Travel Bulletin 30th May 2014 by Alain Charles Publishing

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May 30 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,874 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Italy Thought for food is food for thought theme at Expo Milano 2015

this week puzzle bulletin 11 play Su Doku for a chance to win a ÂŁ50 Love2Shop voucher from Voyages-sncf

bulletin briefing how agents can capitalise on networking opportunities

star awards focus in our final focus we take a look at the 'Smooth Operators' category

indian ocean operators & hoteliers reveal their latest programme additions & developments

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GRAN PLAN...Prestige Holidays hosted seven agents from London and the home counties on Norwegian Air’s first fam trip to Gran Canaria. The three-day trip was supported by the Gran Canaria and Spanish Tourist Boards as well as the airline, and took in Maspalomas, Tedeja and Port Morgan. Enjoying the picturesque sights are, from the left: (back row) Andy Carr, Ultimate Destinations; Iona Etchells, Eton Travel, Wokingham; Mitchell Hawes, Norwegian Air; Mark Worrall, World Odyssey; and Richard Stanier, Twirltours Travel; with (front row) Sandra Aggio, Devoted to Travel; Michele Charnley, Abbotts Travel; Angela Gold, Atlantis Travel; Shubhra Halliday, Prestige Holidays; and Katerina Bomshtein, Gran Canaria Tourist Board UK.

This Week news 3 9

agent bulletin

Inset - Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives

puzzle bulletin

bulletin briefing

hotel bulletin

Cover Pictures: Main - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan, ENIT

this week's latest industry news, reports & product additions

star awards focus

booking incentives, agent offers & training updates play Su Doku for a chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher from Voyages-sncf how agents can capitalise on networking opportunities hoteliers unveil new packages, renovations & destinations in our final focus on our Star Awards we take a look at the 'Smooth Operators' category

personality bulletin

italy

indian ocean

the BDM of Funway Holidays takes the hot seat this week thought for food is food for thought theme at Expo Milano 2015 operators & hoteliers reveal their latest programme additions & developments

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Survey reveals Brits spend £300,000 on holidays over lifetime STRESSED OUT Brits plan to spend a whopping £300,000 over their lifetime on holidays in a bid to escape from the pressures of everyday life, according to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk The site quizzed more than 500 adults about their recent holidays and plans for future breaks with respondents reporting an average two breaks each year – one family holiday overseas and one shorter break, often in the UK. The cost of these trips combined with spending money and other travel expenses came to just over £3,000 a year. The survey also found that British holidaymakers spend a further £1,000 a year whilst they are away on extravagancies such as additional meals out, gifts for the family and day trips. A holidaying lifetime was taken

as 75 years which brought the total we spend on holidays throughout our life to £300,000the cost of a four-bedroom house in the suburbs. The biggest cost was that of the summer holiday which came in at around £2,000, which would get you a two-week, all-inclusive fourstar family holiday to the Costa del Sol or Algarve. For most, it seemed that one holiday was not enough, with 95% of Brits either travelling away with a partner on a city break, or taking the kids away for a UK trip. The survey also revealed that Brits spend £1,000 on average for a second holiday, such as a long weekend to a hotel in the centre of Paris or Rome, or a summer holiday break to a cottage in Cornwall with the kids.

River cruise boom sparks new trends & expansions for vessels WITH MORE than 30 new ships launching this year, 2014 is proving to be one of the biggest years to date for the river cruise market. Cruise lines continue to expand their fleets, and interest in river cruising is strong according to recent surveys from Cruise Critic. More than 60% of those polled report that they would love to try a river

cruise, with the majority saying that they’re most enticed by the chance to try a new experience and explore the inland itineraries offered. Other new findings reveal the emergence of new river trends including increased alfresco dining options, with a number of lines incorporating alfresco dining into new ship

designs; more immersive shore excursions; new itineraries in France, with lines expanding their itinerary options into Bordeaux (both Uniworld and Viking River Cruises are offering cruises in the region, while Scenic and Avalon will also offer Bordeaux sailings in 2015); and an increase in spacious cabins.

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newsbulletin Riviera Travel expands Far East tour options for 2014 programme RIVIERA TRAVEl has added three new tours to its portfolio - Japan – Land Of The Rising Sun; Grand Tour Of China; and Laos, The Mekong & Thailand. As examples, a 13-day Japan – Land Of The Rising Sun option departs on selected dates up to November and between March and May, 2015, and leads in at £2,799 per person. Highlights of the fully escorted tour include taking in the sights of Tokyo including the Meiji Shrine, Omotesando Street, fashion-setting Harajuku and the Akihabara electronic town; a boat trip from Tokyo’s traditional Asakusa to the luxury shops of Ginza; a visit to Nikko National Park; and seeing the volcanic Owakudani 'Boiling Valley' by aerial gondola. The price includes flights from Heathrow and accommodation in four-

The Great Wall of China

star hotels with breakfast and three meals. The operator's 17-day Grand Tour of China itinerary leads in at £2,699 on selected departures up to October, and takes in the destination's cultural legacies, monuments, palaces and scenery. Highlights include a Yangtze river

cruise through the Three Gorges, including full-board; visits to the Forbidden City, the imperial gardens at the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors; and shopping in Shanghai. Accommodation is in four-star hotels and the price also includes scheduled flights from Heathrow.

SuperBreak puts latest themed mini-cruise breaks on sale for agents to promote A RANGE of new themed mini-cruise breaks are now on sale for agents to book with Superbreak. Always a popular choice for agents in the Hull catchment area, the latest new breaks offer themes ranging from darts and brit pop, to house and club music. Clients can book two nights with P&O Ferries sailing from Hull to Amsterdam with various events taking place both ways under the theme of the specific mini-cruise. There is also the chance to enjoy a day in Amsterdam. As examples, a Darts Mini-Cruise departs on October 17 and leads in at £139 per person. Guests can join Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, Eric ‘The Crafty Cockney’ Bristow and Keith ‘The Milky Bar Kid’ Deller as they play on a special darts themed mini-cruise from Hull to Amsterdam. The ship departs at 17:00 and will travel overnight arriving in

Rotterdam the following morning where a transfer to Amsterdam is arranged. A full day can then be spent in the city before the ship departs home again that evening returning to Hull on October 19 at 08:00. Alternatively, a Brit Pop Mini-Cruise departs on November 28 to Amsterdam and costs £89. Clients on the two-night cruise can enjoy Oasish- Britain's top Oasis tribute act and Blurb, a tribute to Blur. The ship departs at 17:00 and will travel overnight, arriving in Rotterdam the following morning where a transfer to Amsterdam is arranged. A full day can then be spent in the city before the ship departs home again that evening, returning to Hull on November 30 at 08:00. For more information see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 01904-436000.

Travel 2 offers holidays from £499 in new Summer Sun Sale mini brochure

CATCHING A WAVE...Pictured marking Flybe's new route from Southend to Newquay is Paul Haynes from Stobart Air at Southend Airport and Liz Sheridan from Flybe. The route operates three times weekly until September 27, with one-way fares from £20.99 including taxes and charges.

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BACK BY popular demand, the new Summer Sun Sale mini brochure for 2014 from Travel 2, features a selection of summer offers, new products and savings. The brochure, which is designed to help agents promote a variety of holidays with an emphasis on Florida villas, car hire and information on how to make the most of summer in Dubai, offers holidays from £499 plus more packages to the Caribbean, Florida, Middle East, Indian Ocean and Asia. The company's sales and marketing director, Gordon McCreadie, said: "No

matter what type of holiday your clients are looking for the summer season is always a popular time to take a break from everyday life and soak up the sunshine. “Our new Summer Sun Sale mini brochure is packed with more than 40 new properties in a variety of destinations and is designed to be a useful tool for agents to offer something for everyone looking to book a summer getaway." For details visit www.travel2.com or email marketing@travel2.com to order a copy.

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newsbulletin ‘Discover Belmond’ deal offers 15% savings AGENTS CAN now promote late availability with savings of 15% across a selection of Belmond’s hotels, trains and river cruises. The collection offers a range of summer escapes, from getaways in romantic destinations to cultural weekend city breaks and journeys through stunning scenery to fun-filled family holidays. As examples, a five-night family holiday at Belmond Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal leads in at £3,015 including taxes, breakfast, flights with TAP Portugal and private transfers, for a July 26 departure. Located by the ocean in Funchal, the hotel offers a range of fun activities, a children’s pool and a kids’ club. Alternatively, clients can extend a trip to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup with a stay at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel located in the Brazilian Iguassu National Park. A two-night stay, based on a June 9 departure, costs from £514 including taxes and breakfast. Prices include the 15% ‘Discover Belmond’ discount and the deal is commissionable to agents when booking directly or through GDS. To book or for further information call 0845-077 2222 or visit www.belmond.com

BOAT BUDDIES...Funway teamed up with Virgin Airways to take nine agents on a fam trip to Florida for a week of fun. The itinerary showcased beaches, shopping, architecture, wildlife and amusement parks. Pictured with the captain on an Airboat Ride at Wild Florida are, from the left: (back row) Samantha Grayson, Departure Lounge Travel; Jane Kolowski, Bath Travel; Tercia Caetano, Offshore Leisure; Lydia Alexander, Colchester Travel; and Elaine Price, Spear Travel; with (front row) Lynda Bradley, Holiday Genie; Anna Barnes, Funway; and Clair White, Very Cheap Holidays.

Book a private villa with pool from £179 with Cosmos Holidays COSMOS HOLIDAYS is offering a choice of more than 200 individual private villas with pools this summer in 15 destinations across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Florida, with flights available from ten UK airports and prices from £179 per person. Newly introduced destinations and resorts for this summer offer more choice, with the Greek islands of Lefkas and Skopelos featured for the first time as well as the typical Greek villages of Akrotiri, Aghios Leon and Lithakia in Zante. Also new is the Vale de Parra on the Algarve, the small coastal village of Deia in Mallorca as well as Bagazici on the Bodrum peninsula in Turkey. Villa packages with flights start from £179 per person, per week for a stay at the fourbedroom Villa Pacific in Gale, Algarve, while accommodation-only prices lead in at £99 per villa, per week for a stay at the three-bedroom Villa Robus in Frigiliana, Costa del Sol, based on six adults sharing. To help agents identify which villa is the most suitable for their clients, alongside every villa description are easily identifiable symbols to highlight the style and facilities available.

These include ‘sea views’, ‘near the beach’, ‘near the resort centre’, ‘private & secluded’, ‘rustic & charming’ and those with a ‘heated pool’. For family or friends who want to holiday together but in separate accommodation; ‘neighbouring villas’ are situated close to each other whilst those with ‘large families’ offer larger than average villas. Villas which are well positioned for ‘golf’ or have ‘air conditioning’ are also highlighted. The operator's ‘Something Special’ villa category offers wow factors – whether it’s superior facilities, a stunning location or exceptional décor and furnishings, and all include a free standard welcome pack for added convenience. Villa sizes range from one- to sixbedrooms and can be booked either as a villa package holiday or accommodationonly (excluding Gozo). All packages offer villa accommodation for seven or 14 nights, flights and 15kg per person luggage allowance. For more information visit www.cosmos.co.uk/villas or call 0843-227 1485.

Austravel offers whistle-stop package break Down Under from £1,095 per person DESPITE BEING more than 9,000 miles away, Austravel has launched a bank holiday package Down Under. The package, departing on Friday, means that clients can take in Australia's sights and delights and be back at work on Tuesday morning. The whistle-stop tour costs from £1,095 per person and includes flights, a stay in a four-star hotel in the heart of Sydney, overnight three-star

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accommodation in Melbourne and three days' car hire. The Sydney to Melbourne package departs from Heathrow on Friday afternoon, arriving in Sydney on Saturday evening, allowing holidaymakers to pack in a night and a morning in Sydney with the chance to see the city sights. The next day travellers can hit the open road and share the driving on a coastal journey to Melbourne,spending a night and morning

in Australia's cosmopolitan city before flying back to the UK and arriving at 06:40 on Tuesday morning. There is the option for clients to purchase bolt-ons to the package which include experiences such as the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Yarra Valley or a trip to Torquay – one of the first towns of Australia. For further information call 0800-988 4834 or visit www.austravel.com

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @BritishAirways Our new planes are designed to reduce the effects of jet leg. Find out how here http://bit.ly/1fPRmZD @VisitEngland Preview the sights and sounds of #RWC2015 with ‘Tourist Tactics’, our new animated film: http://ow.ly/wUEW5 @TravelBulletin Competition Launch Win a case of wine by simply clicking below!!! http://fb.me/6EXtpoK2c @HolidayExtras If these places don't inspire you to travel, nowhere will! http://buff.ly/1osZwjO @VisitBritain London tops list as most well-balanced city in the world - we're not surprised: http://huff.to/1qXiO2P @richardbranson Business isn’t about suits or stockholders. It’s about being true to yourself & your ideas http://virg.in/btt

New trade website from VisitDenmark VISITDENMARK HAS launched its new trade site for operators and agents. It features an 'Agent’s Tool Box' for agents to create ideal holidays for their clients; a new selfdrive itinerary, Explore Denmark's Marguerit Route; new product, including 'Love on a Bike', which discovers the Danish Riviera on two wheels; suggested itineraries; movies and images; facts; as well as attractions, accommodation and transport. For details see www.visitdenmark.co.uk/en -gb/denmark/traveltradefrontpage-gb

TOP TABLE... Travel 2’s recent South Africa fam trip took winning agents to new heights with a journey up Table Mountain in Cape Town. Agents won a place on the fam as part of the company's ‘Be ‘WOWED’ 24/7 in South Africa’ campaign which ran in conjunction with the South African Tourism Board. Pictured admiring the view are, from the left: Carla Hutchings, Travel 2; Natalie Thouvignon, Designer Travel; Liz Field, Dreamtime Travel; Suzann Irvine, Stewart Travel; Anneka Bones, Southern Cross Travel; Hannah Smith, Fred Olsen Travel; Colin Burr, Winged Boots; Louise Affleck, Scotland’s Cruise Centre; Melanie Landick, Bellingham Travel; and Lauren Burns, Barrhead Travel.

Europa-Park opens new 'Arthur and the Invisibles’ attraction EUROPA-PARK has launched a new attraction called 'Arthur – In the Minimoys Kingdom’, based on film trilogy 'Arthur and the Invisibles’. The indoor attraction features adapted scenes from director Luc Besson’s films, which depict the secret world of tiny creatures known as Minimoys and is hidden under a 15-metre dome on an island surrounded by two streams and Grimm’s enchanted forest. Visitors can experience seven underground kingdoms on a 550m-long flight on the main ride, Arthur, which features rotating cars suspended from a track.

Other rides include a tenmetre-tall children’s freefall tower shaped like a poppy, a large slide area and a 'mül-mül' carousel. Adults and children aged four or above can also assist the Minimoys in a treasure hunt. The park is open for its summer season until November 2 from 09:00-18:00 daily (longer opening times during peak season). Adult entry is £34 and the park also offers reductions on two-day tickets and free entrance for children on their birthday (ID required). Agents booking in advance for their clients can offer a 20% saving for an overnight stay with breakfast and admission to the park.

Arthur - In the Minimoys Kingdom

As an example, a stay at the four-star Hotel El Andaluz leads in at £191 per night for two adults and two children. For details see www.europapark.de

Trek Japan's Ancient Kumano Kodo on new tailor-made tour from Backyard Travel BACKYARD TRAVEL has unveiled details of a new tailor-made Japan tour, Trek Japan's Ancient Kumano Kodo. The spiritual six-day hiking tour gives travellers the opportunity to explore Japan's scenery and mystical sites along the Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage routes, and retraces the steps of the country's imperial

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ancestors and the ancient pilgrimage routes, dating back more than 1,000 years. Visits are made to ancient sites such as the Takahara Kumano-jinja shrine and the statue of Kazan, one of the first abdicated emperors to pilgrimage to Kumano. Other highlights of the fully guided tour include the opportunity to see the

highest waterfall in Japan, the Nachi Falls, plus the chance to relax in one of the oldest and most picturesque hot springs in Japan, the Yunomine Onsen. The tour finishes with a stay in a Japanese Ryokan on a private island in the Katsuura Bay. For more information visit www.backyardtravel.com

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newsbulletin Explore Latin America with Air France KLM AIR FRANCE and KLM are offering passengers special fares from £485 return (including taxes and charges) to South America, for bookings made before June 4. Clients can head to Brazil, Peru and Chile, and low fares are available from 18 departure points in the UK. The airlines offer convenient and seamless global travel for both leisure and business passengers across more than 200 worldwide destinations, via their hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol. For more information or to book visit www.airfrance.co.uk and www.klm.com

Christmas market breaks from £399 with Inghams INGHAMS HAS launched 'Christmas Markets', a new programme featuring three- and four-night breaks throughout November and December to six cities in three countries. The short breaks depart on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and cities include Munich and Nuremberg in Germany; Vienna and Innsbruck in Austria; and Berne and

Montreux in Switzerland. Prices lead in at £399 and include flights, transfers, three or four nights' breakfast accommodation within walking distance of the Christmas Markets; and added value extras such as free day trips and excursions. For more information or to book visit www.inghams.co.uk/agents or call 01483-791114.

CaminoWays.com adds new 12-day coastal tour in Portugal WALKING AND cycling holiday specialist, CaminoWays.com, is promoting the latest addition to its programme - a 12-day Portuguese Coastal Camino option that allows guests to take in marine views, while also getting the chance to taste local food and wine and take a swim in one of the many sandy beaches. Highlights of the itinerary include visits to Porto; seaside and fishing villages, such as Vila do Conde, Póvoa

de Varzim and Viana do Castelo; and coastal areas of outstanding natural beauty. Prices lead in at €1,365 per person including luggage transfers, half-board accommodation and a holiday pack. Flights are excluded and the holiday is also

available in shorter sections. Clients booking two months in advance will receive a 5% discount and, for agents, the company discounts its rates by 12%, offering net rates. For more information visit www.caminoways.com

R OYA L INCENTIVE FOR BOOKINGS 131/5/2014

a legendary hotel is reborn

FOR EVERY TWO BOOKINGS MADE FOR A MINIMUM SEVEN NIGHT DURATION, FOR TWO FULL PAYING GUESTS YO U W I L L R E C E I V E A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y S E V E N N I G H T A C C O M M O D AT I O N O N B / B F O R T W O, I N C LU D I N G A N H O U R USE EACH IN OUR C L I M AT O LO G I C A L R O O M AT T H E R O YA L S PA .

THIS INCENTIVE IS FOR ALL SUMMER 2014 BOOKINGS RECEIVED BETWEEN 01/05 /14  31/05/14. THE COMPLIMENTARY ACCOMMODATION CAN BE TAKEN ANY TIME FROM 12TH JANUARY 2015 – 30/12/15 EXCLUDING 15/07/15 – 23/08/15. ANY DATES SELECTED FOR TRAVEL WILL BE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. THE INCENTIVE IS NONTRANSFERABLE AND HAS NO CASH ALTERNATIVE VALUE. ALL CLAIMS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING BY EMAIL WITH PROOF OF BOOKING REFERENCES, TO INFO@LOUISHOTELS.COM. WWW.THEROYALAPOLLONIA.COM

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newsbulletin TAM Airlines boosts Business Class offering on long-haul flights TAM AIRLINES, part of LATAM Airlines Group, has announced changes to its Business Class service, which will come into effect from November 1. In order to improve the airline’s Business Class offering and service, the carrier will discontinue its First Class service on long-haul flights from the UK and Europe (Spain, Germany, France and Italy), and the US and Mexico. The decision was taken after evaluating the average load factor of the airline's First Class service and the demand for Business Class, and means that TAM will offer two travel classes (Business and Economy Class) on flights to its 19 international destinations. A further improvement that will also come into effect from November 1 is

the creation of a new position among flight attendants to improve the onboard experience. International flights operated by wide-body aircraft will have a new crew member named the 'head of on-board service', who will be responsible for circulating through the different cabin classes to ensure service consistency. The airline has also announced an improvement to its Boeing 777 aircraft, which TAM uses on its flights from the UK. All Boeing 777 will now offer more comfortable Business Class seats which, when reclined, are 213cm long 15% bigger than the existing seats. The adaptation of the seats will be made gradually across all Boeing 777 aircraft between late 2014 and mid-2015.

New cycling option in China from Exodus EXODUS HAS launched a new cycling trip to South West China. Cycling the Backroads of China departs on October 12 and leads in at £2,849 per person for 15 days, including flights, accommodation and most meals. The trip takes in some of the most famous images of China, including the giant pandas of Sichuan and the Karst scenery of Yangshuo. Starting in Chengdu, cyclists will journey to Guiyang, taking a route through terraced rice fields and ancient villages, alongside rivers and streams lined with bamboo. The trip ends in Yangshuo among the limestone mountains that are set in dramatic shapes and sizes. To book or for further information visit www.exodus.co.uk or call 0845-863 9601.

Summer savings from Jet2.com & Jet2holidays JET2.COM IS offering 10% off all return flights and sister company, Jet2holidays, is offering £25 off all sun and city breaks for bookings made by June 9. Flights are available from £31 per person one-way, while ATOL protected family breaks start from £187 per person, secured with a £60 deposit. The company is also offering thousands of free child places, while infants go free on all Jet2holidays. For details see www.jet2.com and www.jet2holidays.com and enter 'HOLIDAY25' at the time of booking.

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TRANSUN IS offering a whale-watching trip in Iceland to spot minke whales and the endangered giants of the ocean – humpback whales. The Lagoon and Landscapes package offers travellers an afternoon whale-watching experience as well as the chance to spot rare birds and playful seals. The three- or four-night breaks also include a visit to the Godafoss waterfall and the Myvatn Nature Baths - a hot spring naturally heated by geothermal energy and surrounded by volcanic landscape. The package costs from £1,059 per person and departs from Heathrow between June and September. For details or to book visit www.transun.co.uk/agents or call 01865-265200.

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win a case of wine courtesy of Sud de France – enter our competition on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win an exclusive VIP luxury hamper from the 5* All Inclusive Hotel Maritim Mauritius. Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a Kindle Fire HD with Nira Caledonia. Just answer three quick questions to be in with a chance. See: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Free Disney Dining now available at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Login to www.disneytravelagents.co.uk for details.

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 ●

AGENTS CAN win one of 20 £100 shopping vouchers as part of Travel 2’s new ‘Summer Is Dubai’ campaign. The operator has teamed up with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to promote the top 20 summer experiences to be had in Dubai, each experience with agents' clients in mind. With offers and activity focussing on four key pillars, specifically culture and the arts; dining out and entertainment; relaxation and shopping; and beaches and family fun, the campaign helps agents bring the best of Dubai to life for all customers and drive July and August sales, primarily to last minute holiday bookers. To be in with a chance of winning, agents need to make a new booking with the operator that includes a minimum three-night stay in Dubai by August 31. For details see www.travel2.com

Agent training

SATOA IS hosting a Tour Operato r Dinner on June 19 in Buckinghamshire and a Travel Agent Dinner on June 12 in London. For details call 0844-880 2421 or email info@satoa.com SERENITY HOLIDAYS’ agency sales team is inviting agents and homeworke rs to register for its webinar training sessions relating to the operator’s Corsican Places (ww w.corsica.co.uk) and Sardinian Places (www.sardinianplaces.co.uk) products, with the option to receive free pizza for group out of hours webinars. Agents are ask ed to register in advance their preferred date and time along with their choice of pizza topping. Alternatively, agents can apply for Serenity’s next series of scheduled webinars, which wil l run during office hours on the following dates June 4 at 09:30; June 13 at 09:30; June 17 at 09: 45; and June 25 at 09:30. To register email trade@serenity .co.uk or call 0845-6330 2066.

Agent offers OZO IS offering members of the travel trade a 50% discount on its best available rate s for stays until December 20. The offe r is available with promo code BONANZA26 8. For details see www.ozohotels.com. The offer sits alongside Amari's deal for the trade which also offers a 50% discoun t from its best available rates for stays until December 20. Use promo code BONANZA268 when booking. For details see www.amari.com

PRESTON'S PRIZE...The Vienna Tourist Board ran a competition in conjunction with Travel Bulletin to give agents the chance to win Harrods vouchers by correctly answering questions about Vienna. Pictured winning first prize of £150 worth of vouchers is Ellie Preston from Business Travel Direct in Oxford. www.travelbulletin.co.uk

AIR TAHITI Nui is offering travel agen ts a special trade fare to Tahiti. Agents are asked to send an email to emaillard@airtahitinui.fr with their preferred dates of travel and complet ea request form. Agents are also advised to check with hotel partners as they may also benefit from trade rates across a rang e of accommodation providers. For more information visit www.tahititourisme.co.uk

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newsbulletin

Newsbites

staffreview

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Travel Bulletin’s Lauretta Wright trialled a new type of parking facility, Garaged.com, at Gatwick Airport. Here's what she thought....

The concept .................................................... Garaged offers luxury parking for those who care passionately about their cars. The indoor facility has spacious parking bays so there's no risk of door dings, scrapes, bird droppings etc. It's like the Rolls-Royce of care service for your car while you are away. The client leaves the car (either at the facility or via a Meet & Greet service), and receives it back fully serviced and valeted.

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First impressions ..................................10/10 I met Umair Bhatti, the CEO of Garaged.com at the facility which consists of three huge hangars located about ten minutes' drive from Gatwick. The facility can hold up to 200 cars, all of which are evidently well cared for.

Quality ....................................................10/10

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What makes the service unique is that while cars are at the facility, clients can choose from a selection of car care and refurbishment services including valeting, servicing, wheel refurbishment etc. This is a great concept to highlight to discerning clients who want peace of mind that their car will receive the best care while they are away.

Affordability ............................................9/10 Parking starts from £20 a day for up to five days then it's £10 per day thereafter. Long-term storage is also available with prices from £25 per week.

Service ..................................................10/10 On my Meet & Greet return, my car was delivered looking spick and span. If your clients are serious about their car receiving the best possible care while they are on holiday, then this is definitely one to recommend - especially as agents are offered 10% commission.

Good to know .................................................. As a nice touch, the company sends its clients pictures of their cars while they are parked. Services are available at both Gatwick and Heathrow. See www.garaged.com

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

9.5 /10

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MORE THAN 12,000 new hotel rooms are planned over the next three years in Macau. Some of the most notable names in the fields of fashion, design and luxury hospitality - from Versace and Karl Lagerfeld to RitzCarlton and Wynn Palace - are designing and opening properties between now and 2017. Meanhile, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has launched four new short films to accompany its collection of recently created walking tours. Available online, the films are designed to give visitors a taste of what to expect on each walking tour and also create a greater travel experience by complementing the walking tours iOS app and maps that can be downloaded for free via the MGTO website. See www.macautourism.gov.mo DEPARTURE TAX for tourists travelling in groups to Jordan flying into the Red Sea resort of Aqaba will be waived until next year as part of wider efforts to boost visitors to the destination the tourism board has announced. Groups flying on low-cost carriers and charter flights into Aqaba’s King Hussein Airport will no longer be required to pay the departure tax of 40JOD (£34) per person until February 26, 2015 following a decision made by the Ministry of Finance. INTREPID TRAVEL has ended elephant rides and visits to entertainment venues on all its trips following an extensive three-year research process to assess the welfare of captive elephants at entertainment venues in Asia. The company is encouraging travellers to seek animal-friendly travel options in order to drive industry change - see http://cdn0.intrepidtravel.com/sites/default/files/51033_ Elephant_Welfare.pdf EVA AIR has launched its UK website - see www.evaair.com/en-gb AZAMARA CLUB Cruises has announced that it will become a partner for Saga Holidays through its new third party cruising programme. The line will also be joining Titan Travel’s existing portfolio of cruise partners, as part of the brand’s new partnership with Acromas Group.

New wildlife tour from Taber Holidays AGENTS WHOSE clients have a love of wildlife and the great outdoors can now promote Taber Holidays' new ‘Arctic Reindeer Migration’ tour this summer. Guests can embark on a journey to Arctic Norway and get up close to hundreds of migrating reindeer on the fournight break, which includes a day’s hike to the historic fishing island of Uløya. Prices lead in at £1,645 per person and include flights from Heathrow to Tromsø, car hire with unlimited mileage, accommodation at Lyngen Lodge, all meals and a guided day’s hike to Uløya. The price is based on two sharing and tours depart from June 5 to the end of September. For more information call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

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

May 30 2014

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Love2Shop voucher in the

Su Doku prize puzzle

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

Number: 0xx

Snored Elf

A➠

B➠ For the first word of this cruise line, think: “Right, said ….”

C➠

Softer Odorousness Enthrals As This luxury

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9. Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to:

This spa chain shares its name with a popular 1960’s band whose lead singer was Frankie Valli

Where Am I?

competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, June 5th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. The winner for 16th May is Su Dillon, Travel Counsellors in Hull May 16 Solution: A=9 B=5 C=2 D=6

Crossword

Sea located between Greece and Turkey

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

Number: 021

Across 1. Greece and Cyprus specialist operator (6) 4. Flightless bird, national emblem of Australia (3) 8. Flag carrier of Poland (3) 9. European country, sounds like a high street food store (7) 10. English actor, ___ Rickman (4) 11. Scenic cliffside resort town on the Gulf of Salerno (6) 14. Capital of Angola (6) 15. Samoa's capital city (4) 17. Surname of Romeo's Juliet (7) 19. Larnaca airport code (3) 20. Popular Dodecanese island destination (3) 21. P&O cruise ship (6)

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Down 1. BAFTA's Special Award was recently presented to this Liverpudlian singer/entertainer (5,5) 2. Popular Thailand beach resort (7) 3. Columbus is the state capital (4) 5. National flag carrier of Lebanon (3) 6. Medieval city in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France (5) 7. Capital of Ethiopia (5.5) 12. One of the quieter Canary Islands (2,5) 13. Singer of the James Bond Skyfall theme song (5) 16. Airline alliance (4) 18. Palermo airport code (3)

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

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newsbulletin

MOVERS ● AIR PARTNER has appointed Mark Middleton as director of

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CHEQUING IN...Condor Ferries presented a cheque for £800 to Dorset-based disability charity Diverse Abilities Plus following fundraising at its recent open day. More than 3,000 visitors were welcomed on Condor Express at Poole Quay for the open day – held last month – which saw visitors dig deep into their pockets for the fundraising activities including competitions, raffles and collection tins. Pictured presenting the cheque is Condor Ferries' Alicia Andrews (left) to head teacher of Langside school in Poole (the charity’s special school), Jon Seaward, and Fiona Hansford, from Diverse Abilities.

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business development for freight - Asia Pacific, Stuart Smith as business development manager for freight – MENA and CIS and Matilda Goes as sales manager, commercial Jets division. MANUEL AGIUS has been appointed Air Malta’s chief officer of cargo. EDWARD LANG has joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises as training & events manager UK. HAT TOURISM Marketing has been appointed by Grand Residences Riviera Cancun to head up its UK and Ireland sales and marketing operation. The company will expand Grand Residences distribution through tour operators, online operators and travel agents. VICTORIA EVANS has been appointed sales executive, Scotland and Northern England for bmi regional. HOLIDAY EXTRAS has appointed Jenni Groves as key account manager in its insurance team. GARY GILLESPIE has joined Innstant Travel as head of sales. FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has appointed Allison Graham as area sales executive for Scotland and Northern Ireland. CENTARA HOTELS & Resorts has appointed Sarah Randall as head of MICE services, corporate sales and marketing. BELMOND HAS appointed Yann Guezennec as worldwide sales and marketing director for its trains and river cruises. AQUA HOSPITALITY'S president and CEO, Ben Rafter, has been named president of Aston Hotels & Resorts. THE GUILD of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) has appointed Julie Cooper as membership manager, Katharina Salewski as marketing manager and Sophie Turner as administrative executive.

Trafalgar issues 2014/15 Europe Autumn, Winter & Spring programme featuring 23 countries TRAFALGAR HAS launched its new Autumn, Winter and Spring programme, offering 35 itineraries for travel from this October to March, 2015, with itineraries across 23 countries. The A5 brochure highlights 17 of the trips showcasing the unknown treasures of Europe out of peak season, offering up to

34% savings compared to travelling in summer. Guests choosing to holiday over New Year or Christmas can opt for special festive celebrations on all the seasonal departures, while three CostSaver itineraries for Britain, Italy and Turkey include all the essentials and iconic sights with more

optional experiences. Early payment discounts of up to 7.5% (£284 per couple) are also offered to clients who book and pay in full by July 17, while previous clients can save up to an additional 5% with the company's Frequent Traveller Discount. As examples of prices, an eight-day Christmas

Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland leads in at £1,399 per person, based on two sharing, while a nine-day Spanish Wonder costs from £1,399 and visits Madrid, Seville and Barcelona. For more information or to book see www.trafalgar.com/uk or call 0800-533 5616.

Crystal Cruises debuts running adventures on Symphony & Serenity CRYSTAL CRUISES is inviting active travellers to lace up their running shoes and bring their healthy lifestyles along on their luxury cruise holiday – both onboard and ashore. The line is debuting its new Site Running Crystal Adventures on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity European cruises from this month, and the new escorted experiences offer intimate and invigorating scenic 5-10k runs that vary from jogs past historical sites to nature runs through parks. The line will continue to announce

May 30 2014

details of more Site Running adventures in destinations around the world as they are confirmed. Starting at $69 for approximately one to four hours, all outings include air-conditioned transport to/from the course’s beginning and/or end, instructor-led warm-ups and stretching beforehand, guide-narrated sightseeing stops,

reflective safety gear and healthy refreshments such as bottled water, power snacks and fresh juice en route. For further information call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

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FUN IN PARADISE

With more than 5,000 islands, reefs and cays dotted around the Caribbean, youâ€™ll get to experience a whole lot of Paradise! With 18 ships sailing the stunning blue waters, Carnival offers you plenty of choice for your next cruise, with beaches, shore adventures, isles and so much more. There is something for everyone in the Caribbean, with a warm welcome and fantastic hospitality wherever you go. So get exploring!

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Industry Insight by... Andy Stark, managing director at The Global Travel Group, offers an insight on how agents can capitalise on networking opportunities S MY colleague Darren Zabinski noted in last month’s column, with holidaymakers now inundated with advertisements, emails, status updates, special offers and the like, it is personal relationships that really enable you and your organisation to stand out from the crowd.

Indeed, even with all the hype around social media and its myriad number of benefits, getting out there and meeting people is something that modern communication just can’t replicate. Our recent conference gave us plenty of insight into the importance of networking with serial entrepreneur Lara Morgan highlighting how she built up a successful multi-million pound business based on it. For all of us in the travel industry, the importance of networking cannot be stressed enough, regardless of whether you’re a homeworker, call centre staff or High Street retailer. Getting involved within your community, be it with your local Chamber of Commerce, networking open days at school, summer fetes or fayres and local charitable events may seem like common sense advice, but you’d be surprised at how much these sorts of forums can impact you and your business’ name and reputation. Even doing simple things like flyer drops or placing business cards at local businesses such as dentists, doctors and hairdressers can work wonders. They’re a captive audience with nowhere else to go, so what better opportunity to acquaint them with what you can offer as a potential travel agent. Back to old-fashioned ‘pressing the flesh’ networking; the thing to remember at all times is everyone is a potential customer. The more people you meet and tell about your business, the bigger your network will be and the more prospective customers you will have. Carry business cards around with you everywhere, and practise describing your business and what you can offer succinctly. Don't be overbearing or annoying, but

"Carry business cards around with you everywhere, and practise describing your business and what you can offer succinctly" 14

May 30 2014

”The importance of networking cannot be stressed enough, regardless of whether you’re a homeworker, call centre staff or High Street retailer” make sure to gauge when someone's interested and discuss how you could potentially help them. Industry conferences offer another great opportunity for agents to hone their networking skills and share and reward best practice. While it does mean taking a few days out of the office, the takeaways and potential business leads are invaluable. Taking our recent Global Travel Group conference as a case in point, not only were agents able to see a whole host of suppliers all in one place, but it also afforded them the ability to mix with peers and share ideas and compare and contrast tactics and strategies between colleagues of likeminded businesses. Aware of the considerable benefits of networking, our semi-annual Global Travel Group North/South roadshows represent yet another forum in which we strive to provide organised face-to-face networking opportunities for agents with upwards of 15– 20 suppliers in attendance. Working in the travel industry there certainly is no shortage of events, conferences and award shows in which you can mix and mingle. My advice to agents looking to boost their name recognition is to attend as many as possible. It may seem hard going at first and you may not see any returns right away but sooner or later the dividends will start to appear, be it with a customer lead, supplier call or new business opportunity. I am sure that networking helped to get me to where I am today and I continue to make it a priority in my day to day job. But enough preaching from me, now’s the time to get out there and start shaking hands and meeting people at the next community or industry function. There’s a good a chance I’ll see you there, so do come by and say hello!

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hotelbulletin

THE LITTLE Haven Hotel in South Shields, Newcastle is offering a Short Break package for £51 per person, per night for a minimum stay of two nights, including breakfast. For details visit www.littlehavenhotel.com

New meeting package from Oriental Residence Bangkok

Club Med announces new island beach resort in China CLUB MED has announced the opening of its first seaside resort on the island of Dong’Ao Island, China. Set on the remote island in the China Sea, the distinctive four-Trident resort is set within the province of Guangdong, two hours from popular tourist destination Macao. Aimed at active UK families the Dong’Ao Island Resort, which offers 329 rooms, supports the operator's approach to energetic holidays with a range of activities including watersports, hiking and sailing and fitness academies. Children's clubs also cater for kids aged two17.

As well as Tai-Chi, meditation and yoga, the new L’Occitane spa offers reflexology sessions and massages on the beach. Guests wanting added luxury can upgrade to the 5T space. Facing the sea, the private area features 72 premium balcony rooms, a cardio and yoga room and an outdoor infinity pool. The Chinese market is expected to be the company's second largest market by 2015, with five new resorts planned for the near future. The operator's managing director, Eric Chauvet, said: "We’re excited to announce the opening of our latest

resort in China. As well as continuing our global strategy of expansion into China, the resort offers adventurous Brits an opportunity to explore Chinese culture from a stunning family setting.” Prices start from £1,265 per person based on two sharing a double room, departing in October. It includes the company's allinclusive offering - luxury accommodation, full board, drinks and snacks; more than 60 sports and activities; children’s clubs; and evening entertainment. Flights and transfers are also available to book through the operator.

Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac reopens after renovation QUEBEC CITY’S Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has reopened following the completion of a 15-month renovation project worth $75million. The resort, situated in the centre of Old Quebec, has made improvements to its heritage lobby and 611 guestrooms and suites, while also introducing three new restaurants and bars named Champlain, 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar and Le Sam Bistro. In terms of meeting space, the resort now offers 75% more meeting space and has fully renovated its existing space. Improvements also include the addition of a new spa with six treatment rooms located adjacent to the health club, which has also doubled in size. All the guestrooms and suites offer updated bathrooms as well as views of either the St. Lawrence River or the architecture of Old Quebec.

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For more information visit www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec

LOCATED IN the heart of the business district, the Oriental Residence Bangkok is offering a Day Meeting Package, valid until December 31. The tailor-made package offers special rates on Grand Deluxe rooms starting from 4,200 baht per room, per day (approximately £76) and meeting packages from 1,500 baht per person, per day (approximately £27) when booking 15 rooms or more, as well as a choice of value added benefits to suit the needs of meeting planners and corporate guests. Breakfast, two coffee breaks, lunch, an LCD projector, Wi-Fi and a complimentary shuttle service to BTS Chidlom station are also included as part of the package, while meeting planners receive a choice of two additional benefits - from a choice of a complimentary onebedroom suite for five nights during the meeting, two complimentary upgrades to a one-bedroom suite, a one-way airport transfer by Jaguar XJL, free flow of soft drinks during lunch, or a one-hour cocktail reception with soft drinks and beer. To book or for more information email nannaphat.j@orientalresidence.com

May 30 2014

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Smooth Operators In our final focus on Travel Bulletin’s Star Awards this month, we take a look at 'Smooth Operators'... Agent voting is open until 6th June 2014. You can fill in the voting form online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards/the-voting or complete the printed form accompanying this week's issue. Remember there are some fantastic prizes to be won in a free prize draw.

2014 Smooth Operators categories There are 11 categories to vote for in Smooth Operators They include: ● Star Asia Specialist Operator ● Star Africa Specialist Operator ● Star Americas Specialist Operator ● Star European Specialist Operator ● Star Mediterranean Specialist Operator

● Star Escorted Tours Operator ● Star Luxury Operator ● Star Adventure/Activity Holidays Operator ● Star Holiday Add-Ons Operator ● Star Operator For Incentives & Fam Trips ● Star Operator For Agent Training

Winner's Words

Last year's winner under the 'Smooth Operators' category for both 'Star Tour Operator for Inline Training, Roadshows & Workshops' and 'Star Specialist operator to Europe' went to Classic Collection. Here, the operator's head of marketing & PR, Vanda Bauer looks forward to what this year's Star Awards hold in store... What was the highlight of the 2013 Star Awards evening? STOMP! The guys were FANTASTIC! What developments in the industry as a whole do you think that agents should be aware of? Regulatory influences including ATOL, ABTA and the wider ramifications of the EU are important for us all to understand, plus we all need to keep ahead in terms of advances in technology - in particular how technology can help improve our service to customers. What new developments have you announced? New destinations, new promotions and some new internal technological developments that will streamline our processes. but they’re all a bit of a secret at the moment! Why is it important that agents have a say and vote for their favourite suppliers in the Star Awards? Like in every walk of life, we all want to be decision-makers and influencers – it’s great for agents to have a real say in who they believe the best operators to be. 5008

What are you most looking forward to at this year's Star Awards event? Winning? Seriously, we love to win, but more importantly, we love to network, mingle and chat, and the entertainment at the Star Awards is always fabulous, but how you’ll beat STOMP! I’ve no idea!

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How much do you love Holiday Extras? Remember us when you VOTE for the 2014 Travel Bulletin Star Awards:

Star Holiday Add-Ons Operator What weâ€™ve given to our partners in the last year: - Vast earning potential - Our teamâ€™s helpful contacts - Training for your staff - Exclusive products - Holiday Extras automatically stream our product information to your system or site

We offer you the best products at the cheapest prices: Airport parking | Airport hotels | Airport lounges | Travel insurance | Over 50s travel insurance with Latitude

VOTE for happy, hassle-free customers and choose Holiday Extras as your favourite supplier:

www.holidayextras.com/starawards

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personalitybulletin

Anna Barnes Business development manager, Funway Holidays At home What's your favourite household gadget? I'm not sure it qualifies as a 'gadget' but my kettle, as I love a nice cuppa! What is your favourite TV programme? Made in Chelsea (trashy but true!) What's a typical weekend for you like? Gym, housework and Saturday night TV...Rock n Roll! What do you do to relax? Either wine or the gym, depending on the situation! What's your favourite movie? Anything with Leonardo di Caprio in (obviously for his acting skills!)

At work What other companies/organisations have you previously worked for? Thomson, Worldchoice and TravelCube. If you could change one thing in the industry what would it be? The amount of red tape and legislation the government imposes on the industry. What personal item do you have on your desk at work? A photo of my partner and I, taken at my brother’s wedding in Cyprus last year; it always brings a smile to my face as it was such a special day.

What's the best thing about your job? I absolutely love the product and the destinations we feature; made all the better by the fantastic fam trips we run! What's a typical day like? My days are so varied but normally entail a considerable amount of driving, talking and emailing. Who has been your inspiration in the travel industry? My first ASM at Lunn Poly who gave me the travel bug and opened my eyes to all the fantastic travel opportunities available in the industry. What was the last email you received? From our marketing manager chasing this piece up - oops!

What do you love about the travel industry? The people. I think you would be hard pressed to find another industry with the level of energy and passion from people for what they do.

What skills are you most proud of? I can easily relate to people which I think is important in my role.

What item do you always take with you when travelling? Plug adapter (boring but necessary).

“

My days normally entail a considerable amount of driving, talking and emailing

At play Where would you most like to visit and why? Anywhere in the Caribbean it's my idea of holiday heaven...sun, sea, sand and a strawberry daquiri! What are your hobbies? I enjoy training at the gym, baking and watching films. What's your favourite (non-work related) website? Probably VoucherCodes or

May 30 2014

Groupon as I love a good bargain! Do you use social media for work and play? I have a Facebook account which crosses over both work and play, but I am yet to venture into the world of Twitter. What trait do you dislike in other people? Rudeness - manners cost nothing.

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What is your best quality? I am easy going and get along with most people. What's your most embarrassing moment? During a business meeting last year, I looked down to notice I had chewing gum stuck to my black tights (between my legs) and had to shuffle out of the meeting hoping they didn't see it..Eeek! The gum definitely wasn't mine either, gross!

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italy Thought for food is food for thought theme at Expo Milano 2015

by PAUL SCUDAMORE

to test the solutions to nutrition proposed by each country in pavilions that will cover an area of around a million square metres. The Expo site has been planned around the concept of a landscape, with two avenues running centre to periphery, symbolically joining the place where food is consumed, the city, with where it is produced, the countryside. The site will subsequently become a "Smart city of the future", a neighbourhood designed

performances on floating platforms. Those behind Expo Milano 2015 say they are determined to leave a global legacy in the way that the very first universal exposition at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park became the symbol of The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations in London in 1851, and the Eiffel Tower built for the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1889. Expo is held every five years - in 2010 it was in Shanghai and in 2020 it will be in Dubai. âœŚ

"For the trade, the size and impact of Expo cannot be underestimated. While the focus will be on Milan, the rest of Italy is sure to feel the benefit as international visitors will almost certainly combine Expo with a city, countryside or coastal break"

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to make "intelligent and ecological use of technology and energy". The national pavilions will showcase their individual food, production, technology and innovation. There will also be an open-air theatre for concerts and performances for 11,000 people, while a Piazza d'Acqua will be a water basin surrounded by steps for a seated audience of 3,000 or up to 20,000 for magic fountain shows, fireworks, concerts and

May 30 2014

Images: FOTOTECA ENIT

TALY IS gearing up for a massive influx of visitors next year when Milan hosts the world Expo from May 1 to the end of October. The theme will be Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, covering economic, scientific, cultural and social perspectives. The purpose is "to gather knowledge and skills from around the world to stimulate global debate and collaboration on one of humanity's greatest challenges, which should be the role of all 21st century Universal Expositions". The basic idea is to focus attention on the facts that worldwide, one in eight people or 870m is starving, while 12% of the global population is obese and almost 800m have no access to clean drinking water. For the trade, the size and impact of Expo cannot be underestimated. While the focus will be on Milan, the rest of Italy is sure to feel the benefit as international visitors will almost certainly combine Expo with a city, countryside or coastal break. UK operators will be capitalising on such packages to add on to Expo, which itself will feature thousands of activities, cultural events and shows. It is expected to attract more than 20m visitors to see the efforts of a record 140-plus countries, including the UK. Visitors will be able

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italy Explore adds new walking & cycling tours to meet demand EXPLORE IS offering two new tours to Italy this year. A seven-night ‘On Foot in Puglia and Basilicata’ gives travellers the chance to discover Puglia and Basilicata on a twin-centre walking holiday to the ‘heel’ of boot-shaped Italy. Destinations include the seaside town of Vieste on the Gargano Peninsula; Matera with its ancient Sassi, a UNESCO-listed troglodyte quarter and gorge-rim trails leading to medieval Montescaglioso; and Alberobello and Locorotondo, with their beehive-shaped trulli houses in the Itria valley. Travellers can also sample locally-produced wine, cheese and olive oil and experience a dinner featuring regional specialities. Departing in June, September, October and November, the tour costs from £955 per person

including flights; breakfast accommodation in hotels; one dinner; transport; and the services of a driver and tour leader/trek guide. The tour is graded as easy to moderate. Alternatively, an eightday ‘Pedalling in Piedmont’ explores the Piedmont region on cycle rides. The Alps provide the backdrop along the journey as travellers visit Turin and medieval hilltop villages of the Langhe. Along the way, guests will sample Barolo and Barbaresco wines, chocolate and coffee, and

learn about rice cultivation in the Po Valley. Departing in July and September, it costs from £1,449 including flights; breakfast accommodation in hotels; transport; use of a 21-gear Lombardo Taranto 400 hybrid bike; and the services of a driver/tour leader. The tour has been graded as easy to moderate cycling and involves cycling 290km over six days (an average of 48km per day). For more information or to book call 0844-499 0901 or visit www.explore.co.uk ‘On Foot in Puglia and Basilicata’

Boost for Prestige’s Western Sicily and Baroque South East holidays PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS reports an increase in bookings for both Western Sicily and the Baroque South East following its expansion in both regions this year. The operator says that it has also seen a surge in interest for its multi-touring holidays, including its seven-night self-drive Montalbano Experience, which visits Scicli and Ragusa. Both frequently feature in the Montalbano TV detective series set in the South East of Sicily. Highlights of the tour include the opportunity to sample seafood pasta at ‘Caffe Millenium’ in the piazza in front of Montalbano’s police station (the actual town hall in Scicli); see the sites of the many investigative scenes and house calls featured in the show in Ragusa; and a drive down to the coastline at Punta Secca where Montalbano’s house is located. Prices lead in at £667 per person based on a September departure and include breakfast accommodation at La Dimora Piazza Carmine and Hotel Novecento, flights with easyJet from Gatwick and car hire. The operator's marketing manager, Nicky Shafe, said: "Both the fascinating fishing town of Castellammare and the Wild West beach resort of San Vito Lo Capo in Western Sicily are selling particularly well

May 30 2014

this summer. The new product we are featuring in the gorgeous baroque jewels of Ortigia, Scicli and Ragusa has also shown a strong growth in low as well as high season. "Sicily has no real winter; the climate is fantastic year-round. Malta, just 60 miles away, has always been perceived as winter sun, whilst Sicily is not well known for this, but has a far better climate in the winter as it’s much bigger and hence more protected. The weather between November and March is 15-20 degrees warmer than the UK. It’s also a very quiet time on the island so a great time to visit." Gastronomic breaks staying in agrotourism properties across the island are also becoming more popular, as is the operator’s newly introduced programme to the Aeolian Islands. The company is offering a week’s stay at agrotourism property Torre Marabino from £711 per person based on an October departure with flights on Norwegian from Gatwick, seven days’ car hire and breakfast accommodation. The price includes a 'seven nights for the price of six' offer, saving £110 per couple. For more information call 01425-480400 or visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/sicily

New properties & tour options from Inghams INGHAMS HAS added two new properties and two new tours in Italy this year. The three-star Hotel San Marco in Pisa is a centrallylocated family-run hotel, located near to the spa town of Montecatini, and offers free use of the swimming pool and wellness centre at the nearby Hotel Grand La Pace. Prices start from £489 per person for seven nights’ half-board accommodation, including flights from Gatwick on June 14 and transfers. Regional flights are available for an additional supplement. A new addition to the operator’s Lakes and Mountains programme is the Neustift Monastery located in the Eisack Valley. The monastery offers a Baroque church with ceiling frescoes, gardens, vineyards and a cellar pub. As well as free guided walks into the village of Brixen, the monks offer weekly tours of the vineyards and wine-tasting. Prices for three nights’ half-board accommodation start from £549 per person, including flights and transfers. Meanwhile, a Venosta Valley walking tour (also featured in the Lakes and Mountains programme) takes in South Tyrol and is led by a mountain guide. The trail includes hikes over the 2,324m-high peaks of the Oztaler Alps, walks through pine forests following ancient watercourses and hikes through meadows. Guests also stay overnight in a family-run pension each night. Prices start from £929 per person, including seven nights’ half-board accommodation, daily packed lunches, transport of luggage to each night stop, flights and transfers. For more information call 01483-791114 or visit www.inghams.co.uk/agents

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italy Ilios Travel promotes Sardinian villa holiday ILIOS TRAVEL is offering holidays to the fivebedroom Villa Sole in Sardinia. The self-catering villa, which features a private pool and Jacuzzi, offers views over the Maddalena islands and across to Santa Teresa di Gallura. The property is situated 300m from the sea and a 65km drive from Olbia Airport. Prices lead in at ÂŁ599 per person, per week in low season up to ÂŁ1,145 in August (high season) and are based on six sharing on an accommodation-only basis. For more information visit www.iliostravel.com/ properties/villa-sole

LEFAY RESORT & Spa on Lake Garda has launched a new non-invasive makeover programme for women. It includes a range of anti-ageing treatments, a hair re-style and colour and a make-up consultation. Starting with an analysis of the guestâ€™s facial skin, the programme then offers six treatments for the face and body, followed by sessions with French hairdresser Olivier Mazzon and the spaâ€™s beauticians. Three nightsâ€™ breakfast accommodation at the resort, including the programme, costs ÂŁ1,693.

Discover Pompeii, Capri and the Bay of Naples with Riviera RIVIERA TRAVEL is offering a range of Italian experiences for agents to promote to clients, including a new eight-day, halfboard â€˜Pompeii, Capri and the Bay of Naplesâ€™ from ÂŁ799 per person. The price includes seven nightsâ€™ threeand four-star accommodation in hotels across Sorrento with breakfast and dinner; a walking tour of Sorrento; a cruise to the island of Capri; visits to Vesuvius, Naples

and Ravello; a guided tour of Pompeii; a tour of the Amalfi coast; the services of a tour manager; and flights to Naples from Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle or Dublin. Selected departures are available up to October. For more information or to book email agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk or visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk

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italy Jet2holidays highlights selection of summer city breaks from £200 JET2HOLIDAYS IS offering summer city breaks to some of Italy’s top city destinations from £200 per person. As examples, three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the three-star Donatello in Rome leads in at £200 per person, based on two adults sharing and departing from Manchester on July 2. The hotel is ideal for budgetconscious travellers who want to be in the centre of the city, as the nearest metro is 700 metres away while the main shopping precinct is 2 km away. Meanwhile, three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the four-star Meridiana in Florence costs from £223 per person, based on two adults sharing and departing from Manchester on July 4. The hotel is

Venice

located close to the city centre and is well connected to public transport. Alternatively, clients looking to get away for longer can book a seven-

night break at the threestar Porta Palio in Verona on a room-only basis from £349 per person. The hotel is located minutes from the centre of Verona and less than a mile from the Central

Railway Station. The price is based on a departure date of July 9 from Manchester. For more information or to book call 0800-408 5587 or see https://tradesite.jet2 holidays.com

Family-friendly villa options from Sardinian Places SARDINIAN PLACES is promoting a range of family-friendly villa holidays, with a number of hotels offering up to 50% discounts for children. As an example, the operator’s La Mendula villa is available from £647 per person over the school holidays, based on eight people sharing and including flights from Gatwick, along with car hire, a welcome pack and services, if required, from a local representative. For more information call 0845-330 2056 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

New launch from Nira Hotels & Resorts

FRED.\ HAS launched short breaks and tailor-made options to Italy, including Rome, Venice and Florence as part of its summer 2014 programme. Overall prices lead in at £279 per person for a two-night break to Rome including flights and accommodation. For more information call 0808-159 5256 or email lawrence@fred.travel

May 30 2014

NIRA HOTELS & Resorts has announced that it will open the Nira Montana in North Italy later this year. The hotel will open on December 5 as a boutique alpine hotel. Situated in the town of La Thuile at the foot of Mont Blanc, the property is steps away from the ski slopes and hiking trails of the Italian Alps. It is also close to the major airports of northern Italy including Milan, Turin and Genoa, as well as Geneva in Switzerland. A member of Design Hotels, the 55-room hotel will feature an Italian restaurant, with a bar featuring an extensive wine cellar, as well as an al fresco area. Other onsite facilities include a wellness area with an indoor pool, large spa with sauna and steam rooms, six treatment rooms and a fitness centre. Rates will start from approximately €300 per room per night. For more information visit www.nirahotelsandresorts.com

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italy Superbreak adds five-star Verona option

GREAT RAIL Journeys has introduced a new 14-day ‘Beauty of Calabria’ tour for 2014. After discovering the sights of Turin and Rome, guests explore the coastal scenery and cliff-top towns at the southern tip of the Italian mainland. Prices lead in at £2,195 per person. For details or to book call 01904-521980 or see www.greatrail.com

Recreate ‘La Grande Bellezza’ with Rome Cavalieri’s new tour INSPIRED BY Paolo Sorrentino’s 2014 Oscarand BAFTA-winning movie ‘La Grande Bellezza’, Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has created a one-day cinematic tour called ‘The Great Beauty’. Accompanied by the hotel’s resident art historian, Alexandra Massini, guests will be able to recreate some of their favourite scenes from the film. The day encompasses a private tour of some of Rome’s sights, including the Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla and Villa Medici. Starting with a morning visit to Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, the location of the movie’s opening scene,

guests can take in the marble fountain before moving on to Bramante’s Tempietto at San Pietro, a domed chapel which showcases some of the city’s architecture. After strolling across the River Tiber and along the cobblestones of the Piazza Farnese, guests can explore the apartments of the Renaissance palace of Marquis Sacchetti, which were used as the setting for the home of Viola in the film. Guests will then refuel for the afternoon with a private rooftop reception at Palazzo Taverna where an aperitif or lunch will be served at the home of Marchioness Violante Guerrieri Gonzaga.

After wandering through Piazza Navona and exploring the Villa Medici and the ancient Baths of Caracalla, the tour will end with an unexpected discovery made through a hidden keyhole. The tour runs from 09:30-17:00 and guests are transported in a minivan (shorter options are also available excluding the rooftop reception and/or the Gardens of Villa Medici). Prices for a family of five start from £1,108 (excluding aperitif and lunch) and nightly rates at the hotel start from £197 per room, per night including VAT and breakfast. For more information visit www.waldorfastoria.com/ro mecavalieri

Travelsphere promotes range of city & scenic tour options WITH A diverse range of tours, clients can explore a variety of Italian destinations with Travelsphere. The operator features a selection of tours to destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and Capri, as well as city tours in Rome, Florence and Venice. Travellers can uncover the history of archaeological sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, or head to Campania’s remotest corner, the Cilento Coast, to

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discover medieval villages and a landscape of hills, vineyards and olive groves. Alternatively, guests are given the opportunity to experience the scenery of Lake Garda or Maggiore. Tours are designed so that travellers can explore at their own pace or in the company of tour managers and local guides. For more information visit www.travelsphere.co.uk/agents

SUPERBREAK HAS added a new five-star option in the popular Italian city break destination of Verona. The Due Torri Hotel is situated close to the Church of Sant’Anastasia, the Balcony of Juliet, Brà Square and the arena. The operator offers both accommodation-only and flight-inclusive packages. Prices start from £120 per person, per night including breakfast, while a two-night flight-inclusive package with easyJet from Gatwick costs from £584 per person in August. For more information visit www.superbreak.com/age nts or call 01904-436000.

Sample the ‘Flavours of Italy’ with Trafalgar TRAFALGAR IS offering a ten-day ‘foodie’ trip exploring the traditions of Italian cuisine and wine. ‘Flavours of Italy’ discovers the origins of food and wine such as Bolognese in Bologna, Chianti in Tuscany and Prosciutto in Parma, among others. Highlights include attending an Italian food market in Florence with a local chef; being taught how to make handmade ravioli; and learning the secrets of Italian cuisine in a cooking lesson. Prices start from £2,025 per person landonly and include nine nights’ breakfast accommodation, VIP door-to-door transfers, sightseeing and the services of a travel director throughout. For more information visit www.trafalgar.com

May 30 2014

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Sunset pool villa

Platinum Plus package option from Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI Maldives, a luxury allinclusive resort, has introduced Platinum Plus, a premium all-inclusive plan that offers guests an exclusive holiday plan to enhance their Maldivian resort experience. The package offers a range of extras including a selection of activities, excursions and adventures. As examples, transfers and access to lounge services (refreshments, Wi-Fi and other services) are included, along with all-inclusive dining options. Also included is one complimentary excursion per guest; access to The Club House, a sports and recreation centre (with gym and tennis courts); a selection of non-motorised

watersports; unlimited snorkelling excursions; 50% discount on one couple’s massage at the spa; plus a range of daily organised activities for kids and teens at the kids' club. The resort, which offers 150 'Sunset View' detached villas, is located on one of the longest islands in the Maldives and all villas have direct access to the sandy beach and lagoon. Alternative dining options are available at the resort including a “pure” vegetarian restaurant. For more information or to book email reservations@atmosphere-kanifushi.com or see www.atmosphere-kanifushi.com

Premier Holidays introduces tactical offers for agents selling Mauritius PREMIER HOLIDAYS has put together a dedicated Mauritius campaign to encourage client bookings, with a selection of tactical offers available for travel to the island. Clients opting to book the latest Mauritius offers will benefit from savings of up to £2,452 per couple, as well as added-value extras such as either a half or full board meal basis, and private transfers included on every offer. New offers from the campaign include a selection of hotels and resorts for clients to choose from, with prices leading in at £1,445 per person for ten nights at the three-star Merville Beach on a half-board basis, offering a saving of up to £706 per couple.

May 30 2014

For clients seeking a four-star option, ten nights at the Preskil Beach Resort lead in at £1,569pp on a half-board basis, offering a saving of up to £668 per couple. Alternatively, clients looking for top luxury can select either a seven-night stay at the five-star Outrigger Mauritius Resort & Spa from £1,649 on a fullboard meal basis, offering a saving of up to £1,038 per couple; or nine nights at the five-star Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa on a half-board basis from £2,549, staying in a garden villa with a private plunge pool and offering a saving of up to £2,452 per couple. The offers are based on two adults sharing and include flights from Heathrow and private transfers. The

deals are valid for travel on selected dates throughout 2014 and 2015, subject to availability, and can also be tailormade to suit clients’ requirements; offering the option to incorporate excursions and day trips, extend their holiday or combine it with another destination. Agents can request or download a copy of the Mauritius campaign posters from www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk In addition, agents will also receive between £25-£150 per Mauritius booking, dependent on the booking value, as part of the company's latest booking incentive. For more information or to book call 0844-493 7444.

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indianocean

AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa

Minor Hotel Group announces reopening of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort THE MINOR Hotel Group (MHG) has added the AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa to its portfolio, which will reopen later this year following an eight-month renovation costing US$8m. Located on the west coast of Mahe Island along the secluded bay of Barbarons Beach, the resort offers coastal views and direct access to a 600 metres stretch of beach. Refurbishments are taking place in the lobby, restaurants and bars and all 124 guestrooms and suites, which all offer a balcony or terrace with views of the ocean. In addition, there will be new walkways and decking around the resort and pool area to the beach, surrounded by re-landscaped grounds. The redesign of the bars and restaurants will include new furniture, lighting refurbishments and upgraded kitchen facilities. Overlooking the ocean, the all-day dining restaurant is to be enclosed and guests will be able to experience live cooking stations. The à la carte beach level

bar and restaurant is also being renovated to offer a new restaurant complete with a new kitchen, while a main bar will open at the pool and will provide live music each night. Leisure facilities at the resort include a large freshwater swimming pool, gym and rooftop terrace with a sundeck. A range of watersports is also available, including kayaking and snorkelling. The resort’s spa will offer one double and three single treatment rooms, as well as a plunge pool and steam room. Upgrades to the spa complex will include a renewed family-friendly appeal with play areas in the garden. A children’s club for youngsters aged six to 12 years will also keep little ones entertained with a range of activities, while the resort’s library will also be upgraded. Meeting and conference facilities include a ballroom accommodating up to 180 guests, two boardrooms and a large break-out area, along with a business centre. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout the resort.

Sri Lanka welcomes OZO Colombo opening

Thomson launches new Dreamliner route

LOCATED ALONG Marine Drive in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, OZO Colombo is the first of three hotels to open in the country. Featuring 158 guestrooms and suites, the property's ‘Snooze Zone’, comprises four categories; Sleep, Dream, Dream Ocean and OZO Suites, providing guests with high quality bedding and a variety of modern amenities including IPTV, a multimedia connectivity panel and free Wi-Fi access throughout. Other onsite facilities include a choice of dining options, a rooftop bar and lounge, infinity swimming pool, fitness room, a boardroom and meeting room. Guests are being offered a special opening rate of US$105 per night (approximately £62) including breakfast and complimentary upgrade to the next room category for visits by August 31, subject to availability. Rates are exclusive of local government taxes, VAT and service charge. For details see www.ozohotels.com

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THOMSON HAS launched a new long-haul programme for summer that will include direct flights from Gatwick to Mauritius. The flight, which operates weekly, is set to make the island more accessible and open it up to a wider market. For more information visit www.thomson.co.uk

190-room Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa gets set for summer launch THE WESTIN Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, located in the Turtle Bay of Balaclava, is set to open this summer. The resort offers 190 guestrooms, including 38 suites, and is designed to complement the surrounding scenery. Onsite facilities include two swimming pools, access to a 800 metres beach, eco-boathouse, kids’ club, executive club and spa. For more information visit www.westinturtlebaymauritius.com

May 30 2014

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A P REMIUM

All-Inclusive Holiday P lan! Atmospher e Kanifushi – All INCLUDED! Stand-alone Beac h villas spreading idyllically along a mesmeric two kilometre long turquoise lagoon, showcasing vast living spaces with accentuating Maldivian interiors, offers a hassle-free five star resor t experience with a premium All-inclusive holiday plan – Pla tinum Plus Platinum Plus offers a fine collection of premium wines & spirits, a combination of buffet, fine dining & theme night dining options, clubbed with an array of activities ranging from excursions, sunset fishing, s n o r ke l l i n g & n o n - m o t o r i z e d wa t e r s p o r t s ! ALL INCLUDED in ONE price!

ATMOSPHERE-KANIFUSHI.COM TEL: +960 662 00 66 | FAX: +960 662 00 77 EMAIL: SALES@ATMOSPHERE-KANIFUSHI.COM

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KANIFUSHI

MALDIVES

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AUDLEY TRAVEL is offering a ten-day 'andBeyond Effortless Mnemba' package at andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge in Tanzania. Leading in at £3,845 per person, which offers a 30% saving, the price includes six nights/seven days’ all-inclusive accommodation at the lodge, flights and taxes, private road and boat transfers and activities. It is based on two sharing and is valid for travel between June and September. For details visit www.audleytravel.com, call 01993-838545 or see www.andbeyond.com

Jumeirah Group announces plans to enter Mauritius with luxury resort set for 2018 launch JUMEIRAH GROUP, the global hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement to operate a luxury resort in Mauritius. The hotel is currently under development and is expected to open in 2018. The hotel will be set on 68.5ha of land and located approximately 50 km from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. It will feature all-day dining and specialty restaurants, lounge and poolside bars, meeting and events space, spa facilities, a swimming pool, health club, children’s facilities and a teen club. The group's president and CEO, Gerald Lawless, said: “We

W Retreat & Spa Maldives adds educational 'Bioadventure' W RETREAT & Spa Maldives has appointed British marine biologist Mike McWilliam. With a specialised background in marine ecology and conservation, Mike is offering guests a range of educational activities. Enthusiasts of all levels are invited to learn and take part in a ‘Bioadventure’ which begins with a presentation on the Maldivian marine life and a guided snorkelling tour that outlines and describes the sea life. The experience concludes with a dive, where a plethora of sea life awaits in the reefs including gray reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, batfish, zebra morays, stonefish, frogfish and turtles. Guests are also invited to share and learn from Mike’s expertise and become a qualified diver by completing their PADI diving course. Kuoni offers seven nights at the W Retreat & Spa Maldives from £3,503 per person. The price is based on travel this year and includes flights, transfers and accommodation in a Beach Oasis room, with breakfast. For further information or to make a booking call 01306747008.

May 30 2014

are delighted to be expanding our portfolio of hotels and resorts to embrace the beautiful island of Mauritius. Our track record in delivering the very best in luxury hospitality, combined with the success of our two other tropical island resorts – Jumeirah Vittaveli and Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives – fills us with confidence that our guests will warmly welcome the addition of a property in Mauritius.” The company currently operates 22 luxury hotels and serviced apartments, including 11 in the Gulf region, eight in Europe and three in Asia. A further 17 hotels are now under development.

InBrief ● EMIRATES HAS announced that it will step up its operations

to the Seychelles through its hub in Dubai, by increasing services to double daily from October 28. ● THE BOUTIQUE resort of Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa will open next month featuring 11 villas, each with a private swimming pool, outdoor tub and beach views. The owners of the resort also own the neighbouring high-end Kitesurf club: Zanzibar Kite Paradise which is accessible to guests and offers high quality service and equipment, classes and support from beginners to advanced levels. For details see www.whitesandvillas.com ● HAYES & Jarvis is offering a seven-night holiday to Mauritius from £1,149 per person, based on a July 5 departure. The price offers a saving of £341 per person and includes a week at the four-star plus Zilwa Attitude on an all-inclusive basis, transfers and flights from Gatwick with Emirates. For details call 01293-735831 or see www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk

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indianocean New cultural programme from Veranda Resorts VERANDA RESORTS in Mauritius is introducing a new cultural programme with the aim of creating a unique travel experience and introducing guests to Mauritian heritage. Guests staying at one of the company's four properties, which include Veranda Grand Baie, Veranda Pointe aux Biches, Veranda Paul & Virginie and Veranda Palmar Beach, will be able to take part in a selection of activities. These range from a guided bike tour/walking tour around local villages in the north, a market tour and Creole cooking classes, to a rum making and tasting experience, a Sega dance lesson and Mauritian instrument initiation. A seven-night breakfast stay leads in at £279 per person, based on two sharing, which includes a range of cultural programme events. For details visit www.veranda-resorts.com/en

PICTURED MARKING the opening of Centara's Bentota Sri Lanka resort, which took place yesterday, are, from the left: Michel Horn and Alexandre Glauser from Centara Hotels & Resorts with Stephan Anthonisz from Softlogic Leisure Sector, the owning company of Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka. The new resort is located on the Bentota Peninsula, at the southwest of the island, with the Bentota River on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other.

Turquoise Holidays marks Rugby World Cup with launch of free rugby lessons TURQUOISE HOLIDAYS is celebrating the 2015 Rugby World Cup by offering new complimentary non-contact rugby lessons by expert coaches at The Residence Mauritius this summer. The programme, called Rugbytots, will run from August 10-23 this year and invites guests to enroll their children (aged two to seven) in classes to learn basic rugby skills on the resort’s one-kilometre-long beach. Under the tuition of the programme’s founder, Max Webb, children will learn the fundamentals of rugby including running with the ball, catching, kicking, passing and scoring a try. Parents will be able to join in with the children at a weekly class. The resort also offers a range of family-friendly facilities, including the Planter’s Kids Club, complimentary watersports and interconnecting rooms and suites. Following on from Rugbytots, the kids’ club will continue to offer rugby lessons throughout the school holidays. A week’s stay at the resort for a family of four in

August leads in at £4,399 and includes Rugbytots classes, daily breakfast and dinner, flights and private transfers. Alternatively, the operator offers a seven-night family holiday at the Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, which offers The Den kids’ club. Located in the jungle and accessed by a 14 metres hidden tunnel, The Den features a pirate ship, organic botanical gardens, zip-line, DJ Corner, cinema, baking kitchen and mocktail bar, and for youngsters, a separate toddler pool. Prices start from £6,590 per family of four including breakfast accommodation, flights and transfers. Meanwhile, at the LUX* Maldives, the entire family can swim alongside whale sharks and have ice-creams at the retro-style parlour. A seven-night family holiday costs from £5,590 per family of four including breakfast accommodation, flights and transfers. For more information or to make a booking call 01494678400 or visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk

Discover ‘The Mauritian Little 5’ at Shandrani Resort & Spa with Beachcomber BEACHCOMBER HOTELS is inviting guests to the Shandrani Resort & Spa in Mauritius to discover ‘The Mauritian Little 5’. The company is aiming to rival ‘The Big 5’ in Africa, which describes five of Africa’s wild animals and features on many people’s bucket lists. Surrounded by the Blue Bay Marine Park and 70 acres of gardens, the all-inclusive resort is offering guests the chance to explore the marine park, local nature reserve and observe the tropical creatures in the Indian Ocean.

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Guests are invited to hop on a private boat from the resort’s jetty and discover Ile aux Aigrettes, which has been free from human presence for a long time and has developed itself into a natural museum where a collection of Mauritian fauna and flora has evolved. With an expert guide leading the way around the nature reserve, guests will walk along the trail and learn about the history of the island and its inhabitants. ‘The Mauritian Little 5’ includes the Pink Pigeon, a cousin of the Dodo; the Aldabran Giant Tortoise;

the Mauritius Fody, a rare species of bird which is on the US’ endangered species list; the Telfair’s Skink, an endangered species of reptile which can shed their tails during fights or to escape from predators and then regenerate them; and the Mauritian Ornate Day Gecko. Beachcomber Tours is offering seven nights at the resort in a superior room from £1,680 per person based on two sharing, including flights and transfers. For more information call 01483445621 or visit www.beachcombertours.co.uk

May 30 2014

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indianocean We asked our staff the following question this week: What was the strangest thing you believed as a child? Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk That our neighbour was a witch as I overheard my mum say she read Which magazine!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk That you could jump around on clouds

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk A classmate told me that the USSR would drop an atomic bomb and it would take five years to hit the ground.

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk That there were real little people in the radio.

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

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk That Mr Ben was real

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk That frog spawn is edible (like rice pudding). Bear Grylls still does!

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk That cows did jump over the moon

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk That my aunt was Jill Gascoine the actress

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk If anyone sees my hamster call me....

Senior Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Assistant Designer: Lee Telot lee.telot@travelbulletin.co.uk Production: Erica Sesay production@travelbulletin.co.uk People don't die and the older you get, the taller you get, until your head reaches space

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 £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

THE SUN Siyam Iru Fushi is highlighting its Fragrance and Pillow menus. The pillow menu offers guests an extensive choice of pillows to promote a peaceful night's rest. Amongst others, they include an Air pillow, Buckwheat pillow, Pregnancy pillow, Hypoallergenic pillow, Latex pillow and Orthopaedic pillow. The property has also launched traditional Chinese Medicine and Maldivian treatments in The Spa along with a foot reflexology path. For details see http://thesunsiyam.com/irufushi/They

Anahita’s Four Seasons Resort Mauritius introduces ‘Up in the Air’ golf package THE FOUR Seasons Resort Mauritius in Anahita has launched an ‘Up in the Air’ Golf Package, where golfers are able to combine their love of golf with the chance to discover Mauritius from the air in a helicopter flight that will take them over four of the island’s top golf courses. Players will be joined on the flight by one of the resort’s golf pros, who will provide further insights into the technical challenges of each course, followed by the chance to play on three of the viewed courses alongside the pro. The package leads in at €2,760 for guests of the resort and includes three rounds of golf on three different golf courses, including green fees; helicopter transfers to Heritage Golf Club in Bel Ombre; transfers to either the Bernhard Langer course at Le Touessrok or the Links Golf Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage; and unlimited golf on the Ernie Els Signature Course at the resort’s golf course, including use of a GPS-equipped golf buggy To book or for more information email golf.Anahita@fourseasons.com

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. CYPLON, 4. EMU, 8. LOT, 9. ICELAND, 10. ALAN, 11. AMALFI, 14. LUANDA, 15. APIA, 17. CAPULET, 19. LCA, 20. KOS, 21. ORIANA. Down: 1. CILLA BLACK, 2. PATTAYA, 3. OHIO, 5. MEA, 6. REIMS, 7. ADDIS.ABABA, 12. LA PALMA, 13. ADELE, 16. STAR, 18. PMO.

Highlighted Word: CALAIS Travagrams: (top) Fred. Olsen

(bottom) Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Where Am I?: Aegean Sea

May 30 2014

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Travel Bulletin 30th May 2014

Published on May 28, 2014

Travel Bulletin 30th May 2014

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