Travel Bulletin 24th May 2013

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May 24 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,827 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Caribbean

Tourism Organisation highlights new villa openings this week selling cruise 8 is CLIA how niche cruising is becoming increasingly popular with discerning clients

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conference update the latest news from The Travel Network Group’s conference in Slovenia

uk & ireland

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new campaign entices visitors to the Emerald Isle

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far east brits beat a bigger path to Thailand's boutique hideaways

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newsbulletin MEXICO MERRY....Funway Holidays recently hosted a seven-night fam trip for agents to Riviera Maya and Cancun in Mexico. Pictured enjoying refreshments on the beach are, from the left: Melissa Grantham, Broadway Travel; Nicola Cameron, Barrhead Travel; Sally New, Lincolnshire Co-op; Gary McIntyre, Funway Holidays; Danielle Shead, Bath Travel; Julia Gibbons, Go Travel; Charlotte Higgs, Midcounties Co-op; Kit Robinson, Norseman Travel; and Susan James, Sheerness Travel.

LAST CHANCE to vote for your industry favourites in the 2013 Travel Bulletin Star Awards! Thank those companies that offer you the best product range, service levels or commission rates by going to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/a wards. The voting deadline is Friday 31st May.

This Week 3

Cover Pictures: Main - Fotoseeker

Inset - Visit Wales

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news a round-up of this week's product updates & announcements

selling cruise is CLIA how niche cruising is becoming increasingly popular with discerning clients

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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airline bulletin

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conference update

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hotel bulletin

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caribbean

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uk & ireland

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far east

what's in store for Gemini this month?

play Su Doku for your chance to win a £50 M&S voucher

Turkish Airlines boosts services from Gatwick

the latest news from The Travel Network's conference in Lake Bled, Slovenia

survey reveals two-thirds of European hotels offer free Wi-fi to guests

Caribbean Tourism Organisation highlights new villa openings

Stena Line & Tourism Ireland launch new campaign to encourage visitors to the Emerald Isle

Brits beat a bigger path to Thailand's boutique hideaways

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One in six consumers happy to engage with holiday providers via social media NEW RESEARCH by online marketing agency, Gravytrain, has revealed that one in six UK consumers would consider using social media to engage with a holiday provider.

The study of 2,000 consumers, conducted by OnePoll, showed that a third of those who were ‘comfortable’ about engaging with their holiday provider, or potential provider, on Twitter, Facebook or another social channel, would be happy to purchase a holiday via these routes. Some two thirds of those surveyed would be happy to ask questions about their holiday or destination before travelling, 60% were willing to complain about poor service and 42% would consider ‘liking’ or recommending a holiday firm via social media.

Overall, younger people were found to be more comfortable engaging with operators through this media, with more than 20% of 18-24 year olds, and just 10% of the 55+ age group doing so. Some 40% of respondents aged 18-24 agreed that a friend, family member or acquaintance recommending a holiday provider on social media would make them more likely to buy these services, while just 20% of the 55+ age group said the same.

When asked about what reservations they would have when communicating with travel operators via social media, 39% cited a lack of privacy, while 13% were worried about not speaking to the right person and 9% mentioned a slow response or a lack of sufficient information as a worry.

Kevin Taylor, CEO of Gravytrain, said: “As digital and social media continues to evolve, it is vital that all providers seek to engage with consumers in this way, and for those targeting younger age-groups this could be particularly valuable. However, this does come with a caution - no business should jump into social media feet first. Companies need to seek advice to avoid being bombarded with requests or complaints that they simply can’t handle, as this in itself can damage a reputation.”

Two thirds of Brits shun holidays with no beach ACCORDING TO a recent poll from www.sunshine.co.uk, as many as two thirds of Brits wouldn’t consider going on a holiday that didn’t involve being close to the beach, and 78% wouldn’t go on a break to a destination that wouldn’t be warm and sunny when they were planning to travel.

Nearly 1,922 holidaymakers aged 18 and over from around the UK took part in the survey, all of whom had been abroad on holiday in the past two years.

When asked, ‘Would you go on a holiday to a destination that wasn’t near the beach?’ 64% of those taking part said that they wouldn't, with the main reasons being that it would not feel like a holiday if it wasn't close to the beach (41%) and that their children enjoyed the beach (27%).

The poll also revealed that 78% of respondents wouldn't choose a holiday destination that wasn’t going to be warm and sunny at the time they planned to travel, with 57% of those respondents citing that they only went on holiday to escape bad weather.

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newsbulletin Cambridge departures in Inghams’ 2013/14 winter ski & summer 2014 programme INGHAMS HAS confirmed the launch of its first winter ski and summer programme departing from Cambridge Airport, with new weekly flights to Geneva commencing from December. In addition, weekly flights to Milan and Geneva will appear in the operator's Lakes & Mountains programme for summer 2014.

Agents are now able to book their clients on new winter ski packages to more than 18 resorts, including Courchevel, Meribel and Val d’Isere in France and Crans Montana, Wengen and Verbier in Switzerland, with convenient flights from Cambridge direct to Geneva every Saturday from December to April.

Two new summer routes from Cambridge to Milan and Geneva have also been confirmed as part of the company's new 2014 Lakes and Mountains programme. A variety of

seven- and 14-night packages, including tours and excursions, will be featured for the popular Lakes Garda, Como and Maggiore in Italy, while an extensive French and Swiss Alps summer range is also on offer, whether for hiking, cycling, exploring or relaxing, with flights from Cambridge continuing throughout the summer season.

The new flights will be operated on a scheduled service by Swiss carrier, Darwin Airline, and all holidays will feature a standard luggage allowance of 23kg per person and complimentary in-flight service. Ski equipment can be carried at no additional charge within the baggage weight allowance.

Seven-night catered packages lead in at £383 per person.

For details or to book see www.inghams.co.uk or call 01483-791111.

Belleair Holidays offers free one-day Malta Pass on selected summer departures BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is offering a free one-day Malta Pass on selected departures. The sightseeing card offers access to more than 40 attractions and discounts at more than 50 restaurants, shops and other activities across Malta and Gozo, including transport on the city sightseeing buses.

The operator offers scheduled, charter and lowcost flights from 17 UK regional airports, with many of the regional flights offering convenient Friday and Saturday departures.

The one-day pass offer applies to all holidays based on East Midlands and Cardiff flights departing on May 28, June 14 and 21. Example

holidays include a sevennight breakfast stay at the four-star Grand Hotel from £564 per person, saving £80 per couple. It includes direct flights from East Midlands, transfers and the one-day pass, and is based on two sharing for travel on May 28.

A seven-night breakfast stay at the four-star Ramla Bay leads in at £499 per

person, saving £80 per couple. It includes direct flights from Cardiff, transfers and the Malta Pass. The deal is based on two adults sharing and is valid for travel on June 21.

For further information or to make a booking visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412 quoting 'Free Malta Pass'.

EXPRESS YOURSELF...Avalon Waterways has christened its fifth Suite Ship, the Avalon Expression in Koblenz, Germany with international author Patricia Schultz acting as the ship’s official godmother. Pictured with Patricia, who is author of '1,000 Places to See Before You Die', is Expression's captain, André Harscher (left) and Avalon Waterways’ managing director, Patrick Clark. The 166-passenger vessel will sail the itineraries of The Legendary Danube, The Blue Danube Discovery and Magnificent Europe.

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week

NAMIBIA NEWBIES....African Pride hosted a fam trip to Namibia for a small group of agents. Pictured at the Sossusvlei sand dunes are, from the left: Wayne Aldridge, Howard Travel; David Holland, African Pride; Alison Bryson, Journey the World; Andy Ellis, Directions; and Gin Ford, Thorntons Travel.

Who’s saying what on Twitter... @cottages4you We've compiled a list of dos and don'ts for travelling with #pets http://bit.ly/YSHcVS . Does anyone have any great tips to share? @LondonCityAir London City has expanded its Italian route network.We now fly to Rome 6 times a week!

Book return flights from £286! http://bit.ly/VfM5ng @UKAndyHarmer Looking to grow your luxury cruise sales? Join CLIA UK & Ireland for our Luxury Cruise Expo in Dover in September: http://ow.ly/kWAY8 @VisitBritain Check out the Only in Brighton walking tour and find out all that is peculiar in Brighton: http://bit.ly/17ZowV7 @anatoliansky1 #Didyouknow… the white marble used in the building of the White House in Washington actually comes from #Croatia’s Island of #Brac!

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

Attraction World latest sponsor of Star Awards AGENTS HAVE just one week left to vote for their industry favourites in Travel Bulletin's prestigious Travel Star Awards, which takes place at the five-star Landmark Hotel on Monday October 7.

We are proud to announce that our latest Star Awards sponsor is Attraction World. The operator's group sales and marketing director, Tony Seaman, said: "As a B2B business, Attraction World is 100% committed to the trade and, as such, fully understand how important it is to sponsor events such as The Travel Bulletin Star Awards, as we have done for many years now. The Star Awards are also quite special as not many travel industry awards events fully focus on travel agents' own votes/opinions which we truly believe to be the most important element in any trade related awards event.

"Attraction World is proud to offer agents an unrivalled product range to offer their Tony Seaman

customers. In fact we have more than 8,000 products in 50 countries - so hopefully something for everyone! From the fabulous Florida theme parks to the temptations of Thailand - we have it covered. We always strive to provide our agents with the best possible reasons to sell to their customers. Whether it’s an unbeatable value for money ticket option, a UK exclusive ticket that cannot be purchased in resort or a value-added benefit to prepurchase, we do our utmost to provide the perfect reasons to sell our products. It is also worth remembering that many of the world’s most famous attractions often sell out months in advance – so if your customers don’t book in advance they could well end up missing out and feeling disappointed. Great examples of this include Broadway shows, Sydney Bridge Climb, Alcatraz and Discovery Cove in Orlando.

"Don’t forget selling add-ons is an excellent means to earning additional revenue – so not only do agents increase their customer service but their bottom line profit too – a win/win situation!"

Tickets are selling fast for the event - to reserve your place or to enquire about sponsorship call 020-7834 6661 or email jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

Travel 2 offers 13% commission on holidays in Summer Sun mini brochure TRAVEL 2 has unveiled its latest mini brochure for agents which highlights beach and warm weather destinations that guests can enjoy this summer.

The brochure features more than 115 hotels, resorts and holiday ideas throughout the Caribbean, Florida, the Middle East, Indian Ocean and Asia, and is offering agents the chance to earn 13% commission on all holidays featured in the mini brochure.

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To secure the commission, agents can book online at travel2.com or call the dedicated free phone number, set up specifically for the promotion 0800-458 4013. The brochure acts a tool for agents to promote a variety of different holidays, hotels and multicentres, with prices for long-haul getaways leading in at £499 per person.

Meanwhile, agents have a further incentive to book products within the

Affordable Dubai section of the brochure, with the company's ‘Rock, Shop & Chill’ giveaway. For a chance to win T in the Park tickets, V Festival tickets, spa vouchers and shopping vouchers throughout May, June and July, agents need to book clients on a featured hotel with Emirates flights

by July 31 to be automatically entered into the draw.

For details call 0800-458 4013 or visit www.travel2.com

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newsbulletin Travel Indochina produces new videos to drive sales TRAVEL INDOCHINA has brought to life its Small Group Journey experiences through a series of new Vietnam and Cambodia high-definition travel videos, available to view at www.travelindochina.co.uk The new videos are categorised into various areas covering the intricacies of accommodation (Classic and Deluxe), cuisine, transport, responsible travel and ways in which customers can ‘meet the people’ and ‘savour the cuisine’.

The operator also showcases its favourite locations and shares insider experiences. Agents interested in learning more on Cambodia can uncover the cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as must-see attractions like the temples of Angkor and the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, while those with an interest in Vietnam can learn more about the city of Saigon and the capital of Hanoi, as well as Halong Bay and the ethnic tribes in the mountains of Sapa.

Videos are supplied free to the travel trade.

Newsbites ●

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THE PHILADELPHIA Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has announced the launch of the destination's official convention and international visitor website, www.discoverPHL.com. The new site is designed to meet the demands of key Philadelphia travel audiences, including international visitors, convention attendees and meeting planners. The PHLCVB has also recently launched a mobile application on the iOS platform.

TOURISM NEW Zealand and STA Travel (STA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding worth a combined NZ$1.2m annually, in a multi-year partnership to target the long-haul youth travel sector in the UK, Continental Europe and North America.

TRAVELPORT HAS made significant changes to its hotel booking software with an improved user interface and extensive new content, which now has 450,000 hotel properties and 1,000,000 hotel rooms offers. The operator has released a promotional video for the software at www.youtube.com/watch?v=E61EkqOp0TA FIXED INCLUSIVE Tour (FIT) tickets are now available to New York’s Metropolitan Opera for the newly launched 2013/14 season. Most operas are available on a free sale basis and bookings can be made at www.broadwayinbound.com ATTRACTION WORLD is offering regional theatre shows in the towns and cities of Edinburgh, Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Plymouth and Southampton.

SHOWS INCLUDE Dreamcoats & Petticoats, The Lion King, Hairspray and Walking with Dinosaurs, with prices from £29 per ticket with immediate confirmation of seats and seat numbers. All shows are fully commissionable to agents.

DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS announced the addition of 40 new products to its UK portfolio. Experiences include an Aston Martin Thrill Experience voucher, skydiving, Chelsea Football Club Stadium, helicopter flights over London, The View from The Shard, Harry Potter Black Cab tour, Indoor surfing, London Bungee jumps, chocolate walking tours and TV presenter experiences.

For details call 020-8090 3890.

FLYBE IS giving customers the opportunity to ‘hold’ their preferred online fare for 24hours with the launch of its ‘Price Lock-Down’. By guaranteeing that the price of their chosen flight itinerary is held, travellers now have the benefit of being able to check and finalise their travel details before confirming and paying for their flight.

Disneyland Paris break from £1,296 LEGER IS offering four nights at Disneyland Paris from £1,296 for a family of four.

The package includes accommodation in one of the park’s hotel, free local joining points, coach travel and two days' admission to the park.

It departs throughout spring and autumn.

New cultural & adventure operator

MARRAKECH MAGIC....The Moroccan Tourist Board recently hosted a fam trip for a group of agents to Agadir and Marrakech.

Pictured at the Hotel Palais Namaskar in Marrakech (with the hotel's signature cocktail – a Royal Mojito in hand) are, from the left: Bohdan Swystun, Liz's Travel in Huddersfield; Nikki Dore, Highworth Travel in Wiltshire; and Keith Lloyd, Peacock Travel and Tours in Dalston.

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TOTALLY INDIA, a new operator featuring adventure and cultural holidays, both small group tours and independent travel, has launched.

The company is the brainchild of Derek Moore – a founding director of Explore – and Bashir Sheikh, the owner of India’s tour operating company, Delhi-based Sea and Sky. The operator has initially been launched online, but it is intended that the programme will be sold through the trade and, to that end a 48-page brochure is currently in production, due to be published in July.

The programme includes private tours by motor car, festivals, rail journeys, trekking tours, family adventures, wildlife tours and cycling tours .

Most itineraries are between seven and nine days in duration, with the option of tailor-made extensions, and will be led by Indian tour guides.

Prices lead in at £495 for a nine-day tour of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra through to £2,135 for a two-week festival tour to Bhutan (excluding flights).

For further information call 01992-579697 or visit www.totallyindia.net

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newsbulletin Toddlers go free with Condor Ferries FAMILIES WITH young children booking a holiday to Guernsey, Jersey or France can benefit from extra savings when they book a trip with their car this month, as toddlers (three years and under) sail for free up to July 11 with Condor Ferries, for bookings made by May 29.

Passengers heading to France can take advantage of connecting services, which provide a short daytime stop-off in the Channel Islands. The services are ideal for those travelling with young children, allowing a break in the journey to visit the local shops or restaurants before travelling on to St Malo on the Brittany coast.

See www.condorferries.com

Trafalgar issues 2013/14 programme featuring 31 trips TRAFALGAR HAS launched its new 2013/2014 programme which offers a total of 31 trips.

The programme introduces three new itineraries, heading to a total of 22 countries across Europe. The new A5sized brochure highlights 16 of these trips, giving travellers the option to experience the changing seasons, visiting the centuries-old Christmas markets of Germany, and celebrate Hogmanay in Scotland from £95 a day.

New additions include German Christmas Markets, Swiss Delight and Festive English Countryside.

To mark the launch of the new brochure, the company is offering savings of 7.5% off

Europe and Britain guided holidays that are booked and paid for by July 10, representing savings of up to £318 per couple. Previous clients can also save up to an additional £212 per couple with the operator's Frequent Traveller Discount.

As an example of itineraries, a nine-day German Christmas Markets trip starts in Frankfurt and ends in Berlin. Guests spend nights in Dresden, Erfurt and Nuremberg, while spending their days at the Christmas markets of Rothenburg, Wartburg Castle, Liepzig, plus a full day at Dresden.

For more information or to book call 020-7468 4335 or visit www.onestoptouringshop.co.uk

Last chance savings from Carnival Cruise Lines CARNIVAL CRUISE Lines is offering savings on selected sailings this year when booked by May 31.

Passengers can choose from more than 50 cruises visiting a range of locations including the

Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Canada and New England, the Baltics and Hawaii, for select sailings from May to December.

As examples, a nine-day Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona

on June 28 leads in at £499, while a four- to five-day Canada and New England break, which departs on August 29, costs £299.

For details call 0845-351 0556 or visit www.carnival.co.uk

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newsbulletin Selling cruise is CLIA

MOVERS ● THE ASSOCIATION of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has

appointed Victoria Sturley as marketing executive. ● JON HORNE has been appointed CEO of Cardiff Airport

following its recent acquisition by the Welsh Government. ● PEGASUS SOLUTIONS has appointed Temple Weiss as chief

financial officer. ● JOHN DRYSDALE has joined alpharooms.com as product

director. ● THE NEW Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau has

appointed Brad Weaber, CMP, as executive vice president. ● HURTIGRUTEN HAS appointed Magnus Wrahme as senior

vice president global sales. ● THE ALL Leisure Group has strengthened its trade sales team

by STEPHEN WINTER, International sales director at Compagnie Du Ponant HE RISE of luxury cruising has led to a revolution in the industry. The market offering is now broader than it ever has been – and niche cruises in areas that have never been associated with luxury, such as polar cruises, are now being taken on some of the most elegant vessels imaginable. Ice breakers have been replaced by five-star expedition ships which can take you to some of the most remote parts of the world without sacrificing on quality, comfort, security or style.

Compagnie Du Ponant, the French cruise line which is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, is the epitome of this concept of luxury niche cruises, and has quickly become the number one cruise operator in the Antarctic.

The international markets have reacted well to these purpose-built, environmentally-friendly, 264-passenger ships Le Boreal and L’Austral. So much so that Ponant will launch a third sister ship, le Soléal, in July of this year which will cruise in the Arctic, including Greenland and the North West Passage, before starting cruises in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and then spending 6 months cruising in Asia.

What is clear about luxury cruising is that there is no particular style. We should not think that luxury means stuffy. It can be far from it. At Ponant for example we are very relaxed. The French are very good at being effortlessly elegant or casually chic.

There are many reasons for our company’s growth.

Whilst we are competing with companies that have been in the international markets much longer than we have, we have a really young fleet, and we have the competitive edge of being the only French cruise line.

Another factor working in favour of niche cruising and small ships is that many cruise guests are enticed by the more relaxed and intimate experience found on smaller ships.

There is a bond that is formed on small ships between the crew and the guests, as well as between guests that is not experienced on large ships. The ability to tender in small out of the way ports or land in some of the world’s most remote spots for an up-close audience with the local wildlife only adds to the appeal.

This is a fantastic sector in cruising, and we look forward to seeing you at the CLIA Luxury Cruise Expo in Dover in September.

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with the appointment of three new regional sales executives Sue Cragg, Hayley Anderson and Polly Lyons. The company has also appointed Patrick Ryan to lead cruise brands Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic. ● CAPITA TRAVEL and events - a travel, accommodation and events organisation - has appointed Mark Fry as head of operations for meetings and events. ● TOM HAWES has been appointed business development manager for Peregrine Tours which includes Peregrine Adventures, Geckos Adventures and Peregrine Reserve. ● RESORT HOPPA and A2B transfers have appointed Matt Hall as managing director.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Play Jetset’s exciting – and just a little nostalgic – PacPal game today. Inspired by Jetset’s invaluable Package Pal tool, PacPal is both great fun and highly educational. The fastest gamer will sit proud at the top of the leaderboard – with the Star Prize being a tongue-tingling retro goodies hamper worth £100. Play today on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/pacpal

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Agents, don’t forget to cast your votes for your favourite suppliers in the Travel Bulletin Star Awards 2013. Suppliers, make sure you book your tickets for this unmissable event. All this and more at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards

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Travel Bulletin now hosts some of the industry’s most educational and relevant travel agent events.

Not been to one yet? See what you’re missing out on at www.youtube.com/travelbulletin, then email jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk to get on the guest list for future events.

All this and more at:

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

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agentbulletin Booking incentive ●

C BY Caribtours has launched a booking incentive, offering a week for two on all-inclusive at Dreams Tulum, Mexico, as the star prize. Every booking received by June 14 will be entered into the draw, with dinner for two at any Hotel Du Vin or Malmaison as the second prize and a bottle of Champagne as the third prize. All bookings should be for a minimum of two adults, including flights and seven nights’ accommoda tion from the operator's brochure. The prize draw will take place on June 17.

Agent offer THE ALL-INCLUSIVE Couples Barbados Resort is giving agents the opportuni ty to name a restaurant and win a holiday for two at the new resort. The restaurant, one of three at the property, specialises in classic local Bajan and Caribbean dishes such as isla nd spiced fish cakes, brown sugar and tam arind glazed beef striploin. To enter visit www.facebook.com/couples and submit your ideas before the end of this mo nth. The winner will be announced on June 7 on the Facebook page.

Dreams Tulum, Mexico

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Gemini?

YOU ARE feeling both energetic and efficient this month, so make the most of this by performing any tasks that involve getting your point across or finishing a project you've been working on.

Your new-found energy levels are also attracting new relationships and opportunities, but take caution before delving into something that you might later regret. It's better to wait and see what happens before making rash decisions.

Lucky number: 23 Lucky day: Friday

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TIPTO TREAT...Pictured at TIPTO's recent roadshow event in Manchester is Feysal Nagi from The Holiday Team with Alison Cheetham from Peregrination , who won £50 in Love2Shop vouchers.

Follow ing the popularity of the roadshow events, TIPTO has added an additional Liverpool roadshow, which will take place in June or July.

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newsbulletin Rocky Mountaineer offers free upgrade on selected package tours ROCKY MOUNTAINEER is offering guests a free upgrade for bookings made by June 28 on qualifying holiday package tours of four nights or more for selected departure dates this year.

Upon booking, guests receive a complimentary rail seat upgrade to enhance their Western Canadian holiday. RedLeaf Service bookings are promoted to SilverLeaf Service, while bookings made in SilverLeaf Service are upgraded to the GoldLeaf Service. Guests who are booked in GoldLeaf Service receive a £250 credit towards the package price.

As an example, one of the applicable holiday packages is the Western Explorer, which travels between Vancouver, BC and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The seven-night journey includes two days on the Rocky Mountaineer and stays in popular destinations such as Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary, AB. Guests can also choose to begin or end their holiday with a Summit Helicopter Tour.

For more information visit www.rockymountaineer.com

CHECK-IN FOR CYPRUS...The winning team from the Travel Counsellors' January incentive ‘The Race to Aphrodite’ were recently hosted on a seven-day Cyprus fam trip in partnership with the Cyprus Tourist Board and Constantinou Bros Hotels in Paphos. Pictured meeting the general manager of Constantinou Bros Hotels, Aristos Diomedous, are Travel Counsellors Cathie O’Dea (left) and Rachel Gulliford.

ABTA relaunches Business-to-Business partner scheme with two membership tiers ABTA HAS relaunched and rebranded its business-to-business partner scheme, which replaces the Travel Industry Partner scheme. The scheme offers two tiers of partnership - ABTA Partner and ABTA Partner+ and the changes follow growing demand for additional marketing opportunities. The scheme also provides members with a business services network to source suppliers to help them run successful travel companies.

ABTA Partner+ members will receive an enhanced listing on www.abta.com and bespoke email marketing to ABTA members. They will also receive banner advertising on the association's website worth £700, together with further advertising discounts on the site. The scheme is open to all companies working within or offering services to the travel industry which are not eligible to become full ABTA members.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 113

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

Kebab & Mitnce Retro

A➠

B➠ This luxury operator shares part of its name with a famous fashion brand

C➠

Cream Hark

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:

A North African city famed for its souks

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, May 30th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 10th May is Vivienne Hamilton, Thomas Cook in Paisley.

May 10 Solution: A=6 B=3 C=2 D=9

Monte Rosa

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

Number: 113

Across 1. Major international holidays, media and airline business (6) 3. Capital of the Austrian state of Styria (4) 6. Himalayan country (5) 9. Brazilian city, in short (3) 11. This Athletic team beat Man City to win the FA Cup (5) 12. Douglas is the capital (3) 13. Scandinavian airline, initially (3) 14. Holidays operator, sounds like a star sign (5) 15. Adventurer and TV presenter, ___ Fogle (3) 16. 14 Across features this country (5) 18. Havana is the capital (4) 19. River, sounds like an online store (6)

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Down 1. Actor driving Fast & Furious at a cinema near you (3,6) 2. Jewel in the Crown Holidays can take you to this resort (3) 4. Rhodes airport code (3) 5. City at the foot of the French Alps (8) 7. Welsh county (5) 8. Theme parks operator, part of Merlin Entertainments Group (8) 10. Wightlink operates to and from this port (9) 12. Mediterranean country (5) 15. Actor famous for his Cockney roles, ___ Hoskins (3) 17. Glasgow airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 May 24 2013

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airlinebulletin

InBrief ● FLYBE HAS launched flights from Birmingham to Lyon, bringing

AIR MOLDOVA has launched a twice-weekly service between Stansted and Chisinau in Moldova. Fares lead in at £105 in Economy and £356 in Business Class.

For details visit www.airmoldova.md

the total number of routes it now operates from one of its main UK bases to 22. Flights are offered six times weekly and one-way fares cost from £41.99 including taxes and charges.

See www.flybe.com ● ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES has announced that it will commence four weekly scheduled flights to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, the Republic of South Korea, from June 18. ● RYANAIR HAS launched a twice-weekly route between Stansted and Dole in the Jura, Franche-Comté, France.

For details see www.ryanair.com ● PEGASUS AIRLINES has added Doha and Athens to its roster of destinations, bringing the number of its international routes to 42. ● AIR MALTA has been chosen as the preferred ground handling partner by Turkish Airlines, Air Baltic and Monarch Airlines at Malta International Airport. Starting this summer the airlines will operate more than 140 flights to/from Malta.

Turkish Airlines boosts services to Istanbul from Gatwick on back of demand TURKISH AIRLINES has expanded its services from Gatwick to Istanbul, with Turkey’s national carrier now offering flights to both of Istanbul’s airports.

Offering passengers increased choice of when to fly and providing further onward connections, the new flights to Sabiha Gökçen will operate three times weekly and then daily from June 1.

The carrier currently operates a daily service between Gatwick and Atatürk airport – Istanbul’s’ major

hub – which offers connections to the airline’s global network, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. The new routes to Sabiha Gökçen airport will enable passengers to connect to a wider variety of domestic destinations in eastern Turkey and also offer Turkish travellers more choice of flights to London.

Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer at Gatwick, said: “Turkey is an incredibly important market for both business and

leisure travellers so we are delighted that Turkish Airlines will now offer more direct services from Gatwick.

“Istanbul is a key destination thanks to its status as one of the world’s most dynamic cities for business but also because it offers excellent onward connections to the Middle East and Asia in particular.

These extra flights will offer greater choice and flexibility for those wanting to reach Istanbul and beyond.”

Air France extends Economy offer across more routes AIR FRANCE is extending its range of MiNi fares to Europe on an additional 80 routes, and is offering fares from £49 for travel from June 5.

With the new range of fares, which are available throughout the year, customers will have the choice between the all-

inclusive Classic product or the MiNi product, a simplified product aimed at customers travelling without checked baggage, which does not earn Flying Blue miles, at lower fares.

For more information visit www.airfrance.co.uk or call 0871-663 3777.

Passenger numbers up on flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Inverness MORE PASSENGERS fly from Bristol to Scotland than from any other UK airport outside London, according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.

The authority's analysis of domestic scheduled flights reveals that nearly 630,000 journeys were made between Bristol and Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness last year - a 4.5% increase over the previous year.

Bristol Airport’s biggest carrier, easyJet, operates 22 flights weekly from Bristol to Edinburgh, 19 per week to Glasgow, plus a daily flight to Inverness. Just under 300,000 passengers used the Bristol-Edinburgh service last year, benefiting from a schedule which includes four flights daily on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Glasgow is also served by four flights on a Friday, with three daily on Monday,

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Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

The Aberdeen service operates twice daily with a direct jet service by bmi regional using an Embraer 145. Passengers can check in up to 30-minutes prior to departure and receive free hold baggage allowance of 20kg, plus complimentary onboard catering.

Shaun Browne, aviation director at Bristol Airport, said: “While the majority of passengers using Bristol Airport are flying overseas, domestic routes to more distant parts of the UK remain important in keeping the South West connected.

“We expect further growth on these routes in 2013 and are actively exploring ways to strengthen links with Scotland with our airline partners to support these important business and leisure markets.”

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conferencebulletin ‘Shaping your Future’ was the theme of The Travel Network Group’s overseas conference, which took place from May 17-19 in Bled, Slovenia and saw more than 300 delegates attend. Here's a round-up of the latest announcements and news from the event... by LAURETTA WRIGHT Consortium plans to implement new 'Growth' strategy GARY LEWIS, The Travel Network Group's managing director, announced a new 'Growth' strategy for members at its overseas conference in Bled, Slovenia.

As one of four pillars (which also included Scale, Opportunity and Solutions), the strategy has been Gary Lewis

introduced to help members grow their businesses by offering a unique and diverse product.

Lewis said: "We believe that we should be an asset to help members close sales and we're looking at delivering a product for you with added value. From our end, it's making sure that we've spoken with a key business partner who is on board and delivering to you exclusive, unique, differentiated product that you can take to your customer. That value might be an upgrade in accommodation or an excursion added to the product, which means that when you're closing the deal, it makes it harder for your customers to go down the street and make a comparison with one of your competitors."

There are a number of ways in which the consortium plans to do this including through traditional media and database segmentation, which targets customers with unique products that they are most

InBrief ● ANDREW PAGE, British Ambassador to Slovenia, announced the twinning of Bled with Henley-on-Thames. ● WORLDCHOICE president Colin Heal sadly passed away at the conference. Colin was a director of ABTA, a trustee of the ABTA Lifeline Fund and was also a director of the National Training Organisation for Travel and Tourism and Events. ● THE TRAVEL Network Group is looking to develop a web solution for its dynamic packaging system, Honeycomb. It also announced that it plans to increase the number of suppliers on the site from 20 to more than 50 by the end of the year. ● GUEST SPEAKER Andrew Burnham, head of travel and leisure at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, told delegates that early indicators point towards 2014 looking set to return to normal for the UK economy. In terms of the travel industry, he said that consumer confidence is returning, particularly when we see average earnings in excess of inflation, which he predicted would happen from next year. ● ANDY COHEN from the Civil Aviation Authority urged agents to have an agency agreement in place otherwise they risk chance of prosecution.

He said: "It is now law if you are selling an ATOL product to have an agency agreement in place with the principal. I understand that some agents have had difficulty getting an agreement with the principal. My advice is to pester them to get it done; not doing so could cause the failure of your business." Cohen also highlighted that there would be more training in place for agents by working with partners such as TTA and Worldchoice. He also said that there are plans to further evolve the ATOL certificate by offering a centralised system within the next five years. The new development would allow members' IT systems to dip in and issue the certificate to consumers, thereby offering a more efficient service. For details see www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk

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likely to buy, based on their preferences.

A number of 'Growth' strategy trials with High Street agencies have already been well received, one of them being Worldchoice Travel in Wigan, which saw a 47% increase in sales the month after the second growth strategy was implemented. The agency's Gill Blundell said: "My team and I loved being part of the project. Matching products to customers was incredible and it connected us to customers we hadn't seen in years."

Lewis said: "Think of us as an asset for your business and hold us to account.

Trial and test the new strategy and see how it can work for you. There are 840 members that belong to The Travel Network Group. You are part of a living, thriving business that is moving in the direction that we want it to move."

The consortium also announced that it has appointed Si Prentice as marketing director to develop the new strategy.

TTNG sees evidence of improvement in travel market performance GROUP COMMERCIAL director of The Travel Network Group (TTNG), Martin Andrew, told delegates that although the market is still in decline there is strong evidence of improvement. He said that one of the factors driving significant sales is the increase in holidaymakers opting for all-inclusive holidays, with almost one in two summer bookings being made for this market.

Andrew said: "Although there has been a decline of 1% in passengers this year compared to 2012, there's been a 3% increase in revenue. As a result, operators are moving towards quality of sales and away from volume of sales. Looking at the growth destinations, it's Tunisia that stands out. As for declining destinations, it's capacity cuts that have driven this, with Turkey, Costa Blanca and Cyprus accounting for more than 100,000 passenger deficit year-on-year.”

Andrew also predicted a decline in demand for cruising.

He said: “Don't be surprised to see the cruise lines continue to discount heavily. They've got a lot of empty cabins on the new ships they've built to serve this summer."

Other statistics included High Street bookings down by 4%, with Andrew attributing part of this to the closure of High Street agencies; a 3% increase in family bookings; and shorter duration holidays, with durations of less than six nights growing by up to 70%. Andrew said: "A consequence of this is there will be less availability for family product and less need for discounting over the next few months, which should in turn drive early bookings for next year."

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conferencebulletin The Travel Network Group’s conference provided plenty of networking opportunities including a welcome party, evening receptions and a gala dinner...

RECEPTION FRIENDS…Paul Philpott of Beacon Travel Services and Susan Poundsberry from Eclipse Trav el enjoy the welcome reception.

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from come reception are, el w e th ng yi jo En eray, PARTY PALS… urneys; Sophie Thack Jo l ai R at re G e, rn the left : Tony By ; Malta s; Heidi Drummond ay id ol H on ti ec ll Co Classic d , Kirker Holidays; ou m ah M m ha is H Tourism Authority; ITO chairman . and Derek Moore , A

RAISE A TOAST…Helen Burgess (left) from The Travel Network Group and Lisa Eggleton from Kuoni raise a toast to a successful event.

LAKE LEGENDS…Admiring the views over Lake Bled are, from the left : Anita Kuypers, Across the Globe; Mark Hopper, Getabed ; Kathryn Coles, Kirker Holidays; and Sarah Howe-Davies, Nor th America Travel Service. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Steve Dunlop Photographer

MEMBERS ONLY…Pict ured at the Members Cocktail Party are, from the left : Sally New and Kate Townsend from Linc olnshire Co-Op Travel ; Mafalda Barreto, Silverse a Cruises; and Clare Pennington , Lincolnshire Co-Op Travel .

Steve Dunlop Photo grapher

jo y the Gala Aw ards en to y ad Re P… U EN STAR LI ide ft : Pe ter Giles, Worldw dinner are, from the le or k rgess, The Travel Ne tw Bu en el H e; ic rv Se el av Tr d , Engaging Serv ice; an an ill cM M ew dr An ; p Grou Leech from Kuoni. a cc be Re d an n to es gl Li sa Eg

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hotelbulletin Starwood Hotels & Resorts to debut in Liverpool STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts and its brand, Aloft Hotels, have announced the signing of Aloft Liverpool.

Located on North John Street in the city’s heritage centre, the new property marks the entrance of the company into the city when it opens next year.

The 116-room hotel will be in the renovated Royal Insurance Building, a historic Grade II listed landmark with architectural value, which is located in the city’s central business district.

Guests of the hotel will have easy access to nearby Liverpool ONE, one of the UK’s largest shopping centres and a number of offices, retail shops, bars and restaurants in the vicinity.

Guestrooms will feature the brand’s signature high ceilings, as well as large walk-in showers with complimentary Bliss Spa products. The hotel will also offer a lounge, bar, fitness centre and meeting spaces.

For more information visit www.alofthotels.com

InBrief ● MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL has signed a management agreement with CJSC Globus to open its first property in Novosibirsk, Russia, the 175-room Marriott Novosibirsk Hotel. The property is expected to open next year. ● HILTON WORLDWIDE has announced the opening of its debut hotel in Exeter, Hampton by Hilton Exeter Airport. ● RADISSON BLU Edwardian, London is inviting guests to take a break between June 1 and September 30 at one of its 11 participating London hotels from £336 for two nights, including VAT. For details see www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/summer or call 020-7666 2662 quoting 'Summer Package'. ● JUPITER HOTELS has announced that it is offering free Wi-fi across its 26 Mercure branded hotels.

See www.jupiterhotels.co.uk/hotels ● GREAT HOTELS of the World has opened the Hotel Xenia in London following a two-year development at a cost of approximately £9million. The hotel is located on Cromwell Road in South Kensington and is currently running an opening offer, giving guests 35% off. To book call 020-7380 3658. ● THE INTERNATIONAL Association of Villa Rental Agents (IAVRA) has made it easier for agents to take advantage of the vacation rental boom with the introduction of its free-for-life account. The account gives travel professionals an opportunity to try out vacation rentals with no financial commitment and offers a guaranteed minimum 10% commission. For details email info@iavra.com or visit www.iavra.com

MIA RESORT NhaTrang Vietnam is offering a special package for guests booking to stay by December 15. A six-day stay in a garden view condo, based on two people sharing, leads in at US$800. The price includes transfers, one voucher for High Tea for two, a 45-minute spa treatment for two and a cooking class, followed by lunch for two. The offer is available through all UK operators who feature the property in their programme including Elegant Resorts, Sunset Faraway, Destinology and Surreal

Steve Dunlop Photographer

HRS survey finds two-thirds of European hotels offer free Wi-fi to guests HOTEL PORTAL, HRS, has conducted a new survey which found that 67% of European hotels offer Wi-fi free of charge and that there is significant room for improvement regarding the pricing policy for Wi-fi in five-star hotels.

The European frontrunner offering free Wi-fi in hotels is Turkey, where nearly 85% of hotels offer this service, closely followed by Sweden with 82%. Eastern European countries such as Poland (80.5%) and the Czech Republic (73.9%) also claim leading positions in the rankings, due to the growing hotel sector in these countries which means that many new hotel businesses are being equipped with the latest technology.

Britain’s ranking in the tables is much further down, with only 62.6% of hotels offering free Wi-fi to guests.

Jon West, the company's managing director, said: “Free of charge wireless internet access is in high demand and this demand is only set to increase. It is impossible to imagine a more mobile world without such a service available in hotels, which is now frequently taken for granted. Lots of hotels have realised this and provide free

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of charge Wi-fi to guests in their room.”

Meanwhile, taking a look at the correlation between hotel categories and free Wi-fi in European hotels, the survey found that the service is equally offered in each category.

For hotels that charge for access to the internet, costs are an average of £2.47 per hour for room Wi-fi. Guests in the Czech Republic have to pay the most - £4.35 per hour on average, while Britain offers the fourth most expensive, with guests paying an average of £3.35 per hour.

The company's analysis also confirmed the widespread assumption in the industry that the higher the hotel category, the higher the Wi-fi charges. Luxury hotels are the worst culprits for this, as one hour of Wi-fi in rooms costs an average of £6.70 in five-star hotels. In isolated cases, some hotels charge up to £25.65 per hour. With an average of £1.76 per hour/room, guests in one-star hotels are charged the least.

On the company's website, agents can specifically search for hotels with free Wi-fi available in rooms for their clients.

For details visit www.hrs.com

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caribbean

WATER TAXI transfers, worth US$380 per couple, are among the extras that Biras Creek in Virgin Gorda is offering in a special package for seven-night stays between now and December 20. The package also includes two free nights and a complimentary meal upgrade from bed-and-breakfast to include breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. The offer is valid for bookings made by November 30.

For more information visit www.biras.com

Caribbean Tourism Organisation announces range of new villa openings THE CARIBBEAN Tourism Organisation is highlighting a range of new villas in the Caribbean, all of which opened within the last six months.

Cinnamon Heights offers luxury three-bedroom villas in Grenada, which offer en-suite bathrooms, lounges and dining rooms, an open-plan kitchen and an infinity pool.

The accommodation has been designed so that all rooms are sea facing, offering views of Grande Anse Beach and beyond to the town of St. George’s. Prices start from £8,000 per week. For details see www.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com A new private beach property in the Turks and Caicos’ island of Providenciales has also opened. Villa Mani is perched on a ridge 40' above the waters of Providenciales. It offers six bedrooms and six bathrooms, along with 15,000sq.ft of living space. A power boat with

a captain is on hand for scuba diving, fishing trips or picnics on secluded bays. The property also offers three pools, a ‘secret deck,’ and a private beach. Prices start from £2,800 per night. See www.villamanitci.com Meanwhile, a new luxury villa, ‘Seaweed’, from Jamaican boutique bolthole Jakes has recently opened its doors and can be rented as a two- four- or sixbedroom property either on a daily or weekly basis. Set in the small seaside fishing village of Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s south coast, Jakes is a boutique resort comprising of decorated cottages within the grounds and bespoke villas nearby.

The property features five guestrooms, a games room, infinity pool, outdoor showers and bathtubs plus a gym.

Rates start from £430 per night.

See www.jakeshotel.com

Linear Park project takes shape in Aruba ARUBA’S AMBITIOUS plan to create the Caribbean’s longest linear park is taking shape, with the first stage now officially opened.

When completed, the Linear Park will stretch for ten miles, from Queen Beatrix Airport to resorts along Palm Beach. Designed as an environmentally-friendly area, it will offer a fully landscaped corridor along the coastline, with walking and cycling paths, as well as points to rest and relax.

Phase One of a total of six, the section from the Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club to Wilhemena Park, was recently opened by the Minister of Tourism, Otmar Oduber.

Meanwhile, travelling to Aruba from the UK has become easier with the resumption of summer charter flights from Gatwick by Thomson Airways. The company is now operating every Friday until October 18 to Aruba, offering packages through its tour operator brands Thomson and First Choice.

For more information on the destination see www.aruba.com

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THE REEFS Hotel & Club in Bermuda has transformed its Royston’s restaurant to cater for demand for a lighter gourmet experience. The restaurant is now a gourmet grill featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and show kitchen offering a choice of handcrafted signature burgers, gourmet thin crust pizzas and a selection of prime grilled entrées.

For more information visit www.thereefs.com

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caribbean Five-star luxury for less in the Dominican Republic with Hayes & Jarvis FIVE-STAR luxury comes at affordable prices in the Dominic Republic, according to Hayes and Jarvis, which says that the aspirational holiday with a reasonable price tag accounts for a large growth in bookings for the Caribbean Island.

Katie Parsons, the operator's Caribbean regional product manager, said: “A top tip for agents looking for luxury for less destinations is to recommend going all-inclusive and opting for resorts like Punta Cana and Bavaro in the Dominican Republic.

Offering high quality accommodation at

bargain prices, where there is no need to compromise on quality, the destination boasts some of the region’s newest and most luxurious resorts and is an ideal choice for holidaymakers working with a tighter budget."

In Punta Cana the company recommends the Now Larimar, a fivestar all-inclusive resort which offers luxury accommodation, premium brand drinks, unlimited a la cartĂŠ dining and a range of activities all included in one price. In Bavaro, the adults-only Barcelo Bavaro Beach is an all-inclusive property that includes a free resort

credit of up to $2,500 which can be redeemed against room upgrades, private dinners, spa treatments and golf.

Parsons said: “To secure the best available deals for their clients, agents should book flights early and check out which hotels offer extra inclusions and special discounts. “Depending on when they travel, clients can save as much as 30% on accommodation or receive a free room upgrade – so it is well worth keeping abreast of the latest resort deals.�

For details call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents

PICTURED MARKING the launch of 'Swim Fit Palm Island' workshops at Palm Island Resort in the Grenadines are, from the left: Leah Sakhaei, Virgin Holidays Kensington High Street; Colin Peglar, Resort Marketing International; and double Olympic gold medalist swimmer Becky Adlington. The Resort has teamed up with Adlington and Virgin Holidays to offer the workshop free of charge to guests and offers advice on the health and therapeutic benefits of sea swimming. Becky will also share insights on her experience, as well as offer technical tips for experienced swimmers, quick advice for beginners and a wider view on the “beyond physicalâ€? benefits of swimming as a sport to incorporate into daily routines. The workshop will run over four days (from August 11-14 and May 4-7, 2014) of two-three hours each morning for guests staying seven nights. Virgin Holidays is offering the package from ÂŁ2,099 per person for seven nights including flights. For details see www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844-557 3859.

For details on the property see ww.palmislandresortgrenadines.com

Grenada's True Blue Bay Resort welcomes single parents THE TRUE Blue Bay Resort in Grenada has launched an all-inclusive single parent package offering discounted room rates and a programme of complimentary activities tailored to both adults and children.

The property features two children’s play areas as well as two swimming pools, including one with an artificial beach. Children will also be kept busy with a programme of activities such

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as jewellery making, hair braiding, table games, mermaid swimming and use of Hobie Cats and kayaks.

Adults can also take part in complimentary yoga and cookery demonstrations, rum tasting or a range of watersports.

Activities available at an additional cost include scuba-diving, spa treatments and kayaking tours.

Caribbean Classics is offering a

seven-night stay from ÂŁ1,189 per person, based on one adult and two children under 12 sharing a room on an all-inclusive basis, including flights from Gatwick with BA and transfers.

The price is for travel on July 21.

To book see www.caribbeanclassics.co.uk or call 0845-519 2003 or for more information on the resort see www.truebluebay.com

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caribbean Viceroy Anguilla introduces new range of summer activities for families VICEROY ANGUILLA has announced a Summer Spectacular which includes a range of activities for families across the summer including watersports and high-intensity fitness classes to arts and crafts and treasure hunts for the kids.

Activities at the property include rock-climbing, basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boogie-boarding, windsurfing, sunfish sailing, snorkelling and a selection of excursions to nearby islands.

On selected dates throughout the summer, special activities will also be introduced.

As an example, a Mid-Summer Celebration takes place from July 3-8 and includes rock-climbing; Scratch Academy with DJ Tim Martell and DJ Hapa; Celebrity Chef Hosea Rosenberg from Jax in Boulder Colorado and Bravo's Top Chef; Barry's Bootcamp; and a summer concert with fireworks.

The property has also introduced a Linger Longer offer which enables guests to earn complimentary nights. Until September 2, guests will receive every fifth night free.

Meanwhile, a 'Families Stay Together Play Together' offer leads in at ÂŁ364 per room per night and includes ÂŁ66 of resort credit per day, free activities for children and kids under age 12 eat for free with each paying adult.

For more information or to book see www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en

THIS SUMMER children can be kept entertained with activities such as golf, horse-riding, tennis, gardening and arts and crafts when they join the Camp Half Moon programme at Half Moon, A RockResort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The camp is designed for children aged four to 15 years and will run on weekdays between July 8 and August 16. Prices lead in at US$200 per child per week to include all activities, lunch and snacks.

For details visit www.halfmoon.rockresorts.com

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BEACHES RESORTS has announced that the Key West Luxury Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has opened and is now taking early bookings. The property offers more than 150 rooms, suites and villas, three additional gourmet restaurants and private pools. It is the fourth village added to the resort; currently, Beaches Turks & Caicos is comprised of the Caribbean Village, French Village and Italian Village.

For details see www.beachesresorts.co.uk

Explore the historical sites of the BVIs with Virgin Islands History Tours CLIENTS WHO are interested in Caribbean history and keen to learn more about the cultural and historical sites of the British Virgin Islands whilst spending time on Cuan Law, one of the world’s largest sailing trimaran, are being offered an exclusive tour with Virgin Islands History Tours.

Two exclusive six-night charters are currently available - from July 14-29 and December 8-14 and guests will have the chance to visit old fortifications, sugar mills, great houses, a copper mine and dive a shipwreck along with time to relax on board.

Dr. Michael Kent BA (Hons) MA PhD, historian and archaelogist, with more than 15 years experience leading tours

through the British Virgin Islands, will escort the two exclusive tours. Dr. Kent co-wrote the first course in Virgin Islands history which he still teaches today as a principle lecturer at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in the BVI. Dr Kent has planned the tours to ensure guests are treated to an informative, educational and enjoyable experience in the BVI. Cuan Law will sail to Norman Island offering guests a view of the ‘Sir Francis Drake Channel’. A presentation of the history of the BVI and ‘Norman Island’ will follow, acquainting guests with some of the sites they will be visiting in the days ahead. During the tour, guests will learn about some of the native trees and plants, snorkel around ‘The Caves’

that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write ‘Treasure Island’ and sail around a group of Islands known as ‘The Indians’.

Prices lead in at £2,500 per person for six nights including all guided tours and hikes, optional evening presentations on the places being visited the following day, transport, entrance fees, three meals daily plus hors d'oeuvres and snacks. Also included are all hot and cold drinks including alcoholic drinks and wine with dinner, local taxes, crew gratuities, transfers, use of all sporting equipment and scuba tanks, air, weights and snorkelling gear.

For more information see www.vihistorytours.com

ITC Classics offers complimentary cliff top cuisine in Barbados for guests ITC CLASSICS is offering guests travelling to Barbados a complimentary three-course meal at the The Cliff Restaurant.

The offer is open for two adults to enjoy an à la carte dining experience, situated on a cliff top, when two adults make a new booking at any of the featured Barbados properties and

travel by September 30, staying for ten nights or more. Guests will be treated to a complimentary cocktail on arrival followed by a gourmet three-course meal (excluding beverages).

For more information visit www.itcclassics.co.uk or call 01244-355527.

Discover the Caribbean

Fly from London to Havana, Santo Domingo, Caracas and Cancun.

All flights are via Madrid.

Call 0871 222 9122

or visit www.aireuropaexperts.com email: uksales@air-europa.com

Airline of the year to South America

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Best economy airline South America 2013

May 24 2013

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technology rs o t ra e p o & s t n e g a How e h t n o e s li a it p a c can y g lo o n h c e t l e v ra t f future o ctor

re N, UK managing di SO U RG FE ON M SI by elport UK & Ireland, Trav

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EXT-GENERATION travel technology is rarely out of the headlines, whether it’s solar flight, selfcharging holographic mobiles or space tourism.

But it’s the technologies we can touch today that are more relevant to the modern agent. Cool features alone don’t cut it, we need technology which directly answers the challenges they face.

The connected world Two billion people are now online, more than a third of the global population. In the first quarter of 2013 alone 375 million new internet users came online - larger than the current internet population of the United States. The nature of online consumption is changing.

YouTube is now the world’s second largest search engine, indicating the pervasiveness of video and the availability of bandwidth.

Mobile By 2014 there will be more mobile subscriptions than people in the world, with penetration reaching 104%.

Travellers are more likely to look than book through mobile today, with 51% mobile web users having researched travel content and 30% having completed a travel booking. But mobile is creating new opportunities, not just changing the device used for existing activities. A total of 18% of travel searches done on mobiles would otherwise not have been done at all, and this is set to grow exponentially. We’ll see agents amending, ticketing, booking and responding on the move. This will make them more available and flexible to meet customers’ needs.

Search Only one in four internet searchers will scroll past the first page of results. So search, getting the right results, first time, is big business for future technology. Fuzzy search is the latest concept bringing the most intelligent results for travel consumers. Unlike semantic, fuzzy search is designed to inspire from a vague command: “I want to visit Spain”, for example. Already airlines like Emirates are using this concept, taking the eager but undecided traveller and providing enticing options for their itinerary. In the GDS world, intelligent products will

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use speech recognition and simultaneously convert it into GDS commands to deliver content without coding.

Social media One in every nine global citizens is now on Facebook and 42% of all Facebook content is travel related. Social media is becoming endemic in travel, with more than 50% of hotels now booking direct from their Facebook pages.KLM’s Meet and Seat programme allows you to view other passengers’ social media profiles before you leave the ground. Carlson Wagonlit Travel recently created the first private hotel review site that only peers and colleagues can access. Travelport’s partnership with Digital Visitor allows leisure and corporate travel brands to quickly create reviews and distribute them through social media.

Tomorrow’s travel and data These new channels are tempting more people to travel than ever before, with global travel set to grow by 9% over the next five years. Content is becoming increasingly fragmented as airlines unbundle and drive ancillary sales, and new accommodation/hotel models emerge. The amount of data generated through our Atlanta data centre is growing significantly every year.

As the complexity increases, the need to contextualise the booking and travelling experience is more important than ever. This is an opportunity for both agents and tour operators.

What’s in it for agents?

Agents today are a diverse community. The GDS experts, who can green-screen code in their sleep. They are the new generation who expect to access through their smartphone and interact in an intuitive GUI. All these agents matter and all agents can benefit. By embracing new technologies they’ll be able to work faster. They’ll be able to train new starters more easily. They’ll be able to serve their customers on the move. If the technological developments of the last 20 years have taught us one thing, it’s that we can’t fight change. We’ll be working with our agent customers to embrace it; bringing them with us to a new era of travel technology. ✦

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technology LinkedIn mapping tool from Etihad

VIRTUALHOTEL by Cardola is a guest-focused solution which brings together all hotel services and local information into a simple and easy-to-use interface. Through an in-room iPad or guests’ own mobile devices, the app opens the door to guests - before, during and after their stay. For example, guests at the May Fair Hotel in London use the app to make restaurant reservations, book spa treatments and request a range of services such as dining in, wake up calls, extra pillows or a toothbrush. Links to external websites are also accessible on the app, such as airport check-in services, local weather forecasts and social networking sites, while a ‘London guide’ and map of the local area are included to help guests navigate round the city during their stay.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS has launched an online mapping tool developed in cooperation with LinkedIn, to make it easier to message new contacts and arrange meetings while travelling.

The “Etihad Mapped-Out” tool is available at www.etihadmappedout.com and offers professionals on LinkedIn the ability to search their connections by geographical location and see them displayed on a map, making it easier for business travellers to connect with their global network of contacts as they travel.

Members can enter search parameters based on geographical area, which can be countrywide or even a specific city; industries of interest; and first- and/or second-degree connections.

The result of the search is a personalised map of the member’s LinkedIn

connections, with a listing of business contacts within the region. Members can also reach their contacts instantly by sending messages directly from the contact list.

The airline's chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner said: "Etihad Airways connects points and people from across the globe, so our Etihad Mapped-Out tool which taps into LinkedIn’s global audience of more than 200mn is an extension of that mission.

“This tool is particularly useful for our guests travelling for business. Ahead of a business trip, the guest can use this tool to see not only his or her immediate contacts in the region, but also second-degree contacts.

This fosters more effective networking and greater opportunity to create connections across international boundaries.”

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EXODUS HAS launched a series of new cycling weekends and day rides following a 35% increase in interest across its worldwide cycling holidays. The new itineraries showcase locations such as the Peak District, the North Downs and the Cambrian Mountains. The challenging and varied itineraries offer cyclists and mountain bikers the opportunity to ride with fellow enthusiasts, test their ability and discover the best of Britain’s trails under the guidance of experts.

As an example of prices, a Trans-Cambrian Long Weekend covers 175km, running from the English/Welsh border to the Irish Sea across the hills and moorlands of central Wales, and leads in at £350 per person. The tour runs from September 13-16 and includes breakfast accommodation and most meals.

For details visit www.exodustravels.com or call 0845-863 9601.

uk&ireland

Hoseasons launches ‘Pets Go Free’ promotion TRAVEL AGENTS can offer a promotion to pet-loving British holidaymakers, and win a furry toy, with the launch of Hoseasons’ ‘Pets Go Free’ promotion.

It coincides with the Wallace and Gromit-themed Visit England campaign to promote UK holidays.

The promotion means that holidaymakers can take their pet for free to a range of pet-friendly holiday parks, cottages and holiday boats, for bookings confirmed by June 23 – no matter when the actual holiday takes place.

Each time an agent confirms a ‘Pet Friendly’ booking, they will receive a toy puppy – with five to collect. The operator has also produced in-store point of sale material to help agents promote the offer.

The company’s head of sales Zena Calderbank said: “We are taking inspiration from Gromit himself. The ability to take the family pet on holiday without hassle is a big selling point for UK holidays, so we have decided to make it even easier to offer this to holidaymakers by waiving the usual charge for bookings made during this period.

“The five puppy toys are adorable, and we fully expect travel agents around the country to fall in love with their collection of furry friends!”

Agents also have the opportunity to win one of five Hoseasons ‘Great British Afternoon Tea’ Cool Bags in a related ‘Best Pet Photograph’ competition being run alongside the ‘Pets Go Free’ promotion.

For more information visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/pdfs/petphoto.pdf

Stena Line and Tourism Ireland launch new campaign STENA LINE and Tourism Ireland have teamed up to launch a new campaign to encourage holidaymakers to visit Ireland.

Visitors can set sail with Stena Line from Holyhead to Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire or Fishguard to Rosslare, with fares starting from £79 one-way for a car and driver.

The company is also offering a choice of hotel breaks from £70 per person, per night based on a minimum two-night stay in a range of three-, four- and five-star hotels with breakfast. Kids can also travel and stay for free and there is the opportunity for guests to take up to 24-hours in Ireland and explore with a range of discounts at local attractions from £33 per adult, with travel by foot or by car.

The line's route marketing manager Alexandra Smith said: “This year is the perfect time for people to enjoy a short break in Ireland. With so much taking place including special events, top class attractions and lots of beautiful places to explore, a great time will be had by all. With that in mind, we have teamed up with Tourism Ireland to launch this new campaign to encourage people to discover Ireland for less.

“Travelling by ferry to Ireland is the best way to go as people can make their holiday their own as they can stop off where and when they want. There are lots of good reasons to travel with us including no baggage charges or restrictions on what you can bring with you and no lengthy airport queues. What’s more, the holiday fun starts as soon as you step onboard with free movies, games and Wi-Fi, play areas for the children and a selection of restaurants as well as onboard shopping which offer great savings on fragrances, spirits, jewellery and gifts with average prices up to 40% cheaper than the High Street.”

For further information or to book see www.stenaline.co.uk/ireland or call 0844-770 7070.

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Visit Wales revamps travel trade website VISIT WALES has updated its travel trade website at www.traveltrade.visitwales. com which features a range of information - from sample itineraries to tour operator and attractions, as well as search facilities to see what is commissionable for agents.

Meanwhile, members of Green Holidays in Wales, a group of green accommodation and tourism businesses in Mid Wales, have got together to promote the region as a prime cycling and ecofriendly destination.

The network of eight self-catering properties, five bed-and-breakfast guesthouses and a hotel have joined forces to create a network of interactive cycle routes that explore the beauty, history and culture of Powys, Mid Wales.

Using a Green Holidays Map and a ViewRanger app, visitors can create their own self-guided cycling itinerary.

The free app turns a Smartphone into an outdoor GPS device, which allows cyclists to easily follow the routes. Bicycle hire and packed lunches can be provided and luggage transferred if requested.

For details see www.greenholidaysinwales. com

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uk&ireland Butlins' Big Top Circus comes to town this summer BUTLINS WILL be welcoming some of the world’s best circus performers to its purpose built Big Top venue at all three of its UK resorts this school summer holidays.

At each resort, guests will find aerial artistes, acrobats and other floor acts, slapstick comedians and jugglers from professional circuses.

Working with Gandey’s Circus Productions, who have previously produced shows for the Chinese State Circus, the resorts will each feature a different show.

Bognor Regis and Minehead will be welcoming stars from the Russian Bolshoi State Circus in “Circus of the Tzars” while the circus performers from South America will be entertaining the crowds at Skegness in “Carnival Circus.” Extra special performances

include the Globe of Death at Skegness and high wire acts at Minehead.

The 50-minute Big Top Circus Show will be on three times a week from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the school holidays. Tickets are available for £5 per person.

As an example of prices, a three-night Big Top break at Minehead costs from £99 per person for a July 19 arrival. The price is based on two adults and two children sharing a standard self-catering apartment.

Meanwhile, the company is welcoming popular favourites from the last series of The X Factor show to its three resorts on selected school holidays and weekend breaks.

The line-up includes Jahmene Douglas, who will be performing some of his hits including his rendition

of Robbie Williams' classic ‘Angels’ from the show’s final and Rylan Clarke, who will be entertaining the crowds with his favourite tunes including Spandau Ballet’s ‘Gold’. Other X Factor acts include MK1 and teenage trio, District 3.

Shows will be perfomed on selected breaks between now and July. A three-night weekend break at Minehead costs from £56 based on a June 22 arrival, with a family of four sharing a standard self-catering apartment.

For details visit call 0845-070 4742.

Cresta offers free Ireland excursions FOR EVERY package booking of three nights or more booked before May 31 for travel by October, Cresta is offering complimentary excursions.

In Dublin, guests receive a complimentary sightseeing cruise on the River Liffey, while in Belfast clients receive free entrance to Titanic Belfast.

As an example of prices, a three-night stay in Dublin costs from £229 per person, offering a saving of £45.

The price is based on a July 7 departure and includes three nights' breakfast accommodation at the three-star plus Paramount Hotel and flights from Edinburgh with Aer Lingus.

See www.bctagent.co.uk

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fareast

SIX SENSES Yao Noi, Thailand has created a programme of exclusive extras for guests visiting the resort from May to September, including daily Thai cookery classes and cocktail hour at the Hilltop Reserve, overlooking Phang Nga Bay. Each villa comes complete with its own infinity pool, sun deck and open plan interiors. Turquoise Holidays is offering seven nights for the price of five in a Hideaway Pool Villa from £1,395 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes breakfast accommodation, flights with Thai Airways, speedboat and road transfers, plus a range of complimentary Green Season activities.

For details see www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk or call 01494-678400.

Thailand's Aleenta Hin offers 'Digital Detox' holiday THE ALEENTA Hua Hin in Thailand is offering a 'Digital Detox' break which is aimed at families or couples who spend too much time on their iPads/Blackberrys and not enough time talking to each other.

The five-star boutique resort, located on a tranquil beach, encourages guests to leave their phones at reception to receive a 10% discount off their stay.

A seven-night breakfast stay with Lets Go 2 leads in at £779 per person until the end of June or £819 from September to October, including a free massage for two plus flights.

For details see www.letsgo2.com/aleenta or call 020-8329 2690. For more information about the resort visit www.aleenta.com/huahin

Eight nights in Phuket from £729 FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is offering eight nights at the three-and-a-half-star Centara Karon Resort in Phuket from £729 per person, based on two adults sharing.

The offer is based on travel on September 10 and includes flights with Etihad and transfers.

For more information or to book see www.sandals4agents.co.uk or call 0844-557 0624.

Bangkok Airways takes delivery of A319 BANGKOK AIRWAYS has welcomed its 22nd aircraft, the Airbus A319, at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The aircraft consists of 138 Economy Class seats and will serve both domestic and international routes including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Yangon (Myanmar), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Mumbai (India), and Dhaka (Bangladesh).

For more information visit www.bangkokair.com

Travel 2 promotes extended and multi-centre stays in Thailand TRAVEL 2 REPORTS that it has seen a rise in multi-centre holidays in Thailand, with visitors maximising their time by visiting a range of locations encompassing two or three destinations during a visit.

The company's product manager Oscar Lopera said: “Ayutthaya province, located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River and widely recognised as the ‘motherland of the temple region’, is home to some of the most iconic temples and Buddhist schools in Thailand.

"Chiang Mai is home to the principle temple with one of the main Buddhist schools situated close by. We recommend visitors extend their stay to incorporate more of the north as well as the popular ‘temple trail’ for a culturally rich experience. The north of the country offers a great mix of modern city life in Bangkok whilst maintaining the cultural

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aspect of traditional Thai living and not forgetting some of the best gastronomy in Thailand.

"Meanwhile, Khao Lak has seen a great deal of investment with a number of new hotels opening in the next 12-24 months. Famous for its national parks, Khao Lak offers a greener, less populated and more traditional experience.”

As an example of prices, an 11-night twin-centre break, staying three nights at the five-star Anantara Sathorn in Bangkok on a bed-and-breakfast basis and eight nights at the five-star Anantara Lawana Koh Samui with breakfast, leads in at £1,459 per person. Flights with Etihad are included as are internal flights with Bangkok Airways.

The offer is based on travel between June 1 and July 15 and transfers cost an additional £39 per person.

For more information visit www.travel2.com

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fareast EVA Air adds new Japan routes TRAVELLERS ARE offered new routes into Japan following EVA Air's decision to extend its northeast Asian network.

The carrier has launched a Taipei to Okayama service, an Asahikawa route and has also increased frequency on its Taipei-Hakodate route from two to four flights weekly.

The additions bring to 11 the number of destinations the airline serves in Japan from its international hub at Taipei, with 67 flights a week.

The carrier's other Japan gateways include both Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Komatsu and Sendai, in addition to Okayama, Niigata, Osaka and Sapporo.

Vietnam Airlines expands services from Gatwick to Ho Chi Minh City

EMIRATES HAS announced that it is increasing its commitment to Japan with the launch of daily, non-stop flights between Dubai and Tokyo (Haneda Airport) from June 3. Operated by a three-class Boeing 777-200LR, EK312 will depart Dubai at 09:35 and arrive at Haneda Airport at 00:01 the following day.

The return flight, EK313, will depart at 01:30 and arrive at Dubai at 07:05. The aircraft features eight luxury private suites in First Class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business and 216 passengers in Economy, along with gourmet cuisine in all cabins. Passengers are also offered an inflight entertainment system which offers more than 1,400 channels of movies, TV and game entertainment on demand.

VIETNAM AIRLINES has extended its services from Gatwick Airport by increasing its Ho Chi Minh City route from two to three flights a week.

Matt Wood, Gatwick's head of airline relations, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted that Vietnam Airlines has decided to expand its services from Gatwick during the summer months, ensuring that both business and leisure passengers now have even more choice of when to fly to this fantastic destination. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Air links to high-growth markets such as Vietnam are essential in ensuring that the UK can compete and make the most of the significant trade opportunities available with key emerging markets. Gatwick continues to demonstrate that it can open up these links but also, by working closely with our airlines, make them a success."

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fareast Regent Holidays launches new ‘Cambodia in Depth’ group tour from £2,165 REGENT HOLIDAYS has expanded its offering in the Far East to include a new ‘Cambodia in Depth’ tour, departing on November 8.

Priced from £2,165 per person, the 14-day group tour explores the heart of Cambodia and its blend of history, culture and hidden gems.

Highlights include visits to the temples of Angkor, the capital Phnom Penh, the opportunity to search for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins and meeting the locals to gain a better insight into the culture.

The price includes flights from Heathrow with Singapore Airlines; transfers and transport; accommodation in fourstar hotels with breakfast; many other meals; the services of an English-speaking guide/driver; boat and bicycle rental;

Angkor

and entrance fees.

Clients will need to purchase their visa for entry into Cambodia separately.

For more information or to book see www.regentholidays.co.uk or call 020-7666 1244.

InsideJapan Tours launches new travel experiences & tailor-made options INSIDEJAPAN TOURS has launched its latest brochure featuring new trip itineraries, an enhanced range of tailor-made options and unique experiences.

The company's director Alastair Donnelly said: “We’re excited to be offering new and unique itinerary themes, including arts trails and Okinawan island hopping, to appeal to niche audiences keen to get beneath

the surface of Japan.

"To deepen the Japanese experience even further, our clients can now tailor-make privately-escorted complete journeys across the country, using luxury transport and gaining access to hidden corners.”

New trips include ‘Spirit of Honshu’, a seven-night small group tour that encapsulates the essence of Japanese culture on the main island of Honshu;

Japan Arts Trail, a tailored 15-night journey with visits to rural areas where art has regenerated tourism as well as Japan’s metropolitan museums; and ‘Island Hopping’, which travels more than 1,200 miles from Tokyo to Okinawa to experience laid-back island life.

For details see www.insidejapantours.com or call 0117-370 9733.

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fareast

HAYES AND Jarvis reports that it has seen a big growth in Borneo bookings on the back of increased demand for eco-resorts and has added a new five-star beachfront option – Gaya Island Resort – set on the coast of Malohom Bay. Accommodation is mostly in villas, designed to blend with the environment, and the walking-only resort is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices to minimise the carbon footprint within its environment. There is also a Spa Village offering activities from yoga and guided meditation to massages and body wraps.

Seven-night packages cost from less than £1,300 per person based on two sharing and includes flights from Heathrow in June, breakfast accommodation and transfers.

For details see www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents

Brits beat a bigger path to Thailand's boutique hideaways THAILAND IS proving as popular as ever with the Brits, with figures for last year showing a 4% increase in visitors to 870,000 despite the economic downturn at home, writes PAUL SCUDAMORE. It helped towards an overall increase in arrivals to the country of 16% to a total of 22.3million, including 2.8million from China and 1.2million from Russia. The UK kept its place as top European country for Thailand, with Germany second (680,000) and France third (572,000).

An emerging trend featuring UK tourists is their preference for less hustle and bustle and more peace and tranquility. The mass tourist destinations, while still popular, are giving way to lesserknown and less over-developed beachfront locations. This is benefiting smaller boutique hotels in more secluded areas.

Paul Counihan, sales and marketing director of one of the country's top boutique resorts group, AHMS Hotels, said that UK travellers were choosing smaller hotels away from the crowds.

He said: "They still love Phuket, for example, but are looking for different products and experiences.

"This is certainly what we are seeing with our Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga which is just 15 minutes from the airport but on a pristine and peaceful beach that you get to by turning left, and not right out of the airport terminal. Travellers from the UK are becoming more savvy by seeking boutique hotels in natural locations off the beaten track. Those on their second or third trips to Thailand are looking for true holidays, and not just accommodation, and that's where we are hitting the right note."

In addition to the Phuket property, AHMS also offers the Akaryn near Chaweng on Koh Samui, Aleenta Hua Hin and adults-only resort Akyra Chura Samui. Operators which feature the company include Inspired by Asia, Chic Locations, Sunset Faraway Holidays and Abercrombie & Kent.

Further information at www.akaryn.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group marks launch of second property in China MANDARIN ORIENTAL Hotel Group has announced the opening of its second city hotel in China, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai.

To mark the launch, the hotel - which offers 318 guestrooms and 44 suites - is offering guests two packages both priced from £378 and available until September 30.

A ‘Your Second Night On Us’ package includes twonights' accommodation with one of the nights free plus complimentary in-room wired and wireless internet access. A ‘Discover Shanghai’ package includes one night’s accommodation in a luxury guestroom or suite, complimentary in-room wired and wireless internet access, a credit of £92 for room guests and £198 for suite guests that can be redeemed at the hotel’s spa or restaurants, plus a complimentary butler service for suite guests.

Rates are subject to 15% service charge and the offer is subject to availability.

To book or for details see www.mandarinoriental.com

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May 24 2013

THE TAIWAN Tourism Bureau has launched a ‘Bike2Taiwan’ website which provides cycling enthusiasts with information on biking routes and bikeways throughout the island. Membership of the site offers various advantages including discounts at designated Taiwan bike rental shops and the chance to win hotel accommodation.

For details see www.bike2taiwan.net/en

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fareast We asked our staff the following question this week: What are your plans for the Bank Holiday?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk I'll be lazing in the sunshine in Tenerife!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Planning my son's 8th birthday - apparently he's too cool for party games and dancing

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

INTREPID TRAVEL has added a two-day short break which takes travellers from Burma's former capital, Yangon, to the Golden Rock and Bago. Located in Kyaikhityo, the Golden Rock is a huge boulder covered in gold leaf which balances on the edge of a cliff and is said to be held in place by a single strand of Buddha’s hair. The tour includes a visit to Bago to explore its markets and sights including Kanbawza Thardi Palace and the reclining Buddha at Shwethalyaung Pagoda.

For details see www.intrepidtravel.com/burma-myanmar

Seeing friends and family

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk

InBrief

My wife and I will stay with our TV celebrity friend at her New Forest hideaway. I'll probably cook

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Weather permitting a beer in the sun?

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Hit the beach in Thailand and have a massage

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Memorising the route to the maternity dept!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Nothing planned as I rely on the weather to dictate

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk I will be spending Bank Holiday weekend decorating my flat

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

● MALAYSIA AIRLINES has launched a daily Airbus A380 service on its Kuala Lumpur

- Hong Kong route, offering UK passengers a daily connection from Heathrow through to Hong Kong. Passengers from the UK can take advantage of short outbound connections through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), departing Heathrow at 12:00 on the MH3 and arriving into KLIA at 07:35 to join the new MH72 A380 flight to Hong Kong at 09:15. The return MH73 flight from Hong Kong connects to the MH2 to Heathrow, departing KLIA at 23:40 and arriving into the UK at 05:50. For details see www.malaysiaairlines.com or call 0871-423 9090. ● EXPLORE HAS launched a new tour to Burma, Essential Burma. The nine-day tour provides an action-packed adventure, discovering Burma’s capital Rangoon (Yangon); the golden Shwedagon Pagoda; the world-famous leg-rowing fisherman of Inle Lake; and the U Bein bridge in Amarapura at sunset. Prices lead in at £1,895 per person including flights, eight nights’ breakfast accommodation, transport and a tour leader. The first tour departs on August 9. ● CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts will be opening a new five-star Grand branded hotel in Pattaya in the third quarter of this year. Centara Grand Phratamnak Resort Pattaya will be the third Centara Grand in Pattaya, with a fourth under construction.

Best mate's birthday weekend so we'll have the boombox & be raving on the beach

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk Surfing at the beach

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Skiing in the Alps

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk Skinny dipping on the Moon

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant post@travelbulletin.co.uk Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited Subscriptions are £105 p.a. £155 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

Follow us on Twitter! @TravelBulletin

Air France takes off for ShanghaiPudong FROM SEPTEMBER 2, Air France will offer three weekly services to ShanghaiPudong by Airbus A380.

The aircraft features four cabin classes (La Première, Business, Premium Economy and Economy) as well as several exclusive new features including six bars and a gallery dedicated to art and culture.

The airline's chairman and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: “By serving Shanghai by Airbus A380, we are pursuing our development strategy on growth markets. On board, we aim to provide all our customers with the levels of comfort, serenity and French-style service excellence that distinguishes Air France worldwide. This new route by A380 demonstrates the excellent cooperation between the French and Chinese aviation authorities, which have made this agreement possible.”

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. VIRGIN, 3. GRAZ, 6. NEPAL, 9. RIO, 11. WIGAN, 12. IOM, 13. SAS, 14. LIBRA, 15. BEN, 16. EGYPT, 18. CUBA, 19. AMAZON. Down:1. VIN DIESEL, 2. GOA, 4. RHO, 5. GRENOBLE, 7. POWYS, 8. LEGOLAND, 10. LYMINGTON, 12. ITALY, 15. BOB, 17. GLA.

Highlighted Word: VERONA Travagrams: (top) Abercrombie & Kent

(bottom) Marrakech

Where Am I?: Monte Rosa

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