Travel Bulletin 15th August 2014

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August 15 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,884 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Winter Sun Entice your clients to book an escape with new deals & destinations

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this week

puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for a chance to win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher

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bulletin briefing ANTOR directors of tourism offer autumn booking tips for agents training new online modules, agent incentives & events uk airports a round-up of the latest news & developments

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Superbreak launches Jersey Boys short breaks in Edinburgh

BIRTHDAY BASH...Avro Flights recently celebrated its 30th anniversary at its Bromley office in Kent, with a red, white and blue themed day to coincide with last month's American Independence Day. Pictured enjoying the celebrations are the team - from the left: (back row) Sharon McKenna, Josh Gregory and Richard Burke with (front row) Roshni Patel, Michael Vinales, Tracey White, Carolyn Roberts and Neil Payne.

Cover Pictures: Main - Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Inset - Bristol Airport

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horizon brighter for UK tourism & leisure sectors, says MHA

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notes from normanton

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Sandy enjoys a day at the races with TIPTO agent fam trip offers & incentives what one agent thought of her fam to Saint Lucia

puzzle bulletin play Su Doku for your chance to win a voucher the latest booking tips from ANTOR

training a round-up of new online modules, agent incentives & events personality bulletin Audrey Singh from Sandals is in the hot seat this week uk airports a round-up of the latest news & developments

winter sun operators boost programmes with new destinations and hotels

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Horizon brighter for UK tourism & leisure sectors, says MHA AROUND ONE third of staff working in guest houses, hotels, restaurants and pubs are now employed on zero hours contracts, according to the latest Travel & Tourism Survey conducted by MHA, a UK-wide association of chartered accountants and business advisors.

Yet, despite the flexibility that this arrangement offers employers, more than 60% of these staff regularly work 20 hours or more – with more than three quarters of these routinely employed for 40 hours per week.

The survey paints a picture of an industry starting to benefit from an upturn in trading conditions, with 56% reporting improved profitability in the last 12 months and 58% predicting that 2014 will be better still. However, 50% cited turnover either stagnant or growing by less than 5% over the last 12 months.

The association's head of travel and leisure, Andrew Burnham, said: “The travel and tourism sector is emerging from a sustained period of low growth, but with discretionary spending improving across the economy as a whole, the hope is that – weather permitting – the year ahead will see the return of profitability capable of supporting future investment plans.

“One indicator of this growing confidence is the number of employees working extended hours on zero hours contracts – this sector was always going to be an adopter of this employment option, but the numbers working what might be considered a ‘standard’ working week suggest that this arrangement is working for both parties.”

Almost a quarter of the operators covered by the survey look set to increase investment this year in premises refurbishment, while 16% will be spending more on marketing – particularly social media – to support business development.

AGENTS IN Scotland can now book packages to see the musical Jersey Boys at Edinburgh’s Playhouse. The show arrives this autumn for a short 17-night run from October 8 to October 24. The show is embarking on its first UK and Ireland tour and these are the only Edinburgh dates on sale.

The operator has launched packages that include overnight accommodation and tickets to see the musical.

Graham Balmforth, the company’s national sales manager, said: “Jersey Boys has not been to Scotland before and we expect this show to draw customers from a huge catchment.

Agents have a real opportunity to generate interest and sales. This will undoubtedly be one of the hottest theatre tickets of 2014. Agents shouldn’t underestimate how popular Jersey Boys is – it has been seen by over 19 million people worldwide and won over 55 awards. Tickets are expected to sell fast so I urge agents to start promoting it now.”

Prices are from £56.50 per person including overnight accommodation and a ticket to the show.

For more information visit www.superbreak.com/agen ts or call 01904 -436000.

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New Spanish law could see UK motorists face speeding fines EUROPCAR IS warning holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer to be aware of the country’s new driving laws, where Brits could be hit with fines of up to £488 for speeding.

In Spain, motorists can now be fined €407 for going just 1km per hour above the speed limit. Serious speeding offences could rise to £488.

A new EU directive could see UK motorists getting penalty points on their licence for any driving offences committed on the continent. On the spot fines are the big risk for motorists heading to France, with reports of drivers accompanied to local cashpoints if they don’t have

enough cash to pay the fine.

“Driving abroad can be daunting for some motorists as echoed by a new survey revealing that 75% of women have never driven abroad and almost half aren’t going to bother,” said Ken McCall, managing director, Europcar UK Group. “In contrast, men are more likely to break the law when driving abroad but that could result in them coming home with more than a suntan.

“The greater focus on speeding and dangerous driving in Spain and France should reassure British motorists that other drivers will be keeping to the speed limits. And that should help to

boost confidence when driving on foreign roads.

“We advise drivers to familiarise themselves with the driving laws of any countries they are visiting if they’re planning to drive either their own car or a hire car. For instance, in France it is a requirement for drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicle; in other countries there’s a zero alcohol limit. Whichever country you are visiting, don’t get caught out by assuming that foreigners will be exempt from the law. Make sure you do your homework before arriving at your destination so that you remember the trip for all the right reasons.”

Survey highlights Brits' holidaying habits and motivation for taking a break A SURVEY of 2,000 people has found that Brits are not necessarily using their summer holidays to simply bask in the sun. As it turns out, our biggest pleasures on holiday are escaping the every-day such as having to clean the house and do daily chores.

The study, commissioned by bathstore, looked into

Brits holidaying habits, and 66% of those surveyed said that the best part of their holiday was the relief of stepping away from the domestic drudgery of cleaning.

To further highlight that we are a nation of simple pleasures, more than one in six (17%) respondents admitted that one of the best

things about being on holiday was stealing the toiletries, with Norwich and Southampton being the cities that admitted to stealing the most mini shampoos. Other popular perks of staying in a hotel included not having to cook, having the luxury of an ensuite and a comfy bed.

However, when it comes

to taking the journey, many participants highlighted that using a 'toilet-in-transit' was their worst experience of the trip. Nearly a third of us (31%) hate using toilets on aeroplanes, and a further fifth of us won't go to toilets on trains or coaches, instead choosing to ‘hold it in’ for the full course of the journey.

Bourne Leisure latest sponsor of Travel Bulletin's Star Awards BOURNE LEISURE is announced as the latest sponsor of the Travel Bulletin Star Awards.

The operator's national sales manager, Louise Tansey, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Travel Bulletin Star Awards once again this year. Travel agents are an integral part of our team who are increasingly recognising the potential of the domestic booking market with its cross sell opportunities from their existing overseas clients.

"We not only support events such as the Travel Bulletin Star Awards but our travel trade team is also proud to deliver a high level of support and training to agents throughout the year. We host thousands of agents with free day passes, group fam trips, open days and onsite events, so that every agent is able to experience our products first hand. We also offer 24hour support on our dedicated agent website which has recently had a 40k investment to enhance its features even further including selling support, product information, booking incentives and much more.

"We would like to thank our travel agent friends for their ongoing support of our ever popular UK holidays at Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure hotels and we will continue to support them in every way we can."

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ROAD TO CATHY…Throughout the recent World Cup, Jetset ran an exclusive competition with Travel Bulletin called "The Road To Rio". Cathy Ellis of Traveltime in Beaconsfield emerged as the overall winner of the grand prize - a hamper containing a variety of items representing some of the World Cup's top teams. Cathy is pictured (right) receiving her prize from Jetset's Nisha Tailor.

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newsbulletin New Qatar development from Pullman

One of The Original Tour’s new eco-friendly buses passes the Houses of Parliament

The Original Tour introduces new fleet for summer THE ORIGINAL Tour has broken sales records for 2013 and for the first quarter of 2014, crediting the support of agents as it introduces its most high tech fleet to the capital’s roads.

The company's managing director, Colin Atkins, said: “We broke all our records last year and have already beaten our targets for the first quarter of 2014 and with all the signs pointing towards a very healthy summer for London’s tourism we look forward to doing more business with our trade

partners than ever before.”

The company offers competitive commission rates backed by a dedicated account manager, plus training and promotion support. A choice of flexible ticketing options includes the purchase of pre-printed vouchers in advance, production on demand by the agent, or a web affiliate programme.

At the same time the company is celebrating its recent 62nd anniversary with the introduction of its most modern, high tech, low

emission fleet of 32 buses at a cost of £4million in time for the summer season.

The new fleet exceeds requirements for the London LEZ standards and features the latest exhaust treatment systems to reduce admissions. In addition, all older buses have been fitted with new low emission engines. The revamp also marks the rollout of the company's new wheelchair restraint system which is less intrusive and quicker and easier to fit for wheelchair customers.

Grenada records double digit growth from UK in 2014 PRELIMINARY FIGURES for the first half of this year released by Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) show that UK tourist visits to the Caribbean island have increased by 16%, year-on-year.

Overall, Grenada recorded a 14% increase in visitors from January to July 2014 compared to the same period last year with arrivals totalling 214,403. Cruise visitors, who remain on Grenada for one day, grew by 12% to 149,073.

The island welcomed 12,477 UK visitors between January and June 2014, up from 10,758 for the same period in 2013. The UK, which accounts for 23% of all Grenada tourism arrivals, benefits from four flights each week from Gatwick - two with British Airways and two with Virgin Atlantic - with most travellers originating from the Greater London area.

Sharon Bernstein, Grenada Tourism Authority general manager UK & Ireland, said: “These figures are very encouraging and come within months of the launch of our new brand, Pure Grenada, Spice of the Caribbean. The UK has always been one of the most important overseas markets for

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Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and we’re confident that, with our new, more targeted approach to promoting the island with Pure Romance, Pure Diving and Pure Adventure, in addition to new accommodation and new attractions in the pipeline, we’ll continue to secure tourism growth.

“Sandals LaSource Grenada has provided a boost to tourism and, along with investment by Spice Island Beach Resort and the renovation of Calabash Hotel this summer, bodes well for the future. The Tourism Authority continues to promote initiatives including regattas and cultural festivals with international appeal, and this December will see the first ever transatlantic yacht race to end in Grenada, positioning the island as a truly world-class yachting destination.”

Pure Grenada, Spice of the Caribbean launched by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel, on February 14 this year - promotes the authentic experience visitors enjoy in Grenada with a basis in sustainability and geo-tourism.

PULLMAN, ACCOR'S upscale brand, has announced the opening of a new hotel in Qatar, Pullman Doha West Bay, due to open in 2015.

The Pullman Doha West Bay will feature 373 rooms and 97 serviced apartments, extensive meeting space including a ballroom of more than 1,300sq.m and an extensive range of food and beverage facilities, including three restaurants.

Hurtigruten offers two free nights in Bergen with Voyage of the Vikings bookings HURTIGRUTEN IS offering two free nights accommodation in Bergen for customers who book a 12-day ‘Voyage of the Vikings’ departing on September 9. During the trip from Bergen, up to Kirkenes and back again, British Museum Curator and Viking expert Gareth Williams will be giving lectures on board as well as leading tours and excursions on land.

Customers can choose from five hotels for the extra nights in Bergen, which will be on a bedand-breakfast basis. The 12-day voyage, combined with two nights at the Radisson Blu Norge Hotel in Bergen costs £1,736 per person, based on two people sharing an inside cabin on a full board basis.

For more information call 020-3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk /agents

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New flexible tour category from Cosmos Tours & Cruises COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has launched its full range of 2015 North America and Worldwide holidays with a new flexible tour category, Relax and Explore’, a significant increase in cruising and touring holidays, as well as a private home pick-up service included in the holiday price.

A choice of smaller group tours in Asia, Africa and the Middle East has been added as well as new classic tours in North America and new options to extend a holiday with another tour or cruise to experience the most of a specific destination.

The popular ‘Start in Style’ service offers customers a home pick up service in a chauffeur-driven car and assistance with luggage on arrival into the terminal building with the same service offered on the return journey home.

The operator's head of product, Amy Shine, said: “To meet demand from the changing touring market, we have introduced a new tour classification ‘Relax & Explore’ to our Worldwide and North American programme.

Already popular in the European

programme, it offers the flexibility of a single or twin-centre, combined with the choice of doing and seeing as much with a range of optional excursions. Our customers want more of a flexible style holiday and the ability to decide on arrival what they want to experience and see.

“There are many incentives for booking early with our ‘Start In Style’ private chauffeur driven home pick up service included in the price and a low deposit of £175 per person on bookings made before December 19”.

New Relax and Explore holidays include an eight-day ‘Hanoi & Ho An’ (£1,579 per person), a five-day ‘Dubai’ option (£945), 15-day ‘Sydney, Rock & Reef’ (£2,699) or 15-day ‘Highlights of Australia’ itinerary (£2,629), a nine-day ‘Contrasting Costa Rica’ tour (£1,389) and a ten-day ‘Tale of Two Cities – Tokyo & Kyoto’ (£2,435).

To meet demand for small group touring in worldwide destinations, the new range includes a nine-day ‘Wild & Scenic Sri Lanka’ from £1,549, a 16day ‘Enchanting Kerala & Southern

India’ from £1,875 and an eight-day ‘Through The Savannah’ tour from £1,835.

To add to the choice of themed and worldwide special events available, several new options have been added for next year. New winter holidays include an eight-day ‘Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race' from £2,169 and a nine-day ‘Cape Town & Winelands Culinary Delights’ from £2,075.

Special offers for the new brochure include an Airport Hotel Offer of £29 per room available at a four-star rated airport hotel for a one night pre- or post-tour stay and includes up to 14 nights' parking. And to meet demand from single travellers, a wider choice of departure dates and itineraries with no single supplement has been added to the programme.

A number of direct flights are available to North America and many long-haul destinations from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

For further information visit www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

Inghams adds three- and four-night Xmas Markets breaks from £399

SPEARING AHEAD...Pictured at the opening of Spear Travels' ninth branch office in Skipton, following the recent acquisition of Neil Rankin Travel, are Peter and Libby Cookson of Spear Travels with the Mayor of Skipton, John Dawson.

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INGHAMS HAS issued a new Christmas markets programme for 2014 featuring three- and four-night breaks throughout November and December to six cities in three countries.

The new short breaks programme departs Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and is bookable online at inghams.co.uk/christmasmarkets.

Holiday prices include flights from a choice of regional airports, transfers, three- or four nights' breakfast accommodation in prime locations within walking distance of the Christmas markets, plus a range of extras including free day trips and excursions, free use of city transport, a free city map or guide book and free rail upgrades and vouchers to exchange for drinks at the Christmas markets.

Prices are based on scheduled and low-cost flights where fares traditionally increase closer to departure and therefore guests are encouraged to book early for the best value.

As well as the Christmas market short breaks, the company is offering a value seven-night, all-inclusive Winter Wonderland holiday to Hotel Karwendelhof in Seefeld, with departures on December 13 and 20 and prices leading in at £939 per person.

The operator's executive director, Hugh Walton, said: “We have long been asked for a winter programme for nonskiers and we’re excited about our Christmas markets brochure which we’re sure will appeal to our loyal summer Lakes & Mountains guests. They will find all the usual benefits they expect from us including an excellent selection of departure airports, quality-checked hotels and a huge range of added value offers such as free excursions and free upgrades.”

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RABBIES IS highlighting two short breaks with prices from £159. A Heart of England, Wales and Yorkshire leads in at £289 per person and highlights include Shakespeare country, Conwy Castle, the mountains of Snowdonia, Ironbridge World Heritage Site and the historical Chatsworth House, owned by the Duke of Devonshire. The four-night trip includes transport by Mercedes mini coach and the services of a guide and departs every Friday until October from London Victoria. Meals, accommodation and attractions are extra. A three-day Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath and the South West Coast is also being highlighted with prices from £159. Highlights include Stonehenge, the Jurassic coast of Dorset, Dartmoor, Glastonbury and the historic cities of Exeter and Bath. The trip departs every Wednesday year-round from London Victoria.

For details call 0131-226 3133 or see www.rabbies.com

Kuoni adds new boutique hotels to latest Far East brochure launch KUONI HAS launched its latest Far East brochure valid from September this year to December 2015. It features 21 new boutique hotels, including the SALA Rattanakosin in Bangkok, Thailand which has 15 rooms and floor to ceiling windows with views over Wat Arun; the Princess d’Annam in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, designed by award-wining architect Tan Hock Beng; and the Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa, Vietnam, which opened last year and has 70 rooms. There are 12 new hotels exclusive to Kuoni guests in the UK, such as the recently opened Bandara Villas Phuket; plus exclusive room types, some including free spa treatments. New destinations

in the brochure include the Palawan in the Philippines, ideal for divers and kayakers; and the island of Gili Meno located off the north west coast of Lombok in Indonesia.

More experiences have also been added such as a Street Food tour in Hanoi, Vietnam. Customers will join a culinary expert to visit the markets used by locals that aren’t featured in guidebooks. The tour includes sampling Vietnamese cuisine and learning about local traditions, daily life and the culture of Vietnam. Cruise additions include a Princess Cruises tour of Japan and an Azamara Quest Stay & Cruise holiday, discovering Indonesia.

Book 24 Apr–4 Nov 2014, for arrivals on selected dates from 1 Jan–30 Nov 2015**, and everyone in the party dines for FREE for the entire stay.

CUSTOMERS STAYING AT A DISNEY MODERATE RESORT enjoy FREE Disney Quick Service Dining Plan.

CUSTOMERS STAYING AT A DISNEY DELUXE RESORT or selected DELUXE VILLA RESORT receive FREE Disney Dining Plan.

Our most popular special is still on the menu!

FREE Disney Dining Find out all the details now at

Upgrades can be made between plans (including the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan) for an additional charge.

After that, all they’ll pay is the tip.

COMBINABLE WITH

14 DISNEY7 PARK DAYS FOR THE PRICE OF

disneytravelagents.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply — see disneytravelagents.co.uk for details. **Excludes arrivals 25 Mar–11 Apr 2015. ©Disney.

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Notes from . . . n o t n a m Nor

B

EEN QUITE busy the last couple of weeks – was helping out at Oakwood Travel one day when Richard Hey came in from Bedsonline.

He is always so passionate about his company and what they are doing. He mentioned about their directly contracted Disney offers for Orlando - they have all the WDW Florida hotels on sale up to Christmas/New Year 2015/16 with their usual terms of business on Accommodation-Only, Accommodation and 14-Day Ultimate Ticket and each of the Dining Plans available at each hotel. He said they will soon have deals for all The Universal properties too, and he reckons they also have some of the best prices around on just the tickets themselves for both Disney and The Orlando Flexi Tickets, throughout this year and next. The company also has great deals on a range of hotels throughout the rest of USA & Canada, the Middle East, Far East and even Down Under – with a fantastic range of transfers, attractions and excursions too. Sounds like Bedsonline have got everything covered - have a look at their website at www.bedsonline.com Thank you to TIPTO for inviting me to Ladies Day at Pontefract Races (right on my doorstep!) to help celebrate 15 years of successfully supporting independent agents. They have great a website for training and the latest updates - if you want to join email tipto@thenetwork-uk.com What a great day with Champagne to start with followed by a fantastic lunch and afternoon tea, and it was nice to catch up with some of the suppliers there in a nice informal atmosphere.

‘If you are doing your best you won’t have time to worry about failure’ and ‘The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge!’.

MOVERS ● HOLIDAY EXTRAS has appointed David Hinder Edwards as

account manager for the Midlands. ● FIONA FOSTER has joined Innstant Travel as head of operations. ● Oman Air has appointed Abdulrahaman Al-Busaidy as chief

operating officer. ● DISCOVER NEW England has announced Lori Harnois as its

new executive director. ● PARK RESORTS has appointed Iain Richards as sales and

marketing director. ● THE SMALL Maldives Island Co. has appointed Alexa Sinzig-

Mootoo as director of sales for Europe. ● CONDOR FERRIES has announced that Graham Hopcraft, group

sales manager, has been elected to join the Board of the Coach Tourism Association Limited. ● ESTHER LAPOLE has joined The Doyle Collection's The Kensington Hotel as director of sales.

Trafalgar offers 'The Balkans and Venice' from £2,268 for 12 nights TRAFALGAR IS offering a 13-day 'The Balkans and Venice' itinerary.

Starting the journey in Zagreb, Croatia, guests will stay for two days before moving on to Sarajevo in Bosnia & Herzegovina for a further two nights.

The itinerary then travels (en route to Dubrovnik) to the bridge at Mostar, followed by a day trip to Montenegro to see some of the various cities along its coast before heading back to enjoy the last night in Dubrovnik. Leaving Bosnia & Herzegovina, the ship then sails back to Croatia to the ancient roman city of Split, where guests can take in the city sights, including the roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Other ports of call include Plitvice, Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Venice.

Prices lead in at £2,268 per person land-only, including 12 nights’ breakfast accommodation, VIP door to door airport transfers, sightseeing and a travel director.

To book or for further information see www.trafalgar.com

WEBSCLUSIVES ●

●

●

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

Win a 100 Euros train voucher with Deutsche Bahn.

To be in with a chance of winning, enter today at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions Last chance to win £75 worth of duty free vouchers with Birmingham Airport at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions Check out our All About Luxury Holidays supplement, hard copy enclosed with this edition of Travel Bulletin or digital edition at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ travel-bulletin-back-issues

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

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August 15 2014

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

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puzzlebulletin

Su Doku

Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 031

Travagrams

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

A Changed Ninths Oily

A➠

B➠ Let this Mauritius specialist captivate you

C➠

A Factorial Shinier Sun

D➠

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, August 21st. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 25th July is Linda Isgrove, Izzy Tours in Birmingham.

July 25 Solution: A=9 B=6 C=8 D=2

Crossword

Where Am I?

This company’s motto is: “Africa’s Most Awarded Airline”

Village formerly known as Karatoprak, renamed after a Turkish admiral in 1972.

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

Number: 031

Across 1. The UK's leading travel association (4) 3. Travel group, ___ family of brands (6) 7. Number of players in a volleyball team (3) 8. One of the Baltic countries (7) 10. Bay and scenic resort on the Costa Brava (5) 11. Film and Television award (5) 12. Edinburgh airport code (3) 13. Salford Quays theatre and gallery complex, The ___ (5) 15. Rome is the capital of this region (5) 17. State capital of Georgia (7) 19. Norwich International airport code (3) 20. Biblical character featured in a Lloyd Webber/Rice musical (6) 21. Villas specialist, part of TUI (4)

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Image Credit: Garry Knight

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:

Down 1. The Inbetweeners cause havoc in this country at a cinema near you (9) 2. Nicknamed The Lone Star State (5) 4. Flag carrier of Poland (3) 5. Town and national park in Alberta (5) 6. Island home of the annual Battle of Flowers carnival (6) 9. Turkey specialist, ___ Sky (9) 11. The Guggenheim Museum is located in this Spanish city (6) 14. Country famous for its National Eisteddfod (5) 16. In Greece it's known as Zakynthos (5) 18. Naples International airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 August 15 2014

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Industry Insight by...

Antor directors of tourism offer tips to help with your bookings

A

fter a summer of excellent English weather jampacked with top sporting events, agents should not feel disheartened as it’s now an ideal time to sell holidays and benefit from last minute summer deals. Agents should encourage Brits to book an autumn holiday to stave off the impending autumnal chill and instead enjoy an endless summer by exploring the wide variety of places on offer from ANTOR members. See www.antor.com for more details on our members. Below are some tips from our Directors of Tourism to help with your bookings. Tracey Poggio, ANTOR Chairman.

"Agents should encourage Brits to book an autumn holiday to stave off the impending autumnal chill and instead enjoy an endless summer by exploring the wide variety of places on offer from ANTOR members."

“Bored with end to end sports on every channel? Fed up with endless queues for the outdoor terraces for dinner or miles of slow traffic, packed parks and beaches full of crowds trying to soak up the sun? Escape to Quebec, Canada. We have wide open spaces, lakes with beaches, millions of acres of forests, mountains, rivers and vast empty roads to travel on – and more moose per square kilometre than people! You can even rediscover your partner and children as there are some areas where you can have a total detox and disconnect from your laptop, tablet or phone.” Josephine Wiggall Lazarus, Destination Quebec UK, ANTOR Board Member.

“I’d focus on digital detox, escaping sport banter, drunk Brits and experiencing the best of other destinations that blossom in the summer. Lithuania has fantastic spas, beautiful hikes and trails all throughout the country, festivals, great food and a rich and varied culture that is evident in the architecture in Vilnius Old Town and the country homesteads and farms. Only a two and a half hour flight away with Wizz Air offering flights twice a day there’s the added beauty of no jet lag!” Alexander Gray, Lithuania Tourism Office.

“Having enjoyed watching the Commonwealth games why not escape to the clean, warm and calm sea of Cyprus, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Followed by lazy al fresco dining under the stars.” Oretis Rossides , Cyprus Tourism Organisation, ANTOR Vice Chairman.

“My top tips for agents would be to highlight Abu Dhabi’s reliably pleasant winter climate and combine their package with a ticket to one of our international sporting events from November onwards. With such a stellar line-up of diverse sporting events, including the season finale of Formula OneTM Eithad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 23 November, the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final between

26-30 November, the highly anticipated Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover from 15 December – 3 January and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Gold Championship from 15 – 18 January next year UK holidaymakers will be more than tempted to leave their sofas for a sporty sunshine break in the UAE capital.” Nabeel Al Zarouni, UK Country Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi “If you did watch the Commonwealth games I hope you saw our three medallists. Samoa is one of the more untouched destination in the South Pacific where finding wifi to stream a football match may present more of a challenge, but you will find rugby being played everyday around the island. The ten islands of Samoa provide the perfect tropical oasis of calm to escape to. The two main islands of Upola and Savai’i offer a mix of natural beauty and soft adventure with lots of snorkelling and diving around the coral reefs, hiking up volcanoes, kayaking between islands and numerous pools, caves and waterfalls in swim in and explore. The annual Teuila Festival at the end of August is a celebration of all things Samoan and a great introduction into the different culture and lifestyle.

Alternatively head to the Robert Louis Stevenson’s home and burial ground.” Eve Gardiner, Samoa Tourist Office “Oman is a year round destination with summer temperatures similar to Turkey and Greece but if you want a cooler climate head to the mountains or south to Salalah. The newly opened Alila Jabal Akhdar resort, part of the Al Haja mountain range is also one of Oman’s most spectacular regions to explore and guests can indulge at the luxurious Spa Alila, a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to pampering you from head to toe. Alternatively,the recently refurbished luxury mountain camp The View is on the Jabal Shams Mountain.” Suzanne Halil, Travel Trade Manager, Oman Tourism Office

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newsbulletin Thomson selects Airways Holidays as Channel Island supplier

PRESTIGE STAMPEDE... Prestige Holidays awarded staff at C The World Travel in Bristol with a hamper in recognition of a £55,000 booking to Canada, taking in the Calgary Stampede, Vancouver; the Rocky Mountaineer; and a seven-night cruise. Pictured receiving the prize from Louise Stambury of Prestige Holidays (middle) are Claire Rosser, travel consultant (left) and Carolyn Park, owner of C The World Travel, Bristol.

Travel 2 launches new Africa brochure for 2014/15 TRAVEL 2 has expanded its offering with a newly released 2014/15 Africa brochure. With new properties across a variety of locations, plus new tours available, the brochure offers an even greater choice to clients.

The operator has added 13 new hotels to its existing list of accommodation. As examples, the four-star Victoria and Alfred Hotel in Cape Town is ideal for clients looking to explore the famous waterfront with a huge selection of shops, bars and restaurants set in the heart of a working harbour, with prices from £1,869 per person for 14 nights. On the other end of the scale, the Garden Route Game Lodge offers clients ‘Big 5’ game viewing at the start of the Garden Route – and is an ideal hotel for a stopover before the self-drive tour. Dreams of Zanzibar and the DoubleTree by Hilton

Zanzibar are also featured in the brochure for the first time.

Three new tours have been added to the brochure giving agents more options for clients looking to explore more of the continent. As an example, a six-day Highlights of Botswana tour takes clients on a journey through the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

Meanwhile, the company's Advance Registration Policy makes it easier for agents to book. If the fare increases by more than 5% on airline bookings, the operator will cancel free of charge or the customer can pay the difference in cost. If the fare has increased up to 5%, the company will guarantee the price and cover the difference.

For details visit www.travel2.com

AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS, which is part of Jerseybased C.I. Travel Group, has been selected as Thomson’s preferred Channel Island supplier.

Thomson travel advisors will now proactively promote the operator through its retail shops across the UK, and will be incentivising its dedicated sales teams to drive sales to the Channel Islands. Agents can also benefit from the local advice provided by the company's reservations team which is based in Jersey.

As an example of prices, a seven-night Jersey break departing on August 23 leads in at £476, staying at the twostar Talana Hotel with flights from Oxford.

Prices for four-night short breaks start from £245 at the three-star Beachcombers Hotel and £246 at the three-star Saints Bay based on an October 3 departure and including flights from Gatwick or Southampton.

Friendship Travel boosts programme with 2014/15 winter brochure launch SINGLES SPECIALIST, Friendship Travel, has launched its winter 2014/15 brochure in a buoyant mood, following record-breaking early summer sales which are currently running 18% up on the same period last year.

The company's managing director, Colum McLornan, said: “This year we have seen a notable increase in demand for four- and five-star properties. To this end, we have expanded our programme of upmarket hotels this summer in Turkey, and have just introduced the new five-star Garcia Hotel in Olu Deniz.

“We have also seen an increase in last-minute bookings, particularly for our house party holidays in Turkey

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and Greece, where we have exclusive use of ‘small and friendly’ familyowned hotels."

Turning to winter, the company continues to expand its offerings to solo travellers and has introduced special interest breaks such as Bordeaux Wine Weekends.

Highlights of the Bordeaux breaks, which depart in November and March and offer wine-based excursions, include a visit to the Ecole du Vin and a trip to two wine producers in the Medoc region – along with a walking tour of the city. The cost of £595 per person includes Gatwick flights, transfers, five nights' breakfast accommodation and excursions.

Other short-haul options making their debut this winter include

Marbella in Spain, Cyprus, Marrakech and the High Atlas mountains and Malta packaged with Gozo New long-haul holidays include the Breathless Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic, a luxury allinclusive property where facilities include a casino, spa, fitness centre and watersports. On offer between November and April, prices start from £1,665 per person including Gatwick flights, transfers and seven nights’ accommodation in a junior suite.

On all holidays guests enjoy sole occupancy of a double or twin room and the services of a travel host.

For more information or to make a booking call 0844-800 2770 or visit www.friendshiptravel.com

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trainingbulletin Bright announces post-summer workshops for independent agents BRIGHT (Bringing Real Information and Guaranteed High Quality Training) has announced dates for its postsummer workshops for independent agents.

They are as follows: September 9 at the Claremont Hotel, Isle of Man; September 10 at the Best Western Queen Hotel, Chester; October 7 at the Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells; October 8 at the Mandalay Hotel, Guildford; October 21 at the Lanhydrock Hotel, Bodmin; October 22 at the Woodbury Park Hotel, Exeter.

All events begin at 18.00 with a reception followed by a session with each of the ten Bright members and then a dinner and raffle prize giving.

Members of Bright are: Kirker Holidays, Explore, Viking Cruises, Hurtigruten, Attraction World, 1st

Class Holidays, Veloso Tours, Mosaic Holidays, Cox and Kings, Sunvil, The Canary Islands, Crystal Cruises and Jersey.

Pictured at a recent workshop in Glasgow (above) are, from the left: Pippa Baines of Explore with Caroline

Birse, Birse Travel Strathclyde; Arlene Donald, Arlene Donald Travel Renfrew; and Garry Burns, Hynds Travel Glasgow.

For more information or to book a place at an event email: info@brightconsortia.com

Celebrity Cruises introduces Xtra trade pack toolkit for agents CELEBRITY CRUISES has developed a new portfolio of materials to aid agents. The Celebrity Xtra trade pack toolkit has been designed for independent partners and Consortia, allowing them to produce individually branded website banners and posters to promote the cruise line with personalised materials. The kit includes two variations of web banners, eight variations of wall posters and banners and an A4 Suite Class poster which can then be personalised with agents’

own logos.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, the line’s director of sales UK and Ireland, said: “In developing the Celebrity Xtra toolkit we were mindful of making it both personal as well as practical with a departure from the ‘one size fits all’ approach. The bank of materials has been designed to be eye-catching, informative and easy to use so our agent partners will have strong sales tools. The feedback to date has been hugely positive and we look forward to seeing more and

more of our agents taking advantage of the opportunities this marketing support brings.”

Agents can request the toolkit via cruisingpower.co.uk. As part of the request, agents will be asked to submit a business case for each piece of collateral, ensuring it is utilised in the most effective way and allowing the cruise company to identify areas where it can provide additional support.

For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk

Gold Medal teams with Emirates to launch third mega fam GOLD MEDAL has launched its third mega fam in conjunction with Emirates.

The tour operator will be sending four teams of independent travel agents to secret locations on the Emirates network before jet setting back to Dubai for an ‘Access All Areas’ training conference. Here each group will share their destination experience so agents benefit from all four trips, whilst enjoying the fifth.

The trips will be hosted by the company’s sales development managers, with places being allocated eight per region, and will be split between the top selling agents and the most improved year-on-year. Agents should book with the operator to be in with a chance of winning.

League tables tracking agency performances are published on the company’s website at www.goldmedal.co.uk each week,

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and highlight those that are currently in line to secure a seat, and those in the running to take a top spot.

The operator’s head of sales & business development, Ruth Hilton, will be there to greet the four trips in Dubai as they arrive for a three-night stay at the Atlantis, The Palm.

Hilton said: “We are delighted to once again offer our valued agents the chance to experience five trips in one. Our unique mega fam concept gives agents a wealth of destination training and knowledge to take back and share with their customers, and we can’t wait to host them in some of the world’s most amazing locations.

“It’s going to be an exciting few weeks watching the league tables!”

To book call 0800-0147777 or see www.goldmedal.co.uk

Barceló promotes loyalty programme for agents THE NEW Barceló Hotels & Resorts online travel training eLearning course provides information on Barceló properties in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, with details of the resort credit offers in Barceló Bavaro Beach Resort, Barceló Maya Beach Resort, Barceló Costa Cancún and Barceló Tucancun.

Agents have the chance to enrol in the hotel group's loyalty programme, BPartner, where they can earn points for bookings and redeem them for room nights at 142 properties across 16 countries.

The company is also offering agents the chance to win one of two, four-night stays in one of its luxury resorts in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

To be in with a chance of winning one of the three prizes, agents should complete and pass the course by December 30.

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trainingbulletin Proexport Colombia launches new e-learning programme PROEXPORT COLOMBIA has launched a new e-learning programme for UK travel agents called Learn Colombia aimed at increasing agents’ knowledge of the country and boosting sales.

Any UK agent who completes the course by September 30 will be in with the chance of winning one of four return flights to Bogota with the national carrier Avianca or one of ten Colombian goodie bags. As an added incentive, all agents completing the course by December 31 will receive 20% off flights to Colombia with Avianca.

Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of Proexport Colombia, described the online educational programme, which can be found at www.learncolombia.com, as a ‘one stop shop’ for travel agents selling the country, containing information and modules on everything from Colombia’s

range of hotels to its natural wonders such as Tayrona National Park, vibrant cities such as Bogotá and Cali, and historical gems such as Cartagena.

Lacouture said: “Everything an agent could ever wish to know about selling our wonderful country, from the rich history and culture to the incredibly diverse tourism sites and experiences we have been promoting in our ongoing Colombia is Magical Realism campaign, can be found in this wonderful resource.

Completing the whole course will not just turn UK agents into Colombia experts, it will hopefully give them a passion for selling the country and help them to ramp up their sales. If that wasn’t incentive enough they also stand a good chance of being able to experience the country for themselves thanks to the great prizes we are offering in collaboration with our

partners such as Avianca.”

Once agents have registered to use the programme they can access the information they require via the homepage using the themed tabs in the left-hand navigation bar such as History, Nature and Culture, backed by a Suggested Itineraries option and a General Information section containing useful advice on areas including geography, food and travelling around the country.

Meanwhile, the agent’s progress and performance is registered in the My Space section, accessed via a tab in the navigation bar at the top of the screen. This can be found next to the tab for Agents Toolbox, which contains a range of useful sales resources including an image gallery, the latest news items and details of upcoming events.

Travel 2 launches ‘T2 FAM School’

New training incentive from Tipto

TRAVEL 2 has launched a new agent training scheme, the ‘T2 FAM School’.

As part of the new scheme, the operator is sending upwards of 200 travel agents over the course of this year to 15 countries – an investment of more than £200,000.

Destinations on the list include South Africa, Barbados, the Maldives, New South Wales, Dubai, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam and Fiji.

The main aim of the scheme is to equip agents with knowledge gained by experiencing products on fam trips.

Gordon McCreadie, the operator’s sales and marketing director, said: “More than 3,000 agents have registered for the T2 Academy since its launch in 2012. With more than 51,000 modules completed, covering destinations, air product and ground suppliers, it’s clear that training is a key aspect of our partnership with travel agents. The success we’ve seen over recent years was the driving force behind the launch of the new T2 FAM School and we are a big believer in helping agents develop their knowledge to improve sales. First-hand experience of products is key to this and this is why we’re offering so many fam trip places as part of our new T2 FAM School this year.”

TIPTO HAS launched a new training incentive giving agents the opportunity to win a Pandora bracelet with a charm when they complete all 14 supplier training modules by August 31 to gain five star status.

A winner will be chosen at random when the competition closes.

To complete the modules and for further information visit www.tipto.co.uk

Wendy Wu Tours announces launch of 2014 agent UK roadshow series WENDY WU Tours has announced details of its 2014 agent roadshow tour, which will span across 11 UK locations from September 2-24.

The tour begins in London and will be supported by key partners including Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Macau Government Tourist Office, Hong Kong Tourist Board, Guilin Tourism and Emirates.

The roadshows will offer agents the chance to meet Bambu and the WU crew, discover what’s new, find out the

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best ways to sell tours and enjoy a fun, interactive event with the chance to win prizes.

The dates and locations for the events are as follows: London on September 2 at The Wesley, Euston; Leeds on September 8 at The Leeds Club; Newcastle on September 9 at The Jury’s Inn, Gateshead; Edinburgh on September 10 at Holiday Inn Sampans Restaurant; Glasgow on September 11 at the Hilton Grosvenor; Norwich on September 15 at the Hong Kong Fusion

Restaurant; Birmingham on September 16 at Chung Ying Chinese Restaurant, Wrottesley St; Nottingham on September 17 at The Belfry Hotel; Plymouth on September 22 at the Holiday Inn; Bristol on September 23 at the Dynasty Restaurant; and Bournemouth on September 24 at the Hallmark Hotel.

For further details visit www.wendywutours.co.uk/roadshows or to apply for a place email tradesupport@wendywutours.co.uk

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personalitybulletin

Audrey Singh Business development manager for London, Kent, Surrey & Sussex, Sandals At home What's your favourite household gadget?

Sky+.

At work What other companies/organisations have you previously worked for?

Hoseasons, Hays Homeworking, TV Travel shop, Citalia, Horizon Holidays and a few indies.

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

Discounting wars.

What personal item do you have on your desk at work?

Lipstick.

What's the best thing about your job?

My agents and my work buddies.

What's a typical day like?

Every day is different.

What's your favourite travel app?

London Tube Map. Who has been your inspiration in the travel industry?

A travel lecturer on my YTS back in 1984.

What was the last email you received?

From a work buddy about business plans.

What skill are you most proud of?

Surviving nearly 30 years in travel.

What do you love about the travel industry?

The fact that we survive no matter what is thrown at us, 9/11, ash cloud, tour operator failures, tsunami, civil unrest. . .WE SURVIVE! What item do you always take with you when travelling?

Digital weighing scales. l love to shop, and don’t want to get caught with extra luggage allowance costs.

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August 15 2014

What are your favourite TV programmes?

Sons of Anarchy.

Who does the cooking?

Anyone but me. .. can’t cook, won’t cook!

What's a typical weekend for you like?

Sleep, potter about, shop, housework.

What's your guilty pleasure?

PJ’s all day on a Sunday.

What do you do to relax?

Read.

What music do you listen to?

Motown and RnB. What's your favourite movie?

The Wizard of Oz. What's been your latest DIY project?

Painting the bathroom.

“

The fact that we survive no matter what is thrown at us, 9/11, ash cloud, tour operator failures, tsunami, civil unrest. . .

WE SURVIVE!

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

Borneo. Slightly obsessed with Orangutans!

”

What are your hobbies?

Travel and shopping.

What's your favourite (non-work related) website?

Facebook.

Do you use social media for work and play?

Yes, you have to in the 21st century.

What trait do you dislike in other people?

Bad manners.

What is your best quality?

The ability to laugh at myself.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

Asking a lady at a mother and toddler group when the baby was due, for her to say the nine month-old crawling on the floor was the baby! Ooops.

Do you have any nicknames?

Nothing that can be printed.

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

Three-day weekends.

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ukairports Bristol Airport

Bristol records busiest figures for June & welcomes summer Stockholm service BRISTOL AIRPORT has recorded its busiest June to date, serving more than 646,000 passengers during the course of the month and representing a 3.34% increase over the same period last year.

Passenger numbers for the last 12 months also reached 6.23 million, surpassing the record total for a calendar year achieved in 2008 for the first time.

A particularly strong performance was seen on Aer Lingus Regional’s Dublin service, which exceeded 8,000 passengers in a calendar month for the first time. Strong year-on-year growth was also seen on bmi regional routes to Frankfurt and Munich, indicating that the airline’s codeshare agreement with Lufthansa is generating additional traffic.

Another factor contributing to

increased passenger numbers was the introduction of a larger aircraft on KLM’s four times daily service between Bristol and Amsterdam. The airline carried nearly 20,000 passengers on the route which opens up connections to destinations worldwide via KLM’s Schiphol hub.

June also saw the launch of a summer service between Bristol and Stockholm, operated by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). The twice-weekly flight is proving popular with Scandinavian tourists as well as travellers from across the South West and South Wales visiting Sweden.

Meanwhile, a £6.5m central walkway recently opened at the airport and includes four new pre-boarding zones serving up to six departure gates. The 3,880sq.m structure connects directly to

the departure lounge and is served by an escalator, six lifts, food and drink vending and toilet facilities.The design of the new facility takes into account the latest generation of twin-engine, widebody jets, such as the Boeing 787, with provision made for the addition of an airbridge for passengers boarding longhaul flights in the future.

Shaun Browne, the airport's aviation director, said: “The strong performance across all airline sectors is particularly encouraging, with business, leisure and inbound traffic all contributing to June’s record passenger numbers. New facilities are in place to ensure we maintain service levels as passenger numbers continue to grow, and we are already focusing on further improvements we can bring to the route network from Bristol.”

Air India commits to daily flights from Birmingham AIR INDIA has committed to increase its BirminghamDelhi-Amritsar operation from four flights per week to daily services from November, when its 18th Boeing 787 ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft is inducted into service.

The carrier’s current schedule operates from Birmingham on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on its B787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s chief executive, said: “We are extremely thankful to Air India for recognising the demand from travellers needing the flexibility of daily services from Birmingham.

“The West Midlands receives more foreign direct investment from India than any other region outside of London and Birmingham’s VFR market grew by 71% in 2013, now attracting more visitors from India than any English city other than London.”

Bookings for the airline’s current operation can be made via www.airindia.com

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A PAIR of travel agents won £1,000 after entering a Facebook competition on why they love Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield.

The airport ran the competition with agents from early July to highlight its activity with the travel trade. Pictured outside the airport with their winning entry are Katie Louise Gleadell (left) and Laura Dean from Thomson Travel Agents in Gainsborough.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/dsa.trade

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ukairports Seasonal flight additions from Flybe at London Southend FLYBE, OPERATED by Stobart Air, has added 2,500 extra seasonal seats on its new routes from London Southend Airport to France including 28 extra flights per week between Rennes and Caen-Normandy until the end of August.

The airline now operates ten additional flights on its Rennes route and an extra 18 flights on its CaenNormandy route.

The Caen service is now available six instead of four days per week, with services operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The airline recently launched six new routes from London Southend to continental Europe and also launched a daily service from the airport to Rennes in June, with one-way fares from £29.99. The service to Caen-Normandy

commenced last month with one-way fares from £29.99.

Roger Clements, managing director at London Southend Airport said: “This is very welcome news for London Southend Airport which is further testament to the popularity of the airport for business and leisure travellers alike.

Adding these seasonal

flights will enable more passengers to experience the benefits of London Southend Airport and I look forwarding to welcoming them in the month ahead.”

The airport’s new terminal is close to a new train station, with up to eight rail services every hour. It is 53 minutes by train to Liverpool Street Station in London.

British Airways adds direct Dom Rep flights from Gatwick BRITISH AIRWAYS is introducing a twiceweekly, direct non-stop service from Gatwick to the Dominican Republic this winter.

Flights will depart on Tuesday and Saturday from Gatwick to Punta Cana from October and BA will use a three class, 280 seat Boeing 777 aircraft with 40 Club World seats, 24 World Traveller Plus and 216

World Traveller seats.

UK & Ireland director of the Dominican Republic Tourist Office, Sabrina Cambiaso said: “This timely increase in air services will expand on our amazing tourism success to date by increasing visitor numbers to the country and sharing with them our natural beauty, culture and friendly people.”

Flybe to continue London City service from Aberdeen

PLANE PALS...To mark the arrival of Aegean Airlines to Terminal 2, The Queen's Terminal, at Heathrow, the carrier's Athens-based ground operations director Panos Nicolaidis (right) presented a model of its Airbus A320 to the terminal's operations and programme director Andy Garner during a VIP reception. The airline operates three return flights a day to Athens and serves a total of 87 destinations in 32 countries.

Details at www.aegeanair.com

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FLYBE WILL continue its Aberdeen to London City route following the recent announcement by British Airways that it would be withdrawing from the route at the end of the summer season. Flybe will operate twice daily flights starting from Monday, October 27.

Seats are on sale now at www.flybe.com from £49.99 one-way including taxes and charges.

Record passenger numbers take off from Luton RECORD NUMBERS of passengers took to the skies from Luton in June as the airport experienced its busiest summer period on record.

More than one million passengers flew to more than 100 destinations, including 13 new routes added so far this year.

New destinations on sale this summer include Naples, Catania and Skiathos with more announced for this winter including Copenhagen, Lyons and Basle.

The upward trend is set to continue and passenger numbers for this year are predicted to be the highest in the airport’s 76-year history.

Fast Track airport option from Holiday Extras HOLIDAY EXTRAS offers a FastTrack Security Pass to add to customers’ airport parking or hotel bookings.

Pass holders receive a priority service with a dedicated lane through security at airports across the UK from £3 per person.

As an example, eight days’ parking with added security passes for two adults and two children at Luton Airport in the summer holidays costs from £37.99.

Clients combining an airport hotel and seven days’ parking, including passes for two adults, at Leeds Bradford costs from £82.00.

Pre-booking a pass can save passengers around 33% compared to buying at the airport.

Fast Track Security is available as an add-on at Manchester, Liverpool John Lennon, Luton, Bristol and Leeds Bradford airports.

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ukairports LBA invests additional £1.2million LEEDS BRADFORD International Airport (LBA) has announced a range of improvements in customer facilities and service which are now operational. This latest investment of £1.2m is the next stage of improvements following the £11m passenger terminal development of 2012.

Long stay car park users will now transfer to and from the terminal in new larger buses with extra luggage space and seating. Improvement works to the terminal front layout provide for the new car park shuttle buses to drive up to the terminal front door to drop off and pick up passengers at a new bus stop just outside the main terminal entrance and under the terminal building canopy.

The bus route to and from the car park has also been redesigned and shortened and the journey time from the long stay car park to the terminal is faster and more regular. An additional 500 long stay car parking spaces have also been created to meet increased demand.

Inside the terminal, the departures area has been upgraded to provide more space to improve the passenger journey through the airport. A new channel to security has also been created with the access point separated from the check in areas to simplify the customer process.

John Parkin, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport has experienced record growth in recent years and it is important that we continually deliver airport improvements to accommodate that growth and provide the best experience for our passengers.”

Newsbites ●

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THOMSON AIRWAYS recently celebrated the departure of it’s first long haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight from Newcastle International Airport.

ALL BAR One is the latest brand to arrive at Birmingham Airport, as two new bars open their doors to passengers. The first bar, located in the South departure lounge, launched in April this year and has recently been followed by the opening of an additional unit in the North landside area of the terminal.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS will launch its first service from Scotland next year with the start of a non-stop daily flight from Edinburgh to its home base of Abu Dhabi.

The new route, which will commence on June 8, 2015, will be operated with a two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft, offering a total of 22 seats in Business Class and 240 seats in Economy Class.

NEW RESTAURANTS, bars and cafes have been unveiled for an £80million terminal transformation at Stansted Airport. The additions will include famous brands and celebrity and a chef appearance. A new Burger King will open later this year and all remaining cafes, bars and restaurants will follow by spring next year. As part of the new brand line up, M&S Simply Food will also open this November.

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wintersun

HOLIDAYMAKERS ARE being offered a complimentary room upgrade and a free night when booking a minimum seven-night stay at Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The 'Great Winter Thaw' package is available from January 4 and March 27, 2015 (except February 13-21), and includes airport transfers.

For details see www.halfmoon.com

New Tenerife promotions from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD is offering new products in Tenerife including a Medieval Night of jousting and feasting. Participants are collected from a designated point in the south of the island and taken to the Medieval Castle in San Miguel. Upon arrival at the castle, a meal is served in the main hall and the show begins.

Following the show, the Drifters will perform in a nearby arena. The excursion costs £66 for adults and £31 for children aged two-12.

The operator is also offering a Kayak Adventure from Playa Paraiso. After a short introduction, clients will paddle out along the picturesque coastline to the small and original fishing village of El Puertito, and there’s also the option to take a swim and spot ocean turtles and dolphins. Tickets cost £36 for adults and £18 for children.

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Prestige Holidays adds new properties in the Canaries PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has added five properties in the Canaries for this winter which include the H10 Playa Meloneras Palace and Cordial Mogan Playa in Gran Canaria, the H10 Conquistador in Tenerife and the H10 Rubicon Palace and H10 Lanzarote Princess in Lanzarote.

H10 Playa Meloneras Palace is located in a quiet seafront position on the south of Gran Canaria about a mile from the busy resort area of Maspalomas, adjacent to one of the island’s golf courses. The property has two pools, a spa, three restaurants and a choice of bars. A week’s half-board stay including flights from Gatwick and transfers costs from £854 per person.

Located a short walk from the picturesque resort and fishing village of Puerto de Morgan, the large family-friendly Cordial Mogan Playa resort offers tennis, ten pin bowling, boules, a gym and bike hire centre, as well as two pools and a choice of dining options. A week’s half-board stay with flights from Gatwick and transfers costs from £899.

New for the operator in Tenerife is the H10 Conquistador in Playa De Las Americas.

The seaside hotel offers direct access to the promenade and a choice of swimming pools, a Thalasso centre and a range of dining options. The hotel also has adult-only ‘Privilege’ rooms with extra facilities. Prices for a week’s half-board stay, including flights from Gatwick with BA and transfers, lead in at £724.

Meanwhile, in Lanzarote the operator has added the H10 Lanzarote Princess and Rubicon Palace both in Playa Blanca. Set back from the seafront, the H10 Lanzarote features three dining options, several bars, a small beauty area and children’s facilities.

The Rubicon Palace also has extensive children’s facilities including a playground, mini disco, a choice of pools and children’s clubs for up to 16 year olds. In addition, there is a dive school and a disco plus a range of restaurants and an all-inclusive option.

A week’s half-board stay at either property costs from £699 including flights from Gatwick with BA and transfers.

The operator’s winter breaks in the Canaries start from £518 per person (including an early booking offer) for a week’s stay at Casa La Reverica on La Palma. The price includes room-only accommodation, car hire and flights with Thomson Airways from Gatwick.

Clients booking a winter break with the operator also benefit from a range of added value offers including free nights, complimentary half-board, child discounts, complimentary spa deals, room upgrades and free rounds of golf.

For further information call 01425-480400 or visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

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Classic records strong winter sun sales to the Canary Islands CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays has recorded strong sales to the Canary Islands for winter 2014/15.

The operator reports that it has seen an average year-on-year increase of more than 20% across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, with Fuerteventura being the strongest individual performer amongst the islands with a winter increase in sales of 57%.

The company’s head of purchasing, Gary Boyer, said: “We’re delighted with the performance of these perennial winter sun favourites. We continue to work closely with our hotel partners in the islands to deliver the best possible value to our customers and currently have more than 250 special offers available across our Canary Island resorts.

“Complimentary upgrades to halfboard, reduced hotel rates, free nights and early booking offers are proving particularly popular with some notable savings being passed on to our customers. We are also very thankful to the travel trade who have

Barcelo Castillo Club Premium, Fuerteventura

strongly backed our dedicated Canary Islands brochure.”

New for Tenerife this winter, the operator has introduced the Hotel Villa Maria in Costa Adeje, a collection of 78 exclusive villas and, away from the tourist resorts on the south of island, the CasaBioclimaticas Fuerteventura, Iter, an assortment of

energy self-sufficient and carbon neutral eco-houses.

Fuerteventura sees the introduction of the Elba Palace Golf, the Elba Carlota Resort and the all suite Barcelo Castillo Club Premium.

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

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wintersun Red Sea Holidays adds new flights from Newcastle & Belfast plus new hotels RED SEA Holidays’ latest brochure includes two new hotels in Sharm el Sheikh - the five-star Mövenpick Sharm el Sheikh Resort and the fivestar Iberotel Il Mercato Hotel & Spa, as well as increased regional airport departures to include Belfast and Newcastle.

From February 2015, the company will offer flights from Newcastle to Hurghada every Wednesday, while flights from Belfast to Sharm el Sheikh will start in May. Jason Hilton, the operator’s deputy managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be increasing our product offering once again – and are especially excited to be moving in to the Irish market. This year has been very successful; we now have flights departing seven days a week to Sharm el Sheikh across our 14 UK partner airports and continue to add quality hotels to our portfolio.”

The company is offering a range of discounts such as £100 off summer

Siva Sharm Resort and Spa

2015 bookings and £75 off winter sun when booked by September 30; fixed child prices of £439 for any date and duration (including school holidays); and no single room supplements at selected resorts.

As an example of prices, seven

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is offering an 11-day Orlando and Mexico multi-centre holiday from £939 per person including flights with United Airlines and American Airlines. Accommodation is at the Rosen Inn International in Orlando and the all-inclusive Aquamarina Beach Hotel (pictured) in Cancun, with travel based on a November 5 departure.

For details visit www.funway4agents.co.uk

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nights’ all-inclusive at the Siva Sharm Resort and Spa, departing Gatwick on or between November 25 and December 11, costs from £379 per person.

For more information visit www.redseaholidays.co.uk

Winter sun savings of up to 25% at Barceló Hotels & Resorts BARCELÓ HOTELS & Resorts is offering up to 25% off bookings on holidays to the Canary Islands.

As an example, clients can save 25% at the Barceló Varadero in Tenerife, which offers views of La Gomera and Teide and is situated next to the Playa de la Arena and the cliffs of Los Gigantes, in the south east of Tenerife. Facilities include three swimming pools, tennis courts, spa, gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and solarium. Rates are from £34 per person, per night.

Clients can also save 20% at Barceló Lanzarote whch is ideal for families with its selection of kids’ clubs for all ages plus special activities such as themed days, rock climbing and a variety of sports.

To book or for further information call 0800-4227 2356 or visit www.barcelo.com

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Olympic Holidays promotes range of destinations & newly added properties OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS is offering a selection of destinations including Cyprus, Malta, Egypt, Goa and The Gambia plus Spain in its 2014/15 Winter Sun programme.

In Cyprus, the operator is continuing to focus on its core winter product of four- and five-star hotels, using low-cost and scheduled flights with the principal target market of couples and older people. The island is the leading winter sun destination for the company that attracts sun seekers and clients looking for a cultural winter holiday.

The Gambia and Goa are also longestablished winter sun destinations for the company.

Photis Lambrianides, the operator’s commercial director, said: “The Gambia and Goa are old favourites in

the programme and we offer some of the keenest prices to both destinations. Both deliver a firstclass product and represent excellent value.”

Additional properties in the programme include the four-star Aqua Blue Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt and the new two-star Casa de Chris in Cavelossim, Goa. Additions in the Canaries include the four-star Allsun Barlovento Hotel in Costa Calma, Fuerteventura; the three-star Dunas Pirador Maspalomas in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria; and the Mansion Nazaret Hotel in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote.

Cyprus prices start from £349 for seven nights’ self-catering at the four-star Louis King Jason in Paphos and the Natura Beach Hotel & Villas

in Polis.

Egypt prices lead in at £515 for seven nights’ all-inclusive stay at the three-star Viva Sharm Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh. The Gambia leads in at £535 for a week’s breakfast stay at the two-star Badala Park Hotel in Kotu, while Goa leads in at £759 for a week’s breakfast stay at the Falcon Guest House in Calangute.

As a sample package, seven nights’ all-inclusive stay at the newly featured four-star Aqua Blue Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt costs from £595 per person in December based on two sharing a standard room. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

For more information call 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

Tenerife and Dubai remain popular winter sun destinations for Travel 2

EARLY BOOKERS can secure a free night at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis for stays between January and April next year. The boutique resort is offering seven nights for the price of six for bookings made by October 31.

For details see www.nisbetplantation.com

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TENERIFE CONTINUES to be the top winter destination for UK holidaymakers followed by Dubai for Travel 2.

Ricky Wason, the company’s general manager of shorthaul product and purchasing, said: “Tenerife remains the number one destination for Brits during the winter months.

“With flights only four hours from most UK airports, it means clients don’t have to endure a long haul flight to find sun and spectacular scenery. This also means clients are not restricted to a minimum seven-night break. The destination is popular for four- and fivenight breaks and sees temperatures of between 20–25 degrees throughout the winter months.”

The operator recommends the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa Hotel, part of the Starwood Hotels collection, which is located on the coast of Costa Adeje.

As an example, seven nights at the five-star property leads in at £629 per person including flights from London to Tenerife (South) with easyJet and breakfast accommodation, based on a stay in a deluxe room (which includes one free night) for travel on December 1.

Wason said: “Closely following the Canaries as the destination of choice for UK holidaymakers is Dubai, known for its high quality luxury hotels and sunshine.

The country is a little further to fly than the Canaries but is still not considered long haul which gives clients the chance to experience a quick four- or five-night stay.”

The company recommends the Anantara The Palm Resort & Spa which is located on the eastern crescent of the iconic Palm Jumeirah and offers three swimming lagoons, tennis courts, a gym and spa which features 17 treatment rooms. .

A six-night stay at the five-star property costs from £1,119 including flights from London between December 6-20 with KLM for a stay in a Premier Lagoon View room on a half-board basis.

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wintersun THE OCEANFRONT Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya Hotel in Mexico’s Riviera Maya district features 401 guestrooms and is surrounded by natural landscape, dense jungle, mangroves and indigenous fauna. The lagoon and jungle view casitas and beach suites, located minutes from Playa del Carmen, offer luxurious yet sustainable oceanfront living. Activities on offer include a Greg Norman designed 18-hole El Camaleón golf course and a spa. Prices at the property start from £210 per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

For details visit www.fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya

Winter sun options from Jet2holidays JET2HOLIDAYS IS offering a selection of winter escapes including hotels with Christmas and New Year gala meals included, as well as discounts to those who stay longer.

As examples, seven nights’ self-catering stay at the three-star Oasis Duna Aparthotel in Fuerteventura, departing from Manchester on December 5, costs £359 per person, based on two sharing and including transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance. A sevennight breakfast stay at the three-star Hotel Dorisol Estrelicia in Funchal, departing Leeds Bradford on February 16, 2015, costs from £419 based on two sharing a twin room, including transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance.

Seven nights at the fivestar Vincci Seleccion Estrella Del Mar Costa del Sol, Marbella, on a bed-andbreakfast basis departing Leeds Bradford on December 1 this year costs £549, based on two adults sharing a superior double room including transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance.

For details or further information call 0800-4085587 or visit the trade dedicated website at https://tradesite. jet2holidays.com

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KUONI IS offering seven nights’ all-inclusive stay at Keyonna Beach in Antigua in a beach house standard room from £1,379 per person.

The price, based on two sharing for an October departure, includes Economy flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and transfers.

For more information call 01306-747008 or visit www.kuoni.co.uk

Selection of new winter accommodation options from The Gambia Experience THE GAMBIA Experience has added new accommodation options for this winter including six new hotels plus luxury tented accommodation at Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal, a short journey from Banjul, The Gambia.

The hotels include The White Horse Residence in Batokunku, The Gambia. The new, high quality property is built in the style of a traditional African Lodge and offers seven rooms. Prices start from £898 per person for seven nights’ half-board, based on two sharing a standard lodge including flights and transfers.

The operator has also introduced The Coconut Residence in Kololi/Bijilo, The Gambia, which is reopening under new ownership after four years of closure. Its 23 luxurious rooms range from a Junior suite to a vast Royal suite. The hotel operates a shuttle service for its guests to a nearby sandy beach. Prices lead in at £1,047 for seven nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis, based on two sharing a Junior suite including flights and transfers.

Meanwhile, the Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Karang, Sine Saloum South, Senegal is exclusive to the operator

and consists of luxury, tented accommodation set within a nature reserve just across the Senegalese border. A short journey from Banjul in The Gambia, into northern Senegal, the 2,000 hectare wildlife reserve combines luxury accommodation in air-conditioned safari tents with the opportunity to observe buffalo, monkeys, giraffes, zebra and rhino on safari drives. The resort’s 20 luxury tents have views across the reserve where facilities include a swimming pool with sunbathing deck, activity centre and an open-air Mahogany restaurant and lounge, from where a waterhole and its frequent rhino visitors can be spotted. The Fathala Cafeteria serves light lunches, including fresh pizzas from its own pizza oven.

Game drives can be pre-booked and three- or four-night stays can be combined with any of the operator’s hotels to combine a twin or multi-centre holiday. Prices lead in at £499 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis for a three-night stay excluding flights. See www.gambia.co.uk/fathala-wildlife-reserve For futher information call 0845-330 4567 or visit www.gambia.co.uk

Free nights at True Blue Bay Boutique TRUE BLUE Bay Boutique Resort in Grenada is offering two free nights when clients stay for seven nights this winter.

The offer is available for bookings made by August 31 for stays from November 15 to spring 2015.

Clients who opt to stay longer can secure extra free nights. As an example, a 14-night stay will include four free nights.

The two-bedroom villas feature a large living area, fully fitted kitchen, private plunge pool and balcony.

For more information visit www.truebluebay.com

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