Travel Bulletin 24th July 2015

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July 24 2015 | ISSUE NO 1,928 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Egypt Minister of Tourism sets target of 20 million tourists by 2020

this week it’s our birthday As part of our 40th celebrations, we look back at some old news (& magazines!)

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technology Digital Trip examines the largely (non-) changing face of travel

short breaks give your clients something to talk about with these quick getaways

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southern africa a closer look at South Africa’s diversity for all travellers

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We’ll help you get closer

Amadeus gets you closer to your customers online and on their mobiles. Our off-the-shelf mobile and eCommerce solutions give you a big brand experience at affordable prices - just perfect for SME travel companies. Easy to administer and quick to install, we’ll help your business thrive in a multi-channel world. Be there with them for every step of their journey from search to payment, check in and beyond.

Contact sales@uk.amadeus.com, visit www.amadeus.com or call 0843 509 0000 to find out more.

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newsbulletin

BALL BUDDIES...

This Week 3

news

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - Shutterstock: Copyright: Patryk Kosmider

Inset - The Catalan Tourist Board

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a round-up of this week’s travel news & developments Sandy shares her thoughts on what’s happening in the industry

find out what's in store for Leo

it’s our birthday! as part of our 40th birthday celebrations, we take a brief glance back at some old news (and magazines!)

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

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technology

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air travel

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bulletin briefing

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egypt

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short breaks

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southern africa

Digital Trip examines the largely (non-) changing face of travel

news from airlines, airports & airport services news & views from ANTOR

Egypt’s new Minister of Tourism sets target of 20 million tourists by 2020

give your clients something to talk about with these quick getaways

a closer look at the diversity offered by a visit to South Africa

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Agents attending last week's Yorkshire Ball helped to raise £1,000 for the charity Reuben’s Retreat, along with other charities including £1,000 to the Greek Cat Welfare, £700 to the Soi Dog Foundation and £300 to Hull Greyhound Rescue. Pictured donating the Reuben’s Retreat cheque at the event is Travel Bulletin columnist, Sandy Murray (right) from Sandy's Travel Escapes, with Susan Rhodes (left) and Nicola Graham from Reuben’s Retreat.

ABTA members to benefit from Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme ABTA HAS announced that its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme has been audited by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and has gained its approval. ABTA’s is the first and only ADR scheme designed specifically for travel companies and their customers to have thus far gained approval ahead of the new Government legislation that comes into effect later this year.

From October 1, the EU Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) legislation will require all companies to notify their customers of an approved third party who can help resolve disputes. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute is one of the bodies with the authority to approve ADR providers.

While companies will not be forced to use ADR, they will be obliged to tell customers if they do not use ADR, which could negatively impact their reputation. The legislation aims to widen the availability of low-cost ADR processes to consumers who wish to raise complaints against businesses but who do not wish to embark on perhaps expensive and lengthy court action. All ABTA Members and their customers are entitled to use the ADR scheme.

ABTA’s complaints handling scheme has been operating for many years and last year managed 12,000 cases, of which 400 went through to independent arbitration.

Recently, ABTA has invested in the scheme by introducing online complaints procedures and improved guidance for customers. The Chartered Institute of Trading Standard’s audit recognised the ease of use of the scheme and the clear guidance for customers.

Simon Bunce, the association’s head of legal services, said: “Offering an effective ADR scheme is a key part of what we offer members to help them reduce administrative burdens, manage relationships with their customers and ultimately avoid unnecessary court costs. When we heard of the changes we wanted to ensure that our scheme got approval so that we could continue to offer this service to members.”

New charity urges hotels to donate to the ‘Room to Reward’ scheme Enabling the hotel industry to recognise and reward deserving individuals within registered charities, ‘Room to Reward’ is a new scheme through which vacant rooms can be donated and a complimentary bed-andbreakfast offered to those who couldn’t ordinarily afford to stay.

The charity is inviting all leading hotels to sign up for the scheme, offering selfless and inspiring unsung heroes the chance to spend quality time with their loved ones, or simply to take some time for themselves.

With a dedicated website, ‘Room to Reward’ has created a simple enquiry and booking system, allowing registered charities to nominate people within their organisation, who they feel worthy of a break.

Officially launching this month the charity will continue to encourage additional hotel partners and registered charities to join the scheme.

Visit www.roomtoreward.org for details.

July 24 2015

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newsbulletin Tauck pushes the boat out for 2016 with new 2016 European river cruise brochure TAUCK HAS launched its 2016 European river cruising brochure with highlights including two new luxury-fitted ships, a new Rhine itinerary and inclusive air travel, making the booking process more straightforward.

European river voyages include several unique excursions along the Danube, Rhone and Seine that guests could not secure independently.

Steve Spivak, vice president for the company, said: “This year has been an important one as we celebrate our 90th birthday. As we enter our tenth decade, our 2016 line up will be the best yet, with more unparalleled cultural experiences on offer for our guests.”

The new 2016 European river cruising brochure can be downloaded from www.tauck.co.uk/brochures

AmaWaterways waives single supplement on all sailings AMAWATERWAYS has allocated cabins on every future sailing in Europe, Africa and Asia for solo travellers to experience the luxury of a river cruise without the penalty of paying a supplement for a double cabin.

Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of the company, said: “We are thrilled to extend this special perk to solo travellers, inviting them to enjoy the best of our line’s ultra-comfortable accommodation without any additional costs or sacrifice. We continue to see high demand in this fast-growing market and are delighted to introduce even more options for our solo travellers.”

As an example, a seven-night Amsterdam round-trip ‘Tulip Time

Cruise’, departing on April 7, 2016 costs from £1,999 for one person in a double cabin. It includes all meals on board; wine, beer and soft drinks; daily

Find the pieces of the puzzle…

tours and excursions; use of on board bicycles; and Wi-Fi. For more information call 0808-256 8422 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk

E ON TH CASE

If you’re feeling patriotic or looking for a unique gift for London fans, check out Gibsons’ 1,000 piece London Landmarks Puzzle, featuring a collection of the city’s most visited sites, beautifully painted by artist Maria Rabinsky.

The puzzle, which is made on 100% recycled board, is available from Amazon for £12.99, with a recommended minimum age of 12 years.

Railtrail launches 4Seasons brochure FLYING HIGH…bmi regional conducted a Bristol and South West Sales Mission from June 17-18 to tie in with the new route launches from Bristol Airport. The launch of the Bristol-Nantes twice-weekly flight, starting from £79 one-way, brings the number of destinations currently serviced by the airline from the South West to eight. Pictured at the Flight Centre in Bath are, from the left: the agency's Suzanna Barrow, and Alison Marsh with the airline's Radhika Sharma.

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RAILTRAIL TOURS has launched its 4 Seasons brochure including late summer and autumn tours for 2015, a festive programme including Christmas Markets and tours departing in spring 2016.

Also featured is a selection of tours next year which are available at this year’s price, if booked before August 31.

For more information visit www.railtrail.co.uk

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin New group adventure tours to Colombia by Tucan Travel TUCAN TRAVEL has added three new Colombia Adventure Tours to its South America portfolio.

The tours, which range from eight to 20 days in length, start and finish in either Bogota or Cartagena and include more flights to make it quicker for clients to reach their destinations to make the most of their time.

Matt Gannan, the company’s CEO, said: “We have noticed a trend that while there are plenty of people wanting to pack it all in and travel for long periods of time there is a growing number who are looking to maximise their annual leave allowance and travel long-haul. We are catering to these people by expanding the options we have available to them.”

The tours include a 20-day Colombia Encompassed option from £1,999 per person, a 14-day Classic Colombia itinerary from £1,299 and an eight-day Colombia Express option from £849.

Caribbean Airlines selects Amadeus to upgrade its Passenger Service System CARIBBEAN AIRLINES has selected Amadeus as the provider to upgrade its Passenger Service System. The combined reservations, airport check-in, ticketing, inventory management system and eCommerce will usher in a new era for Caribbean Airlines and its customers as part of the airline’s overall customer-centric strategy.

By unifying these systems, every customer will be consolidated with the ability to provide comprehensive realtime information. Also, a more versatile website would enable passengers to better manage their travel experience.

The carrier’s vice president commercial operations, George Reeleder, said: “Amadeus is a leading technology partner for the global travel industry which provides reliable, modern and cutting edge solutions to over 120 airlines worldwide. We are thrilled to have signed this important contract to become a strategic partner with them. Given the fiercely competitive nature of the airline industry, this acquisition is a good commercial tool to compete against formidable airlines.”

(Technology – page 13)

Somak Holidays releases Kenya brochure SOMAK HOLIDAYS has launched a new mini Kenya brochure with offers on some of the operator’s most popular itineraries and properties, as well as information on a range of hotels and lodges available in Kenya.

As an example of offers, guests on the flying Ashnil Mara safari receive a free fourth night at the luxurious Ashnil Mara Camp. There is also a 20% reduction on room rates at Leopard Beach Resort and Spa, Kenya’s leading resort for five consecutive years.

The brochure can be accessed at www.somak.com/kenya-brochure

Monarch flights on sale from LBA MONARCH HAS announced the launch of more than 80% of its summer schedule for 2016, including flights on sale from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA).

Destinations now on sale for next summer include Alicante, Barcelona, Dalaman, Faro, Larnaca, Mahon, Mallorca and Tenerife.

Tony Hallwood, LBA’s aviation development director, said: “We welcome the release of the Monarch summer 2016 flying programme serving eight sun and city break destinations. With the flight programme on sale over three months earlier than last year, Yorkshire travellers can be guaranteed the widest possible holiday choice flying to Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Cyprus.’’

For details visit www.monarch.co.uk

Revitalising Madeira Relax, unwind and enjoy the best of life

N TEA SPA TREA ERNOO TMENTS, ELEGANT AFT

SHIP MATES...Elite Travel Group hosted an event at Henley Regatta on July 5 sponsored by ANZCRO, DoSomethingDifferent, Holiday Extras and Prestige Holidays. Pictured enjoying the boating action are, from the left: Mike Mavroulakis and Anna Mavroulakis, Greece & Cyprus Travel; Chris Farrell, Holidaze; Neil Basnett, Elite Travel Group; Zoe Woodward, ANZCRO; Hazel Bryant, Travel with Kitts; and Jo Farrell, Holidaze.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

S

ERS INN ED K TI C A & BL

Call 0800 008 7288 I www.classic-collection.co.uk 5030

July 24 2015

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newsbulletin Pay4Later encourages travel companies to capitalise on new travel credit offer PAY4LATER is launching a new service for holiday and travel companies enabling firms to offer their clients a choice of finance options - including 0% interest - ranging from £275 to £25,000, and over terms of six, nine and 12 months.

Customers can start paying for their holiday as soon as they book it through the service and spread the cost to suit their finances once they return.

John Wark, marketing manager at the company, said: “As a nation, we are taking more holidays and trips abroad than ever before. Analysis of government data reveals that we took 60 million trips abroad in 2014, 4% more than in 2013.

By offering customers credit, travel companies could see a huge increase in sales. Our data shows that retailers who offer credit can see sales rise by up to 40% and order values by 300%.”

Agent hamper giveaway from Premier marks launch of 2016 Faraway brochure PREMIER HOLIDAYS has launched its new Faraway brochure, designed with agents in mind and valid for travel until December 2016 .

Debbie Goffin, head of sales and marketing for the company, said: “We have listened to what agents want and have taken their feedback on board, adding enhanced destination information to each section and including detailed maps for each region, complete with featured hotels and points of interest. We have also included suggestions for new excursions and side trips, a new iconic rail journeys section and more pages for cruise and stay holidays – as well as our top recommendations for both 'classic' and 'explore more' itineraries. We wanted to produce a brochure that gives all the relevant tools, so agents can help to plan the holiday with their clients.”

The operator has expanded core product, giving more options for repeat customers and reasons to entice new clients to book.

New resorts for 2016 include Ipoh in Malaysia and Koh Tao in Thailand, while a new excursion to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Borneo has also been added and side trips have been created in several areas including India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, China, Japan and Bali.

Additional Halong Bay and Red River cruises are also new to the Indochina section, alongside the Vat Phou Mekong Cruise in Laos, a Cambodian Mini Cruise and both the Sanctuary Ananda and Mandalay Bagan Packet cruises in Myanmar.

To celebrate the launch, the operator is giving one agent the chance to win a 'wines of the world' hamper. To enter the competition, agents need to visit www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk/2016F araway and answer three questions about the new brochure before August 10.

Agents can also benefit from an agent incentive, earning between £25 and £150 per booking made, dependent on the booking value.

For more information visit www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk

Autumn savings from Journey Latin America

HAPPY SAILING…Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched its ‘Worldwide Cruises 2016/17’ brochure which offers 253 destinations in 84 countries. Marking its launch on a visit on flagship Balmoral at the Port of Tyne in Newcastle is the line's Mike Rodwell (right) and Nathan Philpot. For further information visit www.fredolsencruises.com

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July 24 2015

JOURNEY LATIN AMERICA is offering savings on selected escorted small group journeys departing in September and October.

A ‘Tico Tico: Culture of the Northern Andes’ journey, departing on September 8, offers a saving of £300 per person and is now priced at £2,818. The 14-day adventure takes in the remote highlights of the north of Peru with an insight into the country’s rich cultural history.

Alternatively, ‘Andean Flamingo: Andes laid bare’ explores a variety of mountain landscapes over 18 days departing on September 24, with prices leading in at £4,778, down from £5,078, while a 21-day ‘Hummingbird: Ocean to Ocean’ departs on September 9 and takes in some of the continent's most extraordinary and contrasting sites with a free Andean Explorer train journey from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, worth £130.

Also being highlighted is a one-off 17-day ‘Buenos Aires, Uruguay & south Brazil’ which offers a saving of £225 and costs £3,233 for an October 9 departure.

All prices include flights from London and are based on double occupancy or single travellers willing to share.

For further information visit www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin

Newsbites

Notes from . . . n o t n a m Nor ell done to Tony Mann at Idle Travel for winning the trophy for ‘Best Independent Travel Agent’ for selling the most holidays to Paradise Park in Tenerife - the hotel has just reopened after being closed for several months for refurbishment, so Tony was able to see first hand what they had done. So that’s another trophy to go on the shelf!

My pal Darren Phillips has joined Sunhotels as the Retail Sales Manager to look after the North and Scotland and is looking forward to strengthening trade support and meeting agents to promote the brand and build market share. Sunhotels was founded in 2002 and has 150 staff and offers over 40,000 hotels, apartments and villas worldwide, as well as sightseeing options, transfers and sporting events. They now have a dedicated UK based sales team and a new upgraded website is being launched soon. Sounds like a great company to work for with quite a bit of variety not just doing hotels – I think Darren will soon spread the word and help build the company.

I can’t believe that the Foreign Office has advised not to travel to Tunisia and that tour operators are bringing their staff/holidaymakers back because there might be another attack. We are being told that many countries are in danger of having an attack – how can these nutters have the power to destroy tourism in Tunisia?

How is that country going to cope with this now? Plus other countries are getting the backlash as well – the SAS and other forces similar to them must know where these people are - why can’t they just go in and do some damage? It is because we have been so soft that this is happening, there is no deterrent for doing wrong any more! I despair at what the outcome is going to be.

‘A tongue has no bones but is strong enough to break a heart, so be careful with your words’ and ‘Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things’.

W

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THE CANCUN CONVENTION & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has launched a strategic alliance with Sustentur that will promote Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Holbox, Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres as destinations committed to the pursuit of sustainability.

For details see www.cancun.travel

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CREES – THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION in the Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru has aquired its second sustainable property in the Amazon rainforest - Romero Lodge, an eight-bedroom property which sits on the banks of the Manu River in the National Park.

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A NEW travel guide on Lisbon has been launched which offers more than 7,500 euros in discounts on transfers, restaurants, hotels, transports and other attractions. Bestripvouchers can be purchased online at www.bestripvouchers.com and costs 39 euros.

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KAZAKHSTAN IS offering citizens of 19 countries across Europe and Asia visa-free travel to Kazakhstan for a period of up to 15 days. Following the success of a 12-month pilot scheme waiving visa requirements for short-term visitors from ten countries, the government has decided to extend the scheme to an additional nine countries until December 31, 2017.

Mailbox Pick up your Somak Holidays window poster featuring the very best beach and safari holidays enclosed in this issue.

This week’s top offer 7 nights Mombasa just £770 pp 4* The Sands at Nomad (bed and breakfast) Includes flights Travel between September and 15 December Stay in touch

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

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To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk

July 24 2015

Justin regularly pops in for agent visits and training on all of Somak Holidays’ destinations.

To arrange a visit from Justin email justin.coles@somak.co.uk Speak to the Somak Holidays team on 020 8423 3000 For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

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It’s in the stars…

AGENTS ARE being given the chance to win Lifestyle Vouchers worth £50 each as part of Hoseasons’ biggest trade campaign of the year – the Great Summer Giveaway. There are 60 chances to win as part of the ten-week prize draw giveaway and agents will be entered into a weekly prize draw if they confirm a booking by September 6 and register their name, booking reference, ABTA number and agency name with agency.sales@hoseasons.co.uk

What’s in store for Leo? If you have any plans or goals, now is the ideal time to act on them and aim to fulfil them. You can expect your professional life to flourish, and you will find you can overcome any problems that you face.

However, you should also expect some surprises, and personal relationships may have their challenges.

NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS has announced the launch of a new 236-page brochure escorted tours by air, covering destinations within the UK, across Europe, in the Americas and further afield, with departure dates through to late 2016. To mark its launch, the operator has announced a ‘Book it, win it’ campaign, where agents that book by August 31 will be entered into a prize draw to win the holiday they booked on behalf of their customer. The more bookings the agent makes, the more chances for them to win a holiday for two.

Lucky number: 22 Lucky day: Sunday

AGENT OFFERS

ECCLESTON SQUARE Hotel near London’s Victoria Station is offering 10% com mission to agents on limited time special prices – available until September 13. Prices lead in at £155 + VAT for City Queen, £175 + VAT for City King and £195 + VAT for Signature King. The rate cod e is code: HOTSALE and all rates include free use of high-speed Wi-Fi, an inroom iPad for concierge ser vices, Nespresso coffee, 24-hour tea service and L’O ccitane bathroom amenities.

INSIGHT VACATIONS is running a new incentive to celebrate the launch of its new USA, Canada and South America 2016 brochure. The company's sales managers are calling into agencies across the country to drop off personalised $50 dollar bills which can be exchanged for £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers for any agents who secure a booking for one of the trips in the new programme.

EUROPCAR HAS issued a ser ies of exclusive offers for travel professionals boo king car hire for personal trips. For added flexibility, staff can make savings on both prepaid bookings and when paying at the desk at their destination, ensuri ng they don’t lose out if their trip is cancelled at sho rt notice. Agents can book online at http://europ car.co.uk/travelstaff and show proof of their professio n at the point of pick-up.

STRAIGHT TO THE T SOUTH OF FRANCE BY TRAIN - London to Lyon, Avig gnon and Marseille - Prices start from £89 9* return - Book now for travel da d tes until May 2016 Web:

www.voyages-sncf..eu

Call:

0 0844 848 4066

* Based on the cheapest return fare to Lyon

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

July 24 2015

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birthdayspecial

THROUGH THE AGES

turns 40 this month and, if we do say so ourselves, we’re looking in pretty good shape…

BUT DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT …HERE’S WHAT SOME OF OUR READERS HAVE TO SAY… Editor's comment

Happy 40th birthday Travel Bulletin, a significant and distinguished landmark in an industry with a reputation for constant change. I know from firsthand experience how well Travel Bulletin is read: I always get positive feedback from each of my articles – providing me with some of the best top lead generation opportunities I know - but keep that to yourself!

Colin O'Neill, The Advantage Travel Partnership

Happy Birthday Travel Bulletin! 40 years young and 40 years strong; you have moved gracefully with the times yet have kept the same fantastic ethos of what you do best!

Eloise Hudson, Tourico Holidays

A very happy 40th Birthday! I hope there will be many more years of upto-date news, great features and fabulous fun for some of the most important people in our industry – the travel agents.

David Holland, African Pride

Congratulations on your 40th birthday. I'm a big fan of Travel Bulletin, not least because it pays attention to the smaller companies in the industry, rather then focusing on the 'big fish', unlike other trade publications.

Akin Koç, Anatolian Sky Holidays

"The strength of Travel Bulletin lies in its unique appeal to the grassroots of the industry. It's easy to read, informative and pitched at exactly the right level."

Noel Josephides, ABTA president and MD of Sunvil Holidays

To celebrate Travel Bulletin's 40th birthday is especially symbolic for me as we share exactly the same birthday. Over the 12 years that I've worked on Travel Bulletin - both as assistant editor and editor - we have always endeavoured to adapt to the ever-changing industry in which we work, including reinventing ourselves with new features and new looks - a few of which you can see on this page. The fact that the magazine remains as popular as ever with our readers is testament to the fact that, as a team, we work hard to deliver the industry's latest news and developments - and I'm proud to be part of that.

Lauretta Wright, editor, Travel Bulletin

1976

1991

1995

But what else was happening in 1975?

MUSIC - Johnny Nash enjoyed a brief spell at the top of the July UK charts with ‘Tears On My Pillow’ before being knocked off the number one spot thanks to ‘Give a Little Love’ by the Bay City Rollers who were still enjoying their “Rollermania” popularity

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NEWS – In 1975 the British Conservative Party chose Margaret Thatcher as its first female leader. Britain’s inflation rates peaked to almost 25% and by the end of the year the UK had implemented the Sex discrimination and Equal Pay Act.

July 24 2015

FILM – Still chuckling our way through the May time release of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, other movies primed to hit the UK cinema screen in 1975 were the scandalous ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’, brutal ‘RollerBall’ and terrifying ‘Jaws’.

2000 www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

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

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

Number: 029

Spiced Veg Troy

A➠

B➠

Copyright: popartic

Operator specialising in holidays to Egypt, Jordan and Israel

C➠

Statues Chasms

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

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, July 30th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 10th July is Emma Cameron, Dawson & Sanderson in Northumberland.

July 10 Solution: A=9 B=6 C=3 D=7

Number: 029

Crossword

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Copyright: cdrin

American state and home to Harvard University

Where Am I? Copyright: ppl

16th century castle in Denmark

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

Across 1. Operator specialising in America, Mexico and the Caribbean (6) 4. Gardermoen is this city's international airport (4) 8. Phoenix is the state capital (7) 9. The national flag carrier of South Africa, initially (3) 10. Scenic lake in 13 Down (4) 12. Capital of Bulgaria (5) 15. Belleair specialises in holidays to this island (5) 16. Lima is the capital (4) 19. International airport code for 15 Across (3) 20. West End show, sounds like a Beatles hit (3,2,2) 22. Buy this ticket ahead and save money (4) 23. Largest of the Dodecanese islands (6)

Down 1. GB recently beat this country to reach the Davis Cup semi-finals (6) 2. Norwich international airport code (3) 3. Warwick Castle is located by this river (4) 5. This Chapel is a major Vatican City tourist attraction (7) 6. Muscat is the capital (4) 7. Experts in holidays to Greece, part of Thomas Cook (5) 11. Capital of Swaziland (7) 13. Mediterranean country (5) 14. New York borough, sounds regal (6) 17. English actress, ___ Thompson (4) 18. Known in America as the Beehive State (4) 21. Bear with attitude back again at a cinema near you (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 July 24 2015

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technology

Improved airline fare information with Travelport Smartpoint 6.0 TRAVELPORT HAS continued to evolve its point of sale Travelport Smartpoint technology, providing travel agents with further capabilities to advise their customers about the entire range of products, optional services and offers available from airlines, with fully interactive, graphical screen displays and real time booking.

Using the latest iteration of the product, agents can now access an

airline’s branded fares and ancillaries at the availability, fare quote and fare shop stages of the booking process. In turn, travellers can be better informed of the products available to them, the options that might exist, the cost of the next product up and the ancillary products available to buy, to tailor their journey to their specific requirements.

Further enhancements include reducing the number of clicks required

to access important information and the ability for agents to book and pay for low-cost carriers using debit cards (in addition to credit cards) within the same booking workflow.

In other news, the company has announced that it has signed a new multi-year agreement with Australiabased Flight Centre Travel Group as one of its global distribution system providers.

TripAdvisor launches dedicated airport pages TRIPADVISOR HAS launched dedicated airport pages, enabling travellers around the world to get information about what to do, where to eat and where to stay at 200 major airports around the world.

When travellers search for an airport on TripAdvisor, they will be directed to a dedicated airport page with reviews, ratings and other information about hotels nearby, as well as restaurants and attractions in both public and transit areas.

Amenities including duty free stores, boutiques and airport lounges will also be listed on the page.

The company’s senior president of global product, Adam Medros, said: “More than 3.1 billion travellers pass through airports each year, with the average traveller spending 150 minutes of airport dwell time - from arriving at the terminal to the doors of the plane closing at the gate. We want to help them quickly find things to do on the site while they’re waiting to catch a flight, or book an airport hotel when they need a place to stay.

“With the launch of airport pages, not only will travellers have access to airport information at their fingertips, but businesses will also be able to market themselves directly to travellers worldwide searching on TripAdvisor.”

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technology Amadeus launches Agency Insight suite

DIGITAL DIALOGUE In this month’s column, Andy Speight, managing director at Digital Trip, looks at the largely (non-) changing face of travel…

IGITAL HAS changed the travel sector and that's a fact that can't be argued with. For starters, online travel industries are in a state of flux and are now responsible for more than a quarter (27%) of travel sales, according to an article on The Conversation.

Every aspect of travel has evolved; from electronic tickets and boarding passes accessed through mobile devices (including via the snazzy new Apple Watch), to GPS maps replacing paper maps, and virtual 'tour guides' based on social media recommendations.

Putting stamps on postcards is also becoming a thing of the past thanks to mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp, which allow people to send pictures and messages to friends and family back home with the click of a button. So, whilst we're on the topic of stamps, it's clear that digital has certainly put its own on travel. However, has it really fundamentally changed travel in any significant way?

Digital disruption can only come about when the digital process allows for something that was not possible in analogue form. Although these new formats are more convenient, they are more like-tolike versions than anything else. The Conversation argues that these are only superficial differences; they don't make the experiences of being in a new country any more profound. For example, it's said that social media has disrupted the travel experience, but some argue that it just makes tourists more focused on themselves, showing off their pictures via social media and losing any meaningful experience of the places they're visiting.

The recent emergence of the 'selfie stick' is thought to be a prime example of this shallowness. But in reality, pre-selfie stick era, tourists could be identified by the camera swinging around their neck and they were capturing photos as evidence that a certain destination had been visited. So, isn't this change simply a cosmetic one? Does it really matter if this photographic "evidence" is of the person themselves or that place they saw? Does it really alter the underlying experience?

Really, travel is a physical experience; the person must physically take themselves to a different location and experience it with both time and convenience restraints. The experience of a flying visit will never be the same as the experience of someone who has completely immersed themselves in that culture (by living or working there, for example). Digital has made some changes to travel, but these changes don't run deep, and they don't completely alter what it feels like to experience ‘new land’.

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AMADEUS HAS announced the launch of Agency Insight, a travel intelligence suite for travel agents designed to help them gain market insight into traveller searches and bookings.

‘Search Analysis’ allows agencies to identify the most popular destinations, travel dates and trip durations, in turn helping them tailor offers based on expected demand. ‘Booking Analysis’ enables agencies to benchmark their market position and evaluate the competition, and also reveals trends on growing routes and airlines.

Data can be gathered and analysed across the entire travel cycle (from

inspiration, search, booking, in trip and post trip), putting the traveller at the centre of the ecosystem and enabling greater personalisation as well as merchandising opportunities.

Pascal Clement, head of travel intelligence for the company, said: “In today’s business, knowledge is power. Understanding how travellers search and book for travel is vital for travel players. Search Analysis and Booking Analysis will empower travel agents to leverage data and target the right travellers at the right time.”

For more information visit www.amadeus.com

New prototype gives passengers’ spare luggage capacity to charities A TEAM of students from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has won the £10,000 grand prize at the Sabre Destination Hack event by developing a prototype system that allows frequent flyers to fill their spare luggage capacity on planes with products that charities need.

Travellers register their details with the system, which they called Travita, using the TripCase API and are given a list of products needed by charities in their destination city.

Travellers can then buy the products and fill the gaps in their luggage. When they arrive at the airport they take the products to a drop-off point and the charity is automatically informed using the Twilio API that they can come and collect.

AIRPORT PARKING & HOTELS (APH) has announced that its airport parking products are now available through the Traveltek iSell platform. The APH XML feed into iSell enables agents to quickly search and book the full range of parking products available, providing them with access to ‘On Airport – short and long stay’, ‘Off Airport – Park and Ride’ and ‘Meet and Greet – Chauffeur (Valet) Parking’.

For details see www.aph.com or call 01342-859515.

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airtravel Grain Store Café & Bar to open this autumn at Gatwick’s South Terminal

THAI resumes double daily London to Bangkok flights THAI AIRWAYS has confirmed that it will resume its double-daily non-stop London to Bangkok service from October 25.

The Thai national carrier temporarily suspended night flights between Heathrow and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi at the start of the month when it introduced the route’s only direct daily A380 service.

But the addition of the Boeing 777 in the airline’s vacant TG917/916 slot means passengers will again have two daily options when it comes to flying between the two cities.

TG917 will depart Heathrow’s Terminal 2 at 21:35, arriving in Bangkok at 16:00, while TG916 will depart Bangkok at 13.20, arriving in London at 19:35.

GATWICK IS to be home to the first offshoot of Chef Bruno Loubet and The Zetter Group’s Grain Store restaurant in King’s Cross, opening this autumn.

The new dining facility at the airport’s South Terminal will feature a new family-friendly all-day menu, specially created with airport travellers in mind. The menu will feature fresh and organic vegetables, and fish and meat sourced from local British producers.

A new highlight at the eatery is a wholesome breakfast menu created by Bruno exclusively for Grain Store Café & Bar at Gatwick Airport. It also features a bar with innovative cocktails, a wine list and unique non-alcoholic drinks and smoothies.

For details see www.grainstore.com and www.gatwickairport.com

Duo saver of £20 for couples on return journey from Heathrow Express HEATHROW EXPRESS has boosted its summer offering for leisure travellers with its duo saver, which saves couples £20 when travelling together on a return journey.

For couples travelling with children under 16 – who can now travel for free on Heathrow Express – this means that a return journey for a family between Heathrow and Paddington is £50 if booked online at heathrowexpress.com/duo-saver Children can also eat for free in selected restaurants at Heathrow Airport.

Fraser Brown, director of Heathrow Express said: “We’re preparing for a bumper summer season for leisure passengers here at Heathrow Express. We will welcome approximately 900,000 passengers on board over the peak months of July and August.

“Our summer deal, which runs alongside our permanent kids go free policy and the airport’s kids eat for free offer, means that Heathrow has never looked so family-friendly and competitive for that all important summer holiday.”

InBrief ● GARUDA INDONESIA is offering discounted fares for travel periods

between now and spring 2016 to numerous destinations in Indonesia. Valid on travel between August 11 and December 12 and January 1 to February 29, 2016, fares start from £443 return to Jakarta and from £448 return to Bali, including taxes. Promotional fares are subject to availability and must be booked by July 31.

See www.garuda-indonesia.com for details. ● FINNAIR WILL be the first European airline to receive the Airbus

A350 XWB aircraft. The first service from Heathrow to Shanghai will start in October with fares from £595 return.

See www.finnair.com or call 020-8001 0101. ● AIR EUROPA is promoting deals for Business Class flights to Madrid

with prices from £264 including tax.

For more information call 0871-423 0717.

Electric cars charge into Birmingham Airport following green energy launch BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT has become one of the first British airports to join the Electric Highway and offer fast charging for electric motorists.

Green energy company Ecotricity powers the airport’s Electric Highway with 100% renewable energy from the wind and the sun, allowing 35 different models of electric and plug-in hybrid cars to recharge in between 20 and 30 minutes.

Such is the rate of growth in electric cars, that the motoring industry is on track to sell more electric vehicles in the first six months of 2015 than in the previous four years combined.

Jo Lloyd, commercial director at Birmingham Airport, said: “We’re always looking at new and innovative ways of improving the passenger experience at Birmingham Airport,

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Electricity pump at Birmingham Airport

which is why we have installed these electric charging points. The growing popularity of electric and hybrid cars means it is vital we provide the facilities that will enable our

passengers to travel to-and-from the airport as easily as possible. We’re extremely proud to support this green form of energy and the obvious benefits it brings to the environment.”

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

Tracey Poggio, chair of ANTOR, examines the impact of the 2015 summer budget on the outbound travel industry HE FIRST quarter of this year has seen an 8% workforce, going up to 2.8% with additional services increase in outbound tourism. For the second in the travel sector. This is where the controversial year in a row the UK economy is expected to issue of APD becomes apparent. Earning the grow faster than any other major economy in the government an expected £3.7billion by the end of the world. The deficit is dropping by more than 1% each decade, UK levels of APD are the highest in the world year and unemployment is falling which would and continue to act as a barrier to travel to certain indicate a positive outlook for 2015’s outbound travel countries in the world and create an unlevel playing industry. field.

Contrastingly, since the Having devolved APD to "The rise on the Personal Tax-Free Northern Ireland and election, £12billion of welfare spending cuts have Scotland, where the latter Allowance will provide some with will be halving the APD been announced at the same time as the contribution, it is hoped more disposable income that could that the government’s introduction of a higher National Living Wage by decision to look at further be spent on outbound travel.

October 2015. What does devolution to England and this mean for the travel Wales will allow them to All in all, while outbound travel is avoid unnecessary industry?

The new Government’s complication and boost the rising, the future still looks bright UK economy as a whole by welfare spending cuts will have a considerable simply abolishing APD, and, providing APD is reviewed impact on businesses and however unlikely that may destinations that target be. fairly and in a globally competitive travel and tourism. On the Calls are also being other hand, an increase in made that any changes in manner, may continue to do so." the National Living Wage the different UK regions may provide opportunities should be beneficial to for some businesses and everyone. This is important destinations to target those with a higher level of because by reducing APD in one region or airport it disposable income. can take customers away from another. Similarly, this Leisure tourists travelling by plane contribute will greatly affect overseas destinations with flights £7.1billion to the government purse through taxes out of only one or two airports. By abolishing APD such as APD. Air travel actually contributes 1.1% of bands C & D and APD for children under the age of UK GDP, with that number rising to 2.8% if you 16, the government is moving in the right direction include satellite services. Similarly, employment however, this is negated by the confirmation of an within the air travel sector makes up 1.2% of the UK increase in line with inflation in April 2016.

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Copyright: Kemal Taner

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egypt Egypt’s new Minister of Tourism sets target of 20 million tourists by 2020

by ADAM POTTER HALED RAMY, Egypt’s new Minister of Tourism, has announced what the future has in store for Egyptian tourism and which key areas the country will be promoting in order to reach its ambitious target of 20 million tourists by 2020.

Hosting a briefing at the Egyptian Cultural Office, the new minister was keen to highlight that in line with the change of faces within the ministry there has also been a change in strategy, with the long-term plan to achieve 20 million visitor numbers in the next five years.

Ramy said: “We are confident that we can achieve this number and we have a dedicated task force who are working on how we are going to achieve this.

Starting this August, we have advertising agencies working for Egypt for the next three years with a huge budget. We will demonstrate to the whole world that we are back, we are confident in our product, that we are re-investing in our programme and that we are here to stay.”

Dubbing the first four months of 2015 as ‘excellent’, the ministry also reported a 17.9% increase in holidaymakers from the UK.

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In anticipation of further increases in numbers, the ministry also hopes to increase visitors’ daily spend. Figures for 2010 were averaged at $86 per night and $75 for 2014. Not wishing to undersell the destination’s hotels, the ministry is confident in its objective to raise this to $100 per night by 2020, which will generate an income in tourism revenues of around US$26billion. Meanwhile, occupancy levels for April this year stood at 70% in Hurghada, 60% in Sharm el Sheikh and 20% in Luxor.

High on the list of priorities for the ministry is the Nile Valley with a quarter of the overall generic advertising campaign dedicated to it.

Ramy said: “We need to do whatever we can to bring tourists back to the Nile.

In my discussions with tour operators I would be more than happy to offer fam trips to their agents. If anyone would like to visit Egypt or wants to host travel agents in the destination for training purposes - and if we can connect it to the Nile Valley - that would be of added value to us.”

In hand with this, Ramy also commented that he would be meeting operators to discuss how they would

partner in the coming years. Continuing the promise of his predecessor, no changes will be made to arrangements with tour operators until October 31, and any subsidising on flights will continue until then. After that date Ramy confirmed that subsidies to the Nile Valley will continue as an incentive for low-cost carriers, regular and chartered flights.

On the subject of flights, Ramy said that negotiations were ongoing with the Civil Aviation Authority in Egypt to address the levies on third party carriers like RyanAir. Meanwhile, Ramy referred the previous confusion surrounding visas to Egypt as a ‘public mess’ and took the opportunity to set the record straight. He said: “We will not change anything concerning the visas until we have an electronic visa system in place. This will not happen for another eight to ten months. When we have the system in place we will run it for three-four months as a trial until it is full-proof and then we will ask the public to use it. At least for the next year and a half there will be no change to the visa system in Egypt.”

ATTRACTION WORLD is offering a day at Hurghada’s Jungle Aqua Park for £40 per adult and £20 per child aged two-11. The attraction features more than 20 water slides, a wave pool, an artificial river for rafting, an aqua tower and a tunnel slide. Other offers in Egypt include a Dinner Cruise on the Nile for £54 per adult and £27 per child and a Red Sea Experience, which includes snorkelling, for £72 per adult and £36 per child.

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Speak to us today on 0207 332 2660 or visit redseaholidays.co.uk/agent ABTA No.Y2507 Subject to availability: may be withdrawn at any time. Lead-in price shown is based on 2 adults sharing, and is available on at least one departure date from at least one UK airport. Correct at date of publication. Once sold out there is no guarantee that alternative holidays will be available at that price. Other conditions apply; see brochure for details. ATOL protected 9749. ® Red Sea Holidays logo is a registered trade mark of Red Sea Holidays Ltd. © 2015.

S06 TB2407 2015 Egypt_Layout 1 22/07/2015 11:39 Page 19

egypt Red Sea Holidays announces launch of agent educational programme RED SEA HOLIDAYS is set to launch a new travel trade educational programme in the coming months.

The company’s deputy managing director, Jason Hilton, said: “We’re planning to take more than 100 agents from across the UK, to visit the Red Sea before the end of the year. The twin-centre, seven-day trips will take in Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Makadi Bay, where agents will not only get to stay in some our best selling Red Sea hotels, but will experience a fantastic range of prebookable excursions, such as snorkelling, quad-biking and Bedouin camp experiences.”

The company reports that Egypt remains a top holiday destination for UK tourists as it combines guaranteed sunshine with unrivalled cultural attractions. The operator’s Luxor 'Cruise and Stay' product in particular continues to remain popular, with bookings now accounting for more than half of all 14-night holidays to Hurghada. The itinerary, which seamlessly combines an all-inclusive seven-night Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan (including ten free, fullyguided excursions); plus seven nights at the beach resort of Hurghada costs £959 per person including transfers, flights and luggage allowance.

Rediscover the wonders of the Nile on the Oberoi Zahra from 650 euros THE OBEROI Zahra is promoting fourand seven-night itineraries along the Nile under the guidance of resident Egyptologists.

The cruises offer personalised service, spacious luxury cabins, à la carte cuisine and private massage therapy rooms, and with exclusive private docking arrangements and small luxury coaches available at every stop, so guests can avoid the crowds.

Each of The Oberoi Zahra’s 25 luxury

cabins and two luxury suites are appointed with timber floors and elegant interiors, whilst large windows offer panoramic views of the Nile.

Luxury suites feature separate living rooms, private terraces and Jacuzzis, and the cruiser also offers a theatre, library, cigar bar, swimming pool, fitness centre and a gourmet restaurant.

This summer’s offer invites guests to experience a double luxury room until

September 28 for 650 euros per night.

The offer includes all meals, transfers

by Mercedes van and complimentary wireless internet access. To ensure wellness and relaxation on board, guests are encouraged to use the gym and steam room on a complimentary basis as well as a one hour massage per person, per cruise.

For details email reservations.tobi@oberoihotels.com or see www.oberoihotels.com

ORBITAL TRAVEL is offering seven-night cruises departing from Luxor on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year. Prices lead in at £359 per person on the five-star MS Orbital Royal Esadora and include seven nights’ full board on the cruise in a middle/upper deck cabin, transfers and 12 guided excursions. The offer is commissionable at 15% for agents and excludes flights.

For details call 01763-274174, email greg@orbitaltravel.co.uk or see www.orbitaltravel.co.uk

Nile cruise options from Anatolian Sky ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays’ new Winter Collection brochure features a choice of options for clients in search of winter cruise options along the Nile.

A seven-night ‘Classic Nile Cruise’ itinerary departs from Luxor and takes in the West Bank and Valleys of the Kings and Queens; the Temple of Horus at Edfu; the High Dam at Aswan and the Island of Philae; a chance to sail around

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Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands in a traditional ‘felucca’; an optional day trip to Abu Simbel; the Temple at Kom Ombo; and the Temples at Karnak and Luxor.

The cruise, on MS Sherry Boat, leads in at £959 per person based on two adults sharing a lower deck cabin on a full board basis. It includes flights, transfers and guided excursions with an Egyptologist, and is based on travel in

November. Alternatively, a seven-night cruise following the same itinerary and travelling on the MS Nile Premium costs from £1,279, also travelling in November.

Options are also available to create longer itineraries incorporating stays on the Red Sea coast, or in Cairo or Luxor.

For more information visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3585.

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egypt

Red Sea & Dahab dominate Olympic Holidays’ Egypt programme OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has launched its Winter Sun 2015/16 brochure with additional hotels in Egypt.

The company’s commercial director, Photis Lambrianides, said: “Egypt has become a staple of our winter programme and is increasingly popular.

Olympic devotes its Red Sea coverage to the region's leading resort of Sharm el Sheikh and its Sinai neighbour Dahab, with a wide choice of hotels, many of them five-star.”

Newly-featuring in this winter’s 68page brochure are the 465-room Amwaj Oyoun Resort & Spa and the 396-room Maritim Jolie Ville Sharm, both five-star hotels in Sharm el Sheikh.

Prices start at £515 for seven nights' half-board at the three-star Daniella Village Hotel in Dahab.

All-inclusive Egypt holidays start at £539 for seven nights at the three-star Falcon Naama Star and Falcon Hills Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh.

A total of 23 of the operator’s featured hotels in Egypt are allinclusive, and spa holidays are also available at many of the five-star properties.

Diving holidays in the Red Sea are also key for the operator, which has a comprehensive programme offering a broad selection of diving packages and liveaboard holidays.

Lambrianides said: "For UK divers, the Red Sea has everything - first class conditions, strongly competitive prices and a flight time of just five hours, putting it within easy reach of home.

We've featured diving prominently for the past eight years and our brochures and website reflect our commitment.

We are confident diving will give us excellent business in the long term.”

The company is again offering an early booking winter sun discount on a 'first come, first served' basis and has maintained its low deposit, with £49 per person securing any holiday.

For further information visit www.olympicholidays.com

HAYES AND Jarvis recently launched its new brochure, which sees the addition of two new Egypt hotels to its portfolio Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay and Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa – both of which are five-star properties. A seven-night holiday to Kempinksi Hotel Soma Bay on a bed-and-breakfast basis leads in at £699 per person including transfers and flights from Gatwick with easyJet, based on a January 9, 2016 departure. For details see www.hayesandjarvis.com

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shortbreaks

FUNWAY HAS ADDED ...the new Manchester – Boston route from Thomas Cook Airlines to its programme, which runs from May 2016. To mark the new service, the operator has put together a special short break package to Boston offering four nights at the three-star Doubletree by Hilton. Prices start from £689 per person including flights with the airline based on a June 6, 2016 departure and two adults sharing a room.

Visit www.funway4agents.co.uk for details.

Inghams boosts Italian portfolio with new three-night breaks INGHAMS HAS introduced new Italian short break destinations to its portfolio for 2015.

With the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, a three-night bed-and-breakfast stay in Naples at the four-star plus Hotel Excelsior costs from £599 per person based on two sharing.

Palermo is also new to the operator’s portfolio. This lesser known destination offers the intricately decorated Royal Palace or Palazzo dei Normanni, as well as a selection of churches and art galleries. A three-night breakfast stay at the 18th century four-star Hotel Centrale Palace costs from £479 per person.

In September, Verona is host to the International Festival of Street Games or ‘Tocatì’ (Your Turn), where the city offers a variety of fun and games including chess, spinning tops, table football and slingshots.

Guests can experience the festival by staying at the nearby five-star Hotel Due Torri, with three-night prices including breakfast starting from £575.

All prices include flights from Gatwick and transfers.

For more information visit www.inghamsitaly.co.uk or call 01483-791115.

Butlin’s launches Little Mix show FANS OF the British girl group Little Mix can ‘Salute’ their music with the company’s own singers and dancers in a new show for 2015.

The ‘Salute to Little Mix’ show will be held at the indoor Skyline Pavilion at Bognor Regis, Minehead and

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Skegness and will feature on mid-week, weekend, school summer holiday and October half-term breaks.

Prices for a three-night stay at Skegness start from £70 per person including accommodation based on a family of four sharing a silver apartment.

Murat Reis Ayvalik opens in Turkey TURKEY’S MURAT Reis Ayvalik Hotel in Ayvalik is encouraging Brits to book a short stay following a major renovation of its 91 rooms, luxury bungalows and exclusive villa.

The hotel offers sunset wine tastings and two restaurants serving modern Mediterranean food with a deck bar, pool bar and lobby bar.

Included in its luxury spa and fitness centre is a heated open pool, sauna, steam room and Turkish Bath, while a variety of watersports are also available plus the opportunity to visit local olive oil factories, the ancient Leka Panagia Monastery and both city and island tours.

Prices start from £92 per person including breakfast and taxes.

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shortbreaks Toronto & Niagara deal from Canadian Affair

RABBIE’S SMALL GROUP TOURS ...is offering a two-day break exploring Oxford, the charming Cotswolds with its scenic villages, as well as the ancient stone circle of Avebury and Bath.

The tour leads in at £135 per person including transport, a guide and breakfast accommodation. Tours depart from London every Monday and Saturday.

For full details visit www.rabbies.com

CANADIAN AFFAIR is offering a range of lastminute holiday offers for families this summer.

As an example, five nights to Toronto and Niagara costs from £745 per person including flights from Gatwick, with three nights at the Westin Harbour Castle and two nights at the Crowne Plaza Fallsview, based on travel from August 28 to September 2.

For details see www.canadianaffair.com

Tasty trade food festival incentive from Premier Holidays

More options to New York from Jet2CityBreaks JET2CITYBREAKS HAS expanded its New York programme for 2015, with 19 short breaks available from five UK airports and additional flights being made available from Glasgow, Leeds and Newcastle.

The operator now has New York packages from East Midlands Airport on November 12 and 29 for four nights; Glasgow Airport on October 11 and November 26 for four nights plus a new half-term trip on November 20 for three nights; from Leeds Bradford Airport on October 25, November 19 and December 3 for four nights, and for three nights on November 13 and December 10 for three

nights; Manchester Airport on November 5, 26 and December 3 for four nights and December 11 for three nights; and from Newcastle Airport on October 24, November 5 , 26 and December 10 for four nights and December 4 for three nights.

As an example of packages, a three-night stay at the three-star Skyline Hotel on a room-only basis departing from Leeds Bradford on November 13 costs from £629 per person based on two adults sharing.

Alternatively, a stay at the five-star Soho Grand Hotel costs £889 per person.

For details visit www.jet2holidays.com/city-breaks

SuperBreak promotes short break offer in Peak District FROM NOW until the end of December, SuperBreak is promoting a special short break offer at the four-star Shringley Hall Hotel in Pott

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Shringley, Cheshire.

It includes dinner, bedand-breakfast and an entry ticket into Chatsworth House and Gardens, and

July 24 2015

costs from £79.50 per person.

For details see www.superbreak.com/agent s or call 01904-436000.

PREMIER HOLIDAYS is offering a special package and trade incentive to tie in with the first Guernsey International Food Festival, which takes place from September 18-27.

The operator is offering three nights for the price of two at the three-star Best Western Moores Hotel throughout the festival. The package costs £255 per person by sea from Poole and £319 per person by air from Gatwick including transport and breakfast accommodation.

The deal is valid for Friday arrivals only and travel by air is also available from regional airports for a supplement.

Agents can earn £5 for every Guernsey, Sark, Alderney and Herm booking made and logged with the operator.

For bookings visit www.premierholidays.co. uk or call 0844-493 7532.

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Efteling, world of wonders

Efteling is a Dutch theme park, only an hour's drive from Amsterdam, offering unforgettable adventures for the whole family from a wonderful fairytale forest and rides for the little ones to thrilling rollercoasters for the older dare devils, in addition to the largest spectacular water show in Europe and lots more.

Extend your Efteling experience by staying overnight in our themed Efteling hotel or in the holiday village, Bosrijk, both within easy walking distance of the park and both offering early entry to the park for guests.

Prices start from ÂŁ 260 for a family of 4.

To ďŹ nd out more visit efteling.co.uk

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shortsbreaks

FOR CLIENTS SEEKING ...a characteristically Catalan family holiday, The Catalan Tourist Board is recommending stays in the town of Sitges for its eclectic architecture, pristine beaches and La Festa Major de Sitges, which is staged between August 21-27. The cultural celebration includes processions with carnival figures, fire-breathers and ‘correfocs’ (dancing devils), alongside casteller groups who create incredible human towers.

Extended summertime hours & two-night packages at Italy’s Gardaland Resort UNTIL SEPTEMBER 13, Gardaland Resort is extending the park’s opening times until 23:00, following the success of its evening event, ‘Gardaland Night is Magic’.

In tandem with the arrival of the summer season extension, the resort is offering short break

packages for two nights on Lake Garda valid from July 24 to September 30.

Each package includes two nights at the resort’s four-star accommodation on a bed-andbreakfast basis, a combi ticket for one-day entry to the park, one-day

entry to the Sea Life Aquarium and free shuttle bus service. For two staying in a king size bedroom, rates start from 335 euros and for two adults and two children (aged three12) rates start from 485 euros.

For information email incoming@gardaland.it

‘Steam, Rail and Ale’ tours from £395 from Railtrail Tours RAILTRAIL TOURS combines the thrills, sights and smells of a day at a steam gala with visits to the best local breweries on its ‘Steam, Rail & Ale’ (and malt) tours.

Departing this autumn are three five-day short breaks - Belgian Steam, Rail & Ale Trail on

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September 24; Yorkshire Dales Steam, Rail & Ale Trail on October 8; and the Scottish Highlands Steam & Malt Trail departing on October 22.

Prices lead in at £395 for the Yorkshire tour which, based in Harrogate, includes the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

Autumn Steam Gala, two Yorkshire heritage railways and two breweries.

All three tours are on a half-board basis, including all excursions and admissions with a tour manager.

For more information visit www.railtrail.co.uk or call 0153-8382 323.

New Christmas shows from Warner Leisure WARNER LEISURE Hotels has launched two new shows for the festive season: ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Jingle All The Way’.

Getting guests into the festive spirit, performances will begin at the end of October and take place across all 13 of the company’s country houses and coastal hideaways.

As an example of prices, a three-night weekend break at Norton Grange on the Isle of Wight starts from £176 per person arriving on November 2. It is based on two adults sharing a standard chalet and includes the Simply Dine package - English and continental breakfast buffets and three-course evening meals.

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shortbreaks Taber presents Icelandic package from £775 TABER HOLIDAYS is promoting a three-night stay in Reykjavik from £775 including a full-day Golden Circle excursion, which takes in some of Iceland’s most spectacular sights such as the geyser area, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Þingvellir National Park.

Optional excursions include whale-watching from Reykjavik harbour, a bathe in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and a super jeep safari around Mount Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano.

The price includes flights from Heathrow, transfers and breakfast accommodation and is based on two sharing. Departures are daily until September 30.

For more information call 0127-4875 199 or visit www.taberhols.co.uk

Shearings offers new Christmas breaks in 2015/16 Autumn & Winter brochure SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS has issued its 2015/16 Autumn Winter programme with new breaks and details on its Christmas and New Year holiday range.

The operator has expanded on its UK ‘Christmas Markets & Winter Specials’ with a selection of four- and five-day UK autumn breaks, as well as three-day taster breaks from all regions to a host of destinations throughout the British Isles and Ireland.

The company has also added new European Christmas market itineraries to Switzerland, Paris, Germany and Prague, plus a selection of new ‘Christmas and New Year’

breaks to destinations such as Ostend, Venice and Lake Como. The operator’s ‘Carnivals & Festivals’ holiday range has also been expanded to include Basel and Nice carnivals.

Other additions to the programme include an expanded selection of UK and European ‘Your Time’ tours, where agents can offer independent and single travellers new holidays including ‘Austria & Glacier Express’ and ‘Paris & Royal Palaces’. Early bird customers can save up to 10% off when booking before August 31.

Meanwhile, incentives for agents include a ‘Super Shearings Coach Giveaway’, with the chance to win a

free coach for the day by completing a word search that could be found in brochure packs.

The operator is also offering a selection of five-day short breaks for travellers wanting a taste of some of Europe’s most charming cities this summer. As an example, a ‘Paris Spectacular’ package costs £249 per person with four nights’ breakfast accommodation at the Ibis Paris Porte de Bagnolet, with an included River Seine cruise excursion and luxury coach travel. Departure dates are on August 23 and August 30.

For details call 0844-209 7143 or visit www.shearings.com

Everything your client needs in one place!

Accommodation, tickets, transfers, excursions & car rental.

Wide choice, great rates plus 24/7 customer service.

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southernafrica

SOUTH AFRICA – DIVERSITY DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE TO COVERING WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER

by PAUL SCUDAMORE SOUTH AFRICA. SO WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? The joke cliché in the travel writing business, which applies to anywhere, is that everywhere is somewhere “of contrasts” – well of course it is, and so is my sock drawer.

But South Africa is such a vast country with so many aspects that it really is impossible to know where to start.

But I have, so let’s continue the journey that will be certain to satisfy any of your clients’ needs, interests, passions or curiosity.

The whole point about the country is that no one visit can come close to discovering what it actually has to offer.

But this is good for the destination, you and your clients, because it means there is a basic need and desire to return time and again to add to the overall joy of travel and new experiences.

Just two months ago South Africa hosted its version of WTM, the long-established Indaba, held again in Durban and now developed into a pan-African trade show with more than 1,000 exhibitors from 20 African countries, 2,000 buyers from around the world and about 750 members of the global media. Yes, including Travel Bulletin.

It was a serious, fun, professional and focused event which saw the world’s attention concentrated on, particularly, South Africa as well as countries such as Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Madagascar, Namibia, Senegal, Swaziland, the Seychelles, Namibia and many more. The whole gathering saw the global travel industry beat a path to this part of the world and acknowledge the vital importance of tourism to the region’s economy – on the African continent tourism directly and indirectly supports 20.5 million jobs and represents more than 8% of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while in some countries more than 50% of their GDP emanates from tourism. That’s a lot of jobs, and a huge amount of money.

The reason for the very success of this industry lies in the hands of travel agents and tour operators such as we have in the UK, not to forget the high satisfaction levels that the destinations themselves can go on delivering to attract repeat visitor business. A case in point: On a preIndaba escorted fam trip for a small number of UK tour

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operators, each one said they would personally return with their partners or family to discover more of what they have sampled for the first time themselves. And pay for it.

For the record, this pre-Indaba trip took in Cape Town with a stay at the five-star Leading Hotels of the World member Sun International Table Bay Hotel, and visits to some of the city’s prime properties such as the Victoria & Alfred Hotel and historic colonial Mount Nelson hotel. The city is currently the most popular in the country for hotel development with 11 new builds planned over the next three years providing an additional 2,100-plus rooms. The fam trip itinerary also included a journey through the amazing Winelands to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, culminating in an overnight at Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition Mont Rochelle 22-room manor house in his own 100 acre vineyard near Franschhoek. The horror about such “tasting” visits is that you just know you will return. And that is the absolute beauty about the destination – it just grabs you as it will your clients.

South African Tourism’s chief executive officer, Thulani Nzima, said in an interview with Travel Bulletin that his office had an “absolute commitment” to supporting the UK trade including joint marketing agreement opportunities. Elsewhere he said that his stock answer to why tourists should come to South Africa is that the country “is not only the most beautiful, accessible, friendly and emotionally stirring of destinations, it’s also that the South African travel and tourism industry is managed and offered to the world by people who are so deeply passionate about their country that they are determined to give tourists the very best experience possible”.

And that sees us return to the utter diversity of the country – yes it has game reserves, five-star and boutique hotels, fine dining and family feasting and incredible value for money, but there is golf, bungee-jumping, family camping, hiking, cycling, meetings, incentives and conferences, as well as niche interests such as birdwatching, painting, and Jeep safaris – plus just lazing at a beach or inland resort and soaking up the sun and the culture, history and business opportunties.

So back to the start of this piece – just where do you begin? The answer is: South Africa.

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Wilderness Safaris’ Toka Leya Camp, situated in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, has reopened following the completion of extensive refurbishment of its tented rooms, as well as a total rebuild and expansion of its wellness facilities. The camp’s 12 raised en-suite safari-style tents now include romantic outdoor baths and have been modified to include an expansive drop-down sitting area, where guests can relax and take in the views of the Zambezi River and the park’s wildlife. Exploration of the surrounding area includes tours of Victoria Falls, Livingstone town and local markets and villages. Other activities on offer nearby include bungee jumping, white-water rafting, helicopter flights, micro lighting and jet boating.

For details see www.wilderness-safaris.com

Rainbow Tours launches series of Madagascar itineraries for 2015/16 RAINBOW TOURS has released a series of new Madagascar itineraries including a group tour led by destination expert Daniel Austin, plus a new tailor-made trip focusing on birding.

The operator has also announced a conservation initiative with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust for any Madagascar bookings made this month and next.

The expert-led Madagascar Wildlife Discover Tour showcases the widest range of habitats, from Marojejy National park in the north-eastern rainforests to Anakao in the southwestern ‘spiny desert’.

The 18-day tour runs from October 27 to November 13, 2016 and costs £4,585 per person including flights; transport; guiding; accommodation; and meals and excursions as outlined in the itinerary. The maximum group size for the tour is 12.

Meanwhile, following the popularity of Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tours, the operator has introduced four departure dates for 2016.

The 18-day tour is priced at £3,995 per person, with 2016 departures scheduled for September 3-21, September 17 – October 4, September 22 – October 9 and

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October 9 - 25.

The company has also redesigned its Birding & Wildlife Tailor-Made Tour, which caters to travellers keen to discover the country’s wide variety of endemic bird species.

Accompanied by one of Madagascar’s top birding and wildlife specialist guides, the tour goes on the trail of rare species such as the Bernier’s teal, Madagascar pond heron, Madagascar white ibis, the Brown mesite and Yellow-browed oxylabes, as well as dozens of other

species of wetland and rainforest birds. Prices for the 19-day tour lead in at £4,990 per person, based on two adults travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.

In support of the preservation of Madagascar’s wildlife and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the operator will also adopt a ring-tailed lemur for every Madagascar booking made with the operator this summer.

For further information see www.rainbowtours.co.uk/madagascar or call 020-7666 1250.

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southernafrica South Africa highlights value for money concept ACCORDING TO research

by South Africa Tourism, spending money for UK travellers taking a holiday in South Africa can go up to 70% further, making it a lead long-haul destination in terms of value for money when compared with other popular destinations.

Using Argentina as a comparison, the research highlights the cost of a double bedroom in a fourstar hotel in Buenos Aires is approximately £139 per night, compared to a room

in Cape Town in a similar establishment, which costs £54 per night with breakfast included. This makes hotel accommodation for a night in Cape Town 70% less expensive than the South American alternative.

Other comparisons include visiting penguins on Boulder’s Beach costing £2.98. In Argentina, a close-up viewing of the penguins on Ushuaia beach costs the equivalent of £30.41, making it 90% more

expensive than South Africa.

A three-course meal for two in Cape Town costs around £26.99, with the average price of dining out for two in Buenos Aires being £67 – a 59% difference.

Coffee lovers should note that in Cape Town, a cappuccino will cost around £1.02, whilst in Buenos Aires a caffeine hit costs £2.34 - 128% more expensive than in South Africa.

KWANDWE PRIVATE Game Reserve is offering free return road transfers or a free one-way flight from Port Elizabeth on all bookings of a minimum two-night stay for the months of August and September. Prices are approximately £315 per person sharing at either Ecca Lodge or Great Fish River Lodge on a full board basis with safari activities. For details visit www.kwandwe.com

Somak Holidays launches South Africa cricket tour SOMAK HOLIDAYS has launched a new South Africa cricket tour to coincide with the England V South Africa Series 2015-2016.

The seven-night itinerary catches the Cape Town leg of the tour and runs between December 30 to January 7; ensuring travellers can enjoy five full days of cricket with a VIP private suite at Newlands, a New Year’s Eve gala dinner at Richard’s Supper Stage & Bistro, and plenty of time to explore the city with the choice of going on a Cape Town or Winelands tour.

The VIP Cricket Package costs from £3,475 with accommodation at the four-star Southern Sun Waterfront in a standard room on a bed-andbreakfast basis, with the option to upgrade to the five-star Table Bay hotel for an extra £250 and private transfers throughout.

‘Lake of Stars Festival’ tours from Malawian Style incorporates arts event ONE OF Malawi’s leading safari and adventure holiday specialists ‘Malawian Style’ has launched two new tours to incorporate Malawi’s biggest arts event, the Lake of Stars Festival.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary on the shores of Lake Malawi, and this year being held at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi, the festival will take place from September 25-27, with three stages featuring both local and international artists and a diverse music bill incorporating electronic, hip hop, Afropop, Afrofusion, reggae, folk, beatboxers, DJs and more.

The operator’s tours, which will both conclude at the Lake of Stars Festival, are 16 days long with a range of price options to suit both budget and luxury travellers. Both include safaris and game drives in South Luangwa National Park, as well as watersports on Lake Malawi, all meals and accommodation.

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On the Livingstone tour, travellers will then follow in the footsteps of the great explorer and visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Alternatively, the South Malawi tour then takes in Nankoma Island,

Mulanje Mountain, the Liwonde National Park and Zomba Plateau.

Both tours will then finish at the Lake of Stars Festival on the shores of Lake Malawi.

For further information visit www.malawianstyle.com/lake-stars and www.lakeofstars.org

'Devil's Pool' - Islands of Siankaba

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southernafrica We asked our staff the following question this week: When I look at my desk...?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk I see space - lots of it. Tidy desk, tidy mind....

Editorial Assistant: Adam Potter adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk I wonder if I've cracked the world record for most post-it notes

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk I wonder where it is.

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk ....I look forward to all the fun the day will bring!

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk A chaotic mess that somehow works!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk I shouldn't be here... it's my birthday!

Account Manager: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk

Victoria Falls

Ramblers Worldwide offers Zimbabwe ramble FOLLOWING INCREASED demand for Zimbabwe, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is promoting an 18-day journey of exploration through the region’s most popular highlights.

It begins in the Eastern Highlands with the Nyanga National Park, the Honde Valley and the Vumba Mountains, and continues to Great Zimbabwe with encounters including the ruins of the largest stone built structure south of the Sahara; the Matobo Hills; the Hwange National

Park with one of the largest elephant populations in the world; the Victoria Falls; and boat trips on the Zambezi.

Price are from £3,999 per person including flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, six lunches, local guides, all excursion fees, game drives and the services of a tour leader. Departures are from April 23, 2016.

For details visit www.ramblersholidays.co.uk or call 01707-331133.

I can't wait to get stuck into the day.

Sales Executive: Matthew Weinreb matthew.weinreb@travelbulletin.co.uk I feel sad it's not a dinner table.

Sales Executive: Kathryn Frost kathryn.frost@travelbulletin.co.uk I tell myself if opportunity does not knock, build a door!

Linkwasha Camp from Abercrombie & Kent in Zimbabwe lies in Hwange’s south-eastern corner and is a modern take on a traditional safari. With eight en-suite luxury tents the camp provides guests with private access to wildlife locations within Hwange. Prices start from £4,315 per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a double/twin room.

Marketing Assistant: Gemma Reeve gemma.reeve@travelbulletin.co.uk I make sure it is tidy!

Senior Designer: Lee Telot lee.telot@travelbulletin.co.uk Assistant Designer: Tom Davies thomas.davies@alaincharles.com Production: Charlie Burns charlie.burns@alaincharles.com

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: Buxton Press Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

image credit: Wilderness Safaris and Abercombie & Kent

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. FUNWAY, 4. OSLO, 8. ARIZONA, 9. SAA, 10. COMO, 12. SOFIA, 15. MALTA, 16. PERU, 19. MLA, 20. LET IT BE, 22. APEX, 23. RHODES. Down: 1. FRANCE, 2. NWI, 3. AVON, 5. SISTINE, 6. OMAN, 7. MANOS, 11. MBABANE, 13. ITALY, 14. QUEENS, 17. EMMA, 18. UTAH, 21. TED.

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Highlighted Word: FINLAND Travagrams: (top) Discover Egypt

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(bottom) Massachusetts

Where Am I?: Kronborg Castle

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