Travel Bulletin 21 September 2012

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September 21 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,795 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Lapland Capture the magic of Lapland by heading north

this week agent bulletin 9 Warner Leisure Hotels issues Fabulous Festive incentive

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puzzle bulletin complete the crossword for your chance to win ÂŁ50 Pizza Express vouchers

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training dealing with problem colleagues through encouragement & support

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insurance dispelling myths on insurance for the over 50s

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Just 21/2 hours away cometotunisia.co.uk

Basking in over 12 hours of gorgeous sunshine every day in summer and some of the most beautiful beaches on the southern Mediterranean coast, Tunisia will surprise, delight and amaze.

But there’s much more to Tunisia than just wonderful beaches. You can marvel at the Þ nest surviving Roman ruins in the world, experience the mighty Sahara, rise to the challenge of our world-class golf courses or enjoy a blissful Thalassotherapy spa session at your luxury hotel.

Tunisia is only 21/2 hours ß ight away, but as itÕs outside the eurozone, youÕll Þ nd your money goes further. Tunisia has so much to oȔ er, youÕll Þ nd that your customers will want to return again and again.

For more information about Tunisia and for further details about transport, attractions and accommodation visit cometotunisia.co.uk or email info@cometotunisia.co.uk or call 020 7224 5561 Search ‘Come to Tunisia’

Top Tunisia Facts ¥ Just 21/2 hours from London ¥ Fantastic year-round weather ¥ Beautiful Mediterranean beaches ¥ Excellent value for money ¥ Great choice of luxury hotels ¥ Delicious traditional cuisine ¥ Thousands of years of history ¥ High quality luxury spas ¥ Stunning Sahara desert Popular resorts ¥ Port El Kantaoui ¥ Yasmine Hammamet ¥ Djerba

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SLOPE SEEKERS...Leeds Bradford Airport’s Tony Hallwood (left) takes to the slopes with champion skier, Chemmy Alcott and Monarch’s James Massey to celebrate the launch of Monarch flights in December from LBA to the ski routes of Munich and Grenoble.

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For details see www.monarch.co.uk

This Week news 3

Cover Pictures: Main - Lapland - Visit Finland, Northern Lights

the latest industry announcements, trends & offers

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at home with eileen

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agent bulletin

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W-AITO-Go!

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puzzle bulletin

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cruising is ACE the latest updates from the Association of Cruise Experts

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hotel bulletin

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personality bulletin

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training

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lapland

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insurance

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caribbean

what has homeworker Eileen been up to lately?

Warner Leisure Hotels issues Fabulous Festive incentive the latest news & views from AITO Agents complete the crossword for your chance to win £50 Pizza Express vouchers

Accor opens four new hotels in London which tourist board director says he loses weight through stress? dealing with problem colleagues through encouragement & support capture the magic of Lapland by heading north dispelling myths on insurance for the over 50s a round-up of the latest offers, promotions & product launches

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Post Office report reveals strong winter sun forecasts for Vietnam, Brazil & Mexico VIETNAM HAS emerged as the summer’s biggest success story in Post Office Travel Money’s Fastest Growing Currencies report for June to August. The annual review revealed a year-onyear growth of 68% in currency sales – suggesting a boom in Vietnam holidays, fuelled by the introduction of direct flights last December plus a range of new beach resorts.

According to the report, forecasts are equally promising for Brazil and Mexico. Sterling now buys 25% more Brazilian real than a year ago, making the destination significantly cheaper and helping to account for the 66% increase in currency sales reported for the summer months.

Mexico also managed to achieve a 144% growth in currency sales, with a further year-onyear increase of 40%, accelerating to 54% in August. Its prospects in the months ahead look good as more flight options are likely to lead to greater competition for bookings, according to the report.

The research also suggested that destinations in Eastern Europe appear to have attracted significantly more visitors this year. While euro sales have been buoyant throughout the summer, currency trends indicate that beach resorts in Croatia and Bulgaria, as well as destinations like Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland, have experienced a growth in demand, with the region rated best value in April’s City Costs Barometer.

Andrew Brown, the company’s head of travel money, said: “It may be no coincidence that the destinations which have notched up big increases in currency sales during the summer have been ones where sterling has most surged in value. Gains of more than 20% compared with 12 months ago have been commonplace in Eastern Europe and Latin America. The boom in demand suggests that holidaymakers are becoming increasingly canny and watching exchange rates as well as seeking out keenly-priced packages before deciding on their destination.

“Looking ahead, the strength of sterling suggests that European short breaks could enjoy a renaissance this autumn – especially to cities with a reputation for value. Similarly, we expect to see continuing strong demand for emerging Far East destinations like Vietnam and Korea and for the Latin American countries.

“However, holidaymakers should ensure they do not lose out by getting a poor exchange rate if they wait to change money at the airport. They should buy currency in advance or take a prepaid card.”

Final call to register for Travel Bulletin's Far East Showcase event AGENTS HAVE until Monday 24 September to register for Travel Bulletin's Far East Showcase event, which takes place on Tuesday September 25 at The Lotus Floating Restaurant in London. A combination of tourist offices, airlines, tour operators and hoteliers will be present, and the informative, fun event is aimed at increasing agents' awareness of the region as a whole, with a view to boosting sales and meeting your clients' needs.

The event includes networking opportunities, dinner, entertainment and prizes.

Registration time is 18:15-18:30, with the evening expected to finish at around 21:30.

To book your free place call 020-7834 6661 or email jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Marseille announced as European Capital of Culture 2013

CHIPPING IN...Heritage Resorts sponsored six holes at the 'Just a Drop Charity Golf Day', held recently at Dale Hill Golf Course in Kent. The event attracted 134 travel industry golfers who had the chance to learn more about Mauritius and the Domaine de Bel Ombre. Pictured getting ready to tee off are Chris Hawkins, director of Worldwide Holiday at Tropical Sky and Heritage Resorts' account manager, Lynsey McInstry.

Ffestiniog Travel launches 2013 Rail Holidays of the World brochure FFESTINIOG TRAVEL has launched its new Rail Holidays of the World 2013 brochure, which offers a range of escorted and tailor-made journeys worldwide.

Holidays featured in the brochure are divided into three collections - Grand Rail Tours, for those looking to explore the world by rail with a mix of culture, leisure, like-minded company and comfortable accommodation; Connoisseur Rail Tours, for clients with a specific passion for railways; and Signature Rail Tours, which provide the flexibility to travel anytime, anywhere. New for next year are five Grand Rail Tours and three Connoisseur Rail Tours.

As an example of prices, an 11-day The Hebridean – Scottish Western Isles is one of the new Grand Rail Tour itineraries and offers a mix of some of the UK’s best railway and coastal scenery of the Outer Hebrides. Prices lead in at £1,600 per person for a June 3 departure.

A new addition to the Connoisseur Rail Tours is a ten-day Behind the Scenes in London & the South East, which has been introduced to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the world’s first underground railway.

The tour uncovers some of the hidden secrets of the capital’s transport system and travels behind the scenes at several steam railways in Kent.

Prices lead in at £1,360 per person for an April 25 departure.

For more information or to book call 01766-772030 or visit www.ffestiniogtravel.com

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THE FRENCH city of Marseille has been announced as the European Capital of Culture in 2013, beating fellow French rivals Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse.

The destination is currently undergoing a building programme, with leading architects working on redesigning the city's profile. This includes projects such as the redesign of Marseille Old Port by British architect, Norman Foster, and the city will also showcase a variety of major exhibitions and events throughout next year to celebrate its European Capital of Culture title.

Meanwhile, the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region is highlighting its diversity to encourage agents to sell the destination. Brits make up the largest number of tourists to Provence with 840,000 British holidaymakers a year visiting the destination, with the majority of visitors opting for fly/drive holidays.

Bruno James, director of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) Regional Tourist Authority, said: "The different areas within Provence have so many strong points for agents to sell. The destination is popular with couples and families seeking a mix of culture, beaches and activities.

"British Airways is introducing a new flight between Heathrow and Marseille on October 28, with three flights daily, which gives agents a great opportunity to sell breaks in the winter months such as city breaks to Marseille.

"We are actively encouraging agents to come and see for themselves what the region offers as we believe this is the best way they can sell the destination. We are also encouraging operators to look at offering more fam trips to the region next year."

The PACA Regional Tourist Authority held 'The Best of Provence' workshop in London last week, which saw 50 suppliers from France meet agents to highlight the variety of options available for holidaymakers.

Future developments at working more closely with the trade include training operator staff on the various destinations within Provence and a Twitter campaign aimed at operators, agents and the tourist authorities, which is currently at the planning stage.

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Enchanting Holidays new 2013 dedicated Mauritius

brochure, OUT NOW, offers a sensational selection of 47 HOTELS IN MAURITIUS. 7 nights All Inclusive from £1239pp. HIGH AGENTS’ COMMISSION 13%.

Res: 020 8951 3837; www.enchantingholidays.co.uk ● The Alexander The Great in Pafos, Cyprus is undergoing renovations due to be completed in March 2013, including upgraded accommodation, a new infinity pool, a new entertainment venue, a new wedding garden and extensive kids club. www.kanikahotels.com For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

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newsbulletin Ampersand Travel capitalises on new British Airways route to Sri Lanka BA HAS announced that from March 31 next year it will operate flights from Gatwick to Colombo via Male in the Maldives.

Flights will be serviced by a three-class Boeing 777 and are on sale now, with discounted fares available until September 25, starting from £595.

In addition to the new flights, new hotel and villa rentals in the destination have also been introduced.

Located on the east coast, in the hamlet of Kachaveli, is the recently opened Jungle Beach which features 48 villas.

Ampersand Travel offers seven nights’ breakfast accommodation at the resort from £1,730 per person, based on two sharing, including flights and transfers.

Alternatively, Number 20 Middle Street is a mid 18thcentury Dutch colonial villa in the Galle, a large town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast.

The villa, which has been recently renovated, sleeps six and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The operator is highlighting a seven-night breakfast stay at the villa from £3,290 per person, based on two sharing, including transfers.

For more information call 020-7289 6100 or visit www.ampersandtravel.com

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Skiweekends.com adds new hotels SKIWEEKENDS.COM HAS added 23 Premier Hotels to its flight package portfolio to offer a selection of four- and five-star hotels in a range of destinations.

As an example, the four-star Tasch bei Zern Elite Hotel in Zermatt is built in a traditional chalet style with modern comforts, and most rooms offer a balcony.

Prices start from £463 for four nights per person and children up to 12 years old receive a 15% discount when sharing a room with two adults.

The price includes flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation.

For details see www.skiweekends.com or call 0844-406 0600.

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ALL LEISURE Holidays has formed a partnership with Cruise & Maritime Voyages to offer cruises in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea from February next year.

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering child ticket prices to adults for entrance at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex until October 31, for use up to December 8. A one-day admission ticket to the complex, the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Simulator Station can also be purchased for £23 per person.

FLIGHT DIRECTORS has been re-appointed as UK general sales agent for Garuda Indonesia, promoting the airline’s flight network and supporting its customers and agencies in the UK. VISIT YORK has announced it will receive £666,666 from the government’s Regional Growth Fund as part of a new three-year partnership project co-ordinated

by VisitEngland, aimed at inspiring more Brits to holiday in England.

BLUE ISLANDS has announced a new direct service from Jersey to Chambery for ski travel this winter, giving travellers access to the French Alps during the 2012/13 ski season.

FOLLOWING A period of refurbishment, &Beyond has reopened its Ngala Tented Camp in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The camp’s six safari tents now feature new layouts and furnishings including outdoor showers, deep baths and private wooden decks.

EASTERN AIRWAYS is expanding services to Aberdeen from Newcastle. Weekday services will increase from four to five flights daily from October 1.

For details see www.easternairways.com THE SACRAMENTO Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) has introduced its new brand identity, including a logo and tagline “California Begins Here”.

For details see www.discovergold.org

Silversea adds Belfast to UK flight programme SILVERSEA HAS announced Belfast as the latest UK route to be added to its flight programme.

The city is being added to all the company’s worldwide voyages and will also be included in the line’s complimentary Economy air programme on selected voyages for the remainder of this year and next. The company offers free Economy flights

on 95% of its voyages and also offers value upgrade rates to Business and First Class.

Belfast will be the ninth city in the company’s UK air programme, alongside Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey, London, Manchester and Newcastle.

For more information visit www.silversea.com

Travelsphere issues rebranded 2013 brochure with ten new tour options TRAVELSPHERE HAS launched its rebranded brochure for 2013, bringing together elements of Page & Moy’s brand alongside its own, and including ten new tours. Following feedback from focus groups and a customer survey, the ‘Holiday Collection’ brochure offers itineraries from £449 per person, including new European and long-haul itineraries.

Examples include the 13-day

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‘Treasures of China’ trip, costing from £2,459 per person, and the ‘Aloha Hawaii’ trip, costing from £2,399 per person for 14 days.

Colin Wilson, the operator’s sales director, said: “Trade sales have grown steadily, with a 34% growth in revenue and 14% growth in passenger numbers in 2012 so far.

We’re looking forward to working closely with the trade to help them

boost their sales through our exciting new brand. As well as our new brand identity and ‘Holiday Collection’ brochure, we’ll also be launching stand-alone river cruise and China brochures very soon, and will be supporting agents further through activity including incentives, fam trips and training.”

For more information call 0844-567 3319 or visit www.travelsphere.co.uk

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @TIPTOTERRI Fab to see so many independents recognised @TravelBulletin Awards.

Big congrats to #TIPTO winners Funway, Hoseasons & Great Rail Journeys.

DISCOVER EGYPT is offering extra capacity to Luxor on Monarch's charter flight and has announced a new dock area, which has been exlusively built for clients travelling on a seven-night Nile cruise on both the Royal Viking and Viking Princess.The lead in price for a Nile cruise this month is from £674 per person on the five-star Viking Princess, including full board cruise, flights from Gatwick, transfers and ten guided excursions. Alternatively, a seven-night full board cruise on the five-star deluxe Royal Viking is £787 per person, including full board, flights, transfers and ten guided excursions. Both ships offer no single supplement for the seven-night Nile cruises throughout this month and next. A week’s city stay in Luxor costs from £399 this month including flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation at the four-star El Luxor, with a free upgrade to a Nile view room.

For details call 0844-880 0461 or see www.discoveregypt.co.uk

@neilsonholidays After a ski deal? Keep an eye on our latest offers here: http://ow.ly/dvvRy @VisitBritain It's the 50th anniversary of James Bond. Ian Fleming drew inspiration from Kent for many of his novels! http://bit.ly/PZTtOP @Holidaysplease Who said a stag couldn't be luxurious? Here's the top 10 most luxurious stag destinations: http://bit.ly/NkDLAO

@LondonCityAir Cityjet set to commence services to MünsterOsnabruck from London City Airport on October 29.

Book now http://bit.ly/tphx3K @TucanTravel New tours, new dates, new prices released today with our new brochures! http://bit.ly/eIm9yh

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

Free nights & transfers in Funway Holidays’ US brochure FUNWAY HOLIDAYS’ new 2013 US programme includes offers such as free nights, free breakfasts and free transfers, with flight upgrade prices starting from £135. Holiday prices start from £529 per person, including four nights’ accommodation, BA flights and all airport taxes and fuel surcharges.

Offering several new destinations and a total of 27 new hotels, the brochure also includes California, Hawaii and New England coach tours, along with an ‘Hawaiian Splendours – Pride of America’ cruise.

The company’s managing director Stephen Rhodes said: “We are particularly excited about this brochure because aside from information on new and existing resorts and destinations, the brochure also features ‘Top five/ten Must Dos’ for each destination, as well as ‘Top Ten’ experiences as recommended by us. All featured hotels each have a new ‘Expert View’ review from our UK-based travel advisors so customers can get the best possible sense of what it’s like to stay there. These inclusions are all to show our expertise and knowledge in order to provide our clients with an insight of the destination and what not to miss out on.”

The brochure is valid until December 31, 2013.

Danube Express promotes four-day European passage from Budapest to Prague for £2,790 THE DANUBE Express is highlighting The Central European, a four-day passage from Budapest to Prague, which features in the operator's 2013 brochure.

The itinerary meanders between Budapest to Prague discovering the Imperial cities and palaces of Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Beginning in Budapest, the train heads west, skirting the shores of Lake Balaton en-route to Keszthely to visit Festetics

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Palace, one of the largest in Hungary.

Guests will traverse the Austrian border, before arriving in Vienna to tour architectural gems and parks. Other highlights include a visit to Bratislava, crossing the Danube and discovering the mountain scenery en-route, a tour of Cracow and the World Heritage salt mines at Wieliczka to see sculpted artworks made of salt.

Prices lead in at £2,790 per person, based on two sharing a Deluxe twin

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ensuite compartment, including three nights on the Danube Express with all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, all scheduled sightseeing, and the services of a train manager.

The company can also add on services for air or rail travel from the UK as well as four- and five-star hotel accommodation.

For more information or to book call 01462-441400 or visit www.danube-express.com

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newsbulletin New strategy for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises has announced that its future strategy will focus on luxury and expedition cruises, alongside expanding its international marketing activities.

The line’s newly-built Europa 2, sister ship to the existing Europa, will be positioned in the fivestar luxury segment as of May next year, and new growth opportunities in the expedition segment will also be identified and evaluated for future growth.

The company’s Europa 2 brochure is scheduled to be published later this month.

For more information visit www.hl-cruises.com

Explore offers new savings in 2013/14 family collection brochure EXPLORE HAS launched its 2013/14 family collection brochure with a range of price reductions.

When compared to last year’s prices, the programme offers reductions of 10% for child prices and 5% for adults.

Until October 31, agents can offer clients a 5% discount on any trips booked for February half-term onwards. This saving is on top of the 5% loyalty discount that applies to second or subsequent ‘Family Adventure’ bookings.

The brochure has also seen a redesign, providing more detailed information on what

there is to see and do on tours in each destination, and also includes information on what the ‘ideal age’ is for a tour as well as a ‘minimum age’.

As an example, ‘Active Sicily’ is a new family activity tour, where highlights include climbing Mount Etna and river trekking through the Alcantara Gorge. Prices start from £1,086 per adult and £945 per child, including flights, half-board accommodation, transport and the services of a tour leader, local guides and drivers.

For more information call 0845-291 4541 or see www.explore.co.uk/travelagents

‘Britain & Europe’ 2013 brochure from Shearings SHEARINGS HAS launched its new ‘Britain & Europe’ brochure for 2013, showcasing its full range of itineraries.

The layout has been designed to inspire customers to visit new destinations, and includes ‘must see’ panels, which detail events, local foods and destinations.

To encourage early bookings, the company is offering savings of up to £100 per couple on holidays booked before October 31.

Agents will also automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £500 of Love2Shop vouchers or a holiday for two when they make a booking by October 31.

The brochure is accompanied by a ‘Guide to Selling to the over 50s’, giving agents an insight into the various types of customer preferences which make up this market, as well as advice for selling.

For more information or to download the new guide visit www.shearings.com

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e m o h At en...

e l i E with

ileen orker E w e m o as h th?

What h p to this mon u n e be

T’S REALLY hard to believe that London 2012 is finally over, isn’t it? What a truly memorable summer it has been! Even those people that normally hate sport found themselves sucked into the euphoria and national pride that the games induced. Last Monday, thousands of people lined the streets of London in celebration and appreciation of our Olympic & Paralympic athletes, volunteers and organisers for giving us six weeks that none of us will forget. If only we could bottle the atmosphere, camaraderie and cohesion that hosting the Olympics managed to bring to our country.

There was another event taking place in London on Monday- the Travel Bulletin Star Awards evening at the Landmark Hotel. I was fortunate enough to be invited along and I had a really great time. Apart from the awards themselves, the highlight was the entertainment provided by the West End cast of “We Will Rock You”, which had everyone on their feet, singing along to all those memorable Queen songs. Congratulations to all the award winners and to all the worthy nominees!

I had a rush of enquiries when the Olympics finished, most of which were for late holidays. Late booking customers almost always expect to get a cheap deal, but due to the shortage of late availability and the consequent high prices that the remaining stock commanded, they were often disappointed. Admittedly some were expecting too much of a deal - I had one couple looking for two weeks’ allinclusive for £300pp departing in August. They wanted a hotel on or close to a beach and day flights, and added that they may be prepared to stretch their budget to £400pp if necessary. I’m always up for a challenge but with flights alone coming in around the same price as their maximum budget, it wasn’t even possible to offer them a week on B&B basis around that price.

I’ve learnt from experience not to concentrate solely on clients’ budget, but more on finding them the right holiday and building a relationship with them so I can better understand their needs. I often find that they will still book even if it’s a lot more expensive if I find them exactly what they want. I think it is also reassuring for them to know I am available to them should anything happen, as well as the financial piece of mind that their money is protected. For example, a recent enquiry I had to Barbados with a budget of £1kpp resulted in a booking for £1,700pp for those reasons. You can’t win them all but I just hope that by giving good service, clients will remember me and come back again next time.

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MOVERS LINDA MOORE has been appointed chair of the Hotel Marketing Association (HMA). ● VIRGIN ATLANTIC has appointed Maria Sebastian as director of worldwide sales. ● AIR EUROPA has appointed Maximiliano Campos as senior sales manager and Joan Coleman as sales support. ● MONDIAL ASSISTANCE UK has appointed Amy Jacques and Melissa Crozier as business development executives. ● JUAN HERRADA has joined South Africa Tourism as marketing and communications manager. ● AFFORDABLE CAR Hire has expanded operations at its Broxbourne base and has appointed Kirsty Bachelor and Chris Laxe as partnership managers. ● SIMON COOK has been appointed sales manager UK, Channel Islands & Ireland for airberlin. ● FRANK DOCHERTY has been appointed business development manager of GolfKings. ●

Legoland Windsor marks Grandparents Day with free offer LEGOLAND WINDSOR Resort is celebrating Grandparents Day on October 7 with a special grandparents go free offer.

To download the voucher visit www.legoland.co.uk

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Brochure of the Week: Enchanting Mauritius 2013, the new brochure from Enchanting Holidays is now on sale and can be viewed in digital format at www.travelbulletin.co.uk .

Basic agent commission is 13%!

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Make sure you enter our crossword, sponsored

by The Holiday Team. Full details can be found on Puzzle Bulletin, page 11 of this issue.

Send your entries to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/crossword, for your chance to win £50 of Pizza Express vouchers.

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Win a 4 nights stay for 2 people at the 5-star Dubrovnik Sun Gardens hotel in Croatia. The prize is for a Deluxe room on a B&B basis.

To enter, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

All this and more at:

by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

WARNER LEISURE Hotels has launched its Fabulous Festive incentive, where agents can earn a £50 Love2Shop voucher for every Christmas and New Year booking made before October 8. As an example of prices, a three-night full board New Year break at Corton in Suffolk costs from £379 per person, based on two sharing a Standard chalet.

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PREMIER HOLIDAYS has launched an agent competition to encourage first time bookings to Australia. Agents who make a booking to Australia with the operator before October 31 will be entered into a draw to win various prizes, including Australian themed goodie bags, a meal out for their branch or an Australian wine hamper. The company has also set up a dedicated microsite to help educate agents and promote specific Australia offers, and will be distributing an e-newsletter to the trade. To make the most of the campaign, free window posters can be downloaded from the company's Website at www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk or agents can request these to be personalised and by emailing sales@premierholidays.co.uk. Agents can also earn between £25 and £150 of capital bond vouchers depending on the value of the booking.

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TRAVEL 2 is giving agents the chance to win a top of the range Panasonic V700 Full HD video camera worth more than £400 as part of a new campaign in partnership with South Africa Tourism. There are five cameras up for grabs, one will be given away each week of the campaign. The campaign is aimed at returning visitors to South Africa, encouraging them to travel ‘the path less trodden’.

All bookings made with the operator before September 30 that include flights with Air France or KLM to South Africa will be automatically entered into the prize draw to be in with a chance of winning. Agents can double their chance of winning this sought-after prize by adding a minimum of three nights ground arrangements to the qualifying booking.

For details see www.travel2.com

Fancy a fam?

AIR NEW Zealand is offering agents the chance to win one of 30 California fam places to mark 30 years of flying between London and Los Angeles. To be in with a chance of winning, agents should book flights with the carrier between London and LA and complete one of the airline's H.A.K.A online training modules by September 24. The more passengers booked, the more entries agents receive. And there are bonus entries depending

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SUPER WINNER...AnneMarie Robertson (right) from Charlie Reid Travel in Kirkcaldy was the winner of Superbreak’s incentive to win a decade of luxury short breaks to London. The prize includes two nights in London for two in a five-star hotel with breakfast, First Class rail and seats at a West End show for the next decade. To enter, agents had to make bookings for London with the operator and send in the details. Pictured with AnneMarie is the operator's Wendy Cameron .

Image of the week ONLINE TRAVEL Training (OTT) recently ran a competition through Pinterest, where participants were invited to upload holiday pictures of themselves under the categories: a) Adventure b) Laugh Out Loud c) New Cultures d) World Food. The first prize was £100 in Amazon eVouchers and second prize was £25 in eVouchers. Pictured is the photo that won first prize, sent in by Lucy Richards of St. Albans.

on cabin class. For example, for one Economy passenger agents receive one entry and for one Business Premier passenger agents receive four entries. The fam takes place from October 24-28.

To log bookings visit www.airnewzealandtrade.com/30thbirthday and for details of the new training see www.airnewzealandtrade.com/training

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opinionbulletin

W-AITO-Go!

by PRU GOUDIE of AITO operator, On the Go Tours

Why it’s important not to ignore the power of video N THE Go Tours has always been big on social media and we strongly believe that online video is incredibly important, as this type of content is now consumed on the internet through an array of technologies, such as iPads, smart phones, laptops, etc.

Where video was once simply something nice to have, we firmly believe it is now a must-have and a huge opportunity for the travel industry, particularly as what we offer is a ‘feel good’ service that is visually attractive and engaging to the consumer. Many people now spend their leisure time online, so we have capitalised on this by producing quality video content about our offering. Screens are the medium of the future and, as a successful specialist tour operator, we realise that we need to move with our audience. The consumer is not just text-hungry anymore. They are looking for video inspiration and the added advantage for us is that this type of content can be easily shared amongst friends via Facebook or Twitter.

We initially started experimenting with video by featuring three-minute clips on our website’s homepage, highlighting the best of the destinations that we offer. We then reduced a lot of our content down into 30-second clips, focusing on more specific tour highlights, such as hot air ballooning, cruises or unique temples that could be visited.

To further enhance exposure, we now have our own YouTube channel which is absolutely the place to be seen as it has the second biggest search engine after Google.

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“The consumer is not just text-hungry; they are looking for video inspiration” In fact, YouTube is owned by Google, so anything you put on it is going to have an influence on your website’s search engine optimisation results. With the consumer becoming increasingly web-savvy, it’s important to use good quality video to hook the consumer in to your website. Once there, they will stick around and have a good look at what you have to offer.

Video works alongside other types of shared content such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter and online testimonials. It’s an extremely far-reaching and important marketing tool for us due to the added

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September 21 2012

search engine benefits, and is one of the most effective ways to reach out to new customers.

Of course, it can be expensive and, like all travel companies, we have a marketing budget to work within, so not all content is necessarily generated by ourselves. For example, we have a ‘Video of the Week’ blog post, whereby we find great travel content for our own blog that is produced by other companies, including tourist boards. We associate ourselves with great content that already exists online and by doing so encourage people to visit our blog and website.

“Having customers share their travel experiences via any form of social media is the best form of advertising a company can have” We also run online competitions to encourage our customers to contribute their own travel videos and blogs to our website, which is the rawest form of usergenerated content one can hope for, particularly if it’s good quality. Having customers share their travel experiences via any form of social media, especially video, provides social validation to other potential customers. It is the best form of advertising a company can have.

So the big question is - does video equate to more sales? We very much believe it does to a certain audience, as long as it’s supported with thorough, well-optimised descriptions, and links to blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

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

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 081

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

soya veg cosy drive

A➠

B➠ Discover something different with this cruise line

C➠

Obese Unrulier

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

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, September 27th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 7th September is Judith Nixon, Premier Travel Agency in Stortford.

September 7 Solution: A=5 B=1 C=2 D=9

Crossword

Sponsored By

This operator shares its name with a series of four films.

Where Am I?

Is Master Chef filmed here in the South Pacific?

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

Closing date for entries is Thursday September 27th.

Number: 081

Across 1. Holiday Parks operator (5) 3. Vathy is the capital of this Greek island (5) 6. Region of France (7) 7. Beachwear, popular in Bermuda (6) 9. German national park and mountain range (4) 11. Barbara Knox plays this long-running Corrie character (4) 12. European carrier (6) 14. P&O cruise ship (7) 15. Capital of South Korea (5) 16. River forming part of the border between Scotland and England (5)

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Down 1. Movie starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones at a cinema near you (4,7) 2. Tokyo International airport (6) 3. Scottish island (4) 4. Kenya's second-largest city (7) 5. Landlocked European country (11) 8. Canadian province (7) 10. Capital of Oman (6) 13. Michael, now playing Sweeney Todd in the West End (4)

THE HOLIDAY TEAM IS A CONSOLIDATOR PROVIDING BEST VALUE FLIGHTS & PACKAGE HOLIDAYS TO BOOK CALL 020-8843 4300; www.theholidayteam.co.uk

The Where Am I and Travagrams solutions can be found on page 30 September 21 2012

11

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newsbulletin Cruising is

by Bernard Carter, managing director UK and Europe, Oceania Cruises

I

DON'T know about everyone else but what with the Queen’s 60th Jubilee celebrations and the heroics of the Olympians and Paralympians this has been a truly amazing summer – so much so that there seems to be a residual positive energy as we bask in the afterglow of success.

With so much to be happy about, people have inevitably started thinking more about booking a belated holiday – or even a second holiday (count me in on that one) to prolong the celebratory mood as we enter the autumnal months ahead.

This month sees National Cruise Week once again – this US derived initiative is proving increasingly popular in the UK with each year that passes – a sure sign that the cruise sector stands poised for further success in what can at best be termed ‘interesting times’, offering a huge range of product and genuinely ‘value’ with a combination of competitive prices and a host of onboard benefits.

”More of us are becoming aware that everything is relative and good service should come at a cost” In the same way that an athlete has to ensure that every angle is covered as they train toward ultimate success, the cruise lines as a whole have studied what our collective clients want most – which interestingly enough is not all about discounted prices. What matters most to all of us now is ‘value’ – be it a car, a house or a pub lunch – the companies that are now getting their noses ahead are those that offer quality product, professional service and a fair price (not necessarily the lowest). John Lewis, for instance recently posted a year-on-year profit increase of 60% - proof that more of us are becoming aware that everything is relative and good service should come at a cost ... as long as the overall package offers ‘good value’.

This is great news for any travel agent selling cruises.

Thanks to a growing awareness of the variety of choice within modern day cruising, consumers are realising that there is now something for everyone – at Oceania Cruises the emphasis is on providing casually elegant surroundings - more like that of a country hotel or private club with gourmet dining - from which clients can explore every corner of the globe.

Positioned just below the six-star all-inclusive brands, Oceania Cruises offers fly/cruise prices starting at £799 per person and with a selection of cruises well into 2013 featuring up to $500 shipboard credit, ‘value’ is a word that readily comes to mind - after all, that is what the customer wants.

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September 21 2012

RSSC to increase fares from October 1 RSSC’s Voyager

REGENT SEVEN Seas Cruises is expecting an influx of bookings before the end of the month as it announces an increase in all-inclusive fares from October 1.

The line will be applying price increases for most 2012 and 2013 sailings, based on already booked business and its bi-annual exchange rate review, and is encouraging agents to book any customer considering a cruise now to secure the best fares.

Agents can benefit further with the line's 'New to Regent’ agent incentive that also runs until the end of this month. Agents who confirm a new guest for 2013 by September 30, will receive a £100 bonus incentive in addition to commission payments.

A seven-night cruise in the Mediterranean next year starts from £2,669 per person for a deluxe balcony suite and includes free flights and transfers, free Business Class flights on all Mediterranean and Baltic cruises, a free onenight hotel package on all 2013 sailings, free and unlimited shore excursions and all fine and speciality dining, beverages, gratuities and much more.

For more information or to book call 02380-682280 or visit www.rssc.com For details of the agent incentive email salessupport@rssc.co.uk or call 02380-682287.

Mind, body & spirit-themed 2013 itineraries from Crystal Cruises DISCERNING TRAVELLERS can rejuvenate, reduce stress, improve balance and get motivated next year on Crystal Symphony’s first cruise of the New Year, an Experiences of Discovery itinerary through southern Australia. Offering a Mind, Body & Spirit focus, the January 5 itinerary from Melbourne to Brisbane features health and wellness experts leading complimentary classes and seminars, appropriate for beginners making a new fitness resolution or those looking to continue their regimen.

During the two days in each of the eastern territories’ biggest cities - Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and Sydney, travellers can further inspire their minds with a day of Aboriginal art or communing with koalas; challenge their bodies by rock climbing Blackman’s Bay or hiking to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge; or an aerobatic G-Force 4 flight.

Until October 31, 'Book Now' fares for the 12-night allinclusive voyage start from £4,340 per person including scheduled flights from the UK, overseas transfers, one night’s pre-cruise hotel accommodation and accommodation in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, port taxes and gratuities.

For more information or to book call 020-7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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newsbulletin Wendy Wu launches Lates Campaign

FUERTEVENTURA FUN... Sophie Lombari (left) from Abbot Travel has won a holiday for two to Fuerteventura from Thomas Cook after being entered into a prize draw after she completed the operator's new online training programme for independent agents. Pictured presenting Sophie with her prize is the operator's Sharon Confue.

For details see www.thomascookexperts.com

WENDY WU Tours, which has recently announced 22 new tours, including a range of new destinations, has launched a late offer campaign, with discounts of up to £1,000 per couple available on selected tours departing over the next few weeks.

As examples, a Wonders of China itinerary departs on dates throughout this month and next and offers a saving of £500 per person. Prices for the 16-day tour lead in at £2,190 and include visits to the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Shanghai, as well as a river cruise along the Li River and the Three Gorges on a Yangtze River Cruise.

A 13-day Vietnam at a Glance option has been reduced to £2,290 and offers a saving of £300 per person. The tour journeys from Saigon in the south to Hanoi in the north, encompassing a cruise on the Mekong Delta, a visit to Hue, the former historic capital, and to Hanoi.

For more information or to book visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844-875 2436.

New hotels feature in Hayes & Jarvis' USA & Canada brochure launch IN ITS new USA & Canada brochure Hayes & Jarvis has continued its expansion in New England with the introduction of five character inns in Massachusetts, with one-night stays starting from £87 per person.

On sale from this Tuesday, the 2012-2014 brochure also features more hotels in New York to meet demand.

Landmark LA hotels and luxury Pacific Coast Highway resorts are also new to the programme, including two properties on the Pacific Coast Highway - The Malibu Beach Inn where a night's stay costs from £159 and the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur which costs from £419 per night.

The range of self-drive tours has also been extended with three new options.

On an 11-day Monumental Utah tour, customers can experience the contrasts of the Vegas Strip and a trio of national parks (Canyonland, Bryce Canyon and Capital Reef).

Available year round, flight-inclusive prices start from £1,349 per person. Also newly available are Southern Soul & Blues which traces an 11-day route from Chicago to St Louis, Nashville, Memphis, Jackson and New Orleans, with April-October departures costing from £1,169.

Meanwhile, the company has partnered with Detours to offer day tours from Las Vegas and Phoenix. These include excursions to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Death Valley.

Valid for bookings from now through to March 2014, brochure prices lead in at £639 per person for a three-night break at the three-star Midtown Hotel in Boston. Prices are based on two sharing and include room-only accommodation and flights.

For more information or to book call 0871-200 2211 or visit www.hayesandjarvis.com/agents

Superbreak urges agents to get behind new London campaign SUPERBREAK HAS launched a new campaign called ‘London – the Greatest City on Earth’ which aims to get agents behind the capital after this summer's events and drive bookings in the autumn period.

The operator has created a ‘Love London’ logo, based around the London Underground logo and a window poster for agents to use to push the variety of London short breaks that are available.

Graham Balmforth, the company's national sales manager, said: “Never before has London been such a focus of media attention. I am sure everyone will agree that it has been showcased amazingly by all the Jubilee and Olympic coverage and it really is the greatest city on earth.

"Agents have such an opportunity now and we want to do everything we

14

Pictured getting ready to promote the new London campaign are the operator's David Hinder, sales executive for the South West region and Donna Smithson, sales executive for the South East region.

can to help and encourage them to convert this enthusiasm into bookings.”

The company's sales team will be out on the road promoting London,

September 21 2012

delivering window posters and providing training and support to any agents who want to build their London sales. Posters are also downloadable from www.superbreak.com/agents

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hotelbulletin Accor opens four new hotels in London ACCOR IS set to open four new hotels in London next month; a Novotel and ibis hotel in Blackfriars, a second ibis hotel in Shepherd’s Bush and a new addition to the growing Mercure hotel portfolio, opening in Greenwich.

The company is also investing in the refurbishment of a further 12 London hotels, which brings the group’s London portfolio to 53 hotels and more than 9,000 rooms across the capital. The announcement follows recent openings in Croydon, Whitechapel and King’s Cross.

Commenting on the opening of the new hotels, the company's managing director, Thomas Dubaere, said: “2012 is an incredibly important year for London and we have treated this important year as a strategic opportunity to boost our presence in the UK’s capital by investing in upand-coming areas such as Shepherd’s Bush, Blackfriars, Whitechapel and King’s Cross, and improving the training and development of young people in the hospitality industry, to ensure a long term legacy for 2012 and beyond.”

SICILY’S DONNAFUGATA Golf Resort & Spa is offering a range of two-, four- and seven-night packages for autumn and winter, with discounts of up to 50% also available at the property’s spa until December. As an example, a two-night golf package, which is valid until December 22, leads in at €350 per person including breakfast accommodation for two in a standard double room, 18 holes of golf, one driving range token, one three-course dinner (excluding drinks), two light lunches (excluding drinks) and two free vouchers to the spa.

For details visit www.donnafugatagolfresort.com

New package from V&A Museum & Radisson Blu RADISSON BLU, London, has partnered with the Victoria and Albert Museum to offer guests a package that includes tickets to the museum’s Hollywood Costume exhibition, which opens on October 20.

It includes one night’s breakfast accommodation and a pair of tickets to the exhibition, and costs from £1,302 per room per night.

It is available at the Edwardian, Vanderbilt, Mercer Street and Hampshire hotels.

Exhibition tickets are valid for any day or time and include fast-track entry.

For details see www.radissonbluedwardian.com/ hollywoodcostume

InBrief ● KIMPTON HOTELS & Restaurants will officially open

the doors of its newest boutique hotel, Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, next month, in Philadelphia's Old City.

The four-star property will offer 268 guestrooms including 17 suites and 27 King Spa rooms ● FOLLOWING A programme of investment, the soon to

be re-launched The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Edinburgh, has announced the introduction of the UK’s first Guerlain Spa, which will open to guests this winter. Treatments will include signature and personalised facial and body treatments, as well as body sublimination, make-up artistry sessions and harmonising experiences such as reflexology, Chinese massage and aesthetic drainage.

For details see www.waldorfastoria.com ● MÖVENPICK HOTELS & Resorts has opened the 176-

room Mövenpick Hotel Ankara, a contemporary hotel based in the Söğütözü business district, ideally located for meetings, seminars or conferences. The property offers flexible function spaces that can be customised to host between eight and 450 guests.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts set to debut on Istanbul's Asian side HILTON WORLDWIDE has announced a franchise agreement with Emaytaş Turizm Gayrimenkul Yönetim Hizmetleri Sanayi ve Tic A.Ş to open its first Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded property on the Asian side of Istanbul.

The Istanbul Kozyataği Conference Center & Spa will comprise of two 16-storey towers sitting on top of a three-storey podium. The upper floors of the hotel will provide views of the Marmara Sea and Princess Islands, with the rooftops playing host to a restaurant and bar. The hotel will also feature a further two dining options and a health club and spa, plus a direct link to the Optimum Shopping Centre via a pedestrian footbridge.

Dave Horton, global head of the company, said: “Visitors to the Asian side of the city will soon be able to experience legendary

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Hilton Hotels & Resorts service – which has been a visionary hospitality provider in Istanbul for many years. We are delighted to extend our presence in Istanbul with this upscale and design-led hotel which I have no doubt will be extremely popular with guests.”

Istanbul was ranked as the world’s ninth busiest venue for conferences by the International Congress and Convention Association last year. The trend is widely predicted to spread to the city’s emerging Asian side, fast becoming a major hub for business and commerce. The conference centre and spa has therefore been designed to meet increasing corporate demand with two large ballrooms, specialist meeting rooms, a 24-hour business centre and ample storage space.

September 21 2012

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personalitybulletin

Jean-Marc Flambert The director of marketing, UK and Europe of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board has a special skill of breaking into cars...

Who is your ideal travelling companion?

My wife and two sons.

“I am happy just as I am.

Celebrities have too much stress and no personal life”

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Charging my parents for a back massage or to clean their shoes. I was always looking at ways to make money.

Where was your last work-related trip?

I had to escort some VIP tour operators to the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. We sat at sunset with rum cocktails in hand and watched Diana Ross, Gypsy Kings and Ziggy Marley perform live. There were fewer than 3,000 people there, so no scarcity of space for the picnic rug. We enjoyed a boat ride to the foot of the Piton Mountains (volcanic plugs) and we were pampered at Body Holiday. It was my toughest trip yet!

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

I am happy just as I am. Celebrities have too much stress and no personal life.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Extrovert, friendly and impatient.

What have your travels taught you?

That every country is beautiful, and its people warm and friendly if you approach them in the right way. It is indeed a privilege to be in our industry and meet so many people from such different cultures.

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

APD – how can we charge to fly over someone else’s air space? Paying in advance – why can I buy a couch and pay over three years interest free, but I have to pay for my dream holiday

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Career path ●

● ●

● ●

● ●

●

1995-1999: Marketing executive Hotels, Co-ordinator Hotels, Manager - CDC Conventions, Business Development Manager, Connaissance De Ceylan Group, Sri Lanka 1999-2000 Marketing Manager, Tour East Sri Lanka and Maldives 2000-2003 Director Operations Coordination, Serendib Leisure Hotels, Sri Lanka 2003-2004 General Manager, Eureka Interactive Media, Sri Lanka 2004 Consultant – Sri Lanka Elephant Corridor Hotel, Travel Company 2005-2008 Director UK and Ireland, Sri Lanka Tourist Board 2008-2010 Director / owner, Your Tourism Partner Representing hotels in Sri Lanka, Maldives and a domestic airline in Costa Rica,Consultant for GreenTravelGuides.tv 2010-present Director of Marketing, UK and Europe, Saint Lucia Tourist Board

before departure? Trial – I am waiting for technology to allow me to be “beamed to a destination” (reference to Star Trek) to sample for three minutes before paying the deposit.

September 21 2012

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

It has to be Udaya Nanayakkara, then Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. He showed true leadership in the hours and days post tsunami. He was always available and was very driven.

What is your motto in life?

Do to no one what you yourself dislike.

What is your favourite mode of travel?

First Class!

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

Flying. Too much to explore and too little time. I often want to be at two places at the same time.

What was your nickname at school and why?

“Flirt-bert”… honestly, I really don’t know why!

What special skill do you have?

I can open a car door when you have locked your key inside using a hanger only on some models though.

What's your favourite airline and why?

Depends on the crew on the day. Many of the planes are relatively similar.

How do you deal with stress?

I love stress as I lose weight.

Is there anything that you dislike about the travel industry?

The long hours (self imposed). You can get away with doing the minimum but if you want to succeed, there is so much you can do to get ahead. If you have the drive, there is nothing that you cannot do. Time is the limiting factor not money.

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training Dealing with problem colleagues through encouragement & support

by HODA LACEY

I

was reminded recently of an old story which has always intrigued me.

One day a scorpion was sitting at the side of a stream. A frog hops by on his way across the stream.

Since the scorpion can’t swim, he stops the frog and asks if he can climb on his back for a ride across the water.

“I’m not stupid” The frog says. “If I let you on my back, you’ll sting me and I’ll drown.”

The scorpion replies, “I’m not stupid either. I can’t swim. If I sting you, then we’ll both drown.”

The frog decides that makes sense, so he invites the scorpion to hop on.

About half way across the stream, the scorpion stings the frog. The frog screams “What are you doing? Why did you sting me? Now I am going to drown and die and you are going to sink and die too.”

The scorpion says “because I am a scorpion and that’s my nature.”

This fable reminds me that there are certain people who will behave according to their nature, no matter how well they are treated and no matter what the outcome, to themselves or to others.

Room for improvement Can we change our nature? Is it possible that a difficult or even unpleasant person is just made that way? No matter what discipline, love, help and support they are

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given, they won’t change? Is it a flaw that lies deep in one’s nature?

And, if this person happens to work with you, just how do you address the problems their presence creates?

Employment legislation makes it difficult to get rid of any person at work, no matter how rude, unhelpful or even incompetent that person is.

Companies are also obliged to give everyone all the support they need to make sure they are given a fair chance. This may include training, coaching, mentoring, supporting, and mediation.

I always approach the task with the belief that people can change - given the right encouragement and support. Here are some strategies you can use before calling in expert help. ●

●

● ●

What is the behaviour that you wish to deal with?

Describe the behaviours that you observe clearly, unemotionally and without labelling the person.

Focus on behaviours and observations. Do not evaluate or interpret. “I notice you raised your voice to the customer” rather than “You were shouting at the customer”. After all, the customer may have had hearing difficulties.

When did you first notice this behaviour?

Who or what triggers this behaviour? ● continues on next page

September 21 2012

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training ● continued from previous page ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Time it carefully. Give feedback as soon as possible, but only when conditions are right. Is the person able to hear now?

It is vital that you give the person a deadline by which their behaviour should improve. You should also explain carefully and without threatening what the outcome will be if this behaviour continues.

Is this guaranteed to work? No, not always. Some people are just unreasonable by nature. But you should try different solutions before coming to that conclusion.✦

●

What is the behaviour that you require?

What is the other person’s perspective?

How will you communicate this to them? (Practice out loud, if necessary).

How might the other person respond?

Dependent on their response, what will you do next?

Make your comments in private. This will help minimise accusations of harassment or favouritism.

Approach the discussion with a neutral attitude and one of support rather than condemnation.

Be specific. Generalities don’t help someone to identify faulty behaviour.

Own what you say. It is your opinion.

Make it clear to the person involved how their behaviour impacts on the rest of the team.

Hoda Lacey supports people working in small and medium sized businesses to be more motivated, engaged, productive, and ultimately add value. To get in touch with Hoda call 01923-828085. A free guide on how to have a difficult conversation is available from www.hodalacey.co.uk

AITO Specialist Travel Agents announces series of autumn roadshows AITO SPECIALIST Travel Agents is set to hold product training events across England this autumn to update its membership base with developments, including new operators, amongst members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).

The events will include a mix of dinners and speed-dating style workshops, taking place in Bristol (October 2), Statford-upon-Avon (October 3), London (October 4 & 9) and Harrogate (October 17).

The London events will take place at Stansted Airport on October 9, as

well as The Portuguese National Tourist Office on October 4 and will see AITO operators invited to a workshop about the new Rota Vicentina route.

To reserve a place or for more information call 020-8744 9271 or email aitoagents@aito.com

More than 2,000 agents benefit from e-learning course from Affordable AFFORDABLE CAR Hire reports that more than 2,000 agents have taken its e-learning course, Complete Affordable Car Rental System (CARS), over the past year.

CEO of the company, Angela Day, said: “The success of the online training scheme sends out a clear message to the industry on where it should redouble its efforts, to harness new technology as a way of helping agents gain the skills they need to sell. E-learning has rapidly become the mainstay of plugging skills gaps.”

Once agents are trained they receive a certificate and an ‘I’m a Car Hire Expert’ badge, in addition to the eight ATP points that they accrue.

See www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk/affordablecarhire.aspx

Inghams hosts new ski training days

COMING UP Roses…Carrie Marr (top right) from Barrhead Travel Superstore in Glasgow has been announced as a weekly ‘Rose Ceremoney’ winner, as part of Sandals and the Bahamas Tourist Office’s ‘Win afternoon tea with The Bachelor’ campaign. Carrie completed both the Sandals Resorts and Bahamas Tourist Office’s online training to qualify, and registered a booking to the newly refurbished Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island. Pictured presenting the roses is Sandals Resorts’ Gary Atwell, along with two of Carrie’s colleagues - Jade Semple (left) and Philippa Mileage. There is still time for agents to enter to be in with a chance of winning afternoon tea with the ‘Bachelor’, Spencer Matthews, before the promotion closes on September 28.

For details see www.sellingsandals.co.uk

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September 21 2012

FOLLOWING DEMAND, Inghams is hosting two ski training days for agents next month, visiting two of the UK’s indoor ski slopes in Manchester and Tamworth.

Agents will have the chance to try the slopes as well as learning about ski holidays and resorts from overseas tourist boards.

The training days include a one-hour ‘learn to ski’ taster class, product-based ski training, ski equipment, lessons and clothing and lunch and refreshments.

The ski days take place on October 9 at Chill Factore Manchester from 10:00-16:00 and on October 10 the training day takes place at Tamworth Snowdome at the same time. At both venues agents are invited to either 'Learn to ski or snowboard', with training provided from tourist boards including Canada, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.

To apply for places email your name, agency details and venue to sales@inghams.co.uk

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lapland Capture the magic of Lapland by heading north

by NICO KOSTICH, head of trading, Transun Travel

T

he great British summer may have only just been put out of its misery, but attention is already turning to the coming winter months. With the first snowfall already predicted, the winter of 2012/13 looks set to be one of the best on record – with Lapland being the star short-haul offering.

Tourism in Lapland has undergone something of a renaissance. In the past few years, clients have returned to seek out the authentic experiences of remote, uncommercialised, North Lapland where they can encounter the untouched snowy landscapes of the Arctic Circle. It is for this reason that we developed the concept of ‘True Lapland’ in the very north of Scandinavia; an alternative to the mass-market Lapland product offered in resorts such as Rovaniemi, known for its imposing Santa’s Village complex.

A playground for young and old Situated in the quiet, far north of the Arctic Circle, Lapland is undoubtedly the home of the real Father Christmas, making it the perfect location for family festive breaks. With wide, scenic panoramas of the snowy landscape, mapped by faint trails for riding reindeer sleighs and husky sleds, it is obvious why Santa chose to set up home here.

Lapland is a playground for both young and old – why not drive snowmobiles through the Arctic tundra or toboggan down snowy inclines? Early indicators demonstrate that clients are finding Santa breaks in Lapland to their liking; following year-on-year growth,

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sales on Santa short breaks have remained buoyant across the industry, despite the tough trading conditions brought on by the recession. The renowned Santa daybreaks are faring even better, with some dates now almost completely sold out.

Check out the light show But Lapland is not, and should not be, just about Santa.

Over the past few years there has been an unprecedented growth of clients travelling to the Arctic Circle seeking an encounter with the fabled Northern Lights.

By creating Arctic Spirit, we sought to give clients the opportunity to see Lapland at its most authentic, and its best: riding snowmobiles down frozen rivers; mushing teams of huskies through the forests; meeting the indigenous Sámi people at their reindeer camp; and, of course, gazing at the Northern Lights. NASA’s prediction that the winters of 2011/12 and 2012/13 would be the best in 50 years to see the Aurora Borealis has undoubtedly helped the growth of Lapland as an attractive client destination, but Northern Lapland will not be such a short-lived wonder.

The exciting experiences delivered in North Lapland and its authentic, uncommercialised character makes its qualities timeless.

As an operator, we will now rise to the challenge of ensuring that ‘True Lapland’ does not become a massmarket holiday destination, but retains its unique qualities – remaining true to its concept. ✦

September 21 2012

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lapland Launch of ‘Laplication’ app brings the Northern Lights to smartphone users THE NORTHERN Lights and Lapland’s most popular sights have been made more accessible with the launch of a new app, Laplication. Launched as part of a threeyear tourism campaign with Lapland- The North of Finland, the free app allows smartphone users to experience the destination and use the Laplify your Life toolkit to place themselves in Lappish scenes.

The app uses augmented reality to allow users to experience the Northern Lights. Users can turn the phone upwards and the screen will change to the Northern Lights. When the phone is put in the upright position again, the image returns to normal.

Users can also take a photograph or choose a photograph from their gallery and Laplify it by editing the image’s colour, adding backgrounds such as Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, ice or Christmas decorations, and adding Lappish objects such as reindeer antlers and snowflakes.

Hanna-Mari Talvensaari, marketing director for the Lapland – the North of Finland campaign, said: “The Northern Lights are visible for up to 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland and now with Laplication others will be able to experience this amazing phenomenon too, regardless of location. It also offers a chance to be creative and change a normal picture into a Lappish wonder.

Travellers can use the mobile application as a travel guide along with viewing video materials and images.”

The app can be downloaded from http://itunes.apple.com/ fi/app/laplication/id553424031?mt=8

3, 4 & 5 NIGHT Prices fro m

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trips available

£685 per adult £585 per child

September 21 2012

Winter programme from Esprit Santa's Lapland includes new experiences ESPRIT SANTA’S Lapland has released details of its winter programme of snowy, festive holidays to visit Santa in Lapland’s north this December, with a new inclusive Igloo Fantasia experience, including new elf shows, an exhibition of ice sculptures and reindeer feeding.

Also new for this year are catered Christmas cabins for groups and families of up to 12, providing log-cabin accommodation in the care of dedicated hosts who provide breakfast and dinner daily.

This year’s holidays, which include three- and four-day trips between December 1-23, cost from £678 per adult, with children travelling free or paying from £439 per place. Prices include flights, transfers, bed-and-breakfast hotel accommodation, a full day’s activities in a snowy woodland and a private family visit to see Santa, with gifts for children aged 11 and under.

The company's programme director, Ian Hope, said: “Our new Christmas Cabin accommodation was introduced last year and was a huge success, which is why we have added larger cabins for bigger family groups of up to 12. Guests really like the concept of catered accommodation where they can have the privacy of their own sitting and dining areas, with the comfort of a cabin host and the knowledge that their holiday price includes all meals and all drinks at mealtimes.

“It’s not until a family actually gets to Lapland and sees what is available, or speaks with another family at the hotel bar, that they realise what they may have missed out on.

Because we know that time is limited and once there, it’s hard to add on experiences without driving up the cost of the holiday significantly, we include as much as we can within the holiday cost to give our guests the best possible value. When buying a holiday like this it’s really important that guests check what’s included as buying a `cheap’ Lapland package can be an expensive mistake.”

The new holidays are currently on offer with an early booking discount of up to £75 per adult, a grandparent saving of £30 per couple and free places for children aged five and under.

For more information call 01483-791945 or visit www.santaslapland.com

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lapland Planet Holidays introduce weddings in Lapland Mathilde Robert, said: "Lapland is a new destination for us, completely different to anything else we offer. It is a very romantic and pretty wedding destination, like a fairy tale, very popular with couples that have children.

"Agents know we will deliver the best wedding package and we are here to help them convert their sales to this northern delight! One thing worth mentioning is that as the temperature in the Ice Chapel ranges between -2°C and -5°C, the couple (and their guests)

will need to plan to dress accordingly.”

The company can organise everything including the legal paperwork, the ceremony and marriage certificates, as well as all the extras a couples may want to include in their special day such as flowers, button holes, photography, DVD and wedding cake, as well as ideas for the ‘hen and stag’ do and all travel arrangements.

For more information or to book call 0871-871 0405 or visit www.planetweddings.co.uk

Glass igloos at the Igloo Village

Taber Holidays

From hush to mush!

Experience Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic Circle and home to the ethereal Northern Lights.

Unleash your sense of adventure.

Unleash Scandinavia.

Wrapped in a pristine white blanket, Lapland is the ultimate winter destination and the perfect adventure playground.

Or how about an exhilarating husky ride across the spectacular Arctic tundra?

Visit our website at: www.taberhols.co.uk Or call: 01274

875199 for your free Nordic Only brochure

Trym Ivar Bergsmo/Finnmark Reiseliv

Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/www.visitnorway.com

PLANET HOLIDAYS has expanded its wedding programme to feature weddings in Lapland, which cost from £900 per couple.

Couples have the choice of getting married inside an ice and snow chapel, on a sacred island on Lake Inari or under the ‘Midnight Sun’ in Finnish Lapland.

All weddings are civil ceremonies and are arranged in conjunction with the Hotel Kaksllauttanen, a resort that sits 250km above the Arctic Circle and is home to fells and reindeers and an ideal location in which to take in the Northern Lights.

Accommodation at the resort is either in one of the 40 luxury log cabins that includes five Queen Suites, one honeymoon Turf Chamber and a traditional Lappish Farmer log house or during the winter, couples and their guests can choose to stay overnight at the Igloo Village, located close to the hotel, which offers a snow restaurant, ice gallery and the chance to view the Northern Lights from a glass Igloo.

The operator's managing director,

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lapland Cosmos adds new resort of Olos to second edition Lapland brochure COSMOS HAS launched its second edition Lapland brochure with an introduction of the new resort of Olos, as well as a new itinerary ‘Santa’s Tinsel Trail’ and a new Santa’s Post Office experience in the resort of Levi Fell.

Situated close to the Swedish border and on the edge of the spectacular National Park, Olos is further north than Levi Fell. As well as the Santa experience, guests at the Lapland Hotel in Olos can take part in piste skiing and experience the Northern Lights.

The operator's head of product, Rob Goodwin, said: “We were the first mainstream operator to feature Lapland holidays 25 years ago and in order to continue this lead in the market, we have improved our Santa experience with new facilities and broadened the choice of resorts and types of accommodation from large hotels offering a spa world experience to log cabins in a remote area for an authentic Lappish experience.”

The “Santa’s Tinsel Trail” package

is available for three-, four-, and five-night stays from Gatwick and Manchester with either hotel or log cabin accommodation.

The trips include a treasure hunt where guests take part in extended activities while looking for clues left by the elves, as well as a private meeting with Santa and a trip to the post office.

Early booking offers include a deposit of £99 per person on all bookings made before September 30, an introductory first child price of £199 on the new Santa’s Tinsel Trail, as well as a further £100 per child off on both featured itineraries.

Free airport transfers are available between Kittila airport and all hotels and single parent family offers are available on selected dates.

Other benefits include a free kids' club, free soft drinks at mealtimes and free entrance per stay to the Spa Water World for guests staying at Hotel Levitunturi, located in Levi Fell.

A three-night ‘Ready, Steady, Snow’ trip leads in at £699 per adult and £599 per child. The brochure also offers a choice of Standard or Superior wedding packages available at two venues; Chapel of Maria and the Snowdome.

Departures are available throughout December with flights available on Monarch charter flights from both Gatwick and Manchester to Kittila.

All holidays include a private meeting with Santa, a gift from Santa (excludes New Year trips), ski suit and boots, toboggan rides, reindeer ride, husky dog ride, snowmobile ride, a trip to Santa’s post office, an Arctic circle ceremony, Arctic games (Santa’s Tinsel Trail guests only), a gala meal, free non-carbonated soft drinks and tea/coffee at mealtimes, flights with 20kg luggage allowance, in-flight meals, transfers, reps and guides.

For more information or to book call 0871-423 8568 or visit www.cosmos.co.uk

Arto Liiti/Visit Finland

FREE A AND ND H HALF ALF PRICE CHILD PLA PLACES CES AVAILABLE* A VA AILABLE*

VISIT THE HOME OF THE REAL FATHER CHRISTMAS

DAYBREAKS AND SHORT BREAKS NEW 2012 BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE!

CALL 01865 265200 OR VISIT WWW.TRANSUN.CO.UK *Subject to availability. Offers are reviewed on a daily basis and will be withdrawn as flight quota is reached.

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September 21 2012

TABER HOLIDAYS has added a new tour in Finland called White Footprint. Based in Mounio, the six-night tour leads in at £1,885 per person, and offers an exploration of Finnish Lapland, including a day spent as a reindeer herder, a two-day husky safari with a night in a wilderness hut and a full-day snowmobile tour.

For every holiday booked, a donation of €50 is made to save the old forests of Muonio National Park. The price, which is based on two sharing, includes flights, transfers, full board accommodation, all equipment and specialist clothing. Departures are from November 25 to April 5, 2013.

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

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insurance Staysure dispels travel insurance myths for agents selling to the over 50s DETERMINED OVER-50s travellers are leading the way when it comes to faraway travel – but many of them find securing value for money travel insurance a long-haul, according to Staysure.

The company says that recent figures from market researcher, Mintel, show that over a five-year period 55 to 64year-olds were the only age group to increase the number of long-haul holidays taken, and the insurance provider is warning travellers to be wary of certain insurance offers, which are not always what they seem.

The company's marketing manager, Gina Rudd, said: “There are many myths about some of these offers and travellers need to be made aware of potential pitfalls, particularly when undertaking long-distance travel and holidays. Insurance is an essential part of any trip and it need not be a complicated, time-consuming or expensive exercise."

The company has highlighted a number of travel insurance myths, which it says need to be dispelled: Myth One: I get free cover with my bank, so I don’t need to pay for extra travel insurance Travel insurance is often provided as a free-of-charge ‘extra’ by banks and building societies looking to entice new customers, but the cover that this insurance provides is often not adequate. Pre-existing medical conditions for example are rarely taken into account and things such as cancellation cover, lost luggage and flexible trip durations are also not commonly provided. Always check the small print for these policies to ensure you are covered for every eventuality and that the cover limits meet your expectations.

Myth Two: I’m going to Europe and so will be covered by my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) The EHIC gives the user access to the same amount of treatment that a national of the country they are visiting would receive – therefore, if the resident would ordinarily pay for prescriptions and visits to the doctors, so would the EHIC user.

EHIC isn’t an alternative to travel insurance and nor will it provide the user with an alternative to the NHS abroad.

Likewise, the card is only valid for emergency medical purposes and will not cover events such as cancellations, delays or lost luggage. It’s always best to combine an EHIC with travel insurance to ensure you, your family and your possessions are fully protected.

Myth Three: Travel insurance is prohibitively expensive because of my medical history For anyone with a pre-existing medical condition, which can include anything from bunions to high blood pressure,

diabetes to cancer, it is often a struggle to find travel insurance that doesn’t cost the earth. It’s therefore important to find an insurer that specialises in providing insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions, which will help keep the costs down. It is equally pertinent to declare all medical conditions when booking a holiday, as well as the medication that you are taking and any upcoming doctor/hospital appointments. This will ensure that you are given the best possible cover for whatever conditions you have – no matter how big or small.

Myth Four: I don’t need travel insurance if I’m holidaying in the UK Travel insurance is not just for those enjoying a holiday abroad, with travel insurance still being a necessity for jaunts in the UK. Although it may not seem apparent at first (especially with the NHS on our doorstep), UK travel insurance not only means that the option of private treatment is available if necessary, but it also protects you should you book a cottage or hotel and are unable to attend for an unforeseen reason.

This ensures that you will not lose the money already paid for your holiday and also gives peace of mind.

Myth Five: My age makes travel insurance less affordable A common complaint relating to travel insurance is that the price becomes prohibitively expensive the older the traveller gets. Brokers such as Staysure which specialises in products and services for the over 50s, provide competitive policies and are able to tailor cover to suit the needs of their customers. The company offers a range of travel insurance for all types of holidays for people up to age 85 and also includes cruise holiday cover as standard in all of its single trip and annual multi-trip policies.

Myth Six: The contents of my baggage will be covered on my home insurance How much to insure your baggage for is an often-asked question, with the answer largely depending on where you are travelling to and how expensive your items are. For example, for those travelling in the UK you may find that your belongings are covered on your home insurance (with some home insurance policies extending this cover to include Europe). However, for more far-flung destinations the baggage cover needed may significantly increase, especially for long stay trips.

Prices for a week's cover in European leads in at £4.99 and an annual multi-trip cover for Europe costs from £29.99.

For more information visit www.staysure.co.uk or call 0800-088 4775.

Essential Travel issues Safety Awareness Campaign for backpackers ESSENTIAL TRAVEL recently undertook a survey of parents of young people taking a gap year, and found that 46% of those going on a gap year fell into the 18-20 post A level age range.

In light of the results, the company has created a three part Backpacker Campaign, designed to support young

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people about gap travelling.

The campaign consists of an A-Z Backpackers’ Bible which offers a collection of tips on staying safe, as well as practical help for dealing with some of the stressful situations that can arise while travelling; 15% off backpacker insurance, with three cover

levels and four areas of cover; and a Facebook competition at www.facebook.com/EssentialTravel where entrants have the chance of winning a rucksack packed with travelling goodies worth more than £800.

For more information visit www.essentialtravel.co.uk

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insurance Carrentals.co.uk calls for more research on policies CARRENTALS.CO.UK IS warning holidaymakers to research travel insurance policies before heading off on an autumn/winter break, as many travellers are caught out by popular activities such as scuba diving not being included in general travel insurance policies.

The car hire comparator already advises its ski customers to purchase a comprehensive sports policy and recommends that all customers look into the type of activities they may be doing on their break away to make sure they are covered in the event of an accident.

The company's managing director, Gareth Robinson, said: “Insurance is an essential part of arranging a holiday and people often make the mistake of assuming that their chosen activity will be covered under their general insurance policy. The truth is this is often not the case, resulting in the customer finding out after an incident that they are not covered by their policy and that they are expected to pay for expenditure including hospital treatment or mountain rescue themselves.

“Although many insurance providers do offer cover for a wide range of sports and activities, the likelihood is that these will come with certain restrictions. For example, if the policy covers scuba diving this may only be for diving up to 30m or if you are skiing you may need to confirm if you are covered for skiing off-piste. We recommend all holidaymakers take out additional cover for any activities that they plan to do on their holiday right down to specific details to ensure they are not caught out by the small-print.

"While there are competitive policies available, policies covering winter sports can vary from provider to provider and it is therefore crucial to check the small print. One person hitting the slopes for a week in Europe can insure themselves for £25.52 with Essential Travel, covering ski equipment, piste closure, and ski pack, as well as medical expenses, personal liability and death."

Stuart Bensusan, spokesperson for Essential Travel, which works in partnership with Carrentals.co.uk, said: “As a general rule, the more extreme it is the less likely it is to be covered on basic policies, but the easiest way to find out is to call your insurance provider and they can advise on any additional sports grade required.

“Whilst participating in any sports activities, you will need to wear the correct safety wear and not take unnecessary risks or you risk invalidating your policy.”

New insurance brand from Holiday Extras LATITUDE IS the new insurance brand from Holiday Extras, designed for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions who are excluded from standard travel insurance cover.

The new product is available to customers booking through a travel agent who are declined a standard insurance policy from the company, and retail agents earn 20% commission on the entire gross, including the medical premium.

The new referral policy includes winter sports and cruising holidays and benefits include medical expenses of up to £15million, cancellation charges up to £5,000 and baggage claims up to £2,000.

Andrea Clayton, the company's head of insurance and travel trade partnerships, said: "Travellers who don't tick the standard boxes can have a real headache finding a policy that works for them.

“We have been working hard over the last few months to

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September 21 2012

develop a new product that is well-priced, eliminates a lot of the hassle and empowers these customers to plan the holiday they really want. We’ll refer anyone who is declined when screening on our standard policies, keeping things simple for you and your clients. This is a great benefit to travellers and another way we can help agents increase their customer base and revenue per booking."

For more information contact Paul Paddock by email at paul.paddock@holidayextras.com or call 01303-815326.

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insurance New research finds third of all holidaymakers to Europe travel uninsured A THIRD of all holidaymakers (32%) have admitted to travelling to Europe uninsured, despite the risks – and the expense – should they be involved in an accident or taken ill.

AllClear, the travel insurance company that commissioned the research, says that some simply forget, others run out of time or think that the cost is too great, but one in seven believe that they do not need insurance because they are travelling within the EU. Among the 68% that were insured, the research found that many were confused as to why they need insurance in addition to their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Mike Rutherford, the company's chairman, said: “Holidaymakers think that an EHIC is effectively their ‘passport’ to getting free medical treatment in an EU country. In reality, however, the card only entitles the holder to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country, which is not necessarily the same as healthcare equivalent to the NHS.” Rutherford says that in some countries patients must contribute to the cost of their treatment and some staterun hospitals in Europe have privately-operated ambulance services that you would have to pay for.

He said: “Spain, in particular, can be confusing because the same healthcare centre could offer private and stateprovided healthcare and it is up to the patient to understand and specify what they want.

“Whilst the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

recommends getting a free EHIC, it impresses upon people that they still need full travel insurance, as the card does not cover you for all medical treatment.

"In the worst-case scenarios, uninsured holidaymakers would be obliged to cover the cost of repatriation and this could run into thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds when you account for a medical attendant, flights and accommodation.

“There have been too many tragic stories where people have had to borrow money, or family members have had to take out a bank loan or even sell their house to get a loved one home. An insurance policy is usually a relatively small percentage of the total cost of a holiday, so in light of the potential health and financial risk it should be money well spent.”

Meanwhile, the company also found that some 41% of travellers admit to buying travel insurance on price without necessarily checking what their policy covers.

The survey found that just over a quarter (28%) said that their decision was mostly affected by the amount of medical cover provided, even though bills for medical care abroad can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

The company commissioned the ICM survey of more than 2,000 adults to find out what factors travellers take into account when shopping around for travel insurance. More than half (52%) of travellers aged between 35 and 44 said that price was the most important factor affecting their decision on what policy to buy.

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CANARY ISLANDS ed d Prestige Holidays offer a superb selection of hand picked 4 & 5 star hotels, something for every client, from boutique hotels, tique hotel ls, rural properties to larger resort hotels with spa and golf.

Ask about all our latest offers including early booking offers, free half board, reduced rates, excellent child discounts, free nights and room upgrades.

Many flights from local airports‌.how can we help your clients?

Love to Shop vouchers for each booking made Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or

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caribbean r e ff o s d n re t g in rg e m E ll e s o t t a h w n o s e lu c s agent UK and ctor of marketing re di , AY H L RO CA by tion Tourism Organisa Europe, Caribbean

S

EPTEMBER IS Caribbean month in the UK and a timely moment to look at how the region has performed and what we want to achieve during the final months of 2012 and into next year.

As the most tourism dependent region in the world, the Caribbean is constantly striving to improve and compete with other destinations, especially in the face of an economic recession and increasing APD. Nonetheless, Brits are still choosing to travel and while they may be cutting down on taking as many short trips, they are still planning and booking that longer dream trip – the type of holiday that fits perfectly with the Caribbean.

Currently, we are finding that the Caribbean’s extensive luxury offering continues to flourish, in particular with the weddings and honeymoons market, with high end properties, beautiful spas and exclusive experiences continuing to thrive despite the recession.

Similarly, we have seen a real shift towards holidays where consumers can learn a new skill or help the local community during their stay, something which is proving

very popular and shifting the emphasis off visiting the Caribbean simply to “fly and flop”.

Away from the luxury end of the market, we are encouraging hoteliers, tour operators and travel agents to keep their focus on ensuring that consumers are getting the very best value for money, an area where the Caribbean has been hit hardest due to the increasing APD pushing up the prices. We are all aware of the need for our pricing to be as competitive as possible and are finding the inclusion of enticing extras, such as spa credits or a free excursion, all help to make the Caribbean stand up against our competitors.

Over the coming year we will, of course, continue to lobby the British Government over the unfair banding system of APD, which continues to place the Caribbean at a striking disadvantage. We are also working towards our two conferences of global interest, the State of the Industry Conference, which takes place in St Kitts next month, and the Sustainable Tourism Development Conference in Trinidad and Tobago in April 2013. ✦

BEACHES TURKS & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa is offering a new train ride for guests to explore the Providenciales resort, through the Italian Village, the châteaux of the French Village and the gardens of the Caribbean Village. The train runs from Monday to Friday and makes a stop at each village every 30 minutes. Guests can also join the party and ride the train during the resort’s Sesame Street Junkanoo parade.

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

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caribbean Property additions from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2 has recently contracted three new properties for next year - Cobblers Cove in Barbados, Cap Maison in St Lucia and The Inn at English Harbour in Antigua.

As examples of packages, a seven-night breakfast stay at Cobblers Cove leads in at £1,789 per person for travel between May 1 and July 12, 2013 when booked by October 31. The deal includes one free night and flights.

A seven-night stay at Cap Maison including breakfast costs from £1,629 per person when booked by October 31. The offer is based on travel from January 3 to April 6 and includes one free night, $100 resort credit per room and flights with BA from London.

Meanwhile, a seven-night stay at The Inn at English Harbour leads in at £1,529 per person on a half-board basis including flights with BA. The offer, which includes one free night, must be booked by October 31 and is for travel between May 11 and July 12. All rates are based on two sharing.

Epicurean Spice Experience from Mount Cinnamon COINED AS the Spice Island of the Caribbean, Grenada produces many key ingredients that play a pivotal role in the everyday kitchen. Taking advantage of its exotic spices cultivated through traditional and ancestral practices, Mount Cinnamon is hoping to enthuse guests with a new seven-day Epicurean Spice Experience, which enables guests to visit the source, see the ingredients being prepared and eat the final product.

During the week, guests will be taken to the west coast of the island, to Mount Cinnamon’s sister property, Mount Edgecombe. A 17th century working plantation, the property maintains many traditional varieties of crops and fruits as well as exotic flowers and spices, and the resort’s chef will give interactive master classes to guests, demonstrating and explaining how the island’s ingredients play a key part in cooking.

The package includes seven nights' breakfast accommodation; a one-day excursion to Mount Edgecombe, with a garden walk, Grenadian masterclass and lunch; the chance to relax at the hillside infinity pool; two private cookery classes; a visit to the famous Fish Friday Lime; a spice goodie bag with recipes; an island tour and a garden tour.

Prices lead in at £2,143 for a stay in a one-bedroom suite, based on two sharing.

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

VIRGIN HOLIDAYS is offering seven nights at Jolly Beach Resort and Spa for £989 per person, based on an October 24 departure. The price is based on an all-inclusive stay in a standard room and includes flights. For details see www.jollybeachresort.com and www.virginholidays.com or call 0844-557 4321.

For more information about holidays in Antigua and Barbuda, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.co.uk or call 01245-707471 to receive an information pack.

InBrief ● THE SIX-star Ritz Carlton Reserve is set to open on

Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico in December. The property is the second Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel to open worldwide, and the first in the Americas.

For details see www.doradobeach.com/hotel ● FOODIES STAYING at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis

can now take part in a “Catch and Cook” programme, selecting their catch of the day to be cooked on the spot by local fishermen on Pinney’s Beach.

See www.fourseasons.com/nevis ● THE BERMUDA Department of Tourism has introduced

an awards programme to encourage travel agents to book holidays to the destination. ‘Bermuda Reward$’ will be made on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis with the agent who makes the most bookings over the course of the year winning a trip for two to Bermuda.

Biras Creek launches new app to offer electronic guest directory BIRAS CREEK in Virgin Gorda has launched a new app so that guests can download the resort’s guest directory.

The app, which works on all smartphones, features information that guests may need during their stay at the luxury boutique resort including ferry times, weather conditions and details of nearby restaurants and bars.

Guests can also use the app to provide feedback to the resort on their experiences at the property.

The app can be download for free using the free Wi-fi access at the resort.

For more information visit www.biras.com

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FIRST INTRODUCED two years ago as a Caribbean ‘value’ option, the Dominican Republic has been one of Hayes & Jarvis’ success stories for this year, with sales growth of up to 800% at some points during the year. As a result, the operator has expanded its programme and given the destination more exposure in its flagship Worldwide brochure. New introductions include the premium all-inclusive five-star Dreams Punta Cana, which offers more than 17 food and drinks outlets to choose from. Seven-night packages lead in at £1,199 per person.

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caribbean

PARROT CAY by COMO in the Turks and Caicos is set to unveil three two-bedroom beach houses this November.

Perched high on sand dunes, the new beach properties will feature 180m decks allowing guests to take in ocean views and access the beach directly below. Each house also features a swimming pool, open living and dining area, dual master bedroom suites with bathrooms and private outdoor showers. Prices lead in at US$3,300 per night and the houses can be rented individually and as a group of three, catering for a larger family gathering or a group.

For details see www.comohotels.com/parrotcay

Caribtours profiles Puerto Rico for 2013 CARIBTOURS HAS added Puerto Rico to its 2013 programme, making it the operator’s most comprehensive brochure to date.

In response to demand, a greater selection of allinclusive properties have also been added, with key additions in Antigua, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

An extended Cuba tour and additional cruising options with Silversea and Royal Clipper are also featured.

The company’s managing director, Paul Cleary, said: "This latest collection is fine tuning an already successful, tried and tested programme.

Our team has travelled far and wide over the past 12 months and we have added a handful of more affordable options, whilst still maintaining the luxury reputation we are well known for. As well as being a great place to stay, the introduction

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of Puerto Rico complements our cruise programme beautifully as Silversea is another new addition."

The new portfolio features a selection of new properties, from family friendly Nonsuch Bay in Antigua to Petit St Vincent in the Grenadines.

Puerto Rico has been added to support the pre and post departures for the growing cruise programme.

Clients booking any holiday by October 19 for travel on selected dates between October 1 and March 31, 2013 will receive a free one-way upgrade to Club World on British Airways. Clients must book an outbound Club World ticket and an inbound World Traveller Plus ticket to be eligible for the upgrade, and all bookings must include seven nights’ accommodation for a minimum of two adults.

For more information call 020-7751 0660 or visit www.caribtours.co.uk

THE SAINT Lucia Tourist Board recently held a trade showcase trade event to celebrate a year-on-year increase in passenger traffic of 7.5% for the first six months of 2011. Now in its second year, the annual event provides an opportunity for the tourist board, hoteliers and airlines to network with UK operators and travel agents. Pictured are, from the left: Janet Pearcy, Luxury trips; Susie Trott, Calabash Cove; and Victoria Atkins, Destinology.

For more information about the latest trade offers visit www.stlucia.org

September 21 2012

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caribbean

InBrief We asked our staff the following question this week: What are you a closet collector of?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Coins - sad but true!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Glasses - the kind you drink out of!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk I don't have space in my flat to collect anything, so I have to keep my hoarding instinct in check.

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Guinness memorabilia, and paperclips

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Keyrings given when you buy beer!

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk When England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 I went a bit memorabilia-crazy for a few months

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Do not collect anything

● AGENTS CAN earn £10 per passenger in shopping vouchers for any

departure dates for all bookings though Virgin Holidays' sales centre and Trade Extranet. This is doubled to £20 per passenger for bookings made to Barbados. The incentive runs until September 30.

For details see www.vhols4agents.com ● ST VINCENT and the Grenadines has launched a de-tech (digital detox) holiday package in conjunction with Black Tomato. The holiday is designed to wean people off their technology and includes a guide to ‘de-teching’ and a session with a life coach ● SANDALS RESORTS has launched Travel Agents Say “I Do” to Sandals, a new promotion that gives valued travel agent partners the opportunity to experience a Sandals WeddingMoon for themselves.

Agents can use their Sell & Go nights or special TA rates for their Luxury Included stay at any of the 13 Sandals and three Beaches Resorts across the Caribbean. The promotion is valid until further notice and bookings can be made up until December 21, 2013.

See www.sellingsandals.co.uk ● A NEW ‘Sea for Yourself’ dive package has been introduced at Peter Island Resort & Spa, offering visitors the chance to snorkel and dive around the British Virgin Islands until December. Prices start from £3,535 per person and include seven nights’ accommodation, all meals (including a Champagne picnic lunch), a Caribbean fish guide, a two-tank dive to the Wreck of the Rhone and a private full day charter with two-tank dive.

For details see www.peterisland.com ● THE SAINT Lucia Tourism Board has created a new section on its Website which lists the contact details and locations of travel agents who demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the island, to ensure that customers are steered towards agents who will deliver the best advice and holiday packages. In order to be listed, agents must complete several requirements including an online training program and a tour of St Lucia, whilst tour operators must have 20% of their staff certified.

For details see www.saintluciaexpert.com

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com DVD’s

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Air Jorndans - I have around 50!

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Vinyl toys - I highly recommend it :D

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com Keg caps

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661

Savings of up to £590 per couple from Carrier CARRIER IS offering seven nights at the Coral Reef Club in Barbados, with prices leading in at £1,525 per person, based on two sharing on a bed-andbreakfast basis. The price, which offers a saving of up to £590 per couple, includes flights and transfers, and the offer is valid until October 20.

The property offers complimentary sporting activities including floodlit tennis and water-skiing, as well as private gardens and shaded cabanas around the hydro-pool.

Meanwhile, savings of up to £1,600 per couple are available on stays at Carlisle Bay in Antigua, with prices starting from £2,320 per person for seven nights' all-inclusive accommodation.

The price includes flights and transfers, and is based on travel from October 13 to December 20. Bookings must be made 30 days prior to travel.

The property offers a range of watersports, along with sailing, guided rainforest treks, tennis on nine courts and a gym. Activity programmes for children and teens are also available.

Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited Subscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseas

Follow us on Twitter! @TravelBulletin 30

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. HAVEN, 3. SAMOS, 6. PICARDY, 7. SHORTS, 9. HARZ, 11. RITA, 12. LUXAIR, 14. ARCADIA, 15. SEOUL, 16. TWEED. Down: 1. HOPE SPRINGS, 2. NARITA, 3. SKYE, 4. MOMBASA, 5. SWITZERLAND, 8. ONTARIO, 10. MUSCAT, 13. BALL.

ISSN: 0956-2419

September 21 2012

Highlighted Word: HARARE Travagrams: (top) Voyages of Discovery

(bottom) Bourne Leisure

Where Am I?: Cook Islands

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

OF SUN SHINE

DAYS

S07 TB2109 Caribbean_Layout 1 19/09/2012 12:30 Page 31

A

YEAR

Simplybeautiful,uniquelyMediterranean

www.simplynorthcyprus.com Visit the website to ďŹ nd out more about the attractions of holidays in North Cyprus.

For a list of current tour operators or for information on incentives for new operators email trade@simplynorthcyprus.com

S07 TB2109 Caribbean_Layout 1 19/09/2012 12:30 Page 32

JOURNEYS TO TREASURE ACROSS EVERY CONTINENT

THE

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To order your supplies of the 2013 Atlas or Silversea Expeditions brochure, please call 0844 770 9030 or email salesuk@silversea.com