Travel Bulletin 3rd March 2017

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March 3 2017 | ISSUE NO 2,004 | travelbulletin.co.uk

EUROPEAN RAIL AT YOUR F FINGER TIPS IN 2017 Helping you find rail solutions across France and Europe for all your customers

an eye get to keep rg o fo t ’t n o d d k an centives bsite to boo tions and in o Visit our we m ro p s s, w l testt ne out for our la ross il services ac ra d e e sp h g r Hig er! r this summ for sale n e Book now ffo p o w nd, no o y e b d n a e Franc ne training proved onli im d n a w e n om ur nrailexpert.c Check out o a e p ro u e a e b ww.b course at w

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EUROP EUR OPEAN RAIL AT AT YOUR FINGERT RTIP PSS FOR ALLLL YOUR UR LEI LEISU URE RE & B BUS USINESS RAI RAIL REQUIREMENTS ACR ACROSS SS FRANCE RANCE & EEU UROPE - High speed European rail - Eurostar - Interrail Passes - Swiss Travel Passes

- Ski Trains - Overnight trains - Local and regional trains - AutoTrain

Rail across France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and more

HOP ON BOARD, RELAX & ENJOY THE RIDE -

No airport taxes No baggage restrictions or charges Travel from city centre to city centre Reclining seats with ffo ootrests and tables

- Fabulous views and scenery en route - The option of working or relaxing while on o board - Travel at high speed and in comfort

FLEXIB BLE LE TTRA TR RAV VEL EL OPTIONS TO TO THE HE M MA AJOR CRUIS MBARK ATION POIN NTS CRUISSE EEMB KA POIN NTS Rail is the smart way to travel to th he Continent. It’s high speed, hassle free and enable es your customers to travel in comfort and in style wh hilst avoiding long airport check-ins and luggage resttrictions.

Once there, train stations are ideallly located for river or ocean cruise departures and yo our customers will arrive rested, relaxed and ready for their cruise.

BECOM MEE A EUR EUROPEAN R RA AIL IL EXPER RTT Complete our online training course by the end of March 2017 to be in with a chance of winning 1 of 50 £10 Argos x rt.com vouchers! www.beaeuropeanrailexpe

To Book:

Agency Sales:

www.v w voya yyages ages-sncf.e ages-sncf g sncff.eu e eu u 0 844 848 848 406 4066 0844 6

salestteam@voyages-sncf.co sales eam@voyages eam@voyages-sncf e @ y g sncff.com f.co f.com m 0207 0 207 0766 0766 33 333 3

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March 3 2017 | ISSUE NO 2,004 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Weddings & Honeymoons Unique ideas to inspire your clients to celebrate abroad 2017 Star Awards categories now announced - page 10

this week puzzle bulletin 11 play Su Doku for your chance to win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher

bulletin briefing is there room at the inn for all? asks ANTOR

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spain & her islands a round-up of operator, hotelier & airline news & developments

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czech republic destinations worth exploring beyond the capital

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Experience Drake…

EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE invited travel trade partners to a recent Drake concert at the O2 in London. Pictured ready to enjoy the event are, from the left: Lisa Minot, The Sun; Jo Piani, Experience Kissimmee; Harry Hastings and Nicola Whitbread, Ocean Florida; and DT Minich, Experience Kissimmee.

Cover Pictures: Main - Maridav

Inset - Virgin Limited Edition, Son Bunyola Estate

Indian Ocean destinations take the top three spots for Kuoni’s all-inclusive sales IN A recent report released by Kuoni, the Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka take up the top three destinations that Brits are booking for all-inclusive getaways this year, with the operator seeing a 44% increase in bookings following the introduction of its all-inclusive product.

The company says that value-for-money remains an important factor for Brits, who are increasingly opting for allinclusive trips to lock down their holiday costs before they travel.

The operator also reports that it has also seen a notable upturn in demand for trips to Costa Rica, Malaysia, Borneo, Canada, South Africa and Greece, and reveals that many customers are keen to stay in Europe when it comes to their summer break.

Despite the devalued pound there is still demand for premium short-haul holiday to the continent, particularly Greece which has seen a 30% increase in sales since last year.

Elsewhere in Europe, Croatia is a star performer, with the Kuna exchange rate offering great value for travellers.

A new direct flight with British Airways from Gatwick to Costa Rica has resulted in it being one of the fastest-rising long-haul destinations under the company’s escorted touring programme, with overall sales up 310% on last year.

This week

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news this week’s industry announcements, new launches & promotional offers

notes from normanton Sandy’s adventure in Uganda continues...

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The Indian Ocean gem of Mauritius has moved up two places on the best-sellers list to take the number two spot (after the Maldives).

The island has diverse appeal for beach and nature-lovers alike and with luxury resorts offering some of the most competitive prices in the long-haul beach market, it has been one of the year’s success stories.

Canada makes its first appearance in the operator’s top 20, moving up four places into 19th position helped by the publicity surrounding its 150th anniversary of Confederation and possibly Liberal premier Justin Trudeau’s ‘cool not cold’ tourism campaign to draw attention to its culinary scene, vibrant cities and wild adventure in its national parks.

According to the report, the weak value of the South African Rand has helped to lure more people to the destination resulting in a move three places up to 15 in the best-sellers list.

A sense of adventure amongst British travellers is becoming ever keener it seems, with destinations and hotels investing in experiences to show off the country’s natural assets, authentic culture and people.

Meanwhile, the rise of experiential travel is evident throughout the company’s business. Chocolate making in St continued on next page

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agent bulletin booking incentives, training & competition winners

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

bulletin briefing is there room at the inn for all? asks ANTOR

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weddings & honeymoons unique ideas to inspire your clients to celebrate abroad

spain & her islands a round-up of operator, hotelier & airline news & developments

czech republic destinations worth exploring beyond the capital

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continued from previous page Lucia, sunrise yoga on a sandbank in the Maldives, street food safaris in Vietnam and cook like a local in South Africa are examples of how destinations around the world are creating fresh appeal for travellers of today.

Derek Jones, the operator's managing director, said: “January and February is always the peak period for holiday sales, so at this point in the year we’re able to see some clear patterns emerging for the year ahead.

“It’s clear that value for money is one of the key drivers for 2017 regardless of how big or small people’s travel budget is.

Despite one of the most turbulent political periods I’ve seen in my lifetime, it’s still very clear that travel has become integral to people’s lifestyles and thirst for travel is still very much there.

“We’re seeing creativity like never before in the tourism industry – everything from star-gazing platforms to dining for two on a private sandbank - travel has never been more exciting.”

The company has also announced that it will be featuring Mozambique for first time in its latest brochure, due to be released next month.

To view the full report see bit.ly/KuoniTrends-2017

FRAME FAME…The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) invited travel agents to All Star Lanes in Holborn to learn more about the destination as well as available training programmes and to network with trade partners and resorts while enjoying a night of bowling. Pictured hoping for strikes are, from the left: Caroline Maincent, MTPA; Claire Hughes, Lotus Group; Pete Brudenell, Kenwood Travel; and Sarah McGlynne, LUX* Resorts.

St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador boost presence in UK market DESTINATION ST. JOHN’S, the tourism marketing agency for St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, is to increase its presence in the UK market with the appointment of an on-the-ground representative for the first time.

The Provincial capital will be supported in its efforts to reach out to British visitors by Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, and will be represented on the ground by Leedsbased agency All About The Story.

St. John’s’ entry into the UK market comes at a time when interest in Canada is high thanks to 2017 seeing

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the county's 150th anniversary. The destination is the nearest North American city to Europe – and welcomes three daily flights from Europe - from Heathrow with Air Canada and from Gatwick and Dublin with WestJet. All About The Story is a Leedsbased travel marketing and communications agency tasked with developing and implementing a robust sales and marketing strategy for the greater St. John's area and its tourism stakeholders.

The strategy will focus on extensive product development and product placement with existing and new tour

operators in the UK and Ireland.

Extensive training sessions for those selling travel will also form part of the plans, along with fam trips.

Cathy Duke, CEO of Destination St. John's, said: "The announcement

by Air Canada that it was returning to a year-round service on the St. John’s to Heathrow route, and the introduction of new direct flights by WestJet, from St. John’s to Gatwick in 2016 and St. John’s to Dublin in 2014, has created a new opportunity for St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador to access the UK market."

For further information visit destinationstjohns.com

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On the Go extends bogof deal on overland safaris ON THE Go Tours has extended its two-for-one offer on Africa overland safari tours until March 31.

Available on all departure dates in 2017 and 2018, experiences include trekking through the rainforest to watch a troupe of gorillas, heading out for a safari across the Masai Mara to watch the Big Five and taking in Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

As an example of prices, a 15-day Gorilla and Game Trek safari tour in Uganda and Kenya costs £347 per person based on two people travelling together.

The price includes a night’s accommodation in Wildebeest Eco Camp in Kenya; 13 nights camping with 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners; all camping fees and equipment; the services of a three person crew and a fully equipped overland truck for transport and game drives; park entry in Lake Naivasha National Park; park entry and game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara; transfers from Nairobi Airport; and all road taxes and tolls. The offer is valid on two people travelling before December 31, 2018 when booked by March 31 and excludes local payments.

For more information visit onthegotours.com

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A PIZZA THE ACTION...Scenic's sales manager for the south, Lucy Hone (centre) played pizza delivery lady to the Reader Offers team as part of the company's ‘Just Because’ campaign recently. Every day last month the company rewarded agents ‘Just Because’, with reasons including holding an information session for clients, window displays or just because it was a Tuesday, with the idea of bringing a smile to agents. Pictured with Lucy and ready to tuck into their lunch are, from the left: Rosie Weir, Poppy Ellis, Gemma Wyncoll, Lee Mulligan, Caroline Pickles and Lauren Welton from Reader Offers.

Jet2 launches new routes to Naples JET2 HAS introduced new routes to Naples from Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh and East Midlands, enabling Jet2CityBreaks to offer weekend breaks to the city of Naples from £269 per person or a sun-filled holiday to the Neapolitan Riviera or Amalfi coast with Jet2holidays from £349.

Flights start from £46 one-way including taxes, and are available weekly from Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh and East Midlands, and twice-weekly from Manchester.

In addition to the widely held belief that the Pizza Margherita originated there, Naples City and its UNESCO world heritage city centre offers some of Europe’s finest architecture and art, where works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and even a rare Andy Warhol can be viewed. Must-see places include La Pignasecca Market, Naples’ oldest street market; Teatro San Carlo, Italy’s biggest and oldest opera house; Catacombe di San Gennaro; the three castles of Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Nuovo and Castel Sant’Elmo; and the world famous Pompeii, which is an hour’s journey by train.

The operator has a three-night stay at Naples’ Romeo Hotel for £559 per person including breakfast, and the price is based on two sharing and departing from Manchester on April 25, including 22kg baggage allowance.

The Neapolitan Riviera is a stretch of coastline which wraps around the sparkling Gulf of Naples. Elegant towns adorn cliff sides, overlooking boat-filled harbours and sandy beaches. Further south marks the start of the Amalfi Coast, which is synonymous with rugged cliffs dotted with small coves. In addition to soaking up the Italian sunshine, a coastal tour is recommended and, for those seeking adventure, hiking tours are available in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Priced from £499 per person based on two sharing, the company has a five-night break staying allinclusive at the Sant’Agnello, Grand Hotel La Pace. The price is based on a May 2 departure from East Midlands Airport and includes 22kg baggage allowance and transfers.

For further information call 0800-408 5587 or visit trade.jet2holidays.com

Ten new routes from Norwegian NORWEGIAN HAS announced a series of new transatlantic flights from five cities in the UK and Ireland, offering passengers low-cost travel to the US from £69.

In total, the carrier will launch ten new routes with 38 new weekly transatlantic flights this summer from Edinburgh, Belfast, Cork, Shannon and Dublin.

The flights will serve three destinations on the US east coast, with a focus on smaller US airports – these airports offer good access into the New York, Boston and New England areas but carry significantly lower landing charges, allowing the airline to offer affordable fares that will allow as many people as possible to fly.

The new transatlantic routes will be operated on new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Flights are now on sale at norwegian.com/uk

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Traveltek launch from Scenic offers selection of benefits for agents SCENIC HAS launched its product feed to the Traveltek platform enabling agents to easily access detailed itineraries, deck plans and online booking facilities.

The line has rolled out the feed with more than 20 key agents so far and says that the move signifies a new level of ease and accessibility in 24/7 availability search and booking.

The company's head of sales UK, Angela Sloan, said: “Going live on Traveltek propels Scenic to front of mind for agents across the UK as our collection of luxurious cruises are fed directly into their searches. Both from a sales and a training perspective, the potential is enormous with in-depth information, images and reviews guiding agents to the right ship and itinerary for their customer.”

The platform provides detailed brand profiles, itineraries, deck plans, live cabin availability, price breakdowns and a step-by-step booking process, and agents can enable the feed by contacting their sales manager.

In addition, bookings made via the platform before March 31 will be entered into a prize draw to win an additional 1,000 points in River Rewards accounts which can be redeemed against a collection of gifts and giveaways.

201-guestroom Hampton by Hilton property lands at Bristol Airport HILTON’S HAMPTON by Hilton has unveiled its newest property at Bristol Airport.

The 201-room hotel, the first to be based at the airport, is located 250m from the terminal and marks another milestone in the company’s airport journey, with the brand now featuring more than 400 airports hotels worldwide.

Simon Vincent, the hotel group's executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “More than seven and a half million passengers pass through the doors of Bristol Airport every year, and we’re now offering travellers a convenient and great value accommodation option on its doorstep.

“This opening also marks an important landmark for us as one of the first hotels in our portfolio globally to be completed using an innovative modular construction technique – paving the way for further expansion in the UK and internationally.”

The company's signature free, hot breakfast is included with every stay, while a 24-hour convenience hub with a

selection of snacks and drinks for purchase is available to all guests. The hotel is also an ideal accommodation option for business travellers, offering free Wi-Fi, two meeting rooms, a 24hour fitness centre and a business centre. Guests with long airport layovers can take advantage of the hotel’s dayrate option, starting from £70.

For more information see hampton.com

MOVERS

THE ISLE of Man will host the British Cycling (BC) National Marathon Championships for the first time this year, with the event set to enhance the Island’s growing reputation for off-road cycling. The BC National Marathon Championships on July 30 is a single 100km lap of the Manx countryside and the original 100mile Manx Marathon Championship is being run at the same time.

Also featuring in the event package is The Manx 50 over the final 50km of the event. For details see manx100.com and britishcycling.org.uk

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CHRIS BARKER has joined Scenic and Emerald Waterways as head of marketing UK.

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KATE WOOLDRIDGE has joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines as sales services & communications manager.

Carla Ball has also been promoted to sales manager – specialist sales and Zoe Allum has been appointed trade support executive.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN has appointed Rosie Long as strategic account manager for Thomas Cook.

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MINOR HOTELS has appointed Alejandro Bernabé as group director of AVANI Hotels & Resorts.

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CHRIS AUSTIN has been appointed senior vice president, global sales and marketing at Seabourn.

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JO DOBSON has joined Carlson Wagonlit Travel UK & Ireland as senior business development director.

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RIVIERA TRAVEL has appointed Lucy Goodman as product manager.

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AVIS BUDGET Group has appointed Maria Pierce as international commercial manager in the leisure and partnerships team based at the company’s Bracknell, Berkshire headquarters.

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MS Thomas Hardy

Riviera Travel christens two river cruise ships LAST WEEK Riviera Travel christened its two new five-star river cruise ships for 2017, the MS Thomas Hardy and the MS Emily Brontë, at a ceremony in the Netherlands.

Christina Astill from Go-Cruise and Tracey Scales from Travel Counsellors officially christened the ships in their roles as the two godmothers, following an exclusive competition for travel agents in the UK and Ireland to be given the esteemed titles.

Christina and Tracey were flown out to the christening ceremony in Amsterdam to carry out the time-honoured tradition of smashing Champagne bottles against the ships’ hulls, before enjoying a threecourse meal and entertainment on board one of the ships alongside the line's management team and other VIPS. Both ships accommodate up to 169 passengers with 44 in-house trained staff.

For more information see agents.rivieratravel.co.uk/ships

New brand campaign from Discover Los Angeles focuses on evoking emotions DISCOVER LOS Angeles has launched an innovative way of promoting the city in its new global brand campaign, which focuses on the feeling of the city.

The campaign, developed by Los Angeles shop, Mistress, and directed by Floria Sigismondi, features visual metaphors that evoke the emotion of an L.A. moment. In one example, a dance troupe from the University of Southern California’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance perform against the backdrop of a twinkling, dusky Downtown skyline view from Griffith Observatory, bringing to life the magical feeling of experiencing L.A.’s sweeping vistas.

The destination marketing organisation's chief marketing officer, Don Skeoch, said: “Following in-depth focus groups in nine of our key global markets, including the UK, one point became clear; the feel of Los Angeles has an inexorable pull on visitors. They are interested in all of the things they can do in the city, but to them, L.A. is first and foremost about a lifestyle and a feeling.

“We wanted to convey the experience of getting into the L.A. frame of mind and invite viewers to feel the palpable energy of the city.”

An eight-week long UK flight, timed to impact shoulderseason business, includes digital videos on YouTube, interactive social media efforts on Instagram and Facebook plus online media placements.

For further information see discoverlosangeles.com

NEWS BITES ● JUMEIRAH HOTELS & Resorts in Dubai is celebrating female guests this month by offering a host of special ‘Ladies Go Free’ packages from now until March 31. ● VIRGIN HOLIDAYS has announced that it will no longer sell or promote any new attractions or hotels that feature captive whales and dolphins for theatrical or other entertainment purposes. The announcement forms part of a revised five-point plan following the company’s decision not to do business with any attractions taking whales and dolphins from the wild back in 2014. ● EGENCIA, THE business travel arm of Expedia, will launch a set of expense management tools for business travellers in conjunction with travel and expense management provider Traveldoo. ● PANDAW EXPEDITIONS has teamed up with top Bagan restaurant ‘Sanon’ to support its in-house hospitality training programme, which educates teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds. Both known for their support of Burmese local communities, the companies are collaborating to help underprivileged teens train in fine dining and hospitality by offering Sanon interns a two-week rotation on Pandaw ships. See pandaw.com ● VIETNAM AIRLINES is offering travellers the chance to earn 1,000 bonus miles when they sign up to the airline’s Lotusmiles rewards programme this year. Customers should enter the code ‘TRIEUSENVANG’ in the promotion code box when filling in the Lotusmiles enrolment form and the 1,000 bonus miles will be automatically transferred. The offer is valid from now until December 31. Details at vietnamairlines.com/lotusmiles/enroll ● VIRGIN ATLANTIC is launching a direct Heathrow to Barbados flight on December 12 to run throughout the winter schedule. ● THE WYE Valley and Forest of Dean has joined forces with Visit Wales to celebrate the Year of Legends with a new website to encourage visitors to delve into the fables and folklore of the destination. See deanwyelegends.co.uk

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Royal Air Maroc adds direct flights from MAN to Casablanca

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r No

C

ontinuing with my trip in Uganda...we visited the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola district en route to Kampala. We discovered they are protecting 17 white rhino; don’t laugh but I always thought rhino were white! They are called white rhino because of a band of white that goes around the inside of their mouth! Angie Genade and her team do a marvellous job of protecting them she is so passionate about them.

Then it was off to Jinja (with a stay at the Jinja Nile Hotel) which overlooks the Nile. This was our activity day and I had chosen quad-biking which was brilliant. I have said that if I ever win the lottery I will buy a quad bike - it was great fun. We also did a Nile cruise and saw lots of hippo and birds - great for photos. We enjoyed a cultural evening by NdereCultural Entertainment with some fantastic African dancing and the last few nights were spent at the Kampala Sheraton. It was an excellent hotel and it was where the Pearl of Africa Expo was held in big tents in the garden area. I met lots of people and there was more African dancing. We had the chance to meet some Ministers and I managed to ask if they were going to do more about poaching and trophy hunting! We also fitted in some hotel inspections to Speke Resort Munyonyo, Cassia Lodge and Lake Victoria Serena Hotel.

The last night was a black tie dinner with awards given out to people and companies doing good things for Uganda.

Thank you to the Uganda Tourist Board for asking me on this trip; it was an amazing experience, you have a wonderful country with wonderful people who make you feel so welcome. Going home was a wonderful experience too as Etihad had upgraded me on both flights - boy did that make travelling easier and less tiring! I have no hesitation in recommending them - even Economy was comfortable with great food and service. The question is when can I go back?

‘Well done is better than well said’ and ‘Trust because you are willing to accept risk not because it is safe or certain’.

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

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FROM MARCH 28, Royal Air Maroc will launch a direct route between Manchester and Casablanca, with threetimes weekly non-stop flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The launch sees Manchester Airport become the third UK airport to operate flights to Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc, with the airline also currently running services from Gatwick and Heathrow. The service will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with both Business and Economy Class seating available.

The scheduled flight time is approximately three hours and 20 minutes and the new service opens the door for connections to 33 African destinations, connections to Brazil, as well as daily connecting flights to popular tourist destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir.

Stephen Turner, commercial director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are pleased to see Royal Air Maroc launch services from Manchester Airport. Being the only airport outside of London with this carrier firmly reinforces our position as the UK’s global gateway for the north.

“I am sure the 22 million people in our catchment area, which spans as far north as Scotland, south to the Midlands, east across Yorkshire and west to Wales and Merseyside, will welcome the route should they wish to access Casablanca for business or leisure.”

For details see royalairmaroc.com

• NEW: £170 worth of Amazon vouchers to be won with MeliaPRO.com • NEW: BookingYourWeddingDay.Com is giving one of five £50 Love2Shop vouchers • An Apple Watch and three bottles of wine to be won, courtesy of Sonoma County in California • Five-night stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife & £75 Love2Shop vouchers to be won

Visit www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ for details on the above websclusives.

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

March 3 2017

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agentbulletin AGENT TRAINING

booking incentive ●

Intrepid Travel is giving agents the chance to win £1,000 worth of travel throughout this month, with runner-up prizes including £25 and £10 Love2Shop vouchers. For the chance to win, agents must book a client on any of its trips and enter their booking reference number into the ‘Spin to Win’ section on intrepidloveagents.com

ngton QUIZ MASTER…Maria Scriven from Milli the was s, Travel in Lutterworth in the Midland le puzz Doku lucky winner of Travel Bulletin’s Su and 3) y ruar from our 2,000th anniversary issue (Feb won a £50 M&S voucher.

FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines is encouraging trade partners to book onto one of its free ship visits and onboard training days in April, May and June to find out more about its product. Travel partners will receive expert, one-to-one product training and sales tips from senior members of the support team, as well as presentations and tours. To register for a place, visit fredolsencruises.com/travelagentcentre or call 01473-746164.

PALMA PALS...Attraction World is inviting 30 agents to join them on a three-day fam to Ma llorca between May 911, with flights provided by Thomas Cook Airlines from Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingh am. To register for a place, agents should book a holiday to Mallorca (via any tour operator) but including flights with Thomas Cook Airlines and an Attraction World product then email both the holiday reference number and Attraction Wor ld booking reference to getmetomajorca@attractionworld .com. Pictured launching the incentive, which runs until April 17, is Matt Morgan from Thomas Cook Airlines and Nicky Yates from Attraction World.

AGENT TRAINING SILVERSEA HAS launched a new online training portal for agents. The Silversea Academy allows agents to become experts across all areas of the company with the portal offering a wealth of information to help build knowledge of its brand. To celebrate the launch, agents who achieve 100% on the Silver Muse module before March 31 will be entered into a prize draw to win a cruise on the new ship. For details see silverseaacademy.com

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We are delighted to announce the launch of the 2017 Travel Bulletin Star Awards categories!

AGENTS, YOU have a few weeks to decide which suppliers receive your backing this year as voting goes live on Friday April 28.

A printed voted form will also be distributed with every issue of Travel Bulletin magazine throughout May. No nominations are required as it is a totally open vote; you decide which companies are your favourites.

To celebrate our 21st anniversary, the Star Awards is being held at the prestigious five-star Langham Hotel in London on Monday September 4.

Tickets are now on sale at an 'early bird' rate, so to confirm your seats or for further information on sponsorship opportunities please email jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk

Star Awards Categories Smooth Operators

Dream Destinations

Star Long Haul Operator Star Short Haul Operator Star Family Holidays Operator Star Weddings & Honeymoons Operator Star Escorted Tours Operator Star Luxury Operator Star Adventure & Activity Operator Star Holiday Parks Operator Star Add-Ons Operator Star Supplier Sales Team

Sea Captains Star Family Cruise Company Star Luxury Cruise Company Star Specialist Cruise Company Star River Cruise Company Star Cruise Company for Training Incentives & Fam Trips

Land Lords Star Worldwide Theme Park or Attraction Star European Theme Park or Attraction Star Car Rental Company Star Accommodation Only Provider Star Luxury Hotel Brand or Resort Star Travel Technology Company

High Fliers Star Business Airline Star Scheduled Flight Consolidator Star UK Airport Star Airline For Training & Incentives

Star Family Holidays Country/Destination Star Luxury Holidays Country/Destination Star Escorted Tours Country/Destination Star Winter Sun Country/Destination Star Cultural & Heritage Holidays Country/Destination Star Adventure & Activity Holidays Country/Destination Star All-Round Destination (Country, State or Province)

Star Awards 2017 - Diary of Events Friday March 3 - Awards categories are announced and awards tickets go on sale. An 'early bird' discounted rate is available until June 3 of £235 + VAT per ticket or £2,520 + VAT for a table of 12.

Thereafter it will be £250 per seat and £2,700 per table.

Friday April 28 - Agent voting opens online and the Travel Bulletin Star Awards preview issue is published.

Friday June 2 - Final day of 'early bird' discounted ticket sales.

Friday June 2 - Awards voting closes.

Friday June 23 - Awards shortlist is announced.

Monday September 4 - Our glittering Star Awards presentation evening takes place at the stunning Langham Hotel.

Friday September 22 - Star Awards Issue of Travel Bulletin magazine is published.

Further information on the Star Awards is due over the coming weeks - watch this space!

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Su Doku

Where Am I?

Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 009

A➠

B➠ C➠

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

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, March 9th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 23rd February is Hannah Watson, Skyplane Worldchoice in Norwich.

February 23 Solution: A=5 B=3 C=9 D=4

Crossword

This medieval church is estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people, whose bones have, in many cases, been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel.

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

Number: 009

Across 1. Fred. Olsen cruise ship (7) 6. This country borders Mt Everest (5) 7. Sofitel is part of this group (5) 8. British women soldiers are currently training for this polar Exercise (3,6) 10. Jakarta is the capital (9) 11. Ken, director of I, Daniel Blake (5) 13. Capital of Morocco (5) 14. American singer / songwriter Neil, set to tour the UK later this year (7)

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Down 1. Actor Hugh, starring in Viceroy's House, at a cinema near you (10) 2. Worcestershire spa town (7) 3. African country, initially (3) 4. P&O ship exclusively for adults (7) 5. Capital of Aruba (10) 8. Lake Michigan is on the border of this US state (7) 9. Saalbach is one of this country's popular ski resorts (7) 12. Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi International airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I? Please see page 28 March 3 2017

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Industry Insight by...

No room at the inn...or is everyone welcome? asks Tracey Poggio, chair of ANTOR ANTOR (the Association of Tourist Office Representatives) celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, making it the oldest travel trade association in the UK. With so many associations to choose from it’s sometimes difficult to know which to join.

ANTOR is unique as you can only be a member if you are a tourist board representative. But we have had to evolve and change in order to survive, as well as provide our members with a solid reason to pay their membership fees, especially when faced with budget cuts and more justification for every penny spent.

We are also members of other groups such as ‘A Fair Taxing on Flying’ campaign, the Tourism Alliance and Evcom, and we’ve recently been approached to become an associate member of the SPAA. However, all of these come with a price tag so even as an association we are already looking at four very worthwhile organisation membership fees.

Trade associations such as ABTA, AITO and SPAA all have a very clear remit, as do the lobbyist groups.

However, associations have to be able to fund their activities and this is rarely possible through their main membership alone - hence the need to appeal to the trade and suppliers for support as sponsors, affiliates or corporate members.

ITT and the Tourism Society aim to provide their individual members with every possible opportunity to further their careers through a variety of networking events, seminars and conferences, naturally at a cost and thanks to their many generous supporters.

Vicente Salas Hesselbach, regional director for North Europe for the Mexico Tourism Board, said: “ANTOR has been a great ally; the networking opportunities, events like ANTOR Meets the Trade as well as the monthly meetings have been of great value.

“The active participation of its members and the leadership of the board allow the organisation to face the challenges and opportunities as a strong and officially recognised entity, when legislation and policy issues may affect the way British citizens travel abroad.

“Moreover, ANTOR is a great vehicle to encourage and facilitate the communication with different organisations in order to build stronger, productive and long lasting business relationships. ANTOR Meets

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MICE is an essential opportunity for us to grow our network and identify leads to bring business to Mexico.

With the combination of our country's vast MICE infrastructure, along with the MTB and ANTOR’s resources, we are able to create an amazing synergy that is both attractive and diverse for such a specialised niche.”

Then there are the regional associations such as PATA, CTO, Visit USA or LATA all of whom put on travel trade events targeting the specialists in their region.

When asked what the rationale was behind being an active member of both ANTOR and the CTO, Nadine Rankin, UK representative for Trinidad and Tobago, said: “We gain clear and distinct advantages from each.

The CTO offers member nations tailored advocacy and marketing opportunities, with the UK chapter offering a highly targeted and proactive agent training programme with rewards and incentives, along with really effective communications tools to continually reach, educate and motivate the agents.

“Membership of ANTOR brings a much broader range of audiences and networking opportunities and enables us to share and learn with so many other tourist boards who face the same issues and challenges. ANTOR Meets the Trade offers a wealth of new contacts from diverse parts of the tour operating sector, and the association’s success in lobbying WTM for major changes has been a real coup for members, along with the regular interactions with the FCO. Without the collective interest and influence of so many global tourist destinations, we would not have access to such things.”

While associations diversify, evolve and compete to survive, one thing is very clear: a common cause to reach out and develop the industry’s product knowledge, skills base, best practice and professionalism.

The enormous choice this brings of a growing number of events available across the country to the industry as a whole - and more importantly to travel agents and tour operator sales teams - can only be a benefit to the industry and individual careers. The choice may be overwhelming at times, but the knowledge gained and the added bonus of hospitality is worth the effort.

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NESTLED IN the heart of Leicestershire and surrounded by 500 acres of Capability Brown landscape, Stapleford Park Country House Hotel & Sporting Estate offers a back catalogue of memorable wedding days, including some famous names and celebrities, its own church plus a spa set in the Victorian stables. With countryside views, the Grand Hall can seat up to 180 guests for a wedding breakfast, whilst the Orangery is licensed for ceremonies for up to 160 guests. The house can also be hired exclusively for weddings, giving the bride, groom and guests total reign of the estate. Wedding packages start at £7,797 for 80 people, including a drinks reception, three-course wedding breakfast and a bridal room for the wedding night.

Hyatt promotes wedding deals with agent rewards THE HYATT Ziva and Hyatt Zilara five-star all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Jamaica have a series of wedding package options and agent rewards available for wedding bookings this year.

As an example, Jamaica wedding packages include ‘Just for the Two of You’ for US$399 for the bride and groom and, should they book six room nights in an ocean view room or higher category, the wedding package is complimentary. For $999 ‘Intimate Elegance’ is available for up to ten guests with each additional guest above this paying $17.25 (or complimentary for ten guests when they book 15 room nights in an ocean view room or higher category). Alternatively, a ‘Lavish and Opulent’ package costs $3,499 for 20 hotel

guests with each additional guest costing $85.

In addition, travel agents can earn cash rewards with the Playa Hotels & Resorts Rewards programme .

For every booking made to any of the nine Playa Hotels & Resorts in Mexico and Jamaica agents will receive £10 per booking to Gran Resorts; £15 per booking for the The Royal Playa del Carmen; and £20 per booking to Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara luxury all-inclusive resorts.

The minimum guest stay must be for seven consecutive nights, with bookings made by and reported by April 30 for stays up until December 31.

More information can be found at playaresorts.com and playarewards.com

European stag & hen parties still popular despite Brexit GOING AGAINST predictions that a vote for Brexit would put a dampener on travellers’ free spirits, a recent survey carried out by group activity and travel company Red7 has revealed that 95% of those surveyed have not been put off planning a hen or stag trip to Europe.

When it comes to the cost of continental hen and stag trips, 41% say they spend between £301 and £600-plus on the overall holiday, suggesting travellers are keen to invest more money in experiences abroad. Top destinations requested for hens and stags include Amsterdam and Budapest, cities well known for their culture as well as hedonistic party scenes. The research suggests that when it comes to group travel with friends, traditional boozy bar crawls and cheaper British beaches are taking more of a backseat with cultural and experience-based trips abroad growing in popularity.

Visit red7.co.uk for more details.

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Embudhoo honeymoon escape at the Coco Palm APPROXIMATELY EIGHT to ten minutes away from the Coco Palm in the Maldives is the deserted island of Embudhoo.

With just a traditional hut on the island, the resort has introduced a Robinson Crusoe style experience ideal for those who want to get away from it all. A favourite of honeymooners is the day picnic where they can have the island to themselves for an overnight stay, with a barbecue dinner on the beach.

The resort is also able to offer an experience named the ‘Sunset Lagoon Villa fantasy’, where honeymooners can book the villa for a night and have a sunrise Champagne breakfast on the deck, staying in a beach villa.

Private in-villa dinners as well as barbecues with a personal chef and server, sunset pergola dinners on the beach, private sunset cruises, couples spa treatments and a beach cinema are also available.

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LOVE WAS in the air as agents in Birmingham and Norwich joined Travel Bulletin’s Weddings & Honeymoons Showcase at the Park Regis and Mercure Hotel last week. Agents were wooed by a wide range of destinations, resorts & operators, wined and dined plus wowed with some wonderful prizes!

#TBSHOWCASES

OUT OF THE BLUE…Competition winner Suzanne Kimberley from Co-Operative Travel wins a seven-night stay for two at the Out of the Blue Capsis Resort in Crete from the resort’s Jonathan Andreades.

SUNNY SMILES…From the left: Simone Adams, Julie Lawrie, Kayley Swift, Melissa Lowe and Helen Doyle from Perfect Weddings Abroad chat with Katharine Wood Sun Siyam Resorts, with Craig and Claire Stokes from Time4aHoliday.

SHOPPING SPREE…Gracita Allert from St Vincent & Grenadines presents draw winner Rina Pithiya from Rina’s Travel with a £50 shopping voucher.

WARM WELCOME…From the left, Kirsty Lilley from AM Resorts welcomes Kieron Wood, Paul Houston, Daisy Kaur, Julie O’Donnell, Harinder Rai and Julie Jones, all from Everywhere Travel, to the showcase along with Graham Brooks from Hard Rock Hotels.

HAWAIIAN HELLO…Travel Bulletin’s Matt Gill (left) and Malcolm Aldcroft from Hawaiian Airlines catch up with Sue Lindsay (left), Brilliant Travel, Suzanne Kimberley, Co-Operative Travel and Jayne Chapman (right) from Your Holiday Booking.

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SEEING CYPLON…From the left: (back row) Jugal Kantelia Platinum from Travel Lounge; Paula Wareham and Bev Pettitt, Travel Counsellors; with (front) Eddie Hemming and Nikki Roy from Travel-Ed discuss the latest Cyplon Holidays’ news from the company’s Sophia Buttigieg and Nikki Theodosiou.

CHATTING CASCADE…From the left, Mafalda Viana from Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort talks with Beverley Clarke and Chloe Couzens from Spear Travel, with Laura Meneaud and Yvette Meneaud from Not Just Travel.

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CHAMPAGNE PRIZE…Sally Buntin (left) from Travel Counsellors wins a bottle of Champagne from Ginny Hawksley from The British Virgin Islands.

ROCK ON…Prize winner Jo Dobbie (left) from CAS Travel receives a bottle of Tequila plus an exclusive piece of Hard Rock Hotels AIC merchandise, wooden cheeseboard and cheese knives from Hard Rock Hotels’ Fiona Boss.

BANYAN BOTTLE...Alison Allam (left) from Travel Counsellors receives her Champagne prize from Victoire Cliffe, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.

SANDOS SITTING…Discovering more about Sandos Hotels & Resorts are, from the left: Sally Robinson and Joan Thom from Holt Travel; John Falcon and Sarah Laverty from Not Just Travel; Adele Farmer and Whitney Allen, Holiday With US; from the company’s Juanjo Torrico.

KANIKA FUN…Darren Eade from Kanika Hotels & Resorts with Natasha Woodrow, Zoe Pope, Aimee Hurn and Rebecca Howes, all from Thomas Cook.

COOK CHAT…Learning more about what the Cook Islands can offer honeymooners are, from the left: Travel Counsellors’ Sally Buntin and Alison Allam; Gary Wright, Destinations; William Thompson, Travel Counsellors; Corin Germany, Ultimate Destinations; and Michelle Darby and Debbie Lewis representing the Cook Islands.

TUNISIAN TALK…Sami Tounsi from the Tunisian National Tourist Office updates agents on the destination.

Want to get in on the #TBSHOWCASES action?

Then why not join in the fun at our Cruise Showcase in Manchester on April 3.

Reserve your place by emailing oliver.barton@travelbulletin.co.uk travelbulletin.co.uk

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Traditional Maasai weddings available at Mahali Mzuri LOCATED WITHIN Kenya’s private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Virgin Limited Edition’s Mahali Mzuri can cater to couples seeking a wedding ceremony in a safari setting.

There is a wide range of wedding day options available to the couple and their wedding party and ceremony venues could include Lone Tree Hill to say 'I do’ under large canopied trees with savannah views, or a sunset ceremony at Big Rock overlooking the conservancy.

For those looking for a traditional Maasai wedding, any variety of traditional Maasai rituals can be incorporated into the special day; from adding beaded necklaces and a headdress to the bride’s ensemble, to going all out with a group of Maasai Elders preparing the ground by spilling milk for the bride to walk over and spitting wine, milk or cow’s blood at the bride’s feet as a sign of good luck. Maasai dancers and a performance of their traditional song and dance can also be arranged for the reception.

From bush barbecues to Champagne picnics, the resort’s onsite team can prepare a wide selection of African and international menus for wedding feasts and married couples can also spend their first few days together on adventurous bush game drives seeking out the wild animals that roam the Kenyan plains.

Agents should note that wedding ceremonies can only take place after a minimum four-day stay in Kenya, and couples should allow at least two working days to ensure time to complete all the necessary paperwork with time to attend the registry office in person, in either Nairobi or Mombasa. The resort is able to provide advice and supervision with all the necessary paperwork prior to the marriage.

Andrew Rowdon Travel picks up on the perfect wedding gift list idea TTA MEMBER Andrew Rowdon Travel has introduced an innovative add-on called ‘Panndorah’, which enables clients to compile their ideal gift list of holiday experiences and extras.

Rowdon said: “This value added service is offered free of charge to our clients who book their overseas wedding or honeymoon with us. We have developed a dedicated web page for the wedding couple to populate with gifts of their choice at a price that they are comfortable with. Bespoke stationary can be purchased to go in the couple’s wedding invitations with details of how guests can buy a gift by telephone or online, and also includes a QR code which gives direct access to the service using a smart phone.”

Honeymoon gift list ideas could include contributions towards flights, access to executive airport lounges, private transfers, champagne or romantic dinners at the hotel, or activities such as scuba diving or local tours.

This service has recently been extended as a ‘white labelled’ product so that other independent travel agents can use it. The set-up is free of charge and the first list is complimentary. A gift list is then charged at £39 per gift list used and agents can either charge to their customers or absorb the cost.

For more information or to view a sample gift list see theperfectgiftlist.co.uk

The Sanchaya Bintan unveils selection of romance packages for couples

FOR A HONEYMOON escape Olympic Holidays is recommending an exclusive villa retreat at Domes of Elounda autograph collection in Crete. Overlooking the gulf of Elounda, the two-bedroom residences offer a chic space with some featuring their own private pool. For a June honeymoon, prices are approximately £9,300 for two weeks including flights, airport lounge access and transfers. Honeymooners can also have their suite decorated with flowers and rose petals, sparkling wine on arrival, first day breakfast served with fresh flowers in the suite and one Domes Spa Thermae Experience per couple. Visit olympicholidays.com

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THE SANCHAYA Bintan on Lagoi Bay in Southeast Asia has introduced a host of new packages for proposals, weddings, honeymoons and the renewal of vows.

The engagement package features a private dining setup on the resort’s beach, by the infinity pool or in a Thaiinspired villa, as well as a romantic bath ritual in a large candle-lit soaking tub, bottle of Champagne, heart-shaped cake, bouquet of flowers and a ‘Just Us’ photo to take away.

Weddings range from an intimate beachfront ceremony for two to a larger formal dining arrangement for family and friends with the opportunity to completely buyout the property. Sweeteners for the bride and groom include breakfast in bed with Champagne, a massage for two with customised chakra oils and romantic beach dinner including the release of Thai wish lanterns.

Both anniversary and renewal of vows packages feature a night’s stay in one of the resort’s Thai villas, breakfast in bed with Champagne, a couple’s spa treatment and dinner options such as a gourmet beach barbecue for two.

The engagement and wedding packages start at US$735 and $3,500 per couple respectively. Renewal of vows and anniversary packages start at $1,189 per couple.

For further information visit thesanchaya.com

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One in five Brits choose to marry abroad IN LIGHT of recent research conducted by Bridebook.com, which revealed that the average UK wedding now costs £27,000, thebigdomain.com set out to discover what effect costs are having on the traditional wedding.

The company found that whilst the classic church wedding may still be the most ideal venue for British couples, getting married abroad is becoming more popular, with one in five saying that this would be their perfect location.

A total of 60% of couples surveyed also expect to pay for weddings themselves and, of those who said they would favour getting married abroad, many cited the cheaper cost as a key influencing factor.

In light of the research the company has created a wedding guide to help newly-weds plan their perfect day.

The guide can be found at thebigdomain.com/ultimate-weddingplanner

Bring on the Buddymoon: Sandals & Beaches highlights latest honeymoon trend ACCORDING TO Sandals and Beaches Resorts the latest honeymoon trend is the Buddymoon.

For bridal couples who wish to spend their weddings and honeymoons with family and friends, the company has introduced a free ‘Beautiful Beginnings’ group offer. With this couples can receive a free wedding in a Caribbean setting and can also receive a free room per booking to invite more buddies to join the party at the all-inclusive resort.

In addition to a free ‘Beautiful Beginnings’ wedding, couples who book five rooms and marry between September 1 and December 24 will receive a sixth room free. The offer also extends to couples who book 11 rooms and marry by August 31, receiving a 12th room free. Both wedding offers are valid for bridal couples who book a minimum of three nights or longer.

The ‘Beautiful Beginnings’ wedding theme costs $500, and includes a pre-

travel and resort wedding planner; preparation of marriage documents; a 30–minute reception with sparkling wine and cold hors d'oeuvres for the bride, groom and up to six guests; a manicure for the bride and a 30minute ‘Feet First’ massage for the groom; wedding gift; wedding website and gift registry; a honeymoon turndown service for the bride and groom; mimosa breakfast-in-bed for the bride and groom; a honeymoon dinner at a resort specialty restaurant with white-glove service and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine; and a honeymoon photograph.

For more information visit sandals.co.uk

at the intersection of

The Crane offers a harmonious blend of old-world charm, elegance, 21st century comfort, casual luxury and naturally spectacular beauty truly the best of all worlds and the perfect retreat for couples, destination weddings and honeymooners.

Wedding Packages Starting from

US$750

weddings@thecrane.com · 246 423 6220 The Crane, St. Philip, Barbados, West Indies

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MONARCH BOOKINGS for the five-star Gran Castillo Tagoro Resort in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote for stays in March will see customers enjoy sea view superior rooms and Merlin-themed rooms for kids at no additional cost. Packages are priced from £529 per person for a seven-night all-inclusive stay, departing Luton on March 6 for two adults and two children sharing a kids room. Visit monarchagents.co.uk

Record-breaking two million Brits visited Tenerife in 2016 OFFICIAL FIGURES released by the Tenerife Tourism Corporation show that the largest of the Canary Islands welcomed a total of 2,049,093 visitors from the UK last year – a 16.1% increase compared to 2015 – and the highest number ever recorded.

The UK market retains its prevailing position as the largest source market to Tenerife, accounting for 36.6% of all visitors to the island.

The 20.4% increase in air capacity and the launch of new routes from the UK last year have been attributed as playing a key role in hitting this record-breaking number, with arrivals to the island from UK airports up 18.2%.

Alberto Bernabé, tourism minister for the Tenerife Island Government, said: “We are extremely pleased with the performance of the UK market last year, especially after the Brexit referendum. We would like to thank all of our valued partners – including UK tour operators, travel agencies and airlines – for their unconditional support throughout

2016 and for helping us to achieve these excellent results.

“Market forecasts allow us to remain optimistic for the present year as, according to ForwardKeys and Gfk, UK holiday bookings to Tenerife are predicted to experience an overall 11.4% increase in the first half of 2017.”

The destination also saw a record performance from the Irish market last year with a total of 93,501 visitors from Ireland travelling to Tenerife last year, a 17.9% increase compared to 2015.

Carlos Alonso, president of the Tenerife Island Government, said: “One of our priorities is to maintain the competitiveness of Tenerife as a leading European tourist destination. We have invested almost 100 million euros to improve the island’s infrastructure, including the refurbishment of tourist and coastal areas.”

For more destination information visit webtenerife.co.uk

Spanish sur-prize for agents from Attraction World WITH A FIRM focus on the sunny destination of Spain for the whole of March and April, Attraction World is offering agents a range of incentives and giveaways.

The operator is giving away Spanish-themed prizes every day up until April 30 – including £20 Zara vouchers, bottles of Spanish wine, paella-making kits and Benidorm DVD’s. To be in with a chance of winning, agents need to send their Spanish booking reference through to win@attractionworld.com Moreover, for every Spanish booking made up until March 16, with a minimum booking value of £99, agents will receive a £5 Love2Shop voucher by emailing the booking reference through to welovespain@attractionworld.com For the chance to win one of 50 crates of Sangria, agents should have a read through the operator’s Spanish Destination Training Guides and answer ten simple questions with full details available on the website.

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Perfect your swing with Park Hyatt Mallorca THE FIVE-STAR Park Hyatt Mallorca is welcoming golf enthusiasts to experience the abundance of golfing opportunities available on the Spanish island.

Guests are invited to work on lowering their handicaps, all the while basing themselves at this location on the northeastern coast of Mallorca, overlooking the valley of Canyamel.

The property is within a 15-minute drive of three of Mallorca’s internationally recognised golf courses Pula Golf Club, Capdepera Golf Club and Club de Golf de Son Servera - and is offering both golfing pros and amateurs the chance to tee off in style with its extensive golf offerings.

These include a bespoke golf concierge service, golf storage and a selection of spa experiences to both restore and rejuvenate muscles at the Serenitas Spa. Nightly rates start from approximately £439 in a Park King Room, including breakfast and VAT. For further information or to make a booking visit mallorca.park.hyatt.com

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Iberostar reveals its naughty side to fans of Fifty Shades WITH FIFTY Shades Darker currently showing at cinema screens, the new Iberostar Grand Portal Nous in Mallorca is revealing its own naughty side with an exclusive suite equal to that of Mr Grey’s ‘playroom’.

The Naughty Suite is one of the five themed rooms designed by Marcel Wanders, who is responsible for all the interior design and decoration of the new hotel, and famous for his iconic interiors and artistic creations for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Mandarina Duck and Baccarat.

Planned as a speciallycreated space for the pursuit of pleasure, the Naughty Suite features fabrics with sensual finishes, such as leather and silk textures, and is equipped with all sorts of details that would delight Grey and Anastasia from ’50 Shades’ or any of their followers such as: a large round bed with a ceiling mirror, a chaise longue, a box of ‘tricks’, a poledancing pole and a minibar stocked with Champagne.

The property will open its doors in spring of this year, becoming the chain’s first ‘Grand Collection’ category hotel in Mallorca.

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New to Madrid: five-star Barceló Torre opens its doors BARCELÓ HOTEL Groups’ newest five-star property, Barceló Torre de Madrid has opened its doors in one of Madrid’s most iconic and tallest buildings.

Situated in the Plaza de España, in the capital’s popular theatre district and overlooking Gran Via, the Tower of Madrid is home to 256 guestrooms, two restaurants, a bar and wellness centre and offers the opportunity for guests to connect with the city like a local.

Guests can also expect individually designed bedrooms - with the brand’s maximum quality standard in technology and large windows offering views of Calle Princesa, Gran Via and the Royal Palace. There are multiple grand suites, two of which, the Princess and Royal Suites, have their own private terraces.

Tapping into Madrid’s appeal to foodies, the hotel features a buffet restaurant and is also home to an international á la carte restaurant Somos and the Garra Bar, which is in the hotel lobby. On the eighth floor and commanding views across the city, guests will find a wellness centre home to a 12.5m swimming pool, sauna and sensation shower. There is also a fitness area, fully equipped gym, an outdoor sundeck and three treatment rooms.

Stays in a double deluxe room start from 360 euros per night, room-only based on two sharing with views of the Royal Palace and Gran Via Street.

Visit barcelo.com for more details.

SuperBreak launches Seville short break packages SUPERBREAK HAS launched two new three-night short break packages in Seville that include a selection of tours, attractions and dinners for an Andalucian experience.

A Taste of Seville and Seville Splendours are the two options available offering different experiences depending on customers’ choices and flights can be added from a range of UK airports with full ATOL protection.

Priced from £231 per person, a ‘Taste of Seville’ short break includes three nights’ breakfast stay at the four-star Hotel San Gil which offers a privileged position in Seville’s Old Quarter and is a converted Sevillian palace. Also included is a guided sightseeing tour featuring key monuments, the Santa Cruz district and a river cruise.

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There is also the chance to enjoy a panoramic evening city tour followed by a Flamenco show in an old Sevillian palace with tapas dinner included.

Alternatively, ‘Seville Splendours’ costs from £280 and includes three nights’ breakfast stay at the four-star H10 Hotel Corregidor, a boutique hotel in the heart of Seville with it own traditional terrace. A guided tour of Seville with entrances to Reales Alcazares, the Cathedral and Giralda are included. Similarly, there is the chance for guests to enjoy a panoramic evening city tour followed by a Flamenco show in an old Sevillian palace with tapas dinner included.

For more information visit superbreak.com/agents or call 01904436000.

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Simply Luxury by Travel 2 welcomes Spanish growth SIMPLY LUXURY by Travel 2 has launched a new Europe 2017 brochure featuring 44% new product, and has appointed a new product and commercial manager to oversee the programme.

The luxury specialist has reported an increase in bookings to some of its most popular European destinations, with Spain and Greece seeing the most growth, and has introduced new products to meet growing demand.

The operator has added a new ‘City Hotels’ programme to its new Europe brochure with city breaks to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as holidays to Costa Del Sol, Marbella and Nerja.

La Manga Club serves up new tennis academies for 2017 WITH BRITISH tennis enjoying its most successful period for 30 years, the next generation of upand-coming players can sharpen their technique using the same facilities that helped inspire the nation’s stars at two new junior academies at Spain’s La Manga Club this year.

As the official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association, the resort has hosted the likes of world number one Andy Murray, British women’s number one Johanna Konta, as well as Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund in recent years, and will be running two extra programmes in 2017 – an ‘Advanced Matchplay’ academy and ‘Junior Elite’ academy.

Running from Monday to Friday, the Advanced Matchplay camp offers 15 hours of expert tuition on all areas of the game to players of all abilities, including a daily match play session and starts from 300 euros per person. Also aimed at juniors aged from 12-19, the five-day Junior Elite academy features two intensive training sessions a day and has been designed specifically for players looking to compete at a high level with prices from 425 euros.

As well as the new programmes, the resort is continuing to run a range of teaching academies for both adults and juniors at its 28-court tennis centre. In addition to tennis, the resort located in Murcia, south-east Spain, also features extensive sporting facilities which include three 18-hole golf courses, a newly rebranded golf training centre, a High Performance Sports Centre and a spa and fitness complex. There is also a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 20 bars and restaurants.

For more information see lamangaclub.com

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OVERLOOKING MILES of beaches and the grand vista of Port Olimpic, the Hotel Arts Barcelona is renowned for its 24-hour personalised service, 43rd-storey spa and innovative dining with five onsite restaurants including the two-Michelin star Enoteca. The waterfront hotel offers 483 sea or city view rooms including 56 executive suites, one Arts suite, one Mediterranean suite, 28 duplex penthouses, including The Royal Penthouse and The Presidential Penthouse. A deluxe room starts from approximately £260 per night, room only. Visit ritzcarlton.com

Saga celebrates the great outdoors with adventurer Debra Searle SAGA PEARL II’s ‘Jewels of the Canary Islands’ cruise in November will celebrate the great outdoors with Debra Searle on board, who will deliver talks about her adventures and join passengers on shore excursions such as RIB adventures, whalewatching, star-gazing, four-wheel drives, hikes and e-bike rides.

Some 15 years ago Debra completed the 3,000 mile Atlantic Rowing Challenge from Tenerife to Barbados to become the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic. Since then she has completed the world’s longest canoe race with explorer Bruce Parry, sailed around Antarctica, set a new world record in a Dragon Boat across the English Channel and completed the L’Etape du Tour cycle race in the Pyrenees. Debra’s recent challenges have also included racing in the Monte Carlo Rally Historique in a 1957 Alfa Romeo and leading an all-female team across Baffin Island in the Arctic Circle.

Looking forward to sailing into Tenerife during the cruise, Searle said: “I have been back to the island since the Atlantic Challenge but returning by sea will be extra special. A guard of pilot whales accompanied our boat at the start of the race; it’s a great memory and I hope I can join a whale-watching tour while I am in the Canary Islands.

“While I was out on the ocean I navigated by the North Star, and an opportunity to join a star-gazing session on Mount Teide is also very appealing. The night-sky in the Canaries is clear because there is so little light pollution.”

The 18-night cruise calls at Funchal, Madeira; Santa Cruz, Tenerife; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; Arrecife, Lanzarote; Cadiz, Spain; Portimão and Lisbon, Portugal and La Coruña (for Santiago de Compostela), Spain. The ship will also make a maiden port of call to Avilés in Spain.

Departing from Southampton on November 20, the all-inclusive cruise costs from £2,469 based on two people sharing the lowest available inside cabin.

For details more visit saga.co.uk/ocean-cruises

New restaurants and room renovations at Atlantis Fuerteventura Resort THE ATLANTIS Fuerteventura Resort has unveiled a number of renovations ahead of welcoming guests in 2017, including remodelled rooms, two restaurants and an adults-only Premium Club.

All of the four-star hotel’s 383 suites have been remodelled and refurbished with three new types of room available to guests - Junior, Premium and Master, with Master Suites having two rooms and proportioned to host families.

Premium suites are situated in the adults-only Premium Club, featuring a new chill-out area with a private pool and Balinese beds for guests to relax, as well as a choice of international

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newspapers, Wi-Fi, games and an allday tea and coffee service. A new restaurant called La Scala will also be available exclusively to those with access to the Premium Club.

Guests will be able to taste traditional Spanish gastronomy at the new Atrium restaurant and The Gaudi Restaurant, which serves breakfast and evening buffets, is also set to receive a renovation in early 2017.

The entertainment theatre will also receive a facelift within La Plaza section of the resort, offering guests a refreshed programme of musical shows and performances in the evening.

Last year the Atlantis Teen Lounge

opened in the resort, offering a parent-free zone for teenagers to chill out with new friends, watch movies, play games and use the movie-making technology to create their own family holiday video.

Designed like a traditional Canarian village with low rise white villas, the hotel offers 383 suites, as well as a range of facilities such as swimming pools, a spa, restaurants and bars. The all-inclusive resort includes a range of activities such as animations, tennis, scuba diving, surf and kitesurf and clubs for all ages.

For more information visit atlantisfuerteventuraresort.com

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Tenerife's family-friendly Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel undergoes refurbishment THE OUTSIDE area of the mini club of family-friendly Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel, Tenerife, has been recently refurbished and all its inside area re-painted.

Located in the Playa ParaĂ­so area on the southern coast of Costa Adeje, the five-star hotel is one of the island’s most popular resorts for families due to its facilities for children. These include a ‘baby club’ for babies from ten months and a ‘kids’ club’ for children from four to 12 years old; one heated pool; and a mascot called ‘Roni, the pilot whale’ which provides daily entertainment to children.

Other hotel features include four restaurants and bars, an infinity pool with Balinese chill-out beds and sea views, open-air Jacuzzi and rooftop sun terrace.

Visit hotelrocanivaria.com for more details.

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Flybe adds summer flights to Mallorca from Doncaster Sheffield Airport FLYBE IS to operate a new twice-weekly service between Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Palma Mallorca on July 7.

Vincent Hodder, chief revenue officer for the regional airline, said: “We are pleased to be extending our 2017 summer schedule from Doncaster Sheffield Airport with the additional choice of yet more sun flights to such a popular summer holiday destination. Flights are scheduled to give customers flexibility and the choice of either a long weekend or a full week away so Yorkshire-based sun seekers can be as flexible as possible with their holiday plans.�

As the capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, Palma offers a wide variety of resorts to suit all tastes and budgets and delivers a total of 2,779 hours of sunshine a year. One-way fares with the airline start from ÂŁ39.99 including taxes and charges.

Full details can be found at flybe.com

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Son Balagueret opens this spring VIRGIN LIMITED Edition is opening a third villa on the Son Bunyola Estate for spring 2017.

The new three-bedroom villa, Son Balagueret, will be the estate’s latest addition following the opening of the first two villas, Sa Terra Rotja and Sa Punta de S’Aguila in summer of last year.

Son Bunyola is a large private estate located between Esporles and Banyalbufar on the northwest coast of Mallorca.

The estate, with its own gated entrance, offers more than 700 acres and features one main Finca building dating back to the 1800s surrounded by vines, citrus fruit trees, almonds and olive trees. The area is home to historical and picturesque towns and is dominated by the scenery of the Tramuntana mountain range.

Rates at the new villa start from 10, 575 euros which includes seven nights’ full board accommodation; all drinks including wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks and Spanish sparkling wine; a concierge service for help with arranging activities and restaurant bookings; Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping.

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czechrepublic Czech it out:

Kirker explores the sights and sounds of the Czech Republic KIRKER HOLIDAYS still has some availability on two of its escorted cultural tours travelling to the Czech Republic.

As one of Europe’s best preserved mediaeval cities, Prague is also a proud musical centre with two opera companies and two historic concert halls. Clients travelling on the operator’s ‘Opera & Music in Prague’ will attend performances at a selection of these over its two five-night holidays.

From a four- or five-star base, the escorted group will also explore each of the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods: the Castle District, the Old Town and the Little Quarter, as well as the former Jewish ghetto, with tour departures on May 11 and June 14.

In May the musical programme encompasses Macbeth by Verdi and Andrea Chénier by Giordano at the National Theatre, as well as Hansel und Gretel by Humperdink at the Karlin Theatre. And in June it includes the chance to hear the Prague Symphony Orchestra at Smetana Hall, La Cenerentola by Rossini at the Estates Theatre and Lohengrin

by Wagner at the National Theatre.

Prices are from £1,562 per person based on two sharing including BA flights from Heathrow; five nights’ breakfast accommodation at the four-star Hotel K&K in May (or at the five-star Hotel Paris in June); two dinners and three lunches; first category tickets for the three performances as described; sightseeing as per the itinerary; entrance fees and gratuities; and the services of the tour leader and local guide.

Alternatively, on the operator’s ‘The Country Houses of Bohemia & Moravia’, guests can discover the great country houses of a little-known area of the Czech Republic.

During the seven-night holiday, clients will stay for the most part in Brno, a city rich with Gothic and Baroque architecture. Moravia’s most famous son, the composer Leos Janacek, is the focus for one day of the tour, which ends in Český Krumlov, a small town perched on the River Vltava.

Departing on May 15 and September 18, prices lead in at £1,778 per person based on two sharing including BA flights from Heathrow to Vienna/from Prague, seven nights’ breakfast accommodation (five at the Hotel Royal Rice in Brno and two at the Zlaty Andel Hotel in Český Krumlov); four dinners and three lunches; a first category opera ticket; sightseeing; all entrance fees and gratuities; and the services of a tour leader and guide.

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

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RICH IN history and unique in natural beauty, the Czech Republic offers visitors a multitude of popular destinations and sights that extend beyond the delights of its capital. For 2017, Czech Tourism has put together a list of the top destinations that are attracting tourists from far and wide and what agents should know about them…

Prague The heart of Europe, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and an architectural gem on the Vltava River – this is Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is also an inspiration to artists, the hundred spire site of UNESCO and a majestic city with a unique atmosphere. Recommend visiting Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Old Town Astronomical Clock - these are the places clients will find most interesting in Prague.

Karlovy Vary Visitors have been coming here since the 18th century when the fame of the local spas spread throughout the world.

Today, Karlovy Vary is one of the most famous spas in Europe.

Bohemian Switzerland The Bohemian Switzerland National Park is the smallest national park in the Czech Republic, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with its rare fauna and flora.

Visitors can see unique rock formations and hike through rock canyons, while a boat trip near Hrensko is also worth experiencing.

Brno Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and is the metropolis of Moravia, the eastern part of the country.

In addition to Spilberk Castle and the functionalistic Tugendhat Villa, which is on the UNESCO list, there are dozens of other sites. The lively city centre is home to many pleasant cafes which the city is famous for.

Adrspach Rock City Broumovsko in East Bohemia offers excellent opportunities for an active holiday. Fascinating tourists and pilgrims since the 18th century, the Adrspach-Teplice Rocks are the largest and wildest rock city in Central Europe. Clients can also visit the Baroque monastery premises in Broumov.

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Ostrava Ostrava, the metropolis of North Moravia and the third largest city in the Czech Republic, is attractive for various reasons: unique industrial sites, interesting architecture from fare-faced bricks and wall framework and a wide selection of leisure activities. Recently, tourists most often visit the Dolní oblast Vítkovic technical museum.

Ceske Budejovice Ceske Budejovice, the metropolis of South Bohemia on the Vltava River, offers a wide mosaic of tourist attractions. In addition to places alive with old history, travellers can discover the route of the first horse railway on the European continent, taste the famous South Bohemian carp or sip beer from the Budvar Brewery.

Karlštejn Castle The secure representative seat of the Roman Emperor and Bohemian King Charles IV, where women were allegedly not allowed so that the king would not be disturbed in his stately and theological thoughts, was founded as a castle to guard the crown jewels, holy relics and state documents. Its position near Prague makes it a great place for a day trip and the train takes visitors from the centre of Prague to Karlštejn in 30 minutes.

Loket The town on a distinct rock promontory surrounded by the Ohre River on three sides, has a picturesque square with the Baroque column of the Holy Trinity and a lot of historical town houses. At the heart of this West Bohemian town is Loket Castle. The 26m high castle tower lets visitors see the town and its surroundings from a bird’s eye view.

Mikulov You could hardly find a town with a more picturesque location than Mikulov. It is spread on the last promontories of the Palava hills and surrounded with vineyards. As the centre of a vineyard area, travellers will encounter wine with every step that they take in the picturesque historical streets and at the castle. This South Moravian town is definitely worth recommending a visit.

Hluboka nad Vltavou Chateau The Hluboka Chateau in South Bohemia is an ideal destination for lovers of history and romance. The chateau has been reconstructed by the Schwarzenberg family and is often labelled as the most beautiful chateau in the Czech Republic.

Sumava National Park Fragrant forests and meadows, valleys lost at the end of the world, bottomless moors, glacial lakes and horizons full of hills and mountains – this is Sumava as a national park.

Home to numerous tourist attractions, such as castles, rope parks, museums and comfortable hotels and guesthouses, a trip to South Bohemia is definitely worth it.

Marianske Lazne Representative spa houses, more than a hundred mineral springs, several colonnades with the cast-iron neo-Baroque colonnade from the end of the 19th century, a theatre, a city museum, memorials and monuments, a lookout tower, a singing fountain and a salt cave – this is Marianske Lazne, a spa in West Bohemia near the renowned Karlovy Vary.

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Inntravel explores the ‘Wine Trails of Southern Moravia’ on two wheels SOUTHERN MORAVIA is a little-known corner of the Czech Republic which offers fairy-tale castles and romantic chateaux, easy cycling routes and good-value wine.

During a self guided hotel-to-hotel cycling break with Inntravel, visitors can uncover the region’s rich heritage, passing timeless villages, neat vineyards and a wealth of cultural monuments and, after a day in the saddle, relax over a well-earned glass of Czech beer.

Highlights include Znojmo, one of the oldest towns in Europe, a trail through the wooded Podyji National Park and sections of the Prague -Vienna Greenways cycle track which meanders along the Thaya Valley, close to the Austrian border.

Travellers will follow the Wine Trial to the picturesque wine-producing villages of Klentnice and Pavlov and discover the landscapes of the UNESCO-protected LedniceValtice area, with its neat meadows and woodlands dotted with architectural follies, grand classical temples and nature reserves, shaped by the wealthy Lords of Liechenstein over many generations.

They will also ride along the Liechenstein Trail en route to Valtice, home to a Baroque chateau which houses the National Wine Centre, where for a nominal fee guests can indulge in wine-tasting, choosing from the country's 100 best wines.

The tour is priced from £870 per person based on two sharing and includes six nights’ breakfast accommodation, three dinners, luggage transfers, route notes and maps plus cycle hire.

Flights are extra with the recommended airport for travel being Brno. Ryanair flies from Stansted to Brno and currently has flights from £45 per person return, with transfers from £22 per person.

Visit inntravel.co.uk or call 01653-617000 for more information.

bmi regional increases flight frequency from Munich to Brno FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of bmi regional’s Munich hub last year the airline has announced that it will be increasing frequencies from the Bavarian capital on popular routes, including additional daily flights to Brno in the Czech Republic.

Starting at the end of this month, the Munich to Brno route will grow to twice-daily Monday to Friday, with a single daily on Saturday and Sunday.

All regional fares include 23kg of hold luggage, allocated seating, complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks and 30-minute check-in times.

For more information visit flybmi.com

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Vienna House Hotels caters for demand from ‘bleisure’ guests IN THE Czech Republic, Vienna House Hotels reports an increasing trend of ‘bleisure’ clients who are combining business and leisure trips.

The brand has attributed this in part to the development of technology and the introduction of ‘home offices’, observing a growth in the number of guests who are travelling, working remotely and spending their free time exploring cities and their surroundings.

To cater for this demand, the hotel group is offering bleisure discounts and services including tips for trips and excursions. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is also available in all hotels, along with community work tables and refreshments.

See viennahouse.com for more details.

SuperBreak promotes beer tasting in Prague SUPERBREAK IS promoting its short breaks to Prague with a beer tasting session from a ‘beer master’.

As part of their break, customers can become an expert on Czech beer during a one-and-a-half hour beer tasting experience. There is the chance to sample seven varieties of Czech beer paired with Hermelin cheese, as well as learn about the complexities of beer though the fundamental rules of proper and correct tasting.

The tasting session can be added to any short break package and the operator now offers 46 hotels in the city to suit a range of tastes and budgets.

A package in late April costs from £221 per person including three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the four-star Ametyst Hotel Prague, flights from Gatwick and the tour.

For more information call 01904-436000 or visit superbreak.com/agents

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Jet2CityBreaks has packaged together a series of city escapes for clients who want to take in Prague. As an example, a three-night breakfast stay at the three-star Hotel Gloria, departing from Manchester on April 24, costs from £189 per person based on two sharing, including 22kg baggage allowance. Alternatively, three nights’ breakfast stay at the five-star Art Deco Imperial Hotel leads in at £289 per person, based on two sharing and an East Midlands departure on March 24.

Visit jet2holidays.com or call 0800-408 0778 for more details.

Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Buxton Press Subscriptions are £125 p.a. £195 overseas ISSN: 0956-2419

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Crossword: Across: 1. BRAEMAR, 6. NEPAL, 7. ACCOR, 8. ICE MAIDEN, 10. INDONESIA, 11. LOACH, 13. RABAT, 14. DIAMOND. Down: 1. BONNEVILLE, 2. MALVERN, 3. RSA, 4. ARCADIA, 5. ORANJESTAD, 8. INDIANA, 9. AUSTRIA, 12. HYD.

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Highlighted Word: BENIDORM Where Am I?: Sedlec Ossuary, Sedlec, Czech Republic.

We asked our staff the following question this week:

What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?

Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

Matthew Weinreb Sales Executive matthew.weinreb@travelbulletin.co.uk

I play Pokemon Go!

Actually read books.

Lauretta Wright Editor lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk

Kathryn Frost Sales Executive kathryn.frost@travelbulletin.co.uk

I memorise all the names of the pic n mix sweets in Wilko.

Adam Potter Editorial Assistant adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk Going for 100% completion of a game (including trophies and achievements).

Paul Scudamore Contributing Editor Playing Scrabble on my phone.

Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk obsessive charging of apple and other devices

Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk

Catherine Dillon Sales Executive catherine.dillon@travelbulletin.co.uk Speak to my bonsai tree.

Oliver Barton Events & Sales Administrator oliver.barton@travelbulletin.co.uk Watching anything Marvel based

Nicky Valsamakis Design Team Leader nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk All my Man Utd. shirts have to have GIGGS 11 on the back.

Miriam Brtkova Designer miriam.brtkova@travelbulletin.co.uk collecting talking minions

Bill Coad Account Manager bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk

Lucia Mathurin Design Apprentice lucia.mathurin@travelbulletin.co.uk

Oil my bike.

Watching repeats of the Big Bang Theory.

Matt Gill Senior Account Manager matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Reading a Travel Bulletin issue, when I've already it 16 times!

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March 3 2017

Nelly Mendes Production production@travelbulletin.co.uk

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The winner will embark Silver Muse on 27 July 2017 for a 12-day voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Venice with return flights included in the prize.

Call 0207 340 0700 or email salesuk@silversea.com for more information Prize terms and conditions apply. Contact us for details.