Travel Bulletin 4th November 2016

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November 4 2016 | ISSUE NO 1,989 | travelbulletin.co.uk

Croatia

Destination welcomes boost in UK visitor numbers

this week news 3 new study identifies six traveller typologies based on behaviour

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poll bulletin your responses to our online poll on travel brochures

luxury holidays new offers, programme additions and packages for discerning customers

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winter sun entice your clients to escape the cold with these winter warmers

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On the right track…

GREAT RAIL Journeys took a group of agents away on a ‘Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man’ tour as part of a fam trip. The group experienced travel on the Manx Electric Railway and the Snafell Railway, and visited various attractions. Pictured at Snaefell are, from the left: Carol Hunter, Kyle Travel; Sandra Walters, The Travel House; Amy Towers, Hays Travel; Janice Fryer, Spear Travels; Jane Williams, Toucan Travel; Joanne Bell, East of England Co-op; and Hannah Christian, Lincolnshire Co-op.

Cover Pictures: Main -Tupungato,Shutterstock

Inset - Velaa Private Island

New TripAdvisor study identifies six traveller typologies based on behaviour THE UK is a nation of careful planners, at least when it comes to holidays, a recent TripAdvisor study reveals.

Nearly half (46%) of UK holidaygoers planned their last trip at least four months in advance, compared to just a quarter of global travellers (26%) - and only Argentinian travellers were more likely than Brits to plan their trip so far in advance.

The findings come from the latest TripBarometer 2016 study, which highlights key factors influencing travellers’ behaviour when researching, planning and booking a trip.

The study has identified six typologies of travellers and four types of booking patterns, as well as providing insight into gender, age and income demographics.

Globally, the report found a notable difference in the planning habits of younger and older travellers. Travellers aged between 18 and 34 tend to plan their trips much closer to the departure date than those over the age of 55 – almost half of young travellers (45%) plan their trips with one month or less to go, compared to less than a third of over 55s (31%).

However, older travellers are more likely to cram their research into a short time span – a quarter (25%) of over 55s complete their research in just one or two days, compared to just one in six young travellers (15%).

Over 55s are also more habitual: one in seven (14%) choose a destination because they go there every year, compared to only 7% of 18-34 year olds.

There are significant differences by gender, too. Men are more likely to get their research done quickly – with a quarter (24%) spending just one or two days planning their holidays – while women are more likely to carefully mull over the planning phase: more than a quarter (28%) spend more than a month on their research.

For the first time,

This week

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news new study identifies six traveller typologies based on behaviour

notes from normanton find out what Sandy from Sandy’s Travel Escapes has been up to lately

agent bulletin the latest training & booking incentive opportunities

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the TripBarometer study also identified six new typologies of travellers based on travel motivations and behaviours: Value seekers - Often travelling with children, they have a medium income and fall mostly into the 25-34-year-old age group. They particularly value babysitting services and kids clubs, and tend to do their travel research on their smartphone. Beach holidays are a favourite for this typology.

Luxury travellers - High earners who go away with their partner, they are most prevalent in the 25-49 age bracket. They like their trips to be hot and sunny, and check TripAdvisor before booking their accommodation. Preferred trips are beach and city breaks.

Social travellers - They would never consider taking a trip alone and choose to go away with friends and family. Babysitting services and kids clubs are popular amenities for this group. Very much influenced by word of mouth and recommendations, they tend to prefer beach holidays with friends. They seek hidden treasures and tend to fall into the 25-49-year-old age bracket, with a medium to high income.

Independent travellers - They love to go away solo and make all their travel choices completely independently. They seek adventure and rely heavily on online research to help them find it. Culture plays an important part in their choice, the climate does not. They are mostly low or high earners, falling in to the 25-49 age bracket.

Researchers - They spend a lot of time researching destinations, activities, restaurants and accommodations, usually on laptops, in order to find the best option for them. They are prepared to spend a little extra for something special. They are often high earners in the 25-49 age group who travel with a partner.

Habitual travellers - They tend to go to the same location over and over again, and therefore spend little time planning or researching. A holiday is more about relaxing than fun. Mostly male, they often go away by themselves and tend to be low earners in the 35-64 age bracket.

hotel bulletin new offers, promotions & developments for clients seeking a short break

london life a look at what’s new in the capital this month

poll bulletin your responses to our online poll on travel brochures

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croatia tourist office reveals UK visitor numbers are on the rise, plus a round-up of new holiday ideas

luxury holidays new offers, programme additions and packages for discerning customers

winter sun entice your clients to escape the cold with these winter warmers

November 4 2016

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easyJet’s winter schedule returns to Leeds Bradford Airport for sixth year THE WINTER ski season will again see easyJet return to Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) for a sixth year, with four weekly flights to Geneva.

The popular ski route from LBA will run from December 10 until April 13, offering quick and convenient access to the Alps for ski and snowboard lovers from across the region.

More than 20,000 seats will be available throughout the schedule, with prices starting at £32.99.

The airport's aviation development director, Tony Hallwood, said: “With the winter season upon us now, it’s fantastic to confirm the return of easyJet at LBA. Geneva is an incredibly popular leisure route through the winter season, as it’s ideally placed for ski and snowboard holiday breaks in Europe at good prices.

“As the region’s international airport, we are focused upon offering the very best schedules for all of our passengers to enjoy convenient access to Europe and beyond. We look forward to welcoming easyJet back at LBA for the winter season and offering their customers fantastic levels of service as they fly in and out of LBA.” For details see easyjet.com and leedsbradfordairport.co.uk

LEGOLAND Dubai unveils world’s tallest LEGO building structure LEGOLAND DUBAI has unveiled the world’s tallest LEGO building structure: Burj Khalifa in MINILAND. Standing at 17 metres tall (a record-breaker for a model of a building), the Burj Khalifa LEGO includes a creative LED light show, as well as a recreation of the real building’s world famous fountain show. The structure was designed and built in more than 5,000 hours using 439,000 LEGO bricks.

The theme park is designed for families with children aged two-12

and features more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions and 15,000 LEGO model structures made from more than 60 million LEGO bricks.

The resort also offers six themed lands - LEGO CITY, ADVENTURE, KINGDOMS, IMAGINATION, FACTORY and MINILAND - each unique in their design, entertainment and playful learning experience.

For more information see LEGOLAND.ae and DubaiParksandResorts.com

Adventures in Myanmar from On The Go

KITT-ED OUT…Destination St. Kitts and Nevis took its annual roadshow to London and Chester last month, hosting travel agents and tour operators, with a delegation that included the Ministers of Tourism; tourism officials from both islands and island partners/UK reps representing hotels, DMC’s and travel services.

Pictured picking up an Ottley’s gift bag at the London event, courtesy of Juliet Lodde (left) representing Ottley's Plantation is Nicole Eagles from American Express Vacations.

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ON THE Go Tours has launched three newly curated tours in Myanmar that are ideal for clients seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

With prices starting from £335 per person, visitors can now explore the country’s untouched landscape and get a glimpse of how life was for much of Asia decades ago.

Ranging from five to 14 days, the itineraries showcase the best of the destination, including the stupa-filled plains of Bagan, the picturesque floating villages of Inle Lake and the traditional Burmese culture of Mandalay.

With departure dates throughout this year and next, each tour starts and ends in the vibrant city of Yangon, home to the largest collection of surviving colonial architecture in all of South East Asia.

As an example of prices, a five-day Yangon City Stay tour showcases Yangon’s highlights, beginning with a visit to the famous Botataung Pagoda featuring a 40metre high golden stupa with a hollow inside. Travellers can walk through the maze-like walkway and marvel through the glass that showcases ancient relics and artifacts. Explorers will then delve deeper into the temples of Myanmar, visiting the Chaukhtatgyi Paya, a 65-metre long reclining Buddha and the Shwedagon Pagoda adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf. The tour continues with a ferry ride across the Yangon River to Dala Village where travellers can experience authentic rural life in Myanmar before heading back to Yangon. Prices start from £335 per person.

For details see onthegotours.com or call 020-7371 1113.

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MANCHESTER MATES...The Global Travel Group's autumn training schedule got underway last month with a one day training event at the Copthorne Hotel in Salford, Manchester. With more than a dozen suppliers conducting training across their travel products, agents received one-on-one meetings during the day's speed-networking sessions. Pictured is Darren Bond (centre), the travel consortium's sales and business development manager for the north, with four of the agents who boosted their travel knowledge at the free training day - from the left: Lisa McGovern, Holiday Explorer; Jessica Matthews, Myriad Travel; and Elizabeth Barrett and Emma Yardley, Eccelentia Travel.

Launch of Amour aims to cater to romance travel WORLDWIDE EVENTS, producers of travel trade shows including the Meeting & Incentive Forums and PRIVATE Luxury Forums, has unveiled its latest offering to the industry, Amour - a dedicated event to ‘marry up’ romance travel specialists and destination wedding planners with the world’s romantic experience providers.

Taking place from February 12-15, 2017 in Venice, Italy, the three-day event will provide hotels, resorts and wedding venues with the opportunity to meet with pre-selected romance travel buyers.

Attendees include 100 global buyers, consisting of destination wedding planners, honeymoon specialists and romance travel specialists; private travel designers, high-end travel agencies, lifestyle management specialists, concierge companies and tour operators.

Alongside this will be 100 global suppliers such as tourist boards and DMCs, plus a mix of both independent and well-known hotel, resort and venue brands, ensuring buyers have exclusive access to both Ever yday low big industry names and more boutique offerings. deposit Great value holidays for Each event buyer is fully hosted including £ pp* Winter 16/17 accommodation and flights and suppliers can also benefit from an all-inclusive package.

Unbeatable flexibility – Monarch scheduled flights and 1000’s of As part of the event, the organisers are also launching hotels, villas and apar tmen nt s Destination exper ts – Our Holiday Concierge ser vice available 24/7 the inaugural Love Travel Awards – the first trade Fully AT TOL protected – Your customers’ money is safe when you awards exclusively recognising the most romantic hotels book a holiday with Monarch and venues around the world. A vote put to international Visit Monarchagents.co.uk for Holidays, Flights & Hotels travel professionals will determine who will take home the 20 accolades at the awards ceremony, to be held on February 13 during Amour.

Andy Price, the company's event director, said: “There are so many reasons to travel for romance today, from honeymoons, anniversaries and vow renewals to babymoons and the simple need to share some alone time together experiencing something magical. But, although the romance travel industry is booming, there are currently very few ways for buyers and suppliers in the industry to connect with one another. To bring the industry together, we have created an annual event where genuine partnerships can be made.

“We’ve received very positive feedback so far with many of the world’s finest resorts such as Soneva Fushi, Maldives and Armani Dubai already signing up. We look forward to welcoming many more industry representatives on board over the coming months to enjoy Amour and generate those crucial business relationships.”

For more information see amourforum.com and lovetravelawards.com

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New app launch from Virgin Trains helps consumers navigate rail stations VIRGIN TRAINS has launched a global first in rail travel technology with its new Explorer app which helps customers on its east coast route navigate their way around stations to locate friends, shops and platforms.

The app also enables real time automatic sign translation for international customers to read signs in their own language. Planned updates include messaging capability, baggage tracking and real time travel data.

Additionally, features which will enable independent navigation for the visually impaired, are planned for the future. These include audio cues guiding customers around the station, routing through optimum paths (e.g. lifts versus stairs), and location-based notifications, such as “you are on the right train”.

The app is free for IOS and Android users to download and will initially launch at King’s Cross before rolling out to all stations on the east coast route later this year.

Jet2.com & Jet2holidays announce biggest ever winter programme JET2.COM and Jet2holidays have announced the launch of their biggest winter flights and holidays programme for 2017/18, with the addition of more than one million extra seats for the winter 2017/18 programme, with 11 new routes, more flights and extended season lengths to popular destinations.

In total 3.3 million seats are now on sale, giving agency partners access to a choice of 30 winter warmers, cool cities and super ski destinations across the Mediterranean and Europe.

The programme means Jet2holidays is offering its largest winter range, with agents able to access value package breaks across thousands of two- to five-star hotels, with Jet2.com flights (22kg baggage allowance) and transfers included, through a £60 per person deposit. The operator also includes free infant places on all holidays.

Next winter will see the operator and airline operate their first winter services from its two new bases Stansted and Birmingham. The programme also features 11 new routes including Geneva and Salzburg

from Stansted; Madeira from Edinburgh; Turin from Leeds Bradford; and Madeira, Grenoble, Geneva, Salzburg, Turin, Krakow and Prague from Birmingham.

Alan Cross, the operator's head of trade, said: “Our biggest ever winter programme gives travel agents everything, from brand new routes, to more choice than ever on flights and package holidays to fantastic winter sun, ski and city break destinations. This comes just one month before our annual VIP travel agent conference in Cyprus where we’ll be showcasing everything that Jet2holidays can offer, and our winter 2017/18 programme will play a huge part in that.”

For further information see trade.jet2holidays.com

• WIN A gorgeous Louis Vuitton Passport Holder worth $320 with Fashion Show & Grand Canal Shoppes, Las Vegas • VIDEO BOX: learn more about BookYourWeddingDay.com • £100 WORTH of Love2Shop vouchers to be won courtesy of the new Hard Rock Hotel opening in Tenerife • FIVE SPARKLING prizes to be won with the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Austria

PAWS UP...The Resort at Paws Up and Virgin Atlantic Airways/Delta Airlines recently partnered together to host a fam trip for a group of luxury tour operators to The Resort at Paws Up in Montana and Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, to help promote the launch of new direct flights from Heathrow to Salt Lake City. Pictured taking part in one of the activities - clay shooting - are, from the left: Caroline Beckett, Elegant Resorts; Natasha Esson: Cedar Tree PR; Sarah Parker, Azure; Drew Bigda, Paws Up; Diana Cherry, Oxford Private Travel; Tania RosalesSobrevilla, Delta Airlines; Louise Furniss, Eden Collection; Ruby Briggs, North America Travel Service; Jessica Read, Carrier; Frangelica Flook, Cedar Tree PR; and Patrick Griffin, Wexas.

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

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Just You launches travel trade solo experience JUST YOU has announced its single, largest investment to support the travel trade with the launch of 200 joint marketing events to promote solo travel.

The company's group sales director, Colin Wilson, says that plans to team up with the travel trade include hosting a series of joint events to help sell the single travel experience, currently the fastest growing type of holiday.

He said: “Following on from what was highlighted at ABTA’s recent Travel Convention, single travel continues to grow in popularity at an exponential rate. We have been taking solo travellers on holiday for more than ten years, so we are best placed to help the travel trade sell the solo experience.

“We have run similar events in the past and they have proven to be a huge success for the agents, with many agents taking bookings for solo travel after these experience days. For the upcoming events we will provide full support in terms of a marketing toolkit and will have a representative at every event to inspire the customers and our trade partners.”

Escorted tours for the single traveller are now one of the fastest growing types of group travel according to Mintel, with long-term predictions indicating that the singles population is expected to grow twice as fast as the nonsingles population between 2008 and 2033.

Agents interested in the company's marketing events should call 01858-588406 or email jyevents@alh.co.uk

SIX SENSES LAAMU MALDIVES PRICES UNTIL DEC 17 NOW AV AVAILABLE FREE NIGHTS - Sta ay y 7 Pay 6 – Stay 14 P Pa ay 12 EARLLY BIRD - 6 60 0 day ys prior and receive 10% Valid for stays in selected periods between 01 Nov – 21 Dec 17 HALF BOARD OFFER Book an ny y category for 7 nights and receive Upgrade from BB to Half Board Valid V alid for stays between 23 Apr 17 – 30 Sep 17

THULHAGIRI ISLAND RESORT T MALDIVES EARLLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS 90 days prior to arrival = 15% Discount 60 days prior i to arriivall = 10% Dis Di count Valid for stays between 01 Nov 16 – 31 Oct 17 FREE NIGHTS – Stay 7 Pay 6 & Stay 14 Pay 12 Valid for stays between 15 May – 15 Jun 17

New Bulgaria flight takes off from GLA BALKAN HOLIDAYS is adding a new Saturday flight from Glasgow to Bourgas, on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast next summer.

The operator has also announced details of new hotels offered for the first time in its summer 2017 second edition brochure featuring Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro The new Saturday Glasgow flight will operate from mid June to the end of July and will be in addition to the existing Sunday and Thursday departures from Glasgow.

New accommodation choices include a selection of four- and five-star properties, most of which are in Bulgaria, while early booking discounts and ‘thousands’ of free child places are available, along with loyalty discounts and special offers.

Prices lead in at £259 for a seven-night holiday at Hotel Arda in Sunny Beach including flights from Gatwick next September.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

MAKUNUDU ISLAND RESORT MALDIVES WINTER DISCOUNTS Receive 10% Dicount on R Room oom R Ra ates Valid for all stays between 01 Nov – 21 Dec 16 and 11 Jan – 30 Apr 17 SUMM MER MEAL UPGRADE OFFER Boo ok by 30 Apr 17 and receive: Upgrade from Half Board to Full Board Valid for all stays between 01 May – 31 Oct 17

ANGAGA ISLAND RESORT MALDIVES Discounted Room Ra Rates!

Valid for all stays between 01 Nov – 27 Dec 16 EARLLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS 90 days prior to arrival = 15% Discount 60 days prior to arrival = 10% Discount Valid for stays between 01 Nov 16 – 31 Oct 17 FREE NIGHTS – Stay 7 P Pa ay 6 & Sta ay y 14 Pay 12 Valid for stays between 01 Dec – 27 Dec 16 and 01 Jun – 20 Jul 17

SRI LANKA - MAURITIUS - SEYCHELLES - INDIA - UAE - CARIBBEAN IBBEAN Over 230 hotels and a selection of tours available on our website ebsite Including exclusive offers for Winter 2016/17 and Summer 2017

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www.osborneandebel.com om All above offers are subject to availability.

TTer erms & Conditionss Apply

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

G

OOD NEWS that all is ok with Monarch - let’s all be

positive now. I can’t be doing with as soon as there is something mentioned that is a bit negative, everyone wants to get on the bandwagon and heap more things on instead of being positive. I must admit, I do keep away from negative people - they seem to drain you - give me ‘happy and positive’ any day!

WTM is fast approaching and I’ve got my rail tickets to go down to the big city - I’ve not been for about 15 years! I thought I would park myself with Sandra Bruce, SandyBeach International as she is with people from Casale Panayiotis Traditional Village, Cyprus & three five-star hotels: St.Raphael Resort & Spa, Cyprus, Mykonos Grand, Mykonos & Petasos Beach Resort & Spa and the ERMIA Group of hotels. What a great atmosphere that will be - can’t wait to meet them all!

Was catching up with Diogo Castenheira who is loving his newish job with Hainan Airways who, by the way are privately owned, which is unusual and makes for a more personal service I think. He was telling me about some of the things they offer which is probably why they have been winners of a five-star Airline rating by Skytrax for the last six years, as well as winners of 2015 World Travel Awards ‘World’s Best Cabin Service’. They are the first direct scheduled service to China outside of London, with prices from £460 return including taxes. They offer a personal entertainment system with 100+ movies (hope that includes some of my favourite Steven Seagal films!), 50+ TV series and 750 music albums etc. These would certainly make the ten hour flight pass quickly. If you are in Business Class the seats are 74” pitch and 180-degree flatbed seats with full bed turndown service – sounds more like a hotel! Especially with Michelin Star food from Chef Richard Phillips. They also offer a personal limo service to Business Class passengers within a 45-mile radius of Manchester Airport which I always think is a great selling point.

Decided I needed some sun so I’m going to Hurghada on November 11 with Red Sea Holidays - staying at the Siva Grand Beach Hotel. I can’t wait to go and prove that it is ok to visit these holiday destinations.

‘The best vitamin for making friends – B1’ and ‘If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished’.

by SANDRA MURRAY in Normanton, Yorkshire

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

November 4 2016

NEWS BITES ● ANA AND Vietnam Airlines have launched a codeshare partnership and

frequent flyer programmes. The partnership will initially cover ten international routes, linking Japan and Vietnam. In addition, it will link 25 principal domestic routes in both countries, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently throughout the region. The frequent flyer partnership will allow members of the ANA Mileage Club (AMC) and Lotusmiles to accumulate miles on codeshare flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and ANA. They will also have the opportunity to redeem rewards on all the airlines' marketed and operated flights. ● HATTON SHOPPING Village, part of Hatton Country World in Warwickshire, is

to host late night shopping evenings on December 2, 9 and 16 until 20:30.

Shoppers can enjoy special discounts in selected shops from 17:00, an appearance from Father Christmas, hog roast, festive music, mulled punch and mince pies, carol singing and real live reindeer. Christmas markets take place every weekend from November 19 through to December 18 and every Friday from December 2-16 and December 19-22. ● EMIRATES HAS completed a US$11million makeover of its Business Class lounge

at Dubai International Airport. The project took two years to complete and is part of the airline’s continuous investment to improve and upgrade its products.

Dome design tops new innovations at sea on P&O Cruises' new ship A MAJOR new entertainment hub called The Dome will be among the star attractions to feature on the biggest cruise ship built for Britain.

Featuring a clear sky dome, a pool with a retractable stage, water feature and whirlpools, The Dome will act as an allweather venue for all day entertainment and informal dining.

At night The Dome – one of four primary entertainment spaces on P&O Cruises' new 180,000 ton ship – will come alive with aerial performances, projection onto the roof and immersive shows.

An uninterrupted half-mile Promenade around the ship on Deck 8 provides easy access to al fresco dining at a range of restaurants and relaxation areas under shaded pavilion awnings.

Glass walls spanning three decks will allow natural light into the atrium, the central heartbeat and focal point of the 5,200guest ship Cutting-edge designers and architects will work on creating the next generation ship, the first new-build in five years when it enters service in early summer 2020, and guests will have access to a host of dining, entertainment, socialising and relaxation options including 17 places to eat, seven speciality restaurants, 13 entertainment venues; and four swimming pools.

The line's senior vice president, Paul Ludlow, said: “Choice, flexibility and the ability to create individual holiday experiences on board will be at the heart of the new ship which, thanks to an innovative use of space, will offer an extensive range of dining, entertainment and relaxing areas.

“Understanding the psychographic - the mindset - of our current and future guests is the key – acknowledging and realising what they want from a holiday and then providing it for them.

“Our vision is to offer the next generation of British guests the holiday of a lifetime on the next generation of P&O Cruises ships. This new ship will bring an array of new cruising experiences to guests and attract newcomers to our brand, whilst instantly resonating with forward-thinking guests.”

For more information visit pocruises.co.uk or visit your local travel agent.

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Booking incentives ● Cosmos Tours is supporting agents in the run

up to the festive period with a new Love2shop booking incentive across all brands, as well as a range of customer savings and benefits including a free case of premium wines. Agents making a booking by November 30 with Avalon Waterways, Cosmos Tours & Cruises or Archers Holidays will earn £20 in vouchers for every booking made.

For details call 0800-440 2797 or see cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk and avaloncruises.co.uk

● AgeNTs bookiNg a superbreak Christmas or New

Year package between now and November 30 can take advantage of a range of treats for themselves and their customers. For agents, the company is offering a Cadbury's hamper every week through November to the best agents who actively promote festive breaks through their social media channels. Agents can also win a team night out up to the value of £100 as part of the operator's weekly festive window competition. For customers, the operator is giving away a £20 voucher towards a second break with every Christmas or New Year short break package booked before march 31, 2017.

● AgeNTs WiLL have the opportunity to

experience their own hot tub break as part of the latest promotional campaign from Hoseasons. To celebrate November being Hot Tub month, four breaks around the uk are up for grabs as part of the giveaway. To be in with a chance of winning, agents need to register every booking they confirm between now and December 4. Four prize winners will be randomly drawn on December 7. Agents should email their booking reference along with their name, travel agency name and AbTA number to agency.sales@hoseasons.co.uk by December 5.

● ATTrACTioN WorLD is giving agents a £5

Love2shop voucher with every New York booking made, plus the chance to win one of ten ViP goodie bags filled with authentic goods from the big Apple itself. For a chance to win, agents need to make a booking between November 18 and December 15 and email the reference to win@attractionworld.com to claim their voucher and enter the draw to win a goodie bag. bookings must be a minimum value of £99 to qualify and all departure dates apply.

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AGENT TRAINING Celebrity Cruises is delivering point-of-sale toolkits to consortia member agents up and down the UK to support them in selling holidays. More than 100 agents (based on their luxury client base, in-depth knowledge of the cruise sector and their continued support of the line) will receive toolkits including Suite Class freestanding totem signage, eye catching cube stacks and Suite Class desk stands. Agents can choose the type of point of sale that works best for their individual store and the company is also encouraging them to post pictures of them and their toolkit on social media using #celebritylovesagents

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FRENCH FRIENDS...Pictured on their way to next week's World Travel Market are a team of tourism specialists from the Hauts de France, as the new region in Northern France which comprises Nord, Pas-de-Calais and Picardie is now called. The team is encouraging the trade to visit them at the show to discuss new developments and the many historic sites just across the Channel. Pictured are, from the left: Lydie Rault, Delphine Bartier, Benoît Dieval, Katia Breton and Felicity Irwin.

British Airways plans to launch New Orleans route from March 2017 FROM MARCH 26, 2017 British Airways will launch a four times weekly service from Heathrow to New Orleans - the only airline flying direct between Europe and the Louisiana city.

The route will be operated by a three-class Boeing 787-8, with return fares in World Traveller starting from £599, £899 in World Traveller Plus and £1,749 in Club World.

Sean Doyle, the carrier's director of networks and alliances, said: "We are really excited to be adding New Orleans to our extensive global network. It's a city that boasts an iconic music and arts scene and plays host to more than 130 festivals a year, including the world famous Mardi Gras.

"Holidaymakers can enjoy the jazz and blues music trails, visit the historic sugarcane plantations, cruise down the Mississippi River or relax on the unspoilt Gulf Shores and Orange Beaches which are just a short drive away. More than 80,000 visitors head to Louisiana and New Orleans every year and we are confident this route will be a big hit with British tourists as well as business travellers."

IHG adds to growing boutique portfolio across Europe INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS Group (IHG) has announced the signing of Hotel Indigo Milan - Corso Monforte the brand’s second Italian location, joining Hotel Indigo Rome – St George which opened in 2014.

Scheduled to open in early 2018 under a franchise agreement with Amapa Group, the historic palace building will be converted into a hotel featuring 55 rooms, a destination restaurant, courtyard and a leisure and fitness centre.

Situated in the city-centre, just ten

minutes from Milan’s Duomo and La Scala, the hotel will be in an ideal location for guests to explore the local neighbourhood and its design will draw on inspiration from the local area, which has established a long history in the fields of fashion, textile and design.

IHG has 31 hotels open across Italy, including Hotel Indigo Rome – St George, with a further hotel in the development pipeline, InterContinental Venice Palazzo Nani, which was signed earlier this year.

Travel 2 launches exclusive partnership with Insight Vacations TRAVEL 2 has partnered with Insight Vacations to become the only sales agent for the touring specialist’s luxury product for independent agents in the UK. ‘Luxury Touring curated by Insight Vacations’ launched last month with a new dedicated brochure, and the partnership will be fulfilled by a dedicated touring team within Travel 2’s Glasgow sales centre.

The addition of the new product will further complement the operator's touring portfolio, which will allow agents a greater choice of luxury tailor–made touring getaways that include flying with some of the world’s leading airlines from regional departure airports and unrivalled pre- and post-hotel or cruise options.

The programme features 38 escorted journeys across Europe, North and South America, India, Southeast Asia and Australasia, including 15 new luxury itineraries, nine new countries, two new continents and a new volunteerism product for the first time in 2017. The hallmarks of a Luxury Touring holiday include exclusive VIP and behind-the-scenes experiences – such as a private dinner and tour of Graceland with Elvis’ close friend, coupled with epicurean dining in the finest restaurants and the services of a 24/7 Travelling Concierge. All Luxury Touring holidays also include private chauffeured VIP door-to-door pick up.

Agents will also benefit from competitive commission levels and access to the company's T2 Rewards Scheme.

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puzzlebulletin

Su Doku

Where Am I?

Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 042

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, November 10th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 21st October is Beverly Clarke, Spear Travels in Warwickshire.

October 21st Solution: A=6 B=7 C=4 D=2

Crossword

Surrounded by mountains, this small far eastern village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

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

Number: 042

Across 1. Tailor made luxury holidays specialist (5) 4. Street cat appearing at a cinema near you (3) 7. The CN Tower is a popular tourist attraction in this city (7) 8. Cruise company, ___ Hellenic (4) 9. First name of singer currently promoting yogurt on TV (6) 11. World's largest sand island off the coast of Queensland (6) 13. Ferry operator, ___ Seaways (4) 16. Tallinn is the capital (7) 17. Stansted international airport code (3) 18. Flows through the Border region of Scotland and England (5)

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Down 1. Regal sounding American rock band, keeping it in the family (5,2,4) 2. Greek letter, sounds like a luxury timepiece (5) 3. Trade association for airlines (4) 4. German city (6) 5. Eyes Down to begin this game (5) 6. Providence is the state capital (5,6) 10. Liverpool's airport is named for this Beatle (6) 12. Car rental comparison company, Holiday ___ (5) 14. Brown's Hotel is part of the Rocco __ group (5) 15. Currency of Thailand (4)

For the solution to the Crossword and Where Am I? Please see page 30 November 4 2016

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

Let’s get back to record sales says TED WAKE, deputy chairman, AITO Specialist Travel Agents

I

ENJOY reading stats; I love the way they dispel myths and help us focus on what is really happening in our businesses.

As the year draws to a close, it is the perfect time to study booking patterns (a record +6% at Kirker, in case you were wondering) to ensure we have the right strategy in place for next year; 2017 is likely to be challenging and unpredictable, not only for the travel sector. Record sales for example – as in the sale of music on vinyl records – are currently enjoying something of a resurgence, and the UK music industry anticipates 12 months of vinyl sales in 2016 to exceed total sales achieved in the previous decade.

That’s an impressive result for any business.

However, before you switch from being an independent travel expert to becoming an independent record producer, you should know that my pop star cousin Frank Turner says that he has to subsidise every vinyl sale through funding earned from his punishing schedule of more than 150 gigs every year.

In the travel business, we sometimes worry about the ‘dramatic changes’ in technology that we have had to cope with in order to survive, forgetting that many industries have had to face similar challenges. Spare a thought for the 21st century music business: there are no short cuts – the only way to make ends meet is to spend the whole year living out of a suitcase as you travel around the globe from one live gig to the next. I am not sure Frank’s mother would recommend pop music as a career path. He always looks pretty exhausted at Christmas – and we all now know that the only way he can make money is to fill venues like the O2 and Wembley (where his devoted mother enjoyed

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November 4 2016

a one-off solo part on the harmonica).

As Kirker celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2016, what are the key ‘record’ results we need to focus on to ensure we are primed for the next 30 years of success? Recent highlights on my list of top destinations include a 200% increase in sales of short breaks to the Baltic States. However, fond as I am of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, you need to know that, like vinyl, marketing costs need to be subsidised by more popular destinations such as France, Spain and Italy.

And, since NATO announced a 100% increase in the number of troops deployed in the Baltics, sales might slip back a little…

The secret of future success will be a combination of careful planning, astute promotion of key destinations, brilliant partnerships with some of the best independent travel agents, and plenty of training, which rather neatly enables me to mention AITO’s January Conference (January 7-8, 2017). This 24-hour event has been a sellout success for the last five years and, if you haven’t yet booked, there are still spaces. The AITO partnership recognises that the secret of success for the UK’s top independent agents and operators is not about market dominance or the cheapest prices – but is all about matching the right tailor-made experience to discerning travellers who understand that a brilliant holiday experience is priceless - and worth every penny.

I must sign off now to send my Christmas wish list to Santa: 1. A Soft Brexit 2. A Strong Pound 3. A vinyl record of Frank’s new album and 4. Just in case he calls me up on stage during the next gig…a harmonica. Now that would be a record to remember!

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● CHAMPNEYS HAS announced its expansion plan with the acquisition of Eastwell Manor, Kent. The hotel group will operate the historic hotel under the title of Champneys at Eastwell and will provide quality, expert-led health and beauty offerings in line with its other health spa resorts. The hotel comprises 62 bedrooms and suites, two restaurants, a spa and leisure facilities. ● ALPHONSE ISLAND in the Seychelles has opened to offer 22 beach bungalows and five beach villas, along with a beach bar and restaurant plus a selection of activities and excursions. For details email marketing@alphosne-island.com

THE RECENTLY opened 80-room Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet MGallery by Sofitel, located in the heart of Paris’ picturesque Bastille region, is offering rooms from 199 euros (approximately £178) per room, per night on a room only basis, with an additional 26 euros (£23) for breakfast. The five-star hotel features a chocolate theme - a nod towards its history as a chocolate factory - and reflected in one of its Signature spa treatments which uses cocoa oil. Other facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, hammam, fitness room and a rooftop terrace offering views over the city. For details or to make a booking see http://tinyurl.com/j3bswty

RIU's Cancun property reopened as adult-only hotel with new facilities RIU HOTELS & Resorts has reopened the Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancún, Mexico following a total renovation to introduce it as an adult-only hotel by modernising the facilities and adding new services.

The hotel, built in 2004 on the beach of Playa de Cancún, maintains some of its most singular elements, such as its majestic columns, crystal lamps, wood ornaments and luxurious marble panelling. But at the same time, its new style is fresh and contemporary, thanks to the introduction of new materials, colours and designs, both in its 372 rooms and in the common zones and the lobby and restaurant.

To make the hotel 'adult-only', the chain has introduced exclusive services with added value: a welcoming glass of

Champagne, concierge service, a bathrobe, plus other options (for an additional charge) such as a special wine list and a romantic dinner on the beach.

Guests also have free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, including the swimming pool and the beach zone, and premium alcohol at all bars and in the dispensers in the rooms.

As additional novelties, a zone dedicated to pastries and icecream can be found in the lobby, while 'Lounge 24' bar will also offer snacks and beverages at night. Similarly, the buffet restaurant area and terrace have been expanded for enjoying lunch and dinner al fresco style, and the swimming pools and garden areas have also been renovated.

In total, the hotel group has invested $12million as part of its strategic plan to renovate all of its hotels.

Westin Hotels & Resorts opens 135-room Cairo Golf Resort & spa property WESTIN HOTELS and Resorts, part of Marriott International, has opened The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes.

The resort and spa is located in the prestigious, residential community of Katameya Dunes and is anchored by a 27-hole championship golf course.

The company's global brand leader, Brian Povinelli, said: “As the second Westin hotel to open in Egypt this year, we are thrilled to introduce the brand in Cairo and inspire a new level of well-being for our guests’ before, during and after their stay."

Each of the 135 guestrooms offer views of the landscape that surround the grounds, from verdant fairways to meandering lagoons, and three dining options are available, including a pool bar, golf club bar and Paloma – an allday Mediterranean restaurant that features an open-kitchen.

The 3,000sq.m 'Heavenly Spa by Westin' offers ten therapy rooms and two couple suites, as well as state-of-theart facilities, including a high-tech steam room, rain shower and sauna.

For more information visit westin.com/cairokatameyadunes

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Fred. Olsen’s New and Improved

TRAVEL AGENT CENTRE fredolsencruises.com/travel-agent-centre

£ £ £

Book Now

Latest Offers

Newsfeed

With dry dock refurbishments and product improvements, new itineraries taking guests on journeys of discovery and new awards being won, there’s always something different to find out about at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Now you can find out everything about the latest deals, stories and campaigns all in one place, whenever you want it on the redeveloped and improved Travel Agent Centre.

The site has a brand new look and feel with some exciting extra features.

The ‘News’ section has now been rebuilt, with a live rolling newsfeed to keep you totally up to date with all things Fred.

Olsen. To improve our communication to you, the news

Incentives

Training

stories will be added as soon as they are released. And every Wednesday a newsletter gives you a snapshot of the week, with links for you to find out more.

There’s also a better way to find out about all of our special offers. Just login, and click on the ‘Cruise Offers’ tab at the top of the page. This will highlight the week’s new offers, the weekly recommended focus cruises and a deals update.

You can also download the Hot Offer Poster.

That’s not all, there’s also a new Cruise Search option and an improved online poster design facility too. With the new Travel Agent Centre you never have to miss out on anything Fred. Olsen.

To sign up for our Newsletter, visit our new dedicated agent website at fredolsencruises.com/travel-agent-centre or call Trade Support on 01473 746 164

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Hotel Updates Dukes London in Mayfair is now welcoming doggy guests and their owners in five-star style. Four-legged friends can benefit from a personalised experience, like their owners, with a 24-hour dog sitting and dog walking service, dog grooming package, recommended walking routes, plus treats such as a special ‘doggy menu’ with all the trimmings. A dog package starts from £25 per night, per dog, with other options available at a charge. The maximum dog weight of 24kg is accepted and nightly rates for guests start from £311 including breakfast, with a complimentary room upgrade. Visit dukeshotel.com

● ATTRACTION

NEWS City Cruises will launch a Burlesque Cabaret Cruise on November 19, with additional dates to be announced in the New Year.

The three-hour cruise will be hosted by the fabulous Lady Alex and features a live burlesque show with scintillating circus acts, daring dancing and plenty of sass. Passengers can lose themselves in the show whilst sailing along the river and passing some of London's most famous sights. In addition to the performances, guests will be greeted with a glass of bubbly and will dine on a three- course dinner. Prices are £85 per person. Visit citycruises.com/specialevents/burlesque-cabaretcruise

The Wellesley, situated in Knightsbridge, is offering complimentary handy smartphones to guests for the duration of their stay, enabling them to make local and international phone calls, enjoy unlimited internet access, use a range of apps to navigate the city and capture their trip using the camera function. The introduction follows the successful launch of a WhatsApp service and joins the hotel’s existing complimentary offerings including a RollsRoyce drop-off service and butler service for all rooms and suites. Visit thewellesley.co.uk

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts’ three London properties are inviting guests to get into the festive spirit with a series of yuletide offerings. Jumeirah Carlton Tower will be serving up Festive Afternoon Tea from November 20 to December 31 - served daily from 15:00 to 18:00 - with live music from the hotel's resident harpist. At Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, guests can indulge in a Winter Sparkler cocktail of Prosecco, reduced mulled wine and winter berries, or learn how to mix their own festive tipple with a private mixology class costing from £35 per person. For a Celtic-inspired evening out with friends or colleagues, guests should head to Jumeirah Carlton Tower for the Scottish Winter Terrace. From November 20 to January 25, The Rib Room Bar and Terrace will be transformed into a cosy Scottish retreat with carefully crafted cocktails, inventive bar bites, tastings, masterclasses and live music. Visit jumeirah.com

ESPA Life at the Corinthia Hotel London is to launch a Nurture & Support Programme supported by Wellness for Cancer, where a new collection of nurturing face and body rituals underpinned by an extensive training programme will be made available to select ESPA spa partners. Sue Harmsworth, ESPA founder and chairman, said: “I'm so pleased to finally be able to share this pioneering programme. I've felt passionate for a long time that we need to create specially designed nurturing, soothing and relaxing rituals for those experiencing any of the countless different symptoms, degrees and stages of cancer - and this is finally now a reality.”

● TRANSPORT Heathrow Express has added BBC World News to its onboard service to provide one-minute news and business bulletins on the 15-minute journey to and from Heathrow and Paddington. The bulletins will be delivered through the existing Express TV service, positioned on screens throughout First and Express Class. At weekends, the news channel’s travel and technology programmes - The Travel Show and Click - will be shown.

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pollbulletin It seems that the overwhelming majority of you who voted in the latest online bulletin poll were in favour of operators retaining their brochures and not making the leap to all things digital. We asked…Should operators follow Thomson & First Choice's lead and ditch holiday brochures in favour of in-store digital experiences? You said…

“

“

“We have recently had a shop rebfurb and our shop is filled with

“People still like to take details home and a lot of people don't have the

wonderful, exciting brochures that clients love to peruse. They give

time to sit in store and talk to someone for any length of time. A lot of

ideas and inspiration to them and to us. It would be very sad to see

people are very cautious and like to compare hotels without having the

“

them disappear. Do operators really believe everyone wants to search

pressure of a travel agent in front of them waiting for a decision. Many

online through e brochures? Nightmare!”

customers may also get agitated at the length of time they are having to

“

Claire Donnelly, Garstang Travel

wait to see someone/use the in-store electronics if it’s busy, especially on weekends.”

Kayleigh Cox, Business Travel Direct

through a brochure, and it helps us as a selling tool. Not everyone

“ “

wants to look at everything on a computer screen, and it gives our eyes a break too!”

Anneka Bones, Southern Cross Travel

“

“

“We get a lot of customers asking for the brochures. Also because

“

“

“We have seen more customers over the last year keen to look

1/3 of people are not on the internet” Nicholas John Lee, Broadland Travel

“

“I have voted against as I still think people like to take a brochure

“Yes! The amount of brochure wastage is amazing and I'm just a

home with them especially the older generation.”

Karen Manners, Pole Travel

homeworker and I do not have a single client who asks for a

“ “

brochure - they all ask for a link to the specific operator/hotel website.”

Dan Wick, DW Travel Services

“ “

“Not everyone is tech savvy nor do they all want to sit in a store looking at a computer.”

Kelly Westerman, Icelolly.com

“I believe clients like tangible products; people like to feel and touch things, it’s human nature. Brochures bring the product to life and not everyone is technically minded -

“

“There is nothing better than a brochure; customers trust what through pictures on a screen.”

Vicky Hannaford, Holidaymakers

“

they can see and read in front of them rather than scrolling

Waterstones would be out of business!”

Jo Richards, Tivoli Travel

“

most people still prefer books or places like WHSmiths and

“

“In an ever changing world, brochures are becoming a thing of the

past. They become out of date as soon as they are printed and have

a huge impact on the environment to produce and then be thrown out when they are replaced with yet another new edition. Digital content with live pricing and interactive media is definitely the way

“

“I voted against as when you’re planning your holiday there is nothing better than collecting the brochures then sitting and looking though

“

them - and even after you've booked – people keep referring to it as it’s exciting!”

Kirsten Lancaster, Good Travel Management

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November 4 2016

“

“Customers like to flick back and forth in a brochure and jot notes on relevant pages. Agents also find a brochure easier to flick through than a computer screen, especially if you have a customer in front of you.”

Tara Spillard, Dartmouth Travel

“

Stephen Thompson, Hays Travel

“

forward.”

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Split

Tourist board welcomes increase in overnight stays from UK visitors THE CROATIAN National Tourist Board recently released its official tourism statistics for the first half of 2016, revealing a 24% increase in overnight stays from UK visitors compared to 2015.

More than 36 million people globally have stayed overnight in Croatia in the first seven months of this year, and from January to July there were 1,510,829 overnight stays from UK visitors.

Overall, the coastal regions remain the favourite with 7,345,402 arrivals between January and July, an increase of 9.4% compared to the same period in 2015. Within the Adriatic areas, Istria is the most popular county with 2.1 million arrivals (11.6% growth). Continental Croatia saw a growth of 7.9% with a total of 1,048,379 tourist arrivals.

The destination has also seen a significant increase of more than 50% in Nautical Tourism arrivals from the UK in the first eight months of 2016 compared to the same period last year, highlighting its increasing popularity as a sailing

destination thanks to its long coastline and picturesque islands.

Ivona Grgan, UK director for the destination’s national tourist office, said: “This year we have seen a large increase in visitors to Croatia which is a result of our thoughtfully designed promotional activities across the markets as well as our strategy of strengthening flight connections. This has resulted in increased awareness of Croatia as one of the top year-round holiday destinations.

“Croatia is the ideal choice due the country’s diversity.

The Adriatic coast offers sunny beaches, islands for nautical trips and antique heritage sites for culture seekers. The lesser known inland regions are home to many rivers, high mountains and national parks, the perfect backdrop for an adventure holiday such as cycling or hiking tours.”

For more destination information visit croatia.hr

SuperBreak adds selection of new hotels in Croatia SUPERBREAK HAS added eight new hotels to its portfolio of properties in Croatia.

Ranging from three- to five-star, the new properties can be combined with flights to create short break packages, which are ATOL protected and fully commissionable.

Resorts available include Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Split, Korcula, Baska Voda, Hvar and Vodice, and new hotels include the four-star Valmar Lacroma Hotel Dubrovnik with prices from £77 per person per night; the four-star Marko Polo Hotel on Korcula priced from £39.50; and the five-star Le Meriden Lav near Split priced from £83.

Visit superbreak.com/agents or call 01904-436000 for more information.

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croatia

Attraction World gets visitors feeling like a local on day trip to Cilipi ATTRACTION WORLD is offering visitors the opportunity to be part of the local village rituals in Cilipi.

Tours depart from Dubrovnik every Sunday at 07:45 and return at around 11:45, during which time visitors will head to the village and receive a warm, traditional greeting of grappa and figs.

They can then spend time browsing the market stalls and see the locals dressed in their Sunday best as they head to church. Everyone then gathers in the church square and local songs and dances from the region are performed.

‘Cilipi Folklore’ costs £37 per adult and £18 for a child aged between three and 11.

For an adventurous alternative, the operator is offering a half-day Sea Kayaking adventure on the Adriatic Sea. The day begins in the small port of Pile, beneath Fort Lovrjenac and, accompanied by instructors, clients will set off in kayaks to explore hidden islands and caves.

Upon reaching the hidden cave known as Betina they will break for refreshments and also have the opportunity to snorkel.

The experience costs £39 per adult and £21 per child.

Tucan Travel visits Croatia in new tours for 2017 NEW FOR 2017, Tucan Travel is offering a two-week discovery of the Balkans with a tour that starts and ends in Dubrovnik.

It includes highlights from seven diverse countries and visits to four UNESCO sites including the Stari Most Bridge in Mostar and a boat ride around Matka Canyon. Kalemegdan Citadel, a visit to Berat, entry to Blagaj Tekke and entry to Dubrovnik’s City Wall all feature on the 14-day itinerary which costs from

£1,459 per person.

Also new for next year is a two-week journey which combines a number of countries whilst travelling from Hungary to Croatia.

Starting in the cultural city of Budapest, guests can look forward to fortress tours and tranquil boat rides before visiting the bizarre landscapes of Devil’s Town in Serbia and walking the walls of Kruja in Albania.

Travellers will also take in the coastal

Saga reserves whole of new hotel for solo guests on island of Brac IN LINE with the increasing demand for solo holidays, Saga has reserved the whole of a new hotel in Croatia on two departure dates, to create an especially sociable atmosphere for solo guests.

Hotel Osam is a boutique hotel which opened in summer last year. Located on the island of Brac, it is set in the peaceful old town of Supetar and has an outdoor pool and views of the Adriatic. Brac is the largest of the Dalmatian coast's string of islands, with peaceful bays and countryside punctuated by traditional villages, olive groves and vineyards. A full day’s tour of the island is included in the holiday price.

The ferry crossing from Supetar to Split takes less than an hour and a holiday organised through the operator also includes a day’s walking tour of Split, the regional capital of Dalmatia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Much of the Roman structure of Split survives, including the Mausoleum of Diocletian and the Peristyle – a courtyard surrounded by Corinthian columns and now an attractive square.

Further optional excursions include a tour of the fishing village of Postira and the popular destination of Dol, a traditional village of stone-built houses that rest against the slope of a hill, surrounded by rich greenery.

A short cruise to Milna, known for fishing and wine production, due to its sheltered setting in a bay on the south-west corner of Brac, is another tour option, so too is Omis, at the mouth of the Cetina River, a pretty town of ancient stone buildings capped with bright red tiles.

For details visit saga.co.uk /croatia

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views in Montenegro before finishing in the city of Dubrovnik. Prices for the tour start from £ 1,319.

Peter Sommer Travels cruises the Coast of Dalmatia on eight-day cultural option INTRODUCED FOR the first time this year, Peter Sommer Travels’ ‘Cruising the Coast of Dalmatia’ has proved so popular that it will once again be incorporated for 2017.

Based on a traditional Turkish gulet - the hallmark of all the operator’s cruises - the eight-day cultural cruise offers expertled tours exploring the historic cities of Dubrovnik and Split, the unspoilt islands of Brâc, plus Hvar and Korčula, with time for guests to swim in the azure waters of the Adriatic and to sample Croatian cuisine with local wines.

Peter Sommer, the operator’s managing director, said: “Croatia has a truly spectacular coastline which includes a vast number of stunning and varied islands. Cruising on a traditional wooden gulet and personally escorted by an archaeologist guide must be one of the finest and most elegant ways to explore the amazing beauty, history and culture of the Dalmatian coast.”

There will be two departures for 2017; one on June 3 and another on September 23, both following slightly different routes. Departing September 23, the price is from £3,335 based on two sharing and includes full-board, all crew services on the gulet, excursions and airport transfers. Flights cost extra.

The company also has two new tours for 2017; one which discovers the less frequented section of the Dalmatian coast between Trogir and Zadar and a second tour called ‘Walking & Cruising the Dalmatian Coast’ which will focus on the history and archaeology of Croatia’s coast on foot and from the comfort of a gulet.

Walks will include the medieval town and fortifications at Ston, the lakes and Roman and Byzantine ruins on the island of Mljet, plus the UNESCO ancient Greek field system on the island of Hvar.

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croatia

A NEW luxury family hotel, complete with a mini adrenaline park and sports facilities, has opened its doors for a soft launch in the coastal town of Rovinj, on the northern coast of Croatia. Located in the region of Istria, the 276-room Hotel Amarin offers seven swimming pools, a lazy river and waterfalls, games rooms, mini adrenaline park, a theatre hall and a mini gym for kids. Other facilities include two tennis courts, a beach volleyball court and a sailing and surfing school for all ages. An introductory offer means that guests can receive a 25% discount on their stay for stays until December 22, with prices from approximately £88 per night for a double room on a half-board basis. Visit maistra.com for details.

Prestige expands holiday options in captivating Croatia PRESTIGE HAS increased its holiday options in Croatia with two new resorts close to Dubrovnik, a greater choice of properties on the island of Brac and more casual cruises.

In response to an increasing demand for the island of Brac, the operator has added four hotels for 2017, to offer a total of ten properties on Brac.

Relatively undiscovered in comparison to the neighbouring island of Hvar, Brac offers a rich cultural and historic heritage, varied gastronomy and friendly locals. It also features one of Croatia’s most famous beaches Zlatni Rat. New additions here include the three-star Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel, ideal for those seeking a beach escape. A week’s stay costs from £469 per person on bed-andbreakfast with flights from Gatwick to Split, shared transfers and ferry crossings.

Also new is the country house style Hotel Bracka Perla offering 11 rooms and apartments set in palm gardens with pools and statues.

For a small additional charge of £41 guests can enjoy a day at the hotel’s ranch, which offers an outdoor pool and terrace. The trip includes transfers, local wine, olive oil and grappa, plus a Dalmatia platter lunch. A week’s stay costs from £524 per person on a bed-and-breakfast basis including flights from Gatwick to Split, shared transfers and ferry crossings.

Also new for 2017 is the resort of Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula. Close to Dubrovnik and a 15-minute hop by ferry or tourist boat from Korcula Town, Orebic is a relaxed seaside town with a strong maritime heritage and pebble beaches. Hotels here include the four-star Hotel Indijan and the Hotel Aminess Grand Azur.

Also new for next summer - and around 45 minutes from Dubrovnik - is the resort of Slano, a pretty traditional village with a handful of restaurants and bars. The operator is featuring holidays to the five-star Hotel Admiral Grand with a week’s half-board starting from £517 per person with flights from Gatwick and shared transfers.

The company has also expanded its cruise collection with the introduction of two new vessels. The new Agape Rose has 18 en-suite air-conditioned cabins and its itinerary takes in the islands of Vis, Hvar, Brac and Korcula. The seven-night cruise ends in Dubrovnik and starts from £734 including flights (from Gatwick to Split and back from

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Dubrovnik to Gatwick), transfers and half-board accommodation.

Also making an entrance for 2017 is MS Futura II which accommodates 36 guests. A seven-night cruise takes in the islands of Brac, Hvar, Mljet, Korcula and the cities of Split and Dubrovnik.

Prices start from £1,374 including flights, half-board accommodation, guided sightseeing and a cable car trip.

Visit prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425-480400.

H O L I D A Y S

LUXURY HOLIIDAYS IN

CROATIA

NEW SUMMER 2017 17 BROCHURE FLIGHTS FROM REGIONAL UK AIRPOR RTS ADRIA ATIC CRUISES & ISLAND HOPPING DUBROVNIK, SPLIT T, HVAR & MORE...

100% FINANCIALL LY Y PROTECTED

CONT TACT T US ON FREEPHONE F

020 8340 7612 7 orr visit www.cyplon n.co.uk

November 4 2016

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MOROCCO’S ROYAL Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech is a six-star hotel featuring 134 suites and villas set within a vast estate of manicured gardens and olive trees which lies at the foot of the Atlas mountain range. The property features a Clarins spa along with three restaurants, a golf course and sports centre that houses a 25-metre swimming pool. A three-night breakfast stay with Beachcomber Tours leads in at £639 per person including flights and private transfers. Details on 01483-445685 or visit beachcombertours.uk

Tanzanian treat: Thanda Island presents a private island retreat NOT MANY places in the world offer guests the luxury to stay on a private island and explore their own coral reef and ‘sunken city’ straight from their own beach.

Located in the Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve of southern Tanzania, the newly opened Thanda Island offers all things aquatic for families and groups of friends to experience on a sole-use basis.

Guests can arrive by helicopter, pick oysters straight from the rocks, enjoy drinks served from the outdoor cocktail bar and bathe in a copper roll top bath outdoors with the ocean lapping at its edge.

Whale sharks can be seen from October to February and, depending on the season, guests might be able to watch turtles nesting and their eggs hatching on the island itself.

Guests can also choose to picnic on neighbouring uninhabited islands or cays that disappear with the tide.

The island offers one five-suite villa offering accommodation for ten adults and additional children, a

boat house for watersports and a glass rim-flow swimming pool.

The villa has a library of Hemmingway books, a Steinway grand piano, a humidor filled with Cuba’s best and a wine list to match. Other facilities include a tennis court, two beach huts, massages available around the clock and an aquarium.

Exclusive use of the island is offered at US$10,000 per night, with a minimum stay of three to seven nights depending on the season.

The all-inclusive rate includes a team of dedicated staff, boat transfers and all activities on the Island, along with all meals and drinks including a handpicked selection of wines and Champagne.

Diving, selected wine and Champagnes are extra, and additional guests can be accommodated in two traditional Tanzanian Bandas on the island.

Visit thandaisland.com for more information.

Wilderness Safaris announces luxury brand consolidation WILDERNESS HOLDINGS has announced its decision to dissolve Wilderness Collection as a separate and independent brand, and will be reabsorbing Abu, North Island and Segera Retreat back into its core Wilderness Safaris’ brand with immediate effect.

The company’s chief marketing officer, Chris Roche, said: “Wilderness Safaris firmly believes that the ability to contribute to, or participate in, a meaningful environmental or social cause or purpose is the ‘new luxury’ and that it made sense to consolidate all of our luxury camp offerings under one brand, driven by the same sustainability values and sense of purpose that underpin all of our operations.

“We therefore decided to streamline our luxury camp strategy and simplify our offering to the market by dissolving Wilderness Collection as an independent brand and reabsorb its three iconic properties into Wilderness Safaris as Premier camps.”

Abu (Botswana), North Island (Seychelles) and Segera Retreat (Kenya), while still retaining their own independent lodge brands and visual identities, as well as brochures, websites and social media platforms, will now be stable mates with the following high-end Wilderness Safaris camps: Mombo, Little Mombo, Vumbura Plains, Jao and Kings Pool in Botswana, as well as the new Bisate Lodge due to open in Rwanda in June 2017.

Meanwhile, the operator has started rolling out a new ‘Living the 4Cs’ (Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation) campaign to ensure that its sustainability projects and lodge cause are more tangible to guests.

The rest of Wilderness Safaris’ portfolio will remain unchanged, with each camp falling into one of three clearly defined categories – Premier, Classic or Adventures; all underpinned by the 4Cs.

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luxury Velaa Private Island

December with a difference at Velaa Private Island in the Maldives DURING THE Christmas season the Maldives’ Velaa Private Island will be offering a series of luxurious and special arrangements alongside extravagant menus and dining options to provide guests with an extra special festive break.

Festivities include a theatrical live cooking show, a Black & White Truffle Sensation dinner with masterfully paired wines from Burgundy to Barolo, celebrity DJ beach party with cocktails and luxury canapés under the stars, a New Year’s Day Beach Brunch and an evening filled with Maldivian magic and laser light show that takes guests on a journey through time, all wrapped up with a visit from Santa.

In between culinary indulgences, guests can relax at the My Blend by Clarins spa, jump on one of the resort’s yachts or traditional boats and get active with an adrenaline-fuelled adventure with some hi-tech water toys.

Simply Luxury by Travel 2 sees rise in long-haul holiday bookings SIMPLY LUXURY by Travel 2 has reported an 11% increase in bookings for long-haul holidays over the past year, with sales to South Africa and Thailand up by 100% and 68% respectively year-on-year.

In response to demand, the operator has added a further 21 new properties to its 2016/17 brochure including The Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah, opening in 2017; the Calabash Cove in Saint Lucia; and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Londolozi Tree Camp in South Africa.

Two new tours have also been added including the nine-day ‘Sri Lanka in Style’ option, allowing guests to visit cultural highlights such as Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya. The new ten-day ‘Luxury South Africa’ tour allows guests to visit the iconic Table Mountain before boarding Rovos Rail for the journey from Cape Town to Pretoria visiting a diamond mine en route.

Virgin Limited Edition opens The Lodge for individual bookings THIS DECEMBER Virgin Limited Edition is offering smaller groups and couples the opportunity to experience a winter stay at The Lodge in Verbier, Switzerland.

The nine-bedroom ski chalet is normally hired exclusively in the ski season for up to 18 guests, but from December 10-17 the property will open its doors for a ‘Hotel Week’ where individual rooms can be booked.

Rates start from CHF 4,125 per room (approximately £3,399) for three nights based on two adults sharing.

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This includes breakfast accommodation; a light lunch; afternoon tea and dinner; all drinks including premium branded spirits, wine, beer and house Champagne, a dedicated team of 15 and taxes.

The property has an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, spa, a steam room, a party room, two bars and an in-house chef.

For adrenaline junkies, heli-skiing trips or paragliding can be organised or snowshoeing for those seeking a slower pace.

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luxury

Nimb Hotel invites guests to spend Christmas in Copenhagen NIMB HOTEL in Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens is planning a 2,000sq.m roof expansion that will, in addition to new luxury suites, house the city’s first outdoor heated pool, with the expansion expected to be completed in 2017.

The hotel is typically adorned with thousands of twinkling lights over the festive period and is currently offering two package deals.

Getting into the spirit with ‘Christmas Delights’, guests will be greeted with mulled wine or hot chocolate on arrival with a Christmas tree in their room and decorations to dress it as they see fit. The package includes Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day lunch in the Brasserie, a stocking packed with treats, brunch on Christmas Day with a gift under the Christmas tree, plus full access to Tivoli Gardens and all rides throughout the stay.

Guests are also welcome to see in the New Year at the hotel and can choose to arrive on December 30 or 31 for two nights.

The package includes New Year’s Eve celebrations commencing with a cocktail and canapé reception followed by an exquisite menu, served with accompanying wines, in either the NIMB Brasserie or NIMB Terrasse. Guests will also be treated to a fireworks display at 23:00 from Tivoli Gardens, followed by a midnight toast to see in the New Year.

Barbados celebrations with Funway THROUGHOUT THIS month Barbados is celebrating 50 years of Independence and to mark the celebrations Funway Holidays is showcasing the four-and-a-half-star Colony Club by Elegant Hotels on the island.

The hotel is located on the platinum West Coast of Barbados and is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and sophistication.

Facilities include a meandering pool that winds through the middle of the resort with private corners, a spa with a range of treatments, tennis courts and a beach ambassador service.

Throughout November the hotel will be running a series of special events in tandem with the 50th anniversary from charity fashion shows and celebrity beach cricket to legendary rum tours and farmers markets.

The company is offering a seven-night stay at the resort in a pool/garden view room with breakfast from £1,935 per person including flights from Gatwick with British Airways.

The offer is based on two adults sharing and travelling on November 20.

Visit funway4agents.co.uk for details.

Stay at The Haven with NCL NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line is highlighting The Haven, which offers the line’s most luxurious and spacious accommodation options. In addition to access to all the ship has to offer, guests can enjoy the personal service of a concierge, 24-hour butler service plus use of a privately reserved sundeck with pool. Guests will also have priority from embarkation to debarkation, boarding of tenders to shore, onboard entertainment, spa bookings and dining times. An eight-night eastern Caribbean fly/cruise from Miami on Norwegian Escape, which departs weekly throughout this year and next, costs from £1,979 per person based on two sharing and travelling on January 20, 2017.

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staffreview Autumn delights in Buckinghamshire

OCTOBER APPEARS to be a good time to escape to the country and sample some Danesfield Delights at Danesfield House in Buckinghamshire writes Adam Potter.

Danesfield House, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and with the promise of a genuine ‘breath of fresh air’ less than an hour from Paddington, the appeal for Londoners looking to escape the rush of the city is clear to see.

Interestingly it’s this property’s ability to fuse new and old that makes it extra special. The house is now listed as grade II by historic England and comes with an immense wood panelled grand hall to lounge in, adorned with tapestries, plush sofas and a roaring fire (perfect for those looming winter nights).

Keeping in character with the property, no two rooms are the same and they range from Courtyard Rooms to Tower Suites, many with four poster beds. However, unveiled earlier this year and with a nod to the more contemporary, was the redevelopment of 24 rooms to create 16 luxury suites at a cost of £2.2million.

Located within the area that would formerly have been the stables of the house, they are set in a beautifully presented courtyard, conveniently located a short stroll from the spa.

Staying in the ‘Medmenham’ duplex saw a suite of very generous proportions spread over two floors with a cosy lounge, open plan bathroom with freestanding Victoria and Albert bath and high-tech mood lighting. The ability to move from the ultra modern to the gracefully historic within just a few steps offers guests the best of both worlds - and again proves a unique selling point to those seeking the rustic charm of the country yet with plenty of mod-cons of a luxury hotel.

Breakfast and Afternoon Tea are typically taken in The Orangery and both proved a delightful experience; sipping on an Apricot infused blend whilst looking out onto an expansive landscape of the Chiltern Hills and meandering Thames is hard to beat. Moreover, recommend that guests reserve a table in the Oak Room for dinner; with sumptuous cuisine, an excellent choice of wines and a lavish setting with cream walls, elaborate ceilings and flickering candles the mood is decidedly intimate. With a variety of packages and signature experiences Danesfield is sure to delight at any point of the year.

For more information visit slh.com/danesfield

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wintersun Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda prepare for 'Year of Anniversaries' and winter sun arrivals AS THE Caribbean prepares for the winter sun season, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda have a number of developments and a 'Year of Anniversaries' lined up.

Highlights include renovations at Curtain Bluff resort, the newly revamped luxury Rock Cottage at Blue Waters and the first stages of development of the multi-million dollar Paradise Found project on Barbuda.

The five-star, all-inclusive Curtain Bluff on the south coast of Antigua has opened for the 2016/17 winter season having undergone a series of renovations. New features include infinity-edge plunge pools in all signature suites, a redesign of the Terrace Suite and the launch of a 'Beach Concierge' service for guests to arrange watersport activities and food and beverage orders. Breaks start from £663 per night based on two people sharing a deluxe room on an all-inclusive basis. Visit curtainbluff.com Rock Cottage at Blue Waters has also undergone renovations to offer guests the ultimate in seclusion. The fivebedroom cottage which sits high on a rocky outcrop, offering 360 views across the sea, now has a private terrace with the interior upgraded to offer classic beach décor with a modern twist and a new concierge service. Visit bluewaters.net The highly-anticipated Paradise Found project on Barbuda, headed up by Robert de Niro, is set to start construction in early 2017 and will cost more than £190million. The luxury complex will span more than 859 acres and will include an airport to serve private jets and helicopters, 50 villas and cottages - each with a private pool, alongside six overwater villas with eco-friendly technology. A superyacht marina will also be built, consisting of 12 moorings and each villa will have its own individual dock. As part of the project, a Princess Diana Beach Anchorage will be constructed with six water moorings and an on-site casino.

Next year is also a year of celebrations for Antigua and Barbuda. Continuing on from the 35th Independence celebrations, 2017 will mark 50 years of Antigua Sailing Week, 60 years of Antigua's Carnival and 30 years of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.

The islands have so far seen double digit growth in visitor numbers when compared to previous years. Following on from this strong growth, the destination is keen to further grow through the redevelopment at the St John's pier to accommodate larger vessels, along with the construction of an additional pier to enable up to six ships to dock simultaneously.

Free all-inclusive upgrades & new additions from Monarch MONARCH IS highlighting its broad range of winter sun options with free all-inclusive upgrades available in Lanzarote, the addition of Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife to its portfolio plus a winter escape to Eilat.

In Lanzarote the company is offering a free allinclusive upgrade for stays between December 1-21, January 3-31 and April 17-30 at the H10 Rubicon Palace in Playa Blanca.

A four-star ultimate family unit, the hotel offers a seafront location, close to Playa Flamingo Beach, along with a range of children's facilities including three separate pools, one of which is home to a pirate ship with waterslides, kiddie clubs and entertainment. The

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property is conveniently close to the harbour and Papagayo Beach is within a few kilometres.

The operator also has a new product for Tenerife - the recently opened Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife in Playa Paraiso.

The beachfront hotel is split between two towers and plays host to live music, along with concerts, jam sessions, pampering treatments at the Rock Spa plus a Sky Lounge Bar offering sunset views.

Flying once a week to Eilat from Luton, the operator has also put together a package to Israel; two adults departing on January 19 from Luton can stay for seven nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis at the three-star Caesar Premier Israel for £425 per person.

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Jolly Beach Resort & Spa

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS is promoting ‘The HOT Collection’ this month; its top ten hot places to go in the US, Caribbean and Mexico to escape the British weather. As an example, the company is offering seven nights in Antigua staying at the three-star, all-inclusive Jolly Beach Resort & Spa from £1,109 per person. The price includes flights with Thomas Cook Airlines and is based on two adults sharing and departing on January 12, 2017. Visit funway4agents.co.uk for more information.

Gambia Experience blends African luxury with wildlife FOR A winter sun getaway, the Gambia Experience is recommending a twin-centre holiday across The Gambia and Senegal, incorporating boutique luxury and a wildlife reserve experience.

Visitors can spend 11 nights soaking up the African sunshine, with seven nights spent indulging in fine cuisine and the panoramic sea views at the boutique hotel Ngala Lodge in The Gambia, followed by four nights of luxury wrapped in canvas at Fathala Wildlife Reserve in neighbouring French Senegal. Here large animals roam free across the reserve including giraffes, rhinos, antelope and monkeys.

Departing between January and April 2017, prices for 11 nights start from £1,699 per person including flights, transfers including a ferry trip from Banjul to Barra, and bed-and-breakfast accommodation at both properties.

For more information call 01489-866939 or visit gambia.co.uk

Beat the January Blues with Virgin Limited Edition CLIENTS CAN jet off to Necker Island and start the year in style as it hosts a ‘Celebration Week’, where couples, families and individuals can book a room on the island.

Situated in the British Virgin Islands, the island is usually exclusively hired for groups of up to 34 people, but for a limited time in the New Year couples, individuals and families will have the chance to

book individual rooms.

With eight hours of sunshine per day and temperatures reaching up to 28°C in January, guests have the option for stays of three to nine nights between January 3 and 11, 2017. Rates per couple start from approximately £10,545 based on a three-night stay in a Great House room.

Visit virginlimitededition.com/ necker-island for more details.

Norwegian Cruise Lines embarks on Caribbean getaway GUESTS CAN escape the British chill with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Western Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Jade.

Flying out from the UK to Tampa, clients will sail to Cozumel and hop on a ferry across the channel to the Yucatan to explore the Mayan city of Tulum.

In Roatán, guests can snorkel a tropical reef or explore unspoiled trails before heading out on a river tubing adventure on Harvest Caye in Belize.

The seven-night fly/cruise leads in at £1,243 per person based on two staying in an inside room, departing Heathrow on December 10.

Alternatively, clients can opt to take in the Canary Islands on Norwegian Spirit during a 12-night Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco fly/cruise from Barcelona.

From the Turia Gardens to the Trinity Convent, clients can see Valencia's sites on a guided bike tour on easy terrain, take in Morocco's capital of Casablanca and explore Tenerife’s Santa Cruz and its surrounding villages.

Leading in at £819, the price is based on two sharing an inside room and departs from Heathrow on January 21, 2017.

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Maritim Resot & Spa, Mauritius

Mauritius winter sun getaway from Maritim Resorts & Spa FOR THOSE wishing to avoid shorter days and plunging temperatures, Maritim is recommending an escape to the white sandy beaches and turquoise depths of the Indian Ocean with a stay at its five-star resort and spa on Mauritius.

Available activities include a dedicated diving centre at each hotel, with globally recognised instructors who can help visitors explore 14 reef sites and three wreck dives among the 21 dedicated dive sites encompassing the island.

Unique to the island is an equestrian centre, located near the historical ruins of Balaclava, and guests can experience horse-riding on the beach or through the natural wonders of the Maritim Estate. Expert trainers for both adults and children across all levels of experience offer private and group lessons, workshops, lessons in the coral, along the beach or through the countryside. Advanced riders are also able to enjoy a ‘swim with the horses’ experience.

Mark Spivey, director of international sales for the hotelier, said: “A perfect blend of tropical and colonial architecture, the Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius is a luxurious beach resort & spa which provides an elegant background for a sophisticated yet totally relaxing vacation.

We know our visitors love the remarkable setting, overlooking ‘Turtle Bay’, as well as the multitude of unique sports and leisure facilities available.”

For more information visit maritim.com

Soak up some Caribbean sun with Holland America Line HOLLAND AMERICA Line is offering a ten-night Southern Caribbean roundtrip cruise from Fort Lauderdale cruise from £1,299 per person including full board accommodation in an inside stateroom.

The line’s Explore4 promotion (for bookings made by November 18), guests will receive a Drinks Package worth up to $1,400 per stateroom, one free speciality dining experience, reduced fares for third and fourth guests in stateroom and more.

The ten-night Southern Seafarer cruise on MS Koningsdam (from £1,299) heads to some of the Caribbean’s hidden gems on the line’s newest ship.

Ports of call include Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao as well as the company’s private island Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.

The cruise departs on February 9, 2017 and prices are per person, based on two sharing an inside room.

For more information visit hollandamerica.co.uk or call 0843-374 2300.

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Uplifting Madeira Few places on earth can rival Madeira’s wealth of natural gifts and beauty

A COLO

IS E URFUL GARDEN PARAD

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

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wintersun

s k l a t l e v Tra nn, holiday

by John Gui

researcher

John Guinn contemplates where best to see in the New Year Our regular guest columnist, John Guinn, runs Holiday Hut and regularly contributes to UK Health Radio.

F

OR ME, winter sun is more about practicality than flopping down on a hot beach. For example, I’ve always fancied going to London to see in the New Year, but let’s be honest, it’s far too cold.

Somebody obviously wasn’t thinking when January 1 was made the start of a new year. July or August would have been a much better choice. Of course, moving the date might upset a few traditionalists, so for now I’ll just have to search out somewhere more comfortable if I’m going to stand in a large crowd while waiting for midnight.

It’s not as though there aren’t any options; Sydney is the obvious choice, but it’s a long way to go in cattle class. I need somewhere closer, like Cape Town.

In December the average overnight temperature in Cape Town is 15°C. This is the perfect temperature to wait for midnight at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, the location for one of the biggest New Year parties in the city. When midnight arrives, fireworks light up the spectacular harbour.

Unlike other cities, Cape Town doesn’t make do with just one New Year; it has Tweede Nuwe jaar (Second New Year). Also known as Kaapse Klopse, it sees as many as 13,000 minstrels taking to the streets of Cape Town on January 2 (hopefully the hangover would have gone by then).

The brightly coloured minstrels carry either colourful umbrellas or a musical instrument. Participants are typically from Afrikaans-speaking working class Cape-Coloured families who have preserved the custom since the mid-19th century. The parade passes along a 7km route from Keizersgracht Street in Zonnebloem, through Darling and Adderley streets, up Wale Street and into Rose Street in the historic Bo-Kaap. Although this route can vary. Hundreds of thousands of spectators watch the troupes march by.

As well as the main parade, there are minstrel competitions throughout January to enjoy.

Visit capetown.travel for more information on Tweede Nuwe jaar and other Cape Town attractions.

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SITUATED IN the North West of Tenerife between the Teno cliffs and the Atlantic coast, Meliá Hacienda del Conde is surrounded by a protected nature reserve and is a rural romantic getaway that offers a year-round warm climate. The adult-only retreat features the only links 18-hole golf course on the island, and couples can also experience spa treatments, sunset dinners, coastal walks and a cultural excursion to a nearby village to taste local wines and cheeses.

Gold Medal sees rise in Cuba bookings CUBA IS a relatively new destination for Gold Medal and one that has recently seen an increase in bookings, particularly those seeking a winter sun holiday.

Ashley Pilkington, USA and Caribbean assistant product manager for the operator, said: “The destination is perfect for those after a holiday on a shoestring with plenty of budget accommodation, a huge variety of entertainment and plenty to see and do in the area, along with a choice of low-cost activities. November to March offers cooler temperatures and is considered peak season, so it is best to book well in advance.

“Visitors should be sure not to miss a day out at the historical neighbourhood of Vieja Habana in Old Havana which holds more than 900 landmarks including the Presidential Palace and Cathedral Square and is a UNESCO World heritage site.

“Cuba also has a variety of museums and art galleries which are a perfect option for those on a budget.”

The operator is recommending the five-star Iberostar Parque Central for a winter sun holiday in Cuba, located in the heart of Old Havana and close to a variety of tourist attractions. The property has three bars, a range of restaurants, a sun terrace and two pools where guests can get a bird’s eye view of the city.

A seven-night breakfast stay departing on December 5 with flights from Heathrow leads in at £2,079.

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New spa launch from Kempinski WITH TEMPERATURES in Ghana averaging 27 degrees in January, the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra is putting itself forward as a good spot to catch some winter sun.

The new five-star hotel is to open its Resense Spa in January next year which will offer ten treatment rooms, a hammam and an outdoor pool.

Set to be one of the largest spas in West Africa, the spa will treat guests to a spa menu based on traditional European treatments, including the Resense bathing ‘Kur,’ combining ancient Roman bathing traditions with a holistic approach of natural therapies.

Set amidst the contemporary art and nightlife scenes in the Ghanaian city of Accra, the property offers rooms from £223 per room, per night.

For details visit kempinski.com/en/accra/hotel-goldcoast-city/

The Gambia Winter sun with the specialists

Paradise Beach Nevis introduces early booking offer for 2017 PARADISE BEACH Nevis is offering guests the chance to avoid the January blues and jet off on a post Christmas break with 25% off stays between January 3 and December 18, 2017.

The resort features seven three- and four-bedroom thatched beachfront villas, set within lush gardens, and aims to treat guests like royalty with their own villa and plunge pool steps from the sand of the westward-facing beach. There are butler and concierge services as well as a private chef and personal trainer to cater for guests' every whim.

A week’s stay costs from £2,935 per person based on six sharing a three-bedroom garden villa on a room-only basis.

The package includes a saving of up to £730 per person, private transfers from St Kitts to Nevis and Economy flights from Gatwick to St Kitts with British Airways.

Bookings must be made by November 30 and more information can be found at carrier.co.uk

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• Christmas and New Year availability including gala meals • Tailormade and multi-centre holidays • No hidden extras; all packages include direct flights, transfers, in-flight meals and 20kg luggage allowance Call our knowledgeable reservations team today on 01489 866 939

The travel partner you can depend on

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wintersun

CLIENTS CAN enjoy a warm December gateway and join hundreds of locals and visitors at the Elbow Beach in Paget Parish on December 25 for a truly international Bermuda beach celebration. Classic Collection Holidays is offering a seven-night holiday staying at the threestar Coco Reef Hotel in a standard, ocean view room with balcony from £1,880 per person.

The offer, which includes breakfast, is based on two adults sharing and includes flights on December 22 from Gatwick with BA and one free night. Details at 0800-294 9329.

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. KUONI, 4. BOB, 7. TORONTO, 8. SWAN, 9. NICOLE, 11. FRASER, 13. DFDS, 16. ESTONIA, 17. STN, 18. TWEED. Down: 1. KINGS OF LEON, 2. OMEGA, 3. IATA, 4. BERLIN, 5. BINGO, 6. RHODE ISLAND, 10. LENNON, 12. AUTOS, 14. FORTE, 15.

BAHT. Highlighted Word: KANSAS

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Where Am I?: Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Japan

We asked our staff the following question this week:

Knowing what you know now, if you could call yourself ten years ago what would you say?

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

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

When you say you're going on a diet, mean it!

Travel the lengths and breadths of the world

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

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

When you remortgage get out much more than

Bet your entire student loan on a tornado hitting

you think you need!

London in the next 60 days.

Adam Potter Editorial Assistant adam.potter@travelbulletin.co.uk

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

Maturity has everything to do with the acceptance of not knowing.

Paul Scudamore Contributing Editor post@travelbulletin.co.uk Be prepared to embrace change in all its forms, for nothing ever stays the same

Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk

Bill Coad Account Manager bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk Follow your dreams!

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Gemma Reeve Events & Sales Administrator gemma.reeve@travelbulletin.co.uk The EuroMillions rollover jackpot numbers are...

Nicky Valsamakis Design Team Leader nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Take the blue pill!

Miriam Brtkova Designer miriam.brtkova@travelbulletin.co.uk Be a Rockabilly Queen

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S08 TB 0411 2016 Winter Sun 2_Layout 1 01/11/2016 16:18 Page 31

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Package Pal has evolved again More hotels than ever, improved maps, dynamic filters and much more‌

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