Travel Bulletin 20th January 2012

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January 20 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,762 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

THE ‘ALL NEW’ MINERVA ARRIVING 2 MARCH 2012

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An artist’s impression of the newly upgraded Minerva

Follow the progress of Miner va’s multi-million pound upgrade online at www w.swanhellenic ..s .com/newminer va.

Find us on

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GREAT NEWS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS

Exceptional earning potential with attractive commission on an all-inclusive fare, which includes: t Programme of tailor-made shore excursions t All gratuities on board and ashore Agent support includes: t Online training programme available: www.discoverycruisingexpert.com t Agency sales team, dedicated to supporting the trade

SPRING 2012 SELLING FAST Miner va returns on 2 March 2012 to embark on a series of fascinating spring cruises. Wiith fares star ting from just ÂŁ1,495 per person, and up to ÂŁ200 onboard credit available, there has never been a better time for passengers to book their cruise aboard the newly upgraded Miner va!

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(M4 south including London)

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Teel: 02380 727204 Mobile: 07740 540304 Email: b.langford@allleisuregroup.com

Teel: 01386 882848 Mobile: 07894 394488 Email: t.eming@allleisuregroup.com

) )BZMFZ 'SVFS BZMFZ 'SVFS (based Burgess Hill) Tel: 01444 462196 Email: h.fruer@allleisuregroup.com

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TTerms eerms and conditions: The Th lead-in fare fare of ÂŁ1495 per person applies to inside grades N & M on cruises depar departing March March Fares only,, ar aree subject to availability and ting 16 Mar ch 2012 and 29 Mar ch 2012. Far es apply to new bookings only may be withdrawn at any time. Onboar Onboardd cr credit only.. See www.swanhellenic.com for full details. Booking terms and conditions apply apply.. edit offer applies to selected cabin grades on selected Minerva cruises only Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All LLeisure eisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897.

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January 20 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,762 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Scandinavia Operators unveil new itineraries & expand accommodation options

this week

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ask renato agony uncle Renato Fantoni aims to solve a job promotion dilemma

dynamic packaging understanding the risks & rewards of DP

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turkey operators launch new progarmmes for 2012

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caribbean a round-up of product launches, savings & offers

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newsbulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - Andrea Guibelli-visitnorway.com - Lofoten

Inset - Mosaic Holidays - Kempinski Barbaros Bay

This Week 3

news

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agent review

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

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all about me

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puzzle bulletin

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ask renato

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turkey

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dynamic packaging

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scandinavia

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caribbean

a round-up of the latest industry news find out what one agent thought of his Red Sea Holidays’ trip to Hurghada discover what the Sandy Travel owner has been up to lately win a Luxury Included holiday with Sandals Mark Donaldson from Bowens t/a First Choice gives us the lowdown on his job win a £50 M&S voucher in our prize Su Doku puzzle agony uncle Renato Fantoni aims to solve a job promotion dilemma operators launch new programmes for 2012 understanding the risks & rewards of DP operators promote new deals & accommodation a round-up of product launches, savings & offers

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FUNWAY FAM...Funway Holidays has boosted its fam trip investment with options for this year ranging from a US super fam plus a trip to Dubai and/or Thailand. The company's overall aim this year is to invite more than 200 agents on fams using a variety of means such as competitions and highest booker awards. The most recent fam took place last month in the Caribbean, visiting luxury properties in Saint Lucia and Antigua. Pictured taking in the sights are, from the left (front row): Heather Martin, Oasis Travel and Sarah Mulholland, Breakaway Travel; with, at the back (from the left): Lisa Barnes, LJ Personal Travel; Claire Mulligan, Clubworld Travel; Pamela Bryans, Funway Holidays; Karen Howard, Ambassador Travel; Hannah Pearce, Co-operative Travel; Sarah Van Doorn, Go Travel; Lisa James, Funway Holidays; and Becky Hamlin, Mid-Counties Co-operative Travel.

Record attendance at AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ domestic conference INDEPENDENT AGENTS and operators came together last weekend for the AITO Specialist Travel Agents’ domestic conference - held at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire.

The conference saw record numbers - more than 200 delegates - in attendance and the programme offered a mix of workshops and guest speakers addressing key industry matters. These included Andy Cohen, manager of ATOL Licensing at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who updated delegates on the ATOL Reform process, and Lorraine Barnes Burton, CEO of The British Travel Awards, who reflected on what agents could learn from the results of the consumer

insight survey, TravelVision 2012.

There was also an array of accolades awarded during the gala dinner at the conference, with Staffordshire-based Journeys à la Carte named the national winner of the AITO All Stars incentive scheme 2011, which recognises those AITO Agents who have achieved the best results when selling holidays offered by AITO operators.

New AITO All Stars awards were also presented for the first time, with London-based Travel Designers picking up ‘Best Newcomer’ and Oxfordshire-based Full Circle Travel presented with the ‘Most Improved’ award for its successful sales in 2011.

The winners received top

prizes from AITO operators, including holidays to Turkey with Anatolian Sky Holidays and to Tenerife with Classic Collection Holidays, a fam trip place to Russia with Cox & Kings, a night on the Blue Train in South Africa courtesy of Visions Holiday Group and a hamper of Japanese food and drinks from InsideJapan Tours.

Another key announcement at the conference saw the association’s chairman, Oliver Broad, reveal plans to launch a new glossy consumer travel magazine for exclusive, free distribution by AITO Agents members.

It was also announced that AITO operators and AITO Specialist Travel Agents will host their joint overseas conference in Madeira from June 14-17.

January 20 2012

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newsbulletin Latin America & Mexico launch by On the Go ON THE Go Tours has launched a new ‘value for money’ travel programme to Latin America and Mexico suited to adventurous travellers.

Using simple hotels and local transport, travellers can explore the highlights of Latin America & Mexico on a group tour from seven to 49 days, party in Rio and interact with locals.

Selling points for agents include value for money deals that are ideal for adventurous travellers on a budget; an extensive range of tours; accommodation in centrally located simple hotels and guest houses; no mandatory single supplements and no local payments; tours are escorted by guides but with free time along the way; and a range of included excursions such as the Amazon jungle and trekking to Machu Picchu.

As examples of prices, a nine-day Wild Costa Rica tour leads in at £580 per person, while a 22-day Mexico City to Guatemala option costs from £1,310.

For more information visit www.onthegotours.com or call 020-7371 1113.

Newsbites ● ●

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Jet2holidays launches largest brochure JET2HOLIDAYS HAS issued a new bumper brochure to offer a range of deals and money-saving offers on 2012 escapes. Prices lead in at £259 per person based on a seven-night self-catering stay at the three-star Sea Club Alcudia in Mallorca including transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance.

The new brochure features 585 hotels to suit all styles and budgets as well as three new destinations including the Croatian Istrian Riviera and two Spanish hotspots, Costa de la Luz and Costa de Almeria. An additional 23 resorts in popular destinations from Corfu to Dubrovnik have also been added to provide a greater choice for holidaymakers.

For details call 0800-408 5587 or visit https://tradesite.jet2holidays.com PEGASUS AIRLINES has announced the launch of double daily flights between London and Istanbul and to destinations across Turkey, North Cyprus and beyond, available to book now for summer, with fares from £59.99 one-way including taxes. The new service will run between Stansted and Istanbul and on to destinations including Beirut, between March 25 and October 27, with two additional direct routes from London to Izmir.

For details visit www.flypgs.com

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IONIAN WEDDINGS has become the first specialist wedding company to join ABTA. DIRECT TRAVELLER has launched its summer 2012 Cyprus brochure featuring a variety of hotels, destinations and bespoke experiences across North Cyprus for all ages, budgets and tastes. Commission to agents is 10% on all holidays, except five-star holidays where 5% is offered.

See www.directtraveller.com or call 0844-414 1691.

COX & Kings has announced a range of new private tours to Jordan, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and landscapes of the country. The itineraries range from four to seven nights, with a lead in price of £895 per person, including flights, a private driver, entrance fees to Petra and breakfast accommodation in five-star hotels throughout.

Call 020-7873 5000 or see www.coxandkings.co.uk AL FRESCO Holidays has added nine new parcs for 2012 across Croatia, Italy, France and Austria. The company has also launched a new mobile home called the Vivaldi Riviera, which sleeps up to eight people.

See www.thomsonalfresco.co.uk or call 0871-971 0600.

JACTRAVEL HAS named Stirling Castle the Most Improved Visitor Experience of the Year and the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe Hotel as Scottish Hotel of the Year at its annual awards event in Scotland.

Three nights for two offer in Botswana THE MOREMI Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Botswana has introduced a three nights for the price of two offer, valid until March 31.

Accommodation for 24 guests is in 12 furnished tents with twin or double beds. Each tented suite has a private viewing deck and the camp offers year-round land and water game viewing experiences in open land rovers, powerboats or dug-out canoes.

For details visit www.xakanaxa-camp.com

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Hoseasons has a fantastic offer available - Save up to

£200 off Summer School 2012 Holidays* on Lodges and Parks. To view great offers and to book Visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or Call 0844 847 1144 *For full terms and conditions of this offer please visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents ● Transun has launched their latest offers to Lapland

and special offers for their Arctic Spirit programme.

Call 01865 265200 or visit www.transun.co.uk For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

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January 20 2012

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newsbulletin Norwegian Cruise Line announces winter 2013/14 deployment schedule NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has announced its winter deployment for the 2013/2014 season with six ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas & Florida from four homeports: Miami, New Orleans, Tampa and New York.

Norwegian Jewel, the first Jewel-class ship to homeport in New Orleans, will make her debut there on October 13, 2013, offering seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries.

The line also plans to return to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles, with Norwegian Star sailing seven-night

cruises in December 2013, March and April 2014, along with a series of Panama Canal voyages between Los Angeles and Miami.

The company will also continue its commitment to Canada & New England with two ships sailing to the region: Norwegian Gem from New York and Norwegian Dawn from Boston and Quebec. The line is also offering four transatlantic crossings and several repositioning cruises.

The line's summer deployment for 2013/14 has also been announced, with a

four ship deployment in Europe – continuing with two ships based in the region year-round.

New to the European fleet is Norwegian Star which replaces Norwegian Sun in the Baltics, further increasing the capacity in this popular cruise destination. Other highlights include the addition of a third ship in Alaska sailing seven-night ‘open jaw’ itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska.

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

Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter...

Hoseasons Holidays £50 low deposit on lodge and park holidays for Summer School Holidays, but hurry we're booking up!! bit.ly/tnAHcd Thomson Holidays Get the lowdown on Goa from 2 of our Product Managers bit.ly/zHC3Gh Silversea Distinguished wine experts to host Silversea's 'Wine Series' enrichment programme bit.ly/xo07oU TravelChannel PHOTOS: It's Travel Hosts exposed! See what your favorite Travel Channel hosts have been up to this week ow.ly/8r3tF Superbreak Enjoy a break with a difference and experience one of our P&O Minicruise getaways bit.ly/gpoITq Amadeus UK Amadeus study sees a less stressful travel experience in the future. How do you see things improving? amadeus.com/blog/index.php

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

BMIBABY HAS announced extra flights from East Midlands Airport over the Easter period. The airline was due to finish its winter service to Prague on March 23, but due to high demand has extended its Monday and Friday flights until April 16. The carrier will also be flying to Prague from Birmingham Airport next summer.

For details visit www.bmibaby.com

Virgin Holidays unveils North America deals for February half-term VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has released new deals for the February half-term week.

As examples, seven nights in Banff including scheduled flights with Air Canada from Heathrow to Calgary, accommodation at the Mount Royal Hotel and car hire costs from £779. A sevennight break in Heavenly including flights, accommodation at the Harveys Lake Tahoe and car hire starts from £785, while seven nights in North Conway including

flights, breakfast accommodation at the Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway and car hire starts from £939.

Prices are per person based on two adults and two children (under 12) travelling and sharing a standard room and include all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges.

For more information or to book see www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844-557 3859.

January 20 2012

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newsbulletin New growth stategy for 2013 by P&M

agentreview Mark Hallam from Travel Counsellors in Redditch took a seven-night holiday to Hurghada with Red Sea Holidays, staying at a selection of the operator's properties with two of his friends. Here's what he thought...

First impressions ............................9/10 Fantastic greeting at the airport and a very smooth transfer and check-in at the first hotel - Grand Resort Hurghada.

Comfort ..........................................9/10 Fabulously decorated rooms, grounds very well kept and this was the case in all hotels visited in all resorts.

Quality ............................................8/10 Lots of choice to suit all types of holidaymaker and budgets from 3*+ B&B to 5* all-inclusive.

Affordability ....................................8/10 You get what you pay for and value for money is key at present so a big yes on pricing.

Service ............................................8/10 A large group can sometimes impact on service but to be fair I did not notice this at all.

Good to know ..........................................

Red Sea Holidays has Wi-fi on all its coaches. Also definitely try the chicken & lentil soup at Mumbai Grand Resort Hurghada. The RSH tour guide, Kyrillos, gets 10/10.

Overall scoring: ......................................

9/ 10

Mark Hallam receives a £10 Love2Shop voucher for his review.

If you'd like to take part and receive a free Love2Shop voucher please email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

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January 20 2012

PAGE & Moy Travel Group, which includes escorted tours specialist Travelsphere, singles specialist Just You and escorted tours brand Page &Moy, has announced it will be focusing on Travelsphere and Just You brands for 2013 holidays onwards.

The brochures, which are due to be launched in early summer, will no longer market the Page & Moy brand to consumers.

All current holidays will continue to run as normal this year, but from next year they will be included and operated under the Travelsphere brand.

The announcement is part of a growth strategy to bring the company back into profit and has been put in place by the new CEO Ian Smith.

He said: “For our future growth we believe it is important for our business to focus single-mindedly on one brand for the escorted sector, and one brand for the escorted single traveller."

Finnair implements 'Amadeus Dynamic Website Manager’ AMADEUS HAS announced that Finnair has chosen Amadeus Dynamic Website Manager to tailor its customers’ online experience, whilst driving conversion rates for the airline at the same time.

The Website Manager is underlined by airline business rules rather than coding changes, which means that edits to both content and technical parameters can be made dynamically by business and marketing personnel rather than IT experts, avoiding the cost and time considerations normally associated with programming in the process.

The single package comprises of a booking engine, content editor, media repository, campaign management, portal administration, template engine and full incorporation of airline business rules.

Kuoni launches 2012 Europe brochure KUONI HAS launched its 2012 Europe brochure featuring ten destinations with a focus on Mediterranean beach and coastal properties and includes the destinations of Croatia, Cyprus, France, Monaco, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

The holidays offer ideas for short breaks and longer-stay holidays, family breaks and holidays for couples on varying budgets. Highlights include a range of discounts; free nights; room and meal plan upgrades; honeymoon retreats such as the Grand El Mirador in Tenerife and the Cap Rocat and C’an Simoneta in Mallorca; child-friendly resorts, such as the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills resort in Cyprus, the Martinhal Beach Resort in Sagres, Portugal or La Manga in Spain; luxury resorts such as the Jumeirah Puerto Soller and Hospes Maricel in Mallorca and the Marbella Club in Costa del Sol; flexible options featuring scheduled flights where available; low-cost airlines; accommodation-only deals; and car hire.

A selection of Kuoni Experiences are available in each destination - from a tour of Montenegro and a walking tour of the Athens Acropolis to a Vatican tour in Rome and a two-day spa experience in Cyprus.

The lead-in price is £299 per person for three nights at the Barcelo Pueblo Hotel in Menorca.

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newsbulletin h c t a W Ones to

WIN an iPod with AeroMexico...

grammes travel pro p to e th f iss...

A pick o want to m you don't

Sicily Unpacked - Episode 1 of 3 on BBC iPlayer (available until Friday 27th January) In this first episode, Andrew Graham-Dixon and Giorgio Locatelli take viewers on a journey into the heart of Sicily and introduce one another to the things they love about the island.

Olympic Holidays heads for Spain OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has added mainland Spain, the Balearics, the Canaries and Portugal to its newly released Summer Sun 2012 second edition brochure.

The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca feature in Spain, along with the Balearic islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza plus Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands and Portugal's Algarve.

The 500-page brochure features a choice of allinclusive, hotel and self-catering holidays in ten countries, with two-thirds of the brochure devoted to its core destinations of Greece and Cyprus.

Additions to existing destinations take in many of the Greek islands, notably Santorini, Rhodes and Kos, plus several resorts in Turkey.

Hotels newly added in Santorini include the fourstar San Antonio and two three-stars - the Alesahne Beach and Thera Mare Boutique Hotel.

Five-star Rhodes additions include the Atrium Platinum Hotel and Capsis Hotel, both in Ixia.

In Kos, the operator has added two five-star properties: the Diamond Deluxe Hotel and Carda Beach Hotel.

Newly featured Turkish properties include the fourstar Bitez Garden Life Hotel & Suites in Bitez, the threestar Vela Hotel in Icmeler and three-star Karbel Beach Hotel in Oludeniz.

Early bookers are offered discounts of up to £3,525 per person, which applies to the Exclusive Club at the deluxe Elounda Beach Hotel in Crete if booked by April 30.

Two weeks for the price of one are also offered at selected Greece and Cyprus properties from May 1-June 30 and September 20-October 31 for bookings made by March 31.

The lead in price is £279 per person for a seven-night self-catering holiday at a selection of Corfu apartments, with 14-night holidays starting from £295.

Call 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

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...simply answer the following questions.

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To win an iPod with AeroMexico email your answers to competitions@travelbulletin.co.uk

by Friday 17th February

Tel: 020 7801 6234 Fax: 020 7801 6201 Email: aeromexicouk@aol.com www.aeromexico.com

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MOVERS Rocco Forte Hotels has announced a strengthening of its global sales team. The UK and Middle East sales teams will be led by Richard Bousfield; Patrizia Di Patrizio has been promoted to lead the mainland Europe sales team covering France, Benelux, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany and Russia; and David MacGregor will continue to lead the team in the US and Canada, but will now also oversee sales operations in Latin America as regional sales director, the Americas. ● Regent Seven Seas Cruises has appointed Gabriella Fonzo as sales manager, Europe. ● Hilton London Heathrow Airport has appointed Christopher Jefferson as its new executive chef. ● Orient-Express Hotels has appointed Maurizio Saccani as chief of product development. ●

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N HAT A great start to 2012! It has been really busy and people seem to be in holiday mood. We have had a variety of enquiries so that is also good.

I have to say I am fed up with Thomson - I was reading that they had said Tui brand’s First Choice and Thomson’s advert soundtracks have helped produce their busiest days for website bookings! No Tui, that is not the reason, it is because you are selling at least 10% cheaper on the website with low deposits of £75 when your loyal travel agents and even your own shops are getting prices 10% more and having to pay £175 deposit. Tui seem to have a short memory – in the past they have cut commissions only to find that was not the best of ideas, so they tried to get agents back on board and now they are doing the same thing again – make your mind up!

I think this is going to be the year of the independent tour operator that supports agents and more importantly, the year of the independent travel agent! I urge everyone - let us show the big two they do not hold all the power. A lot of independent operators are very willing to support us and companies like Jet2 Holidays can do a lot of similar properties at the same price, if not better. If you need further afield then there is Jetset Holidays and their brilliant package pal system. I want to thank Lorraine for her help this week in helping me get a booking for 2 business class flights worth just over £4,000. JTA has also started putting packages together for Europe and Worldwide and of course it is all under one umbrella so quite safe! Lovely tour operators like Classic, Premier, Travel 2, Red Sea Holidays, Longwood, Planet Holidays, Kuoni (who changed their policy to be agent friendly) Mercury, Sunvil, Inspired by Asia, Serenity, Kirker, Prestige, Olympic, Mercury, Jewel in the Crown, Funway, plus lots more - all companies that are willing to support us so let’s show them we are worth it.

‘Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm’ and ‘Life is like riding a bycycle – in order to keep your balance you must keep moving’.

W

Free flight deal from Safari Collection CLIENTS COMBINING any of The Safari Collection’s properties (Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Solio Lodge in Mount Kenya Region, Sasaab in Samburu region & Sala’s Camp in the Masai Mara ) for a minimum of seven nights will receive all scheduled flights included in the price.

The offer is valid until December 31 and flights are with the operator’s chosen carrier and exclude private charters.

For more information visit www.thesafaricollection.com

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Air Europa – Fulfil not one, but two, New Year’s Resolutions courtesy of the Air Europa competition on www.travelbulletin.co.uk: exercise more and learn something new. Just answer seven simple questions and you could win a salsa dancing workshop for two!

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Kirra Holidays – View the Kirra Holidays 2012/13 Complete Travel Guide in digital format at www.travelbulletin.co.uk

●

All About The Indian Ocean – View Travel Bulletin’s annual Indian Ocean supplement in digital format at www.travelbulletin.co.uk

by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

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

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January 20 2012

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

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Booking incentives ●

WIN ONE of three iPads with Longwood Holidays' Egypt bookings incentive. Each Egypt booking between now and March 31 will be entered into one of three draws to win an iPad. The more bookings you make, the more chances of winning. For more information visit www.longwoodholidays.co.uk/agents

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TO CELEBRATE the launch of its Eurostar online booking system, Superbreak is offering agents a £10 Love2Shop voucher for every Eurostar booking made before January 31 by emailing their booking reference number to sales@superbreak.com The company is also offering £5 Love2shop vouchers for every Superbreak UK rail inclusive booking made this month. Vouchers will be automatically distributed with the customers’ tickets/confirmation.

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COX & Kings, in partnership with Kenya Airways and Funzi Keys, is offering agents the chance to win a seven-night full board stay for two at the Funzi Keys Resort in Kenya with flights and

Agent invite AGENTS ARE to be invited to an evening dedicated to Greek cuisine when the 3rd Sympossio Gourmet Touring visits London for the first time on January 30. Sympossio has become an annual event bringing together Greek producers, chefs, hoteliers, airlines & coastal companies, operators and travel trade businesses for an evening to experience and discover Greek culinary traditions. The evening

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Aquarius?

THIS MONTH will see a more compassionate, creative and nurturing side to you. Although you still have troubles on your mind from last year, you are conscious that you need to make a fresh start and build a new and improved version of yourself. The good news is that the people you tell about your new intentions will support and help you 100%. Watch the purse strings this month as you are more likely to overspend.

Lucky day: Sunday www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Lucky number: 13

private transfers. All agents making a booking with the operator by February 29 will receive a £20 Love2Shop voucher. Agents making a Kenya booking for travel between March 1 and December 31 will be entered into the prize draw to win the Kenya holiday. The winner will be randomly chosen on March 1.

For bookings call 020-7873 5000 or see www.coxandkings.co.uk ●

TO CELEBRATE Chinese New Year, Wendy Wu Tours is offering agents who book a holiday in the 15 days of the Chinese New Year celebrations (January 23 to February 6), the chance to win two tickets to the Chinese State Circus. Agents will be automatically entered into the prize draw when they make a booking.

The operator is also rewarding best selling agencies with one of eight Dragon Piñatas, (eight being an auspicious number in Chinese culture). The Piñatas will come filled with a range of goodies and will be hand delivered by the company's local business development manager.

involves guests being split into teams and together with a professional chef they will be taught how to make a variety of Greek dishes. Once cooked everyone will sit down and enjoy the food they have prepared, with Greek wine. The trade sponsors of the event are Classic Collection Holidays, Aldemar Hotels and Yades Greek Historic Hotels. Agents wanting to participate should email Claire Cannon at Classic Collection at claire.cannon@classiccollection.co.uk For more information on Sympossio Greek Touring visit www.sympossio.gr

Agent offer BOURNE LEISURE has introduced a new brand expert to support travel agents in a fun and interactive way in selling Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels.

Brainz, the new Bourne Expert, will be imparting his knowledge to agents needing his help. Brainz and his top tips are available on the agent Website at www.bourneleisuresales.co.uk, and if agents log on before January 29 they will be in with a chance of winning £50 in High Street vouchers. Brainz can also be found on the company's online training modules at www.bournespecialist.co.uk or agents can email him brainz@bourne-leisure.co.uk with any questions or requests regarding point of sale, product information or updates, booking offers, agent incentives, fam trips and training.

January 20 2012

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Blaggers & Bloggers Who's doing what on social networking sites ●

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PRINCESS CRUISES has launched a new blog called ‘Inspired to Cruise: A year of reasons to get away from the everyday’. Throughout this year the blog will gradually reveal 52 passenger stories about what compelled them to take a cruise holiday – from long-time cruisers to those who set sail for the first time. Also featured on the blog each week is a short video called an ‘Escape Inspiration.’ These 30-second on board moments will be introduced by a Princess crew member who will explain why the scene has meaning for them. See www.inspiredtocruise.com OMAN AIR has boosted its accessibility to customers by launching its Facebook page in Arabic, French, Italian and German.

Virgin Atlantic boost for British Columbia TOURISM BRITISH Columbia (Tourism BC) has announced that Virgin Atlantic will operate a summer service to Vancouver.

The flight will depart from Heathrow four times weekly (on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 24 to October 27, increasing capacity from the UK to Vancouver by 10%.

The new flight is expected to boost arrivals to BC, with more than 174,000 Brits predicted to explore the province between May and October this year. Currently, 70% of UK visitors to BC travel during these months, and with the additional Virgin service, there will be 32 flights to Vancouver each week.

For more information visit www.britishcolumbia.travel

CTO unveils new ad campaign THE CYPRUS Tourism Organisation has launched a new promotional campaign which follows its new branding initiative launched last year.

The design reflects Cyprus’ diversity, from ancient cities to rural havens, beaches to mountains, and highlights the short distances between different opportunities on the island.

For a preview of TV ads and image downloads visit http://bit.ly/CTO2012ads The CTO’s latest tourism figures also reveal that visitor numbers to Cyprus increased overall by 10.2% during the first 11 months of 2011. More than 2.3m people visited Cyprus between January and November, of which just under 1m were UK visitors. October and November saw 5% and 15% increases respectively from the UK market.

All About Me Mark Donaldson Job Title: Assistant manager Company: Bowens t/a First Choice Location: Great Barr, Birmingham No. of years in current job: 3

I LOVE MY JOB...

MY FAVOURITE DESTINATION IS…

I enjoy making people excited about the holiday that they have booked. I also enjoy the perks - who doesn't?

The Canaries, but I particular enjoy Gran Canaria - the weather is a bonus, I love the excursions you can do, the beach, the bars/clubs/ Yumbo Centre. People are really polite and it's not too expensive.

STRANGE BUT TRUE...

I had a couple who wanted to celebrate their anniversary by going back to Mallorca and finding the toilet where they got engaged! But they couldn't remember where the toilet was!

THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOLIDAY I’VE SOLD...

CLOSING THE DEAL...

We book a lot of groups so it's about £20,000. I want to beat that and book something more expensive this year!

I usually give the common phrases - "If you book today i will do it at £XX, so I have given you a great saving" and "If you book today I will give you free airport lounge, car parking...” etc.

WHAT’S HOT & WHAT’S NOT...

The best selling destinations at the moment are Turkey, Tenerife and Lanzarote and the worst is Tunisia.

OVERHEARD IN MY AGENCY...

Can I have a Greece and Cyprus brochure please as India would be in there wouldn't it?

THE BEST FAM I’VE BEEN ON ...

If you’d like to take part in ‘All About Me’, send an email to jill.sayles@travelbullin.co.uk or call 020 7834 6661

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January 20 2012

THE PLACE I’D LIKE TO VISIT…

Goa. I keep saying I'll go but I end up changing my mind at the last minute and going somewhere else.

IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING...

To be able to get the same prices as customers are getting on the internet. That way we don't have to discount as much to close the sale therefore bringing our discount spend down.

MY FAVOURITE OPERATOR IS...

I enjoy selling Thomson/First Choice as I have only ever been on one fam and that everything is so easy to sell. I always enjoy was recently to Morocco with the Moroccan selling Jet2 as the system is really easy to use, Tourist Board. I won this when I went to a and also the holidays are so cheap, especially roadshow and it was brilliant. as you get more luggage as standard.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 048

Aah nav

A➠

B➠ This city is famous for its rum and cigars

C➠

Reel Pox

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:

This operator attracts adventurous holidaymakers…

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, January 26th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 16th December is Debbie Collinson, Travelwise in Ilkley. Wins the kindle courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines December 16 Solution: A=8 B=5 C=7 D=9

I am on the highest peak of the Alps.

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

Number: 048

Across 1. Part of the Thomas Cook Group (5) 4. TV series exploring the shores of Britain (5) 7. Hanoi is the capital (7) 8. European airline (3) 9. City home of the world's largest aquarium (7) 12. El Al hub city (3,4) 15. Jewel in the Crown Holidays specialise in this destination (3) 16. Hollywood actor, Kevin (7) 17. Popular city break destination (5) 18. Mr Richie who plays Alfie in EastEnders (5)

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Down 1. She is the Iron Lady at a cinema near you (5,6) 2. Hotel chain (7) 3. Ferry operator (5) 4. Waterway, in Amsterdam perhaps (5) 5. Amman airport code (3) 6. State capital of Florida (11) 10. Major travel group (3) 11. Goodluck Jonathan is president of this country (7) 13. Passport endorsements (5) 14. First name of tennis player, sounds out of this world (5) 16. Canberra airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 28 January 20 2012

11

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newsbulletin

Ask Renato...

Agony uncle Renato Fantoni solves your dilemmas. This week it’s a new dawn for 2012 with the question of promotion...

Considering several people have left our tour operator contracting department, I have decided that my New Year's resolution is to establish a stronger, more vocal presence and maybe get promoted. How can I do this?

Millie – Leicester

Dear Millie, Well done for seeing the opportunity and for deciding in advance that you want to go for it. If you are as determined as you appear – you are already on the way.

You'll need to find your voice as continuing to be quiet will only keep negative things as they are – always getting last choice of holiday dates and complaining about work when you're at home.

Along with the new frequency of speaking you'll need to establish a more confident tone of voice. Begin by practising a lower tone - deep sounds more serious. Do it alone first and then use your new voice to ask questions of your colleagues - this shows you are interested in them.

It's better to be slightly intrusive than aloof and distant.

By keeping to the point you will also demonstrate your confidence. Dithering and deviating can sometimes be an excuse to bring in long words, but they won't help you establish gravitas and a more managerial image.

Believe your dream is reality and believe in your own self-publicity. Take your message seriously and people will take you seriously. Maintain rapport with your colleagues.

When you ask somebody to undertake an unpopular task let them know that their input is valuable and that they are indispensable for the team; "I've had to check other people's work too -it seems unfair but I really need somebody reliable to support me - thanks."

Delegate with a leader's style. The way you get tasks done becomes very important. Not only do they have to be executed correctly and quickly but you can use a whole arsenal of tricks to get them done such as offering rewards and giving praise and support. All these add up to you establishing a bigger place for yourself.

You used to be an observer and you are now moving towards centre stage. This means you need to think over arguments before spouting them e.g. when contracting European services you may need an informed view on currency fluctuation. The euro has recently fallen, making it cheaper to buy European product – what currency purchase strategy would you suggest? Form a view, express it and be prepared to counter opposing opinions.

You should also maintain an ability to listen to others' views. Expressing what you want takes resolve and candour; getting it takes discretion and cooperation.

If you have a question for Renato, email him at renato@hpshotels.net 12

January 20 2012

Hot air balloon flights launched at Uluru VISITORS TO Australia’s Red Centre will be able to experience panoramic views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at dawn from a hot air balloon.

The first service with Outback Ballooning will take to the skies in March and flights are approximately 30-minutes long and float over the Patji region just outside Uluru -Kata Tjuta National Park.

As part of the trip, guests will receive a light bush breakfast and can help repack the ballooning after it lands. Prices lead in at $450 (approximately £294) per person for a 30minute flight and the fourhour experience also includes transfers to and from guests' accommodation.

For details or to book see www.outbackballooning.co m.au Audley Travel is offering trip extensions with a tenday Red Centre adventure from £3,620. The price includes flights, four-star accommodation, all meals, minibus transport and a naturalist guide as part of a small group.

For more information call 01993-838800 or see www.audleytravel.com

US & Mexico campaign from Funway FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is working with Virgin Atlantic to highlight its latest deals to the US and Mexico, as part of its ‘Spring 2012’ campaign.

Package highlights include a seven-night Orlando trip from £499 per person, including accommodation at the Quality Inn International and flights (children aged 17 and under stay free) and a fournight Las Vegas trip from £699 per person, including flights and accommodation at the three-star Circus Circus Hotel and Casino (with two free buffets per day), valid for bookings until March 31.

The new four-page tactical brochure targets key areas including Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas with a variety of deals and savings. These include free airport lounge passes for Orlando bookings at Gatwick and Manchester; £100 off any package for travel for bookings made by January 31 and including a minimum four-night stay with flights; a price match promise for all holidays; and half price deposits of £75 for bookings made by January 31.

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

SATOA chair runs Marathon for Save the Rhino THIS YEAR SATOA – promoting tourism to Africa & the Indian Ocean Islands – has chosen its charity as Save The Rhino, which raises awareness of the plight of the battle to curb the poaching happening in Africa and Asia.

Last year saw 443 rhino slaughtered for their horn in South Africa alone and overall more than 500 known cases have been logged throughout Africa and Asia, with the subspecies of the Javan Rhino in Vietnam being totally wiped out and the West Africa Black Rhino also extinct.

SATOA’s chair, Tolene van der Merwe, is now training to run the London Marathon, and money raised during her bid to finish the race will go towards equipment, such as microchips, track sticks, basic field ranger equipment, crime scene equipment and vehicles. To support Tolene’s challenge to raise £2,000 donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/tolenevdm

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turkey

Pure Turkey launches new brochure PURE TURKEY has launched its summer 2012 brochure which features a variety of hotels, destinations and bespoke experiences.

Holidays on offer vary from tailormade beach holidays to the more specialist tours of Turkey, city breaks and gulet cruises. Accommodation varies from boutique Ottoman Residences to the more luxury properties.

The operator offers flights to Turkey from 17 airports across the UK with frequent services running between April and October. Four-star holidays lead in at £349 all-inclusive and the summer sale is now on.

Agents receive 10% commission on all holidays except five-star holidays where 5% commission is offered.

For more information visit www.pureturkey.com or call 0844-414 1691.

New Didim tours from Attraction World ATTRACTION WORLD has added eight new tours for visitors to the Didim area.

The tours, which are fully commissionable to agents, include the Adaland Aqua Park for £42 per person; a boat trip for £20; Dalyan Caunos tour for £57; Didim Milet Priene itinerary for £42; an Ephesus and Artemis option for £50; an Ephesus and Pamukkale tour for £97; Ephesus Sirince tour for £57; and a Pamukkale tour for £57.

For more information or to book see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

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TURKISH SCHEDULED carrier, Atlasjet, is launching six weekly flights from Stansted to Istanbul and a weekly Antalya service from April. Both flights will then continue onto Ercan in North Cyprus. The airline offers a range of domestic connections within Turkey, with onward flights from Istanbul to Izmir, Dalaman and Bodrum. Standard fares include 20kg baggage, 8kg hand baggage, inflights meals and drinks, online check-in and seat selection. The airline also pays commission to agents.

For details email the UK sales manager, Sacit Bag, at sacit.bag@atlasjet.com

New short stay options from Kirker Holidays KIRKER HOLIDAYS has introduced a range of new accommodation options in Turkey for this year. Newly featured is the four-star Ece Saray Hotel in Fethiye, where a three-night stay leads in at £648 per person and the traditional Ottoman Tuvana Inn in Antalya, where a threenight stay costs from £669.

Meanwhile, clients heading west to the Aegean Coast can stay three nights at Nisanyan, a boutique country inn close to Ephesus, for £698.

Also new for this year is Cappadocia, where clients have a choice of two properties – the luxury four-star deluxe Cappadocia Cave Resort and the four-star superior Anatolian Houses, offering 40 suites set amongst the iconic ‘fairy chimneys’.

For more information call 020-7593 2288 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

THE ADVENTURE Company has added a new eight-day Turkey Experience which leads in at £769 for adults and £749 for children (minimum age three years). Designed for younger children, families will be able to combine the cultural experience of Ephesus and the traditional marketplace in Tire with time on the beach in Pamacak and the waterpark in Kusadasi. There are also two free days for families to explore on their own. The price includes seven nights' breakfast accommodation, flights, transport and a local leader.

For details call 0845-287 1198 or see www.adventurecompany.co.uk

January 20 2012

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turkey Oludeniz & Belek are top performing resorts for Olympic Holidays ACCORDING TO Olympic Holidays, Dalaman is currently proving the most popular Turkey gateway for UK holidaymakers, serving a spread of resorts from Marmaris and Icmeler in the west to Fethiye and Oludeniz in the east.

The operator's commercial director, Photis Lambrianides, said: "While our Turkey business is generally well spread among the gateways of Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya, Dalaman is the most popular.

"It serves the Turquoise Coast, from cosmopolitan Marmaris, where the rich and famous bring their yachts, to Fethiye, which is still relatively untouched by tourism.

"Oludeniz, meanwhile, has arguably the most famous beach in Turkey, where the sand and shingle has built up into a mini-peninsula separating the sea from the

The amphitheatre in Aspendos

beach lagoon. The sea here is every shade of turquoise and aquamarine, making a wonderful contrast with the white sand. It's often rated among the world's best beaches and with good reason.

"Oludeniz has an excellent range of accommodation, from simple two-star hotels and a good three-star choice

to hotels like the Alize, a quality property set in beautiful grounds."

The company says that Oludeniz and Belek, which is served by flights to Antalya, continue to be two of the most popular resorts in its Summer Sun offering.

Lambrianides said: "Belek is a superb holiday base as it's within easy reach of ancient sites like Perge and Aspendos, with its amazing 2,000-year-old amphitheatre.

"It has a broad selection of four- and five-star hotels and is fast developing its golf product, with outstanding top-end properties like the

Letoonia Golf Resort Hotel."

Lead in prices start from £295 for seven nights' selfcatering at the Dost Apartments in Gumbet, near Bodrum, based on four sharing a one-bedroom apartment.

Meanwhile, a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the threestar Dorian Hotel in Oludeniz, costs £429 per person, based on two sharing a twin room.

The price is for departures in June and includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

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

New detox programme at Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay THE SIX Senses Spa at Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay in Bodrum has designed a new cleansing programme, Sense of Detox, to stimulate the body’s natural healing pathways in order to improve overall wellbeing.

Three-, five-, and seven-day programmes are available and treatments use only natural products, including a new organic skincare range - Anika.

The programmes combine a variety of detoxifying treatments with optional wellness activities and healthy cuisine.

The standard inclusions across all detox programmes include breakfast accommodation; a free upgrade to the next room category, subject to availability; daily healthy lunch & dinner with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages; daily holistic activity such as yoga, pilates and stretching; daily fitness exercise with professional instructor; one Green Smoothies workshop with the executive chef; unlimited use of spa facilities including the sauna, steam bath and indoor pool; herbal teas at the spa; and transfers.

A three-day programme leads in at £913.50 per person, based on two sharing a Standard room, and is applicable until March 31.

For more information visit www.kempinski.com/bodrum

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January 20 2012

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turkey TAM Airlines & Turkish Airlines sign codeshare agreement TAM AIRLINES and Turkish Airlines, both members of the Star Alliance, have entered into a codeshare agreement that once in operation will increase the destinations on offer for their respective clients who travel from or to South America and Europe. With the bilateral agreement, each of the airlines can sell seats on certain designated flights operated by the partnership.

Initially TAM customers can purchase tickets for Istanbul directly from the airline, while Turkish Airline clients will be able to book flights operated by TAM to Brazilian destinations such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Porto Alegre and Foz do Iguaçu; and also to Buenos Aires in Argentina.

The destinations will be available for booking and purchase on the companies’ respective Websites following the final approval of the aviation authorities in Brazil and Turkey.

Multi-centre demand for Mosaic Holidays MOSAIC HOLIDAYS reports strong summer bookings for 2012 to Turkey and North Cyprus, with twin-centre combinations showing steady growth. The operator offers a dedicated lifestyle holiday brochure to Turkey plus a standalone North Cyprus brochure.

According to the operator short breaks of three nights are up on last year and the company suggests itineraries that take in both Turkey and North Cyprus, featuring as twin and multicentre holidays.

As an example of prices, a two-night stay in Istanbul coupled with a five-night stay in Kyrenia leads in at ÂŁ599 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes breakfast accommodation, flights and transfers and is valid for departures until May 23.

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

Wings Abroad issues new deals and benefits to boost bookings WINGS ABROAD has issued new benefits and deals to encourage bookings. They include a choice of three-, four-, and five-star properties with an emphasis on all-inclusive; a low deposit of ÂŁ75 for all bookings; free child places at selected hotels; transfers and 20kg baggage included in a package holiday cost; early booking discounts; no single supplements at selected hotels;

weddings & honeymoon specials; group savings; and school holiday deals.

The operator has also announced a new Luton-Antalya flight as it aims to increase its programme in the region.

The company's marketing manager, Chris Mansell, said: "We are putting in place a robust trade campaign to expand our retail business partners this year, supported by a revamped Website. An

area that needs particular attention when generating new supportive agents is assuring them that we are a completely financially secure organisation. In addition to our ATOL we are owned by a large tourist organisation based in Turkey with a multinational tourism infrastructure."

For details see www.wingsabroad.co.uk or call 0844-576 8086.

TURKEY Pr Prestige estige Holida Holidays ays offers offfer e s a hand hand picked picked selection of luxury luxur y boutique boutique hotels hotels to to larger larger Antalya, F Fethiye, ethiye, Gocek Gocek,, Dalaman and Bodrum.

Bodrum. All include rresort esort properties properties near Antalya, private transfers thee usual eexceptional Prestige service xceptional Pr estige ser vice and vvalue. alue. priv ate tr ansffer e s and th Ask us about our offers, offfer e s, including early booking offers offfer e s for for o summer 2012, 2012, cchildren hildren stay stay free offers. fr ee and reduced reduced rate rate of fer e s.

Marks Spencerss vvouchers each Don’t fforget o orget yyou ou will rreceive eceive Mar ks & Spencer ouc o hers ffor or o eac h booking made.

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Prestige Holida Holidays ays on 01425 01425 480400 480400 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk www.pr g y

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turkey Exclusive Escapes launches new Website showcasing short films

ENCOUNTERS TRAVEL is highlighting its ten-day Flying Carpet tour, which takes in the historic sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus starting in Istanbul, before following the ancient silk road to the region of Cappadocia and Turkey’s capital, Ankara.

Available for regular departures in February and March, prices lead in at £555 per person including transfers, breakfast accommodation in four- and five-star hotels, some meals and the services of a local tour leader. Flights are excluded.

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

SALE now on!

Early Booking Discounts Save £100 per couple Free upgrades

Unspoilt Turkey & North Cyprus with your award winning specialist tour operator Specialising in boutique, family-run and luxury hotels in authentic resorts plus tailor-made itineraries and guided tours for your clients to really explore our destinations.

Remember we pay £5 Love2Shop vouchers for every package holiday you book, plus fantastic prizes for the top selling agents.

Visit www.anatolianskyexpert.co.uk to take our online training course!

For expert advice, reservations and agency support call:

08445 71 91 12 or visit

www.anatoliansky.co.uk.

To order brochures visit www.trade-gate.co.uk

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January 20 2012

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EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES has unveiled a new Website that features 60 short films and around 10,000 new colour images, to tempt guests to book through its Hidden Turkey 2012 programme.

The Turkey specialist is thought to be the first independent operator to enable guests to search and book any regional flights online in real-time. Guests can choose flights into Dalaman from 95% of regional airports and agents can book these online at the same time as their clients' accommodation.

To further increase flexibility, breaks can be booked for any duration, can start and finish on any day of the week, and all properties can be reserved with or without flights.

The Website also features a new, click-through stills image gallery for each property with panoramic views, captioned shots and a mosaic of smaller, pop-up pictures. Every property is google-mapped so users know the location and can calculate local distances at-a-glance.

A ‘save page’ function (which appears as a heart on the site) that allows users to select a favourite property or region and place it in the main menu, which can then be returned to later with one click is also featured. Another tool is the ‘be inspired’ search facility which highlights key property features such as those with a private waterfront, a romantic retreat, adult-only etc. Having made a selection, properties with real-time availability are then presented immediately.

As an example of prices, a seven-night half-board stay at Yediburunlar Lighthouse, a boutique hotel, costs from £750 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes flights, transfers, escorted trekking and a day's gulet cruise.

For more information call 020-8605 3500 or visit www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk

Early booking deals for couples and families from Mark Warner MARK WARNER is offering a range of early booking offers applicable to stays at its all-inclusive beach resort, Sea Garden Beach Resort.

Clients booking a summer holiday by February 29 will receive 10% off the cost of the holiday plus an extra 5% discount if they pay in full at the time of booking, offering savings of up to £341 per person.

A family of four making a booking by February 29 can save up to £2,034 when staying at the property. Summer savings include free child places, 10% discount off the basic holiday cost and discounts when clients pay in full on booking.

The property offers

guests the flexibility to dine and drink where and when they want at a number of speciality restaurants and bars. The hotel overlooks a crescent shaped beach and a terraced garden and childcare and qualified watersports staff are based on resort.

Packages include BA flights from Heathrow, transfers, accommodation, all-inclusive dining, sailing and wind-surfing tuition, kayaking, a fitness and activity programme, half-day child care for children aged two-five and full day children's clubs for six-17 year olds.

For more information or to book call 0844-273 6200 or see www.markwarner.co.uk

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dynamicpackaging & Understanding the risks g in g a k c a p ic m a n y d f o rewards a in y la p n a c it le ro e th and modern travel industry tset

, sales director, Je

by ADRIAN SMYTH

I

’m not sure about your household but in mine there are many certainties of life. One is that as soon as the man with the fluffy beard, wearing the red suit has been, all attention turns immediately to the family summer holiday.

Such thoughts are no doubt stimulated by winter weather, meeting up with friends and family over the festive period and of course the largest players unleashing significant advertising on to us all. I must congratulate the aforementioned for some terrific TV advertisements this January which help everyone in the trade.

The DP appeal Personally I love flicking through a holiday brochure, viewing glossy images of pools and blue skies and comparing one destination to another while my wife loves surfing endless destination possibilities. What we both love even more however is the feeling of flexibility and the potential to save money, and so the idea of a dynamic package holiday has great appeal. I don’t believe such feelings are unique to the Smyth’s either and clearly the rise in dynamic holiday arrangements prospers on the Great British public sharing such views.

Flexibility to go for eight or nine days to Mallorca or to go to Madrid for 14 nights and still be on a protected package holiday shouldn’t be a problem for a client to do. Likewise, the

facility for clients to pick and choose what elements of the traditional package they want only adds value to the whole experience and here DP naturally wins over traditional packages. But not everything about DP holidays is perfect and the uncertainty over ATOL client protection is still to be overcome through legislation. Flight Plus is a start but is far from the panacea.

Getting protected Thankfully the issue of protection when booking holiday arrangements has in recent years gained traction with the trade and indeed the general public. The consumer has a degree more knowledge on what constitutes a package but remain far from experts and here lies a real opportunity for the trade (especially High Street agents) to fill a much needed role and grab sales in the process.

In times of austerity people want even more value for money and a good old-fashioned bargain, but they also want protection and reassurance. So any holiday benchmark should naturally provide protection for every eventuality such as failure of the tour operator, failure of the airline or any other supplier involved and travel disruption caused by mother earth and its â—? Continues on next page

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9 Extra February Half Term ights available from Gatwick and Manchester 9 Year-round programme available from both Gatwick and Manchester 9 Wide choice of departure days with up to nine departures a week 9 All ights are fully inclusive of taxes and are ATOL protected

ABTA No.V1021

* The price quoted is based on a return ight departing Gatwick 29 April (11 night duration)

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January 20 2012

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dynamicpackaging ● continued from previous page

people (remember last year we had the hat-trick of snow, volcanic eruptions and civil unrest!).

Protection against all of this can and should be achieved even when booking dynamic packages and this is where the trade must really start banging the drum. It perhaps just requires the agent knowing where to look and a check on the small print of the operator! Risks to agents are well known and don’t end with ATOL and travel disruption, there is still uncertainty that surrounds VAT when acting as the principal and only recently has it come to light that HRMC have been granted permission to appeal the Medhotels case.

Jetset has recently taken great strides in the flexible holiday

arena. These are hardly brand new steps for our business as we have been a tailormade operator for some 44 years, but back in August we launched Package Pal (an online booking tool) which was a major breakthrough for us.

After months in development, Package Pal provides the ability for agents to create fully flexible, fully secure packages in city, beach and ski locations around the world. With a huge amount of choice and content, the tool provides an agent with flexibility and total security but without the agent liability.

If asked to provide a New Year message it would be, we must all continue to embrace change and consumer choice and understand dynamic packaging and the role it can play in a modern travel industry – the risks and rewards. ✦

Gatwick travellers park closer with Holiday Extras’ Short Stay car park addition HOLIDAY EXTRAS has added Gatwick Short Stay to its range of car parks, so holiday travellers can now pre-book discounted short-term parking at both of its terminals.

The Short Stay car parks are the only ones within walking distance of the terminals, which makes them an ideal choice for those looking to save time and hassle on the day of their flight.

Eight days' short stay parking starts from £76.

Meanwhile, the company is continuing to add to its list of available upgrades, added at the time of booking.

Upgrades are available at most UK airports and include; extra days’ parking at the hotel; dinner and breakfast; airport security fast lane; car valet; Heathrow Hoppa hotel transfers; Right Size Cabin Bag; and holiday insurance – with additional Natural Catastrophe cover.

As an example of deals, customers departing from Edinburgh Airport and

booking a room at the Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport have the chance to upgrade their booking to

include dinner and breakfast for £10 per room.

For more information visit www.holidayextras.co.uk

National Car Rental Italian franchise, Maggiore, secures partnership with Alitalia ALITALIA AND Maggiore, the Italian franchise partner for National Car Rental, have signed a five-year commercial agreement which sees Maggiore become the Italian airline’s exclusive car hire partner. As a result, customers will benefit from a range of special offers and promotions both in

Italy and worldwide through the National Car Rental international network.

Andrea Stolfa, executive vice president marketing, revenue management and network of Alitalia, said: “Our companies have been working together for some time now with mutual satisfaction, so Alitalia’s partnership with Maggiore is

the culmination of the alliance between the two companies. Our combined forces have been structured to provide Alitalia passengers with good value, integrated fly & drive services to facilitate their journey."

For more information visit www.alitalia.com AGENTS CAN now book day trips on the British Pullman or Northern Belle through to March 2013 with Superbreak. A range of trips and tours are available, many taking in key dates and events such as Valentine’s Day, the Goodwood Revival, Mother’s Day, Harrogate Spring Flower Show, Chester Race and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The day trips are commissionable to agents and examples include Valentine’s Lunch on the Northern Belle from £195, Mother’s Day lunch on the British Pullman from £195 and a day trip to London sightseeing and a Thames cruise from £295.

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

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January 20 2012

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S05 TB2001 Dynamic Packaging_Layout 1 18/01/2012 11:02 Page 20

dynamicpackaging Europcar launches Speedy Rental service for easyJet customers EUROPCAR HAS launched a new service called “Speedy Rental” dedicated to easyJet customers, who can now benefit from faster service at all easyJet destinations.

The free express service is designed to speed up the rental process at the counter and easyJet customers can use the new service by creating or entering a Europcar ID at the booking stage.

Customers also have access to a dedicated express desk at 30 easyJet destinations, allowing them to save time as they don’t have to queue.

The company's ecommerce director, Jehan de Thé, said: “Our aim is to

Avro launches Florida flights from Cardiff and Newcastle AVRO FLIGHTS has expanded its Florida programme with the addition of summer season flights to Orlando from both Cardiff and Newcastle airports from May to August.

The flights are on sale for 14-night durations and both programmes will be operated on Monarch A330 aircraft.

Prices for a 14-night duration from Cardiff lead in at £479 per person in Economy or from £679 in Premium Class. The flights will depart Cardiff on Mondays and return in the early hours of Tuesday mornings.

Prices for a 14-night duration from Newcastle cost from £475 in Economy or £679 in Premium Class, departing Newcastle on Tuesdays and returning early on Wednesday mornings.

For details call 020-8313 8000.

20

reduce the time it takes to manage the pick-up process at busy easyJet flight destinations so that

all customers can save time and continue their journey relaxed and rapidly.

We are delighted to make

this new service available to easyJet passengers through our long term and exclusive partnership.”

Attraction World adds city sightseeing bus tours in 11 countries ATTRACTION WORLD has introduced city sightseeing bus tours in an additional 28 cities in 11 countries for agents to offer customers a way of orientating themselves and seeing the best bits of their chosen destination.

Prices range from £12 to £35 for an adult ticket and £5 to £18 for a child ticket. The

latest fully commissionable tours to be added are in cities across Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Iceland, Poland, Hawaii, Texas, the UK, Australia and South Africa.

For more information visit www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

Launch of new luggage forwarding company FLYMY, A specialist international luggage forwarding business, has been launched. The internet-based provider offers a door-to-door courier service dedicated to holidaymakers, travelling golfers, skiers, snowboarders and people with excess luggage requirements.

The company says that by utilising its service, customers can avoid high airline excess baggage charges levied by most airlines.

As an example of prices, the company charges £39.98 to send a suitcase to all European destinations (except France at £30.39 and Ireland at £27.19). The

price allows a weight allowance of up to 30kg for suitcases and 18kg for golf clubs/snowboards and also covers larger sized suitcases.

The company is offering negotiable commission rates to agents based on confirmed sales.

For more information visit www.flymy.co.uk or email helpdesk@flymy.co.uk

Avis launches enhanced delivery and collection service AVIS UK has launched an enhanced delivery and collection service called Avis Delivers.

Designed to make car hire more convenient, the service allows customers to have their hire car delivered direct to the door and collected at the end of the hire period for £10 each way. Booking before midday also guarantees the vehicle can be delivered the same day and all paperwork is completed over the phone prior to the car arriving to ensure the customer’s car hire experience is quick and convenient.

The company's commercial director,

January 20 2012

Anthony Ainsworth, said: “Avis Delivers builds on the successful ‘Home Delivery’ service we announced last year, offering our customers new features to enhance their car hire experience.

“We’re always looking for ways to make car rental as convenient for our customers as possible and with same day delivery and the option to have your hire car delivered to a location that suits you, we’re another step closer to doing just that.”

Visit www.avis.co.uk/homedelivery or call 0844-581 8181 for more information.

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scandinavia

TABER HOLIDAYS has introduced a special one-off itinerary that follows in the footsteps of TV presenter Joanna Lumley. The four-night Lofoten Islands & Northern Lights break departs on February 23 and focuses on culture, history, nature and the aurora borealis. Prices lead in at £1,432 per person or £526 for children under 12 sharing their parents’ room and include flights, transfers and full board accommodation. A range of excursions such as a Viking feast in a lavvo and a photo safari to track the Northern Lights are also included.

For details call 01274-875199 or visit www.taberhols.co.uk

Sunvil Discovery expands accommodation and activities options for 2012 SUNVIL DISCOVERY has added a range of new properties to its Scandinavia programme for 2012. More than 15 new hotels are now featured including the Bryggan Fjallbacka.

Fjällbacka is the childhood home and setting of the crime novels written by the top-selling Swedish writer Camilla Läckberg, whose novels are currently being turned into a TV series.

The lead in price is from £929 per person, based on two sharing for seven nights’ breakfast accommodation including flights and car hire.

The operator has also added new regions and activities for this year. New regions include Vastmanland – classed as Stockholm and the surrounding countryside, and Lulea in Northern Sweden, while new activities include a twonight guided walking holiday in the Stockholm

archipelago; a self-guided canoe tour from Farna or Skinnskatteberg; an archipelago evening dinner cruise from Gothenburg; and a crab-fishing excursion from West Sweden.

As examples of prices, a three-night stay at the Hotel Elite Savoy in Malmo in Sweden on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including flights, costs from £396.

In Norway prices lead in at £522 for a three-night stay at the Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus in Oslo on a bedand-breakfast basis, including flights with SAS Scandinavian Airlines. The hotel also offers complimentary tea and coffee, afternoon waffles (selfservice) and a light evening meal.

For more information call 020-8758 4722 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

Regent Holidays adds Scandinavia to city break programme REGENT HOLIDAYS has introduced Scandinavia for the first time to its city break programme for this year.

Destinations on offer include Stockholm, Malmo, Gothenburg and Helsinki.

Three-night breaks including breakfast accommodation in three-star hotels and flights with British Airways from Heathrow cost from £385 per person in Gothenburg; £320 in Malmo, £345 in Stockholm and £360 in Helsinki.

For more information visit www.regent-holidays.co.uk or call 0117-921 1711.

Helsinki

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January 20 2012

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scandinavia New three-night Finland trip from Activities Abroad ACTIVITIES ABROAD, which offers a range of family and adult-only winter activity holidays across Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian Lapland, has added a new threenight long weekend trip to Finland.

The Husky and Aurora Weekend offers an actionpacked weekend of husky sledding, snowmobiling and Northern Lights-

viewing. and costs from £1,245 per person including flights, transfers, three nights’ full-board accommodation (two nights in a hotel and one night in a wilderness cabin), a range of activities, cold-weather clothing and guides/instructors.

For more information call 01670-789991 or see www.activitiesabroad.com

Shearings promotes Grand Scandinavia Explorer tour SHEARINGS IS highlighting its 16-day Grand Scandinavia Explorer, which leads in at £1,799.

Highlights of the tour include trips to the Midnight Sun and the Arctic Circle, as well as the region’s cities and scenery.

Included in the price are 15 nights’ half-board accommodation and a comprehensive touring itinerary.

Departures are available in June and travel is on a luxury Grand Tourer coach, which has extra legroom and panoramic views.

The operator's Europe & Worldwide holidays manager, Patricia Birmingham, said: “Scandinavia is a popular destination for our customers and our Grand Scandinavia Explorer is a key itinerary as it enables guests to take in the main sights that Norway, Sweden and Denmark have to offer.”

For more information call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearingsagent.com

Hurtigruten adds kayaking excursion for agents to tempt customers HURTIGRUTEN HAS added a new kayaking excursion to its programme which runs from the beginning of May until the end of August.

Described as ideal for agents whose customers are looking for something extra to add to their on board experience, the new ‘Kayaking in Tromso’ excursion offers the chance to

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January 20 2012

paddle in the waters off the coast of Tromso. The three-and-a-half hour excursion is led by an experienced guide and leads in at £129 per person.

This year the company is focusing on the different experiences each season offers in Norway, and the kayaking trip is one of many available as part of the new spring and summer programmes.

A seven-day Classic Voyage North from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes by the Russian border costs from £1,384 per person in May on a fullboard basis. The price is based on two sharing and flights are extra, costing from £500.

For details call 020-8846 2666 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

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scandinavia Copenhagen hosts WonderCOOL festival throughout next month

WonderCOOL Copenhagen

THROUGHOUT NEXT month Copenhagen will be hosting its WonderCOOL festival, which celebrates a mix of gastronomy, design, music and fashion with more than 100 events taking place.

The festival is formed by Copenhagen Jazz Festival,

Copenhagen Fashion Festival, Danish Design Centre, Frost Festival, Copenhagen Cooking winter edition, Danish Architecture Centre and Copenhagen Art Festival.

For more information visit www.wondercoolcopenhagen.com

THE BUILDING of Gothenburg’s new Clarion Hotel Post in West Sweden is currently underway, with its doors officially set to open on January 26.

The listed former Post Office from the 1920s is being restored and extended into a 500-bedroom hotel and will retain its original grand hall and high ceilings. It will also feature a rooftop pool and the ‘Norda Grill & Bar’ restaurant.

A standard double room will cost 610 SEK (£58) per person, based on two sharing.

Holidays to West Sweden are available through numerous tour operators, including Sunvil Discovery, Simply Sweden, Best Served Scandinavia, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, Nature Travels, Discover the World and Taber Holidays.

For more information visit www.clarionpost.com and www.gothenburg.com

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January 20 2012

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caribbean

GOLFERS HEADING to Half Moon, a RockResort in Montego Bay, will be playing at Jamaica’s leading golf resort. The par-72 championship course offers challenging play for golfers of all levels, while the resort's Golf Academy offers a range of instructional programmes.

For details see www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com

Riu Hotels & Resorts develops Punta Cana property TO CELEBRATE its 20th anniversary in the Dominican Republic, the Spanish Riu Hotels & Resorts chain will open its fifth facility in the Punta Cana region, and its third Riu Palace brand hotel.

The opening of the allinclusive Riu Palace Bavaro is scheduled for December and the 610-room property will house 12 villas, four swimming pools and a 1,200sq.m convention centre.

All-inclusive savings from Tropical Sky TROPICAL SKY is offering seven nights’ accommodation at the four-star Almond Casuarina Beach Resort in Barbados from £1,299 per person, offering a saving of £720 per person.

The price includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and allinclusive accommodation in a standard room based on two sharing. The price is applicable for bookings made by January 31 for selected departures in March.

For more information see www.tropicalsky.co.uk or call 0844-332 9349.

Puerto Rico unveils new tourism region, Porta Atlantico, on the north coast PUERTO RICO Tourism Company (PRTC) has outlined plans to launch a new tourism region, named Porta Atlantico, on Puerto Rico’s north coast.

The region will capitalise on its major tourism attractions, the Rio Camuy Cave Park - the third-largest cave system in the world and the

24

January 20 2012

Arecibo Observatory, home to the planet's largest and most sensitive radio telescope and a filming location for Bond movie Goldeneye.

It will also be home to the island’s first six-star hotel, the Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve, which opens in December.

Executive director of PRTC, Mario

Gonzalez Lafuente, said: "The process of launching a tourism region like Porta Atlantico was a coordinated effort between the municipalities. It guarantees job creation and long-term economic development for the region."

British Airways flies to Puerto Rico twice-weekly from Gatwick, with return fares starting from £477.

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caribbean Dominica promotes festivals and celebrations to entice new visitors THE CARIBBEAN island of Dominica is highlighting a range of festivals and celebrations taking place this year from next month's 'The Real Mas' carnival to a Hike Fest in May. As examples, the Real Mas, which takes place from February 20-21, is a pre-Lenten festival, where visitors are invited to join in activities taking place across the Nature Island including parades, Calypso, Junior Monarch, Teen and Queen Pageant, carnivals and much more.

Meanwhile, Tourism Awareness

25% Jamaica saving from Funway Holidays FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is offering a nine-night stay at Sandals Carlyle, Jamaica from £1,095 per person.

Accommodation is in a Seaside Deluxe Room and the price, which offers a 25% discount, includes flights with British Airways and one free night based on travel between August 20 and November 10.

Sandals' product executive, Robert Thornton, said: "Sandals Carlyle performed extremely well last year due to the fantastic prices and exceptional service levels. This looks set to continue in 2012 with Sandals Carlyle proving a very popular resort with the UK market."

For more information see www.funway4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 0626.

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Month is in May and is organised in an effort to increase awareness of the tourism and hospitality industry’s economic, cultural and social contributions to Dominica. This year it will be celebrated for the fifth consecutive year under the theme, ‘Tourism is Everybody’s Business, Let’s Play Our Part’. Activities planned throughout the month include clean up and beautification projects, a Health & Wellness Expo and Paint-a-Thon to revive some of the older buildings.

Hike Fest also takes place on May 12,

19 and 26 and celebrates some of the best hiking the island has to offer. This year the event will focus on the newly launched Waitukubuli National Trail, the first and only long distance walking trail in the Caribbean, running for 115-miles from the south to the north of the island.

Other events and celebrations include Dive Fest from July 6-15 and the World Creole Music Festival from October 26-28.

For more information call 0800-012 1467 or visit www.discoverdominica.com

Ocho Rios property from Sandals offers choice of three holiday options SANDALS RESORTS has entered its 30th year armed with a range of new enhancements set to unfold over the next decade.

The $500m programme will further add to the company's luxury offering, with renovations to seven of the 18 luxury Included Sandals and Beaches resorts, the most impressive being the completion of a $60m project at Sandals Grande Riviera

Beach & Villa Golf Resort. The hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica also launches its new look this year, offering couples a diverse resort experience with three different holiday flavours - the all new Riviera Beach Club, including seaside restaurants and lounges; the Riviera Great House, with mountaintop views, gourmet restaurants, bars and a pool; and the romantic Riviera Villas, which now includes 15 different dining experiences.

Seven-night Barbados stay from £525 from Virgin Holidays VIRGIN HOLIDAYS is offering seven nights’ accommodation at the three-star Palms Resort in Barbados from £525 per person, offering a saving of £335 per person. The price includes flights with Virgin Atlantic, transfers and accommodation in a standard room on a room-only basis, based on two sharing and is available to book by January 31 for travel between April 1-30.

For more information visit www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844-557 3859.

Properties team up in Grenada to offer free nights CABIER OCEAN Lodge and The Kalinago Beach Resort in Grenada have launched a special offer of 14 nights for the price of ten.

Located on the south east coast of Grenada, Cabier features 14 rooms including a Honeymoon Suite and Two Bays villa for guests to choose from, while Kalinago is located on Morne Rouge Bay.

Prices start from £1,083 per person including breakfast, one complimentary dinner at each property, transfers and some attractions.

For more information or to book call 020-7404 7281 or visit www.cabier-vision.com and www.kalinagobeachresort.com

January 20 2012

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caribbean Hayes & Jarvis highlights selection of family-friendly breaks across Caribbean HAYES & Jarvis says that the Caribbean remains an ideal destination for families – good value because of its many allinclusive resorts and with beaches and entertainment to keep both young children and their older siblings happy.

The operator's Caribbean product manager, Katie Parsons, picks Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas as the ideal compromise for families with pre-teen kids and teenagers.

She said: “The Atlantis resort is the ultimate experience for families, genuinely fun and an experience that can be enjoyed by any age group. There’s such a spectrum of things to do: water slides that are fun for children old enough to stand up and at the top end, a place that will not feel like a tame adventure for teenagers. There are lots of places to eat and a nightclub so even the most cynical teen won’t feel bored.”

She also recommends Jolly Beach Resort, Antigua as a great value option for credit-crunched families with allinclusive accommodation and excellent resort facilities.

She said: “Jolly Beach is a really good

choice for parents with children aged below 12. It has a mile-long powder white sand beach, ideal for this age group, and one of the most switched-on kids' clubs in the Caribbean. The Jolly Kidz Club is really imaginative in the activities that it offers, which range from sack races to games of rounders. It also offers a Kidz Soirée in its Italian restaurant where children can get to know each other by feasting, without their parents, on popular Italian dishes.

It’s great fun for them and a welcome respite for jaded parents.”

Meanwhile, Tobago is an area that the operator expects to be more in demand with families, particularly with the opening of the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort. Located on the south of the island, ten minutes from Scarborough and 15 minutes from the airport at Little Rocky Bay, the property is the first major new resort to open on Tobago in some years and the operator will offer it in its programme to the Island, newly featured in the Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America brochure.

Parsons said: “It is great to have

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago

another family-friendly resort to offer on Tobago especially as Magdalena Grand Beach Resort has a welcome family focus with a kids' club and play area and three pools. There’s an excellent choice of five restaurants as well. Traditionally Coco Reef Resort has been our best seller in Tobago, popular because of the value it offers as an all-inclusive resort.

The lagoon beach is safe for children with warm turquoise water and colourful tropical fish swimming in the shallows. All in all it is a wonderfully friendly and informal place with elegant colonial-style buildings, which makes it popular with couples and families alike.”

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caribbean

InBrief ● The Eden Roc boutique hotel at Cap Cana in the Dominican

● The Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis is offering a free

Republic is scheduled to open next month. It will feature 34 suites, each with a private swimming pool and a private massage/relaxation area and three Beachfront Bungalows.

The resort is located 20 minutes from Punta Cana Airport.

See www.edenroccapcana.com

upgrade to full board for bookings made before January 31.

See www.nisbetplantation.com

● LaSource in Grenada has launched a Sleep School in

partnership with leading UK insomniac specialist Dr. Guy Meadows, and Kuoni. The next seven-day workshop –free to guests - is in June.

See www.theamazingholidays.com ● The number of flights each week from Gatwick to Grenada

increased from four to five last month when Virgin Atlantic commenced its second weekly service. Flights with British Airways are on Sunday and Tuesday, and with Monarch Airlines on Wednesday, while Virgin Atlantic’s other flight operates on Thursday. ● Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC) has announced the

opening of the Harmony Beach, an exclusive beach hotel situated within the Puerto Plata Lifestyle complex in the Dominican Republic. The facility offers luxury amenities and personalised services for visitors and includes an ice-cream bar, beach bar and restaurant and a beach butler.

● The Viva Hotel Group has opened its new hotel, Viva

Residence Bahia Estela in Las Terrenas, located on the Dominican Republic’s Samaná Peninsula. Each beachfront unit includes two bedrooms and serves as the third residential vacation property offered by the brand.

See www.hotelsviva.com ● UK visitor numbers to Grenada for the first ten months of

last year grew by 5% compared with the same period in 2010. Total arrivals in 2010 were 28,710 while 24,730 UK visitors were welcomed in the first ten months of 2011. ● True Blue Bay Resort in Grenada is offering guests a range

of spa treatments from therapist Joanne Davison at the newly opened Le Conch Spa. Manicures, pedicures, a range of massages and facial treatments, non-surgical face lifts, body wraps and waxing are available.

See www.truebluebay.com ● Punta Cana is to welcome a new golf course, designed by

P B Dye, which is expected to be completed early this year.

See www.puntacana.com/golf-spa/hacienda-golf-course

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S06 TB2001 Caribbean_Layout 1 18/01/2012 11:05 Page 28

caribbean New “de-tech” holiday launch in St Vincent and The Grenadines We asked our staff the following question this week: What TV show should be brought back?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Gavin & Stacey

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk All the kids' classics from the '80s - The A Team, Hart2Hart, Chips, Knight Rider, Airwolf, oh, and Worzel Gummidge!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk "Can I have a 'P' please Bob?" - Blockbusters - I think they ARE bringing it back!

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk That's Life!

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

A NEW digital detox (de-tech) holiday is being launched in St Vincent and The Grenadines as consumer research reveals that 77% of people believe that time without gadgets and technology would liberate them, improve their relationships, make them a better person and give them more time for their loved ones.

The holiday is designed to wean people off their technology – literally going cold-turkey on the beach. It includes a guide to “de-teching” and a session with a life-coach (www.createyourself.co.uk) before jetting off to Young Island and Palm Island where there are no televisions in the rooms and technology is banned on the beach. Those who have less selfdiscipline but deeper pockets can take the lifecoach with them for daily counselling sessions and to guide and support them through the process.

Caribtours offers a seven-night de-tech holiday from £2,385 per person which includes four nights' all-inclusive stay at Palm Island in a Palm View Room and three nights' half-board stay at Young Island in a Superior Cottage. Also included are scheduled flights, inter-island flights, transfers, use of a private lounge at Gatwick; a de-tech guide and a one hour session with a life-coach pre-holiday.

For an additional price (from £6,577) guests can take the life coach away with them. This includes the life-coach fee, scheduled flights, inter-island flights, transfers, accommodation at both resorts and use of a private lounge at Gatwick.

For more information call 0203-131 2528 or visit www.caribtours.co.uk and www.discoversvg.com

It's a Knockout!

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Blankety Blank

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk I'm still awaiting the second series of "Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge". And so is he, I believe!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk I would like the Generation Game to come back

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com Mr Benn

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com

Winter Indulgence at The Jalousie Plantation THE JALOUSIE Plantation, Sugar Beach in St Lucia has unveiled a new package designed to offer a welcome respite from the chills of winter and a taste of Caribbean luxury.

The Indulgence package allows guests to enjoy a stay at the property's luxury villas at a rate of US$759 per night, offering a saving of more than $140 per night on standard rates, and is also offering the seventh night free.

The package includes breakfast and is based on two sharing.

Rates exclude 8% government tax and 10% service charge and the package is valid for travel until April 30.

For more information or to book email reservations@thejalousieplantation.com

Top of the Pops

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Firefly!

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com The High Life

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant 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 - Travel Bulletin is published weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA & GTG agent.

Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £155

28

THE ADVENTURE Company has introduced a new 12-day Viva Cuba Young Photographer course, designed to encourage families to mix the sandy beaches and jungle of Cuba with the chance to improve their camera skills.

The tour is accompanied by a professional photographer who remains on hand throughout to provide on-going advice.

Prices lead in at £1,679 per adult and £1,439 per child based on an August 19 departure and includes flights, ten nights' breakfast accommodation, transport (minibus & boat), some meals (three lunches & one dinner), photography tuition and an experienced local group leader.

For details call 0845 287 1198 or visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk

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Subscriptions are £105 p.a. for tour operators and others, plus additional ABTA, IATA copies.

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Brush up your photography skills in Cuba

Audit Bureau of Circulations Business magazines

January 20 2012

Highlighted Word: ANTIGUA Travagrams: (Top) Havana

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Where Am I?: Mont Blanc

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Experience Egypt with the Egyptian experts Enjoy the many faces of Egypt with Red Sea Holidays. We only sell holidays to Egypt that’s why we’re the Egyptian experts.

Best advice

Best accommodation

Best operator to North Africa

We believe that there is no substitute for experience and local knowledge. That’s why our travel advisers regularly visit our resorts and hotels to ensure they can answer your questions with facts, not guesses.

Our hand-picked selection of predominantly 4+ and 5+ hotels has been vetted personally by our team for quality, service, location and value.

We’re not just saying that: we were voted it in the 2011 British Travel Awards, plus a silver award for best small tour operator of the year. Try our award winning service for yourself.

Best value We only sell holidays to Egypt. That lets us build strong relationships which we can use to get the best deals for you; not just better prices, but better quality too. Our holidays also include more in the price, with free transfers, in-flight meals on many flights, and a generous luggage allowance as standard.

Best experiences In relaxing surroundings and with all inclusive service, it’s all too easy to forget about life beyond the pool. But Egypt can offer so much more. Our extensive range of excursions, cruises, tours, and cruise and stay holidays ensure you get to experience Egypt’s many treasures.

ABTA No.Y2507

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