @mwholidays We're offering FREE lift passes on a number of holidays throughout Feb, March and April. - Get your skis on and book! http://www.markwarner. co.uk @UK_Franceguide France launches express rail project linking #Paris to #CDG airport in 2023.

Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/olo4ch6

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

See South Africa by train with Visions of Africa VISIONS OF Africa is offering a 13-night escorted tour that takes in the highlights of South Africa by train.

Guests will board in Johannesburg and each day the train arrives in a new destination where guests can disembark and take a guided mini bus tour, which is included.

Excursions are varied and include safari game drives in the Kruger, the Sani Pass in Lesotho, wine tasting and cultural visits. There are also optional excursions which are available at an additional cost, such as an overnight stay at a five-star safari lodge.

The Cape of Good Hope route ends back in Cape Town where guests will then spend two nights at the four-star Portswood Hotel.

Prices lead in at £3,735 based on two people sharing a Commodore Cabin, including flights from Heathrow, two nights' breakfast stay in Cape Town, 13 nights' half-board on the train, transfers and all included activities.

Regional UK departures can be arranged at an additional cost and scheduled departures are available throughout the year.

For more information or to book call 01444-225640 or visit www.visionsofafrica.co.uk

New travel planning features from Expedia EXPEDIA.COM HAS launched three new features designed to aid users through the travel planning process: Flight Recommendations, Scratchpad and Itinerary Sharing.

Flight Recommendations analyses more than three billion flight searches performed on the website and applies insights to real-time customer search queries suggesting alternative airports, dates or time of travel.

These options and fares reflect patterns that other customers have booked recently, and are presented in a box above the standard search results.

The Scratchpad feature stores and organises a customer’s search queries for easy retrieval while the Itinerary Sharing feature allows users to share their live itineraries with their co-workers, friends and/or family.

6

February 14 2014

JEANETTE'S JOY....Prestige Holidays recently ran an online competition with Travel Bulletin for agents to win a Kindle Fire, which produced a huge response from agents nationwide.

Pictured is Jeanette Smith (left) of Bath Travel in Titchfield, Hampshire being presented with her prize by Louise Stanbury from Prestige.

A great excuse for pulling your socks up this ski season...

IF YOU'RE planning a ski or snowboarding break, you can't go wrong with getting your mitts on the new Function 5 Padded Over-the-Calf Cushion sock, designed by Darn Tough. The product has been created to offer the perfect fusion between boot and sock and features five precisely located comfort pads that diminish pressure points to give ultimate fit for durability and comfort. These include shin padding to reduce rubbing and discomfort, ankle padding to protect and cushion the ankle, navicular padding to protect the foot from second buckle pressure, first and fifth metatarsal pad cushions on the outside toe areas and upper achilles padding to protect the Achilles tendon and reduce heel lift. The sock is 62% Merino wool, which means it’s very warm and also repels bacteria and odour. It retails at £21.99 from Techsports Ltd. For details call 01404-821811 or for more information see www.darntough.com

Travel accessories you won't want to leave behind...

ON T H CAS E E

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S02 TB1402 News 1_Layout 1 2/12/2014 11:47 AM Page 7

S02 TB1402 News 1_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:49 PM Page 8

newsbulletin

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N HEN I was helping out at Oakwood Travel, Simon was doing a Cunard booking and he found it was much easier and cheaper to do it with JTA than Cunard direct, who don’t seem interested in you ringing them anyway, as they say on the back of the brochure ‘Book online at completecruisesolution’. And it’s the same for P&O and Princess! When he phoned JTA they were cheaper and could do the whole package especially as Cunard weren't flexible with flights (they don’t use JET2 and could only do via London). So this is where JTA were able to help and do a package more beneficial for the client, which of course is under one umbrella and better for the customer and us the travel agent!

There are other consolidators that will do similar things – just remember to give them a try and as the Meerkats would say, simples!

Tony and the team at Idle Travel have moved into their portacabin in front of Morrisons and it’s great – there’s more space and it’s light and airy plus the customers seem to like it as well. This will be their new home for a few months whilst Morrisons renovate part of its building. Glancing out of the window whilst I was there I noticed a couple of fellers kept doing something to the front and back of cars in the car park and I wondered what they were up to. Turns out they were the police so it’s a good job I didn’t report them. They were asking customers if they wanted their number plates screwing on properly with their special screws that thieves would find difficult to remove – what a brilliant idea and they offered to do our cars as well so that was really good!

Just had a cancellation for a table at the Yorks Travel Ball on 17th July - email me if you are interested s.murray922@btinternet.com ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced’ and ‘Vision without action is a daydreamer. Action without vision is a nightmare’.

W

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

MOVERS ● JUMEIRAH GROUP has appointed Alison Broadhead as chief

commercial officer. ● GETABED HAS announced that John McKibbin has joined as

sales manager Ireland. ● THE MANAGING director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland,

Giles Hawke, has been promoted to executive director for the UK, Ireland and Australia. ● JOHN O’SULLIVAN has joined Tourism Australia as managing director. ● MARK SERVODIDIO has been appointed UK managing director for Avis Budget Group. ● WORLD TRAVEL Holdings (UK) has appointed Kate Holroyd as head of marketing.

Go

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win a Fam Trip place to Mauritius, courtesy of Air Mauritius. Just enter our competition at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

●

Make sure you read our All About the Indian Ocean 2014 supplement. To view in digital format, please go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/travel-bulletin-backissues

●

Win a Fam Trip to the Florida Beaches, courtesy of Funway. To find out how, go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway

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

8

LOUISIANA LUCK....Louisiana Travel ran a competition in conjunction with Travel Bulletin to give agents the chance to win Harrods vouchers by correctly answering questions about the state. Pictured winning first prize of £250 worth of vouchers is Claire Mitchell from Barrhead Travel in Clydebank with the agency's franchise director, Tony Sillars.

February 14 2014

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 9

agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

CYPLON HOLIDAYS is continuing to support the trade this year with a range of incentives for bookings made to Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco. For Gold and Silver package holiday bookings, agents will earn £10 per adult for a minimum seven-night stay, based on two adults sharing for any date of travel. For Gold & Silver accommodation-only bookings, agents will earn £10 based on the same conditions.

Agents also have the chance to receive a seven-night breakfast stay for themselves and a partner at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Cyprus when they make one booking at the property. A selection of other properties are also included in this offer. Meanwhile, agents making a booking of more than £5,999 will receive a complimentary gift of Bubbles & Champagne truffles as well as the above incentives. Agents should email booking references and their details to sales@cyplon.co.uk. In addition, the company is offering a 15% reduction on any of its package holidays with no blackout dates to the trade (retail and non-sales staff members). To apply for the discount, a confirmation letter should be sent from the manager/owner on letter headed paper confirming employment in the travel sector.

For details or to book call 020-8340 7612.

●

AGENTS HAVE the chance to win a sevennight half-board stay for two at the Beachcomber Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa in Mauritius with Destinology when they make a Beachcomber booking by February 28. Agents can also enter the prize draw by correctly answering ten questions on www.destinologyagents.co.uk

●

AGENTS CAN earn a £5 Love2Shop voucher with DoSomethingDifferent.com for each booking made for an Orlando Freedom ticket, an Orlando Freedom Plus ticket; seven-, 14- or 21-day Disney Ultimate; Disney & Universal combo pass; a pair of SeaWorld Orlando tickets, a pair of Universal Orlando tickets or a pair of Orlando Flex Tickets. To claim, email info@dosomethingdifferent.com by February 28 with your name and order number. Every booking also counts as an entry into the company's ultimate prize - a VIP Las Vegas Holiday for two.

For details call 020-8090 3890.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Fancy a fam?

TRAVEL INDOCHINA is offering agents the chance to win a fam trip to discover the operator’s two best-selling destinations when they book a Small Group Journey, Asia River Cruise or tailor-made itinerary to Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos by March 31. The fam trip includes flights plus an itinerary that highlights Vietnam’s bustling capital of Hanoi; Halong Bay, where the winner will spend a night cruising the islands on a private junk boat; and the ancient charm of Hoi An, before crossing the border to Cambodia to uncover the historical sights of Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor.

The more bookings made, the more entries agents have into the draw. Additional entries will be accepted for Vietnam Airlines' international flights departing from the UK. The operator is also providing £50 in Love2Shop vouchers for all bookings made by February 28.

COOKING UP A STORM...Thomas Cook in Tyne and Wear's Washington recently held a sales promotion day highlighting Haven breaks. Pictured with Rory the Tiger and Bradley the Bear (characters from Haggerston Castle Holiday Park) are, from the left: the agency's Stacey Littlejohn, Dominique Valente, Rebecca Guthrie and Ashley Scantlebury.

February 14 2014

9

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 10

hotelbulletin

Gleneagles offers 1920s golf experience AS IT prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary, Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire has teamed up with Golf & Thistle Ltd to offer visitors the chance to experience golf as it would have been played in 1924.

From now until the end of July, guests and visitors can take to the fairways with hickory clubs to recreate the authentic early 20th century golfing experience on the property's PGA National Academy Course.

Alternatively, individual and corporate groups can be transported to Fife to play a round on the nine-hole Kingarrock Course.

Hickory golf is available for groups of up to 12 people from £50 per person, including club hire and green fees.

For more information call 0800-705 4705 or visit www.gleneagles.com Gleneagles

GALGORM RESORT & Spa is planning to invest £10million to further extend the range of leisure facilities at its Ballymena, County Antrim base. The property, which has invested more than £25m in the last ten years, confirmed that it is adding an additional 48 bedrooms and a new leisure wing which will incorporate a swimming pool and gym.

InBrief ● SPAIN’S LA Manga Club is offering families a four-night break available from €368 (approximately £300) over February half-term. ● THE DUNAS Beach Resort in Cape Verde, developed by The Resort Group and Melia Hotels International, has entered its final stages of completion and will open in November. ● MANDARIN ORIENTAL Hotel Group has announced that it will manage Mandarin Oriental in Indonesia's Bali, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2016. Situated on elevated terraces and offering views of the Indian Ocean, the 121-key resort comprises 97 villas, each with a private pool, and 24 guestrooms. ● DORCHESTER COLLECTION has launched a ‘Stay an extra night on us’ offer to provide guests with a complimentary night of luxury within any of its ten properties. When three consecutive nights are booked, the third night is free across all rooms and suites for stays until March 31. ● MYHOTEL BLOOMSBURY is offering a '48 hours in London' package which includes breakfast on both mornings and lunch or dinner. It is available until February 29 and costs £360 based on two sharing a standard double bedroom.

For details see www.myhotels.com or call 020-3004 6000.

Dusit International secures new 390-room resort near Phuket’s Patong Beach IN LINE with its aggressive expansion plan, Dusit International has announced a new resort to its growing dusitD2 brand, the dusitD2 Phuket Resort in Thailand.

Located close to the island’s popular Patong Beach and within walking distance from the Jungceylon shopping and leisure complex, the hotel offers 390 guestrooms and

10

February 14 2014

suites and a range of entertainment outlets including a Hard Rock Café.

The property, which is scheduled for an April rebranding date, is also developing a scenic rooftop bar and a spa with nine treatment rooms.

The company's group director of development, Rustom Vickers, said: “With eight dusitD2 hotels in the pipeline, from California to Nairobi,

this year will certainly see a spotlight on the dusitD2 brand. We eagerly look forward to the Phuket Resort being the first of these hotels to open this year, and we are confident that its location on the island and comprehensive selection of attractions will make it a great success.”

For more information see www.dusit.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 11

puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 006

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

Sponsor Tutus

A➠

B➠ Enjoy a ‘spot’ of sunshine with this operator

C➠

A Agar Yup

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, February 20th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 31th January is Victoria Richards, Cloud Nine Incentives in Olney.

January 31 Solution: A=5 B=2 C=9 D=6

Crossword

This South American country sounds like this activity

Where Am I?

The highest mountain in North America, aka Denali.

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

Number: 006

Across 1. Greece experts, part of Thomas Cook (5) 3. City home of Narita airport (5) 5. State capital of North Carolina (7) 7. Lebanon's flag carrier (3) 8. Small island in the Inner Hebrides (4) 9. One of the Six Nations rugby teams (5) 12. Mt Everest is located on the border of this country (5) 13. Unit of currency used in 11 Down (4) 16. Charles de Gaulle airport code (3) 17. The CN Tower dominates this city's skyline (7) 18. Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, ___ of the Seas (5) 19. Flows through Melbourne (5)

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Down 1. First name of ex JLS singer now co-hosting The Voice (6) 2. Egyptian city on the Mediterranean, Port ___ (4) 3. This island is a popular long-haul stopover (6) 4. Sultanate on the Arabian Peninsula (4) 6. State capital of Michigan (7) 7. English range of hills and spa town (7) 10. The name used by the Romans for the Isle of Wight (6) 11. Capital of Colombia (6) 14. Call sign, sounds repetitive (4) 15. Young streetwise magician currently appearing on E4 (4)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 February 14 2014

11

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 12

Your brand new Worldwide brochure is here!

New 2nd edition brochure out now!

Agent incentive -

It’s Timmy’s turn to cheer you up! £10 Love2shop vouchers for every TITAN HOLIDAY booked up until 28th February

For more information, call FREE on 0800 988 5800 or visit www.titanagents.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Agents are responsible for any tax implications regarding vouchers.

See website for full details www.titanagents.co.uk. To claim email agentincentives@titantravel.co.uk within 7 days with booking reference and ABTA

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 13

bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

Tracey Poggio, chair of ANTOR, highlights upcoming events & training opportunities for the trade VERY YEAR the ANTOR calendar is filled with a number of educational seminars and networking events and 2014 is no exception.

As an association, we are a collective of international destination representatives who regularly meet to jointly share our expertise and to address key industry issues. We always welcome the opportunity to meet trade associations or organisations, either on an informal basis, as a panel discussion or debate, or as sponsors of our events. Alison Cryer and I welcome any suggestion or approaches.

E

Following the recent success of the 2014 Annual Review, which was supported by ABTA and the Fair Tax on Flying, we are looking forward to what this year has to offer for ANTOR and our members. This year’s highlight will be our inaugural ANTOR meets the Travel Trade event in June, which is open to everyone from the trade to meet and network with ANTOR members.

On March 20 our second MICE event, in conjunction with CAT publications, will discuss MICE opportunities and how tourist boards can capitalise on these within the UK market.

Following this, a Mobile Technology event will be taking place in late April hosted by Mintel, and will provide members with an interesting insight into how technology is evolving, what this means for their destination and how they can grow with it.

Our annual AGM is one of our key events attended by the majority of our members and this year will be taking place at the Telegraph Offices on May 15. Members have the opportunity to discuss issues that they feel are affecting them and to share their expertise with their fellow members. Issues discussed previously have involved key areas in the travel industry such as WTM, APD, as well as an association Code of Conduct which was launched in 2013 as a result of the AGM. After the AGM members meet the Telegraph Travel Team to discuss future editorial ideas.

ANTOR also has a very close working relationship with the British Guild of Travel Writers and hold joint events in the summer, offering members the chance to meet with media who write for a variety of outlets including trade, consumer, blogs and online, and debate a current topic of mutual interest.

As mentioned above, we are launching our first ANTOR meets the Travel Trade event which will be taking place on June 17. The ANTOR board and

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

"We are looking forward to what this year has to offer for ANTOR and our members. This year’s highlight will be our inaugural ANTOR meets the Travel Trade event in June, which is open to everyone from the trade to meet and network with ANTOR members" members decided to establish an event to provide members with the opportunity to meet with all sectors of the industry - agents, operators, homeowners and MICE in an informal one-to-one networking workshop.

The evening will give the travel trade the opportunity to meet a selection of our 60 members to boost their product knowledge and learn about new developments, as well as discuss how to promote the destinations together. We are also planning two seminars prior to the evening event on adventure and responsible tourism.

ANTOR meets the Media will once again be taking place on HMS President (1918) on September 29, and we are looking to beat last year’s attendance total of 30 exhibitors and more than 120 signed up media.

To finish off a successful year, ANTOR’s 2014 Christmas Party will be hosted by the Mexico Tourism Board following in the footsteps of Mr Bogdan Becla’s generous hospitality in 2013 at the Polish Embassy.

We look forward to seeing a number of you on June 17 at our inaugural ANTOR meets the Travel Trade event.

Please contact our Secretariat if you require further information - email secretariat@antor.com and keep up to date with events at www.antor.com/events

February 14 2014

13

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 14

trainingbulletin BVI Tourist Board announces new updates to online programme FOLLOWING LAST year's launch of the British Virgin Islands' online training programme for agents Nature’s Little Secret Agents (NLSA), the BVI Tourist Board has confirmed that 50 agents have signed up to the training initiative and are logging holiday bookings as a result. For this year, the online training is being updated and undergoing a spring clean to make it even more accessible to agents.

Ginny Hawksley, UK manager of the tourist board, said: "The online training programme is designed to help agents become more familiar with the BVIs to help them sell the destination. Already we are seeing its benefits, with bookings resulting.

"A go-to resource for agents when making bookings to the BVIs, it’s aimed at improving and broadening travel agents’

knowledge through a set of online modules, covering topics such as location, how to get there, accommodation, sailing, weddings and honeymoons, events and festivals.

"Once completed agents are incentivised with rewards and prizes for selling the destination and can automatically win a place on the next NLSA educational by logging two bookings on the communications page."

In addition to training modules, the programme features interactive elements such as private forums, providing a platform to network with other agents and to ask questions directly to the tourist board, as well as information on BVI educationals and events.

The next educational will be from March 22-29.

For more information see www.bvisecretagent.com and www.bvitourism.co.uk West End, Tortola

A SUNNY OUTLOOK...A new Suncam on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia has been set up by islanders to capture the sunscape outside the luxury boutique hotel, Cap Maison. From 10:30-22:30, Brits can log on to view the scenery. The Saint Lucia Tourist Board's Louis Lewis said: “Our own research shows that the wintry weather has a real impact of the moods of people in the UK with 43.5% admitting they need cheering up. Now we hope a visit to our Suncam can help Brits through the worst of winter as they look forward to warmer temperatures.” The Suncam can be accessed at www.stlucia.org

Win a free stay in Malta with Sunspot Tours SUNSPOT TOURS is giving agents the chance to win a free stay in Malta when they complete the operator's OTT modules before March 31 and correctly answer the questions at the end of each module.

The course offers agents a useful and enjoyable way to learn more about the company's products as well as learning about Malta as a destination.

For details see ott.travel

Member discounts & weekly prizes from LVCVA training programme THE LAS Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's online training programme, Virtuoso VIP Club, introduces agents to everything they need to know about Las Vegas, as well as including exclusive member discounts and weekly prizes.

To become a member of the Virtuoso VIP Club, agents must first complete the online training programme at www.lasvegasvirtuoso.com then register for the VIP Club at

www.virtuosovipclub.co.uk Features of the website include an instant message ‘ask the expert’ function; a calendar listing events in Las Vegas as well as trade events that the LVCVA is holding in the UK; photo and video libraries of Las Vegas hotels and general iconic images; exclusive member discount rates on hotels and tours for personal holidays; and a Friday quiz where members win a range of prizes from shows to fam trip places.

BRIGHT announces latest workshop dates for agents in March and April BRIGHT (Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training) has announced its programme of training workshops for independent agents this month, along with two new members, Sunvil and Explore.

The company's chairman, Hisham Mahmoud, said: “We’re delighted to have two new reputable specialist members on board who bring a new dimension to BRIGHT in terms of destinations and the type of experience they provide. We had an incredibly successful 2013 with more than 500 agents attending events across the UK. "Interest to date for 2014 has been overwhelming, and we’re

14

February 14 2014

looking forward to record attendances this year. We put a lot of work into organising regional events to make it easier for agents to get training and product information in fantastic venues close to home. But it’s not all work, we host a dinner following the workshop where agents are able to win excellent prizes too, to round off a great evening.”

Upcoming events in March and April include Kegworth & Norwich and Durham & Wetherby respectively.

For more information see www.brightconsortia.com and to register for the free upcoming events email bookings@eventsfortravel.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 15

YOUR JOB IS ABOUT TO GET

MyMagic+ at Walt Disney World Resort unlocks a new dimension of Disney magic to give your customers an opportunity to customise and personalise their visit in exciting ways. While the testing continues, visit disneytravelagents.co.uk for online training to help you prepare for MyMagic+.

WIN A HOLIDAY! Complete our new Disney Stars MyMagic+ training module for your chance to win a trip to Walt Disney World and experience MyMagic+ for yourself and three friends.

WATCH & WIN! Watch our MyMagic+ training video to receive a FREE The Incredibles DVD!

To enter, visit disneytravelagents.co.uk Terms and conditions apply — see disneytravelagents.co.uk for details. ©Disney ©Disney/Pixar

COMPETITIONS END 31.03.14

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 16

trainingbulletin

THE ARGENTINE National Institute of Tourism Promotion (INPROTUR) recently announced the launch of its 2014 programme at a series of roadshows for the trade taking place in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Attendees were offered a corporate presentation and Argentina’s new English language country brand video, as well as a calendar of upcoming events in the UK and Argentina relevant to British trade and tourists. They were also introduced to the newest hot leads in the country such as restaurants, hotels and bars, as well as information on internal connectivity. Pictured at the event in Manchester are, from the left: Ramesh Devchand, A2BTravel; Tim Allen, Branding Latin America; Andy Forster, Select Travel Media; Paul Eadie MBE, UKTI; Claudia Morales, BLA; Les Gabriel, Gold Medal; Mark Crosby, Journeys of Distinction; Tina Walsh, freelance journalist; and Charlie Diakou, Crown Travel.

For information on upcoming events see www.argentina.travel or follow @VisitArg on twitter.

Alaska training launch on OTT OTT and Alaska have announced the launch of Travel Alaska training scheme, designed to keep agents informed on the latest the destination has to offer and highlight its uniqueness.

Agents completing the short course, which highlights a range of facts about the destination, are also entered into a competition to win a place on a fam trip next year.

To enter, complete the course at ott.travel, print screen your pass score and send the image to alaska@lotusuk.co.uk

Vancouver webinar gives agents the chance to win a holiday for two TOURISM VANCOUVER has partnered with Air Canada to offer a new initiative for travel agents.

Agents who take part in a special webinar to celebrate the launch of Air Canada’s new 777 aircraft – with routes from Heathrow to Vancouver from March – will be entered into a draw to win round-trip flights for two with Air Canada and a six-night stay in Vancouver.

The session will cover a range of information to give agents details on what they need to know to sell the destination.

The webinar takes place at 17:00 on Thursday, February 20.

To register for the complimentary 45-minute session, agents should register at http://tinyurl.com/qfqpdpa by February 18.

The winner must have completed the Vancouver Specialist Program and Canada Specialist Program by April 30 to be eligible for the prize.

New module from Rocky Mountaineer offers training on Coastal Passage IN ANTICIPATION of its upcoming season and the launch of a new route, Rocky Mountaineer has unveiled its latest TRACKS (online training programme) module that is focused on Coastal Passage, the company’s first rail journey to/from the US. With comprehensive and detailed information on the company's fifth rail route between Seattle, WA and the Canadian Rockies, participants

16

February 14 2014

who finish the session will have a better understanding of the experience offered on Coastal Passage.

As an incentive, agents who successfully complete the new module

by February 28 will be entered into a draw to win a Coastal Passage trip for two in GoldLeaf Service.

The operator currently offers seven TRACKS modules that provide

information on the company’s history, route descriptions and different service levels. At the end of each training session, there is a short online quiz that tests participants’ knowledge.

To register visit agent.rockymountaineer.com/tracks and for more information on the company see www.rockymountaineer.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 2:25 PM Page 17

trainingbulletin

AMBITIOUS STUDENTS from schools across West Yorkshire gathered to pick up industry skills from British Airways and Leeds Bradford Airport at an ‘airline master class’. Staff from the airline and the airport volunteered their time to share knowledge and wisdom with the participants. A total of 15 schools took part, each putting forward a team of ten students to develop their business skills. Each ‘company’ was given a virtual budget of £200million to set up and run their own airline. Students from Horsforth School in Leeds took off with the top prize after being awarded Best Overall Airline for ‘Aeris International’ by the panel of judges. They will fly to London on one of up to three return British Airways flights a day from Leeds Bradford to experience the airline for themselves. Pictured is Tony Hallwood (centre), Leeds Bradford Airport’s aviation development & marketing director with participating students at the master class.

New modules added to Aussie Specialist Programme TWO NEW modules have been added to the Aussie Specialist Programme.

The Ultimate Winery Experiences module aims to educate agents about the collection of premium, award-winning wineries in Australia’s most renowned wine regions. The wineries offer a range of diverse experiences beyond the cellar door including restaurants, major events and art, as well as behind the scenes tours, private tastings and wine education.

The second module, Explorers’ Way, has been created in partnership with the South Australia Tourism Commission and Tourism Northern Territory and highlights the iconic outback route between Adelaide and Darwin. The module has been designed to help agents sell the route as a 14-day itinerary including wineries, wildlife experiences and the outback.

New fact sheets on Australian cities, itineraries as well as food and wine have also been added to the website under the Sales Tools section.

For more information visit www.aussiespecialist.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

February 14 2014

17

S03 TB1402 News 2_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:36 PM Page 18

personalitybulletin

Geoff Manchester Co-founder and director, Intrepid Travel At home

At play

What's your favourite household gadget?

It would have to be the Bamix (hand-held food processor) for making banana or mango smoothies after I’ve been exercising.

Do you use social media for work and play?

I have recently began tweeting for work and subscribing to other people’s tweets.

I use LinkedIn for business, but very little social media for play.

What are your favourite TV programmes?

Recently it seems to be Danish drama, like Borgen and The Killing!

Who does the cooking?

My wife Linda would do 80% and I would do 20%. I do enjoy cooking when I am relaxed and have plenty of time. I’m always there as the sous chef though!

What's a typical weekend for you like?

Exercise in the morning, the children play various sports, maybe the local farmers’ market, see friends for dinner, some gardening or maintenance around the house and hopefully some time for reading.

What's your guilty pleasure?

I do like watching (Australian) football and cricket, even when there are other things I should be doing.

What do you do to relax?

Enjoy a good meal with a glass of wine, or read the newspapers (though sometimes online these days).

What's your favourite movie?

Burn after Reading, a Coen Brothers film starring Brad Pitt. It is a black comedy sending up the spy industry.

What's been your latest DIY project?

High pressure water cleaning and sealing the bluestone capping around our courtyard and barbeque.

What trait do you dislike in other people?

A lack of open-mindedness and not being willing to listen and learn.

Where would you most like to visit and why?

I’d love to go to Japan, it has been high on the list for a long time. Intrepid has just launched a ‘Japan Real Food Adventure’ that I’d like to try, as I enjoy Japanese food and would enjoy sampling some local specialities.

What are your hobbies?

Road cycling, running, wine collecting. Recently, salami-making!

What's your favourite (non-work related) website? www.theage.com.au, which is the website for our local daily newspaper (I live in Melbourne).

I read online much more than buying a paper these days, except for Saturday when it’s nice to sit and read the whole thing.

February 14 2014

Do you have any nicknames?

Most people around Intrepid know me as Manch. Some of our staff do not even know my real name!

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

To somehow stop people from sending anonymous and abusive phone messages, text messages, email, tweets, etc to people in the public eye, when there is no opportunity for the other person to give a response.

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

The travel industry has convinced many people that to travel, they need luxury.

We need more emphasis on experiences that people can have when they travel.

Experiences are what people remember and treasure. Those who have travelled widely gradually learn this and change their preferences.

What's the best thing about your job?

The opportunity to travel! When we established Intrepid, we ran trips in just one country (Thailand) and I was the tour leader. Now Intrepid runs trips in more than 100 countries, so there is never a lack of amazing new places to visit.

What's a typical day like?

Since handing over the reins of the

18

What is your best quality?

I am a very strong team member and will do my utmost to support everyone in our team.

managing director role, I now get to focus on some of the issues I am most passionate about, such as responsible travel and staff engagement. My day is often spent working on these areas, but the actual routine varies enormously day to day.

What's your favourite travel app?

The Urban Adventures app, which highlights the best-kept local secrets nearby to where you are located. They currently feature 13 cities around the world, with more coming online regularly.

What was the last email you received?

An invitation to hear the explorer, Tim Jarvis talk about the Shackleton Epic expedition, his recreation of one of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s most amazing journeys.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S04 TB1402 Italy_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:01 PM Page 19

italy

FRED.\ HAS launched short breaks and tailor-made options to Italy, including Rome, Venice and Florence, as part of its new Summer 2014 programme.

Prices lead in at £279 per person for a two-night break to Rome.

For details call 0808-159 5256 or e-mail lawrence@fred.travel

Property additions from Superbreak AGENTS CAN now book packages to two new hotels (in Rome and Florence) through Superbreak. Both properties are part of the Hilton hotel group and are bookable as accommodation-only or as part of a flight inclusive package with full Atol protection.

Prices at the three-star Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge lead in at £83 per person per night including breakfast, while a twonight break with flights from Gatwick costs £328.

The property is located 20 minutes from central Rome's tourist attractions, including the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican.

Prices at the four-star Hilton Florence Metropole lead in at £64.50 per person per night or £322 for two nights including flights from Gatwick, based on an early April departure. The hotel is located 20 minutes by free shuttle from Florence's attractions.

For more information or to book see www.superbreak.com/agents

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Classic Collection adds city breaks in Naples to portfolio CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays reports that sales to Italy continue to go from strength to strength, and that last year the country became the operator’s second largest destination in terms of passenger numbers.

For this year, winter sales are more than 25% up year-on-year according to the operator, with summer sales having seen gains of 17% over the previous year. As a result, the company has added 26 new properties throughout its programme for 2014, including seven new hotels in Sardinia and a further four in Rome. Also new are city breaks to Naples.

The operator's head of purchasing, Gary Boyer, said: "Once again we are delighted with the way in which Italy has performed for us, exceeding even our most optimistic forecasts. We remain very appreciative of the fact that our continued commitment to the travel trade is reciprocated by travel agents, many of whom now regard us as the definitive Italian specialist for discerning clients looking for an affordable

luxury holiday to Italy.

"Our success in 2013 has enabled us to launch our 2014 brochure with an expanded selection of destinations and properties, plus increased allocations and at even more competitive prices.

"New for 2014 is Naples, and its historic centre has earned UNESCO World Heritage status as it features more historic and monumental churches than any other city in the world. Much of the city’s troubled past has been resolved, but the huge tourist influx is yet to happen, making now an ideal time to discover the city’s original culture."

As an example of prices, a three-night breakfast stay at the five-star Grand Hotel Parker’s in Chiaia costs from £591 per person in late April including private transfers and flights. The destination features alongside Rome, Venice, Florence, Verona and Milan in the operator’s new Cities 2014 brochure.

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

£15 Love2Shop agent booking incentive from Just Sardinia JUST SARDINIA has introduced an agent booking incentive of a £15 Love2Shop voucher when agents confirm a booking by April 30. One voucher will be issued per booking and there is no limit to the number of vouchers agents can receive.

Meanwhile, the operator reports that after a number of requests from customers, it has added the new destination of Sicily to its programme.

Just Sicily offers personally selected hotels and apartments to suit all tastes and budgets on the coast and in the countryside.

Each accommodation details prices, room types, facilities, location information and ‘Huw’s view’, highlighting key features.

Previous Just Sardinia customers will receive a 5% loyalty discount when they make a booking.

To order a copy of the new brochure call 01202-489040 or email emma@hnholidays.co.uk with your name, travel agency, ABTA and VAT number, postal address and telephone number.

For more information see www.justsicily.co.uk or call 01202-489040.

February 14 2014

19

S04 TB1402 Italy_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:01 PM Page 20

italy Kirker Holidays offers seven-night Liguria tour from £2,396 in May & October KIRKER HOLIDAYS has launched a new seven-night tour that takes in the coastal region of Liguria in the Italian Riviera.

The Genoa and Ligurian Riviera Italy tour offers a cultural, architectural and historical theme and explores the region of Liguria nestled between Monaco and Tuscany.

The itinerary follows the rugged coastline up to the Cinque Terre, the five villages, which offer colourful buildings, moored boats and private beaches. As well as taking in the scenery, the tour visits the Renaissance palace, Palazzo Durazzo, and the Benedictine monastery at San Fruttuoso, only accessible by boat.

Other highlights include visits to the Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco,

Palazzo Doria, the cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Museo del Tesoro.

The tour concludes with a visit to the fishing village of Portofino, where guests can take lunch at Hotel Splendido.

May 22 and October 6 departures cost from £2,396 per person including flights with BA, breakfast accommodation, five evening meals, three lunches at Hotel Splendido, all entrance fees and tour guide services.

Meanwhile, the operator has added three new options to its cultural tours programme. They include the fivenight Macerata Opera Festival & the Hill Stations of the Marches option, departing on July 30; the five-night Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro,

Escorted tour additions from Riviera Travel RIVIERA TRAVEL has added new escorted tours to its Italian programme this year.

As an example, an eightday Western Sicily, Palermo and the Aeolian Islands has selected departures between April and October and leads in at £999 per person.

It includes flights from Gatwick; seven nights' fourstar accommodation with dinner; three nights in Trapani; a visit to Marsala for a winery and tasting tour; a guided tour of the

medieval village of Erice; a visit to Segesta and Monreale’s cathedral; a tour of Palermo; four nights in Cefalu; a scenic drive through Madonie National Park; and a visit to Lipari.

Other tours include a fiveday Bologna, Parma & Ravenna option from £659 and an eight-day Pisa, the Cinque Terre & Portofino from £1,099.

For more information email agencysales@riviera -travel.co.uk or see www.rivieratravel.co.uk Cefalu

Teatro Rossini

departing on August 18; and the fivenight Florence: Cradle of the Renaissance, departing on November 17.

For more information or to book call 020-7593 2284 or see www.kirkerholidays.com

New itineraries from Diamond Rail Holidays ESCORTED RAIL holiday specialists Diamond Rail Holidays offers a range of itineraries in Italy, all including travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras and onward by TGV from Paris.

‘Umbria, the Magical Heart of Italy’ is new for this year and offers an eight-day itinerary that travels through the heart of the Umbria region by rail. Prices lead in at £899 per person and include five nights on the shores of Lake Bolsena, stays in Turin and Novara, excursions to Assisi, Perugia and Orvieto, plus a tour of a vineyard. The tour departs on June 14 and September 6.

There are also popular tours featuring the Italian Lakes (six days from £699 per person, or extended to eight days to include a stay on Lake Orta and visit to Milan from £859), as well as Rome and the Amalfi Coast (nine days from £1,009). Additionally, there is a new tour incorporating a stay in Venice with a visit to Croatia’s Istria region and the chance to explore the lakes and islands.

All prices are based on two sharing and include accommodation in individually-selected hotels; main visits and excursions; many meals, and the services of a tour manager.

For details or to book see www.sellingrailholidays.com or call 0844-544 7581.

Inghams introduces tailored itineraries in Explorer Tours programme INGHAMS' NEW Italy brochure offers a selection of hand-picked holidays taking guests to the heart of Italy from the lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda in the north to Sicily and Puglia in the south.

As well as tailor-made holidays, the operator introduces Explorer Tours offering tailored itineraries showcasing the very best of the beauty, history and culture in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Puglia. Numbers on each

20

February 14 2014

tour are limited to 25 and all entrance fees and excursions are included.

As an example of brochure prices, a new South Tyrol hiking trail combines the best of Italy and neighbouring Austria and offers a varied landscape encompassing dramatic peaks, lakes, medieval castles and churches.

The 108km hiking trail, set over three days, takes guests to the high peaks of the Oztaler Alps situated at 2,324m, through pine forests, alpine

pastures and farming villages where guests stay overnight in a Gasthof or pension.

Prices start from £929 for seven nights on a half-board basis, including full guided walks with a mountain guide, daily packed lunch, transport of luggage to each night stop, flights and transfers.

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

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S04 TB1402 Italy_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:01 PM Page 21

italy Attraction World offers three-day pass from £95 ATTRACTION WORLD is promoting its new three-day Omnia Vatican & Rome pass for agents to sell to clients.

Cardholders receive either free or discounted access to the top sights in Rome, as well as a free hopon-hop-off open top bus tour ticket valid for three days. The pass offers free entry to Vatican City museums, historic buildings and tours; free entry to a choice of two out of five top Rome attractions including the Coliseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Capitolini Museums, Borghese Gallery and National Museum of Castel St. Angelo; discounted entry to another 30-plus sights, attractions and museums in Rome; free hop-on-hop-off bus tour ticket of Rome; fast track entry to all Vatican City sights; a free Travelcard for unlimited access to Rome's public transport system; and a guidebook for clients to plan their trip. It costs £95 per adult and £68 per child, aged three-12.

The company's head of trade product, marketing & PR, Gail Dunwoodie, said: "There is so much waiting to be discovered. Vatican City is popular with visitors to Rome and is a must-see destination for many tourists due to its religious and cultural importance."

Treyn launches new fly/rail European holidays

ROME CAVALIERI, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new Detoxifing package, which costs €210 and is available until February 28. It includes a 60-minute Cellular Detoxifying Back Treatment and a 45-minute Dermashine. Nightly rates at the hotel start from €240 per room, per night, including VAT and breakfast.

For details see www.romecavalieri.com

Tourist board highlights EXPO 2015 THE ITALIAN National Tourist Board is promoting EXPO 2015, which takes place in Milan from May 1 to October 31.

The theme for next year's event is 'Feeding the Planet.

Energy for Life' which looks at worldwide food problems, where more than one billion people in the world go hungry or suffer from obesity. Experts at the show will work together to develop the theme from different points of view including economic, scientific, cultural and social.

The countries which take part in the event will suggest solutions to important challenges - how to give all people the right to safe and sufficient food; how to guarantee environmental, economic and social sustainability of the food chain; and how to preserve taste and food culture.

For more information see www.expo2015.org

TREYN HAS launched European fly/rail tours, designed to appeal to customers who wish to experience its tours, but who don’t always have the time to make the journey to the destinations by rail.

The Italian tours to choose from include ‘Classical Italy’, ‘Sorrento & Pompeii’, ‘Lake Garda, Venice and Verona’ and ‘Lake Como & The Bernina Express’.

Prices lead in at £745 per person for a sevenday ‘Lake Como & The Bernina Express’, which includes flights from London to Milan, rail and coach travel in Italy and Switzerland, six nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner each day, an excursion to Villa Carlotta and Bellagio, a journey on the Bernina Express between St Moritz and Tirano, an excursion to Milan including a guided walking tour, a visit to the Villa del Balbianello and the services of a tour manager.

Departures are on April 30, May 21 and 28, June 4, 18 and 25 and September 6, 21 and 28.

To book or for more information call 01904-734940 or see www.railholidays.com

G Adventures introduces new Local Living community tourism trips FIVE NEW Local Living trips have been introduced by G Adventures, providing travellers with more culture-rich, community tourism options.

The operator has added two new trips in Italy - Local Living Sorrento (where travellers stay in an agriturismo on a lemon farm), and Amalfi Coast Winter.

The programme of Local Living trips enables travellers to explore a region in greater depth, remaining in one location and getting to know a place

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

while staying in accommodation characteristic of the destination.

Lisa Warner, the company's director of international marketing, said: "Our Local Living programme gives people access to places and experiences previously unattainable through independent travel, bringing people together with like-minded travellers to share the cost and experience.

“These trips epitomise community tourism and are as immersive as it gets, so travellers can dig deep below

the surface of a specific region and learn all there is to know, while keeping tourism dollars in the local community."

Other new Local Living trips include the destinations of Ecuador, Kenya and Iceland.

A seven-day Local Living Sorrento option leads in at £899 per person excluding flights.

For more information or to book call 0844-272 2040 or visit www.gadventures.co.uk

February 14 2014

21

S05 TB1402 Weddings & Honeymoons_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:52 PM Page 22

s n o o m y e n o h weddings&

SANDOS HOTELS & Resorts offers personalised, all-inclusive destination wedding experiences for couples and their guests. Couples can choose their own wedding adventure at one of the company's four resorts in Mexico - an eco-escape at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya; a beach retreat at Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya; a luxury indulgence at Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort; or a Pacific getaway at the new Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos, which opened last year. The company offers 12 new wedding packages, three of which are designed for each resort to showcase its unique wedding venues. As an added bonus, brides and grooms that host a wedding at any of the four Mexico resorts receive a complimentary honeymoon package which includes dinner for two, late check-out and special room decoration among other perks. For details see www.sandos.com and www.sandosweddings.com

New honeymoon package from Grenada's Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club MOUNT CINNAMON in Grenada has launched a special honeymoon package.

It includes seven nights in a Hacienda suite; flowers, gourmet home-produced chocolate and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine on arrival; fully-inclusive accommodation, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic drinks (except premium brands by the bottle); a sunset cruise on Savvy, a classic West Indian sail boat;

Hoseasons highlights Autograph Lodge Holidays for couples Exclusive to Hoseasons, Autograph Lodge Holidays offers a collection of hand-picked lodges with private hot tubs in the heart of the countryside across 28 locations in England and Wales, which the operator says are ideal for newlyweds seeking a UK honeymoon, ‘minimoon’ or a romantic break in the lead-up to the ‘big day’.

The company's head of sales, Zena Calderbank, said: “Weather is a really important factor when it comes planning a wedding. It’s no surprise that many couples choose to marry during the UK summer, but getting the big day right can mean postponing an overseas honeymoon as many long-haul destinations experience their wettest season during our British summer time.

“We have seen an increase in the number of UK ‘minimoons’ booked by travel agents as a stop-gap break before the main honeymoon, enabling newlyweds to have a short romantic break straight after their wedding before their official honeymoon later in the year.”

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

22

February 14 2014

private dinner on the beach with a personal butler; his and hers Cinnamon Signature Massage; and private airport transfers.

Prices lead in at US$2,250 (approximately £1,204) plus 10% service and 10% tax.

For further information visit www.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com or email reservations@mountcinnamongrenada.com

Ever After Collection from St Lucia's Rendezvous offers luxury options RENDEZVOUS IN St Lucia has launched its new wedding options, The Ever After Collection.

A Rendezvous Romance wedding is complimentary with any seven-night stay or more, but if preferred guests can choose from one of the options from the luxury Ever After Collection.

Key points of the Ever After Collection include themed wedding options including 'Exotic Oasis,' 'Island Romance,' 'Elope,' 'Romance in Bloom,' and 'Romance by the Sea'; additional options including

the privacy of celebrating on a private island or eloping to a tucked-away hideaway on the property, followed by a beachside dinner under the stars; a personal, pre-planning wedding consultant, onsite wedding planner and dedicated resort wedding team; Champagne breakfast; couples massage; and VIP arrival and check-in.

Prices for a stay at the property start from £330 per person per night.

For more information see www.theromanticholiday.com /everafter

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S05 TB1402 Weddings & Honeymoons_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:04 PM Page 23

weddings&honeymo

ons

Belleair Holidays adds new selection of wedding options from £399 per person

CONRAD MALDIVES Rangali Island has introduced a 'Marry Me' package. Priced at US$150, it includes a bottle of celebratory Champagne and assistance from the resort in planning the proposal. The hotel estimates it sees an average of eight marriage proposals a week, with the underwater restaurant being the most popular location to pop the question. Other romantic possibilities at the five-star hotel include a private candlelit dinner for two on the beach with a personal chef and waiter, which costs from US$350 for two.

For more information see www.conradmaldives.com

Research reveals one in three marriage proposals take place abroad NEW RESEARCH by VoucherCodesPro.co.uk has revealed that as many as one third of marriage proposals amongst British couples occur on holiday abroad, with the majority stating that a holiday location was selected because it offered a ‘more special setting’.

According to the poll, 52% of Brits get engaged on a special date or public holiday, with Christmas Day being the most popular day to get engaged.

The company conducted the research after noticing a spike in searches for terms and discounts relating to engagement rings and weddings. When asked ‘Were you on holiday abroad when you proposed to your partner?’

32% of respondents said ‘yes’ and of these, 61% said they wanted a more special/memorable setting, 54% said they didn’t want the weather to ruin it, 31% proposed to add an element of surprise, 22% didn’t want friends and family interfering and 18% said they were happiest when on holiday.

The poll also revealed that the most common destination for proposals was France (25%), closely followed by Turkey (21%) and Italy (19%).

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has launched its 2014 Wedding brochure, valid through to October.

New for this year is the Renewal of Wedding Vows Catholic service held at Santa Barbara church for couples looking to celebrate a special anniversary or renew their vows, with packages starting from £319 per couple.

There are three wedding packages available for civil ceremonies; Bronze, Silver and Gold, all including essential components such as the registry service, wedding paperwork, transport, bouquet and wedding planner, while for Catholic Church Ceremonies there is a choice of two packages.

With a minimum residency period of three working days and a wedding co-ordinator to assist with the wedding holiday booking and legal requirements before travelling, the operator says that Malta is the ideal destination to ensure a stress free wedding holiday.

There a numerous options couples can add to tailor their wedding ranging from hiring a classic vehicle to arrive at the wedding in style

through to a choice of video and photography packages.

Shelley Perry, the company's wedding coordinator, said: “We are proud to offer a great range of wedding services, from civil and catholic church ceremonies to luxury hotel venues and beach locations, all at prices to suit every budget.

“Our wedding packages include all the essential ingredients for a perfect wedding and with our local wedding planner on hand, you can be confident that your client’s dream wedding can be tailormade exactly to their needs.”

As an example of prices, a seven-night breakfast stay at the four-star Maritim Antonine Hotel and Spa costs from £1,199 per couple. It includes direct flights from Gatwick with Air Malta, transfers, the Bronze wedding package (including the civil ceremony in Valletta) and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction. The offer is subject to availability and is based on two adults sharing, based on an April departure.

For more information see www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3400.

Free weddings from Nisbet Plantation COUPLES NOW have the chance to marry for free at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis.

The boutique resort is offering free wedding ceremonies for couples booking a minimum seven-night stay in a suite with breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner between March 1 and December 19.

The package, which costs more than US$2,000, includes a decorated venue at the resort, bride’s bouquet and buttonhole for the groom, a two-tier wedding cake, Champagne for the wedding toast and a Champagne breakfast the following day.

For more information visit www.nisbetplantation.com

February 14 2014

23

S05 TB1402 Weddings & Honeymoons_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:04 PM Page 24

s n o o m y e n o h & s g in d wed Carnival revamps wedding programme to offer new choices & upgraded amenities CARNIVAL CRUISE Lines has revamped its wedding programme by upgrading a range of options including floral arrangements, decorations and photography plus new culinary selections and a greater variety of on-island ceremonies.

The packages are available both on the ship on embarkation day or in ports of call.

Couples can say ‘I do’ during shipboard celebrations which now include an array of culinary options and upgraded beverage service, along with new multi-tiered wedding cake choices like chocolate ganache, coconut cream and red velvet. Enhanced amenities such as a decorated wedding aisle and other traditional touches, along with upgraded Champagne flutes and other keepsake items, are also included.

For couples looking to tie the knot on dry land, the company offers a variety of beachside ceremonies with recently added

choices such as Grand Turk and Freeport complementing Barbados, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay. A Just You & Me package, for a maximum of eight people, costs from $1,355 and includes the ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake with keepsake wedding topper, Champagne toast with keepsake flutes, photography services, a decorated wedding aisle, prerecorded music and an officiant.

Couples are also welcome to bring their own clergy.

A Time to Celebrate option is based on 20 guests and costs from $1,795. It includes all of the amenities of Just You & Me as well as a one-hour reception, open bar, a selection of hot & cold hors d’ oeuvres and a coffee/tea service.

Other packages include a Let Us Serve You option for a minimum of eight guests, which includes all of the amenities of the Just You & Me

option plus a full-service dining room luncheon with four-course menu and open-pour wine, with prices from $1,595. An Island Breeze option leads in at $1,395 and includes the ceremony at an exotic island location and complimentary round-trip transport to the island venue.

Packages include the services of a personal wedding planner and priority check-in and boarding for all wedding guests.

Options can be customised with music and videography services at an additional cost and couples can also reaffirm their marriage vows with the line's Renewal of Vows ceremonies which are performed by the ship’s captain.

Meanwhile, the company has updated its wedding website to reflect the new choices, and has also created a glossy new brochure to provide an at-a-glance view of its offerings.

For more information see www.carnival.com/wedding-cruises

Olympic Holidays sees Zante take the top spot for Greek islands weddings

We love you!

24

February 14 2014

OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS reports that Zante is the top choice of Greek islands for its wedding clients this year, while there's still strong demand for wedding ceremonies in Rhodes, with Santorini and Skiathos also attracting a good level of wedding business.

The operator's weddings executive, Fanoulla Spyrou, said: "The Greek islands are not too distant or expensive for friends and family to attend the ceremony. And, of course, they can enjoy a holiday in the sun at the same time.

"Greece's many islands are really romantic spots and perfect for hosting a wedding between spring and autumn. And for couples on a budget, the overall Greek island wedding costs are most reasonable."

The company can arrange a civil wedding on nine Greek islands – Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Zante,

Kefalonia, Santorini, Skiathos, Kos and Mykonos – plus a renewal of vows ceremony on Rhodes and Santorini.

Spyrou said: "Agents should be aware they need to inform their clients we need around four months' notice for a Greek wedding, so wedding plans should be well under way by now for a summer ceremony."

Wedding locations in Zante include Cameo Island, just off Laganas resort, where the bride crosses a small bridge to find her husband-to-be waiting. The ceremony is conducted against a sea view backdrop.

In Skiathos, the company offers the Planitis, a 72ft traditional Greek wooden sailing boat, for a combined wedding and reception and weddings in Cyprus and Malta can also be arranged.

For more information see www.olympicholidays.com/ weddings

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S05 TB1402 Weddings & Honeymoons_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:53 PM Page 25

weddings&honeymo

ons

Centara Passikudah Resort & Spa offers traditional Sri Lankan ceremony PORUWA, THE traditional wedding ceremony that is believed to have existed in Sri Lanka since before the introduction of Buddhism, can now be celebrated at Centara Passikudah Resort & Spa in a wedding package that includes documentation, the ceremony and a choice of wedding venues.

The resort, set on the beach at Passikudah Bay, also provides a wedding coordinator who will take care of all the arrangements.

Under the package, the ceremony takes place on a traditional Poruwa wooden platform, with the room being decorated in traditional style. Sri Lankan girls sing the blessings, a wedding cake is provided and there is a bottle of sparkling wine for toasting the happy couple.

Other elements of the package include a room upgrade for couples booking accommodation, a choice of red or

white wine for the couple to enjoy with their dinner, a 25% discount on selected spa treatments and a wedding gift from the resort.

For more information see www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Poruwa, the traditional wedding ceremony

Saint Lucia's Capella Marigot Bay unveils Romance & Honeymoon package SAINT LUCIA'S Capella Marigot Bay is highlighting its Honeymoon and Romance package.

Upon arrival, couples will be met with welcome beverages before being whisked away to the Bayview Accommodation of their choice.

Lazy days are punctuated with an hour long couples massage in the aqua themed Lapli Spa, which

features a romantic Zen garden.

The package also offers a halfday, private cruise including snorkelling and diving, as well as dolphin and whale-watching options, followed by the chance to take a horseback ride on the beach.

Other highlights include a Tree House dinner; daily breakfast; snorkelling equipment; non-

motorised watersports; a ferry around the bay to bars, restaurants and beaches; a beach and snorkelling excursion; and all taxes and service charges.

Prices lead in at ÂŁ2,535 for five nights based on two sharing a room.

For more information see www.discoverystlucia.com

ALILA PURNAMA, which translates as full moon, is a luxury Phinisi boat that sails around the Indonesian waters and offers wedding ceremonies. Guests have the chance to explore the relatively unchartered waters and many islands of Indonesia, while celebrating tying the nautical knot. The vessel provides accommodation for up to ten guests while a crew of 16 will take care of all arrangements. Onboard are four suites all with airconditioning, queen size beds and en-suite bathrooms. A Bali wedding costs from US$40,000 (approximately ÂŁ25,000) including the ceremony on the outdoor deck (with up to 60 people), a reception dinner with a choice of buffet/standing party (up to 90 people) or a seated dinner (up to 20 people), flowers, a violin player for the ceremony, DJ for the reception, a three-night sailing to Bali and the Gili Islands, water activities and accommodation for ten in five suites.

For details visit www.alilahotels.com/purnama

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

February 14 2014

25

S06 TB1402 Middle East_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:11 PM Page 26

S06 TB1402 Middle East_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:11 PM Page 27

middleeast

THE OBEROI, Dubai, a new five-star luxury hotel in Business Bay, has announced the opening of Iris Dubai, a rooftop bar located on the 27th floor of the hotel. The new addition offers a range of international dishes and a selection of cocktails and mocktails including specialty sunset drinks with exotic fresh fruits. Entertainment includes the hotel's resident DJs and live band performances.

For details email restaurants.dubai@oberoihotels.com

Dubai lifts the lid on consumer holiday buying trends for travel in 2014 DUBAI TOURISM has undertaken key consumer research in order to explore the booking habits and factors that motivate the British holidaymaker to decide on a holiday destination, as well as the perceptions of luxury and affordable luxury to gain an insight into trends for 2014.

The findings highlight that quality and price are at the top of the list of priorities for all market segments whilst consumers are least likely to be influenced by new product launches and advertising.

Despite warnings of continued austerity, a holiday is still seen as a necessity rather than a luxury purchase, with 97% of respondents rating the importance of holidays at seven and above on a scale of one to ten and 42% of these deeming it ten out of ten in the importance stakes.

On average, consumers take two short breaks a year (two to four nights) and two annual holidays of four nights or more.

The research results also revealed that the package holiday is back in vogue with 75% of holidaymakers sometimes, often or always choosing to book a holiday package versus the 25% who never or rarely do so.

When it comes to the booking process, choice and convenience are the consumer priority followed by flexibility and price, with 12% saying that they book through a High Street travel agent.

Those that book through an agent

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

highly value the personal service (64%) and first hand advice (62%) they receive, as well as being able to talk to an expert (52%). Some 30% of respondents stated that it was convenient, 22% that it offers them more choice and flexibility and 16% feel they have access to the best deals. The consumer is still a nervous shopper when it comes to buying a holiday with 20% claiming they book through an agent because it is more secure and 7% revealing that they do not trust online offers or like booking holidays themselves.

Other findings revealed that when booking their holiday, consumers cite access to the best deals as the most important concern followed by consumer protection and travelling with a trusted brand. Loyalty to the travel provider, personalised service and specialist knowledge are viewed as the least important.

In terms of holiday accommodation, the research demonstrates that value for money and price are still at the forefront of the consumer’s mind when buying a holiday. These are the top two most important considerations, followed by location and star rating.

The research also revealed that 21% of those surveyed correctly identify that they could pay less than £750 for a four-night holiday to Dubai staying in a five-star hotel including breakfast and flights from London. Also, regardless of the nature of the holiday, accommodation (86%) and choice of

destination (83%) are not an area for compromise. Consumers will, however, look to spend less on both flights to the destination (35%) and dining options (15%) whilst on holiday, in order to make the trip more affordable.

The tourist board's UK & Ireland director, Ian Scott, said: “Agents should use these consumer insights into booking methods to capitalise on their strengths and showcase both the benefits of personal service and face to face advice as well as the security of booking through a licensed travel agent.

“The statistics on holiday priorities provide agents with all the information that they need in terms of what to focus on, talk about and pitch in to their customers and should be used as part of their sales strategy and toolkit for 2014.

“When looking to make the perfect sale for 2014, agents need to look at destinations with local flight departures (89%) and an easy journey to the airport (88%). Airlines and baggage allowance are also good to bear in mind (86% each) as is flight time (83%) and minimal total journey time (50%). Other factors include well priced holiday accommodation (85%) that offers value for money (99%) in a good location (97%) as well as safe destinations (96%), good weather (96%) and a cultural offering (43%)."

For more information visit www.definitelydubai.com

February 14 2014

27

S06 TB1402 Middle East_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:11 PM Page 28

middleeast Fat biking at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort THE FIVE-star Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara has become the first resort in the Middle East to introduce fat biking as a guest activity.

With a fleet of ten fat bikes (bicycles which have 4.8-inch width tyres which can be deflated to tackle the enormous dunes which surround the resort), guests aged 14 and above can now cycle the sand peaks of the Empty Quarter.

Anantara's area director of environmental and cultural activities Abu Dhabi, Amer Braik, said: "Fat bikes actually came into being in the 1870s in Alaska when they were used as a means of transport as their thick tyres could tackle the snow.

"Fat biking on the dunes outside Qasr Al Sarab is a great workout for anyone.

In a session of one and a half to two hours, guests can travel between seven

Petra

and 10km amid some of the most stunning scenery in Arabia. The tour is in the company of a trained guide who can point out to the bikers some of the intricacies of this desert such as animal tracks and indigenous fauna and flora."

Fat biking sessions at the resort cost £29 and other activities on offer include desert walks, a falconry and saluki show, tours to the nearby Liwa Oasis, dawn yoga, camel trekking, desert drives, horse riding and archery.

Fat biking

RIVIERA TRAVEL is offering a seven-day Jordan and Petra tour from £1,199 per person, with selected departures between April and October. The fully escorted tour includes scheduled flights from Heathrow, six nights' breakfast accommodation in three- and four-star hotels, guided tours of Petra, a visit to Wadi Rum and the opportunity to stay overnight in a Bedouin camp. A guided tour of the ancient Roman city of Jerash plus a visit to the biblical sites of Mount Nebo and Bethany are also included.

For details see www.rivieratravel.co.uk

Oman sees boost in accommodation options with launch of new hotels & resorts OMAN REPORTS that it will welcome the opening of several new hotels and resorts, with more than 2,000 resort and hotel rooms to be added this year.

The country's capital city Muscat will see the majority of growth with more than 720 new rooms, with the rest spread evenly across the country.

As examples, the five-star Salalah Rotana Hotel is opening its doors on March 1 and will offer 399 luxury

rooms and suites. Individual experiences can also be tailored for couples and families who wish to discover the Salalah and the Dhofar region. For details see www.rotana.com The Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort is scheduled to open in April. Jabal Akhdar, meaning 'The Green Mountain' in Arabic, is part of the Al Hajar mountains range, and the property overlooks a dramatic

gorge and offers views of the Hajar Mountains. See www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar Meanwhile, work has started on Muriya Tourism Development’s first golf course at Jebel Sifah. The 18-hole PGA course is designed by Peter Harradine who is credited with designing more than 180 golf courses in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. For details see http://jebelsifah.com/navigation/home

Israel Ministry of Tourism welcomes 5% increase in British visitor numbers TOURISM TO Israel is on the increase, according to figures released by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, with a 5% increase in visitor numbers in 2013 compared to 2012.

The total number of UK visitors to the country was 217,137, while there was a 1% increase in global visitors to the country, with numbers standing at 3.54m.

Naama Oryan-Kaplan, UK & Ireland director of the Israel Government Tourist Office (IGTO), said: “Israel is a unique country with a history that spans back thousands of years.

Although we are small, our Mediterranean location means we can offer something for everyone, from beach side holidays to weekend city breaks in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, or adventure holidays in the Negev Desert, spa breaks in the Dead Sea to touring holidays of the Galilee.

28

February 14 2014

“The rise in visitors to Israel has been mirrored by the support of airline partners, with El Al increasing their flight frequency between Tel Aviv and London, and easyJet announcing the launch of a new flight route from Gatwick to Tel Aviv starting in April.”

Last year the Israel Ministry of Tourism signed an open skies agreement with the EU which allows more flights to the country and ultimately will see the destination become more affordable.

Other developments include the opening of a new terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport for low-cost airlines and the building of Israel’s second international airport in Timna, due to be completed in 2016.

For more information visit www.thinkisrael.com

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S06 TB1402 Middle East_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:58 PM Page 29

middleeast Etihad Holidays offers 15% commission & new trade portal ETIHAD HOLIDAYS, a division of Etihad Airways, has launched a new travel trade portal in the UK, allowing agents to sell and book packages, with prices remaining the same across consumer and trade sites to ensure rate parity.

As a launch offer, the company is offering agents 15% commission on all bookings made until March 31.

Agencies with current Vax Vacation Access membership, or that use trade websites www.funway4agents.co.uk or www.sandals4agents.co.uk can have immediate access to the operator's portal at www.eyholidays4agents.co.uk Those wishing to register for membership can do so by following the instructions at www.vaxvacationaccess.co.uk The company offers luxury packages at more than 700 hotels across 140 destinations including transfers and flights.

For more information visit www.etihad.com or call 0844-499 6660.

Jordan highlights biblical history ahead of Pope Francis’ visit TO CELEBRATE Pope Francis’ first visit to the Jordanian capital of Amman from May 24-26, the Jordan Tourism Board is promoting five religious sites the country has to offer.

Travellers can visit the site of Jesus’ baptism at Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan (www.baptismsite.com), which is commemorated by dozens of Byzantine churches and hermitages. Guided tours are offered at the site from the visitor centre and last around one hour, with prices from around £10 per person.

Meanwhile, Mount Nebo is believed to be the site from where Moses viewed the Promised Land: a panoramic view over the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho and the hills of Judea. Believed to also be the site where Moses died, a church was built to commemorate the end of his life, which was subsequently expanded into the present-day large basilica housing a vast collection of Byzantine mosaics.

Madaba, known as the ‘City of Mosaics’, is best known for its Byzantine mosaics and is home to a sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The map can be found in the modern St George’s Church, where a small admission fee applies.

The Sodom and Gomorrah and other cities of the Dead Sea plain (or Cities of the Valley) were the subjects of some of the

most famous Old Testament stories, including the story of Lot. Visitors to the recently opened Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth can view 4,500-year-old pottery excavated from Bab edh-Dhra and Numeira (commonly considered to be Sodom and Gomorrah), as well as ancient tombstones and Bronze Age ceramics recovered from inside Lot’s Cave.

The old Decapolis city of Gadara (modern-day Umm Qays), with its panoramic views overlooking the Sea of Galilee, is the site of Jesus’ miracle of the Gadarene swine. Guests can spend a day exploring the ruins of the Roman city with its Western Theatre, colonnaded street, mausoleum and baths, as well as the basilica terrace, which houses a Byzantine church dating from the sixth century. A small admission fee applies to enter the site.

Voyages Jules Verne (www.vjv.com) offers an eight-day Discover Jordan trip, taking in Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, as well as the waters of the Dead Sea. The trip also includes the Roman ruins of Jerash and Kerak Castle, as well as Amman.

Prices start from £1,295 per person and include flights from Heathrow, accommodation in a twin room, transfers and some meals.

For more information see www.visitjordan.com

ShuiQi Spa & Fitness Centre receives Olympic makeover ATLANTIS, THE Palm’s ShuiQi Spa & Fitness Centre has announced completion of its state of the art refurbishment, including the ARTIS range, brought to the resort by Technogym, the official supplier of the last five Olympic Games.

The new centre incorporates natural materials, a feature wall, back lit flooring and plenty of natural light, creating an atmosphere designed to motivate and ensure the best possible performance from gymgoers.

The new ARTIS system, made up of 30 products, incorporates a complete cardio line with treadmill, elliptical, vario, bike and recline functions; strength options; and functional equipment stations.

For more information visit www.atlantisthepalm.com

Abu Dhabi's Yas Island welcomes Disney Live! festival this month MICKEY MOUSE and 25 of his friends, including Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, will be performing at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival at the du Forum on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from February 26 to March 2.

The festival will feature a variety of music and acrobatics, with the chnace for guests to meet characters such as Aladdin, Ariel, Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae with prices starting from £25 for Bronze, £42 for Silver, £62 for Gold and £166 for VIP. A seven-night stay at the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel on Yas Island leads in at £2,115 per family with Expedia.co.uk. It includes flights from Heathrow and seven nights’ breakfast accommodation, based on two

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

adults and two children sharing a one-bedroom suite, valid for travel from February 26 to March 5.

Disney Live! festival

February 14 2014

29

S06 TB1402 Middle East_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:58 PM Page 30

middleeast We asked our staff the following question this week: What's the best £10 you've spent?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Ticket to see judo at the Olympics 2012

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Entrance to Jazzmins nightclub in Bromley back in 2003 (where I met 'The One')

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk The £10 for my umbrella. It's getting lots of use at the moment!

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Drinks at The Playboy Club on the first date with my wife.

Smoothy or what?

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk On a meal in Bologna after two days travelling

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Entry fee, Republic nightclub Sheffield - 12 June 1997.

My future wife was inside

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Getting three £5 notes in return (as change!)

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk The train fare I spent for my interview with Travel Bulletin!

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Indian meal for one for lunch

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk Nicolas Cage Pillowcase

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk The Tattoo Colouring Book by Megamundan

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk 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 £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

Follow us on Twitter! @TravelBulletin 30

February 14 2014

ROTANA HOTELS and Resorts, which offers a number of properties in the UAE, is highlighting a selection of golf breaks. As examples, Your Golf Travel's group deal offers a free place for one person in a group of 12, including free accommodation, flights and rounds of golf. The deal is based on five nights at Amwaj Rotana in Dubai (pictured) and prices lead in at £1,199 per person including flights from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic and three rounds of golf. Alternatively, a three-night stay at Beach Rotana in Abu Dhabi costs from £689 departing from either Heathrow or Manchester with Etihad Airways. It includes three rounds of golf at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Yas Island Links and Saadiyat Beach and includes accommodation in a classic room on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

For details call 0800-043 6644 or see www.yourgolftravel.com and www.rotana.com

Waldorf Astoria opens second hotel in UAE WALDORF ASTORIA Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand, has announced the opening of the 319-room Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.

Positioned on the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the hotel offers a selection of six restaurants and bars, including the New Yorkinspired Social by European chef and author, Heinz Beck.

The centrepiece of the hotel is Peacock Alley, named after the promenade lounge which connected the original Waldorf and Astoria

hotels in New York.

Recreational facilities include tennis and a range of watersports, with a 200m beach and two temperature-controlled outdoor pools at guests’ disposal. A children’s club and spa, which offers a variety of bespoke treatments for adults, are also available.

For those travelling on business, the hotel includes eight meeting spaces and a 600-capacity, multipurpose ballroom.

To book or for more information visit www.waldorfastoria.com

Ever After Collection from St Lucia's Rendezvous ETIHAD AIRWAYS has announced it will increase its Abu Dhabi-Dublin service from ten flights per week to double daily from July 15.

The increase in frequency will provide 8,988 seats each week between the capital cities of the UAE and Ireland.

The airline will operate a Boeing 777-300 ER, configured to carry 380 passengers with 40 in Business Class and 340 in Economy, plus an Airbus A330-200, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 in Business Class and 240 in Economy.

James Hogan, the airline’s president and CEO, said: “From the moment we started flights to Dublin in July 2007 it has been one of our most successful routes and we’re delighted that from this July, seven years later, Etihad Airways will offer guests a double daily service to and from Abu Dhabi.

“The 40% increase in flight frequency will benefit business and leisure travel not only between Ireland and the UAE, but also right across the Etihad Airways network, especially countries which have a connection with Ireland like Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.”

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. MANOS, 3. TOKYO, 5. RALEIGH, 7. MEA, 8. IONA, 9. ITALY, 12. TIBET, 13. PESO, 16. CDG, 17. TORONTO, 18. OASIS, 19. YARRA. Down: 1. MARVIN, 2. SAID, 3. TAHITI, 4. OMAN, 6. LANSING, 7. MALVERN, 10. VECTIS, 11. BOGOTA, 14. ECHO, 15. TROY.

Highlighted Word: MENORCA Travagrams: (top) Sunspot Tours

(below) Paraguay

Where Am I?: Mount McKinley

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S06 TB1402 Middle East_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:11 PM Page 31

Discover the wonders of golff in Oman.

Although relatively new to the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat is becoming a favoured oured destination for the British Golfer.

The three 18 hole golf courses, all located within diverse ithin Muscat’s wonderfully di se landscape, offer some of the best golf in the Arabian Peninsula and offer T- times from rom early morning to late in the th evening on floodlit fairways. With a PGA standard Links course designed by Greg Norman man at Almouj Golf The Wave, Muscat scat Hills Golf and Country Club and Ghala Valley located in a natural wadi - Golf in n Oman really is something special. spec

Beauty has an address For more information on golf in Oman please cont contact: Oman Ministry of Tourism UK & Ireland Repre Representative Office Tel: 0208 877 4524 | Email: oman@represe oman@representationplus.co.uk | Visit: www.omantourism.gov.om Study: www.omanacademy.com

S06 TB1402 Middle East_Layout 1 2/12/2014 12:11 PM Page 32

SANTA’S LAPLAND VISIT THE HOME OF THE REAL FATHER CHRISTMAS

FREE CHILD PLACES AVAILABLE! PRICES FROM

£

799

What’s Included 6IXYVR *PMKLXW ERH XVER WJIVW 8LIVQEP FSSXW ERH WYMXW ,YWO] I\TIVMIRGI 7RS[QSFMPI EHZIRXYVI 6IMRHIIV WPIMKL VMHI 7IEVGL JSV 7ERXE 4VMZEXI JEQMP] QIIXMRK [ MXL 7ERXE *YPP FSEVH EGGSQQSHEX MSR 7RS[ EGXMZMXMIW XSFSKKER MRK ERH WRS[QER QEOMRK +MJX JSV GLMPHVIR 'LVMWXQEW GVEJXW ERH JIWXMZ I HMRRIV

PER PERSON

2,3 & 4 NIGHT BREAKS

PRICES FROM

£

489

PER PERSON

WINTER WONDERLAND DAY BREAK Spend the day in Santa’s magical kingdom and still be home in time for supper!

Direct from selected regional airports.

SANTA’S LAPLAND 2014 BROCHURE

NOW AVAILABLE! FOR BOOKINGS CALL 01865 565221 OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK